Full text of "Portrait and biographical album of Sanilac County : containing portraits and biographical sketches ... of citizens of the county"

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CONTAININS

gOr^TI^AI^ITS AND BlOGl=<APHI6AL Sl^EJUGHES

proniinenf! and I^epife^eiitiatiiVe ditizeq^ of tje Countif,

TOGETHER WITH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN
AND OF THE PRESIDENTS Of THE UNITED STATES.

ALSO CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OK THE COUNTY, FROM ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT

TO THE PRESENT TIME.

CHICAGO:

CHAPMAN BROTHERS.

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E HAVE completed our labors in writing and compiling the Portrait andBiograph-
,_ICAL Album of Sanilac County, and wish, in presenting it to its patrons, to speak
briefly of the importance of local works of this nature

It is certainly the dvity

""* of the present to commemorate the past, to perpetuate the names of the pioneers,
to furnish a record of their early settlement, and to relate the story of their progress.
The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age, and this solemn duty which
men of the present time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity
demand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In local history is found a power
to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe
vessel in which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this region from its
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the noble men who in their prime entered
the wild forests of Sanilac and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to
iheir graves. The number remaining who can relate the history of the first days of settlement is
Ijecoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and preservation of his-
torical matter witliout delay, before the settlers of the wilderness are cut down by time. Not only
is it of the greatest importance to render history of pioneer times full and accurate, but it is also essen-
tial that the history of the county, from its settlement to the present day, should be treated through its various
phases, so that a record, complete and impartial, may be handed down to the future. The present the age
of progress, is reviewed, standing out in bold relief over the quiet, unostentatious olden times; it is abnlhant
record, which is destined to live in the future ; the good works of men, their magnificent enterprises, their
lives, whether commercial or military, do not sink into oblivion, but, on the contrary, grow brighter with age,
and contribute to build up a record which carries with it precedents and principles that will be advanced and
observed when the acts of soulless men will be forgotten, and their very names hidden in obscurity.

In the preparation of the personal sketches contained in this volume, unusual care and pains were
taken to have them accurate, even in the smallest detail. Indeed, nothing was passed lightly over or treated
indifferently, and we flatter ourselves that it is one of the most accurate works of its nature ever pubhshed.
As one of the most interesting features of this work, we present the portraits of numerous representa-
tive citizens. It has been our aim to have the prominent men of to-day, as well as the pioneers, represented
in this department ; and we congratulate ourselves on the uniformly high character of the gentlemen whose
portraits we present. They are in the strictest sense representative men, and are selected from all the call-
ings and professions worthy to be represented. There are others, it is true, who claim equal prominence with
those presented, but of course it was impossible for us to give portraits of all the leading men and pioneers
of the county. We are under great obligation to many of the noble and generous people of Sanilac
County for kindly and material assistance in the preparation of this Album.

CHAPMAN BROTHERS.
Chicago, December, 1884.

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HE Father of our Country was
'S) born in Westmorland Co., Va.,
Feb. 2 2, 1732. His parents
were Augustine and Mary
(Ball) Washington. The family
to which he belonged has not
been satisfactorily traced in
England. His great-grand-
father, John Washington, em-
igrated to Virginia about 1657,
and became a prosperous
planter. He had two sons,
Lawrence and John. The
former married Mildred Warner
and had three children, John,
Augustine and Mildred. Augus-
tine, the father of George, first
married Jane Butler, who bore
him four children, two of whom,
Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his
second m.arriage, George was the
eldest, the others being Betty,
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles
and Mildred.
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon,
and to George he left the parental residence. George
received only such education as the neighborhood
schools afforded, save for a short time after he left
school, when he received private instruction in
mathematics. His spelling was rather defective.

Remarkable stories are told of his great physical
strength and development at an early age. He was
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair-
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life.

When George was 1 4 years old he had a desire to go to
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him,
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was
abandoned. Two years later he was appointed
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. Li
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very
essential to him. In 175 i, though only 19 years of
age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for
active service against the French and Indians. Soon
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter
who did not long survive him. On her demise the
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George.

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten-
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili-
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac-
cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro-
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North-
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand,
and the journey was to be made without military
escort, through a tenitory occupied by Indians. The

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trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com-
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was
then begun against the French and Indians, in which
Washington took a most important part. In the
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad-
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock
were disabled early in the action, and Washington
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter
to his brother he says : " I had four bullets through
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped
unhurt, though death was leveling my companions
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit
him.

After having been five years in the military service,
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he
took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio,
to resign his commission. S6on after he entered the
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy
widow of John Parke Custis.

When the British Parliament had closed the port
of Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all."
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con-
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila-
delphia,Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties,
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash-
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, T775, the
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con-
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com-
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and
responsible office was conferred upon Washington,
who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account
of expenses and expect Congress to pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country
were so long confided. The war was conducted by
him under every possible disadvantage, and while his
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest

nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in
parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his

commission as commander-in-chief of the army to
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all
connection with public life.

In February, 1 7 89, Washington was unanimously
elected President. In his presidential career he was
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part
of other governments; trials from want of harmony
between the different sections of our own country;
trials from the impoverished condition of the country,
owmg to the war and want of credit; trials from the
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and
while perhaps this alone kept our government from
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and
very annoying.

At the expiration of his first term he was unani-
mously re-elected. At the end of this temi many
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March,
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi-
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France.
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the armies. He chose his sub-
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat-
ters in the field, which he superintende(J from his
home. In accepting the command he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations
his life was suddenly cut off. December i 2, he took
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling
in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh-
teenth his body was borne with military honors to its
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at
Mount Vernon.

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad-
miration. The more we see of the operations of
our government, and the more deeply we feel the
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest,
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal-
ent and character, which have been able to challenge
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na-
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will
be as lasting as the existence of man.

The person of Washington was unusally tall, erect
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry.
He commanded respect without any appearance of
liaughtiness, and ever serious without being dull.

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OHN ADAMS, the second
President and the first Vice-
President of the United States,
was born in Braintree { now
Quincy),Mass., and about ten
/ ''"^ miles from Boston, Oct. 19,
jT; 1735. His great-grandfather, Henry
Adams, emigrated from England
about 1640, with a family of eight
sons, and settled at Braintree. The
parents of John were John and
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His
father was a farmer of limited
means, to which he added the bus-
iness of shoemaking. He gave his
eldest son, John, a classical educa-
tion at Harvard College. John
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a
"school of affliction," from which he endeavored to
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He
had thought seriously of the clerical profession
but seems to have been turned from this by what he
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun-
cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,''
of the operations of which he had been a witness in
his native town. He was well fitted for the' legal
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being
'9^ ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep-
tive powers. He gradually gained practice, .and in
.1^ 1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister,
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, {1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa-
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial
steps toward holding a town meeting, and the resolu-

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tions he offered on the subject became very popular
throughout the Provmce, and were adopted word for
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos-
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous
and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg-
lislature) in 1770.

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress,
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad-
vocated the movement for independence against the
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies
should assume the duties of self-government. He
was a prominent member of the committee of five
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde-
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through
Congress in a three days debate.

On the day after the Declaration of Independence
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the
glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife,
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the
greatest question was decided that ever was debated
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or will
be decided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde-
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of
July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in' the history
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty
God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows,

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JOI/JV ADAMS.

games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations
from one end of the continent to the other, from this
time forward for ever. You will think me transported
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to
maintain this declaration, and support and defend
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is
worth more than all the means; and that posterity
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I
hope we shall not."

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a
delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money
from the French Government. This was a severe trial
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home,
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex-
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis-.
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was again
chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi-
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet
might be found willing to listen to such pvoposels. He
sailed for France in November, from there he went to
Holland, where he negotiated important loans and
formed important commercial treaties.

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement,
toil and an.xiety through which Mr. Adams had passed
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con-
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he
was advised to go to England to drink the waters of
Bath. While in England, still drooping anddespond-
ing, he received dispatches from his own government
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he made the trip.

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face
to face the King of England, who had so long re-
garded him as a traitor. As England did not
condescend to appoint a minister to the United
States, and as Mr.' Adams felt that he was accom-
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to
his own country, where Jie arrived in June, 1788.

AVhen Washington was first chosen President, John
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again
at the second election of Washington as President,
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash-
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was
elected President,though not without much opposition.
Serving in this office four years, he was succeeded by
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics.

While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great

French Revolution shook the continent of Europe,
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with
the majority of his countr\'men led by ]\Ir. Jefferson.
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the
classof atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it.
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or-
iginated the alienation between these distinguished
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ-
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies
were with England and Jefferson led the other in
sympathy with France.

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till
after death. No one could look upon his venerable
form, and think of what he had done and suffered,
and how he had given up all the prime and strength
of his life to the public good, without the deepest
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar
good fortune to witness the complete success of the
institution which he had been so active in creating and ^^
supporting. In 18.24, his cup of happiness was filled
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest
station in the gift of the people.

The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is
well known, on that day two of these finished their
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr.
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from
his lied. On lieing requested to name a toast for the
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In-
dependence FOREVER." When the day was ushered
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons,
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor-
ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all."
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and
glorious day." The last words he uttered were,
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re-
signed his spiiit into the hands of his God.

The personal appearance and manners of Mr
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face,
as his portrait manifests.was intellectual ard expres-
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous.
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked
the manners and address of Jefferson.

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THIRD PRESIDENT.

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HOMAS JEFFERSON was

born April 2, 1743, at Shad-
i#\vell, Albermarle county, Va.

His parents were Peter and
Jane (Randolph) Jefferson,
the former a native of Wales,
and the latter born in Lon-
don. To them were born six
daughters and two sons, of
whom Thomas was the elder.
When 14 years of age his
father died. He received a
most liberal education, hav-
ing been kept diligently at school
from the time he was five years of
age. In 1760 he entered William
and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion
a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he
was earnestly devoted lo his studies, and irreproacha-
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under
such influences, that he was not ruined. In the sec-
ond year of his college course, moved by some un-
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses,
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen
hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex-
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out
of the city and back again. He thus attained very
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso-
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and

there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man.

Immediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the short, time he continued in the
practice of his profession lie rose rapidly and distin-
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a C >)
lawyer. But the times called for greater action. S
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of ^
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged ^
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led ^
!iim into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen ^
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti-
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow. /■ ^

Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon,
became the most distinguished resort in our land.

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress,
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he
was placed upon a number of important committees,
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw-
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com-
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams,
Benjamin Franklin, Roger .Sherman and Robert R.
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con-
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July Vi)i
4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that ^

THOMAS JEPFERSON.

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man — what the emotions that swelled his breast —
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec-
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of
America, was also to publish her to the world, free,
y soverign and independent. It is one of the most re-
©/markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort
of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality.

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to
Patrick Henry, r.s Governor of Virginia. At one time
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to
Monlicello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef-
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses-
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and
in the summer of 1782 she died.

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783.
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo-
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned
) Jan. I, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi-
dent, and four years later was elected President over
jv Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In
A>. 1804. he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity,
ca and George Clinton, Vice President.
^ The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra-
c= tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the
?^ tranquility and peace of the Union ; this was the con-
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled
(( \ ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there
a new republic. This has been generally supposed
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been
generally known what his real plans were, there is no
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous
character.

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly
forty years, he had been continually before the pub-
lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de-
voted the best part of his life to the service of his
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his
declining years required, and upon the organization of
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare-
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello.

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole
families came in their coaches with their horses, —
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and
nurses, — and remained three and even six months.
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a
fashionalile watering-place.

The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver-

sary of the Declaration of American Indeiiendence,
great preparations were made in every part of the
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer,
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara-
tion, to participate in their iestivities. But an ill-
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and
had been continually increasing, compelled him to
decline the invitation.

On the second of July, the disease under which
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants, entertained no
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next
d;iy, which was Monday, he asked of those around
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish that
he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land,
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for-
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble
life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- -
the day which his own name and his own act had
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him,
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings,
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life.

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin-
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors.
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of
freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desper-
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a
century they had labored together for the good of
the country; and now hand in hand they depart.
In their lives they had been united in the same great
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not
divided.

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore-
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as
well as personal courage ; and his command of tem-
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends
never recollected to have seen him in a passion.
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un-
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver-
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic ; and
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is
discernable the care with which he formed his style
upon the best models of antiquity.

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FOURTH FRESIDENT.

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AMES MADISON, "Father
f the Constitution," and fourth
j' President of the United States,
was born March i6, 1757, and
died at his home in Virginia,
June 28, 1S36. The name of

James Madison is inseparably con-
nected with most of the important
events in that heroic period of our
country during which the founda-
tions of this great repubHc were
laid. He was the last of the founders
of the Constitution of the United
States to be called to his eternal
reward.

The Madison family were among
the early emigrants to the New World,
landing upon the shores of the Chesa-
peake but 15 years after the settle-
ment of Jamestown. The father of
James Madison was an opulent
planter, residing upon a very fine es-
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co.,
Va. The mansion was situated in
the midst of scenery highly pictur-
esque and romantic, on the west side
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of
It was but 25 miles from the home of
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and
political attachment e-xisted between these illustrious
men, from their early youth until death.

The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of
18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey.
Here he applied himself to study with the most im-

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prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health llius became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in 177 i, witli a feeble
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning r ^
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subse- .
quent career.

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading.
This educational course, the spirit of the times in
which he lived, and the society with which he asso-

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ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong

love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of ' T\
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of ^
m.ind, and his frail health leading him to think that
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten-
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mmd
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed
all the arguments for and against revealed religion,
until his faith became so established as never to
be shaken.

In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he
was elected a member of tlie Virginia Convention, to
frame the constitution of the State. The next year
(1777)1 he was a candidate for the General Assembly.
He refused to treat the whisky-loving voters, and
consequently lost his election ; but those who had (q)
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of tlie J
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, j^
and he was appointed to the Executive Council.

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his

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intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of
the most conspicuous positions among them.

For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con-
gress, one of its most active and influential members.
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature.
. No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na-
tional government, with no power to form treaties
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in
the declaration, that an efficient national government
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis-
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss
this subject. Five States only were represented. The
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up
by Mr. Madison, urguig all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island
was represented. George Washington was chosen
president of the convention; and the present Consti-
tution of the United States was then and there formed.
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac-
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind
and the pen of James Madison.

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was
to be presented to the several States for acceptance.
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent
States, with but little ix>wer at Iiome and little respect
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven-
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution,
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at fust, but it at length triumphed over all, and
went into effect in 1789.

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre-
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a
young widow of remarkable ]xiwer of fascination,
whom he married. She was in person and character
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society
which has constituted our repubhcan court as Mrs.
Madison.

Mr. Madison served as Secretarj' of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
was chosen President. At this time the encroach-
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war.

British orders in council destroyed our commerce, and
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser.
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal-
ance he selects any number whom he may please to
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun-
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the
battles of England. This right of search and im-
pressment, no efforts of our Governriient could induce
the British cabinet to relinquish.

On the 1 8th of June, 181 2, President Madison gave
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th
of March, 18 13, was re-elected by a large majority,
and entered upon his second term of office. This is
not the place to describe the various adventures of
this war on the land and on the water. Our infant
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap-
pling with the most formidable power which ever
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February,
18 13, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole
coast of the United States under blockade.

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me
ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit-
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa-
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens-
burg, upon Washington.

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown
into consternation. The cannon of tlie brief conflict
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city.
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White
House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed,
and he could not go back without danger of being
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in
Washington were in flames.

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on
Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent.

On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to iiis beau-
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re-
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi-
son died July 12, 1849.

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FIFTH PRESIDENT.

PEQES n]OIlROE.

AMES MONROE, the fifth
President of The United States,
was born in Westmoreland Co.,
Va., April 28, 1758. His early
life was passed at the place of
nativity. His ancestors had for
many years resided in the prov-
ince in which he was born. When,
at. 17 years of age, in the process
^ ,; of completing his education at
{.A William and Mary College, the Co-
lonial Congress assembled at Phila-
delphia to deliberate upon the un-
just and manifold oppressions of
Great Britian, declared the separa-
tion of the Colonies, and promul-
gated the Declaration of Indepen-
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the signers
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left
school and enlisted among the patriots.

He joined the army when everything looked hope-
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of tlie
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits,
wlio were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con-
tending with an enemy whom they had been taught
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their
jjolitical emancipation. The young cadet joined tlie
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country,
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife

for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel-
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots ( ?
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of ^ '
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the actof charg- /7S
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left ==
shoulder. *^«

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro- =
moted a captain of infantry ; and, having recovered [f,:
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, ^
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an ^ ^
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam-
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy-
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however,
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag;
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun-
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits.

In 17S2, he was elected from King George county, ^*.^
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that ^
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive i
Council. He was thus honored with the confidences^'
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having ^>
at this early period displayed some of that ability 4^
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards ©
employed with unremitting energy for the public good,

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JAMES MONROE.

he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of
the Congress of the United' States.

Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution,
thinking, with many others of the Republican party,
that it gave too much power to the Central Government,
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re-
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member
of the United States Senate; which office he held for
four years. Every month the line of distinction be-
tween the two great parties which divided the nation,
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more
distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep-
arated them were, that the Republican party was in
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the
Central Government as little power, and the State
Governments as much power, as the Constitution would
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England,
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con-
stitution, which would give as much power to the
Central Government as that document could possibly
authorize.

The leading Federalists and Republicans were
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In
building u)) this majestic nation, which is destined
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com-
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de-
nounced as almost a demon.

Washington was then President. England had es-
poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi-
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away.
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be-
tween these contending powers. France had helped
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse
than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres-
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in
magnanimity.

Washington, who could appreciate such a character,
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness,
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de-
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by tlie National Convention
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations.

Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon-
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the
office for three years. He was again sent to France to
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining
the vast territory then known as the Province of
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob-
tained from Spain. Their united efforts were suc-
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and
district of Louisiana were added to the United States.
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate
which was ever made in all the history of the world.

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob-
tain from that country some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng-
land was unrelenting. He agam returned to Eng-
land on the same mission, but could receive no
redress. He returned to his home and was again
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned
to accept the position of Secretary of State under
Madison. While in this office war with England was
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during
these trying times, the duties of the War Department
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor-
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con-
tinued in the office of Secretary .of State until the ex-
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec-
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had
been chosen President with but little opposition, and
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years
later he was elected for a second term.

Among the important measures of his Presidency
were the cession of Floiida to the United States ; the
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.''

This fainous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that
time the United States had recognized the independ-
ence of the South American states, and did not wish
to have European powers longer attempting to sub-
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt
on the part of European powers to extend their sys-
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not
view any interposition for tlie purpose of oppressing
or controlling American governments or provinces in
any other light than as a manifestation by European
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward tlie LTnited
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course
of foreign governments, and has become the approved
sentiment of the United States.

At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until \l
when he went to New York to live with his son-in-
law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831.

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OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the
sixth President of the United
^States, was born in the rural
Iiome of his honored father,
John Adams, in Quincy, Mass.,
on the I ith cf July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted
worth, watched over his childhood
during the almost constant ab-
sence of his father. When but
eight years of age, he stood with
his mother on an eminence, listen-
ing to the booming of the great bat-
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on
upon the smoke and flames billow-
ing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown.

When but eleven years old he
took a tearful adieu of his mother,
to sail with his father for Europe,
through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright,
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received
from them flattering marks of attention.

Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again
John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he
applied himself with great diligence, for six months,
to study; then accompained his father to Holland,
where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then
the University at Leyden. About a year from this
time, in 17 81, when the manly boy was but fourteen
years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min-
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretarj'.

In this school of incessant labor and of enoliling
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence,

in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance
with the most distinguished men on the Continent;
examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings,
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again
became associated with the most illustrious men of
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal
themes which can engross the human mind. After
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785,
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world,
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a
residence with his father in London, under such cir-
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive;
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre-
ferred to return to America to complete his education
in an American college. He wished then to study
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be
able to obtain an independent support.

Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty,
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be-
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap-
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached
London in October, where he was immediately admit-
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney,
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with
Gr«at Britian. After thus spending a fortnight in
London, he proceeded to the Hague.

In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal,
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches
directing him to the court of Beriin, but requesting
him to remain in London until he should receive his
instructions. While waiting he was married to an
American lady to whom he had been previously en-
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in London;
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom-
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in the
elevated sphere for which she was destined.

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He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ;
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful-
filled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his
recall.

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then
was elected Senator of the United States for six years,
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his
ability and his experience, placed him immediately
among the most prominent and influential members
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern-
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach-
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in-
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon
these points, and no one more resolved to present
a firm resistance.

In 1S09, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres-
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign-
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked
at Boston, in August, 1809.

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu-
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he
kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a
more acconijjlished scholar could scarcely be found.
All tlirough life the Bible constituted an important
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five
chapters every day.

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr.
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num-
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he
sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the
i8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon-
roe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary
of State.

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second
term of office, new candidates began to be presented
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams broifght
forward his name. It was an e.xciting campaign.
■Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re-
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four;
William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty-
seven. As there was no choice by the people, the
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr.
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and
he was elected.

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in
the past history of our country than the abuse which

was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was
an administration more pure in principles, more con-
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun-
try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per-
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu-
lously and outrageously assailed.

Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab-
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast,
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his
own fire and applying himself to work in his library
often long before dawn.

On the 4th of Maich, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew-
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi-
dent. The slavery question now began to assume
lx)rtentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un-
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re-
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre-
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of
" the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in
the House, he announced that he should hold him-
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime
in Us moral daring and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury,
with expulsion from the House, with assassination;
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final
triumph was complete.

It has been said of President Adains, that when his
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before
he slept, the prayer which his mother taught hiiii in
his infant years.

On the 2 1 St of February, 1848, he rose on the floor
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly-
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him.
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious-
ness, he openecf his eyes, looked calmly around and
said " Tills is the end of earth ;"then after a moment's
pause he added, '' I am eontent." These were the
last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent,"

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NDREW JACKSON, the
venth President of the
"United States, was born in
Waxhavv settlement, N. C,
March 15, 1767, a few days
after his father's death. His
parents were poor emigrants
from Ireland, and took up
their abode in Waxhaw set-
tlement, where they lived in
deepest poverty.
Andrew, or Andy, as he was
universally called, grew up a very
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form un-
gainly, and there was but very
little in his character, made visible, which was at-
tractive.

When only thirteen years old he joined the volun-
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In
1781, he and his brother Robert were captured and
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of
the dauntless boy.

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a des])erate
blow at the head of the helpless young prisoner.
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear-
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert
with the same demand. He also refused, and re-
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their
mother was successful in obtaining their exchange.

and took her sick boys home. After a long illness
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon
left him entirely friendless.

Andrew supported himself in various ways, such as
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and
clerking in a general store, until 17 S4, when he
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however,
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear,
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish
with the Sharp Knife.

In 1 7 91, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who
supposed herself divorced from her former husband.
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later,
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur-
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr.
Jackson into disfavor.

During these years he worked hard at his profes-
sion, and frequently had one or m.ore duels on hand,
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec-
ially disgraceful.

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con-
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates.
The new State was entitled to but one member in
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack-
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its

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ANDREW JACKSON.

sessions, — ^a distance of about eight hundred miles.

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo-
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr.
Jackson took his seat. Gen. Washington, whose
second term of office was then expiring, delivered his
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson
did not approve of the address, and was one of the
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to
say that Gen. Washington's adrainstration had been
" wise, firm and patriotic."

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home.
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court
of his State, which position he held for si.K years.

When the war of 18 12 witlr Great Britian com-
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who
would do credit to a commission if one were con-
ferred uix)n him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson
offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops
were assembled at Nashville.

As the British were hourly e.xpected to make an at-
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was
in command, he was ordered to descend the river
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The
expedition reached Natchez; and afteradelay of sev-
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything,
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him
golden opinions ; and he became the most popular
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory."

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col.
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in
which a younger brotlier of Benton's was engaged,
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was
lingering upon a lied of suffering news came that the
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set-
tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De-
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis-
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama.

The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on
one of the bends of the T.allapoosa River, near the cen-
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother.
With an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend

of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast-
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors,
with an ample suplyof arms were assembled.

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des-
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en-
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn-
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war-
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The
[wwer of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter,
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace.

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con-
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he
was appointed major-general.

Late in August, with an army of two thousand
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort,
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious
assault. The battle was long and doubtful. At length
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired.

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
.\nd the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his
troops, which numbered about four thousand men,
won a signal victory over the British army of about
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred.

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men-
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in T824,
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however,
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he
assumed the reins of the government, he met with
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of
her death he never recovered.

His administration was one of the most memorable
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party,
condemned Iiy the other. No man had more bitter
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where
he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack-
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man.

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ARTIN VAN BUREN, the
eichth President of the
United States, was born at
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5,
1782. He died at the same
place, July 24, 1862. His
body rests in the cemetery
at Kinderhook. Above it is
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet
high, bearing a simple inscription
about half way up on one face.
The lot is unfenced, unbordered
or unbounded by shrub or flower.

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those
incidents which give zest to biography. His an-
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin,
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer,
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother,
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel-
ligence and e.\emplary piety.

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un-
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies
in his native village, and commenced the study of
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven
years of study iji a law-office were required of him
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with
a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur-
sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After
spending si.\ years in an office in his native village,

he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his
studies for the seventh year.

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil-
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had,
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the
many discussions which had been carried on in his
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the
cause of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed-
eral party held the supremacy both in his town
and State.

His success and increasing ruputation led him,
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, the
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years,
constantly gaining strength by contending in the
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned
the bar of his State.

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
ye^ars she sank into the grave, the victim of consump-
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record
of those years is barren in items of public interest.
In t8i 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap-
[Minted Attorney-General, and the next year moved
to Albany, the capital of the State.

While he was acknowledged as one of the most
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had

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MARTIN VAN BUREN.

the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not recjuire that " universal sufif rage" which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of
governing the State. In true consistency with his
democratic principles, he contended that, while the
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open
to every man without distinction, no one should be
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue
and some property interests in the welfare of the
State.

In 182 1 he was elected a member of the United
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat
in the convention to revise the constitution of his
native State. His course in this convention secured
the approval of men of all parties. No one could
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the
interests of all classes in the community. In the
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a
conspicuous position as anactive and useful legislator.

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to
the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de-
termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the
"State Rights" view in opposition to what was
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q.
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re-
garded throughout the United States as one of the
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians.
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how
to touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all
the wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to
organize a political array which would, secretly and
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By
these powers it is said that he outv/itted Mr. Adams,
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which
few thought then could be accomplished.

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately
appointed Minister to England, where he went the
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned

home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and
frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination
as ambassador.

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor-
ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause,
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu-
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re-
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen.
Jackson as President of the United States. He was
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen.
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred
upon him the power to appoint a successor."

His administration was filled with exciting events.
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in- s
volve this country in war with England, the agitation ^
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- ^
cial panic which spread over the country, all were &'
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- ^'^
tributed to the management of the Democratic party, ^
and brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re-election.

With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the " Free Soil " Democrats, in 1 848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death.

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits,
and living within his income, had now fortunately a
competence for his declining years. His unblemished
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned
patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he
had occupied in the government of our country, se-
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald^ ^i^
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics r
of the countr)'. From this time until his death, on •
the 24th of July, 1S62, at the age of eighty years, he ^
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of
culture and of wealth ; enjoying in a healthy old
age, probably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life,

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ILLIAM HENRY HARRI-
SON, the ninth President of
the United States, was born
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773.
His father, Benjamin Harri-
son, was in comparatively op-
ulent circumstances, and was
one of the most distinguished
men of his day. He was an
intimate friend of George
Washington, was early elected
a member of the Continental
Congress, and was conspicuous
among the patriots of Virginia in
resisting the encroachments of the
British crown. In the celebrated
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har-
rison and John Hancock were
both candidates for the office of
speaker.

Mr Harrison was subsequently
chosen Governor of Virginia, and
was twice re-elected. His son,
William Henry, of course enjoyed
in childhood all the advantages which wealth and
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav-
ing received a thorough common-school education, he
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated
with lionor soon after the death of his father. He
then repaired to Philadelphia tostudy medicine under
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of
Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father,
signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not-
withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army,
having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi-

dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old.
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose
death he resigned his commission. He was then ap-
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This
Territory was then entitled to but one member in
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that
position.

In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory
was divided by Congress into two portions. The
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced
in the State of Ohio, was called '' The Territory
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which
included what is now called Indiana, lUinois and
^V"isconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil-
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap-
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of
Upper Louisiana. He was thusj'uler over almost as
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in-
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams,
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi-
dent Madison.
•

When he began his adminstration there were but
three white settlements in that almost boundless region,
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the 1
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French
settlement.

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About

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WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

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the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers,
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching
Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or "The Prophet."
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit-
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm,
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting-
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which
they dwelt.

But the Prophet was not merely an orator : he was,
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent
by the Great Spirit.

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe-
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter.
October 28, 1812, his army began its march. When
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet-
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes-
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en-
campment, he took every precaution against surprise.
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept
upon their arms.

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa-
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi-
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all
the desperation which superstition and passion most
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the.
little army. The savages had been amply provided
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets.

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide-
ous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a
speedy and an entire victor)-. But Gen. Harrison's
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be-
fore them, and completely routing th? foe.

Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmost. The British descending from theCan-
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn-
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier
was plunged into a state of consternation which even
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive.
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra-
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit.
Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison
was appointed by President Madison commander-in-
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers.

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but
General Harrison was found equal to the position,
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re-
sponsibilities.

He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a
valise ; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers,
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the batde.
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted
before the fire, without bread or salt.

In 1 816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of
the National House of Representatives, to represent
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested
the attention of all the members.

In 1819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The
same year he was chosen to the Uiiited States Senate.

In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated
liy the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency.
The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but
his triumph was signal.

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most
brilliant with which any President had ever been
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin-
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and
joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick-
ness, died on the 4th of Apnl ; just one month after
his inauguration as President of the United States,

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r,,>, Presidentof the United States.
He was born in Charles-city
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He
was the favored child of af-
fluence and high social po-
sition. At the early age of
twelve, John entered William
and Mary College and grad-
uated with much honor when
but seventeen years old. After
graduating, he devoted him-
self with great assiduity to the
study of law, partly with his
father and partly with Edmund
Randolph, one of the most distin-
guished lawyers of Virginia.
At nineteen years of age, ne
11 commenced the practice of law.
His success was rapid and aston-
ishing. It is said that three
months had not elapsed ere there
was scarcely a case on the dock-
et of the court in which he was
not retained. AVhen but twenty-one years of age, he
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo-
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the
unanimous vote or his county.

When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and
ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national
bank, internal improvements by the General Govern-

ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con-'
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress
were so arduous that before the close of his second
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful
in promoting public works of great utility. With a
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen
by a very large majority of votes, Governor of his
native State. His administration was signally a suc-
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election.

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the
United States. A portion of the Democratic party
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course,
and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent,
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor.

In accordance with his professions, upon taking his
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi-
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren-
uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist-
ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen-
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr.
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen.
Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had
abandoned the principles of the Democratic party.
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record
in perfect accordance with the principles which he
had always avowed.

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of
his profession. There was a split in the Democratic

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JOHN TYLER.

S,^AHZ!^

party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef-

fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli-
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con-
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri-
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder ; and it was
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan-
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg,
for the better education of his children ; and he again
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia.

By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in
1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har-
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili-
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres-
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa-
thy with the Whig party in the Noith: but the Vice
President has but very little power in the Govern-
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre-
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap-
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a
Democratic Vice President were chosen.

In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi-
dent of the United States. In one short month from
that time. President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler
thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler
was at iiome in Williamsburg when he received the
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri-
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been
opposed to the main principles of the party which had
brought him into power. He had ever been a con-
sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun-
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or,
on the other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har-
mony with himself, and which would opppse all those
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub-
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in-
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had
selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and
bless us.

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the
incor])oration of a fiscal bank of the United States.
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with
his veto. He suggested, however, that he would

approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he

proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval.
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture.
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas-
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely
touched the pride of the President.

The opposition now exultingly received the Presi-
dent into their arms. The party which elected him
denounced him bitterly. AH the members of his
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a
meeting and issued an address to the people of the
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at
an end.

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He
appointed a new cabmet of distinguished Whigs and
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign,
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra-
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more,
however, he brought himself into svmpathy with his
old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term,
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr.
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor.

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the
harassments of office, to the regret of neither party, and
probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife.
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842;
and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married,
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of
many personal and intellectual accomplishments.

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For-
est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in
his manners, richly furnished with information from
books and experience in the world, and possessing
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the
storms of civil war which his own principles and
policy had helped to introduce.

When the great Rebellion rose, which the State-
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal-
houn had inaugurated. President Tyler renounced his
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed-
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress;
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by
force of arms, the Government over which he had
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died.

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■^v<^^nii^iiii^>T

ELEVENTH PRESIDENT.

1-^ , T

\ AMES K.POLK, the eleventh

'^fePresident of the United States,

was boni in Mecklenburg Co.,

C, Nov. 2, 1795. His par-

^^■. ents were Samuel and Jane

(Knox) Polk, the former a son

of Col. Thomas Polk, who located

at the above place, as one of the

first pioneers, in 1735.

In the year i3o6, with his wife
and children, and soon after fol-
lowed by most of the members of
the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi-
grated some two or three hundred
miles farther west, to the rich valley
of the Duck River. Here in the
midst of the wilderness, in a region
which was subsequently called Mau-
ry Co., they reared their log huts,
and established their homes. In the
hard toil of a new farm in the wil-
derness, James K. Polk spent the
early years of his childhood and
youth. His father, adding the pur-
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer,
gradually increased in wealth until
he became one of the leading men of the region. His
mother was a superior woman, of strong common
sense and earnest piety.

Very early in life, James developed a taste for
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain
a liberal education. His mother's training had made
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct-
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty
[irinciples of morality. His health was frail ; and his
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a

AYK fe>y.^s^^^.s« anOmB:^ ^^^"^^D !1

sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits.

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. \\\\\\
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half
years, in the autumn of 1S15, entered the sophomore
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allovfc'ing
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious
service.

He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be-
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, Ijoth in
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty-
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this
time much impaired by the assiduity with which he
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few
miles from Nashville. They had probably been
slightly acquainted before.

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican,
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi-
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was
constantly called upon to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that
he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump.
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and

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JAMES K. POLK

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courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic
nature in the joys and griefs of others which ever gave
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his
strong influence towards the election of his friend,
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States.

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul-
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that
for fourteen successive years, until 1S39, he was con-
tinued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew,
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair
of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was
always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any
ambitious rhetorical display.

During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were roused,
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per-
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac-
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of
March, 1839.

In accordance with .Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo-
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841,
his term of office expired, and he was again the can-
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated.

On tfie 4th of March, 1845, Mr. P"3lk was inaugur-
ated President of the United States. The verdict of
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig-
nature to a joint resolution o£ Congress, passed on the
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister,
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation
to be an act hostile to Mexico.

In his first message, President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re-
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the
other States. In the meantime. Gen. Taylor was sent

with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande,
where he erected batteries which commanded the
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on
the western banks.

The anticipated collision soon took place, and war
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first
called one of "observation," then of "occupation,"
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused.
It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration
that the war was brought on.

'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands.
We now consented to peace upon the condition that
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, •i".
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- =
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of 'i^
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This =1
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were
some Americans who thought it all right : there were
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico.

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from
office, having served one term. The next day was
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even-
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age.
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits,
and his health was good. With an ample fortune,
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years
of tranquility and hapi^iness were before him. But the
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted,
and died on the 15th of June, 1S49, ''"> the fifty-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.

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ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth
President of the United States,
w.-is born on the 24th of Nov.,
1 7 84, in Orange Co., Va. His
father. Colonel Taylor, was
a Virginian of note, and a dis-
tinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary
was an infant, his father with his
wife and two children, emigrated
to Kentucky, where he settled in
the pathless wilderness, a few
miles from Louisville. In this front-
%^j ier home, away from civilization and
j all its refinements, young Zachary
could enjoy but few social and educational advan-
tages. When six years of age he attended a common
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char-
acter He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and
manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years, of his
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation.
In 1S08, his father succeeded in obtaining for him
the commission of lieutenant in the United States
army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady
from one of the first families of Maryland.

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng-
land, in 18 1 2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above
Vincwines. This fort had been built in the wilder-
ness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to Tippecanoe.
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians,
led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken

^^^ Sj^gjT^ @r^>DII

company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of
whom were sick.

Early in the autumn of i8ij, the Indians, stealthily,
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their
approach was first indicated by tjie murder of two
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor
made every possible preparation to meet the antici-
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort,
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk
with him. It was evident that their object was merely
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept
them at a distance.

The sun went down ; thg savages disappeared, the
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap-
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor-
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc-
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses-
Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict
continued. The savages then, baffled at every point,
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt.
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to tire
rank of major by brevet.

Until the close of the war, MajorTaylor was placed
in such situations that he saw but little more of active
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, oa Fox River, which
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one
best could. There were no books, no society, no in-

5jj€^*i^ eV<^iDD ^ D Ds>r^^ 71^^^

-«#^€^5((g

ZACHARY TAYLOR.

tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of
colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Tayit*
took a subordinate but a brave and efticient part. '

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged' h
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, an i in
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance.
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re-
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty,
had promised they should do. The services rendered
here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated
to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com-
mand of the United States troops in Florida.

After two years of such wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. Taylor
obtained, at his own request, a change of command,
and was stationed over the Department of the South-
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama and Georgia. Estabhshing his headquarters
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue.
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were,
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty
imposed upon him.

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed
by the United States. Soon the war with Me.xico
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the
Me.xicans. The rank of major-general by brevet
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over
forces much larger than he commanded.

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops,
\k\t sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.'

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista
spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder-
ful pojiularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un-
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an-
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de-
claring that he was not at all qualified for such an
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that,
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen
, who had been long years in the public service found
their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name

had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena
Vista. It Is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re-
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made."

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine
writer. His friends took possession of him, and pre-
pared such few communications as it was needful
should be presented to the public. The popularity of
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri-
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, —
Gen. Cass and E.x-President Martin Van Buren.
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position,
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed.
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slaveiy party
was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi-
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was
pleading for admission to the Union, wliile slavery
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or
Indians.

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of
but little over five days, died on the glh of July, 1850.
His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un-
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the
affections of the people ; and the Nation bitterly la-
mented his death.

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful
description of his character: — " With a good store of
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en-
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse-
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim-
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju-
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable,
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat
a little on one side of his head ; or an officer to leave
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out-
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held tlie
offender to be a co.Kcomb (perhaps something worse),
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase,
'touch with a pair of tongs.'

"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil-
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short,
few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor-
saving contempt for learning of every kind."

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THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT.

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ILLARD FILLMORE, thir-
teenth President of the United
States, was born at Summer
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on
the 7th of January, 1800. His
father was a farmer, and ow-
ing to misfortune, in humble cir-
cumstances. Of his mother, the
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been
said that she possessed an intellect
of very high order, united with much
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis-
position, graceful manners and ex-
quisite sensibilities. She died in
1831 ; having lived to see her son a
young man of distinguished prom-
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high
dignity which he finally attained.

In consequence of the secluded home and limited
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad-
vantages for education in his early years. The com-
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce
and expensive. There was nothing then in his char-
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy ;
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible,
and had laid the foundations of an upright character.
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some

enterprising man had commenced the collection of a
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read-
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with
books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate ;
and the selections which he made were continually
more elevating and instructive. He read history,
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en-
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be-
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed,
educated man.

The young clothier had now attained the age of
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter
Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap-
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint-
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and
attainments that he advised him to abandon his
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The
young man replied, that he had no means of his own,
no friends to help him and that his previous educa-
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to
take him into his own office, and to loan him such
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous
offer was accepted.

There is in many minds a strange delusion about
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col-
lege. But many a boy loitefs through university halls
and then enters a law office, who is by no means as

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MILLARD FILLMORE.

well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing-
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in-
tense mental culture.

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he v;as
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region,
his practice of course was limited, and there was no
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame.
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers.

His elevation of character, his untiring industr)^,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate,
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to
enter into partnership under highly advantageous
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829,
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the
State of New York, as a representative from Erie
County. Though he had never taken a very active
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic,
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties,
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very
unusual degree the respect of his associates.

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled
arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our
national history. The great conflict respecting the
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was
then raging.

His term of two years closed ; and he returned to
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep-
utation and success. After a lapse of two years
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re-
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe-
rience as a representative gave him strength and
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to
any man can be but little more than an introduction.
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener-
gies were brought to bear upon the pubhc good. Every
measure received his impress.

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847,
he was elected Comptroller of the State.

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Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con-
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi-
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be
proclaimed in trumpet-tones all over the land. But
it was necessary to associate with him on the same
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman.

Under the influence of these considerations, the
namesof ZacharyTaylor and Millard Fillmore became
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849,
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States.

On the gth of July, 1850, President Taylor, but
about one year and four months after his inaugura-
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con-
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi-
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State.

Mr. Fillniore had very serious difficulties to contend
with, since the opposition had a majority in both
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate
the South ; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt
theinadequacyof all measuresof transient conciliation.
The population of the free States was so rapidly in-
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in-
evitable that the power of the Government should
soon pass into the hands of the free ■ States. The
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr.
Fillmore's adminstration, and the Japan Ex[)edition
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill-
more, having served one term, retired.

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres-
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war,
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that
his sympathies were rather with those who were en-
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other.
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874.

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Fourteenth president.

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RANKLIN PIERCE, the
fourteenth President of the
S'' United States, was born in
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov.
23, 1804. His father was a
Revolutionary soldier, who,
wirth his own strong arm,
hewed out a home in the
wilderness. He was a man
of inflexible integrity; of
strong, though uncultivated
mind, and an uncompromis-
Democrat. The mother of
Franklin Pierce was all that a son
could desire, — an intelligent, pru-
dent, affectionate, Christian wom-
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children.

Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen-
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the
love of old and young. The boys on the play -ground
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words,
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de-
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar ; in body,
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy.

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. He was
one of the most popular young men in the college.
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and

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genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite.
There was something very peculiarly winning in his
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de-
gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his
own magnanimous and loving nature.

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of
the State, and a man of great private worth. The
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en-
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci-
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen.
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here
he served for four years. The last two years he was
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote.

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected
a member of Congress. Without taking an active
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty,
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom
he was associatad.

In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age,
he was elected to the Senate of the United States;
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced
his administration. He was the youngest member in
the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom-
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the

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three sons who were bom to them, all now sleep with
their parents in the grave.

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire.
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States ; but
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the
same time declined the nomination for governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr.
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847.
He took an important part in this war, proving him-
self a brave and true soldier.

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo-
cates of the Me.xican war, and coldly by his oppo-
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession,
very frequently taking an active part in political ques-
a tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery
fii wing of the Democratic party. The compromise
a measures met cordially with his approval ; and he
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa-
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin-
guished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.''
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse-
quently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.

On the i2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven-
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the
Presidency. For four days they continued in session,
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation
brought forward his name. There were fourteen
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas-
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their
electoral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce
was therefore inaugurated President of the United
States on the 4th of March, 1853.

)

His administration proved one of the most stormy our
country had ever experienced. The controversy be-
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its
culminating point. It became evident that there was
an " irrepressible conflict " between them, and that
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad-
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution
of the Union were borne to the North on every South-
ern breeze.

Such was the condition of affairs when President
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien-
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all
the intellectual ability and social worth of President
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad-
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also,
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo-
cated those measures of Government which they ap-
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re-
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two
had died, and his only surviving child had been
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left
alone in the world, without wife or child.

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di-
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr.
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov-
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until
the time of his death, which occurred in October,
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen-
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al-
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns-
people were often gladened by his material bounty.

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AMES BUCHANAN, the fif-
teenth President of the United
States, was born in a small
frontier town, at the foot of the
eastern ridge of the Allegha-
nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on
the 23d of April, 1791. The place
where the humble cabin of his
father stood was called Stony
Batter. It was a wild and ro-
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun-
tains, with towering summits rising
grandly all around. His father
was a native of the north of Ireland ;
a, poor man, who had emigrated in
1783, with little property save his
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer,
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder-
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per-
form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se-
cluded home, where James was born, he remained
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantages. When James was eight years of age, his
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where
his son was placed at school, and commenced a
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de-
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among
IT' the first scholars in the institution. His application
^ to study was intense, and yet his native powers en-

abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with
facility.

In the year 1809, he graduated with the liighest
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster,
and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc-
cessfully defended before the State Senate one of the
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally
admitted that he stood at the head of tire bar; and
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu-
crative practice.

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House.
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally
tried some important case. In 1831, he retired
altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac-
quired an ample fortune.

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency,
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster,
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas-
ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri-

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JAMES BUCHANAN.

sals against France, to enforce the payment of our
claims against that counti-y ; and defended the course
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not the sup-
porters of his administration. Upon this question he
was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay.
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging
from tlie journal of the Senate the vote of censure
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits.
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United
States mails.

As to petitions on tlie subject of slavery, he advo-
cated that they should be respectfully received; and
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had
no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress,"
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the
States where it now e.xists."

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr.
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such,
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the
account of the course our Government pursued in that
movement.

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50,
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce,
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr.
Buchanan with the mission to England.

In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven-
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The
political conflict was one of the most severe in which
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re-
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre-
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re-
ceived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
174, and was elected. The iwpular vote stood
r, 340, 6x8, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On
March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated.

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four
years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been
allied in political principles and action for years, were
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery.
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be-
wildered. He could not, with his long-avowed prin-

ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in
their assumptions. As President of the United States,
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws,
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind,
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub-
lic. He therefore did nothing.

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration
nominated Abraham Lmcoln as their standard bearer
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con-
trol of the Government were thus taken from their
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of
the United States.

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery
party was such, that he had been willing to offer them
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the
South had professed to ask of the North was non-
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu-
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co-
operation of the Government to defend and extend
the institution.

As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow-
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of
the most pitiable exiiibitions of governmental im-
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He
declared that Congress had no [)Ower to enforce its
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with
his hand upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed, " The
Union must and shall be preserved!"

South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly
three months before the inauguration of President
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair.
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston: Fort Sumpter
was be^neged ; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals
were seized; our de])Ols of military stores were plun-
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were
appropriated by the rebels.

The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away,
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak-
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver-
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the
scepter.

The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex-
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame,
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion.
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868.

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BRAHAM LINCOLN, the
sixteenth President of the
^United States, was born in
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12,
1809. About the )'ear 1780, a
°. man by the name of Abraham
' Lincohi left Virginia with his
family and moved into the then
wilds of Kentucky. Only two years
after this emigration, still a young
m*n, while working one day in a
field, was stealthily approached by
an Indian and shot dead. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five
little children, three boys and two
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the
boys, was four years of age at his
father's death. This Thomas was
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the
President of the United States
whose name must henceforth forever be enrolled
with the most prominent in the annals of our world.
Of course no record has been kept of the life
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among'
the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched
log-cabin ; his food the coarsest and the meanest.
Education he had none; he could never either ^■ead
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend-
less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him-
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a
laborer in the fields of others.

When twenty-eight years of age he buill a log-
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi-
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel.
"All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate-
ful son "I owe to my angel-mother.
When he was eight years of age, his father sold his

cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Where
two years later his mother died.

Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated
community around him. He could not have had a
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts
into words. He also became an eager reader. The
books he could obtain were few ; but these he read
and re-read until they were almost committed to
memory.

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar-
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr.
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830,
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111.

Abraharn Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age.
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing
another log-cabin. Aliraham worked diligently at this
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when
he announced to his father his intention to leave
home, and to go out into the world and seek his for-
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril-
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of
education, and was intensely earnest to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin
which ardent spirits were causing, and became
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi-
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in
God's word, "Thou shall not take the name of the
Lord thy God in vain ;" and a profane expression he
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a
single vice.

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield,
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat.
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis-
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham I,in-
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give
great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven-

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ABE AH AM LINCOLN.

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tare his employers were so well pleased, that upon
his return they placed a store and mill under his care.

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew
Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem,
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected. Mr.
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as-
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re-
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law.
His success with the jury was so great that he was
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit.

In 1S54 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question.
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois,
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's'
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con-
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most
notable part of his history. The issue was on the
slavery question, and he took the broad ground of
the Declaration of Independence, that all men are
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con-
test, but won a far higher prize.

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago
on the i6th of June, i860. The delegates and
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty-
five thousand. An immense bliilding called "The
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven-
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes
were tlirown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most
prominent. It was generally supposed he would be
the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him:
and as little did he dream that lie was to render services
to his country, which would fi.x upon him the eyes of
the whole civilized world, and which would give him
aplaceinthe affections of his countiynien, second
only, if second, to that of Washington.

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180
electoral votes oat of 203 cast, and was, therefore,
constitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good

and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this
high position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his
way making speeches. The whole journey was frought
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti-
more had arranged, upon his arrival to "get up a row,"
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to
take him from HarrisL-urg, through Baltimore, at an
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi-
cation on the part ol the Secessionists with their Con-
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated,
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people.
In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other
prominent opponents before the convention he gave
important positions.

During 110 other administration have the duties
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his
trials, both personal and national. Contrary to his
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the
most courageous of men. He went directly into the
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving,
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had been
made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim
to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant,
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It
was announced that they would be present. Gen.
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel-
ing, witli his characteristic kindliness of heart, that
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them,
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play -an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth
entered the box where the President and family were
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the
next morning at seven o'clock.

Never before, in the history of the world was a nation
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler.
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a
model. His name as tlie savior of his country will
live with that of Washington's, its father; hiscountrv-
men being unable to decide which is the greater.

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SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT.

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NDREW JOHNSON, seven-
teenth President of the United
States. The early life of
Andrew Johnson contains but
^ the record of poverty, destitu-
tion and friendlessness. He
was born December 29, 180S,
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents,
belonging to the class of the
"poor whites " of the South, were
in such circumstances, that they
could not confer even the slight-
est advantages of education upon
their child. When Andrew was five
years of age, his father accidentally
lost his life while heiorically endeavoring to save a
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with
her own hands.

He then, having never attended a school one day,
and being unable either to read or write, was ap-
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion-
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often
read from the speeches of distinguished British states-
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more
than ordinary native ability, became much interested
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read.

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and
with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen,
learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle-
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner,

pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book,
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed on-
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest
and recreation to devote such time as he could to
reading.

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos-
sessed some education. Under her instructions he
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent
in the village debating society, and a favorite with
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or-
ganized a working man's party, which elected him
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which
position he held three years.

He now began to take a lively interest in political
affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes,
to which he belonged. In T835, he was elected a
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes-
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age.
He became a very active member of the legislature,
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to those
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.

In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive
elections, held that important post for ten years. In
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and
was re-elected in 1855. In all these res])onsible posi-
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abil-

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ANDRE W JOHNSON.

ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work-
ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected
United States Senator.

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob-
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom,
and become merged in a population congenial to
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com-
promise measures, the two essential features of which
were, that the white people of the Territories should
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they
would enslave the colored people or not, and that
the free States of the North should return to the
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery.

Mr. Johnson was neverashamedof his lowly origin:
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir,'"
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav-
ior was the son of a carpenter."

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860, he
V7as the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the
Presidency. In 186 1, when the purpose of the South-
ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap-
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he
established the most stringent military rule. His
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15,

1865, became President. In a speech two days later
he said, " The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and
must be punished; that the Government will not
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole
administration, the history of which is so well known,
was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent

opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech.

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char-
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In
the beginnirig of 1868, on account of "high crimes
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten-
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre-
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23.

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was at
length submitted to the court for its action. It was
certain that as the court voted upon that article so
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces-
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac-
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against
him. The change of one vote from the net guilty
side would have sustained the impeachment.

The President, for the remainder of his term, was
but little regarded. He continued, though impotently,
iiis conflict with Congress. His own party did not
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi-
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar-
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten.
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im-
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten-
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con-
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach-
ing the residence of his child the following day, was
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious.
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at
2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun-
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August,
with every demonstration of respect,

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LYSSES S. GRANT, the
eighteenth President of the
^* United States, was born on
the 29th of April, 1822, of
Christian parents, in a humble
' home, at Point Pleasant, on the
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after
his father moved to George-
town, Brown Co., O. In this re-
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses
received a common-school edu-
cation. At the age of seven-
teen, in the year 1839, he entered
the Military Academy at West
Point. Here he was regarded as a
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in-
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis-
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating
Indians.

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am-
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut.
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians,
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one
side of the animal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety.

From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry,
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha-
pultepec.

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re-
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The
discovery of gold in California causing an immense
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt.
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im-
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt.
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the
States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva-
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re-
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga-
lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, —
" Uncle Sam has educated me for the army ; though
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword
and see Uncle Sam through this war too."

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol-
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield,
the capital of the State, where their services were
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt.
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the
volunteer organization that was being formed in the
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of

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ULYSSES S. GRANT.

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June, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a commission as
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol-
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier-
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near tlie mouth
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap-
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and
stripes were unfurled in its stead.

He entered the service with great determination
and immediately began active duty. This was the be-
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur-
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Heniy
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was
immediately made a Major-General, and the military
district of Tennessee was assigned to him.

Like all great captains. Gen. Grant knew well how
to secure the results of victory. He immediately
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can-
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered,
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro-
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and tactical meas-
ures put the Union army in fighting condition. Then
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him un-
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru-
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant-
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant.
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials
and enter upon the duties of his new office.

Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de-
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as-
sembled from all quarters for its defence! The whole
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field.
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en-
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur-
render of Lee, April 9, 1865.

Tlie war was ended. The Union was saved. The
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen.
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal-
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair.

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago,
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294
electoral votes.

The National Convention of the Republican party
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872,
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati-
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292
electoral votes being cast for him.

Soon after the close of his second term. Gen. Grant
started upon his famous trip around the world. He
visited almost every country of the civilized world,
and was everywhere received with such ovations
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private
as well as public and official, as were never before
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. It
is not too much to say that his modest, courteous, and
dignified demeanor in the presence of the most dis-
tinguished men in the different nations in the world,
reflected honor upon the Republic which he so long
and so faithfully served. The country felt a great
pride in his reception. Upon his arrival in San Fran-
cisco, Sept. 20, 1879, the city authorities gave him a
fine reception. After lingering in the Golden State
for a while, he began his tour through the States,
which extended North and South, everj'where mark-
ed by great acclamation and splendid ovations.

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NINETEENTH PRESIDENT.

RUTHERl'ORB Be HAYES.

UTHERFORD B. HAYES,
the nineteenth President of
ff the United States, was born in
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al-
most three months after the
death of his father, Rutherford
Hayes. His ancestry on both
the paternal and maternal sides,
was of the most honorable char-
acter. It can be traced, it is said,
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and
Rutherford were two Scottish chief-
tains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert
Bruce. Both families belonged to the
nobility, owned extensive estates,
and had a large following. Misfor-
tune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot-
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was bom in Windsor, and remained there
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar-
ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar-
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel,
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac-
turer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
son of E/.ekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was
born inNew Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth-
erford Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was

born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt, whose ancestors emi-
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich.
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War.

The father of President Hayes was an industrious,
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me-
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock-
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con-
ducted his business on Christian principles. After
the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio.

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day,
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways,
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter-
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived
in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial
fever, less than three months before the birth of the
son,of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be-
reavement, found the support she so much needed in
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from Ver-
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted
some time before as an act of charity.

Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the

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MUTHERFORD £. HAYES.

subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in-
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of
him, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't
wonder.if he would really come to something yet."

" You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You
wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him
President of the United States yet." The boy lived,
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his
mother.

The boy was seven years old before he went to
school. His education, however, was not neglected.
He probably learned as much from his mother and
sister as he would have done at school. His sports
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being
his sister and her associates. These circumstances
j< tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo-
Ap. sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings
of others, which are marked traits of his character.

His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest
in his education ; and as the boy's health had im-
^ proved, and he was making good progress in his
v' studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre-
paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en-
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen,
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842.

Innnediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq.,
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re-
mained two years.

In 1845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re-
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice,
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro-
fession.

\\\ 1S49 he moved to Cincmnati, where his ambi-
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how-
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse-
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of
Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin-
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its
members such men as Chief Justice Salmon B. Chase,

'()

Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many
others hardly less distinguished in after life. The
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman-
hood. The Literary Club brought Mr. Hayes into
constant association with young men of high char-
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and
modesty.

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac-
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council
elected him for the unexpired term.

In 1S61, vi^hen the Rebellion broke out, he was at
the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the
bar was among the the first. But the news of the
attack on F"ort Sunipter found him eager to take up
arms for the defense of his country.

His military record was bright and illustrious. In
October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle
of .South Mountain he received a wound, and while
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude
that won admiration from all.

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division,
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted
Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished services
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In
the course of his arduous services, four horses were
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times.

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from
the Second Ohio District, which had long been L)em-
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign,
and after his election was importuned to resign his
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I
shall never come to Washington until I can come by
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866.

In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio,
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat.
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton.
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875.

In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub-
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his
full term, not, however, with satisfaction to his party,
but his administration was an average one.

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TWENTIETH PRESIDENT.

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A.MES A. GARFIELD, twen-
tieth President of the United
States, was born Nov. 19,
1831, in the woods of Orange,
Cuyahoga Co., O His par-
'■ ents were Abram and Eliza
(^Ballou) Garfield, both of New
England ancestry and from fami-
lies well known in the early his-
5 tory of that section of our coun-
try, but had moved to the Western
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle-
ment.

The house in which James A. was
born was not unlike the houses of
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It
was about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be-
tween the logs filled with clay. His father was a
hard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built.
The household comprised the father and mother and
their four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and
James. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con-
tracted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At
this time James was about eighteen months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can
tell how much James was indebted to his brother's
toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc-
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis-
ters live in Solon, O., near their birthplace.

Tlie early educational advantages young Garfield
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car-
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed
mother ia her struggles tg keep the little family tQ-

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gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug-
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor,
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sureof the
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain,
modest gentleman.

The highest ambition of young Garfield until he
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the
understanding, however, that he should try to obtain
some other kind of employment. He walked all the
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city.
After making many applications for work, and trying
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio <.V- Pennsylvania Canal. He re-
mained at this work but a short time when he went
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in
the meantime, and doing other work. This school
was starred by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of
which church he was then a member. He became
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way.
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon-
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram
College as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem-
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of
Yale College, says of hire in reference to his religion ;

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JAMES A. GARFIELD.

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" President Garfield was more than a man of
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In
my judgment there is no more interesting feature of
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to
the less stately and cultured Christian communions
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true
that as they step upward in social and political sig-
nificance they step upward from one degree to
another in some of the many types of fashionable
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the
church of his mother, the church in which he was
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec-
larian charity for all 'who love our Lord in sincerity.""

Mr. Garfield was united in' marriage with Miss
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. ii, 1858, who proved herself
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of
whom are still living, four boys and one girl.

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeclies in 1856,
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet-
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland,
and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year,
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re-
ceived his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Forty-
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug.
14, 1861. He was immediately put into active ser-
vice, and betore he had ever seen a gun fired in action,
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with tlie
work of driving out of his native State the officer
(Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed-
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres-
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years
before, so now he was the youngest General in the
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh,
in its operations around Corinth and its march througli
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the
General Couit-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose-
crans, and was assigned to the " Chief of Staff"

The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with

his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won
the stars of the Major-General.

Without an effort on his part Gen. Garfield was
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio
had been represented in Congress for si.xty years
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en-
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that
body. There he remained by successive re-
elections until he. was elected President in 1880.
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a
tribunel of the American people, in regard to which
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu-
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by
Mr. Garfield."

Uixm Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his
party for President at the great Chicago Convention.
He was elected in the following November, and on
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad-
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every
day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre-
liminary work of his administration and was prepar-
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com-
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back.
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no farther
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never
liefore in the history of the Nation had anything oc-
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit-
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty
days, all during the hot months of July and August,
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent
bearing was teaching the country and the world the
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass-
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept.
ig, 1S83, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it.
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe
cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed

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TWBNTY-FIRST PRESIDENT.

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HESTER A. ARTHUR,

twenty-first President of the

United States, was born in

Franklin County, Vermont, on

thefifthof October, 1830, and is

the oldest of a family of two

sons and five daughters. His

father was the Rev. Dr. William

Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who

emigrated to this country from

the county Antrim, Ireland, in

his 18th year, and died in 1S75, in

Newtonville, near Albany, after a

long and successful ministry.

Young Arthur was educated at
Union College, Schenectady, where
he excelled in all his studies. Af-
ter his graduation he taught school
in Vermont for two years, and at
the expiration of that time came to
New York, with $500 in his pocket,
WM. and entered the office of ex- Judge
^(ir E. D. Culver as student. After
I being admitted to the bar he formed
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate,
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing
in the West, and for three months they roamed about
in the Westecn States in search of an eligible site,
but in the end returned to New York, where they
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success-
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur
soon afterward married the daughter of Lieutenant

Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa-
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's
nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two
children.

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit,
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon,
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided
that they could not be held by the owner under the
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal.
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed
to represent the People, and they won their case,
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs.
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward
the emancipation of the black race.

Another great service was rendered by General
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings,
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare.
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa-
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly

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CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

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followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave-
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per-
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all.

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov-
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer-
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec-
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas-
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered
great service to the Government during the war. At
•the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr.
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney
of New York, was added to the firm. The legal prac-
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra-
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if
not indeed one of national extent.

He always took a leading part in State and city
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21^ 1872, to suc-
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July,
20, rSyS, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in
June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It
was composed of the leading politicians of the Re-
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their
respective candidates that were before the conven-
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re-
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the history of
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his
party made a valiant fight for his election.

Finally the election came and the country's choice
was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated
March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President.
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then
came terrible weeks of suffering, — tliose moments of
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na-

tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re-
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark-
able patience that he manifested during those hours
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf-
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God-
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr.
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi-
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested
in deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world was at any moment
likely to fall to him.

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar-
field from further suffering, and the world, as never
before in its history over the death of any other
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of
the high office, and he took the oath in New York,
Sept. 20, i88t. The position was an embarrassing Ai'.
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all ^
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, V^
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- =
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been S^
greatly neglected during the President's long illness, |^
and many important measures were to be immediately ( y
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many on
this point. Under these trying circumstances President
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of
affairs, he has happily surprised the Nation, acting so
justly, so wisely, so well, that but few have criticised
his administration. Should he continue during the
remainder of his term to pursue the wise policy he
has followed thus far, we believe President Arthur's
administration will go down in history as one of the
wisest and most satisfactory our country has ever
enjoyed. His highest ambition seems to be to do his ^p)
duty to the whole Nation, even to the sacrifice of his
warmest personal friends. With the good of the
people at heart, and guided by the wisdom already
displayed, he will surprise his opponents, gratify his
friends, and bless the American Republic, during
the years he occupies the Presidential chair.

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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TEPHEN T. MASON, the
first Governor of Michigan, was
a son of Gen. John T. Mason,
of Kentucky, but was born in
Virginia, in 1812. At the age
■^ of 19 he was appointed Secre-
/a tary of Michigan Territory, and
served in that capacity during the
administration of Gov. George B.
Porter. Upon the death of Gov.
Porter, which occurred on the 6tb of
July, 1834, Mr. Mason became Act-
ing Governor. In October, 1835, he
was elected Governor under the State
organization, and immediately en-
tered upon the performance of the
duties of the office, although the
State was not yet admitted into the Union. After
the State was admitted into the Union, Governor
Mason was re-elected to the position, and served with
credit to himself and to the advantage of the State.
He died Jan. 4, 1843. The principal event during
Governor Mason's official career, was that arising from
the disputed southern boundary of the State.

Michigan claimed for her southern boundary aline
running east across the peninsula from the extreme
southern point of Lake Michigan, extending through
Lake Erie, to the Pennsylvania line. This she
claimed as a vested right — a right accruing to her by
compact. This compact was the ordinance of 1787,
the parties to which were the original 13 States, and
the territory northwest of the Ohio ; and, by the suc-
cession of parties under statutory amendments to the
ordinance and laws of Congress — the United States on
the one part, and each Territory northwest of the
Ohio, as far as affected by their provisions, on the

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other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the prior
grant, or assignation of boundary.

Ohio, on the otherhand,claimed that the ordinance
had been superseded by the Constitution of the
United States, and that Congress had a right to regu-
late the boundary. It was also claimed that the
Constitution of the State of Ohio having described a
different line, and Congress having admitted the State
under that Constitution, without mentioning the sub-
ject of the line in dispute. Congress had thereby given
its consent to the line as laid down by the Constitu-
tion of Ohio. This claim was urged by Ohio at
some periods of the controversy, but at others she ap-
peared to regard the question unsettled, by the fact
that she insisted upon Congress taking action in re-
gard to the boundary. Accordingly, we find that, in
1812, Congress authorized the Surveyor-General to
survey a line, agreeably to the act, to enable the people
of Ohio to form a Constitution and State government.
Owing to Indian hostilities, however, the line was not
run till i8r8. In 1820, the question in dispute
underwent a rigid exanrination by the Committee on
Public Lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously
urged by her delegation, and as ably opposed by Mr.
Woodbridge, the then delegate from Michigan. The
result was that the committee decided unanimously
in favor of Michigan; but, in the hurry of business,
no action was taken by Congress, and the question
remained open till IVIichigan organized her State gov-
ernment.

The Territory in dispute is about five miles in
width at the west end, and about eight miles in width
at the east end, and extends along the whole north-
ern line of Ohio, west of Lake Erie. The line claimed
by Michigan was known as the " Fulton line," and
that claimed by Ohio was known as the" Harris line,"

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STEPHEN T. MASON.

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from the names of the surveyors. The territory was
valuable for its rich agricultural lands; but the chief
value consisted in the fact that the harbor on the
Maumee River, where now stands the flourishing city
of Toledo, was included within its limits The town
originally bore the name of Swan Creek, afterwards
Port Lawrence, then Vestula, and then Toledo.

In February, 1835, the Legislature of Ohio passed
an act extending the jurisdiction of the State over
the territory in question; erected townships and
directed them to hold elections in April following. It
also directed Governor Lucus to appoint three com-
missioners to survey and re-mark the Harris line ; and
named the first of April as the day to commence the
survey. Acting Governor Mason, however, anticipated
this action on the part of the Ohio Legislature, sent
a special message to the Legislative Council, appris-
ing it of Governor Lucas' message, and advised imme-
diate action by that body to anticipate and counteract
the proceedings of Ohio. Accordingly, on the 12th
of February, the council passed an act making it a
crimmal offence, punishable by a heavy fine, or im-
prisonment, for any one to attempt to exercise any
official functions, or accept any office within the juris-
diction of Michigan, under or by virture of any au-
thority not derived from the Territory, or the United
States. On the 9th of March, Governor Mason wrote
General Brown, then in command of the Michigan
militia, directing him to hold himself in readiness to
meet the enemy in the field in case any attempt was
made on the part of Ohio to carr)' out the provisions
of that act of the Legislature. On the 31st of ALirch,
Governor Lucus, with his commissioners, arrived at
Perrysburgh, on their way to commence re-surveying
the Harris line. He was accompanied by General
Bell and staff, of the Ohio Militia, who proceeded to
muster a volunteer force of about 600 men. This
was soon accomplished, and the force fully armed and
equipped. The force then went into camp at Fort
Miami, to await the Governor's orders.

In the meantime, Governor Mjson, with General
Brown and staff, had raised a force 800 to 1200
strong, and were in possession of Toledo. General
Brown's Staff consisted of Captain Henry Smith, of
Monroe, Inspector; Major J. J. Ullman, of Con-
stantine. Quartermaster; AVilliam E. Broadman, of
Detroit, and Alpheus Felch, of Monroe, Aids-de-
camp. When Governor Lucas observed the deter-
mined bearing of the Michigan braves, and took note

oPtheir number, he found it convenient to content
himself for a time with " watching over the border."
Several days were passed in this exhilarating employ-
ment, and just as Governor Lucas had made up his
mind to do something rash, two commissioners ar-
rived from Washington on a mission of peace. They
remonstrated with Gov. Lucus, and reminded him of
the consequences to himself and his State if he per-
sisted in his attempt to gain possessiondf the disputed
territory by force. After several conferences with
both governors, the commissioners submitted proposi-
tions for their consideration.

Governor Lucas at once accepted the propositions,
and disbanded his forces. Governor Mason, on the
other hand, refused to accede to the arrangement, and
declined to compromise the rights of his people by a
surrender of possession and jurisdiction. When Gov-
ernor Lucus disbanded his forces, however, Governor
Mason partially followed suit, but still held himself
in readiness to meet any emergency that might arise.

Governor Lucus now supposed that his way was
clear, and that he could re-mark the Harris line -with-
out being molested, and ordered the commissioners
to proceed with their work.

In the meantime. Governor Mason kept a watch-
ful eye upon the proceedings. General Brown sent
scouts through the woods to watch their movements,
and report when operations were commenced. When
the surveying party got within the county of Lena-
wee, the under-sheriff of that county, armed with a
warrant, and accompanied by a posse, suddenly made
his appearance, and succeeded in arresting a portion
of tlie party. The rest, including the commissioners,
took to their heels, and were soon beyond the dis-
puted territory. They reached Perrysburgh the fol-
lowing day in a highly demoralized condition, and
reported they had been attacked by an overwhelm-
ing force of Michigan malitia, under command of
General Brown.

This summary breaking up of the surveying party
produced the most tremendous excitement throughout
Ohio. Governor Lucas called an extra session of the
Legislature. But little remains to be said in reference
to the " war." The question continued for some time
to agitate the minds of the opposing parties; and the
action of Congress was impatiently awaited. Michigan
was admitted into the Union on the condition that
she give to Ohio the disputed territory, and accept
in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did.

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SECOND GO VERNOR OF MICHIGAN.

William ^oodbridgb.^— ^fe-

ILLIAM WOODBRIDGE,
'ksecond Governor of Michigan,
was born at Norwich, Conn.,
Aug. 20, 1780, and died at
Detroit Oct. 20, 1861. He
was of a family of three brothers
and two sisters. His father,
Dudley VVoodbridge, removed to
Marietta, Ohio, about 1790. The
life of Wm. Woodbridge, by Chas.
Lauman, from which this sketch
is largely com piled, mentions noth-
ing concerning his early education
beyond the fact that it was such as
was afforded by the average school
of the time, except a year with the
French colonists at Gallipolis,
where he acquired a knowledge of
,1] the French language. It should
be borne in mind, however, that
home education at that time was
an indispensable feature in the
training of the young. To this and
and to a few studies well mastered,
is due that strong mental discipline which has served
as a basis for many of the grand intellects that have
adorned and helped to make our National history.
Mr. Woodbridge studied law at Marietta, having
as a fellow student an intimate personal friend, a
young man subsequently distinguished, but known
at that time simply as Lewis Cass. He graduated at
the law school in Connecticut, after a course there of
nearly three years, and began to practice at Marietta
in 1806. In June, r 806, he married, at Hartford, Con-
necticut, Juleanna, daughter of John Trumbell, a
distinguished author and judge ; and author of the

peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of the
Revolution, wrought such a magic change upon the
spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domes-
ricrelationsuntilthedeathofMrs. W., Feb. 2,19, i860.

Our written biographies necessarily speak more
fully of men, because of their active participation in
public affairs, but human actions are stamped upon
the page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled
the influence of good women upon the history of the
world will be read side by side with the deeds of men.
How much success and renown in life many men owe
to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W. en-
joyed the best means of eariy education that the
country afforded, and her intellectual genius enabled
her to improve her advantages. During her life, side
by side with the highest type of domestic and social
graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that
formed the crown of a faultless character. She was
a natural poet, and wrote quite a large number of fine
verses, some of which are preserved in a printed
memorial essay written upon the occasion of her
death. In this essay, it is said of her "to contribute
even in matters of minor importance, to elevate the
reputation and add to the well being of her husband
in the various stations he was called upon to fill, gave
her the highest satisfaction." She was an invalid
during the latter portion of her life, but was patient
and cheerful to the end.

In 1807, Mr. W. was chosen a representative to the
General Assembly of Ohio, and in 1809 was elected to
the Senate, continuing a member by re-election until
his removal from the State. He also held, by ap-
pointment, during the time the office of Prosecuting
Attorney for his county. He took a leading part in
the Legislature, and in 181 2 drew up a declaration and
resolutions, wliich passed the two houses unamiuously

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WILLIAM WOOD BRIDGE.

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and attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest
and most emphatic terms, the war measures of Presi-
dent Madison. During the period from 1804 to 18 14
the two law students, Woodbridge and Cass, had be-
come widely separated. The latter was Governor of
the Territory of Michigan under the historic "Governor
and Judges" plan, with the indispensable requisite of a
Secretary of the Territorry. This latter position was,
in 18 1 4, without solicitation on his part, tendered to
Mr. W. He accepted the position with some hesita-
tion, and entered upon its duties as soon as he could
make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio.
The office of Secretary involved also the duties of
collectorof customs at the port of Detroit, and during
the frequent absences of the Governor, the dischargeof
of his duties, also including those of Superintendent
of Indian Affairs. Mr. W. officiated as Governor for
about two years out of the eight years that he held the
office of Secretary. Under the administration of "Gov-
ernor and Judges," which the people of the Territory
preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time
after their numbers entitled them to a more popular
representative system, they were allowed no delegate
in Congress. Mr. W., as a sort of informal agent of
the people, by correspondence and also by a visit to
the National capital, so clearly set forth the demand
for representation by a delegate, that an act was
passed in Congressin iSipauthorizingone tobechosen.
Under this act Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence
of all parties. His first action in Congress was to secure
^^ the passage of a bill recognizing and confirming the
old French land titles in the Territory according to
the terms of the treaty of peace with Great Britain
at the close of the Revolution ; and another for the
construction of a Government road through the "black
swamps" from the Miami River to i:)etroit, thus open-
ing a means of land transit between Oliio and Mich-
igan. He was influential in securing the passage of
bills for the construction of Government roads from
Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and
for the improvement of La Plaisance Bay. The ex-
pedition for the exploration of the country around
Lake Superior and in the valley of the Upper Mis-
sissippi, projected by Governor Cass, was set on foot
by means of representations made to the liead of the
department by Mr. AV. While in Congress he stren-
uously maintained the right of Michigan to the strip
of territory now forming the northern boundary of
Ohio, which formed the subject of such grave dispute
between Ohio and Michigan at the time of the ad-
mission of the latter into the Union. He served
but one term as delegate to Congress, de-
clining further service on account of personal and
family considerations. Mr. W. continued to discharge
the duties of Secretary of the Territory up to the time
its Government passed into the "second grade."

In 1824, he was appointed one of a board of
commissioners for adjusting private land claims in

<^nii^

the Territory, and was engaged also in the practice of
his profession, having the best law library in the Ter-
ritory. In 1828, upon the recommendation of the
Governor, Judges and others, he was appointed by the
President, J. Q. Adams, to succeed Hon. James W ith-
erell, who had resigned as a Judge of what is conven-
tionally called the "Supreme Court" of the Territory.
This court was apparently a continuation of the Terri-
torial Court, under the "first grade" or "Governor and
Judges" system. .Although it was supreme in its ju-
dicial functions within the Territory, its powers and
duties were of a very general character.

In 1832, the term of his appointment as Judge ex-
piring. President Jackson appointed a successor, it -is
supposed on political grourids,muchto the disappoint-
ment of the public and the bar of the Territory. The
partisan feeling of the time extended into the Terri-
tory, and its people began to think of assuming the
dignity of a State government. Party lines becom-
ing very sharply drawn, he identified himself with
the Whigs and was elected a member of the Conven-
tion of 1835, which formed the first State Constitution.
In 1837 he was elected a member of the State Senate.

This sketch has purposely dealt somewhat in detail
with what may be called Judge W's. earlier career,
because it is closely identified with the early his-
tory of the State, and the development of its politi-
cal system. Since the organization of the State Gov-
ernment the history of Michigan is more familiar, and
hence no review of Judge W's career as Governor
and Senator will be attempted. He was elected Gov-
ernor in 1839, under a popular impression that the
affairs of the State had not been prudently adminis-
tered by the Democrats. He ser\'ed as Governor but
little more tlian a year, when he was elected to the
Senate of the United States.

His term in the Senate practically closed his polit-
ical life, although he was strongly urged by many
prominent men for the Whig nomination for Vice
President in 1848.

Soon after his appointment as Judge in 1828, Gov-
ernor W. took up ins residence on a tract of land
which he owned in the township of Spring Wells, a
short distance below what was then the corporate lim-
its of Detroit, where he resided during the remainder
of his life. Both in his public papers and private
communications, Governor W. shows himself a mas-
ter of language; he is fruitful in simile and illustra-
tion, logical in aiTangement, happy in the choice and
treatment of topics, and terse and vigorous in expres-
sion. Judge W. was a Congregationalist. His opinions
on all subjects were decided ; he was earnest and
energetic, courteous and dignified, and at times ex-
hibited a vein of fine humor that was the more at-
tractive because not too often allowed to come to the
surface. His letters and addresses show a deep and
earnest affection not only for his ancestral home, but
the home of his adoption and for friends and family.

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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tJO HK e. BARRY

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OHN STEWARD BARRY,
Governor of Michigan from
Jan. 3, 1842, to Jan. 5, 1846,
and from Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan.
I, 1852, was born at Amherst,
N. H., Jan. 29, 1802. His par-
«) ents, John and Ellen (Steward)
Barry, early removed to Rocking-
ham, Vt., where he remained until
i> he became of age, working on his
father's fann, and pursuing his
studies at the same time. He mar-
ried Mary Kidder, of Grafton, Vt.,
and in 1824 went to Georgia, Vt.,
where he had charge of an academy
for two years, meanwhile studying
law. He afterward practiced law in
that State. While he was in Georgia he was for some
time a member of the Governor's staff, with the title
of Governor's Aid, and at a somewhat earlier period
was Captain of a company of State militia. In 183 1
he removed to Michigan, and settled at White Pigeon,
where he engaged in mercantile business with I. W.
Willard.

Four years after, 1834, Mr. Barry removed to Con-

stantine and continued his mercantile pursuits. He
became Justice of the Peace at White Pigeon, Mich.)
in 1831, and held the office until the year 1835.
Mr. Barry's first public office was that of a member
of the first constitutional convention, which assembled
and framed the constitution upon which Michigan
was admitted into the Union. He took an important
and prominent part in the proceedings of that body,
and showed himself to be a man of far more than
ordinary ability.

Upon Michigan being admitted into the Union,
Mr. Barry was chosen State Senator, and so favorably
were his associates impressed with his abilities at the
first session of the Legislature that they looked to him
as a party leader, and that he should head the State
ticket at the following election. Accordingly he re-
ceived the nomination for Governor at the hands
of his party assembled in convention. He was
elected, and so popular was his administration that, in
1842, he was again elected. During these years
Michigan was embarrassed by great financial diffi-
culties, and it was through his wisdom and sound judg-
ment that the State was finally placed upon a solid
financial basis.

During the first year of Gov. Barr)''s first term, the
University at Ann Arbor was opened for the reception

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JOHN STEWARD BARRY.

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of students. The Michigan Central and Michigan
Southern railroads were being rapidly constructed, and
general progress was everywhere noticeable. In 1842,
the number of pupils reported as attending the public
schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. In 1843, ^
State land office was established at Marshall, which
was invested with the charge and disposition of all
the lands belonging to the State. In 1844, the ta.x-
able property of the State was found to be over
twenty-eight millions of dollars, the tax being at the
rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the
State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the
income from the railroads was nearly three hundred
thousand dollars. At this time the University of
Michigan had become so prosperous that its income
was ample to pay the interest on the University debt ;
and the amount of money which the State was able
to loan the several progressing railroads was one
hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were
made to increase the efficiency of the common schools
with good results In 1845, when Gov. Barry's sec-
ond term expired, the population of the State was
more than three hundred thousand.

The constitution of the State forbade more than two
consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the
position again in 1850 — the only instance of the kind
in the history of the State. He was a member of the
Territorial Legislature, of the Constitutional Conven-
tion, and afterward of the State House of Represent-
atives.

During Mr. Barry's third term as Governor the Nor-
mal School was established at Ypsilanti, which was
endowed with lands and placed in charge of a board
of education consisting of six persons. A new con-
stitution for the government of the State was also
adopted and the "Great Railway Conspiracy Case "
was tried. This grew out of a series of lawless acts
which had been committed upon the property of the
Michigan Central Railroad Company, along the line
of their road, and finally the burning of the depot
at Detroit, in 1850.

At a setting of the grand jury of Wayne County,
April 24, 1851, 37 men of the 50 under arrest for this
crime were indicted. May 20, following, the accused
parties appeared at the Circuit Court of Wayne, of
which Warner Wing was resident judge. The Rail-
road Company employed ten eminent lawyers, in-
cluding David Stuart, John Van Arman, James A.
Van Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, Alex. D. Fraser, Dan-
iel Goodwin and William Gray. The defendants were
represented by six members of the State bar, led by
William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied
four months, during which time the plaintiffs exam-
ined 246 witnesses in 27 days, and the defendants
249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed the jury
for the prosecution; William H. Seward for the
defense.

The great lawyer was convinced of the innocence

of his clients, nor did the verdict of that jury and the
sentence of that judge remove his firm belief that his
clients were the victims of purchased treachery,
rather than so many sacrifices to justice.

The verdict of " guilty " was rendered at 9 o'clock
p. M., Sept. 25, 185 1. On the 26th the prisoners were
put forward to receive sentence, when many of them
protested their entire innocence, after which the pre-
siding judge condemned 12 of the number to the fol-
lowing terms of imprisonment, witli hard labor, within
the State's prison, situate in their county : Ammi
Filley, ten years; Orlando L. Williams, ten years;
Aaron Mount, eight years; Andrew J. Freeland, eight
years; Eben Farnham, eight years; William Corvin,
eight years ; Richard Price, eight years; Evan Price,
eight years; Lyman Champlin, five yeare ; Willard
W. Champlin, five years; Erastus Champlin, five
years; Erastus Smith, five years.

In 1840, Gov. Barry became deeply interested in
the cultivation of the sugar beet, and visited Europe
to obtain information in reference to its culture.

He was twice Presidential Elector, and his last
public service was that of a delegate to the National
Democratic Convention held in Chicago in 1864.

He was a man who, throughout life, maintained a
high character for integrity and fidelity to the trusts
bestowed upon him, whether of a public or a private
nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been
one of the most efficient and popular Governors the
State has ever had.

Gov. Barry was a man of incorruptible integrity.
His opinions, which he reached by the most thorough
investigation, he held tenaciously. His strong con-
victions and outspoken honesty made it impossible for
him to take an undefined position when a principle
was involved. His attachments and prejudices were
strong, yet he was never accused of favoritism in his
administration of public affairs. As a speaker he was
not remarkable. .Solidity, rather than brilliancy, char-
acterized his oratory, which is described as argument-
ative and instructive, but cold, hard, and entirely
wanting in rhetorical ornament. He was never elo-
quent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner
rather awkward.

Although Mr. Barry's educational advantages were
so limited, he was a life-long student. He mastered
both ancient and modern languages, and acquired a
thorough knowledge of history. No man owed less
to political intrigue as a means of gaining posi-
tion. He was a true statesman, and gained public es-
teem by his solid worth. His political connections
were always with the Democratic party, and his opin-
ions were usually extreme.

Mr. Barry retired to private life after the beginning
of the ascendency of the Republican party, and car-
ried on his mercantile business at Constantine. He
died Jan. 14, 1870, his wife's death having occurred a
year previous, March 30, 1869. They left no children.

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GC VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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LPHEUS FELCH, the third
Governor of Michigan, was
born in Limerick, Maine, Sep-
tember 28, 1806. His grand-
father, Abijah Felch, was a sol-
dier in the Revolution ; and
when a young man, having with
others obtained a grant of land be-
tween the Great and Little Ossipee
Rivers, in Maine, moved to that re-
gion when it was yet a wilderness.
The father of Mr. Felch embarked in
mercantile life at Limerick. He was
the first to engage in that business in
that section, and continued it until
his death. The death of the father,
followed within a year by the death of
the mother, left the subject of this sketch, then three
years old, to the care of relatives, and he found a
home with his paternal grandfather, where he re-
mained until his death. Mr Felch received his early
education in the district school and a neighboring
academy. In 182 1 he became a student at Phillips
Exter Academy, and, subsequently, entered Bowdoin
College, graduated with the class of 1827. He at
once began the study of law and was admitted to
practice at Bangor, Me., in 1830.

He began the practice of his profession at Houlton,
Me., where he remained until 1833. The severity
of the climate impaired his health, never very good,
and he found it necessary to seek a change of climate.
He dis[X)sed of his library and started to seek
a new home. His intention was to join his friend,

Sargent S. Prentiss, at Vicksburg, Miss., but on his
arrival at Cincinnati, Mr. Felch was attacked by
cholera, and when he had recovered sufficiently to
permit of his traveling, found that the danger of the
disease was too great to permit a journey down the
river. He therefore determined to come to Michi-
gan. He first began to practice in this State at Mon-
roe, where he continued until 1843, when he removed
to Ann Arbor. He was elected to the State Legisla-
ture in 1835, and continued a member of that body
during the years 1836 and 1837. While he held this
office, the general banking law of the State was enact-
ed, and went into operation. After mature delibera-
tion, he became convinced that the proposed system
of banking could not prove beneficial to the public
interests ; and that, instead of relieving the people
from the pecuniary difficulties under which they were
laboring, it would result in still further embarrass-
ment. He, therefore, opposed the bill, and pointed
out to the House the disasters which, in his opinion,
were sure to follow its passage. The public mind,
however, was so favorably impressed by the measure
that no other member, in either branch of the Legisla-
ture, raised a dissenting voice, and but two voted with
him in opposition to the bill. Early in 1838, he was
appointed one of the Bank Commissioners of the
State, and held that office for more than a year. Dur-
ing this time, the new banking law had given birth to
that numerous progeny known as "wild-cat" banks.
Almost every village had its bank. The country was
flooded with depressed "wild-cat" money. The ex-
aminations of the Bank Commissioners brought to
light frauds at every point, which were fearlessly re-

ALPHEUS FELCH.

■^iJ^S^S

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ported to the Legislature, and were followed by crim-
inal prosecutions of the guilty parties, and the closing
of many of their institutions. The duties of the of-
fice were most laborious, and in 1839 Mr. Felch re-
signed. The chartered right of almost every bank
had, in the meantime, beeii declared forfeited and
the law repealed. It was subsequently decided to
be constitutional by the Supreme Court of the State.
In the year 1S42 Governor Felch was appointed
to the office of Auditor General of the State ; but
after holding the office only a few weeks, was com-
missioned by the Governor as one of the Judges of the
Supreme Court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resig-
nation of Judge Fletcher. In January, 1843, he was
elected to the United States Senate for an unexpired
term. In 1845 he was elected Governor of Michigan,
and entered upon his duties at the commencement of
the next year. In 1847 he was elected a Senator
in Congress for six years ; and at once retired from
the office of Governor, by resignation, which took
effect March 4, 1847, when his Senatorial term com-
menced. While a member of the Senate he acted on
the Committee on Public Lands, and for four years
was its Chairman. He filled the honorable position
of Senator with becoming dignity, and with great
credit to the State of Michigan.

During Governor Felch's administration the two
railroads belonging to the State were sold to private
corporations, — the Central for $2,000,000, and the
Southern for $500,000. The exports of the State
amounted in 1846 to 114,647,608. The total capacity
of vessels enrolled in the collection district at Detroit
was 26,928 tons, the steam vessels having 8,400 and
the sailing vessels 18,528 tons, the whole giving em-
ployment to 18,000 seamen. In 1847, there were 39
counties in the State, containing 435 townships ; . and
275 of these townships were supplied with good libra-
ries, containing an aggregate of 37,000 volumes.

At the close of his Senatorial term, in March, 1853,
Mr. Felch was appointed, by President Pierce, one of
the Commissioners to adjust and settle the Spanish

and Mexican land claims in California, under the
treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, and an act of Congress
passed for that purpose. He went to California in
May, 1853, and was made President of the Commis-
sion. The duties of this office were of the most im-
portant and delicate character. The interest of the
new State, and the fortunes of many of its citizens,
both the native Mexican population and the recent
American immigration ; the right of the Pueblos to
their common lands, and of the Catholic Church to
the lands of the Missions, — the most valuable of the
State, — wereinvolved in the adjudications of this Com-
mission.- In March, 1856, their labors were brought
to a close by the final disposition of all the claims
which were presented. The record of their proceed-
ings, — the testimony which was given in each case,
and the decision of the Commissioners thereon, —
consisting of some forty large volumes, was deposited
in the Department of the Interior at Washington.

In June of that year. Governor Felch returned to
Ann Arbor, where he has since been engaged princi-
pally in legal business. Since his return he has
been nominated for Governor and also for U. S. Sen-
ator, and twice for Judge of the Supreme Court. But
the Democratic party, to which he has always been
attached, being in the minority, he failed of an elec-
tion. In 1873 he withdrew from the active practice
of law, and, with the e,xception of a tour in Europe,
in 1875 has since led a life of retirement at his home
in Ann Arbor. In 1877 the University of Michigan
conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. For
many years he was one of the Regents of Michigan
University, and in the spring of 1879 was appointed
Tappan Professor of Law in the same. Mr. Felch is
the oldest surviving member of the Legislature from
Monroe Co., the oldest and only surviving Bank Com-
missioner of the State, the oldest surviving Auditor
General of the State, the oldest surviving Governor of
the State, the oldest surviving Judge of the Supreme
Court of Michigan, and the oldest surviving LTnited
States Senator from the State of Michigan.

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GOVERNORS.

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ILLIAM L. GREENLY
^Governor of Michigan for the
year 1847, was born at Hamil-
ton, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept.
1 8, 1 8 1 3. He graduated at Un-
Wl ion College, Schenectady, in
1831, studied law and was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1834. In
1836, having removed to Michi-
gan, he settled in Adrian, where
he has since resided. The year
following his arrival in Michigan
he was elected State Senator and
served in that capacity until 1839.
In 1845 he was elected Lieut. Gov-
ernor and became acting Governor
by the resignation of Gov. Felch,
who was elected to the United
States Senate.
The war with Mexico was brought
to a successful termination during Gov. Greenly 's
administration. We regret to say that there are only
few records extant of the action of Michigan troops
in the Mexican war. That many went there and
fought well are points conceded ; but their names and
nativity are hidden away in United States archives

and where it is almost impossible to find them

The soldiers of this State deserve much of the ( >"
credit of the memorable achievements of Co. K, 3d •; '
Dragoons, and Cos. A, E, and G of the U. S. Inf ^
The two former of these companies, recruited in this
State, were reduced to one-third their original num-
ber.

In May, 1846, the Governor of Michigan was noti- W
fied by the War Department of the United States to
enroll a regiment of volunteers, to be held in readi-
ness for service whenever demanded. At his sum-
mons 13 independent volunteer companies, 11 of
infantry and two of cavalry, at oflce fell into line. Of
the infantry four companies were from Detroit, bear-
ing the honored names of Montgomery, Lafayette,
Scott and Brady upon their banners. Of the re-
mainder Monroe tendered two, Lenawee County three,
St. Clair, Berrien and Hillsdale each one, and Wayne
County an additional company. Of these alone the
veteran Bradys were accepted and ordered into ser-
vice. In addition to them ten companies, making the
First Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, springing
from various parts of the State, but embodying to a
great degree the material of which the first volunteers
was formed, were not called for until October follow-
ing. This regiment was soon in readiness and pro-
ceeded by orders from Government to the seat of war.

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GO VERNORS.

" EP^PPODITUS PIJSOEQ. |

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HE HON. EPAPHRODI-
TUS RANSOM, the Seventh
Governor of Michigan, was a
native of Massachusetts. In
that State he received a col-
legiate education, studied law,
and was admitted to the bar.
Removing to Michigan about
the time of its admission to the
Union, he took up his residence
at Kalamazoo.

Mr. Ransom served with marked
ability for a number of years in the
State Legislature, and in 1837 he was appointed As-
sociate Justice of the Supreme Court. In 1843 he
was promoted to Chief Justice, which office he re-
tained until 1845, when he resigned.

Shortly afterwards he became deeply interested in
the building of plank roads in the western portion of
the State, and in this business lost the greater portion
of the property which he had accumulated by years
of toil and industry.

Mr. Ransom became Governor of the State of
Michigan in the fall of 1847, and served during one
term, performing the duties of the office in a truly
statesmanlike manner. He subsequently became
President of the Michigan Agricultural Society, in

which position he displayed the same ability that

shone forth so prominently in his acts as Governor.
He held the office of Regent of the Michigan Univer-
sity several times, and ever advocated a liberal policy
in its management.

Subsequently he was appointed receiver of the
land office in one of the districts in Kansas, by Pres-
ident Buchanan, to which State he had removed, and
where he died before the expiration of his term of
office.

We sum up the events and affairs of the State un-
der Gov. Ransom's administration as follows : The
Asylum for the Insane was establised, as also the
Asylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Both of
these institutes were liberally endowed with lands,
and each of them placed in charge of a board of five
trustees. The appropriation in 1849 for the deaf and
dumb and blind amounted to $81,500. On the first
of March, 1848, the first telegraph line was com-
pleted from New York to Detroit, and the first dis-
patch transmitted on that day. The following figures
show the progress in agriculture : The land reported
as under cultivation in 1S48 was 1,437,460 acres; of
wheat there were produced 4,749,300 bushels; other
grains, 8,197,767 bushels; wool, 1,645,756 pounds;
maple sugar, 1,774,369 pounds; horses, 52,305 ; cat-
tle, 210,268; swine, 152,541; sheep, 610,534; while
the flour mills numbered 228, and the lumber mills
amounted to 730. 1847, an act was passed removing
the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and tempo-
rary buildings for the use of the Legislature were im-
mediately erected, at a cost of $12,450.

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GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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OBERT McClelland,

Governor of Michigan from
Jan. 1, 1852, to March 8,1853,
was born at Greencastle, Frank-
'^ Hn Co., Penn., Aug. i, 1807.
Among his ancestors were several
officers of rank in the Revolution-
ary war, and some of his family con-
>^ nections were distinguished in the
war of 1812, and that with Mexico.
His father was an eminent physician
and surgeon who studied under Dr.
Benj. Rush, of Pinladelphia, and
practiced his profession successfully
until six months before his death, at
the age of 84 years. Although Mr.
McClelland's family had been in good circum-
stances, when he was 17 years old he was thrown
upon his own resources. After taking the usual pre-
liminary studies, and teaching school to obtain the
means, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle,
Penn., from which he graduated among the first in
^ his class, in 1829. He then resumed teaching, and
having completed the course of study for the legal
profession, was admitted to the bar at Chambersburg,
Penn., in 1831. Soon aflenvard he removed to the
city of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a
year.

the Territory of Michigan, where, after a severe ex-
amination, he became a member of the bar of Michi-
gan, and engaged in practice with bright prospect of
success. In 1835, a convention was called to frame
a constitution for the proposed State of Michigan, of
which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. He
took a prominent part in its deliberations and ranked
among its ablest debaters. He was appointed the
first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Gov. Mason,
and received an offer of the Attorney Generalship, but
declined both of these offices in order to attend to his
professional duties.

In 1838, Mr. McClelland was elected to the State
Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished
as the head of several important committees. Speaker
pro tempore, and as an active, zealous and efficient
member. In 1840, Gen. Harrison, as a candidate for
the Presidency, swept the country with an overwhelm-
ing majority, and at the same time the State of Michi-
gan was carried by the Whigs under the popular cry
of " Woodbridge and reform " against the Democratic
party. At this time Mr. McClelland stood among the
acknowledged leaders of the latter organization ; was
elected a member of the State House of Representa-
tives, and with others adopted a plan to regain a lost
authority and prestige.

This party soon came again into power in the State,
and having been returned to the State Legislature Mr.
McClelland's leadership was acknowledged by his
election as Speaker of the House of Representatives

In 1833, Mr. McClelland removed to Monroe, in

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ROBERT McClelland,

in 1843. Down to this time Michigan had consti-
tuted one congressional district. The late Hon. Jacob
M. Howard had been elected against Hon. Alpheus
Felch by a strong majority ; but, in 1 843, so thoroughly
had the Democratic party recovered from its defeat
of 1840 that Mr. McClelland; as a candidate for Con-
gress, carried Detroit district by a majority of about
2,500. Mr. McClelland soon took a prominent posi-
tion in Congress among the veterans of that body
During his first term he was placed on Committee on
Commerce, and organized and carried through what
were known as the " Harbor bills." The continued
confidence of his constituency was manifested in his
election to the 29th Congress. At the opening of this
session he had acquired a National reputation, and so
favorably was he known as a parlimentarian that his
name was mentioned for Speaker of the House of Rep-
resentatives. He declined the offer in favor of J. W.
Davis, of Indiana, who was elected. During this term
he became Chairman of Committee on Commerce, in
which position his reports and advocacy of important
measures at once attracted public attention. The
members of this committee, as an evidence of the es-
teem in which they held his services and of their
personal regard for him, presented him with a cane
which he retains as a souvenir of the donors, and of
his labors in Congress.

In 1847, Mr, McClelland was re-elected to Con-
gress, and at the opening of the 30th Congress be-
came a member of the Committee on Foreign Rela-
tions. While acting in this capacity, what was known
as the " French Spoliation Bill" came under his spe-
cial charge, and his management of the same was such
as to command universal approbation. While in
Congress, Mn McClelland was an advocate of the
right of petition as maintained by John Q. Adams,
when the petition, was clothed in decorous language
and presented in the proper manner. This he re-
garded as the citizens'constitutional right which should
not be impaired by any doctrines of temporary expe-
diency. He also voted for the adoption of Mr. Gid-
dings's bill for the abolishing of slavery in the District
of Columbia. Mr. McClelland was one of the few
Democrats associated with David Wilmot, of Penn-
sylvania, in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot
Proviso,'' with a view to prevent further extension of
slavery in new territorj' which might be acquired by
the United States. He and Mr. Wilmot were to-
gether at the time in Washington, and on intimate
and confidential terms. Mr. McClelland was in sev-
eral National conventions and in the Baltimore con-
vention, which nominated Gen. Cass for President,
in 1848, doing valiant service that year for the elec-
tion of that distinguished statesman. On leaving
Congress, in 1848, Mr. McClelland returned to the
practice of his profession at Monroe. In 1850 a
convention of the State of Michigan was called to
revise the State constitution. He was elected a

member and was regarded therein as among the ablest
and most experienced leaders. His clear judgment
and wise moderation were conspicuous, both in the
committee room and on the floor, in debate. In 1850,
he was President of the Democratic State convention
which adopted resolutions in support of Henry Clay's
famous compromise measures, of which Mr. AlcClel-
land was a strong advocate. He was a member of
the Democratic National convention in 1852, and in
that year; in company with Gen^ Cass and Governor
Felch) he made a thorough canvass of the State.
He continued earnestly to advocate the Clay com-
promise measures, and took an active part in the
canvass which resulted in the election of Gen. Pierce
to the Presidency.

In 1851, the new State constitution took effect and
it was necessary that a Governor should be elected
for one year in order to prevent an interregnum, and
to bring the State Government into operation under
the new constitution. Mr. McClelland was elected
Governor, and in the fall of 1852 was re-elected for
a term of two years, from Jan. i, 1853. His admin-
istration was regarded as wise, prudent and concilia-
tory, and was as popular as could be expected at a
time when party spirit ran high. There was really
no op[X)sition,and when he resigned, in March, 1853,
the State Treasury was well filled, and the State
otherwise prosperous. So widely and favorably had
Mr. McClelland become known as a statesman that on
the organization of thecabinet by President Pierce, in
March, 1S53, he was made Secretary of the Interior, in
which capacity he served most creditably during four
years of the Pierce administration. He thoroughly
re-organized his department and reduced the expend-
itures. He adopted a course with the Indians which
relieved them from the impositions and annoyances
of the traders, and produced harmony and civilization
among them. During his administration there was
neither complaint from the tribes nor corruption among
agents, and he left the department in perfect order
and system. In 1867, Michigan again called a con-
vention to revise the State constitution. ]\Ir. McClel-
land was a member and here again his long experi-
ence made him conspicuous as a prudent adviser, a
sagacious parliamentary leader. As a lawyer he was
terse and pointed in argument, clear, candid and im-
pressive in his addresses to the jury. His sincerity
and earnestness, with which was occasionally mingled
a pleasant humor, made him an able and effective
advocate. In speaking before the people on political
subjects he was especially forcible and happy. In
1870 he made the tour of Europe, which, through his
extensive personal acquaintance with European dip-
lomates, he was enabled to enjoy much more than
most travelers.

Mr. McClelland married, in 1837, Miss Sarah
E. Sabin, of Williamstown, Mass. They have had
six children, two of whom now survive.

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

NDREW PARSONS, Gover-
nor of Michigan from March
8, 1853 to Jan. 3, 1855, was
born in the town of Hoosick,
a County of Rensselaer, and

"^^ State of New York, on the 22d
day of July, 1817, and died June
6, 1855, at the early age of 38
years. He was the son of John
Parsons, born at Newbury port,
|Mass., Oct. 2, 1782, and who was the
son of Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary
soldier, who was the son of Phineas
Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons,
a descendant of Walter Parsons, born
in Ireland in 1290.
Of this name and family, some one hundred and
thirty years ago. Bishop Gilson remarked in his edi-
tion of Camden's Britannia: "The honorable family
of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity of
Viscounts and more lately Earls of Ross."

The following are descendants of these families :
Sir John Parsons, born i48i,was Mayor of Hereford;
Robert Parsons, born in 1546, lived near Bridgewater,
England. He was educated at Ballial College, Ox-
ford, and was a noted writer and defender of the
Romish faith. He established an English College at
Rome and another at Valladolia. Frances Parsons,
born in T556, was Vicar of Rothwell, in Notingham;
Bartholomew Parsons, born in 1618, was another
noted member of the family. In 1634, Thomas Parsons
was knighted by Charles i. Joseph and Benjamin,
brothers, were born in Great Torrington, England,

and accompanied their father and others to New
England about 1630. Samuel Parsons, born at Salis-
bury, Mass., in 1707, graduated at Harvard College in
1730, ordained at Rye, N. H.,Nov. 3, 1736, married
Mary Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Boston,
Oct. 9, 1739, died Jan. 4, 1789, at the age of 82, in
the 53rd year of his ministry. The grandfather of Mary
Jones was Capt. John Adams, of Boston, grandson
of Henry, of Braintree, who was among the first set-
tlers of Massachusetts, and from whom a numerous
race of the name are descended, including two Presi-
dents of the United States. The Parsons have be-
come very numerous and are found throughout New
England, and many of the descedants are scattered
in all parts of the United States, and especially in
the Middle and Western States. Governor Andrew
Parsons came to Michigan in 1835, at the age of 17
years, and spent the first summer at Lower Ann
Arbor, where for a few months he taught school which
he was compelled to abandon from ill health.

He was one of the large number of men of sterling
wor*, who came from the East to Michigan when it
was an infant State, or, even prior to its assuming
the dignity of a State, and who, by their wisdom,
enterprise and energy, have developed its wonderful
natural resources, until to-day it ranks with the proud-
est States of the Union. These brave men came to
Michigan with nothing to aid them in the conquest
of the wilderness save courageous hearts and strong
and willing hands. They gloriously conquered, how-
ever, and to them is due all honor for the labors
so nobly performed, for the solid and sure foundation
which they laid of a great Commonwealth.

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ANDREW PARSONS.

In the fall of 1835, he explored the Grand River
Valley in a fraii canoe, the whole length of the river,
from Jackson to Lake Michigan, and spent the following
winter as clerk in a store at Prairie Creek, in Ionia,
County, and in the spring went to Marshall, where he
resided with his brother, the Hon. Luke H. Parsons,
also now deceased, until fall, when he went to Shia-
■wasseCounty,then with Qinton County, and an almost
unbroken wilderness and constituting one organized
township. In 1837 this territory was organized into
a county and, at the age of only 19 years, he (An-
drew) was elected County Clerk. In 1840, he was
elected Register of Deeds, re-elected in 1842, and
also in 1844. In 1846, he was elected to the State
Senate, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in 1848,
and elected Regent of the University in 185 1, and
Lieutenant Governor, and became acting Governor,
in 1853, elected again to the Legislature in 1854, and,
*• overcome by debilitated health, hard labor and the
responsibilities of his office and cares of his business,
retired to his farm, where he died soon after.

He was a fluent and persuasive speaker and well
^ calculated to make friends of his acquantances. He

vi ) was always true to his trust, and the whole world
could not persuade nor drive him to do what he con-
ceived to be wrong. When Governor, a most power-
ful railroad influence was brought to bear upon him,
to induce him to call an e.xtra session of the Legisla-
ture. Meetings were held in all parts of the State
for that purpose. In some sections the resolutions
were of a laudatory nature, intending to make him do
their bidding by resort to friendly and flattering wferds.
In other places the resolutions were of a demanding
nature, while in others they were threatening beyond
measure. Fearing that all these influences might

(g> fail to induce him to call the e.xtra session, a large
sum of money was sent him, and liberal offers ten-

^ dered him if he would gratify the railroad interest of
the State and call the extra session, but, immovable,
he returned the money and refused to receive
any favors, whether from any party who would at-
tempt to corrupt him by laudations, liberal offers, or

by threats, and in a short letter to the people, after
giving overwhelming reasons that no sensible man
could dispute, showing the circumstances were not
"e.xtraordinary," he refused to call the extra session.
This brought down the wrath of various parties upon
his head, but they were soon forced to acknowledge
the wisdom and the justice of his course. One of
his greatest enemies said, after a long acquaintance :
"though not always coinciding with his views I never
doubted his honesty of purpose. He at all times
sought to perform his duties in strict accordance,
with the dictates of his conscience, and the behests
of his oath." The following eulogium from a politcal op-
ponent is just in its conception and creditable to its
author: "Gov. Parsons was a politician of the Dem-
ocratic school, a man of pure moral character, fixed
and exemplary habits, and entirely blameless in every
public and private relation of life. As a politician he
was candid, frank and free from bitterness, as an ex-
ecutive officer firm, constant and reliable." The
highest conrmendations we can pay the deceased is
to give his just record, — that of being an honest man.
In the spring of 1854, during the administration of
Governor Parsons, the Republican party, at least
as a State organization, was first formed in the United
States " under the oaks " at Jackson, by anti-slavery
men of both the old parties. Great excitement pre-
vailed at this time, occasioned by the settling of
Kansas, and the issue thereby brought up, whether
slavery should exist there. For the purpose of permit-
ting slavery there, the "Missouri compromise" (which
limited slavery to the south of 36° 30') was re-
repealed, under the leadership of Stephen A, Douglas.
This was repealed by a bill admitting Kansas and
Nebraska into the Union, as Territories, and those who
were opposed to this repeal measure were in short
called "anti-Nebraska" men. The epithets, "Ne-
braska" and "anti-Nebraska," were temporally em-
ployed to designate the slavery and anti-slavery
parties, pending the desolution of the old Democratic
and Whig parties and the organization of the new
Democratic and Republican parties of the present.

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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s>=s«^

a KiNBLKY ©. BiNQHAM. M

INSLEY S. BINGHAM,
Governor of Michigan from
1855 to 1859, and United
States Senator, was born in
Camillus, Onondaga County,
N. Y., Dec. 16, 1808. His
father was a farmer, and his own
early life was consequently de-
voted to agricultural pursuits, but
notwithstanding the disadvan-
tages related to the acquisition
y of knowledge in the life of a farmer
he managed to secure a good aca-
demic education in his native State
and studied law in the office of
Gen. James R. Lawrence, now of
Syracuse, N. Y. In the spring of
1833, he married an estimable lady
who had recently arrived from Scot-
land, and obeying the impulse of a
naturally enterprising disposition,
he emigrated to Michigan and
purchased a new farm in company
with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert
Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston County. Here, on
the border of civilization, buried in the primeval for-
est, our late student commenced the arduous task of
preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, put-
ting up buildings, etc., at such a rate that the land

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chosen was soon reduced to a high state of cultivation.

Becoming deservedly prominent, Mr. Bingham was
elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and Post-
master under the Territorial government, and was the
first Probate Judge in the county. In the year 1S36,
when Michiga:i 1 ecame a State, he was elected to the
first Legislature. He was four times re-elected, and
Speaker of the House of Representatives three years.
In 1846 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, Reii-
resentative to Congress, and was the only practical
farmer in that body. He was never forgetful of the
interest of agriculture, and was in particular opposed
to the introduction of " Wood's Patent ("ast Iron
Plow " which he completely prevented. He was re-
elected to Congress in 1848, during which time he
strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the
territory of the United States and was committed to
and voted for the AVilmot Proviso.

In 1854, at the first organization of the Republican
party, in consequence of his record in Congress as a
Free Soil Democrat, Mr. Bingham was nominated
and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in
1856. Still faithful to the memory of his own former
occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his
administrition, and among other profits of his zeal in
their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the
establishment of the Agricultural College at Lansing.

In 1859, Governor Bingham was elected Senator in ^i
Congress and took an active part in the stormy cam- (^
paign in the election of Abraham Lincoln. He wit- ^

138

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KINSLEY S. BINGHAM.

nessed the commencement of the civil war while a
member of the United States Senate. After a com-
paratively short life of remarkable promise and pub-
he activity he was attacked with apijoplexy and died
suddenly at his residence, in Green Oak, Oct. 5, 1861.
The most noticable event in Governor Bingham's
first term was the completion of the ship canal, at the
Falls of St. Mary. In 1852, Angust 26, an act of
Congress was approved, granting to the State of Mich-
igan seven hundred and fifty thousand acres of land
for the purpose of constructing a ship canal between
Lakes Huron and Superior. In 1853, the Legislature
accepted the grant, and provided lor the appointment
of commissioners to select the donated lands, and to
arrange for building the canal. A company of enter-
prising men was formed, and a contract was entered
into by which it was arranged that the canal should
be finished m two years, and the work was pushed
rapidly forward. Every article of consumption, ma-
chinery, working implements and materials, timber
for the gates, stones for the locks, as well as men and
supplies, had to be transported to the site of the canal
from Detroit, Cleveland, and other lake ports. The
rapids which had to be surmounted have a fall of
' seventeen feet and are about one mile long. The
I length of the canal is less than one mile, its width one
hundred feet, depth twelve feet and it has two locks
of solid masonary. In May, 1SS5, the work was com-
pleted, accepted by the commissioners, and formally
delivered to the State authorities.

The disbursements on account of the construction
of the canal and selecting the lands amounted to one
million of dollars ; while the lands which were as-
signed to the company, and selected through the
agency at the Sault, as well as certain lands in the
Upper and Lower Peninsulas, filled to an acre the
Government grant. The opening of the canal was
an important event in the history of the improvement
of the State. It was a valuable link in the chain of
lake commerce, and particularly important to the
interests of the Upper Peninsula.

There were several educational, charitable and re-
formatory institutions inaugurated and opened during
Gov. Bingham's administrations. The Michigan Ag-
ncultural College owes its establishment to a provision
of the State Constitution of 1850. Article 13 says,
"The Legislature shall, as soon as practicable, prol
vide for the establishment of an agricultural school."
For the purpose of carying into practice this provision,
legislation was commenced in 1855, and the act re-
quired that the school should be within ten miles of
Lansing, and that not more than $15 an acre should
be paid for the farm and college grounds. The col-
lege was opened to students in May, 1857, the first of
exisdng argricultural colleges in the United States
Until the spring of i86i,it was under the control
of the State Board of Education; .since that time it
has been under the management of the State Board

-^sts^^jjTi— — -a_A^^

of Agriculture, which was created for that purpose.

In Its essential features, of combining study and
labor, and of uniting general and professional studies
in Its course, the college has remained virtually un-
changed from the first. It has a steady grow'th in
number of students, in means of illustration and
efficiency of instruction.

The Agricultural College is three miles east of
Lansing, comprising several fine buildings ; and there
are also very beautiful, substantial residences for the
professors. There are also an extensive, well-filled
green-house, a very large and well-equipped chemical
laboratory, one of the most scientific apiaries in the
United States, a general museum, a meseum of me-
chanical inventions, another of vegetable products,
extensive barns, piggeries, etc., etc., in fine trim for
the purposes designed. The farm consists of 676
acres, of which about 300 are under cultivation in a
systematic rotarion of crops.

Adrian College was established by the Wesleyan
Methodists in 1859, now under the control of the
Methodist Church. The grounds contain about 20
acres. There are four buildings, capable of accom-
modating about 225 students. Attendance in 1875
was 179; total number of graduates for previous year,
121 ; ten professors and teachers are employed. Ex-
clusive of the endowment fund ($80,000), the assets
of the institution, including grounds, buildings, furni-
ture, apparatus, musical instruments, outlying lands,
etc., amount to more than $137,000.

Hillsdale College was established in 1855 % t'le
Free Baptists. The Michigan Central College, at
Spring Arbor, was incorporated in 1845 It was kept
in operation until it was merged into the present
Hillsdale College. The site comprises 25 acres,
beautifully situated on an eminence in the western
part of the city of Hillsdale. The large and impos-
ing building first erected was nearly destroyed by fire
111 1874, and in its place five buildings of a more
modern style have been erected. They are of brick,
three stories with basement, arranged on three sides'
of a quadrangle. The size is, respectively, 80 by 80.
48 by 72, 48 by 72, 80 by 60,52 by 72, and thev con-
tain one-half more room than the original building.

The State Reform School. This was established
at Lansing in 1855, in the northeastern portion of the
city, as the House of Correction for Juvenile Of-
fenders, having about it many of the features of a
prison. In 1859 the name was changed to the State
Reform School. The government and dicipline, have
undergone many and radical changes, until all the
prison features have been removed except those that
remain in the walls of the original structure, and
which remain only as monuments of instructive his-
tory. No bolts, bars or guards are employed. The
inmates are necessarily kept under the surveillance of
officers, but the attempts at escape are much fewer
than under the more rigid regime of former days

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

141

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OSES WISNER, Governor of
Michigan from 1859 to 1861,
was born in Springport, Cayu-
ga Co., N Y., June 3, 1815.
His early education was only
Z"*^ what could be obtained at a
Dcommon school. Agricultural labor
and frugality of his parents gave
him a physical constitution of unus-
> ual strength and endurance, which
(was ever preserved by temperate hab-
its. In 1837 he emigrated to Michi-
K^ gan and purchased a farm in Lapeer
County It was new land and he at
once set to work to clear it and plant
crops. He labored diligently at his
task for two years, when he gave up
the idea of being a farmer, and removed to Pontiac,
Oakland Co. Here he commenced the study of law
in the office of his brother, George W. Wisner, and
Rufus Hosmer. In 1841 he was admitted to the bar
and established himself in his new vocation at the
village of Lapeer. While there he was apppointed
by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting Attorney for that
county, in which capacity he acquitted himself well
and gave promise of that eminence he afterward at-
tained in the profession. He remained at Lapeer but
a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became
a member of a firm and entered fully upon the
practice.

In politics he was like his talented brother, a Whig
of the Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided anti-
slaverybias. His practice becoming extensive, he

took little part in politics until after the election of
Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in 1852, when he took an
active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a
man of great ability, but relied less upon mere book
learning than upon his native good sense. Liberal »^
and courteous, was he yet devoted to the interest of /N
his client, and no facts escaped his attention or his
memory which bore upon the case. He was no friend
of trickery or artifice in conducting a case As an ad-
vocate he had few equals. When fully aroused by the
merits of his subject his eloquence was at once grace-
ful and powerful. His fancies supplied the most
original, the most pointed illustrations, and his logic
became a battling giant under whose heavy blows the
adversary shrank and withered. Nature had be-
stowed upon him rare qualities, and his powers as a
popular orator were of a high order.

On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of
1854, repealing the Missouri compromise and opening
the Territories to slavery, he was among the foremost %
in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He
actively participated in organizing and consolidating
the elements opposed to it in that State, and was a
member of the popular gathering at Jackson, in July,
1854, which was the first formal Republican Conven-
tion held in the United States. At this meeting the ^
name " Republican " was adopted as a designation of §^
the new party consisting of Anti-slavery, Whigs, \
Liberty men. Free Soil Democrats and all others op- "iy
posed to the extension of slavery and favorable to its
expulsion from the Territories and the District of
Columbia. At this convention Mr. W. was urged to
accept the nomination for Attorney General of the '

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142

MOSES WISNER.

^^^^m^®\m

State, but declined. An entire State ticket was nom-
inated and at the annual election in November was
elected by an average majority of nearly 10,000.
Mr. W. was enthusiastic in the cause and brought to
its support all his personal influence and talents. In
his views he was bold and radical. He believed from
the beginning that the political power of the slave-
holders would have to be overthrown before quiet
could be secured to the country. In the Presidential
canvass of 1856 he supported the Fremont, or Re-
publican, ticket. At the session of the Legislature of
1857 he was a candidate for United States Senator,
and as such received a very handsome support.

In 1858, he was nominated for Governor of the
State by the Republican convention that met at De-
troit, and at the subsequent November election was
chosen by a very large majority. Before the day of
the election he had addressed the people of almost
every county and his majority was greater even than
that of his popular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham.
He served as Governor two years, from Jan. i, 1859,
to Jan. I, 1861. His first message to the Legislature
was an able and statesman-like production, and was
read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake
to all the interests of the State and set forth an en-
lightened State policy, that had its view of the rapid
settlement of our uncultivated lands and the devel-
opment of our immense agricultural and mineral re-
sources. It was a document that reflected the highest
credit upon the author.

His term having expired Jan. i, 1861, he returned
to his home in Pontiac, and to the practice of his
profession. There were those in the State who
counselled the sending of delegates to the peace con-
ference at Washington, but Mr. W. was opposed to all
such temporizing expedients. His counsel was to
send no delegate, but to prepare to fight.

After Congress had met and passed the necessary
legislation he resolv ed to take part in the war. In
the spring and summer of 1862 he set to work to
raise a regiment of infantry, chiefly in Oakland
County, where he resided. His regiment, the 2 2d
Michigan, was armed and equipped and ready to
march in September, a regiment whose solid quali-
ties were afterwards proven on many a bloody field.
Col. W's. commission bore the date of Sept. 8, 1862.
Before parting with his family he made his will. His
regiment was sent to Kentucky and quartered at

Camp Wallace. He had at the breaking out of the
war turned his attention to military studies and be-
came proficient in the ordinary rules and discipline.
His entire attention was now devoted to his duties.
His treatment of his men was kind, though his disci-
pline was rigid. He possessed in an eminent degree
the spirit of command, and had he lived he would
no doubt have distinguished himself as a good
officer. He was impatient of delay and chafed at
being kept in Kentucky where there was so little
prospect of getting at the enemy. But life in camp,
so different from the one he had been leading, and
his incessant labors, coupled with that impatience
which was so natural and so general among the vol-
unteers in the early part of the war, soon made their
influence felt upon his health. He was seized with
typhoid fever and removed to a private house near
Lexington. Every care which medical skill or the
liand of friendship could bestow was rendered him.
In the delirious wanderings of his mind he was dis-
ciplining his men and urging them to be prepared for
an encounter with the enemy, enlarging upon the jus-
tice of their cause and the necessity of their crush-
ing the Rebellion. But the source of his most poig-
nant gnet was the prospect of not being able to come
to a hand-to-hand encounter with the "chivalry."
He was proud of his regiment, and felt that if it could
find the efiemy it would cover itself with glory, — a
distinction it afterward obtained, but not until Col. W.
was no more. The malady baffled all medical treat-
ment, and on the 5th day of Jan., 1863, he breathed
his last. His remains were removed to Michigan and
interred in the cemetery at Pontiac, where they rest
by the side of the brave Gen. Richardson, who re-
ceived his mortal wound at the battle of Antietam.
Col. W. was no adventurer, although he was doubtless
ambitious of military renown and would have striven
for it with characteristic energy. He went to the war
to defend and uphold the principles he had so much
at heart. Few men were more familiar than he with
the causes and the underlying principles that led to
the contest. He left a wife, who was a daughter of
Gen. C. C. Hascall, of Flint, and four children to
mourn his loss. Toward them he ever showed the
tenderest regard. Next to his duty their love and
welfare engrossed his thoughts. He was kind, gen-
erous and brave, and like thousands of others he
sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his cotintry.

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GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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USTIN BLAIR, Governor
of Michigan from Jan. 2,
1861, to Jan. 4, 1865, and
kown as the War Governor, is
and illustration of the benifi-
cent influence of republican in-
stitutions, having inherited neith-
er fortune nor fame. He was born
in a log cabin at Caroline, Tomp-
kins Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 18 18.
His ancestors came from Scot-
land in the time of George I, and
for many generations followed the
pursuit of agriculture. His father,
George Blair, settled in Tompkins
County in 1809, and felled the trees and erected the
first cabin in the county. The last 60 of the four-
score years of his life were spent on that spot. He
married Rhoda Beackman, who now sleeps with him
in the soil of the old homestead. The first 17 years
of Mr. Blair's life were spent there, rendering his
father what aid he could upon the farm. He then
spent a year and a half in Cazenovia Seminary pre-
paring for college ; entered Hamilton College, in
Clinton, prosecuted his studies until the middle of
the junior year, when, attracted by the fame of Dr.
Nott, he changed to Union College, from which he
graduated in the class of 1839. Upon leaving col-
lege Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet
& Davis, Oswego, N. Y., and was admitted to practice
in 1841, and the same year moved to Michigan, locat-

ing in Jackson. During a temporary residence in
Eaton Rapids, in 1S42, he was elected Clerk of Eaton
County. At the close of the official term he returned to
Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously espoused the cause
of Henry Clay in the campaign of 1844. He was chosen
Representative to the Legislature in 1845, at which
session, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he
rendered valuable service in the revision of the gen-
eral statutes ; also made an able support in favor of
abolishing the color distinction in relation to the elec-
tive franchise, and at the same session was active in
securing the abolition of capital punishment. In 1848
Mr. Blair refused longer to affiliate with the Whig
party, because of its refusial to endorse in convention
any anti-slavery sentiment. He joined the Free-soil
movement, and was a delegate to their convention
which nominated Van Buren for President that year.
Upon the birth of the Republican party at Jackson,
in 1854, by the coalition of the Whig and Free-soil
elements, Mr. Blair was in full sympathy with the
movement, and acted as a member of the Committee
on Platform. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney
of Jackson County in 1852 ; was chosen State Senator
two years later, taking his seat with the incoming Re-
publican administration of 1855, and holding the
position of parliamentary leader in the Senate. He
was a delegate to the National Convention which
nominated Abraham Lincoln in i860. Mr. Blair
was elected Governor of Michigan in i860, and re-
elected in 1862, faithfully and honorably discharging
the arduous duties of the office during that most mo-

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^ mentous and stormy period of the Nation s life. Gov.
(^J Blair possessed a clear comprehension of the perilous
'"'^ situation from the inception of the Rebellion, and his
J inaugural address foreshadowed the prompt executive
y policy and the administrative ability which charac-
terized his gubernatorial career.

Never perhaps in the history of a nation has a
brighter example been laid down, or a greater sacri-
fice been made, than that which distinguished Mich-
igan during the civil war. All, from the " War Gov-
ernor." down to the poorest citizen of the State, were
animated with a patriotic ardor at once magnificiently
sublime and wisely directed.

Very early in 1861 the coming struggle cast its
shadow over the Nation. Governor Blair, in his mes-
sage to the Legislature in January of that year, dwelt
(' ^ very forcibly upon the sad prospects of civil war; and
as forcibly pledged the State to support the principles

of the Republic. After a review of the conditions

v» of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the
= relations between the free and slave States of the
•^ Republic, saying: " While we are citizens of the State
^ of Michigan, and as such deeply devoted to her in-
) terests and honor, we have a still prouder title. We
are also citizeas of the United States of America. By
this title we are known among the nations of the earth.
In remote quarters of the globe, where the names of
the States are unknown, the flag of the great Republic,
the banner of the stars and stripes, honor and protect
f her citizens. In whatever concerns the honor, the
\ prosperity and the perpetuity of this great Govern-
ment, we are deeply interested. The people of Mich-
igan are loyal to that Government — faithful to its con-
stitution and its laws. Under it they have had peace
and prosperity; and under it they mean to abide to
■''"^ the end. Feeling a just pride in the glorious history
j of the past, they will not renounce the equally glo-
• •''.j rious hopes of the future. But they will rally around
i' the standards of the Nation and defend its integrity
J^ and its constitution, with fidelity." The final para-
■ Vi graph being:
^ " I recommend you at an early day to make mani-

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AUSTIN BLAIR.

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fest to the gentlemen who represent this State in the
two Houses of Congress, and to the country, that
Michigan is loyal to the Union, the Constitution, and
the laws and will defend them to the uttermost ; and
to proffer to the President of the United States, the
whole military power of the State for that purpose.
Oh, for the firm, steady hand of a Washington, or a
Jackson, to guide the ship of State in this perilous
storm ! Let us hope that we will find him on the 4th
of March. Meantime, let us abide in the faith of our
fathers — 'Liberty and Union, one and inseparable,
now and forever.

How this stirring appeal was responded to by the
people of Michigan will be seen by the statement
that the State furnished 88,1 11 men during the war.
Money, men, clothing and food were freely and abun-
dantly supplied by this State during all these years of
darkness and blood shed. No State won a brighter
record for her devotion to our country than the Pen-
insula State, and to Gov. Blair, more than to any
other individual is due the credit for its untiring zeal
and labors in the Nation's behalf, and for the heroism
manifested in its defense.

Gov. Blair was elected Representative to the
Fortieth Congress, and twice re-elected, to the Forty-
first and Forty-second Congress, from the Third Dis-
trict of Michigan. While a member of that body he
was a strong supporter of reconstruction measures,
and sternly opposed every form of repudiation. His
speech upon the national finances, delivered on the
floor of the House March 21, 1868, was a clear and
convincing argument. Since his retiretnent from Con-
gress, Mr. Blair has been busily occupied with his ex-
tensive law practice. Mr. Blair married Sarah L.
Ford, of Seneca County N. Y., in February, T849.
Their family consists of 4 sons — George H., a law
partner of A. J. Gould ; Charles A., a law partner with
hir father, and Fred. J. and Austin T. Blair, at home.
Governor Blair's religion is of the broad type, and
centers in the "Golden Rule." In 1883, Gov. Blair
was nominated for Justice of the Supreme Court
of the State by the Republican party, but was defeated.

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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ENRY HOWLAND CRAPO,

Governor of Michigan from
1865 to 1869, was born May
24, 1804, at Dartmouth, Bris-
tol Co., Mass., and died at
Flint, Mich., July 22, 1869.
was the eldest son of Jesse
and Phoebe (Howland) Crape.
His father was of French descent
and was very poor, sustaining his
family by the cultivation of a farm in
Dartmouth township, which yielded
nothing beyond a mere livelihood.
His early life was consequently one
^^|) of toil and devoid of advantages for
intellectual culture, but his desire for
an education seemed to know no bounds. The in-
cessant toil for a mere subsistence upon a compara-
tively sterile farm, had no charm for him ; and, longing
for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for
them in an education. His struggles to secure this
end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would
have discouraged any but the most courageous aud
persevering. He became an ardent student and
worker from his boyhood, though the means of carry-
ing on his studies were e.xceedingly limited. He
sorely felt the need of a dictionary; and, neither having
^ money wherewith to purchase it, nor being able to
procure one in his neighborhood, he set out to compile
one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of
the English language, he copied into a book every
word whose meaning he did not comprehend, and
upon meeting the same word again in the newspapers
and Ijooks, which came into his hands, from the

context, would then record the definition. Whenever
unable otherwise to obtain the 'signification of a word
in which he had become interested he would walk
from Dartmouth to New Bedford for that purpose
alone, and after referring to the books at the library
and satisfying himself thoroughly as to its definition,
would walk back, a distance of about seven miles,
the same night. This was no unusual circumstance.
Under such difficulties and in this manner he com-
piled quite an extensive dictionary in manuscript
which is believed to be still in existence.

Ever in pursuit of knowledge, he obtained posses-
sion of a book upon surveying, and applying himself
diligently to its study became familiar with this art,
which he soon had an opportunity to practice. The
services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was
called upon, but had no compass and no money with
which to purchase one. A compass, however, he
must and would have, and going to a blacksmith shop
near at hand, upon the forge, with such tools as he
could find in the shop, while the smith was at dinner,
he constructed the compass and commenced life as a
surveyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted him-
self for teaching, and took charge of the village school
at Dartmouth. When, in the course of time and un-
der the pressure of law, a high school was to be
opened, he passed a successful examination for its
principalship and received the appointment. To do
this was no small task. The law required a rigid
examination in various subjects, which necessitated
days and nights of study. One evening, after con-
cluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot
to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called
upon the preceptor of Friend's Academy and passed

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HENRY HOWLAND CRAPO.

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a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that
he was qualified, he walked back to his home the
same night, highly elated in being possessed of the
acquirements and requirements of a master of the
high school.

In 1832, at the age of 28 years, he left his native
town and went to reside at New Bedford, where he
followed the occupation of land surveyor, and oc-
casionally acted as an auctioneer. Soon after becom-
ing a citizen of this place, he was elected Town Clerk,
Treasurer, and Collector of taxes, which office he held
until the municipal government was changed, — about
fifteen years, — when, upon the inauguration of the city
government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector
of taxes, a position which he held two or three years.
He was also Justice of the Peace for many years.
He was elected Alderman of New Bedford; was
Chairman of Council Committee on Education, and
as such prepared a report upon which was based the
order for the establishment of llie free Public Library
of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crapo was
chosen a member of the Board of Trustees. This
wastlie first free public library in Massachusetts, if
not in the worid. The Boston Free Library was es-
tablished, however, soon afterwards. While a resident
in New Bedford, he was much interested in horticul-
ture, and to obtain the land necessary for carrying out
his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of
rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Here
he started a nursery, wliich he filled with almost every
description of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs,
flowers, etc. \\\ this he was 'very successful and took
great pride. He was a regular contributorto the New
England Horticultural Journal, a position he filled
as long as he lived in Massachusetts. As an indica-
tion of the wide reputation he acquired in that field
of labor, it may be mentioned that after his death an
affecting eulogy to liis memory was pronounced by the
President of the National Horticultural Society at its
meeting in Philadelphia, in 1869. During his resi-
dence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged
in the whaling business. A fine barque built at "Dart-
mouth, of which he was part owner, was named tlie
"H. H. Crapo" in compliment to him.

Mr. C. also took part in the State Militia, and for
several years held a commission as Colonel of one of
the regiments. He was President of the Bristol
County Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Secretary of
the Bedford Commercial Insurance Company in New
Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal gov-
ernmenthecompiled and published, between the years
1836 and 1845, five numbers of the New Bedford
Directory, the first work of the kind ever published
there.

Mr. C. removed to Michigan in r856, having been
induced to do so by investments made principally m
pine lands, first in 1837 and subsequently in 1856.
He took up his residence in the city of Flint, and en-

gaged largely in the manufacture and sale of lumber
at Flint, Fentonville, Holly and Detroit, becoming
one of the largest and most successful business men
of the State. He was mainly instrumental in the
construction of the Flint & Holly R. R., and was
President of that corporation imlil its consolidation
with the Flint & Pere Marquette R. R. Company.
He was elected Mayor of that city after he had been
a resident of the place only five or six years. In
1862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of
1864 he received the nomination on the Republican
ticket for Governor of the State, and was elected by a
large majority. He was re-elected in 1866, holding
the office two terms, and retiring in January, 1869,
having given tlie greatest satisfaction to all parties.

While serving his last term he was attacked with a
disease which terminated his life within one year
afterwards. During much of this time he was an in-
tense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his
attention to public matters. A few weeks previous
to his death a successful surgical operation was per-
formed which seemed rapidly to restore him, but he
overestimated his strength, and by too much exertion
in business matters and State affairs suffered arelapse
from which there was no rebound, and he died July
li, 1869.

In the early part of his life. Gov. Crapo affiliated
with the Whig party in politics, but became an active
member of the Republican party after its organization.
He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called
the Disciples') Church, and took great interest in its
welfare and prosperity.

Mr. C. married, June 9, 1825, Mary A. Slocum,
of Dartmouth. His marriage took place soon after
he had attained his majority, and before his struggles
with fortune had been rewarded with any great meas-
ure of success. But his wife was a woman of great
strength of character and possessed of courage, hope-
fulness and devotion, qualities which sustained and
encouraged her husband in the various pursuits of
his early years. For several years after his marriage
he was engaged in teaching school, his wife living
with her parents at the time, at whose home his two
older children were born. While thus situated he
was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see
his family, returning on Sunday in order to be ready
for school Monday morning. As the walk for a good
part of the time was 20 miles each way, it is evident
that at that period of his life no common obstacles
deterred him from performing what he regarded
as a duty. His wife was none the less consci-
entious in her sphere, and with added responsibilities
and increasing requirements she labored faithfully
in the perfomiance of all her duties. They had
ten children, one son and nine daughters. His son,
Hon, Wm. W. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now an
honored Representative to Congress from the First
Congressional District of Massachusetts.

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GO VKRNORS OF MICHIGAN.

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ENRY p. BALDWIN, Gov-
ernor of Michigan from Jan.
4, 1869, to Jan. I, 1873, is a
lineal descendant of Nathan-
3* iel Baldwin, a Puritan, of Buck-
V: ''.:,:';■ ^' inghamshire, England, who set-
tled at Milford, Conn., in 1639.
His father was John Baldwin,
a graduate of Dartmouth Col-
lege. He died at North Provi-
dence, R. I., in 1826. His
paternal grandfather was Rev.
Moses Baldwin, a graduate of
Princeton College, in 1757, and the
first who received collegiate hon-
ors at that ancient and honored institution. He died
at Parma, Mass., in 1813, where for more than 50
years he had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church.
On his mother's side Governor B. is descended from
Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Rox-
bury, Mass., about 1638. His mother was a daughter
of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard
College, who died at Brimfield, Mass., in 1796, where
for 21 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist
Church. The subject of this sketch was born at
Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New
England common-school education until the age of
12 years, when, both his parents having died, he be-
came a clerk in a mercantile establishment. He re-
mained there, employing his leisure hours in study,
until 20 years of age.

At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on
his own account. He made a visit to the West, in
1837, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in the
spring of 1838. Here he established a mercantile
house which has been successfully conducted until
the present time. Although he successfully conducted

a large business, he has ever taken a deep interest in
all things affecting the prosperity of the city and
State of his adoprion. He was for several years a
Director and President of the Detroit Young Men's
Society, an institution with a large library designed
for the benefit of young men and citizens generally.
An Episcopalian in religious belief, he has been
prominent in home matters connected with that de-
nomination. The large and flourishing parish of St.
John, Detroit, originated with Governor Baldwin, who
gave the lot on which the parish edifice stands, and
also contributed the larger share of the cost of their
erection. Governor B. was one of the foremost in
the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has
always been a liberal contributor to moral and relig-
ious enterprises whether connected with his own
Church or not. There have been, in fact, but few-
public and social improvements of Detroit during the
past 40 years with which Governor B.'s name is not
in some way connected. He was a director in the
Michigan State Bank until the expiration of its char-
ter, and has been President of the Second National
Bank since its organization.

In 1S60, Mr. Baldwin was elected to the State
Senate, of Michigan ; during the years of i86i-'2 he
was made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a
member of Committee on Banks and Incorporations,
Chairman of the Select Joint Committee of the two
Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Depart-
ment and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of
the letting of the contract for the improvement of
Sault St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected
Governor in 1868 and was re-elected in 1870, serving
from 1S69 to 1872, inclusive. It is no undeserved
eulogy to say that Governor B.'s happy faculty of es-
timating the necessary means to an end — the knowing
of how much effort or attention to bestow upon the
thing in hand, has been the secret of the uniform

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154

JIEJVJ? V p. BALD WIN.

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success that has attended his efforts in all relations
of life. The same industry and accuracy that dis-
tinguished him prior to this term as Governor was
manifest in his career as the chief magistrate of the
State, and while his influence appears in all things
with which he has had to do, it is more noticeable in
the most prominent position to which he was called.
With rare exceptions the important commendations
of Governor B. received the sanction of the Legislat-
ure. During his administration marked improve-
ments were made in the charitable, penal and reforma-
tory institutions of the State. The State Public School
for dependent children was founded and a permanent
commission for the supervision of the several State
institutions. The initiatory steps toward building the
Eastern Asylum for the Insane, the State House of
Correction, and the establishment of the State Board
of Health were recommended by Governor B. in his
message of 1873. The new State Capitol also owes
its origen to him. The appropriation for its erection
was made upon his recommendation, and the contract
for the entire work let under this administration.
Governor B. also appointed the commissioners under
whose faithful supervision the building was erected in
a manner most satisfactory to the people of the State.
He advised and earnestly urged at different times
such amendments of the constitution as would per-
mit a more equitable compensation to State officers
and judges. The law of 1S69, and prior also, permitting
municipalities to vote aid toward the construc-
tion of railroads was, in 1870, declared imconstitu-
tional by the Supreme Court. Many of the munici-
palities having in the meantime issued and sold their
bonds in good faith. Governor B. felt that the honor
and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense
of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the
Legislature to propose the submission to the people a
constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment
of such bonds as were already in the hands of io/ia-
fide holders. In his special message he says : "The
credit of no State stands liigher than that of Michigan,
and the people can not afford, and I trust will not
consent, to have her good name tarnished by the repu-
diation of either legal or moral obligations." A spe-
cial session was called in March, 1872, principally for
the division of the State into congressional districts.
A number of other important suggestions were made,
however, ard as an evidence of the Governor's la-
borious and thoughtful care for the financial condition

of the State, a series of tables was prepared and sub-
mitted by him showing, in detail, estimates of receipts,
expenditures and appropriations for the years 1872 to
1878, inclusive. Memorable of Governor B.'s admin-
istration were the devastating fires which swept over
many portions of the Northwest in the fall of 1871.
A large part of the city of Chicago having been re-
duced to ashes, Governor B. promptly issued a proc-
lamation calling upon the people of Michigan for
liberal aid in behalf of the afflicted city. Scarcely had
this been issued when several counties in his State
were laid waste by the same destroying, element.
A second call was made asking assistance for the suf-
fering people of Michigan. The contributions for
these objects were prompt and most liberal, more than
$700,000 having been received in money and supplies
for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were
these contributions during the short period of about
3 months, that the Governor issued a proclamation
expressing in behalf of the people of the State grate-
ful acknowldgment, and announcing that further
aid was unnecessary.

Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own
country and has also made several visits to Europe
and other portions of the Old World. He was a pas-
senger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and
bonded in the Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, by
Capt. Semmes, and wrote a full and interesting ac-
count of the transaction. The following estimate of
Governor B. on his retirement from office, by a leading
newspaper, is not overdrawn: "The retiring message
of Governor B., will be read with interest. It is
a characteristic document and possesses the lucid
statement, strong, and clear practical sense, which
have been marked features of all preceding documents
from the same source. Governor B. retired to private
life after four years of unusually successful adminis-
tration amid plaudits that are universal throughout the
State. For many years eminent and capable men
have filled the e-xecutive chair of this State, but in
painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, in genuine
public spirit, in thorough integrity and in practical
capacity, Henry P. Baldwin has shown himself to be
the peer of any or all of them. The State has been un-
usually prosperous during his two terms, and the State
administration has fully kept pace with the needs of
the times. The retiring Governor has fully earned
the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day
possesses to such remarkable degree,"

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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

157 ^^

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OHN JUDSON BAGLEY,
Governor of Michigan from
1873 to 1877, was born in
Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y.,
July 24, 1832. His father, John
Bagley, was a native of New
Hampshire, his mother, Mary M.
Bagley, of Connecticut. He at-
tended the district school of Lock-
port, N. Y., until he was eight years
old, at which time his father moved
to Constantine, Mich., and he at-
tended the common schools of that
village. His early experience was
like that of many country boys whose
parents removed from Eastern States
to the newer portion of the West.
His father being in very poor circum-
I stances, Mr. B. was obliged to work
as soon as he was able to do so.
Leaving school when 13 years of age
he entered a country store in Constan-
tine as clerk. His father then re-
tjjvj) moved toOwosso, Mich.,and he again
1 engaged as clerk in a store. From
early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading
and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of
such books, papers and periodicals as came within
his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he
secured employment in a tobacco manufactory and
remained in this position for about five years.

In 1853, he began business for himself in theman-
ufacturingof tobacco. His establishment has become

■^T^^I

L^:

one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B.
has also been greatly interested in other manufactur-
ing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and in-
surance corporations. He was President of the
Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one
of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life Insur-
ance Company of Detroit, and was its President from
1867 to 1872. He was a director of the Amer-
ican National Bank for many years, and a stock-
holder and director in various other corporations.
Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two
years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same jf
length of time. In 1865 he was appointed by Gover-
nor Crapo one of the first commissioners of the ^ '
Metropolitian police force of the city of Detroit, serv-
ing six years. In November, 1872, he was elected
Governor of Michigan, and two years later was re-
elected to the same office, retiring in January, 1877.
He was an active worker in the Republican party, and
for many years was Chairman of the Republican
State Central committee.

Governor Bagley was quite liberal in his religious
views and was an attendant of the Unitarian Church.
He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new
thought, from whatever source it may come, but was not
bound by any religious creed or formula. He held
in respect all religious opinions, believing that no one
can be injured by a firm adherence to a'^aith or de-
nomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan.
16, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev.
Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary of Michigan,
who took an active part in the early educational mat-
ters of the State and in the establishment of its ex-
cellent system of education. It was principally

i^^f

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r^^K ^^V^ntl ^ li D^>ir

158

JOHN J. BAGLEY.

through his exertions that the State University was
founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children.
As Governor his administration was charac-
terized by several important features, chief among
which were his efforts to improve and make popular
the educational agencies of the State by increasing
the faculty of the University for more thorough in-
struction in technical studies,by strengthening the hold
of the Agricultural College upon the public good will
and making the general change which has manifested
itself in many scattered primary districts. Among
others were an almost complete revolution in the
management of the penal and charitable institutions
of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking
the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the estab-
lishing of the system of dealing with juvenile oftend-
ers through county agents, which has proved of great
good in turning the young back from crime and plac-
ing the State in the attitude of a moral agent ; in se-
curing for the militia the first time in the histoiy of
Michigan a systematized organization upon a service-
able footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B.
in the earlier part of his administration that the law
creating the State Board of Health, and also the law
creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the
State, were passed, both of which have proved of great
benefit to the State. The successful representation
of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an
honorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s adminis-
tration.

As Governor, he felt that he represented the State
— not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same
sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rep-
resents his employer, and as the Executive of the
State he was her " attorney in fact." And his intelli-
gent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of
the people he so much loved. He was ambitious —
ambitious for place and power, as every noble mind
is ambitious, because these give opportunity. How-
ever strong the mind and powerful the will, if there
be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to
the fact that the more we have the more is required
of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He
had great hopes for his State and his country. He had
his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as
broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and
cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he
asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to
labor for them. Self entered not into the calculation.

g9»-

^^^^ — ^tK^uh

His whole life was a battle for others ; and he entered
the conflict eagerly and hopefully.

His State papers were models of compact, busi-
ness-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of
practical suggestions, and his administrations will long
be considered as among the ablest in this or any
other State.

His noble, generous nature made his innumerable
benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Liter-
ally, to him it was " more blessed to give than to
receive."

His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the com-
fort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his char-
ities were known to his most intimate friends, or even
to his family. Many a needy one has been the recipi-
ent of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew
the hand that gave.

At one time a friend had witnessed his ready re-
sponse to some charitable request, and said to him :
"Governor, you give away a large sum of money ; about
how much does your charities amount to in a year?"
He turned at once and said: "I do not know, sir; I
do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more
this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more
next year than I have this." This expressed his idea
of charity, that the giving should at all times be free
and spontaneous.

During his leasure hours from early life, and espe-
cially during the last few years, he devoted much time
to becoming acquainted with the best authors. Biog-
raphy was his delight; the last he read was the "Life
and Woik of John Adams," in ten volumes.

In all questions of business or public affairs he
seemed to have the power of getting at the kernel of
the nut in the least possible time. In reading he
would spend scarcely more time with a volume than
most persons would devote to a chapter. After what
seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value
the book contained. Rarely do we see a business
man so familiar with the best English authors. He
was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and
his elegant home was a study and a pleasure
to his many friends, who always found there a
hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend
days doing the work of Santa Claus. Every Christmas
eve he gathered his children about him and, taking
the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story,
closing the entertainment with "The Night Before
Christmas," or Dickens's "Christmas Carol."

■,>••-

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M CHARLES^

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HARLES M. CROSWELL,
^^^Governor of Michigan from
' Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. i, i88r,
was born at Newburg, Orange
County, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1825.
He is the only son of John and
SalHe (Hicks) Croswell. His
father, who was of Scotch-Irish
extraction, was a paper-maker,
and carried on business in New
York City. His ancestors on
his mother's side were of Knicker-
bocker descent. The Croswell
family may be found connected
with prominent events, in New York
and Connecticut, in the early exis-
tence of the Republic. Harry Cros-
well, during the administration of
President Jefferson, published a pa-
per called the Balance, and was
prosecuted for libeling the President
under the obnoxious Sedition Law.
He was defended by the celebrated
Alexander Hamilton, and the decis-
ion of the case establised the important ruling that
the truth might be shown in cases of libel. Another
member of the family was Edwin Croswell, the fam-
ous editor of the Albany Argus ; also. Rev. William
Croswell, noted as a divine and poet.

When Charles M. Croswell was seven years of age,
his father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson
River, at Newburg ; and, within three months preced-
ing that event, his mother and only sister had died, —
thus leaving him the sole surviving member of the
family, without fortune or means. Upon the death

of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in
1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. At
sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the car-
penter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for
four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare
time to reading and the acquirement of knowledge.
In 1846, he began the study of law, and was ap-
pointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The du-
ties of this office he performed four years, when he
was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected
in 1852. In 1854, he took part in the first movements
for the formation of the Republican party, and was a
member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jack-
son in that year, which put in the field the first Re-
publican State ticket in Michigan. In 1855, he
formed a law partnership with the present Chief-Jus-
tice Cooley, which continued until the removal of
Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor. »

In 1862, Mr. Croswell was appointed City Attorney
of Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city
in the spring of the same year; and in the fall was
chosen to represent Lenawee County in the State
Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864,
and again in 1866, during each term filling the posi-
tions above mentioned. Among various reports made
by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the
death penalty, and another against a proposition to
pay the salaries of State officers and judges in coin,
which then commanded a very large premium, may
be mentioned. He also drafted the act ratifying the
Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution,
for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first
amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan.
In 1863, from his seat in the State Senate, he de-
livered an elaborate speech in favor of the Proclama-

"^ 162

T2l4^5Kr

TCtllIl"^litlr->^

CHARLES M. CRO SWELL.

)

tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln,
and of his general policy in the prosecution of the
war. This, at the request of his Republican associ-
ates, was afterwards published. In 1867, he was
elected a member of the Constitutional Convention,
and chosen its presiding officer. This convention
was composed of an able body of men ; and though,
in the general distrust of constitutional changes
which for some years had been taking possession of
the people, their labors were not accepted by the pop-
ular vote, it was always conceded that the constitu-
tion they proposed had been prepared with great care
and skill.

In 1868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on
the Republican Presidential ticket; in 1872, was
elected a Representative to the State Legislature
from Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of
the House of Representatives. At the close of the
session of that body his abilities as a parliamentarian,
and the fairness of his rulings were freely and form-
ally acknowledged by his associates ; and he was pre-
sented with a superb collection of their portraits
handsomely framed. He was, also, for several years,
Secretary of the State Board for the general supervis-
ion of the charitable and penal institutions of Michi-
gan ; in which position, his propositions for the amel-
ioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the
reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the be-
nevolence of his nature, and the practical character
of his mind.

In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of
the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for
Governor; and, at the State Convention of the party
in August of the same year, he was put in nomination
by acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At
the election in November following, he was chosen to
the high position for which he had been nominated,
by a very large majority over all opposing candidates.
His inaugural message was received with general
favor; and his career as Governor was marked with
the same qualities of head and heart that have ever
distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman.

Governor Groswell has always prepared his ad-
dresses with care ; and, as his diction is terse, clear,
and strong, without e.xcess of ornament, and his de-
livery impressive, he is a popular speaker; and many
of his speeches have attracted favorable comment in
the public prints, and have a permanent value. He
has always manifested a deep interest in educational
matters, and was for years a member and Secretary of
the Board of Education of Adrain. At the formal
opening of the Central School building in that city,
on the 24th day of April, 1869, he gave, in a public
address, an " Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public
Schools."

In his private life, Governor Croswell has been as
exemplary as in his public career he has been suc-
cessful and useful. In February, 1852, he was mar-
ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy,
a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She
suddenly died, March 19, 1868, leaving two daugh-
ters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member
of any religious body, but generally attends the Pres-
byterian Church. He pursues the profession of law,
but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his
own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in
business difficulties, for which his unfailing pru-
dence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Gov-
ernor Croswell is truly popular, not only with those of •
like political faith with himself, but with those who
differ from him in this regard.

During Gov. Croswell's administration the public
debt was greatly reduced ; a policy adopted requiring
the State institutions to keep within the limit of ap-
propriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually
for the punishment of corruption and bribrery in elec-
tions; the State House of Correction at Ionia and the
Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac were opened,
and the new capital at Lansing was completed and
occupied. The first act of his second term was to pre-
side at the dedication of this building. The great riot
at Jackson occured during his administration, and it
was only bv his promptness that great distraction of
both life and property was prevented at that time.

■^'"'

DAVID H. JEROME, Gover-
rknor of from Jan. i, 1881, to
W Jan. I, 1883, was born at De-
' troit, Mich., Nov. 17, 1829.
'^^J^^W'^ft©;® His parents emigrated to
^' Michigan from Trumansburg,
Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828,
locating at Detroit. His father
died March 30, 1831, leaving
nine children. He had been
twice married, and four of the
children living at the time of his
death were grown up sons, the off-
spring of his first union. Of the
five children by his second marriage, David H. was
the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his
widow moved back to New York and settled in
Onondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained
until the fall of 1834, the four sons by the first wife
continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall
of 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan,
locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the
Governor formed those habits of industry and ster-
ling integrity that have been so characteristic of the
man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the
district school, and in the acquisition of the funda-
mental branches of learning he displayed a precocity
and an application which won for him the admiration
**• of his teachers, and always placed him at the head

fof his classes. In the meantime he did chores on
the farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart
and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The
heavy labor of the farm was carried on by his two

©^

(9^

older brothers, Timothy and George, and when 13
years of age David received his mother's permission to
attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attend-
ing there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now de-
ceased, doing chores for his board, and the following
winter performed the same service for James Ogden,
also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome
moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purpose of
continuing her son in school. While attending said
academy one of his associate students was Sena-
tor Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate
before the gubernatorial convention in 1880. He
completed his education in the fall of his i6th year,
and the following winter assisted his brother Timothy
in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer
he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac.

In 1847, M. H. Miles being Clerk in St. Clair Coun-
ty, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds, David
H. Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, remaining
as such during 1848-49, and receiving much praise
from his employers and the people in general for the
ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He
spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board
the lake vessels.

In 1849-50, he abandoned office work, and for the
proper development of his physical system spent
several months hauling logs. In the spring of 1B50,
his brother "Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer
"Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" became her mas-
ter. A portion of the season the boat was engaged
in the passenger and freight traffic between Port
Huron and Detroit, but during the latter part was
used as a tow boat. At that time there was a serious
obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair
Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which

<-^llllSIIII<>Va

Z*^ r/Z» Zr. JEROME.

vessels could carry only about 10,000 bushels of grain.
Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels
from one lake to the other, and put his plan into
operation. Through the influence of practical men, —
among them the subject of this sketch, — Congress
removed the obstruction above referred to, and now
vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or 80,000
bushels of grain.

During the season, the two brothers succeeded
in making a neat little sum of money by the sum-
mer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract
to raise the "Gen. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in
Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt,
but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the
spring of 185 i, he was clerk and acting master of the
steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying be-
tween Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The
following year he was clerk of the propeller "Prince-
) ton," running between Detroit and Buffalo.
;» In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California,
^^ by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary
° success in selling goods in a new place of his selec-
^ tion, among the mountains near Marysville He re-
^E mained there during the summer, and located the
^X Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded
•^ millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment.
He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine,
but when the water supply began to fail with the dry
season, sold out his interest. He left in tlie fall of
1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for
New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County,
about a year after his departure. During his absence
his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, and in
1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations
in the valley. In 1S55 the brothers bought Black-
mer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores,
at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management
of the business. From 1855 to 1S73 he was also e.\-
tensively engaged in lumbering operations.

Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated
for Alderman against Stewart B. Williams, a rising
young man, of strong Democratic principles. The
ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was
elected by a handsome majority. When the Repub-
lican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H.
Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention,
one of its "charter members." In 1862, he was com-
missioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the

six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan.
Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held
meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm
displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a
feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of many
brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d
Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed
in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a bril-
liant record.

In the fall of 1862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by
the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th
district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his op-
ponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted
in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was
twice renominated and elected both times by in-
creased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay
City, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot County. On tak-
ing his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chair-
man of the Committee on State Aff'airs, and was ac-
tive in raising means and troops to carry on the war.
He held the same position during his three terms of
service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers'
Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit.

He was selected by Gov. Crapo as a military aid,
and in r865 was appointed a member of the State
Military Board, and served as its President for eight
consecutive years. In 1873, he was appointed by
Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prepare
a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the
Committee on Finance.

In 1875, Mr. Jerome was appointed a member of
the Board of Indian Commissioners. In I876 he was
Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Joseph, the
Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement
of all existing difficulties. The commission went to
Portland, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho,
a distance of 600 miles up the Columbia River.

At the Republican .State Convention, convened at
Jackson in August, 1880, Mr. Jerome was placed in
the field for nomination, and on the 5th day of the
month received the highest honor the convention
could confer on any one. His opponent was Freder-
ick M. Holloway, of Hillsdale County, who was sup-
ported by the Democratic and Greenback parties.
The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties,
and when the polls were closed on the evening of
election day, it was found that David H. Jerome had
been selected by the voters of the Wolverine State to
occupy the highest position within their gift.

r^j

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GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN

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OSIAH W. BEGOLE, the
present (1S83), Governor of
Michigan was born in Living-
ston, County, N. Y., Jan. 20,
18 15. His ancestors were of
^.,1^ French descent, and settled at
F-|v an early period in the State of
1 Maryland. Hisgrandfather,Capt.
P-^i^^f Bolles, of that State, was an offi-
j cer in the American army during
H^^ the war of the Revolution. About
the beginning of the present cent-
ury both his grandparents, having
become dissatisfied with the insti-
tution of slavery, although slave-
holders themselves, emigrated to
Livingston County, N. Y., then
a new country, taking with them a
number of their former slaves, who
volunteered to accompany them.
His father was an officer in the
American array, and served during
the war of 18 12.
Mr. B. received his early education in a log school-
house, and subsequently attended the Temple Hill
Academy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Beirfg the eldest of a
family of ten children, whose parents were in moder-
ate though comfortable circumstances, he was early
taught habits of industry, and when 2 1 years of age,
being ambitious to better his condition in life, he re-
solved to seek his fortune in the far West, as it was.

g«9-

then called. In August, 1S36, he left the parental
roof to seek a home in the Territory of Michigan
then an almost unbroken wilderness. He settled in
Genesee County, and aided with his own hands in
building some of the early residences in what is now
known as the city of Flint. There were but four or
five houses where this flourishing city now stands
when he selected it as his home.

In the spring of 1S39 he married Miss Harriet A.
Miles. The marriage proved a most fortunate one ,
and to the faithful wife of his youth, who lives to en-
joy with him the comforts of an honestly earned com-
petence, Mr. Begole ascribes largely his success in
life. Immediately after his marriage he commenced
work on an unimproved farm, where, by his perse-
verance and energy, he soon established a good home,
and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a
well improved farm of five hundred acres.

Mr. Begole being an anti-slaverj' man, became a
member of the Republican party at its organization.
He served his townsmen in various offices, and was
in r856, elected County Treasurer, which office he
held for eight years.

At the breaking out of the Rebellion he did not
carry a musket to the front, but his many friends will
bear witness that he took an active part in recruiting
and furnishing supplies for the army, and in looking
after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The
death of his eldest son near Atlanta, Ga., by a Confed-
rate bullet, in 1864, was the greatest sorrow of his life.
When a few years later he was a member in Congress

.x:^

^4^5f

e-^7<:IlD^IiDf>v

JOSIAH W. BEGOLE.

Gov. Begole voted and worked for the soldiers'
bounty equalization bill, an act doing justice to the
soldier who bore the burden and heat of the day, and
who should fare equally with him who came in at the
eleventh hour. That bill was defeated in the House
on account of the large appropriation that would be
required to pay the same.

In 1870, Gov. Begole was nominated by acclama-
tion for the office of State Senator, and elected by a
large majority. In that body he served on the Com-
mittees of Finance and Railroads, and was Chairman
of the Committee on the Institute for the Deaf and
Dumb and Blind. He took a liberal and public-
spirited view of the importance of a new capitol
building worthy of the State, and was an active mem-
ber of the Committee that drafted the bill for the
same. He was a delegate to the National Republi-
can Convention held at Philadelphia in 1872, and
was the chosen member of that delegation to go to
Washington and inform Gen. Grant and Senator
Wilson of their nominations. It was while at that
convention that, by the express wish of his many
friends, he was induced to offer himself a can-
didate for the nomination of member to the 43d Con-
gress, in which he was successful, after competing for
the nomination with several of the most worthy, able
and experienced men in the Sixth Congressional Dis-
trict, and was elected by a very large majority. In
Congress, he was a member of the Committee on
Agricultural and Public Expenditures. Being one of
the 17 farmers in that Congress, he took an active
part in the Committee of Agriculture, and was ap-
pointed by that committee to draft the most impor-
tant report made by that committee, and upon the
only subject recommended by the President in his
message, which he did and the report was printed in
records of Congress ; he took an efficient though an
unobtrusive part in all its proceedings.

He voted for the currency bill, remonetization of
silver, and other financial measures, many of which,
though defeated then, have since become the settled
policy of the country. Owing to the position which
Mr. Begole occupied on these questions, he became a
"Greenbacker."

In the Gubernatorial election of 1882, Mr. Begole
was the candidate of both the Greenback and Dem-
ocratic parties, and was elected by a vote of 154,269,
the Republican candidate, Hon. David H. Jerome,

receiving 149,697 votes. Mr. Begole, in entering
upon his duties as Governor, has manifested a spirit
that has already won him many friends, and bids fair
to make his administration both successful and pop-
ular.

The very best indications of what a man is, is what
his own townsmen think of him. We give the fol-
lowing extract from the Flint Globe, the leading Re-
publican paper \\\ Gov. Begole's own county, and it,
too, written during the heat of a political campaign,
which certainly is a flattering testimonial of his ster-
ling worth :

" So far, however, as Mr. Begole, the head of the
ticket, is concerned, there is nothing detrimental to
his character that can be alleged against him. He
has sometimes changed his mind in politics, but for
sincerity of his beliefs and the earnestness of his pur-
pose nobody who knows him entertains a doubt. He
is incapable of bearing malice, even against his bit-
terest political enemies. He has a warm, generous
nature, and a larger, kinder heart does not beat in
the bosom of any man in Michigan. He is not much
given to making speeches, but deeds are more signif-
icant of a man's character than words. There are
many scores of men in all parts of the State where
Mr. Begole is acquainted, who have had practical
demonstrations of these facts, and who are liable to
step outside of party lines to show that they do not
forget his kindness, and who, no doubt, wish that he
was a leader in what would not necessarily prove a
forlorn hope. But the Republican party in Michigan
is too strong to be beaten by a combination of Demo-
crats and Greenbackers, even if it is marshaled by so
good a man as Mr. Begole."

This sketch would be imperfect without referring
to the action' of Mr. B. at the time of the great calamity
that in 1881 overtook the people of Northeastern
Michigan, in a few hours desolating whole counties
by fire and destroying the results and accumulations
of such hard work as only falls to the lot of pioneers.
While the Port Huron and Detroit committees were
quarreling over the distribution of funds, Mr. Begole
wrote to an agent in the "]bumt district " a letter, from
which we make an extract of but a single sentence:
" Until the differences between the two committees
are adjusted and you receive your regular supplies
from them, draw on me. Let no man suffer while I
have money." This displays his true character,

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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^^HE value of history lies, in a
great degree, in the biogra-
phy of the personages con-
cerned therein. The annals
of the settlers delineate the
pioneer period, while those
of the later residents exhibit
the progress of the country and the
status of the present generation.
Sanilac County gives a vivid illus-
tration of these statements ; but its
wonderful pioneer era laps upon
its present period in a manner so
gradual that there is really no dis-
tinctive line of demarcation. Many
of those whose efforts gave the
country its earliest impetus may
still be seen upon its thoroughfares ; many of the
characters in the day of its first things are still on
the stage, and watch with keen-eyed alertness the
manipulations, successes and reverses of the present
day, still jealous for the reputation of the county and
eagerly solicitous for her substantial and permanent
progress.

The compilers of these records strive to establish
their claim for biographical integrity, preparing the
matter from the stand-point of no man's prejudice.
The full scope of the personal record here is to
demonstrate the exact relation of every individual

represented to the generations of the past and of the
present.

Succeeding ages sweep away the debris of human
errors and perpetuate the real greatness of a com-
munity. Character stands out statuesque, and events
cluster about individuals, forming the grandest and
truest historical structure of which any age is capable.
Only biography can fitly represent the foundation,
progress and tdiimatiim of local history, and portray
with perfect justice the precise attitude and relation
of men to events and conditions.

Sanilac County is justly proud of her pioneer record,
and, so far as possible, the publishers have endeav-
ored to honor the representatives of that period as
well as those of to-day. Labor and suffering, under-
gone in the light of hope and the earnestness of
honest effort and toil, established this county in per-
manent prosperity, and is rounding up a period oi
glorious completeness. Her villages are creditable,
her agricultural community is composed of the best
classes, and her professional men are of marked in-
tegrity.

In collecting the following sketches the purpose
has been to collect the main points of personal
record, through which the enterprise of decades to
follow may complete a perfect and continuous his-
torical outline from the earliest settlement of the
county to the present time.

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]jDMAN mills, of Cros-
well, farmer and dealer
;j« in real estate, was born
Sept. 17, 1831,111 the town-
ship of Portland, Erie Co.,
Ohio. He has been a resi-
dent of Croswell since his re-
movil hither in 1866, and has been and
still i-, one of the most prominent factors in
the development of Sanilac County. The
characteristic traits of Mr. Mills are of the
type which have wrought out within the
past half century the most marvelous de-
1^^ velopment known to mankind in the
portion of the United States territory
designated " The West."

He was born on the Western Reserve in Ohio, a
fact which in itself almost establishes his character,
when considered jointly wilh his descent. His an-
cestral lineage was purely Yankee, and in its origin
combined the sturdy traits of the English and Hol-
landers. His immediate progenitors were trained
under the uncompromising regime of New England
and were imbued with the calculating, practical
spirit of this inventive and enterprising age.

The course of Mr. Mills' business life may be
regarded as manifest destiny. He inherited his
predominating traits of acumen, far-sightedness and
persistency, but the calm, dispassionate judgment

which marks all his movements, together with the
rare quality which gives instant recognition to oppor-
tunity, and another, still rarer, which grasps and
moulds it to his purpose, are the outgrowth of e.\-
perience. Cool, practical, persistent, imperturbable
and alert, Mr. Mills is fearless to an extraordinary
degree in the e.xercise of his power to overcome
obstacles and achieve his purpose. He possesses
in no sense or degree the interested selfishness
which rests in complacent satisfaction in its own
small achievements. To him opportunity is but the
clue to far-reaching and wide-spread promise. His
predominating traits have been and are of inestima-
ble value to Sanilac County.

He came here in the prime of his manhood. The
favorable location of the county, its proximity to the
main routes of travel, and its agricultural outlook
assured him that it held splendid possibilities, which
needed but the intelligent application of effort and
energy to develop results in every way equal to
those of the remoter sections, whither the tide of
immigration was flowing in frantic haste. At that
date the lumber interest of the Huron peninsula was
entering its decadence, a condition which was pre-
cipitated by the fire five years later. The specula-
tive fraternity, the vitality of whose interest was
spent where the lumbering resources were practi-
cally exhausted, had no concern in the agricultural
development or future well-being of this portion of

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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the State. They sought other worlds to conquer ;
the farms, whose broad acres and fair fields speak
in such glowing language of the effects which have
brought Ihem to their present fine condition and
bear a promise of further development in the imme-
diate future, p3rpetuate neither their names nor their
deeds.

The achievements of Mr. Mills in Sanilac County
will be a lasting monument to his citizenship and
career therein. On coming to Croswell (then Davis-
ville), he engaged in lumbering. He had a repre-
sentative interest in the business of Moss Brothers,
the senior member of the firm being his father-in-law.
In 1868 the firm became Moss & Mills, and con-
tinued its lumbering and mercantile operations.
Products found their way to market by the water
thoroughfare of the lakes, and supplies came hither
by the same route. Lexington was the point of
shipment and the harbor of supply, merchandise and
provisions of all varieties being brought in here
chiefly from Ohio. (One year the lumber product
of Moss & Mills reached an aggregate of 6,000,000
feet, and it was all drawn to Lexington for ship-
ment.) Meanwhile, the interior of Sanilac County
remained undeveloped. The remote, inaccessible
location of the county seat was a great hindrance to
the progress of the county, and retarded every va-
riety of improvement. Mr. Mills moved actively
and vigorously in securing the transfer to the geo-
graphical center of the township. That point was
exceptionally unfavorable, as common opinion went,
as it lay in a region of swamps; but the fact was
patent that many of the swamps in the eastern part
of the county had been reclaimed and constituted
farming land of the most valuable character. Noth-
ing could be urged against the project on that score;
the proof was before the people.

Finally the ultimatum was reached and the neces-
sary buildings constructed. That point settled
beyond change, Mr. Mills gave his attention to se-
curing through Croswell the main line of the Port
Huron & Northwestern Railroad, then under consid-
eration ; and as a result it threads its way from Port
Huron through Sanilac County, with the towns loca-
ted along its line like beads on a thread, among
which Croswell stands [jrominent. The storm of
vilification and aspersion that assailed Mr. Mills
from the people of Sanilac County where local inter-

ests were unavoidably affected by the changes in the
county through his instrumentality, was such as
might perhaps have been expected under the cir-
cumstances; but the future will determine the wis-
dom and forethought which secured an immense
advantage to the development of the county. The
benefit secured by the location of the line of railroad
was manifest after the fire of 1881, when the county
would have been practically depopulated had there
been no ready means of transit for relief suppHes.

Mr. Mills is the most extensive agriculturist in
Sanilac County. He has improved about 2,000
acres, and the immense farms lying on the western
borders of Lexington Township which have been
brought to a typical perfection under his manage-
ment are leading attractions in Sanilac County.
They contain hundreds of acres in single fields,
level as a house floor; and at this writing the mam-
moth barns seem bursting with the wealth of the
garnered harvests. It seems hardly creditable that
many of these glowing acres were a few years ago
unsightly and noisome swamps.

Soon after Mr. Mills came to the county he deter-
mined to bring into |3ractical application an idea he
had conceived while traveling in the State of New
York. On a previous journey ten years earlier his
attention was arrested by a tamarack swamp within
the line of vision from the cars. To his surprise it
had been converted into a seeming Paradise, and it
was an achievement which made a strong impression
on his practical nature, with its predominating. New
England trait of discovering opportunity close at
hand and utilizing whatever of resource it held. He
bought 73 acres, which he drained and "scratched
in " a seeding. The hay crop he harvested sold for
$1,560, and the initial agricultural development of
Sanilac County was an- established fact. He has
reclaimed an immense acreage of swamp land, and
his barns cover nearly six acres.

The work he lias accomplished for Sanihic County
can hardly be portrayed in the scope of a sketch. It
must suffice to say that lie has rendered the most
effective service as a citizen and a property owner,
and has never been unmindful of the public interests.
He subscribed $20,000 to the railroad project, and he
raised by subscription a large sum for the same pur-
pose. He gave the land on which the depot at Cros-
well is located, including about 12 acres, built the

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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depot and furnished the material for the elevator,
which was the first in the county; also gave the right
of way wherever the survey for the track passed
through liis land. He has been largely instrumental
in building up Croswell,and several handsome build-
ings testify to his public interest.

The earliest recorded ancestor of Mr. Mills in the
paternal line is Sir Peter Vander Meulen, of Amster-
dam, Holland, who distinguished himself in the
public works of that country and received his title
from his sovereign as a token of appreciation of his
services. His son Peter came with the refugees from
Leyden to America, and in later life he adopted the
Anglicized form of his name, its significance in Eng-
lish being, "of the mills." His adoption of the name
of Mills is registered in the Colonial Records of Con-
necticut. The line of descent is recorded to Judge
Isaac Mills, grandfather of Wildman Mills, who was
born March 7, 1767, in Huntington, Fairfield Co.,
Conn. He attained distinction at Yale College,
where he was graduated in 1786, studied law at New
Haven, where he opened the practice of his profes-
sion and identified himself with the advancement and
prosperity of the City of Elms. His phenomenal
success as an advocate and expounder of law made
him prominent, and he passed through the grades of
advancement to Chief Judge, to which he was
appointed in 1825. He married the daughter of
Judge Phelps, of Connecticut, Abigail Richardson
Phelps. In 1805 he went to Northern Ohio, in the
interests of the Connecticut Fire Lands Company, of
which he was secretary, to secure a treaty with the
Indians for the extinguishment of their claim, which
he accomplished. Among other memorable things
which he did was the laying out of the city of San-
dusky, in 1817, and he named its avenues and thor-
oughfares. His son, Isaac Augustus Mills, was born
in 1802, in New Haven, Conn., and was educated at
Yale College. He married Sophia Lyman, of San-
dusky, Ohio, about 1828, and they had 1 1 children.
Three died in infancy. Eight attained adult age and
are living at this writing (1884). The fatlier died
Aug. 9, 1852, of cholera, at Sandusky. Tlie mother
died June 24, 1881, at the same place.

Mr. Mills grew to manhood in his native township.
He received a substantial elementary education,
which was supplemented by a course of advanced
study at the High School at Sandusky. His father

intended that he should enter the regular army of the
United Slates and an appointment at West Point was
secured for him. Every preparation had been made
to that purpose when his health failed, and on the
declaration of his physicians that the plan could
only be consummated at the cost of his life, it was
abandoned, and lie was placed in charge of his
father's farm. It was a large estate and he was but
18 years old, but he continued in personal control of
the property until the death of his father, which
occurred about five weeks before he reached his legal
manhood. On attaining his majority he was appoint-
ed administrator of the estate, with his mother as
administratrix, and he passed five years in the ad-
justment of its extensive and complicated relations.
Meanwhile, he studied law with Homer Goodwin, an
eminent lawyer of Sandusky, who is still engaged in
the prosecution of his profession in that city. He
read law about two years, but his business relations
and ideas expanded while he was engaged in the
labors attendant upon the settlement of his father's
estate, and he adandoned his purpose, in order to
give undivided attention to real-estate transactions
and other avenues of business which enlisted his
interest.

The shipments of the products of the West to the
European markets attracted his notice, and he re-
solved upon an experiment, which is one of the best
possible exponents of his peculiar traits, and exempli-
fy his strong predilection for experiment. In 1859,
associated with William S. Pierson, a lawyer and
capitalist of the Buckeye State, he built and equipped
a three-masted barque, named in honor of Mr. Pier-
son. She was of 460 tons burthen, and carried a
a cargo of oak staves and long oak ship planks. She
was built at Sandusky, and laden at the mouth of
Black River, Ohio. One name for the spirit which
instigated and developed the project is Yankee enter-
prise ; the other is the blindness to exigencies which
grows out of inexperience and the natural belief a
man of energy possesses in himself to do what others
have done.

The crew numbered 13 men, the captain was
skilled in the lake service, and the force of sailors
included but one "old salt." The " William S. Pier-
son " left her moorings June 20, 1859, and made her
way to the sea. Mr. Mills accompanied as super-
cargo. It was expected to obtain a chronometer at

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182

TT-T

SANILAC COUNTY.

Quebec, but the plan failed and the one experienced
ocean sailor became the fac-totum as to pilotage. The
'"J* voyage consumed 28 days, and was stormy and cal-
T culated to produce uneasiness and discomfort to the
(^ inexperienced company aboard. The original des-
tination was Liverpool, but on learning of the prox-
imity of the English coast from unexpectedly entering
a bank of fog, to their dismay they found themselves
storm-tossed and in danger of stranding on the rocky
coasts which seemed to environ them. At last
they found themselves in what seemed to them
to be a fleet of vessels, and, inexpressibly relieved,
they cast anchor, went ashore and found that they
were in Bristol Channel. On attempting to dispwse
of the cargo, Mr. Mills found that the ship planks
were not marketable for the purpose designed. The
American oak lacked tenacity and the other qualities
which rendered the live oak of England peculiarly
valuable, and Mr. Mills sold the plank to the col-
lieries for building purposes.

The staves found ready market, and the barque was
loaded with merchandise for Detroit and Cleveland,
and started on her return voyage, plus a chronome-
ter and minus the personal attendance of Mr. Mills,
who was quite satisfied with his experience in Bristol
Channel. He proceeded to Liverpool by rail, where
he lingered two weeks, going thence to London and
two weeks later to Paris. After a week in the gayest
city in the world, he set out for America by steamer.
The " William S. Pierson " made a safe passage,
but in making the transit through the Lachine and
Beauharnois Canals, she experienced difficulties
from her lading, which necessitated a draught of 11
feet of water. The unloading and reloading conse-
quent upon existing condition of things, and the
final catastrophe of becoming ice-locked in the Wel-
land Canal, wrought disaster to the expedition, and
the owners found, on effecting a settlement of ac-
counts, that the debits exceeded the credits by
about $4,000. But to Mr. Mills, the unique expe-
rience and the subsequent realization of the risks
J^ were events of some moment.
He next interested himself in the well known
^* grape scheme on the islands of Lake Erie adjacent
^ to Northern Ohio, and he planted 45 acres of the
^ vine at Sandusky. He was connected with the
(^ enterprise three years, and in 1866 sold his entire
^ interest therein and disposed of the bulk of his prop-

A^^nn

erty in Ohio, for the purpose of going South in
charge of a plantation project of considerable extent,
the paid-up capital being $100,000. But, instead,
he came to Croswell, in accordance with the wishes
and plans of Truman Moss, his father-in-law.

The unexpected nomination of Mr. Mills for Gov-
ernor of Michigan by the Anti-Monopolists in 1884,
would imply in him an active interest in politics
which is entirely remote from the facts in the case.
He has never taken more than a passing interest in
politics, as they have been in no sense auxiliary to
his purposes in life. But he is a man of opinions
and has always possessed decided political bias.
He was originally a Democrat of the Jackson type,
and during the progress of the civil war was a Doug-
las Democrat. He voted with that party until the
nomination of Mr. Tilden, when he took a final
leave of the party. He voted for Mr. Hayes. On
the organization of the National Greenback party he
adopted what he considered its sole issue, — the right
of the United States to represent her possessions by
her promise to pay, and that such promises were
equivalent to any other representative of value.
The action of the Supreme Court of the United
States removed the obstacle in the way of the na-
tional greenback as money, and the necessity for
the party, as he comprehended it, expired. The
reasons of his prompt declination of the nomination
tendered him by the Anti-Monopolists are set forth
in his letter, which is here given :

Croswell, Mich., Sept. 6, r884.
Hon. Horatio Pr.\tt,

Secretary of the Anti- Monopoly organization of
Michigan:

Dear Sir: — Your letter informing me that the
late Anti-Monopoly State Convention had named
me as their candidate for Governor was duly re-
ceived. Permit me through tlie committee to assure
the Anti-Monopolists of Michigan that I appreciate
their confidence and good-will. I have, on all fitting
occasions, and by every appropriate means, dis-
couraged the use of my name in connection with
any nomination whatever, and supposed I had made
my position so clear that it could not be misunder-
stood ; but learn from correspondents and otherwise
that it is still in doubt. I am not and have never
been an aspirant for political honors. But even if
the nomination had been desired, I ought not to
accept it, as the present is no time for a division of
effort. The Anti-Monopoly sentiment of Michigan,
in whatever organization it may be found, should

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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present an unbroken front to the common enemy,
and by unity and harmony of action lay well the
foundation for the coming " People's Party," which
will "fuse" into one homogeneous, irresistible na-
tional organization all opponents of monopoly rule.
Entertaining these views, I must respectfully decline
the nomination so unanimously tendered me, believ-
ing it my duty to do so for the promotion of the
present and future success of the people's cause.

With best wishes for the advancement of the
principles we advocate, believe me, as ever, an earn-
est worker in the cause of humanity and just gov-
ernment.

W1LDM.4N Mills.

In 1882 he was nominated by the convention at
Port Huron for Congress, but peremptorily declined.
The political bias of Mr. Mills is based upon and
guided by the interests of the laboring class.

Mrs. Julia H. (Moss) Mills was born Oct 2, 1836,
at West Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y. She is the
daughter and only surviving child of Truman Moss
(see sketch), and was married to Wildman Mills in
the village where she was born, Dec. 27, 1858. Five
children constitute the issue of this union, three of
whom are deceased. They were born in the follow-
ing order: Elizabeth Moss was born Sept. 28, 1861 ;
Truman Moss was born July 2, 1866, and died Nov.
7 of the same year; Isaac Augustus, born Oct. 4,
1867, died Feb. 10, 1869; Wildman Ambler was
born July 2, 1872, and died on the first day of Sep-
tember following; Julia Harriet was born Nov. 7,
1866. The daughters survive. The same fatality
which deprived Truman Moss of his sons seems to
have pursued the male children of his daughter, all
of them dying in infancy.

Mrs. Mills is the lady Bountiful of Croswell. She
has been a partaker and sharer in all tlie joys and
griefs of its people. She has rejoiced in their well-
being and prosperity, and has sorrowed with them
when affliction has laid upon them its merciless rod.
She has been ever ready with her resources of kind-
ness, of sympathy, of counsel, to aid as occasion has
required. The sick and dying have been the grate-
ful recipients of her sympathetic ministrations, and
she has guided all her social relations with a solici-
tude and judgment which has created for her an
influence that cannot be portrayed with words. It is
best understood in the regrets which her absence
from Croswell creates, and in the warmth of the wel-
come which greets her return.

[n 1883 Mr. Mills purchased a residence at 507

Woodward Avenue, Detroit, where the family spend
the winter seasons. Alternately, the old home at
Croswell, which is always open and in readiness for
their occupancy, receives them.

The family attend the Episcopal Church. Mrs.
Mills was one of the earliest to move effectively in
the establishment of Christ's Church at Croswell,
and has continued to e.xercise a substantial and
sustaining interest in its welfare. The family from
which Mr. Mills is descended was prominent in its
connection with Church affairs in the East and in
Ohio.

The portrait of Mr. Mills, presented on a preced-
ing page, is the likeness of an eminent man which
must give satisfaction to all readers of this volume.

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latter,

ames Anderson, farmer, section 10, Wash-
ington Township, has been a resident of
'" Sanilac County since 1864. He was born
in Halton Co., Ont., Sept. 21, 1830, and is the
fifth in order of birth of 12 children, of whom
his father and mother were the parents. The
John and Elizabeth (Campbell) Anderson,
were natives of Scotland. They reached mature
life in their native country, were there married, and
at once set out to begin the world in America. They
came to Canada, where they became land-holders,
reared their family, and there their worthy, useful
lives were terminated. All their children are living
save one : John died when he was eight years old.
They were born in the following order : Duncan,
John, Christy, Archibald, James, Jeannette, Eliza,
Mary, Catherine, John, Alexander and Joseph. Each
received a fair common-school education, and the
sons were reared to the calling of their father.

In the summer of 1864 Mr. Anderson disposed of
his interests in the Dominion, and removed to Lex-
ington, in Sanilac County, where he remained one
year, engaged in teaming and farming. The next
six years he passed in similar occupations in Cros-
well, then Davisville. He settled on 40 acres of land
in Washington Township, in the spring of 187 t. He
has since purchased 40 acres additional, and has
about 75 acres cleared and otherwise improved.

^ J

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^ 184

SANILAC COUNTY.

Mr. Anderson is a man of inlelligence and ability.
He is an adherent to the principles of the National
Greenback party. He has officiated two years as
Supervisor of his township, two years as Treasurer,
and in the spring of 1883 was elected Justice of the
Peace, a position to which he was re-elected in the
spring of 1884. He is a member of Charity Grange,
No. 417, P. of H., and belongs to the Knights of
Labor and Knights of Maccabees.

Mrs. Jane (Innis) Anderson, his wife, was born in
Canada, and is the daughter of Alexander Innis.
Her parents were born in Scotland. The marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson occurred July 7, 1858, in
Huron Co., Ont., and they have had five children —
Eupheniia C, Priscilla J., Elizabeth _C., Marcelien
and Herbert J. The latter died at the age of 14
years. Mrs. Anderson's demise occurred Jan. 10,
1884, at her home in this township.

;ltve(t'i brahara W. Willits, deceased, a former
^ fclJs' "iS resident of Worth Township, was born
''4^ March 17, 1808, in Columbiana Co., Ohio. He
1!?^ was a son of George and Rebecca Willits, who
1 died in the county where the son was born.
The latter attained his majority in his native place,
and before that period acquired the trade of cabinet-
making. He went to Akron, Ohio, where he re-
mained until 1832, and came thence to Sanilac
County. He purchased 80 acres of land in Worth
Township, to which he added 40 acres by later pur-
chase. The entire estate is under cultivation.

He was married June 19, 1832, in Detroit, Mich.,
to Samantha Champin, who was born Oct. 17, 1809,
in Genesee Co., N. Y. Of this marriage eight chil-
dren have been born : Melissa, Seymour, Maria, Ada,
Rebecca, Charles W., Stafford and Amanda. The
three last named are deceased. Stafford enlisted in
the 22d Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf. He was captured by
the rebels at Chattanooga, Tenn., and sent to the
stockade prison at Andersonville, Ga., where he died
a victim of horrors of the most contagious charac-
ter, that have made the very name the synonym of

the most ingenious cruelties of which human dia-
bolism is capable.

Mr. Willits died March, 28, 1876. He was a mem-
ber of the M. E. Church, to which liis widow now
belongs.

k
^

eorge W. Weston, farmer, located on sec-
tion -J I, Fremont Township, was born near
Champlain, in Vermont, May 7, 1853. He
^ is the son of Alexander and Ruth (New-
ton) Weston. His mother died July 20, 1852,

' in Sarnia, Ont., of cholera.

Mr. Weston was brought up on a farm, in the de-
tails of which vocation he was instructed, as well as
in brick-making and lumbering. On reaching his
majority, he engaged in carpentry, in which he passed
nearly two years. At the end of that time he inter-
ested himself in the rearing of horses, which was his
occupation four years.

In 1859 he came to St. Clair Co., Mich., where he
went to work by the month as a lumberman. He
came thence to Fremont Township, in 1861, when
he bought the farm where he has since resided.

He was married in the spring of 1862, to Mar-
garet A., daughter of Roger and Jane A. (Taylor)
Miliken, who was born in Canada in 1844. Her pa-
rents are both deceased. Eight children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Weston, as follows: Roger A.,
July 20,1863; May J., Dec. 23, 1866; Carrie A.,
June 26, 1869; Kittie, May 7, 1872; Ada, Feb. 13,
1874; Gordon, June 20, 1877 ; Thomas, Feb. i, 1881,
and Ruth, April 19, 1884.

^#^

in Port Hope, Ont. His parents, WiUiani

'\§:^

wm>^

wJ omHii^&Tcles Whitaker, farmer, section 29, Wash-
!^ ington Township, was born Feb. 28, 1837^

yfS and Ann (Weatman) Whitaker, were born in

n\ England and emigrated to Canada, where

their death occurred. Mr. Whitaker received

as good an education as the location where he grew

■ev<>iio^ni]fi>-r

-:2««^^^

SANILAC COUNTY.

up admitted, and at the age of 14 years he came to
Michigan, and has been a resident of the Peninsular
State since that time with the exception of 18 months,
which he passed in the Dominion. He came to San-
(^. ilac County in 1873, first settling in Buel Township.
A year later, he bought his present estate in Wash-
ington Township, consisting of 80 acres of land. Of
this tract, about 55 acres nre now under the plow and
in a creditable condition. Mr. Whitaker is a Demo-
crat in his political views. Mrs. Emmeline (Good-
ing) Whitaker was born April 18, 1839, in New York,
and was married in St. Clair Co., Mich., April 7,
1857. Ten children, which constitute the issue of
this union, are all living but one, who died in infancy.
They were born in the following order: Mary A.,
Jesse W., Frederick J., Ellen A., Franklin C, Sarah
A., George N., Emma A. and Eva J.

eorge Pack, deceased, a former resident of
Washington Township, Sanilac County,
was born in 1800, in the State of New Jer-
sey. He was the son of George and Rebecca
(Greene) Pack, the former of direct English
lineage, the latter a niece of Gen. Natiianiel
Greene, of Revolutionary fame.

Mr. Pack, the subject of this sketch, grew to man-
hood in New Jersey, and married Maria Lathrop,
daughter of Abram and Sarah Lathrop, born April 6,
1810. They became the parents of 13 children, 10
of whom are yet living. Louisa M is the wife of J.
J. Tlrornton (see sketcli), of Washington Township.
George W. is a heavy dealer in lumber in Cleveland,
Ohio. Lorinda and Angeline reside in Lexington.
Helen is the wife of Robert Wilson, a lumberman of
Seattle, Washington Territory. Albert is a lumber-
man at Alpena, Mich., is welt known in political cir-
cles and has been a member of the Legislature of
Michigan. Green is a lumberman and salt manu-
facturer of Oscoda. Josephine resides at Lexington.
Arthur is a lumberman at Oscoda. Herbert E.
resides at Durango, Col.

Mr. Pack exchanged his property in the State of
New York for pine land in Washington Township.
He bought 80 acres of land situated on the edge of

the village of Lexington, where his family resided
until 1861. Mr. Pack and his son George W. went
to Washington Township, where they personally
superintended their lumber and agricultural interests.
They continued to buy tracts of land until they held
an enormous acreage. They cut and prepared for
market the first lumber shipped from Washington
Township. A saw and a grist mill were erected on
the Black River, and a large amount of land was
placed under improvement, to which the family re-
moved in 1861. Mr. Pack died there April 5, 1875;
the mother died in Lexington, Jan. 28,1883. The
father was an important factor in the history of San-
ilac County, and was active in local politics. He
was a man of more than ordinary ability and pos-
sessed inventive genius of no common order. He
was the inventor of a valuable stave-cutting machine.
He lived a life of usefulness, and is remembered as
a trustworthy and enterprising citizen.

"!
^

■m

ll^aniel Hay ward, farmer, section 36, Fre-

) mont Township, has been a resident of

r^^ Michigan since 1856, his parents, Charles
'jlHsi and Margaret (Dougherty) Hayward, remov-
^ ing from Collingwood, Ont., to St. Clair County
\ when he was but one year old. On the advent
of civil war his father enlisted in the Union service,
and died of fever in the hospital in 1862. He was a
carpenter. His widow afterward married Joseph
Nelson.

Mr. Hayward lived in St. Clair County until he
was ten years old. He was brought up on a farm
and has pursued the vocation of farmer all his life,
with the exception of five years, which he spent in
the lumber woods of Northern Michigan, with head-
quarters at Saginaw. He has followed lumbering
during the winter seasons, and for many years has
engaged in threshing after the crops have been
harvested. In 1881 he became the owner of a
steam thresher. In 1879 he purchased 60 acres of
land on section 36, on which he has since resided
and labored. He is a Republican in political views
and action.

Mr. Hayward was married Feb. 2, 1878, to Jane

•^niif^v^-

5^J!g«|«S^

•^v<^niisiiii^>r

-2if%^^

i86

SANILAC COUNTY.

, )
>

Sweetser. Of their union four children have been
born, whose record is as follows: John, born June 8,
1879, in Fremont; Maggie, born June 8, 1880, died
Dec. 18, 1882 ; Ella was born Dec. 31, 188 t ; Charles
Edwin was born March 24, 1884. Mrs. Hayward is
the daughter of John and Phebe (Dixon) Sweetser.
Her father died March 22, 1884, aged 85 years. Her
mother resides with her.

— sSi-

wjii^feavid Simmons, deceased, formerly a farmer
\' \:^W'V .. on section 26, Worth Township, was born
It'^SV' Sept. 15, 1815, in the Dominion of Can-
*)Ki ada, and was there reared to manhood. His
parents, John and Jane Simmons, were natives
of the State of New York. Mr. Simmons came
to Sanilac County in 1S54. He bought 160 acres of
land in tlie township of Worth, where he operated as
a farmer until his death, which took place July 22,
1879. His marriage to Emily Hicks occurred in
Canada, Oct. 7, 1838. Her parents, Peter and Mar-
garet Hicks, were of French origin. Mrs. Simmons
was born Oct. 4, 1819, in Lower Canada. The chil-
dren born to her and her husband were eight in
number, viz.: Martha, Mary and William W. are
the names of tlie survivors. Miles, Warner, Samuel,
William (2d) and Jane deceased.

Mrs. S. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, as was also her husband.

-; — ^^^S|"^^s-vv — H

oseph Galbraith, farmer, section 30, Worth
Township, is the son of Robert and Alice
' (Denniston) Galbraith. The parents were
natives of Ireland, and emigrated thence to
It Canada, where they passed the remainder of
\ their lives.

M'r. Galbraith, of this sketch, was born in Ireland,
Oct. I, 1836. He was nearly 11 years old when he
accompanied his parents to Canada, where he lived
until the spring of 188 1. He was there engaged in
agriculture, and at the date named he came to Sani-

lac County. He bought 560 acres of land in Worth
Township, and has placed 300 acres under cultiva-
tion. He is a member of the Republican party.

He was married in Canada, Nov. 7, 1862, to
Maria, daughter of John and Eleanor (Johnson)
Canton. She was born Jan. 8, 1839, in Livingston
Co., N. Y. The ten children of which she has been
the mother were named as follows : Alice, Joseph,
James I., Robert, Eleanor I., Wellington, David
W., Maria S., John W. and Franklin. The two last
named are deceased. The parents of Mrs. Galbraith
were born in Ireland and emigrated to the United
States. In October, 1854, they went from the State
of New York to Canada, where the father died, in
the fall of 1865.

>!?^.,.,-t.

rrin A. Munn, merchant at Anderson
(Washington Township), has been a resi-
dent of Sanilac County and township from
infancy. He became master of his own for-
tunes at the age of 20 years, and passed the
10 years succeeding in various pursuits.
In 1879 he located in the village of Anderson, and
in 1880 he formed an association with George Madi-
son in mercantile business. The building in which
they operated was destroyed by fire in 1881, and in
the fall of that year their relations were dissolved.
Mr. Munn rebuilt the store and again established
himself in trade. In the summer of 1883 he asso-
ciated John S. Sherman with himself, and the busi-
ness has since been carried on by their joint efforts.
In July, 1880, Mr. Munn was appointed Postmaster,
and has since discharged the duties of the position.
He has been active in the general affairs of his
township, and has officiated four years as Township
Clerk, three years as Notary Public and a number of
terms in the different school offices. He belongs to
the Masonic fraternity, and is a Republican in politi-
cal sentiment.

Mr. Munn was born Nov. 19, 1852, in Cook Co.,
111., whence his parents, Otis and Cordelia (Sherman)
Munn, removed to Sanilac County within the same
year. They are natives respectively of Massachu-
setts and Pennsylvania. They resided some years

()

>^^'

^^^

z^^K — 6^vC>D n i^ n Dr^T^

";2i»'^^i'%r'

SANILAC COUNTY.

187

in Cook Co., 111., and since the date named have
been and still are living in Sanilac County. Their
family inchides five children, Mr. Munn of tliis
sketch being the eldest.

His marriage to Rhoda J. Mattison occurred
March 25, 1877, at Port Sanilac. Her father, James
Mattison, was born in the State of New York, and
married Emma Heritage, who was born in England.
Mrs. Munn was born Dec. 23, 1853, in Sanilac
t'ounty. Of this marriage three children have been
born, — ^Herbert M., Emma C. and Bessie. The sec-
ond cliild died when she was about a year old.

~T^

=ei-

; PlPfjjpiles Simmons, farmer, section 26, Worth
Ji,, T^'' ii /a^ _ Township, is the son of David and Emily
fM^te: (Hicks) Simmons, natives of Canada,
y^ \ where they were married and spent many
■1^ years of their lives. In the fall of 1853 Ihey
( settled in Worth Township, where Mr. S. died,
in July, 1879. Their family included four sons and
three daughters.

Mr. Simmons is the eldest child of his parents,
and was born Aug. 28, 1839, in Hastings Co., Ont.
He received a fair education in the schools of Can-
ada and Michigan, whither he accompanied his par-
ents. In December, 1861, he enlisted in the loth
Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf, in which he served three
years and two months. He received an honorable
discharge at Detroit, and returned to his father's in
Worth Township. In 1867 he bought 40 acres of
wild land, to which he added 60 acres by later pur-
chase. On this he has expended his energies and
efforts, until he has placed the entire track under
cultivation. The place is supplied with good farm
buildings and improvements generally, and is a val-
uable possession. He is a Republican of decided
type, and has served his townsmen in several official
capacities. He has been Justice of the Peace, and
is present Township Treasurer. He is a member
of Post H .H. Nims, G. A. R.

Mr. Simmons, junior, was married June 16, 1866,
in St. Clair Co., Mich., to Mary A., daughter of John
and Eleanor (VVaite) Losie. The parents were natives

of Canada, where the daughter was born June 30
1838. David E., Sarah E. and Warner Blaine are
the children now included in the family of Mr. Sim-
mons.

'vfa:i2/©-^-*— S|-^^

W§!—^''^%eusvtv.

eldon A. Englehart, farn\er, section 27,
Washington Township, has been a resident
jlKi*:^ °^ Michigan since he was a lad. He be-
Vi|f5^ came a citizen of Buel Township, in Sanilac
County, in 1863, where he lived about 10
years, operating as a farmer. In 1873 he sold
his place there and bought 80 acres of land, where
he has since lived. Half of the farm is now cultiva-
ted. He is independent in political views, and has
served his generation in the capacities of Justice of
the Peace, School Treasurer, and, while a resident of
Buel, was Township Treasurer one year.

Mr. Englehart was born Dec. 13, 1835. His par-
ents, Peter and Margaret Englehart, were born in
Germany. They emigrated to the United States and
settled in the State of New York, where Mrs. E.
died. The father came to Michigan, whence he en-
listed, at Detroit, as a soldier in the Mexican War in
1847, and died at Cincinnati on his way home. The
subject of this sketch was married at Croswell
(Davisville), Jan. 4, 1864, to Margaret A. Gaffney.
She was born Feb. 14, 1S44, in Ontario. An only
child died in infancy.

<:f^|ieholas Wolfel, of the firm of Wolfel &
i ^i'Qif Saety, proprietors of the Lexington Flour-
lif^S?^ ing Mills, was born June 21, 1832, in Bo-
•^''^ hemia. He is the son of John and Elizabeth
1^ (Wunderlig) Wolfel, and his parents were also
natives of Boheinia. He learned the trade of mill-
wright in his native country, and in 1852 emigrated
thence to the United States. He first located in
St. Clair Co., Mich., where he remained six years,
working at his trade. At the expiration of that time

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<.m^^ W>^rB — ^«»^

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-5t?€^*^

v4:DIi:^IiD^i>v

1 88

"CT

SANILAC COUNTY.

)

he came to Lexington, and formed an association
with Charles Decker, in company with whom he
erected a flouring mill of limited capacity. They
conducted its interests together about nine years,
when Mr. Wolfel became sole owner and managed
his milling business singly four years. In 1873 he
formed his present connection witii Gustave Saety.
The old mill was torn down and replaced by their
present establishment, which has a capacity of 80
barrels per day, and is chiefly devoted to custom
work. The mill is located on three-fourths of an acre
of ground. Mr. Wolfel owns a considerable amount
of village real estate, and is a member of the Ma-
sonic Order. He has been a member of the Village
Board several years, and has officiated as its Presi-
dent ; he has also served as Assessor of real estate.
His marriage to Barbara Snapp occurred at Port
Huron, Oct. 16, 1859. She was born Jan. i, 1839,
in Bavaria. Eddy, born Sept. 29, i860, and Emily
Louisa, born Feb. 4, 1863, are the children that have
been born of this union. The parents are commu-
nicants of the Episcopal Church.

^^sfriHSH^-o

'^sJt^jf^

. ulius A. Hosmer, merchant at Carsonville,
is the son of L. B. and Asenath L (Cum-
mings) Hosmer, natives respectively of
Connecticut and New York. After their mar-
riage they settled in the northern part of Ohio,
where Mrs. H. died: Mr. H. is still living.
They had 12 children.

Mr. Hosmer, of this sketch, is the i ith in order of
birth, and was born Jan. 22, 1859, in Cuyahoga Co.,
Ohio. He received a good education in the common
and high schools. His mother died when he was
eight years old, and since that time the responsi-
bility of self-maintenance has been upon himself
In the fall of 1878 he came from the Buckeye State
to Sanilac County, and passed the time until the
spring of 1883 in clerking and teaching. At the
time named he built a store, where he established
his hardware business, in which he has since been
successfully engaged, having the only trade in that
line at Carsonville. He is a Republican in political
principles.

He was married June 2, 1880, at Port Sanilac, to
Ellen F., daughter of Henry and Mary (Ferguson)

Oldfield. She was born in Sanilac County, June 2,
1861. Herbert O., born June 13, i88i,and Bessie
M., born April 16, 1884, are the only children of
Mr. and Mrs. Hosmer.

fcarvey W. Smith, M. D., physician and
surgeon, located at Carsonville, was born
Oct. 24, 1855, in Went worth Co., Ont.
His parents, George F. and Mary (Rathbone)
Smith, are natives of Canada, and are still
residents of the Dominion. They had four
children.

Dr. Smith is the youngest. He obtained a good
practical common-school education, and later stud-
ied at the High School at Coburg. He determined
on the profession of medicine as a vocation, and
passed the preliminary examination necessary to
enter upon the course of study prescribed in the
Trinity Medical College of Ontario. He matricu-
lated at the Kingston branch, entering Trinity Medi-
cal School of Toronto, where he studied three years,
leaving that institution with first-class credentials.
He was admitted to a Fellowship in the Medical
Department of Trinity Medical School at Toronto,
and graduated with the degrees of M. B. at Toronto
University, M. D. and C. M. at Trinity College.
He passed successful examinations before the Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and
opened his career as a medical practitioner at Cale-
donia, Ont., in company with J. M. Forbes, M. D.,
with whom he continued in business one year. In
the spring of 1881 he came to Sanilac County,
and located at Carsonville, where he has since
resided and established his business as a medical
practitioner. Dr. Smith is neutral in [xilitical views.
He is a member of the Masonic Order and belongs
to the Knights of Maccabees.

He was married in Ontario, Feb. 22, 1879, to
Phebe A., daughter of David and Mary A. Smith.
The parents are natives of Ontario, where the
daughter was born, April 21, 1854. Mrs. Smith
is a graduate from the Wesleyan Female College
at Hamilton. She is the mother of two children
Reginald G. and Alpha C. She and her husbanc
are members of the Methodist Church.

^^iiii^nnfi>-

-4^^

SANILAC COUNTY.

■ >.

«1 ohn Beekton, farmer, located on section
^§^:7 26, Flynn Township, was born Feb. 28,
cv-i- ;> jgg j^ jj^ Dinnfrieshire, Scotland. When he
was 18 years old his parents emigrated to
j^ America and became residents of Middlesex
I Co., Ont., where they have since resided.
The first event in tlie life of Mr. Beekton, out of
the common routine of his youth and early manhood,
was his marriage to Anna E. Lodge, which occurred
May 9, 1878, in Middlese-x Co., Ont. She was born
Jan 17, 1S59, in England. She was 16 when her
parents removed from their native land to America,
and she remained with them in Ontario until her
marriage. Mary E. and George H. are the names of
the children which have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Beekton. The year following their union in wedlock,
they came to Michigan and located on a tract of 80
acres of land which Mr. Beekton had purchased the
previous year. He has placed 25 acres in fine till-
able condition. In political sentiment he is in sympa-
thy with the Republican party, but is not yet a citizen
of his adopted country. He and his wife are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcojjal Church.

'ohn W. Cook, farmer, located on section
16, Marlette Township, was born in Whit-
by, Ontario Co., Ont., May 2, 1S58. His
mother died a few days after his birth, and he
]L vvas under the care of his father until he was
II years of age, when he found himself under
the necessity of making exertions, not only for him-
self, but for the maintenance of his father. He be-
gan to operate aj a farm laborer, receiving $10 per
month for six months. He was once more occupied
at home at the expiration of that period, and a short
time afterward set about making his own way in the
world in good earnest, and since that time has earned
his living without assistance. In 1878 he came to
Sanilac County and became a farm laborer for
Alvero Collins (see sketch), of Buel Township. Two
years later, he returned to Ontario and was tliere
married Nov. 19, 1880, to Sarah, daughter of James

and Adaline (Drinkwater) Mills. Her mother is still
living, in Ontario. Her father died when she was
nine years old, and a little before that event she was
adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Ensign, of Ontario Co.,
Ont., with whom she lived until her marriage. Jus-
tus, born Jan. 30, 1883, and Nora, born Jan. 30,
1884, are the children that have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Cook.

Soon after their marriage they came to Michigan
and Mr. Cook returned to the service of his former
employer, where he continued nearly a year. He
went thence to Lexington and operated as a farm as-
sistant for Peter C-enette. In the month of Octo-
ber, 1883, he came into possession of the property
which he now occupies, by bequest from his aunt,
Mrs. Orilla Bennett. It consists of 100 acres of
land, mostly under advanced improvements, having
90 acres in a finely cultivated condition. Mr. Cook
is in sympathy with the principles and issues of the
Republican party.

C^^i'i amuel Moore, farmer and breeder of stock,
y»l ^>,_ resident on section 32, Moore Township,
1 ^' was born Oct. 22, 1842, in Brant Co., Bur-

ford Tp,, Can., and is the son of James and
Sarah (Kinsey) Moore. The father was born
in Canada, Oct. 24, 1800, and died Sept. 29,
1879. The mother was also born in the Dominion,
Aug. 15, i8io, and yet resides there.

Mr. Moore left home when he was 15 years of age
and engaged in lumbering, in whicli he was interested
about 18 years, after which he bought a saw and
grist mill, and contmued the business of a lumber-
man about the same length of time, when he sold
his property in Canada and settled in Sanilac County.
He became the proprietor of 70 acres of land, to
which he has added by later purchases until he
owns about 900 acres. The farm is in first-class
condition, with large and well constructed barns and
dwellings.

Mr. Moore was married Sept. 19, i86g, to Eliza-
beth S., daughter of Peter and Jane (Chant) Fox.
Her mother was born in 1827, in England, and died
Sept. II, 1881. The father was born in 1817, in Can-
ada, and died in 1856. Tlie children of Mr. and
Mrs. Moore are five in number and were born as

V©

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^^^ii!i^iiD;>i^9 — ^^ca^

<®^^^

follows: William J., Aug. 21, 1870; Sarah J., May
9, 1872, died Sept. 11, 1873; John P., Sept. 26, 1874;
Wildman A., Oct. i, 1879; Andrew S., Sept. 1 1,
1883.

In political connection Mr. Moore is a Republican.
He lias been Supervisor of his township two terms
and School Superintendent five terms.

ohn McGill, merchant and Postmaster at
Marlette, was born Aug. 18, 1825, in Scot-
land, of which country his parents, Qiientin
and Jeanette (Wilson) McGill, were also na-
tives. They passed the entire course of their
lives in their native land, where the mother
died in 1848 and the father in 1872. Their children
were six in number — four sons and two daughters.
(( ) Mr. McGill is the youngest son, and resided in
^ Scotland until July, 1845. He received a common-
school education, and at the date named came to
Canada. He spent two years in the Dominion, in
%jft various places and variously employed, coming thence
to Detroit, where he spent a winter workmg at his
trade of shoemaking, which he had learned in his
native land. He went next to Mt. Clemens in
Macomb County, and after a stay there of si.\ months
proceeded to Romeo, a village in the same county,
where he resided nearly 18 years, devoting his time
to the prosecution of the shoe business. In the fall
of 1866 he located at Marlette, where he built the
first grist and saw mill in this section of the county,
in which enterprise he was associated with George
H. Fenner. The saw-mill was in running order in
the summer of 1867, and the grist mill was ready for
business at Christmas following. In the spring of
1868 he removed his family hither, and has since
been engaged in the active prosecution of his busi-
ness interests. The mills first alluded to were both
burned the spring after being built; the grist-mill was
never rebuilt, but the saw-mill was immediately re-
erected. In 1869 lie disposed of his mill property, and
established himself in trade. In 187 i he again be-
came the proprietor of the mill interest he had
vfy previously sold and continued its management in
^^ connection with his other business until 1883, when
f® he leased it to other parties to secure opportunity to
^ prosecute more effectively liis other business interests.

He received his appointment as Postmaster of Mar-
lette in 1869, during the first administralion of Presi-
dent Grant. He is the owner of considerable real
estate in the township of Marlette, which comprises
about 700 acres of land with 250 acres under good
cultivation. He is the senior member of the banking
firm known as McGill & Co., which was established
in 1882, with a capital of $10,000. Mr. McGill has
worked his way to competency by the sure route of
industry and frugality, combined with correct judg-
ment and the sort of perseverance which always wins
in a newly settled region possessing the resources of
this section of the Peninsular Stale. He came to
Canada in company with his brother and had only
sufficient means to ensure a comfortable journey
there, having only his manly strength and purpose
and a knowledge of shoe-making. He is a Repub-
lican in political connection, but lias never been an
aspirant to official prominence. He belongs to the
Masonic fraternity. His residence, which he began to
erect in the fall of 1882 and completed in the spring
of 1884, is one of the finest and most substantial in
this jiart of the county and is an ornament to the
place where it is located.

Mr. McGill was married March 8, 1849, in Al-
mont, Lapeer Co., Mich., to Caroline, daughter of
Joshua (Goldthorpe) Smith. The parents were na-
tives of England and the daughter was born in the
State of Connecticut Nov. 14, 1829. Flora E. and
William B. are the children which have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. McGill.

'W^l eter Banks, farmer, section 26, Flynn Town-

|fc|^; ship, was born June 29, 1846, in Caithness-
p7-I^ shire, in the north of Scotland, and is the

and remained in his native land two years after he
obtained his majority. He then emigrated to Amer-
ica, and for a time was a resident of Middlesex Co.,
Can., coming thence to Lapeer Co., Mich., where he
remained but a brief period. He went next to To-
ronto, Out., where he was married July 14, 1873, to
Annie Nicholson, a native of Scotland and daughter
of William and Isabella (Nichols) Nicholson. She

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SANILAC COUNTY.

191

was 22 years of age when she came with her two
sisters to Canada, where she was married soon after.
Mr. and Mrs. Banks have seven cliildren, born in the
order named : Georgiana, June 28, 1S74; James A.,
July 9, 1875; Margaret E., Sept. 16, 1876; Minnie
C, May 24, 1878 ; Jessie, Sept. 16, 1S79; Annie,
June I, 1881 ; William John, Oct. 28, 1882.

Soon after marriage, Mr. Banks rented a farm in
the township of Eckfiied, Middlesex Co., Ont., where
he operated until his removal to Michigan, in October,
1879, when he located on 80 acres of land in Flynn
Township, of which he became the proprietor by pur-
chase. This has since been the home of the family,
and there is now 35 acres of the place under credit-
able cvltivation. In political belief Mr. Banks favors
the views of the Republican element. In religious
sentiment he and his wife are Presbyterians. ,

ohn L. Fitch, lumberman and farmer on
section 25, Marlette Township, was born
March 10, 18^3, in Canada. He is the
fourth child of Thomas and Margaret (Bea-
]C^ com) Fitch (see sketch), and accompanied his
parents to Sanilac County when he was about
four years of age. He has grown to man's estate in the
county where he now resides, and has interested him-
self in the calling common to this section of Mich-
igan. He has spent 14 winters in the various
details of lumbering, and has devoted the remaining
seasons of the years to the improvement and culti-
vation of 160 acres of land which he owns in Mar-
lette Township. He has placed 75 acres in a
profitable and creditable condition. In political
affiliation he is a Democrat.

ff (i Mi'i illiam W. Kerr, farmer, section 7, Flynn

.i»^.^^\|i 'Pownship, was born Oct. 7, 1843, m '' Old
xp Cambridge," Mass. His parents, Joseph and
'iff^ Ann (Campbell) Kerr, were born respectively
in Ireland and Scotland. The father was a
farmer, and when the son was but a few
months old the family removed to Huron Co., Ont ,
where the senior Kerr was again engaged in that
pursuit until his death, Dec. 7, 1883, at the age of 80

years. The mother is 68 years of age and is a resi-
dent of Ontario.

Mr. Kerr was reared to the vocation of farmer,
and obtained a good education in the district schools.
He remained with his parents until he was 24 years
of age, when he was married to Tabitha E. Ervin.
She was born June 21, 1851, in Oxford Co., Can.,
and remained with her parents until her mar-
riage. Her father and mother, Alfred and Anna E.
(Carroll) Ervin, were born in Ontario and Germany,
and descended from German and Irish parentage.
The father died about 1873, in Marlette, Mich., when
he was 47 years of age. The mother resides in Mar-
lette and is 53 years of age. Eight children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kerr, in the following
order: Mary J., James D., Alfred A., Anna E., Joseph,
William G. and Ogle V. C. At the expiration of
the first year of their marriage the parents removed
to the village of Marlette, then in its incipiency, where
they resided 12 years, the father being engaged in
farming. In 1880 he exchanged his property for 160
acres of land, on which some improvements had been
made, on sections 7,12 and 18, in Flynn Township,
of which he at once took possession and entered vig-
orously into the work of putting the property in first-
class condition. He now has 60 acres under the
plow. Mr. Kerr is a Republican in political connec-
tion and has held the minor offices in his township.
He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.

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A. Scribner, proprietor of the El-
u mer House, Elmer village, Moore Tovvn-
"^ ship, is the son of Solomon L. and Ursula
(Tibbetts) Scribner. The former was born June
^^^ 6, 1820, in London, Can. He is a mechanic
I and worked as such while a resident of the
Dominion. He removed to Elmer in 1882. The
mother was born Dec. i, 1826, in the city of Montreal.
Mr. Scribner was born Dec. 9, 1849, •" Macomb
Co., Mich. He received a common-school education
and was an inmate of the paternal home until he was
26 years of age. He was then engaged in farmingin
St. Clair Co., Mich., and in the year 1876 he was
married to Laura L., daughter of George. H. and
Jelaina (Putnam) Dingman. She was born May 6,
1859, in Imlay City, Lapeer Co , Mich. Her parents

v§)

C'.'

192

SANILAC COUNTY.

■:sr

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are natives of Delaware, Can., where her fatlier en-
gaged in farming and kimbering. They now reside
in St. Clair Co., Mich., whitl.er they removed in 187 i.
Mr. Scribner remained in St. Clair County four
years after his marriage, when he moved to Elmer
and embarked in tlie business which he has since
. prosecuted. Three children are now included in the
family household, who were born as follows : Adelia
J., May 30, 1877 ; Townsend T., Dec. 19, 1879;
George L., July 6, 1881. Mr. Scribner is a Repub-
lican in political sentiment and connection, and has
officiated as Constable of his township since his re-
moval hither.

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\\ ellington Parker, Treasurer of Lamotte
Township, was born May 22, 18 19, in
jil^^rT^ the township of Yarmouth, Elgin Co.,
j|^> Can. He is the son of William and Nancy
Parker, and is of mixed Irish and German
descent. His paternal grandfather, John Parker,
was born in Cork, and married Mary Watson, a native
of the city of Dublin. They emigrated to Nova Scotia,
and after a short residence there went to Pennsyl-
vania and settled on the banks of the Susquehanna
River, where they secured a proprietary claim of 200
acres of land, and also a title to an island in the
river, where they had a residence. The occupancy
of the island was a source of much discomfort at the
season of the year when the stream was swollen, and
often of danger, as the river rises sometimes with
great rapidity, and on more than one occasion the
family were in imminent peril, barely escaping with
their lives to the main land. John Parker was a
Tory, and, disgusted with the result of the Revolution,
he abandoned his property and went back to Nova
Scotia. He removed thence to Canada, and settled
in Welland County, on the Chippewa River, thirty
miles from its mouth, where he remained until 181 6,
when he removed his family to Elgin Co., Can., into
a dense wilderness. The trials and privations they
encountered may be estimated from the fact that
they were obliged to go 70 miles to mill. They car-
ried their grain on their backs to the water's edge,
about a mile from their home, and placed it in a small
canoe, which they rowed to Port Ryerse in Simcoe. In

^^^

extreme eases the journey consumed a month, and
always required a number of days, as the weather
was variable without exception. They were fre-
quently obliged to land and shelter themselves under
their inverted boat. Both grandparents resided in
Yarmouth, until their deaths. William Parker was
born in New Brunswick, in November, 1797. He
accompanied his parents to Canada, and was married
in Welland County. His wife was of German descent.
She was born in Welland County in 1800, and died
in Yarmouth, in January, 1877. Her husband was
a farmer, and died in the same place in May, 1875.

Mr. Parker, of this sketch, remained at home with
his parents some years after attaining his majority.
He learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he pur-
sued in his native county, and he aided in the sup-
port of his parents while he remained at home. He
was mairied Feb. 22, 1842, to Thyrza Fisher. She
was born in Baden, Germany, and died Sept. 14,
1S50, in Yarmouth, leaving five children, all of whom
survive and are residents of the Dominion. Mary
Catherine married Edward Bailey. Nancy Ann is
the wife of Samuel Edgecomb. Edward married
Melissa Ryckman. Frances is Mrs. William Mill-
man. Nelson married Sophia Miner. Mr. Parker
was a second time married in October, 1852, to Mary
Bloom. She was the daughter of Sebastian and
Cecilia Bloom. Her parents were Germans and
emigrated to Canada. The daughter was born in
1831, her birth taking place on the Atlantic Ocean.
She died in June, 1864, after becoming the mother of
four children. Henry married Ida Ryckman, and re-
sides in Malahide, Ont. Thyrza is deceased. Well-
ington, Jr., is next in order of birth. Franklin mar-
ried .\nna Doherty and resides in Lamotte with his
father. Ida is the name of his little daughter. Mr.
Parker was a third time married in June, 1866, to
Hannah Merritt, a native of Canada. She died on
the third anniversary of her wedding, and left one
child — Merritt. Mr. Parker married Phebe Ann
Dennis, Feb. 13, 1870. She was born in Toronto,
Canada.

When Mr. Parker was 18 years old the Patriot
War broke out in Canada, and he was conscripted
four times, in each instance without being drawn into
actual military drill, and the rebellion was suppressed
with no loss of life save that caused by the execution
of Bedford and others, who were officers and incited
others to resist the authority of the government of

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SANILAC COUNTY.

Great Britain. (See sketch of Dr. S. W. Bedford.)
Mr. Parker was wholly in sympathy with the reform
party, but saw no possible chance for the success of
the movement. He remained a resident of the Do-
minion until iS8i,when he came to Sanilac County,
and settled on i6o acres of land situated on sections
29 and 30, Lamotte Township. It is a valuable
piece of real estate, conveniently situated, and he
and his two sons, Wellington and Frank, have placed
80 acres under advanced cultivation. They took
possession of the place with courage, and during the
spring and summer of 1881 accomplished a wonder-
ful change. They built a good house and had fair
prospects of speedy prosperity when the ill-fated fifth
of September arrived. The air was thick and dis-
mal with the smoke of the fires in adjacent townships,
and on that day it became a certainty in Lamotte.
The cinder blew from a piece of woods about 30 rods
from the dwelling of Mr. Parker and the house was
soon in flames. There was no help or relief, only to
save life. Everything was parched from the long
continued dry weather. Mr. Parker and the children
found safety from the flames at a point some rods
from their home protected by a piece of woods which
did not take fire. Mr. parker stayed with his con-
suming house and managed to make a slight saving.
He obtained breath by throwing himself flat on the
ground, face downward, his clothing frequently taking
fire. The details are told in full in another ])art of
this book. Mr. Parker's loss was about $1,200.
He and his sons again set to work to re-establish
their fortunes, and have put the farm in valuable and
promising condition. A suitable and convenient
house has been built, at an expense of $1,500, and
at this writing the fair fields are like gold with the
waiting harvest. The first shock of the sharp and
sudden loss having passed, time and effort have
brought reward that sheds a softer remembrance
over tlie sore affliction of Sept. 5, 1881.

Wellington Parker, Jr., was born Feb. 8, 1S57, in
Elgin Co., Can. He has always lived with his
father, and is one of the substantial young men upon
whom is placed the hope and reliance for the future
development and prosperity of Sanilac County. They
are well founded in this instance, Mr. Parker possess-
ing the sturdy traits of perseverance and wholesome
judgment which characterize the nationalities from
which he is descended. He and his brother Frank
have all the characteristics which develop men under

the fostering influences of a republican form of
government. Industrious, honest, intelligent and con-
siderate, they have an assured future and their town
and county is fortunate in the promise of their citi-
zenship. Father and sons are Republicans of no un-
certain type. Wellington is a member of the M. E.
Church. He has an excellent education, and in the
spring of 1884 was elected School Inspector.

V3;

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p[-^r. James A. Watson, physician and sur-
k^^ll geon, resident at Brown City, was born

1£

Aug. 2, 1862, in Greenwood Township, St.

jnA Clair Co., Mich. His parents, William and
^ Ellen (Crocker) Watson, were natives of Ontario
S and were farmers all their lives. They became
residents of Michigan about 1850, settling in St. Clair
County. The father became a soldier in the Union
Army and died of disease at Murfreesboro, Tenn.,
after a year's service. The mother is a resident of
the township of Grant, St. Clair County.

J. A. Watsoii was scarcely beyond infancy when
his father died. His mother cared for and reared
him to the age of 16 years. He became skilled in
agriculture and obtained a fair education in the com-
mon schools. When he was 17 years old, he became
a district school teacher, and a year later he entered
the Medical Department of the University at Ann
Arbor. He was graduated there in 1883, and not
long after receiving tlie authority of the institution
he established himself as a practitioner at Brown
City. His business is already satisfactory, and he is
steadily advancing in the confidence and esteem of
his patrons. He is an adherent and supporter of
the principles of the Republican party.

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Can., Jan
Dominion.

Mr. Pitcher was born March 2, 1S46, in O.xford

lilansing D. Pitcher, agriculturist, located

^y J'-- (111 sec;tion -js, Moore Township, is the son

V',^ of Archibald and Hannah (Rock) Pitcher.

■Jiff The father was born Feb. 5, 1820, in Queens-

iji bury, Warren Co., N. Y., and died Jan. 28,

1882; the mother was born in Wetland Co.,

18, 1823, and died March 8, 1856, in the

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194

SANILAC COUNTY.

-€S-

Co., Can. When he was 24 years of age he engaged
in threshing and saw-milling, alternating in their
pursuits until 1879, when he came to Sanilac County
and settled on the farm he has since conducted,
which includes 40 acres of land, with 23 acres im-
proved, and supplied with good buildings. He is in
prosperous circumstances, notwithstanding the fact
that he sustained a loss of $1,800 by the burning of
his saw-mill, a quantity of logs, his barn, stables and
grain in the fire of 1881.

In 1878, he was married to Sarah J., daughter of
James and Sarah (Chambers) Rounds. The father
was born in Staffordshire, Eng., and died March 9,
1882. The mother resides in Sanilac County. Mrs.
Pitcher was born Oct. 3, 1858, in Canada. Ada A.
and Clarence A., born respectively Oct. 18, 1879, and
Sept. 22, 1883, are the children of Mr. and Mrs.
Pitcher. The parents are members of the Inde-
pendent Order of Good Templars, in which work
they are ardently interested.

?'&"^'^ orris Rockwell, farmer, section 19, Flynn
Ij^S^ia^'- Township, was born Nov. 13, 1830, in
^S''" Ridgefield, Fairfield Co., Conn. His par-
'^^^\ ents, Charles and Sarah A. (Brotherton)
^^'* Rockwell, were also natives of the same section
I of the "land of steady habits," Yankees by birth
but of a line of descent which originated in the
"land of the shamrock." The father was a farmer in
his native State, and in 1849 removed with his family
to Oakland Co., Mich., where the parents resided the
remaining portion of their lives ; the demise of the
father occurred June 9, 185 i, that of the mother, Oct.
I, 1882. Their family comprised ten children, all of
whom are still living, and eight of them are residents
of the Peninsular State.

Mr. Rockwell is the eldest son and second child of
his parents. He was reared to the vocation of farm-
ing, and obtained a reasonably fair education in the
common school. He was 19 years of age when his par-
ents became residents of Michigan, and he remained
under their control until the period of his majority.
He then entered upon the contest of life in his
own behalf, engaging at first as a common laborer on
a farm. He continued to operate in that manner un-
til his marriage, Dec. 10, 1862, in Washtenaw Co.,

Mich., to Eunice Eaton. She was born in that county,
and was the daughter of Hosea Eaton. She died in
her native county May 29. 1865. Mr. Rockwell was
again married Jan. i., 1868, in Oakland Co., Mich.,
to Mary E. Beaumont, daughter of Francis and
Maria (Rosebone) Beaumont. Her parents were
natives respectively of England and New York, and
of English and Gemian descent. They are still liv-
ing in Oakland County, and are actively engaged in
farming. They are aged 74 and 70 years. Mrs.
Rockwell is the eldest daughter of her parents, whose
family included nine children. She is the fourth in
order of birth and was born in Highland, Oakland
County, Aug. 26, 1845. She was reared and educated
in her native county. Five children are now included
in the household of Mr. Rockwell, who were born as
follows: Charles G., April 7, 1870; Walter L., Sept.
16, 1872; Elsie, June 28, 1874; Elmer A., Jan. 24,
1880; Harry H., June 25, 1883. •
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. R. remained two years
on a farmin Oakland (bounty, and in December, 1875,
they removed to Sanilac County and entered a claim
of 142 acres of land on section 19 of Flynn Town-
ship. To this they have added 40 acres by later
purchase. The place is now in prosperous condition,
with 40 acres under the plow and a fine young
orchard. It is supplied with a good house and suit-
able farm buildings. In social standing the family
rank with the community of which they are members,
and they are an influential element in the local mat-
ters of the township. Mr. Rockwell is a Republican
and has been Justice of the Peace eight years.

-J — "'^^^P-^^-i'^ s

allace B. Brooks, merchant at Novesta
Evergreen Township, was born Dec. 14,
1848, in Canada, and is the son of Henr}'
and Ann (Reynolds) Brooks, both of whom
were born in Troy, N. Y., the former in 1813,
the latter in 1821. The father is a farmer near
Memphis, Macomb Co., Mich. ''p)

At the age of 14 years, Mr. Brooks became an as- 1
sistant in a bakery and confectionery establishment, ^"^
in wliich he was employed two years. He was 16 ~
years old when he became steward on a boat which
plied on the river St. Lawrence, called the "Butcher
Boy," and he operated thereon five seasons. At the

DDf^^^-

^r®^

:©#«

SANILAC COUNTY.

4^^(<sVl|g

195

opening of the next he bought a half interest in the
schooner " John F. Warner," and engaged in shipping

^ grain and lumber between the ports of Milwaukee
and Buffalo, and from Saginaw to Cleveland. In
1872 the schooner was sunk in the lake off Kelly's

y Island, and Mr. Brooks lost his entire investment.
He next engaged in teaming in the city of Cleveland,
until he could better himself, when he embarked in
real-estate traffic, in which he was interested five
years. He then became interested in agi'culture
and engaged in farming on Mentor Avenue. A year
later he sold the place and came to the section of
Sanilac County where he is now operating, and es-
tablished his mercantile interests, which he hassir.ce
prosecuted with reasonably satisfactory results. He
is an adherent to the principles of the National
Greenback party, and has been School Officer of the
district in which he lives. He belongs to the Knights
^f^ of Pythias and to the Order of Orangemen.

inard D. Mills, merchant at Elmer, Moore
Township, was born March 5, 1855, in
Jackson Co., Mich. His father, Hiram
Mills, was born in 1809, and his mother,
Emmeline (Burden) Mills, was born in 1827,
both natives of Delaware Co., N. Y. They re-
side in Lynn Township, St. Clair Co., Mich.

Mr. Mills obtained a substantial and available ed-
ucation, and when he was 20 years old began his
active career as a teacher, in which capacity he was
engaged two years. Meanwhile his parents had re-
moved to St. Clair County, and he proceeded thither
and interested himself in agriculture and bee-cul-
ture, to which he devoted five years. In 1883 he
embarked in mercantile business atr EimCT: He be-
longs to the Republican element in politicar connec-
tion.

He was married in 1882 to Mary L. Lovejoy. She
was born Aug. 20, 1859, in St. Clair Co., Mich., and
is the daughter of William P. and Emmeline (War-
ren) Lovejoy. The parents of Mrs. Mills are natives
respectively of the States of New York and Vermont.
In the early days of their marriage they removed to

w»

Macomb Co., Mich., and afterwards to their present
location in St. Clair County.

Leroy, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Mills, was born
March 22, 1884.

n.i!uwM^r

K4— w'^'S/Zrero^v.

homas Welch, farmer, section 19, Flynn
Township, was born Feb. 24, 1819, on the
J^T^ Grand River, in Chatham, Province of
^ Lower Canada, and is the son of William and
Mary Welch. His parents moved to Upper
Canada when he was 12 years old, and at the
age of 17 he came to Chicago and Galena, 111., where
he spent 12 years. He was employed about 14
years in the lead mines at the latter place, afterwards
returning to Canada. He was married at Malahide,
Ont., Oct. 20, 1850, to Mary Brooks, a native of that
place, where she was born Jan. 6, 1829. Eleven
children have been born of her marriage, four of whom
are deceased. They were named Mary G., Charles,
Daniel, Walter, Alma, Catherine E., Levi, Junius,
Andrew, Ellen and Laura. The four last named are
deceased. Mr. Welch was a resident of Elgin Co.,
Can., after his marriage about 20 years, and operated
as a fanner on 100 acres of land of which he was the
proprietor. He removed thence to Lambton County,
where he remained until 1882. He owned 70 acres
of land, and at the date named he disposed of his
property by sale and came to Flynn Township, where
he purchased 80 acres of land situated on sections
18 and 19, and where he has since been vigorously
and successfully engaged in improving his farm. He
is a Republican in political sentiment.

-h — ^VV^^*-g^S'V> H

'^1

sji S^il enj amin Gamble, "mine host" of the
^iiLffiJF Brown City Hotel, was born Sept. 6, 185 1,
<x-f0^ in Dundas Co., Ont. His father was a
l^* farmer, and died at the age of 47 years, when
the son was but three years old, and lie con-
tinued to reside with his mother until he was
18 years old. At that age he began life on his own
responsibility, and operated for a few years as a com-
mon laborer. He had a brother in Montreal, whom

Si/

<>DI]^IiIl>>v

->sW^

SANILAC COUNTY.

he joined there aiid assisted in his business by driv-
ing a team. He was employed five years. His mar-
riage to Mary A. Morris occurred in Huron Co.,Ont.,
June 28, 1875. She was born June 3, 1854, in Ox-
ford Co., Ont. Her parents are in advanced years
and reside in this township. After their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Gamble located at Grand Bend, Ont.,
where they resided until December, 1879, when they
came to Michigan and engaged in agriculture two
years in Lapeer County. In January, 1S83, they
came to Brown City and purchased the hotel property
which they have since managed, belonging then to
Isaac Swan. They have been successfully engaged
and have more than doubled their hotel facilities.
Tlie establishment is comfortably furnished and
equipped, with a capacity for accommodating 30
guests. Mr. Gamble also owns an improved lot
within the village limits.

ames S. Denton, farmer, section 10, Moore

.. iGi>.'l Townshii), is the son of Darius and Electa

j^5 • ' (Lynch) Denton, both of whom were na-

W lives of the State of New York. The former
was born in 1809, and died June 18, 1882 ; the
\ latter was born in 1S15, and resides in Memphis,
Macomb Co., Mich.

Mr. Denton was born Aug. 24, 1845, in Macomb
Co., Mich. He passed the years of his minority in
the home of his parents, and on reaching the period
of his legal freedom he engaged in farming in his
own behalf and for his father also. His marriage
occurred in 1867, when Miss Celia Canfield became
his wife. She was born Dec. 27, 1845, in the town-
ship of Columbus, St. Clair Co., Mich., and is the
daughter of C. R. and Mary A. (Palmer) Canfield,
natives of Connecticut. The mother was born in
1817, the father in 1821. Mr. Canfield was a lawyer
by profession and was appointed Revenue officer by
President Johnson.

Mr. Denton came to Sanilac County in 1880 and
settled on 80 acres of land, on which he has since
resided and which is in a well-improved condition.
He is a Republican in political faith and action. He
has been School Inspector, and in 1884 was elected
to his present office of Highway Commissioner. He
is a member of Memphis Lodge, No. 142, F. & A. M.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Denton were born
as follows : Jennie E., Oct. 30, 1871 ; May, Aug. 18,
1874; Cecil C, Oct. II, 1883. The parents are
members of the Congregational Church.

iehard Pearson, farmer, section 4, Moore
Township, was born Oct. 6, 1853, in Whit-
by Township, Canada. He is the son of
;^Bartholomew and Emily J. (Hudson) Pearson.
The parents were born respectively in York-
shire, England, and County Wexford, Ireland.
They now belong to the agricultural class of Sanilac
County.

When he was 18 years old, Mr. Pearson left home
to make his own way in the world, and spent si.\
years as a lumberman and saw-mill assistant. In
the fall of i860 he came to Sanilac County with his
parents, and in 1875 he was married to Addie M.
Pope. She was born Oct. 17, 1S57, in Oceana Co.
Mich., and is the daughter of Alfred and Nancy J.
(Brown) Pope. The former was born July i, 1830,
in London, Eng. He was a sailor in early life and is
now a carpenter and joiner by trade. The mother
was born June 16, 1837, in Enfield, N. Y. One child
has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pearson : Lillian, June
6, 1879. Mr. P. is a Republican, and has been
Justice of the Peace and School Moderator. Mrs.
Pearson is an artist in taste and practice and exhibits
fine results of her skill and genius.

j'homas H. Mahaffy, farmer, section 9, Flynn
Township, was born July 26, 185 1, in
^ County Armagh, Ireland. His parents,
William and M. A. Mahaffy, were also natives
of the " Green Isle," where tiiey passed their
entire lives. When he was 23 years of age he
came to America and at first located in Ontario,
Dominion of Canada. He went thence to Romeo,
Macomb Co., Mich., where he entered the employ
of E. W. Giddings, a banker of that place. He came
to Sanilac County in the fall of 1879, and purchased
the property where he has since resided and operated
as a farmer, on 160 acres of land. He has cleared

and improved about 20 acres.

1 — r

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SANILAC COUNTY.

199

Mr. Mahaffy was married May 17, 1882, in Mar-
liittc, to Rebecca Muri)hy. She was born in Ire-
land, March 12, 1864, and came to this country when
she was 16 years old. Arthur is the name of the
only child of Mr. and Mrs. Mahaffy. The parcuts
are members of the M. E. Church, and Mr. M. is a
Democrat in political belief.

jirthur Carson, proprietor of the Carson
^g House at Sandusky, and merchant and
lumberman at Carsonville (of which he is the
founder), was Lorn Oct. 24, 1820, in County
Down, Ireland. He belongs to the active,
hardy race known as Scotch-Irish, his parents, Sam-
uel and Alice (Quinn) Carson, having both been
born in Ireland of parentage belonging to that class
in the north of that island. His father died in the
city of Belfast, in 1858, at the age of 62 years; and
his mother went to England subsequently to her hus-
' band's death, and in 1880, when 90 years of age, set
out for America. She is now a resident of the home
of her son, and is 94 years old. She is in compara-
tively firm health and remarkably active in her

haliits.

Mr. Carson is the only child of his parents. He
remained at home until he was 16 years of age, and
was reared to the craft of a stone and brick mason.
In 1S50, he came to the United States and located
in Ravenna, Portage Co., Ohio, where he first obtained
employment in his calling, working on the railroad
bridges of the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad in that
State. He next became an assistant in the glass
factory at Franklin Mills (now Kent), in the same
county, and six months later he proceeded to Sum-
mit County, in the Buckeye State, where he worked
at his trade. Later he was similarly employed in the
city of Cleveland.

He made his first entry into Lexington Oct. 4,
1851. Sanilac County was then in its swaddling
clothes. Lexington was conspicuous for its " un-
seliled" condition and contained but three places of
business, with its buildings all in the crudest condi-
tion. Port Sanilac rejoiced in the expressive cogno-
men of Bark Shanty. (The place was organized by
William Austin, who conferred its present name.)
Mr. Carson pre-empted 40 acres of land in the

vicinity of Lexington, his first property in the Penin-
sular State, and in 1853 he located 120 acres of land
at the head of Black River, 20 miles northwest of
Lexington, and nine miles from Bark Shanty, where
were the nearest inhabitants. Those on the west
were 40 miles distant. There were no highways,
and hardly a trail, save for short routes. Indians
and wild beasts were abundant and Mr. Carson car-
ried on quite an extensive traffic in furs with his
copper-colored neighbors. He also managed a place
of public entertainment, which he established soon
after he located. In 1864, he built a hotel and
founded a general mercantile establishment at the
point now known as Carsonville, which name was
conferred in 1879, when the village was platted and
intersected by the Port Huron & Northwestern Rail-
road. Mr. Carson is still the proprietor of a large
amount of property in the village, and owns 5 20 acres
of land, lying one mile from its limits. The present
Mrs. Carson holds a tide to a^)nsiderable amount
of projjerty at Sandusky, which includes a large hotel
and several village lots. She owns also 240 acres of
wood land in the immediate vicinity.

The first marriage of Mr. Carson occurred Dec. 5,
184S, to Martha Crorey, in County Down, Ireland.
She was a daughter of John and Jane (Harrison)
Crorey. Her mother died in Ireland, in 1845, and
her father died in Ohio. The first wife of Mr. Car-
son was born Jan. i, 1832, in County Down, Ireland,
and died at Carsonville, Nov. 16, 1869. She was a
member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Carson's
second marriage, to Jane Cowen, occurred in the
city of Detroit. She was born in County Tipperary,
Ireland, in June, 1840, and is the daughter of Edwin
and Triphenia (Clark) Cowen, both of Irish- birth.
The father died in Ontario, Can., aged 66 years; the
demise of her mother occurred in Sanilac County,
when she was 65 years old. The family came to
this country in 1849, and settled in Ontario. In 1856
they located in Michigan. Of seven children liorn
to Mr. and Mrs. ('arson, two are deceased. Marliia
J. was born Jidy 24, 1871 : Alice, Feb. 6, 1875 ; Ar-
thur, June 3, 1877; Mabel, March 16, 1881; Ezra
C, |une 3, 1 883. The deceased children were sons
and died in eady infancy. The parents are mem-
bers of the Established Church of England.

Mr. Carson has been prominent in public life
since he identified his fortunes with those of Sanilac
County. He has officiated 22 years as Justice of

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— «#?@^

SANILAC COUNTY.

the Peace in Washington, Bridgehampton and Water-
town Townships, and is the incumbent of that posi-
tion in the latter. He has been Supervisor in the
two first-named, and has discharged the duties of
numerous minor offices. He is a Democrat in poHt-
ical connection, and a member of the Masonic
Order. He became connected with the fraternity in
his native country, and now belongs to the blue
lodge, No. 231, at Port Sanilac. He is a member
of the Commandery at Lexington, and is connected
with the Order of Knights Templars at that place.

The record of Mr. Carson in Sanilac County
entitles him to a position in the collection of por-
traits of prominent citizens in the County Album.
He is widely known through his business interests,
and through the relations of his past active life will
be remembered as a prominent factor in the history
of the county.

i obert Legear, farmer, section 9, Elmer
Township, was born in Limerick, Ireland,
and came to America with his parents
when he was 13 years of age. The family
settled at St. Mary's, Ontario. He was
brought up on his father's farm, where he re-
mained until he was 25 years of age. He passed
the succeeding two years in varied occupations, and
was united in marriage, Aug. 29, 1854, to Jane
Stephens, of Ontario. She is of mixed Scotch and
English descent, and was under the care of her par-
ents until her marriage.

Mr. and Mrs. Legear came to Niles, Mich., soon
after their marriage, where they lived three years,
after which they went to Huron Co., Ont., and re-
mained there resident 15 years. At the end of that
time they came to Elmer Township, in Sanilac
("ounty. Mr. Legear purchased his homestead of 80
acres, which was then in a wholly wild state. He
has improved 35 acres, and is still continuing his
efforts on the place. He was the possessor of little
save his manly vigor and determination to succeed
in establishing his family in a comfortable and cred-
itable home. In this he has achieved a success
which reflects a large degree of credit on his manage-
ment and judgment. In political connection he is a
Republican. He and his wife are members of the

Methodist Episcopal Church. He and Mr. Coon, a
neigiibor, were the first to hold a prayer-meeting at
Elmer City.

Mr. and Mrs. Legear have become the parents of
II children, ten of whom are yet living, namely:
Mary J., Barbara, Jacob A., William N., John F.,
Jeannette L., Walter R., Edwin, George E. and
Bertie F. Margaret is deceased. Barbara is now
the wife of Walter Hyslop, of Elmer (see sketch);
Mary J. is the wife of the Rev. J. G. Falis, of the
London (Ontario) Conference.

ilas J. Sloat, merchant at Marlette, was
;>?^r C born in Canada. He was in early youth
^\C^' '''' when his parents, Geo. W., and Sarah
i\^ (Best) Sloat, removed from Canada and set-
tled in Sanilac Co., Mich. The father was a
native of Canada, and died when his son was
about nine years old. The mother was a native of
New York.

Soon after the death of his father, Mr. Sloat began
the warfare of life, working as he could for the first
few years to obtain a livelihood. He was variously
occupied until he was 18 years of age. On the out-
break of the Southern Rebellion, he became deeply
interested in the issues which involved the nation,
and he resolved to enter the war. He enlisted
Oct. 8, 186 1, in the loth Mich. Vol. Inf, and re-
mained in active service until July 19, 1865. In the
campaign of 1864, he was in the field and under fire
every day save ten, for four months, he being on the
skirmish line. He passed the entire period without
harm from the chances of war, but was injured near
Columbia, Tenn., by a wagon passing over his foot,
the casualty causing a disability which laid him up
for four months. On receiving his discharge after
the war closed he returned to the home of his mother
in St. Clair County, where he became interested in
lumbering, operating one year on the river and in the
woods. At the end of that time he engaged in mer-
cantile affairs in Lapeer County, and continued to
manage his business there two years.

Selling out his commercial interests, in the fall of
1870, he came to Marlette, where he established him-
self in similar pursuits, which he carried on until the
spring of 187 1. He proceeded to Bay City, where

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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lie operated three years as a salesman in a store, re-
turiiing in 1S74 to Marlette. He leased the Rush
House, which he conducted one year, before selling
his interest therein. His next employment was in
the saw-mill of John McGill. For several years
he was variously occupied, until February, 1S84,
when he opened a store wliich he has since continued
to manage.

Mr. Sloat was married Aug. 13, 1868, at Almont,
Lapeer Co., Mich , to Harriet C. Hewitt. She is a
native of Almont, and has become the mother of five
children, one of whom is deceased — Amos Grant —
who died when he was eight months old. Minnie
L., Grace H., Edith M. and OUie are the names of
the surviving children.

Mr. Sloat is a man who has made his way in the
world despite adverse circumstances. The question
of self-maintenance absorbed his time and abilities
to the exclusion of all chances of obtaining an edu-
cation in early life, but, being possessed of practical
habits of observation and reflection, he made ample
amends in the culture he was able to acquire at a
later period. In iiolitical faitli he is a staunch Re-
publican.

P. Boughner, farmer, section 34,
Maple Valley Township, is of mixed En'g-

Mich..

lish and German ancestry, and was botn
April 2g, 1846, in Norfolk Co., Ont. He was
an inmate of the paternal home until he was
20 years old, when he came to St. Clair Co.,
and engaged in the labors of a farm assistant
for a time, after which he worked at his trade of car-
penter, to which he had been trained in his native
county.

He was married in St. Clair County, Sept. 13,
J 871, to Phebe Brooks. She was born Sept. ig,
1853, in the province of Ontario, and accompanied
her parents to Michigan when she was 13 years old.
Soon after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Boughner settled
in Sanilac County, on a farm of 80 acres, which the
husband purchased the previous year. The wife and
mother died April 28, 1S80, on the homestead, leav-
ing four children — Alberta L., Andrew A., William E.
and Floyd. The second marriage of Mr. Boughner
occurred Oct. 5, 1882, at Brockway Center, St. Clair

Co., Mich., to Eleanor Bullock. She was born July
19, 1855, in Elgin Co., Ont. Her parents became
residents of Michigan when she was 1 1 years old,
and she was under their guidance until her marriage.
Mr. Boughner is a Republican in political affilia-
tion ; has been Justice of the Peace four years and
officiated in the minor local offices. He has dis-
charged the duties pertaining to the school offices of
his district. He is a progressive farmer and has
cleared and otherwise improved 50 acres of his farm.

^X >Ssharles J. French, Postmaster at Sandusky,
' J a and Treasurer of VVatertown Township,
^'jW was born Dec. 13, 1844, in the township of
^i^ Whitchurch, York Co., Ont., and is the son of
William J. and Mary (Johnson) French. The
parents were born in the Province of Ontario.
The father was a farmer, and in 1853 removed his
family and business interests to Worth Township,
Sanilac Co., Mich., where he pursued the same voca-
tion about 17 years, then removed to Macomb Coun-
ty ; he died in that county in 1879. The mother
died there in 1876. Their family included 13 chil-
dren — -seven sons and six daughters; four of the
former and four of the latter are now living.

Mr. French is the oldest child of his parents. He
first came to Michigan when he was eight years of
age, with his grandparents. A year later he joined
his parents. He spent the years of his minority in
obtaining a substantial education, and on attaining
his legal freedom he operated through two seasons
as a farm laborer in Macomb County. He resumed
his attendance at school, becoming a pupil in the
educational institutions at Romeo. He next engaged
in teaching, and followed that vocation one year in
Lapeer County. He passed the ensuing three years
in the same calling in Sanilac County, and in 1873
went to the Business College of Bryant, Stratton &
Goldsmiths, at Detroit, to fit himself for active busi-
ness life. He completed a full course of study there,
and in 1874 obtained employ in the Register's office
at Lexington, then the county seat of Sanilac County.
His next engagement was as book-keeper in the em-
ploy of Moss, Mills & Gaige, lumbermen and real-
estate dealers at Davisville, now Croswell. The
name was changed at the instigation of Mr. French.

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After operating in their employ four years, he entered
that of C. \V. Arnot, in the same capacity. A year
later he came to Sandusky to manage the lumber in-
terests of his former employers, Messrs. Moss, Mills
& Gaige. When the question of the location of the
county seat becam3 prominent, Mr. French exerted
all his energies to secure its being fixed at the geo-
graphical center of Sanilac County. Soon after, he
was appointed Postmaster and has since retained the
position. He conducts the affairs of the office in
connection with a stationery store, and is also the
manager of the Telephone Exchange. Mr. French
is a Republican in political connection, and has al-
ways been active in public life in the different sec-
tions where he has resided. He was Superintendent
of Scliools at Lexington, has been Treasurer of
Watertown Township four terms and officiated in
numerous minor offices. He belongs to the Knights
of Maccabees.

He was married June i, 1875, at Lexington, to
Arabella T. Miller. She was born Aug. 11, 1852, in
Ontario, Canada, and when one year old accompa-
nied her parents, Bernhard and Sarah (Johnson)
Miller, to this county. Of this union, two children
have been born, as follows: Homer B., March 27,
1876, and Marion E., June 2g, 1877. Mrs. French
belongs to the Episcopal Church.

—5-

#-#

iClt eorge Notley, farmer, section 34, Marlette
j^ Township, is a native of Ireland, which

"^i^s^ '~ was also the birth-place of his parents,
'^^ Phinneas and Phebe (Wilson) Notley, and where
they passed their entire lives. At the age of
25 he emigrated from the land of his nativity,
where he had been engaged in agriculture, to Amer-
ica, which seemed to his hopeful imagination to be
the land where the inherent ambitions common to
humanity could be attained. He spent three years
in the State of New York. In the fall of 1859 he re-
solved to test the reputed agricultural possibilities of
the Lake State, and came to Sanilac County, where
he entered a claim of 160 acres of unimproved land,
which had been placed in market subject to the con-
ditions of the Graduation Act. He has since dis-
posed of a considerable portion of this claim, and is
now the owner of 85 acres in Sanilac County, of

which ten acres are improved and under cultivation.

Mr. Notley has been a useful and active member
of the community to which he belongs, and has re-
sponded to the call of his fellow townsmen in the
conscientious discharge of the duties pertaining to
the offices of Township and School Treasurer, serv-
ing in the first capacity five years and in the last
three years. He is independent in political faith
and action.

His marriage to Jane Walker occurred in Lapeer
Co., Mich., Sept. 19, 1856. Mrs. Notley is the
daughter of William and Ann (Keyes) Walker, and
was born in Canada, Feb. i, 1835. The family circle
includes two adopted children — I^avinia and Jere-
miah.

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vj. .avid Mitchell, farmer, section 16, Maple ( 5^

/[^'^ \'alley Township, was born in August,
~;S-3ir ' 1S37, in the county of Wentworth, Out.
Xf^ His parents, James and Elizabeth (Brown)
ql Mitchell, were born and married in Scotland,
\ and emigrated to Canada in 1853. The

father became a farmer in the county «here the son
was born, and died there in November, 1868, aged
68 years. The mother, at the age of 85 years, is still
living on the family homestead. Eight of eleven
children, of which she has been the mother, are de-
ceased.

Mr. jNIitchell is the seventh in order of liivth of the
children born to his parents, and he was a member
of the paternal household until he was 26 years of
age, when he was married, in Fiamborough Township,
in his native county, to Janet Nicklin, eldest daugh-
ter of Richard and Helen (Caldwell) Nicklin. The
event took place Dec. 30, 1863. The parents of
Mrs. Mitchell were natives, respectively, of England
and Scotland, and came to Canada in early youth.
They were married in Wellington County in the
Dominion, and removed to Wentworth County, where
the father is still actively engaged in farming and
lumbering; he is 74 years old. The mother died in
1859, at the age of 38 years. Mrs. Mitcjiell was born
Nov. 3, 1846, in Wentworth County. Siie was
reared to womanhood in her native place and se-
cured a fair education in the better class of schools,
to which she had access.' She has become the

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SANILAC COUNTY.

203

mother of four cliildren : Richard N. was born Oct.
29, 1864; James E., Aug. 6, 1867; David R., Aug.
7, 1872; Lavinia O., Dec. 13, 1S75.

On the occurrence of his marriage, Mr. Mitchell
located on 103 acres of land, willed to him by his
father in tlie county where he was born. With the
exception of nine months, during which he was a
resident at Gait, Waterloo County, in the Dominion,
he lived on and managed this farm, until his re-
moval to Michigan, in February, 1879. He settled
ui)on his present estate, which comprised 160 acres,
with some improvements, of which he became the
proprietor by purchase. He is a thorough-going and
practical farmer, and has 75 acres of his farm in a
finely improved and cultivated condition, and sup-
plied with a good stock and grain barn of recent con-
struction. He is a Republican in political adherence.
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are ardent members of the
Church of Christ or God. Mr. Mitchell has given
up his farm to his sons and is now engaged in manu-
facturing wooden pumps. He takes the greatest
care to make a good pump, using only the best
material.

• — ^>-5— =? — o^$^({Bi..^.o — g=— j<-^

■\ hilip H. Learn, farmer, section 7, Marlette
|!^Sl^ Township (town 1 1), was born in Yarmouth,
Elgin Co., Ont., May 8, 1836, and is the
^^ son of John and Catherine (Collver) Learn.
>ij\ His paternal grand-parents were natives of
Germany, and became residents of America a few
years previous to 1800, as -nearly as can be ascer-
tained. His grandfather was an officer in the British
army in the war of 18 12, and was killed at the battle
of Lundy's Lane, or Niagara, as it is more commonly
designated. Six officers were riding along and he
was shot from behind by a spy: some thought it was
by one of his own men. John Learn, born Jan. 18,
1797, was in the same service as a private, and
foLiglit for the king of Great Britain during the entire
course of the war. After its close he bougln a farm
in Malahide, Ontario, on which he resided four
years. He removed thence to Yarmouth, where he
became the proprietor of 240 acres of land by pur-
chase. He remained a resident of Yarmouth until
1872, when his house and nearly all its contents were
destroyed by fire. He had purchased 550 acres of
land besides his original claim, which he had dis-

tributed among his sons. They were all established
in comfort and independence, and, on the occurrence
of the misfortune referred to, he removed to St.
Thomas. His death took place in that city in 1882,
when he had attained the ripe age of 85 years.
Catherine (Collver) Learn, his wife, was born Aug.
30, 1799, in Townsend, Norfolk Co., Ont. She was
and is a woman of sterling character, possessing the
traits most valuable in pioneer life. She and her
husband were among the first settlers of Yarmouth,
where they lived more than 50 years. That section
was infested by the Lidians of the " Si.x Nations."
and were at times troublesome to a degree ihat re-
quired the exercise of unusual bravery and deter-
mination. She became the mother of nine children
— George, Andrew McF., Jane, Lyman W., John,
Edwin v., Philip H., Charles O. and Catherine E.
Lyman, Jane and Catherine are deceased. Mrs.
Learn is still living at Port Stanley, Ont. Her par-
ents, Jabez and Anna Collver, were born in New-
York, whence the families of each removed to Can-
ada. They were married in Townsend, settled there
on a farm, and after a residence there of some years
went to Yarmouth, where they were members of the
agricultural community. Mr. Collver died there.
His wife became a member of the family of his
daughter, Mrs. Learn, and died in Yarmouth at the
age of 83 years

Mr. Learn of this sketch is the seventh child of
his parents, and the sixth son. In early life he ob-
tained a common-school education, and acquired a
thorough knowledge of practical farming, which has
been the business of his life. On attaining to the
period of his legal independence, he acceded to the
possession of 80 acres of land, by deed of gift from
his father, and he afterwards increased his estate by
the purchase of 30 acres additional. He applied
himself to the improvement and cultivation of his
property in Yarmouth until April, 1878, when he
sold it and came to Michigan. He settled on his
present homestead, located as stated, which includes
160 acres. At the date of its purchase it was under
partial improvements, and at this writing rr5 acres
are in a most creditable and valuable condition.
The industry, skill and judgment exercised by Mr.
Learn in the improvement and management of his
farm place him among the leading and prominent
agriculturists of Sanilac County. He is an earnest
zealous Republican.

Vto;

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• 204

SAN/LAC COUNTY.

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He was married Feb. 19, 1856, in Elgin Co., Can.,
to Sarah Smith, the eldest daughter of Rev. Abram
Smith, a preacher of the Baptist denomination. He
was born in 1819, in CharlotteviUe, Norfolk Co., Ont.,
and was married in 1S36 to Jane, daughter of Hosea
and Racliel Ann (StuU) Baker. Mrs. Smith was
born in Yarmouth in 1818 and died in 1875. Eljven
children were born to her, are all living and in pros-
perous circumstances, save one. They are named
Hosea B., Joseph J., Sarah, Rachel A. (deceased),
Abram J., Julia, Salemma J., Naomi, Hannah E.,
Arthur A. and Minnie P. Abram Smith, Sr., pater-
nal grandsire of Mrs. Learn, was of American origin,
and died in :866, aged 82 years. Her grandmother,
Sarah (Baker) Smith, died in 1829. Mrs. Learn was
born March 23, 1840, in Elgin Co., Ont. Following
is the record of the children born of her marriage :
Mynetta J. — Mrs. Wm. G. Churchill — was born
April 8, 1857, and resides in Groton, Dakota. John
H. was born Aug. 31, 1858, married Mary Newman,
and resides in Maryland. Viletta A. was born
July 27, i860. She is the wife of A. J. Lynd,
graduate of Ypsilanti Normal School and a school-
teacher by profession — present Principal of the school
at Bad Axe, Huron County. William H. was born
Feb. 20, 1863; Kittie P., Oct. 14, 1865 ; Claude A.
R., May 27, 1876.

Mr. Learn, in character and position, is one of the
class of men who are fast redeeming Sanilac County
from the burden of disaster under which it has
staggered since 187 i. Upright, straightforward, tire--
less in energy and purpose, he is justly ranked among
the representative men and citizens of his county and
township. He possesses the culture and training be-
stowed by a life of earnest devotion to the worthy
plans lie formed in early years and which have
proved the merits of his character.

ITohn H. Welch, farmer, section 25, Maple
11^ Valley Township, was born Dec. 25, 1832,
in Perth Co., Ont., and is of Irish extrac-
tion. He became responsible for his own main-
tenance when he was 15 years old, and was a
resident of his native county until May, i860,
operating as a common laborer. At that date he
came to Michigan and settled in the eastern part of

Sanilac County, where he began to operate as a lum-
berman. He went thence to Oakland. County, where
he spent two years as a farm laborer. Meanwhile,
he was married in Detroit, Jan. 8, 1S61, to Bridget
Foley. She was born about the year 1830 in County
Kerry, Ireland, and was 20 years of age when she left
the Green Isle. She landed at New Orleans. Later on
she went to Cincinnati, where she spent a year, going
thence to Columbus, Ohio. Two years later she
went to Detroit, where, after a residence of eight
years, she was married. After that event, she went
with her husband to Oakland County, where they
passed two years on a farm. In March, 1863, they
came to- Sanilac County and purchased at first 40
acres of wild land on section 25, in Maple Valley
Township. This has been the homestead ever since.
A later purchase has increased their acreage to 1 20
acres, and the estate now includes 80 acres of well
improved and cultivated land. Mr. Welch is a
Democrat in political connection and the family be-
long to the Catholic Church.

The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Welch were
born as follows : William T., Oct. 16, 1861; James
T., May 10, 1863; Mary A., Aug. 29, 1866; John
H., May 9, 1868.

'■bel B. Sumner is a merchant at Sandusky

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' m^Sp^ and a teacher by profession. He was born

'^^M Feb. 27, 1834, in Delaware, Middlesex Co.,
'■^ijoT Ont. His parents, Thomas H. and Margaret
'P (Springer) Sumner, were natives respectively
of Addison Co., Vt., and New York. (The
father belongs to the same lineage as the late Senator
Sumner of Massachusetts.) He was a farmer and
went to Ontario when he was 28 years old. He be-
longed to the British army and held the rank of
Corporal. His death occurred Oct. 4, 1880, when he
was 90 years old. The mother died in Ontario, in
1867, at the age of 67 years. She was connected
with the Springer family of Wilmington, Del., and
her father was a militia Captain in Canada. Their
family included ten children, all of whom reached
mature age.

Mr. Sumner is the second son and seventh in order
of birth of liis parents' children He remained with
them until he was 32 years of age, passing his youth

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<^II!l§Iltlf^

SANILAC COUNTY.

in obtaining his education in the common schools
and the hiter years in farming. In 1865 he came to
Michigan, locating in Macomb County, where he be-
gan his career as a teacher. He was married in
Chesterfield, in that county, in December, 1867, to
Mrs. Sarah Pratt, a native of Cotterville, St. Clair
Co., Mich. The second marriage of Mr. Sumner oc-
curred Dec. 28, 1881, in London, Ont., to Mrs.
Amelia (Jenkins) Jackson. Her parents, Warren A.
and Margaret Jenkins, were natives of Ireland and
her father was a physician. He died in London,
Ont., where the mother is still living.

In 1874 Mr. Sumner came to Sanilac County, in
1878 made the first permanent settlement on the site
of Sandusky, where he built the first residence within
the limits of the present village. In 1879 he en-
gaged in keeping a boarding-house. In 1884 he es-
tablished his mercantile business at Sandusky. He
has been a teacher since 1865, and taught the graded
schools in Fairhaven, St. Clair County, and Marys-
ville four years. He owns two improved lots in the
village of Sandusky. He is a Republican in political
sentiment, has held the office of Justice of the Peace
two years, has been School Inspector three years and
is present Chairman of the Board of Inspectors. He
is a member of a temperance organization, and is a
zealous, outspoken advocate of the principles of the
Order.

^<S)M1S)>-$S>|^

ames Keys, farmer, section 36, Marlette
^ Township, is a native of the Dominion of
Canada, where he was born Aug. 25, 185 i.
His parents, David and Jane (Beacon) Keys,
were born in Ireland, and emigrated thence to
Canada, afterwards becoming residents of San-
ilac Co., Mich., where the mother died March 7, 1869.
Mr. Keys obtained a fair degree of elementary
education, and removed with his father's family to
this county when he was seven years old. An in-
heritance of 80 acres of land in Marlette Township
came into his possession in 1872. It was wholly
unimproved, and although comparatively few years
have elapsed he has already placed 55 acres under
creditable cultivation. Mr. Keys is a Democrat in
political persuasion, and is a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church.

He was first married in Marlette Township, April

15, 1872, to Sarah A. McGinnis, who was born in
Kentucky, and two cliildren, Nancy J. and David T.,
constituted the issue of their union. The youngest
child died when he was seven months old; the
mother's decease occurred March 19, 1874. The
second marriage of Mr. Keys took place Nov. 15,
1877, when he espoused ■ Mary A. Curley, who was
born March 12, 1859, in Michigan, and is the daugh-
ter of Thomas and Susanna (Everson) Curley, na-
tives of Ireland. Thomas J., Maud M. and Susan
A. are the names of the children born of this mar-

obert Bryce, farmer, located on section 6,
Maple Valley Township, was born April
24, 1840, in Lambton Co., Ont., and is the
,^ son of James and Elizabeth (Fenner) Bryce.
5? The former was a native of' Scotland, the lat-
ter of Ireland. They became residents of
Ontario when they were young, and were married in
Lambton County. They belonged to the agricultural
class in the Dominion, and in 1858 came to Mich-
igan. They settled in Lynn Township, St. Clair
County, wliere the father engaged in farming until
his death, which occurred in 1875, when he was 63
years of age. The mother resides with two unmar-
ried sons on the family homestead, and is 68 years
old. Of II children of whom she is the mother, two
are deceased.

Mr. Bryce is the second son and fourth child in
order of birth. He was 18 years of age when his
parents removed to Michigan. He remained on the
home farm until he was 27 years old, engaged in as-
sisting his father in the work of clearing and improv-
ing his father's farm. On reaching that age he
determined to change his course of life and was mar-
ried Aug. 18, 1867, in the township of Brockway, 8t.
Clair County, to Elizabeth Stonehouse, a native of
Ontario, of English parentage. Her father, Isaac
Stonehouse, is a retired farmer residing at Toronto.
Her mother, Ann (Stonehouse) Stonehouse, died near
the city of Toronto, when her daughter was a young
girl. Mrs. Bryce was born Dec. 24, 1836, and re-
mained at home until she was 29 years old, at which
age she came to Michigan, She was married the
following year and is now the mother of three chil-
dren, born as follows: James H., May 16, 1869

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SANILAC QOUJVTY.

I'®

Annetta, March 16, 1876; Isaac N,, Dec. 20, 1871.
The latter died Feb. 12, 1883.

.\fter their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bryce came to
this township and settled on 60 acres of land, winch
was in a wholly wild condition and in the depths of
the wilderness. The work of improvement has pro-
I'ressed without intermission until 50 acres are under
creditable cultivation. The energetic proprietor has
recently completed a valuable and commodious
family residence and the place is supplied with other
creditable farm buildings. He also owns 40 acres of
improved land on section t, Burnside Township, La-
peer County. Mr. Bryce is a Republican in political
connection and has held various township offices.
He and his wife are prominent and influential mem-
bers of the Methodist Ciuirch, of which Mr. Bryce is
a Trustee; he is also a Class-leader.

^»H^

ohn Isles, farmer, section 24, Flynn Town-
ship, was born Feb. 7, 185 i, in the city of
'€W^ Hamilton, Ontario. His parents, James
and Mary (Scott) Isles, were natives of Scot-
^r land, whence they came to Ontario in early
life, afterwards settling in Hamilton. They re-
moved at a later date to Luther, Wellington County,
wiiere they reside at present, and are respectively 70
and 69 years old.

Mr. Isles is the second son and child of a family of
12 children, eight of whom (five sons and three
daughters) are still living. He was but four years of
a^e when his father removed to Luther, where he
was brought up to the period of his majority under
the charge of his parents. A year later he became a
farmer on his own responsibility, and rented a place
which he continued to manage four years. During
this lime he was married, March 31, 1875, in the
township of Liither, to Susan, daughter of George and
Elizabeth (Carson) Coe. (See sketch of George Coe.)
She was born May 24, 1857, near Paris, Oxford Co.,
Can. Mr. and Mrs. Isles have had four children, all
of whom are living save one. They were born as
follows: Mary E., Feb. 19, 1876; John H., April 22,
1877; Frederick J., Dec. 25, 1879, died March 7,
1880; James Scott, May 16, 1884.

After his marriage Mr. Isles remained a resident
on the farm he had rented nearly four years, and in

the fall of 1877 ])Q came with his family to Michigan
and took possession of a farm he had purchased a
short time previous. It comprised 80 acres of land
in an unbroken, unimproved state, and he has labored
and managed to such good pari)Ose that he has now
65 acres in most creditable agricultural condition,
with first-class arrangements for the successful prose-
cution of his chosen calling. He is a Republican in
political views and action, and has discharged the
duties of the minor officiat positions of his township.

^v>.-*^

|Cohn H. Beckett, farmer, section 26, Maple
1 Valley Township, was born Feb. 2, 1830,
■■' in Middlesex Co., Ont. His father, Ed-
ward Beckett, was of English descent, and was
born in New Jersey. His mother, Mary (Hill)
Beckett, was of mixed Irish and Welsh descent,
and was born in Ontario. They settled in early life
in the Dominion of Canada and belonged to the agri-
cultural class of Middlesex County until their deaths,
which occurred respectively in 1876 and 1S54. The
father was 89 years of age when he died, the mother
65 years old. Their family included seven sons and
two daughters. One of the former is deceased.

Mr. Beckett has passed his entire life as a practi-
cal farmer, obtaining in his boyhood a knowledge of
every detail of that business. He remained with his
parents until he was 24 years of age. He was first
married Jan. i, 1854, in Middlesex County, to Sarah
J. York. She was born Feb. 14, 1835, in Oxford Co.,
Ont. She was reared to pioneer life, and eminently
fitted for the life to which she was introduced in
Michigan by her removal to Sanilac County in 1854.
She died March 14, 1868. Of four children of whom
she became the mother, one — Stephen — is deceased.
Peter M., Edward William (see sketch), and Mary
L. still survive. The latter is a teacher in Speaker
Township. Mr. Beckett purchased 120 acres of
land, when he became a settler in Maple Valley
Township, on which lie has since resided. He was
the tliird to make a permanent settlement within the
limits of the township, and his farm was located three
miles from any neighbor. They encountered all the
hardships incident to pioneer life, and enjoyed its
many pleasures. The management and good judg-
ment of Mr. Beckett is plainly manifest in the fine

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SANILAC COUNTY.

";5»^^fe<"

4^^5^(svSi)

209

estate of which he is now the proprietor, and which
aggregates 640 acres, with 120 acres in a state of ad-
vanced CLihivation. His property includes 160 acres
respectively on sections 15, 27 and 13, with 80 acres
on section 14 and 40 acres on section 26, all wlthui
Maple Valley Township. The place has a good
residence, fine farm buildings and a well-assorted
orchard of 200 trees.

Mr. Beckett was a second time married Feb. 3,
1869, in this township, to Naomi L. McMahon, who
was born Oct. 30, 1846, in Worth Township, and is
the daughter of John and Barbara (W'ixon) McMahon,
and sister of Hon. Joel W. McMahon, Senator from
Sanilac County. Her parents were born respectively
in Irehmd and Ontario, and were both of Irish ex-
traction. Mrs. Beckett lost her father when she was
seven years old, and she was reared by her mother.
At the age of 19 years she began to teach, in Speaker
Township, and followed that calling three years, when
she was married. She has become the mother of
three children, — Charles W., Joel F. and Nora E.
The latter died of diphtheria when she was four
years old. The parents are members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Beckett is
Steward. He is a decided and ardent supporter of
the principles of the Republican party, and was the
first Supervisor of the Township after its organization.
He held the incumbency four years consecutively,
and has discharged the duties of the same position
14 years in the aggregate. He has been Treasurer
of the township three years, and Justice of the
Peace 14 years, besides having held the minor local
offices.

|Bwl^^emster Doane, deceased, whose portrait is
Mil^^lL given on the preceding page, was formerly a
'^^^^ merchant at Peck and a farmer on section
|Kfi> 26, Elk Township. He was born Aug. 10,
1847, in Orleans Co., N. Y. His p;rents, R. L.
and Ann (Foote) Doane, were descended from
New England ancestry. His mother died in June,
1883, in the village of Peck, where his father is still
living.

Mr. Doane was reared to manhood by his parents.

He became a salesman in a mercantile establishment,
where he remained until the advent of the Civil
War. He responded to the first call for three-years
volunteers, and enlisted in Co. D, 35th N. Y. Vol.
Inf. He enrolled as a private, but reached the posi-
tion of Second Lieutenain for bravery in action. He
escaped capture and injury from the usual chances'of
war, but never recovered from the effects of the hard-
ships he endured. On receiving his honorable dis-
charge, he was appointed sutler of the Soldiers' Rest
at Washington, a position he retained until the close
of the war. During the time he was married to
Mary E. Shear, who was born in Newfield Tp., Tomp-
kins Co., N. Y., April 20, 1840, and is the_ daughter
of John and Mirah (VanTown) Shear. The parents
were natives of Tompkins County, in the Empire
State, where the father was a shoemaker by vocation.
They were of German descent and had nine chil-
dren. The father died in 'PJC^ Township, Sept. 12,
1878; the mother died Sept. 14, 1880. Mrs. Doane
is the third child and third daughter.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Doane resided in the
city of Washington until 1865, when they came to
Michigan. Mr. Doane located 160 acres of land on
section 26, after which he went to Ontario, and dur-
ing the oil excitement there established a store in
Wyoming County. Three years later he returned to
Peck and established himself in mercantile business,
wliich he continued to manage in connection with
his farm until his death, which took place Sept. 22,
1882, and was the result of disease consequent upon
the injury he received in the army. He was a
shrewd business man, possessed of sound judgment,
and was regarded as a valuable citizen and a man of
worth in his social and domestic relations. He ac-
cumulated an estate of $30,000. He was a Repub-
lican, and for years was in active political life, hold-
ing local offices and aiding in every way in the
advancement of the township and community where
he lived.

Mrs. Doane is a member of the Adventist Church.
She owns the farm, the store and two lots in the vil-
lage, and an undivided interest in 200 acres of land
belonging to the estate. She has reared three adopted
children, two of whom reside with her. Guy B., who
was born Sept. 23, 1875, died July 20, 1876; Ella is
married and resides at St. Ingnis; Mabel P. was
born Jan. 20, i88r.

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I'^aniel A. Brooks, farmer, section i8, Flynn

Township, was born June 2, 1850, in Elgin

VlS^^ Co., Ont., and is the son of Daniel and
\x Mary (Chase) Brooks, both of whom are still
living. He was an inmate of the paternal house-
hold until he was 22 years of age. On leaving
home to make his first effort toward independent ex-
istence, he engaged as a farm assistant, in which em-
ploy he remained until his marriage to Olive L. Bates,
May 25, 1 87 2. She was born in Ontario, Aug. 10,
185 1, and is the daughter of George A. and Rose
(Muncill) Bates. Her parents were natives respect-
ively of New York and Ontario, and of New England
ancestry on both sides. They now reside in Elgin
County, and belong to the agricultural class. Their
respective ages are 67 and 62 years. The family of
Mr. and Mrs. Brooks includes three children — Benj.
L., Charlotte E. and Earl William. Ettie, third child
in order of birth, is deceased.

They remained in Ontario until November, 1880,
when they removed to Sanilac County and settled
on the place on which they have since resided. Mr.
Brooks purchased 160 acres of land and has improved
70 acres, built a large barn, 40 .x 68 feet in dimen-
sions, and supplied the place with other good and
suitable farm fixtures. He is a Republican in politi-
cal sentiment.

,i %

tugh Dale, farmer, section t,t,, Marlette
=^ Township, was born March 16, 1822, in
Scotland. His father, William Dale, was a
native of Scotland and was there married to
Agnes Glover. She died in her native country,
and after that event, her father emigrated to
Canada, where he is now residing.

Mr. Dale is the third son of ten children, four of
whom are now living, — two daughters in Canada and
one son in Glasgow, Scotland. He was 20 years of
age when he came to Canada, and he resided there
II years. In 1853 he came to Lapeer Co., Mich.,
and bought a farm in the township of Dryden, on
which he operated three years. In 1855 he bought
320 acres of land in Marlette Township, under the

regulations of the Graduation Act, and in 1856 he
took possession of the property. He has resided
thereon ever since, excepting six years during which
time he resided in Lapeer County. His farm com-
prises 240 acres of land, which includes 130 acres
under cultivation. He is a Republican in political
connection, and has been active in the local matters
of his township, having officiated as Treasurer, Su-
pervisor, Justice of the Peace and in the different
school offices.

He was married Feb. 27, 1850, in Oxford Co.,
Ont., to Emily Pierce, who was born Aug. i, 1828, in
New Brunswick, and is the daughter of Henry and
Sarah Pierce, who were natives of the same province.
Eight children have been born to them, in the fol-
lowing order: William, Sarah, Hugh, Benjamin,
Emma J., Robert, Charles and David. The latter
died when he was three years old. The parents are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

V©

pilCanies Cook, fanner, section 24, Maple Val-
^^11? ley Township, was born Sept. 13, 1817, in
1^^^^ the vicinity of Napanee Mills, Province of

Ontario. When he was 15 years old, his par-
ents removed with their family to the head of
\ Lake Ontario, where they passed the remain-
ing years of tiieir lives in the care of, and supported
by, their son. He devoted many years of his life to
the task of making them comfortable, and no better
manifestation of his character can be made than a
statement of the fact that he assumed the entire ex-
pense and responsibility of supporting, clothing and
educating four orphan children, rearing them from
infancy to a period when they could maintain them-
selves. At the age of 40 years, after the deatli of
his father and mother, he was married to Mary Bond,
at Hamilton, Out. The event occurred Jan. 5, 1856.
Mrs. Cook was born March 29, 1826, in Staffordshire,
Eng., where she was reared and obtained a common-
school education. Her parents passed their lives in
England. Her father died in 1S72, aged 84 years;
her molher died at the same period of life, in 1S83.

When she was 23 years old, she began to work at
millinery and dress-making, and was thus employed
until the age of 29 years, when she came to America
and made her first stay at Hamilton, where she was

( ^

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SANILAC COUNTY.

211

©>

married. Four children have been born to her and
her husband— John, Ruth, Ella A. and Andrew J.
About five years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Cook removed to Sanilac County and purchased 120
acres of wild land on section 23, in this township.
Five years later, after improving and putting in cred-
itable conditTon a considerable part of the property,
Mr. Cook sold it and bought 80 acres where he has
since lived. He has improved 35 acres. He has
been an adherent of the ]jrinciples and a supporter
of the issues of the Republican party since his re-
moval to Michigan, and he has held several of the
local official positions in the township. He and his
wife are active and zealous members of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church.

— ^ ^^^f^S-vx/--^- —

JT!fe-5r|^r ames Lynd, farmer, section 3, Marlette
"^"''iJ Township, was born Aug. 10, 1S52, in
'^ ^ Canada. James Lynd, his father, was
born in the State of New York, and emigrated
to Canada, where he married Margaret Lynd>
a native of Ireland.
Mr. Lynd resided in the place of his nativity until
October, 1869, when he came with his parents to
Sanilac County. His father died June 5, 1S75, and
he purchased the family homestead, which included
167 acres of land, on which he has since resided.
He has placed 65 acres under cultivation, and is en-
gaged in successful and prosperous farming. In
political connection, Mr. Lynd is a Repulilican. He
is a member of the Masonic Order.

His marriage to Margaret Duff occurred in Can-
ada, Dec. 25, 1882. She is a daughter of James and
Nancy Duff, who were natives of Ontario. Edwin
L., only child, was bom March 5, T884. Mr. and
Mrs. Lynd are members of the Presbyterian Church.

*^^-^^<^^#*

: Ibert Beals, farmer, section 25, Flynn Town-
;lp-Sr&^ ship, was born Nov. 13, 1842, in Ontario,
^j^^ Can. His parents, Samuel and Sarah Beals,
were natives of New Brunswick, of English
descent. They were members of the agricul-
tural community all their lives. In May, 1859, they

came to Michigan, and setded in this township
in the fall of i860, with their family. Both parents
died in Flynn Township.

Mr. Beals is the eldest son and fifth in order of
birth of ten children. He was married Sept. 19, 1867,
in this township, to Sarah J., daughter of William
and Margaret (Pomeroy) Dimond. The former died
in 1853, in Pine River Mich. The latter is now a
resident of this township. (See sketch of Amos
Babcock.) The daughter was born July 8, 1850, in
Ontario, and came with her parents to Michigan
when she was four years old. They were among the
earliest settlers in the township. Nine children have
been born of her marriage, as 'follows : Warren F.,
June 7, 1S69; Samuel H., Nov. 17, 1S70; Mercy J.,
Aug. 30, 1872; Amos R., Sept. 10, 1874; George
E., Sept. 14, 1876; WilHam W., Feb. 22, 1878;
Grade, Feb. 2, 1880; Maggie, July 11, 1881;
Robert, June 10, 1S83.

After marriage they settled on 80 acres of land
which Mr. Beals had purchased some years previous.
It was wholly unimproved, and he has placed about
three-fourths of the tract in creditable cultivation,
besides having erected farin buildings of first-class
order. He is a Republican of decided type and has
held the offices of Treasurer and Road Commissioner
several years. Mrs. Beals is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church.

~ "'|||;i illiam McLeod, farmer, section 27, Maple
'j!^ Valley Township, was born in 1827, near
"ill 'ii'j~) " " Kingston, Out. He was reared to the

If
■ill'

calling of a farmer and continued to assist
on the home place until he was 25 years of
age, when he set out on an independent career,
following the same vocation. About 1853, he came
to Michigan, locating at Port Huron, where he was a
laborer in a saw-mill two years. Later he came to
Sanilac County, and purchased 80 acres of wild land,
where he has since expended his energies and labors
in making a home for his family. He has since
bought 40 acres more and has now 120 acres. He
was married at Port Huron, Jan. i, 1865, to Jane
"Earls, a native of that place and born about 1837.
Soon after the marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McLeod lo-
cated on the farm, which now comprises 80 acres,

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212

SANILAC COUNTY.

with 75 acres under first-class improvements, includ-
/w ing fine, large and commodious farm buildings. Mr.
'%\ McLeod is independent in political views and actions
% and has officiated in several local offices. The par-
i ents are Presbyterians. They have had six children
^ — John, Alexander, Archibald, William, Jane and

Eliza A.

■^fMi^

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. ohn Scott, farmer, section 8, Maple Valley
'£y' ; Township, was born May i, 1847, in
■" Quebec, Ontario. His parents, Mark and
Margaret (Little) Scott, were natives of Ire-
land, of Scotch-Irish origin. They came to
Ontario early in life. The father was a tailor
by profession and followed that calling in the city of
Quebec for some years, afterwards removing to
) Megantic Co., Prov. of Quebec. There he became a
^ farmer and followed agriculture in connection with
/\ his trade until his death in 1859, at the age of 69
i=i years. The mother died in 1872, near Lawrence,
>^ Kansas, aged 60 years. Five sons and four daugh-
==£ ters were born to them; one of the former and one of
the latter are deceased.

Mr. Scott is the eldest son and second child. He
was an infant but one year old when his father re-
moved to the farm, and he was reared to the calling
of an agriculturist under the peculiar circumstances
incident to pioneer experience. At the age of 17 he
became his own master and engaged in lumbering.
Two years later he went to New England and passed
two summers as a farm laborer. In the spring of
1864 he set out for the mining district of Idaho, and
made the route thither across the plains. He spent
two years in the mines, returning thence to Ontario.
His marriage to Mary J. Morgan occurred Jan. 3,
1868, in Barry, Frontenac Co., in the Province of
Ontario. She was born Jan. i, 1848, in Camden, in
that county, and is the daughter of Daniel and Mary
J. (Webb) Morgan. Her parents are natives of
Ontario, and descjnded from English and Irish
ancestors. They are yet living, in Frontenac County,
and are respectively 65 and 59 years of age. Mrs.
Scott is the second daughter and second in order of
birth of 14 children born to her parents, 11 of whom
are still living. Nine children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Scott, two of whom ai:e deceased. Mary

E. was born Nov. 6, 1868; Walter M.,Dec. 27, 1869;
Maggie J., May 17, 1871 ; John W., May 26, 1872;
Anna B., Sept. 26, 1875; Jessie E., May 6, 1877;
Ella, Jan. 22, 1879. Robert and Ella died in
infancy.

In the year following their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Scott came to Michigan and purchased *o acres of
land on section 8, Maple Valley Township, on which
some slight improvements had been made. On this
they resided five years when, on account of failing
health, they went to Petoskey, Emmett Co., Mich.,
where they resided three years. At the end of that
time they returned to their farm. They have added
80 acres by later purchase, and placed 75 acres
under the plow. In political views and connections
Mr. Scott is a Republican ; and is serving his second
term as Treasurer of his township.

i)S!I?saae Cragg, farmer, section 18, Evergreen
Township, was born Dec. 24, 1849, in the
'i^ town of Reach, Canada. He is the son of
^ij David and Christiana (Phoeni.x) Cragg, the
former of whom was born Sept. 16, 1822, in
Lancashire, England, and now resides in Can-
ada. The latter was born in Scarborough, Can.,
in 1824.

On attaining his majority, Mr. Cragg went to work
as a stone mason, in which business and as a carpen-
ter he was occupied five years. At the end of that
time he bought a farm in Middlesex Co., Can., which
he managed three years. In 1879 he came to Sani-
lac County and purchased 80 acres of land, which
has since been his field of operation, and in the few
years that have elapsed he has placed 24 acres
under good improvements. Politically, he is a Re-
publican. His first official position was that of
Supervisor of his township, to which he was elected
in 1882. He has been twice re-elected, and is still
holding the same position.

Mr. Cragg was married in 1873 to Beatrice A.
Wells. She was born Sept. 5, 1853, in the town of
Reach, Canada, and is the daughter of John and
Susannah (Thompson) Wells. Her father was born
in 1822 in England; the mother is a native of Can-
ada and was born May 13, 1827. The family resided
in Canada until 1S81, when they removed to their

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SANILAC COUNTY.

213

present location in Sanilac County. The children of
Mr. and Mrs. Cragg were born as follows: Lottie M.,
Dec. 20, 1873; Edith C, July 23, 1877; Flora S.,
Nov. 25, 1882.

rtiK prJIjUgh Mahaffy, farmer, section 9, Flynn Tp.
I iii^/iJj was born Aug. 29, 1852, in Ireland, and is
y^w" " the son of William and Mary Ann Mahafify.
<M He emigrated to America when he was 23 years
i of age. He made his first location at Romeo,
I Macomb Co., Mich., where he lived some years.
He was married there March 9, 1875, to Anna E.
Murphy. She was born May 31, 1S54, in Ireland,
and in 1869 she went to England, where she lived
until 1875. In that year she emigrated to the
United States and stopped in the city of Detroit,
where she was soon after married. Three years after
that event, Mr. Mahaffy came to Sanilac County and
purchased 80 acres of land on sec. 18, this township.
In 1880 he sold that place and purchased 160 acres,
where he has since operated with vigor and good
management, until he has placed 40 acres under
creditable cultivation. Mr. Mahaffy is a Democrat
and has held the minor local offices of the township.
He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.
They have three children — John A., Rebecca and
William A. K., who at present is a Class-leader in his
Church.

, illiam B. MeGill, lumberman, resident at
Marlette, was born April r6, 1857, at
Romeo, Macomb Co., Mich., and is the son
of John McGill, of Marlette. He received a
}^^ common-school education, and in 1869 came
to Sanilac County, where he has passed the
succeeding years of his life. In August, 1882, he
entered into an association with Daniel Bolton, em-
barking in lumbering and also in the management of
a grist-mill, in both which they successfully engaged.
Mr. Bolton died May 19, 1884. The saw-mill has a
producing capacity of 30,000 feet of lumber daily,
and 25,000 shingles. Mr. McGill, now sole proprie-
tor, has facilities for the daily manufacture of 40
barrels of flour, for which he finds ready market. He

is also conducting a retail store for the sale of flour
and feed, in which he is doing a good business.

Mr. McGill was married Dec. 23, 1880, to Katie
P., daughter of T. E. Hough. She was born at Al-
mont, Lapeer Co., Mich., and is the mother of one
child, John Donald, born Aug. 6, 1883.

Mr. McGill is a Republican in political belief.
He has officiated two years as Village Treasurer, and
is a member of the Masonic Order. He also belongs
to the Lexington Commandery, Knights Templars,
Lodge No. 27.

•'y«Jum/®^^'-rcp

(/^^J/TOTnn.

ohn Makelim, Supervisor of Maple Valley
'7 Township and merchant, grain broker and
' station agent at Valley Center, was born in
Nassagaweya, Holton Co., Ont., June 30, 1847.
John and Nancy (Anderson) Makelim, his par-
ents, were natives of Ireland. They emigrated
to America in early life and settled in Ontario, resid-
ing in Holton County both before and after their
marriage. They became the parents often children
— six sons and four daughters. Two of the former
and one of the latter are deceased. The father died
in February, 1882, when he was 82 years old. The
demise of the mother occurred in September, 1876, at
the age of 68.

Mr. Makelim obtained a fair education, and when
he was 16 years old he began working as a common
laborer on a farm. A year later he went to Illinois,
where he passed 13 months as a farm assistant and
also in working on a railroad. His health failed and
he returned home to Ontario and became a student
at the Rockwood Academy of Wellington County in
the Dominion. In January, 1867, he came to Mich-
igan and located in Brockway Township, where he
engaged in teaching. He followed that vocation in
Brockway, Speaker and this township until i88r,
when he took a final leave of the business. In the
meantime he purchased 160 acres of land on section
28 in the township where he now resides. Of this, 30
acres are improved and the premises have a good
house attached. He sold this property in i88i and
erected the first building at Valley Center, where he
established the first mercantile enterprise at that
point. He is now the owner of the elevator formerly
owned by J. H. Beckett, and is doing considerable

i^i

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214

SANILAC COUNTY.

8»s,=iis:

business in buying grain. In October, 1883, he be-
came the station agent at this point in the interests of
the Port Huron & Northwestern Railroad. He is also
Postmaster, and has been either principal or deputy
official in that position since the office was established.
He also owns 40 acres on section 15 in this town-
ship, and a house and lot where he resides.

He was first married March 10, 1868, in Brockway
Township, St. Clair Co., to Helen Manning. She
was born Aug. 13, 1847, '" Yates Co., N. Y., and
came to Michigan in the fall of 1867. She was a
person of fine mental acquirements and liberal edu-
cation. She died Aug. 30, 1880. The only child
born of this marriage is deceased. Mr. Makelim was
again married April 7, 1S81, in Valley Center, to
Emma, daughter of Alpheus and Ann Keyes. She
is a native of Ontario, of English parentage, and came
to Michigan in 1879 with her parents, who are mem-
bers of the agricultural community. She was born
March 18, i860, in Leeds Co., Ont. Arthur, only
issue of the second marriage, was born Nov. 12,
1882. Mr. Markelim is an adherent of the Repub-
lican party. He is serving his second term as
Supervisor and has been Justice of the Peace, and
Superintendent of the Public Schools three years.

'--ff)fo\in Donald, farmer, section 33, Marlette
'IL'^-'^/l Township, was born Aug. 9, 1840, in Scot-
land. His father, James Donald, was
born in Scotland, and married Margaret Tun-
jF nah, a native of England. She died in Scot-
land, in 1846. The father and his two sons
came to America in 1856 and went to Wisconsin.
The father lived there two years and then came to
Michigan.

Mr. Donald was but 16 years of age when he
came to the United States, and he lived in the
Badger State four years. In i860, in the month of
February, he came to Sanilac County and settled in
the township of Marlette. He owns a fine farm of
160 acres, with 100 acres in advanced cultivation.
He has proven a valuable acquisition to the county
of which he has been a resident nearly a ([uarter of
a century, and is an influential member of the local
political element. He is a Republican in sentiment.

and has been Supervisor one year; he is now School
Trustee.

His marriage to Catherine Murray took place in
Lapeer, Mich., June 22, 1865. Siie is a native of
Scotland. The household includes four children —
Margaret A., Belle, Nettie and Catherine C. The
parents are prominent members of the Presbyterian
Church, of which Mr. Donald has been Trustee
since the local body to which he belongs was organ-
ized.

ohn M. Brown, resident at Brown City>

(which perpetuates his patronymic), is a rep-
resentative pioneer settler of Sanilac Coun-
ty. He was born March 17, 1826, in Scotland.
In his native land he was a shepherd by vo-
cation, which was also the calling of his father,
William Brown. His parents came to America in
1850, removing hither with their entire family.
They settled in Orleans Co., N. Y. where they be-
came engaged in agriculture. Mr. Brown remained
with his father, rendering him every possible assist-
ance in getting comfortably settled in life, until he
was 29 years of age, when, with three brothers, he
came to Michigan. In the fall of 1854 each of the
four entered a claim of 320 acres in this township
and in Burnsides Township in Lapeer County. That
belonging to Mr. Mrown of this sketch was all sit-
uated on section 7, this township. It was located
in the depths of the forest, no permanent settlers
being within ten miles. Mr. Brown cut the road to
obtain access to his farm all that distance. A por-
tion of his land, designated by the title of the Indian
Sugar Bush, was inhabited by the red-skins about
three years after the tract became his property.
Native game was abundant and hunting was a com-
mon pastime, as well as employ, for many years. In
January, 1881, the Pt. H. & N. W. railroad (Saginaw
Division), was run through his farm and Brown City
was platted on the estate. Mr. Brown owns 175
village lots located on his landed estate. He owns
besides, 260 acres of land, with 200 acres improved.
He is a Republican in political connection and has
lieen in active local official positions since he became
a resident of the township.

Mr. Brown was married Oct. 11, 1859, in Speaker
Township, to Mary Bryce. She was born Aug. 18,

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SANILAC COUNTY.

«'»

1829, in Warwick, Lambton Co., Ont., and when she
was 19 years of age she came to Michigan with her
parents, who were among the pioneers of this town-
ship. Eight children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Brown, as follows : William C, Tames B., Walter
M., Robert G., John H., Margaret E., George E. and
Mary J- The mother is a member of the M. E.

Church.

•~^'*^\^\/X,\

'V/X/VN. S I

||i amuel E, Herbert, wagon-maker, located
at Brown City, was born March 24, 1856,

W^''^^ in Blenheim, Oxford County, Ont. His
parents, Joseph and Ann (Kerrison) Herbert,
are natives of England, who emigrated to
America in early life and settled in Oxford
Co., Ont., where they are now resident, aged respect-
ively 72 and 50 years.

Mr. Herbert obtained his education in the common
schools of his native place, and assisted his father
until he was 16 years old. In 1872 he came to Old
Brockway, St. Clair County, and when he was 18
years of age he became an apprentice in the wagon-
shop of W. & J. Harris, of that place. After serv-
ing about three years he was employed as regular
workman. Four years later, he came to Brown City,
purchased two lots and erected his dwelling and
wagon-shop. He is a skillful and reliable workman
and is engaged in an extensive and profitable busi-
ness.

His marriage to Anna Mason occurred Dec. 25,
1879, at Old Brockway. She was born Dec. 25,
i860, in St. Clair County. Two children have been
born to her and her husband, Mabel and Edwin.
Mr. Herbert is a member of the Order of Maccabees.

if^Lartin W. Moore, druggist at Sandusky,

'■'St,/ w,

vas born in Burford Co., Ont., Feb. 23,

^el''*^ 1842. His parents, Martin and Mary A.

M\ Moore, were natives of Ontario, and of

'"* Canadian parentage. They had a family of

six children. His father was a farmer, and in

1858 came to Michigan, locating in Sanilac County,

in a township which, upon its organization, was

named Moore, in his honor.

Mr. Moore was the fourth child of his parents in

'MS>J2J2/IS-§Q^'-il '

<4^^!;Zi2W4v

''^^

215

order of birth, and remained with them until he was
26 years old. When he arrived at that age he came
to Speaker Township, Sanilac County, where he in-
terested himself extensively in lumbering, and also
mercantile pursuits, in which he was occupied until
May, 1 88 1, when he came to Sandusky and continued
his commercial business here for some time, finally
converting his establishment into a drug store. Mr.
Moore is a Republican in political connection. He
owns 137 acres of partly improved land on section
14, Speaker Township, and 80 acres, respectively, in
the townships of Watertown, Custer, Elmer and
Moore, mostly unimproved land.

He was married in Port Huron, Aug. 31, i88[, to
Rebecca M. Long, born in Haldimand Co., Ont.,
Dec. 7, 1856. She was brought up on a farm and
educated in the schools of her native province.
Her father died in Coburg, in i860. The mother
died in Haldimand County, in 1880. Mrs. Moore
is a communicant in the Episcopal C'hurch.

homas Fitch is a prominent and prosper-
|j ous farmer of Sanilac County, and is resi-
kM^W dent on section 25, of Marlette Township.
''fey^ He was born in Ireland, where he resided
tt) imtil he was 24 years old, when he accompa-
nied his parents to America. His father, Wil-
liam Fitch, died on the ocean. His mother settled
in Canada, where she spent the remainder of her
life.

Mr. Fitch left the Dominion of Canada in the fall
of 1857, when he settled in Sanilac County, locating
on 160 acres of land in Marlette Township, which
he had purchased the previous year. He is now the
proprietor of 240 acres, having made a subsequent
purchase of 80 acres additional. His tillable estate
now includes 100 acres. In political connection he
is a Republican, and has been active in the local
official positions of his township, having served in
the capacities of Justice of the Peace and School
Director.

He was married in February, 1846, in Ireland, to
Margaret Beacom, a native of that country. Seven
children of nine born of this marriage survive. They

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216

^<)

SANILAC COUNTY.

are William M., Mary, Robert W., John L., Jennie
E., Thomas R. and Edward W. The deceased were
named Rosanna and George. The parents belong
to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

t'l'pr^' rrison J. Wethy, farmer, section 29, Ever-
reen Township, was born Feb. 2, i84i,in
fe)^ Dryden Township, Lapeer Co., Mich. His
father, Rufus Wethy, married Sarah A. How-
ard, who was born in 1822, in Vermont, and
died in 1849. He was born April 7, 1799, in
the State of New York, in the vicinity of the St.
Lawrence River. He was a resident of Canada
many years, where he followed farming until 1S36,
in which year he removed to Romeo, Macomb Co.,
Mich. One year later he took his family to Lapeer
County, where his life terminated.

The son grew to mature life under the supervision
of his parents. He acquired a good education in
the common schools of his native place, to which he
added materially by .a course of study in a select
school under the direction of Professor John A.
Tribe. He was married at the age of 22 years, to
Laura A. Tibbals, who was born in 1845, in Troy,
OaWand Co., Mich., and was the daughter of Brad-
ford K. and Julia A. (Babcock) Tibbals, both of
whom were natives of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. The
father was heavily interested in lumbering. The
young wife died Jan. 9, 1S64, a year after her mar-
riage, leaving one child, Elmer, whose life was the
price of that of the mother. Mr. Weihy continued
to reside on his farm for six years, during which
time he was married to Harriet A., daughter of Al-
bert W. and Harriet D. (Wilcox) Spencer. Her par-
ents were natives respectively of Canada and
Vermont. Her father was born in 1823 ; her mother
in 1826, and died in 1849. Mrs. Wethy was born in
Attica, Lapeer Co., Mich., in 1846. Nine children
have been born of the second marriage: Edwin E.,
May 23, i866; Nola J., Oct. 28, 1867; Harriet E.,
Nov. 24, 1870; Laura A., Jan. 24, 1872 ; Albert R.,
May 10, 1874; Freddie, June 7, 1877 (died soon
after birth); Francis C, July 10, 1878; Sarah A.,
April I, i88o; Alice V., March 28, 1882.

In 1870 Mr. Wethy removed with his family to

Sanilac County, and located on a tract of i6o acres
of land, on which he has since resided. It was in
its original, natural condition, and now includes 65
acres of first-class improvements after the best mod-
ern plan. His history is parallel with that of the
multitudes of citizens of the county, most of whom
encountered the fiery scourges which make the years
of 187 I and 188 r of historic interest. In the latter
year Mr. Wethy lost about $1,500.

He is a Republican in i)jlitical affinity and rela-
tions. He has discharged his pioportioij of the
official obligations of his township, having held the
positions of Supervisor in 1874, i88o and 1881,
Highway Coiumissioner and School Inspector several
years each, and Justice of the Peace, which office
he is still filling. He is a member of the Board of
Review, a body constituted for the purpose of re-
viewing the actions of the Board of Supervisors.

•■i^S'v»^' — ^

jlj obert Herbert, blacksmith at Brown City,

^i: was born March 3r, 1853, in Blenheim,

*|^?J(^" O^'ord Co., Ont. He is the son of Joseph

t
'Y^ a.nd Ann (Kerrison) Herbert. (See sketch of

<p S. E. Herbert.) At the age of 14 years Mr,
Herbert was apprenticed to Christie Bord
hammer at VVolverton, Oxford Co., Can., to learn his
trade. He engaged in the labors of that occupation
18 months, when he became a teamster and followed
that pursuit a year. He again engaged as a black-
smith for a man named John Watson, with whom he
remained two years. Shortly after the expiration of
that period, he located at Old Brockway, Mich., and
obtained employment of V\^ & J. Harris. He oper-
ated under their management six years, when he
established an independent business, which he con-
ducted 18 months. At the end of that time he
re-entered the service of his former employers. A
year later, he went to Emmett, St. Clair County, and
worked 18 months for James Cogley. In September,
1881, he came to Brown City. He purchased two
lots and erected thereon a house and shop for the
prosecution of his business, which combines his trade
with the sale of agricultural implements.

He was married Aug. 6, 1S74, at North Branch,
Lapeer County, to Ann Middleton. She was born at
Old Brockway, St. Clair Co., Mich., of English par-

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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entage. Her father and mother are still living on a
farm in Lapeer Co , Mich. Sarah J., Robert L.,
Daisy D. and Lizzie May, are the names of the chil-
bren of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert. The father is a Re-
publican in political sentiment and is at present
Highway Commissioner.

'^'C® Siiugustus Davis, farmer, section 5, Elmer

-: ^'--? % Township, was born Dec. 9, 1831, in Brant

Sl^ Co., Ont. His parents, David and Delilah

(ieT (Sherwood) Davis, were natives of New Eng-

'p l_and, and descended from ancestors who were

residents 01 the same section. After their

marriage they removed to Canada, where they reared

their children and passed the remaining years of

their lives. The father was a farmer and brought up

his sons to the same calling.

Mr. Davis commenced working as a carpenter
when he was 24 years of age. He pursued that
business, which he alternated with farming, in his
native county, until 1878, when he joined the agri-
cultural community of Michigan. On arriving in
Sanilac County he entered a claim of 160 acres of
land, where he has since resided and apijlied his
efforts and energies to the best purpose in the im-
provement of his land, which, at the time he became
resident, was in a natural condition. He has placed
50 acres already under first-class cultivation.

Mr. Davis was married in Elgin Co., Ont., to
Mary Moore, a native of Canada. Six children have
been born of their union,^George A., Almira J.,
Joseph H., James D., Samuel W. and Phineas A.
Mr. Davis, in political matters, acts with the Republi-
can party.

^dward W. Beckett, miller and farmer, resi-
mmi} dent at Valley Center, was born in Maple
Valley Township, May 31, 1858, and is the
!^^ son of John H. and Sarah (York) Beckett (see
sketch). Mr. Beckett entered upon his single-
handed contest with life when he was 19 years
old. He purchased 80 acres of land on section 21 in
this township, the entire tract being in an entirely
unimproved condition. After putting it into a some-

what more valuable state, he e.tchanged the property
for 80 acres of land on section 16 having some im-
provements. He has since purchased an additional
80 adjoining on section 15, and has greatly added to
to the improvements on the estate. In August, 1883,
he entered into a partnership with his father in a
steam grist and shingle mill. The joint capacity is
about two tons of flour and 20,000 shingles daily.
He also owns an improved lot in the village limits.

He was married March 15, 1880, at Brockway
Center, to Susan M. Makelim. She was born Feb. 9,
i860, in Wellington Co., Ont. When she was 17
years old she accompanied her parents to Michigan.
William I., only child of Mr. and Mrs. Beckett, was
born Oct. 8, 1882. Mr. Beckett is a Republican in
political views and has been actively interested in
school affairs in the township since his residence
therein.

■■ enry W. Wilson, farmer and dealer in grain

and produce at Marlette, was born Feb. 8,

ii^ 1850, in Durham Co., Ont. He is the son ot

j^ Robert and Mary (Scott) Wilson, who were na-

1 tives of Ireland. They grew to mature years

in the "Green Isle," and after their marriage in

1844 they came to Canada. In 1S60 they removed

to Michigan and settled in the township of Marlette.

The father died in June, 1876.

Mr. Wilson is the youngest of eight children born
to his parents, and he was ten years of age when his
parents came to this county. He obtained a good
education in the common schools, and was a mem-
ber of his father's household until he was 23 years of
age. The first important event in his life was his
marriage to Mary E. Haskins, which took place Aug.
7, 1873. She was born in November, 1851, and is
the daughter of John and Betsey (Wilson) Haskins.
Two children, Wesley R. and Clarence H., have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson.

In 1878-9 Mr. Wilson was engaged in the milling
business at Chesaning, Saginaw County. He is the
owner of a fine farm of 295 acres of land in Sanilac
County, which includes 80 acres cleared and im-
Droved and under profitable cultivation. In 1880 he
built a steam elevator near the depot at Marlette,

T — f

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Mmnmi>^

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"7<^liil^llilr>

SANILAC COUNTY.

)

which has a capacity of 14,000 bushels. He was
also interested in building the steam saw-mill near
;t:; the same locality, which is now owned by Messrs.
Bolton & McGill.

alter Hyslop, farmer, section ri, Elmer
Township, was born March 29, 1832, in
p Dumfrieshire, Scotland, of which country his
H^^ parents, John and Mary (Brownridge) Hys-
lop, were natives. The family of the senior
Hyslop included eight children, six of whom
were born of a prior marriage. Four yet survive.
Two brothers of Mr. Hyslop, William and Adam, re-
side respectively in England and Scotland. The sole
surviving sister, Mrs. Jane Moody, is living in Aus-
tralia, in the near vicinity of Melbourne.

Mr. Hyslop is the seventh in order of birth of the
children born to his father and the first child of the
/S second marriage. His mother died when he was
i=i five years old; his father died some years later. At
V^ the age of 17 years he went to Croydon, England,
c=a where he remained three years, returning thence to
\1\- Scotland, where he resided a year before coming to
Y the New World. He first located at Belleville, Can.,
where he learned the trade of a stone mason, and
there prosecuted his business until the spring of
1864. At that date he came to Lexington, Sanilac
Co., Mich., where he worked a short time at his
trade. In the fall of the same year he came to Elmer
Township, having decided that a change of occupa-
tion was imperative to secure his restoration to'
health. He sought a location where he could ob-
tain the full benefit of a life in the woods, and se-
lected the farm which is now his home. He entered
a homestead claim of 160 acres, five miles from other
settlers, in the dense forest so remote from civilization
as to afford secure retreat for wolves and deer, which
were very abundant. Mr. Hyslop was the first per-
manent settler in the township. On making his
location, he had but three months' provisions and no
money, which was soon exhausted. He returned to
Lexington, where he found employment, and it was
his custom, after |laboring six days, to expend his
earnings in supplies for his family, and with a load
which usually averaged about 70 pounds in weight,
traversed the intervening 27 miles on foot, much of

the route lying through unbroken forest. This sort
of existence continued one year, when he hired a
team to convey his provisions. His native spirit in-
ured him to privation, and his thrift and industry
enabled him to retain proprietorship of his entire
acreage, which now constitutes the best farm in the
township, with 80 acres in an unusually fine state of
cultivation, and supplied with a good house and
creditable farm buildings. The place has three acres
of orchard, of a wisely selected variety.

On the organization of the township, Mr. Hyslop
became first Supervisor, and continued in the posi-
tion five years; he has held the office three years
subsequently, and has also officiated as Treasurer,
Clerk and Road Commissioner, besides having held
the minor official trusts. In political faith he is a
Republican, and holds the office of School Director.

The first marriage of Mr. Hyslop occurred May
24, 185S, when he was joined in wedlock with Maria
Sillers, a native of Ontario, Can., and of Scotch de-
scent and parentage. She was born in October,
1836, and died in Elmer Township, April 4, 1879,
leaving ten cliildren, who were born in the following
order: John, Susan, Mary, Elizabeth, Walter, Colin,
Joanna, Thomas, Ellen, and Maria. Mr. Hyslop
was a second time married, July 3, 1880, at Lexing-
ton, to Barbara Legear, who was born at St. Mary's,
Ont., March 11, 1856. Her parents were respect-
ively of Scotch and Irish nativity. She came to Mich-
igan the year previous to her marriage. Robert, Isa-
bella and George are the names of the children born ot
this union. The family attend the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, of which Mrs. Hyslop is a member.
John, the eldest son, is present Clerk of Elmer Town-
ship. The two eldest daughters, Susan and Mary,
are teachers in Sanilac County, and have been en-
gaged in that pursuit seven years.

^^shJh*^

County. He is the son of John and

Barbara (Wixson) McMahon, who were natives

]L respectively of Ireland and Ontario. Mr. Mc-

} Mahon was educated in the common schools

and passed the first years of his life in study and work

on the farm, He passed the remaining years of his

^m>

^Tohn A. McMahon, attorney at Marlette,

^'y^M'J^ was born July 20, 1853, in Worth, Sanilac '^

.4.

(3>

SANILAC COUNTY.

minority in different occupations. On reaching the
period of his legal freedom, he entered the law office
of his brother, Hon. J. W. McMahon, where he spent
1 8 months in the study of law, after which he entered
the Law Department of the University of Michigan
at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated two years
later, at the spring term of 1877. He at once opened
his business as an attorney at Marlette, which he
prosecuted there until the fall of 1880, when impaired
vision necessitated his temporary withdrawal from
active practice. His retirement continued until the
summer of 1883, when he resumed labor in the office
of George McKay, continuing there until May, 1884.
In April, 1882, he was' elected Justice of the Peace,
and in x\pril, 18S3, he was elected Township Clerk.
In the spring of 1884 he was re-elected to the posi-
tion. In Marcli, 1883, he was elected Village Clerk
and re-elected the year following. He is a member
of the Masonic fraternity.

Mr. McMahon was married in Marlette, Aug. 4,
1878, to Ella F. Oakes. She was born in Memphis,
Mich., and is the daughter of Charles H. and
Bathsheba (House) Oakes, natives of the State of
New York. Of three children born of this marriage,
but one — -Hattie B. — survives. One child died in
early infancy; Zoe died when she was one month
old.

219

-laizae;©!®'

•^k^ifinns^f^

rk Turner, merchant, located at Shab-
)ona Corners, Evergreen Township, is
the son of Richard and Catherine (Bal-
lentine) Turner. The former is a native of
New Brunswick, the latter of Ireland. They
resided in Canada after their marriage until
1864, when thej sought a residence in Michigan,
locating first in Port Huron, and later at Brockway,
where they now reside.*

Mr. Turner was born Jan. 18, 1852, in O.vford Co.,
Can. He remained there under the paternal super-
vision until he was 24 years of age, when he engaged
as a hand in a saw-mill and was thus occupied seven
years. His next employ was on a farm in Brockway,
where he remained three years. In 1884 he came
to his present field of operation and established the
business which he has since managed, and which

affords satisfactory returns for the capital and labor
invested.

He is a Republican in political tendencies, and is
present Township Clerk of Evergreen. He is a
member of the Order of Masonry, Lodge No. 316,
Brockway, St. Clair Co., Mich.

He was married in 1878 to Catherine Pangborn,
who was born Aug. 7, i860, in Canada, and is the
daughter of John and Barbara (Shier) Pangborn.
Her father was born in Canada, her mother in Ire-
land. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Turner were
born as follows : Mary E., Feb.

April 3, 1882 ; Alton M., Sept. 7,

■ 883.

1879; Burt, fJ4^

'ens C. Jeuhl, farmer, section 28, Elmer
Township, was born April 26, 1826, in
Hadersleben, Denmark. His parents,
Christian and Ann E. (Erchpen) Jeuhl, were
of German descent and born in Denmark.
They belonged to the farming community and
were the parents of five children.

Mr. Jeuhl was the third child of his parents in
order of birth, and received the excellent education
prescribed by law in his native land. He remained
with his parents until he was 25 years old, and from
that age until that of 32 years he passed his time as
a common laborer; he was then married to Mary
Jeuhl, the date of the event being June 19, 1858.
Mrs. Jeuhl was born Jan. i, 1838, in Stendemp,
Denmark, and received a good education. Of eleven
children born of this union, three are deceased.
They were born as here named : Christian, Hans,
Peter, Anthony, Anna, John, Jens and Mary. Those
deceased were named Lena, Jens and Joanna. The
children were all born before their parents left the
old country and are well educated. The two eldest
sons speak and write Danish, German, French and
English, and have a thorough knowledge of Latin.
The entire family are most accomplished linguists.
They lived in Denmark until April, 1882, when they
emigrated to America. They remained six months
in the city of Detroit, and in the fall of that year
came to Sanilac County. They purchased 360 acres
of land in this township, all of which was in its
primeval condition. Their thrift and energy have
already been npplied to such good advantage that

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they have placed 30 acres in fair tillable condition,
and the farm presents a creditable appearance, with
good house and other farm buildings.

Mr. Jeuhl is a Republican in political belief. His
wife died April 25, 1883, of consumption, about one
year after her arrival in America. She had won
many friends during the brief months she passed in
her new home, and in her death she was mourned
as if she had been a friend of many long years. She
and her husband belonged to the Lutheran Church.

ff^'(i,\ illiam P. Webb, farmer, section 22, Maple

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l^^aVj Valley Township, has been a resident of

'i'U^ ' Sanilac County since 1858. He settled in
i> the township of Worth in March of that
year, where he rented a farm of 200 acres,
which he continued to manage 14 years. In
1872 he came to Maple Valley Township, where he
rented a farm of 120 acres for a term of seven years.
At the expiration of that period, he purchased the
property of which he is still the owner, consisting of
80 acres of land. It is now in fine condition, with a
good house and farm buildings. In addition to his
general farming, he is making a specialty of raising
blooded stock. He is a member of the Republican
party. While in Worth Township, Mr. Webb offi-
ciated as Justice of the Peace four years, and has
acted in the same capacity in Maple Valley Town-
ship during the past 11 years. He has also dis-
charged the duties of several school offices.

Mr. Webb is a man of energetic and sterling
character. In early life he designed to devote his
life to the labors of a missionary in India, but was
diverted from his purpose by the entreaties of his
friends. At this writing (current year, 1884) he is
73 years of age, and looks back to the change of his
life purpose with regret.

He was born Dec. 15, 1811, in the city of London,
England, and is the son of Titus J. and Mary (Bau-
den) Webb. In 18 rS the family came to America,
landing at Quebec June 5. They resided in that
city seven years, the father working as a shoemaker
a portion of the time. He removed thence to Odel-
town, in close pro.ximity to the line of New York,
where he was occupied alternately at fanning and

shoemaking until 1844, when he went to Montreal.
He resided there until his death in 1856.

Mr. Webb remained with his parents until he was
16 years old, when he went to Charlotte, Vt., for the
purpose of learning the trade of tanner and currier.
He was a resident there until he was 21 years old.
In view of the plan he had marked out to go to In-
dia, he became a student at the academy of Kings-
bury, N. Y., and spent two years in study at that
institution. He returned to his father's house, where
he passed a year, engaging six months in teaching at
Odeltown. He went thence to Mooers, N. Y., where
he managed a saw-mill about one year, selling out to
go to Champlain, where he interested himself in
farming. He was there engaged until the spring of
1838, and was meanwhile married to Jane Spearman,
of Champlain, She was born March 2, 1812, in Ire-
land, and is the daughter of Simon and Margaret
(Napier) Spearman. Her father removed his family
to America in 1830. To Mr. and Mrs. Webb the
following children have been born, whose record of
birth is also given: Titus J., born Jan. 6, 1839;
Margaret L., May 22, 1840; Elizabeth M., Feb. 17,
1842; Charlotte A., Aug. 29, 1843 (died Dec. 2,
1870); Susannah L., July 13, 1845; Jane L., Oct.
25, 1846; Lavinia W., Sept. 6, 1S50; Mary M., June
30, 1852; Martha V., July 5, 1857 (died March 30,
i860). The parents belong to the Methodist Epis-
copal Church.

--M

^Ifhomas Walker, farmer, resident on section

^s^ I 2, Marlette Township, is the son of William
■^jppi^ and Ann (Keyes) Walker, natives of County
^^^^ Fermanagh, Ireland. They emigrated to Can-
ada respectively in 182S and 1830. They were
married in the Dominion and continued to re-
side there until February, 1856, when they came to
Michigan. The father bought 320 acres of land on
sections 23, 24 and 26, Marlette Township, where the
family settled and where the parents resided during
the remainder of their lives. Their family included
seven children, all of whom attained maturity. Their
births occurred in the following order : Jane (see
sketch of Geo. Notley), Thomas, John and Rebecca
(twins), William, James and Samuel. Rebecca is
the wife of William Nash.

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Mr. Walker of this sketch is the eldest son of his
parents, and was born Sept. 15, 1837, in Dundas Co.,
Ont. He obtained his education in the common
schools and was reared to the calling of the class to
which his parents belonged. He assisted in the
labors of the farm in Canada until he was 19 years
old, when his parents settled in Sanilac County. He
continued to reside with them until he was 38 years
old, when he settled upon 280 acres of land in the
same township, which he purchased in 1855. He has
since sold 120 acres, and has placed 100 acres of the
remainder in a finely cultivated condition.

Three years previous to his removal to his estate,
he was married to Elizabeth Nash. The event took
place July 17, 187 i. Mrs. Walker is the daughter of
James and Nora (Grenen) Nash, natives respectively
of England and New Brunswick. She was born
April 23, 1834. Nora J. and William E. are the
names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Walker.

Mr. W. is an adherent to the tenets of the Demo-
cratic party in his political views. He has spent
many consecutive years in the discharge of the duties
incumbent upon him as the official in positions of
trust and responsibility in his township. He served
two years as Supervisor, one year as Clerk and 13
years as Highway Commissioner. He officiated three
terms as Justice of the Peace and School Inspector,
and in 1880 was appointed Deputy County Surveyor,
which position he still holds. He is one of the oldest
members of the Masonic Order in the township.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the
United Presbyterian Church.

^Ldward Hilborn, farmer, section 5, Elmer
^ Wk Township, was born in March, 1850, in

Elgin Co., Out., and is the son of Moide-
4fc>- cai Hilborn. He remained in the Dominion of
Canada with his parents until he was 16 years
of age, when he came to Sanilac County. He
first located in Speaker Township, where he pursued
agriculture until 1882, operating on 40 acres of land.
In the year named, he removed to Elmer Township
and purchased the estate which now constitutes his
homestead. It comprises 127 acres, and at the date
of purchase was in a wholly unimproved condition.
In the brief period in which he has been resident, he

has cleared and improved 20 acres and erected suit-
able and necessary farm buildings. Mr. Hilborn is a
Republican in political sentiment and action.

He was married Sept. 22, 1879, in Worth Town-
ship, to Josephine Wixson. She was born in the
township where she was married, June 25, 1857.
Herbert, only child, was born July 13, 1882. The
parents are members of the Baptist Church.

alvin Davis, farmer, section 15, Elmer
^^ Township, was born March 14, 1837, in
Kingston, Canada. His parents, James S.
and Nancy (Barrett) Davis, were of New
England extraction, born respectively in New
York and Vermont. They belonged to the
agricultural class, and the father died in Chatham,
Ontario, in i88r. The mother still resides there,
aged 70 years.

Mr. Davis became a sailor boy on the "Great
Lakes" when he was 14 years of age. From this
position, the most humble in his chosen calling, he
gradually advanced by promotion until he became
captain. Following are the names of the boats
which he managed during the last seven years of his
life on the lakes : The " Free Trader," of Montreal ;
the " Elizabeth," of Kingston, and the " Cambria," of
Hamilton; also the "Shannon," of Kingston, and
the " Wave Crest," of Montreal. In 1873 he aban-
doned the career of a sailor and spent the ensuing
two years in the shipyard of Chatham. His next
remove was to this State, when he located at Brock-
way Center, St. Clair County, and managed a tan-
nery one year. In 1877 he settled in Sanilac
County. He purchased the farm which has since
been his homestead, and which comprises 120 acres
of excellent land. Of this he has improved and
cultivated 30 acres. Mr. Davis subscribes to the
tenets of the Democratic party, and has officiated
four years as Superintendent of Schools.

He was married March 24, 1874, at Chatham,
Ont., to Clarinda, daughter of William and Permelia
(Harris) Walker. The parents were born respect-
ively in Scotland and Nova Scotia and were of
Scotch descent. The father was a mason by trade,
and lost his life in the late Rebellion while in action,
from a bayonet wound. The mother resides with

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her daughter, and is 75 years of age. Mrs. Davis
was born June 18, 1S49, in Ingersoll, Ont. The
family of Mr. Davis now includes four children :
George W., Charles L., James H. and Lloyd B.

oren Cady, liveryman, established at Mar-
lette, was bora in the State of Pennsylva-
nia, June 2, i860. His parents were also
natives of the Key-stone State, and came to
A Michigan in 1884, and now reside in the city of
.^ Saginaw.
Mr. Cady became a resident of Sanilac County in
1882, and engaged about one year in teaming, after
which he went to Saginaw and was variously em-
ployed for a short time. In the spring of 1884 he
came to Marlette and after a brief time purchased
the livery business of F. E. Talmadge. His horses,
carriages and other fixtures are of a quantity and
quality adapted to the extent and character of his
patronage, and he is engaged in a satisfactory busi-
ness.

obert G. Brown, farmer on section i8,
Maple Valley Township, resident at Brown
:^' City, was born in Scotland near the Che-
}v^ viot Hills, April 28, 1834. His parents, Wil-
liam and Margaret (Murray) Brown, were born
respectively in the Lowlands and Highlands
of Scotland, and represent long lines of ancestry who
were shepherds from dates going back to remote
periods. They were in the same avenue of business
until their removal to the United States in 1850,
whither they came with their family of four sons and
two daughters. They first located in Yates Town-
ship, Orleans Co., N. Y., where they remained four
years. In 1854 they came to Michigan and pur-
chased large tracts of land in Lapeer and Sanilac
Counties, including in all 1,200 acres, situated on
sections 12 and 13 in Burnsidcs Township, that coun-
ty, and on sections 7 and 18 in what is now Maple
Valley Township. Comparative data will manifest
the primitive condition of the estate, which was ac-
cessible only by means of Indian trails and entirely

without settlers save the nomadic red men, who roved
at their own will wherever wild game most abounded,
or their simple desires led them. Markets and sup-
plies were 30 miles distant, at Almont and Romeo, a
distance rendered doubly tedious by the fact that
locomotive facilities were confined to their ox teams.
On first settling, they brought in a horse with them,
but the following spring it wandered into the woods
and was never traced.

The existing condition of things involved much
hardship for the first few years. Four grown sons
made a respectable pioneer working force who accom-
plished much necessary improvement of the tract of
land within their supervision ; and under the judicious
guidance of their father, their labors proved of much
value to the location, their improvements and estab-
lishment of general interests rendering the surround-
ing country attractive to other new comers. Their
parents resided on section 12, Burnsides Township,
during the remainder of their lives. Their father
died June 21, 1883, at the age of 97 years. He
adopted and supported the principles of the Re-
publican party, and was tlie first Treasurer of his
township after the establishment of its municipal
regulations. The mother died Nov. 18, 1865.

Mr. Brown was a member of the paternal house-
hold until his marriage, Feb. 20, 1861, in Maple
Valley Township, to Margaret M. Bryce. Her par-
ents, James and Elizabeth (Fenner) Bryce, were
natives of Scotland and the Province of Ontario,
respectively, and were of Scotch and Irish descent.
They vvere among the pioneer settlers of Sanilac
County and ideiitified with its early history and de-
velopment. The father died Dec. 26, 187 1, in St.
Clair County. The mother is a resident still on the
homestead in Brockway Township in that county.
Mrs. Brown was born in Warwick, Hampden Co.,
Ont., and is one of 11 children born to her parents.
They removed to this township when she was 1 1
years of age and she was a member of her father's
household until her marriage. Three children, of
whom she is the mother, are all living. They were
born as follows: Martha E., July 20, 1862 (married
April 18, 1881, Geo. W. Smith, a merchant at Clare,
in the county of the same name); Mary J., Sept. 15,
1864 (married April 19, 1883, Frank Snyder, Deputy
Postmaster at Brown City and dealer in musical in-
struments, sewing-machines, and is an insurance

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agent); Rebecca E., Nov. 29, 1868, who is still with
her parents.

Mr. Brown removed his family to Inilay City, La-
peer County, where he located March 27, 1873. He
engaged in grain traffic, in which he was interested
two years, after which he embarked in business as a
dealer in general merchandise, which pursuit he fol-
lowed until July, 1879, at which date he returned to
the life of an agriculturist and took possession of his
estate lying on sections 18 and 8 of this township,
comprising 520 acres, with 150 acres under advanced
culture, with fine farm buildings, and including one
of the best assorted and producing orchards in the
county. The village which perpetuates the family
name and fitly represents its influence, was half
platted by Mr. Brown, and he owns 100 lots within
its limits. He was the first Township Clerk and re-
mained the incumbent of the position some years; he
was also Treasurer for a few terms. During the war
he served three years as enrolling officer of three town-
ships of Sanilac County. He has been Postmaster at
Brown City since its organization. He is a Repub-
lican of most decided principles.

"'"' ?^? athaniel S. Taneher, marketman at Mar-
siS'i •'^ttc> is the son of Richard and Betsey
(Smith) Fancher. They were natives of
the State of New York, where they were mar-
ried, and later removed to Michigan, settling in
Macomb ('ounty in the pioneer days of the
Peninsular State. ' They afterwards removed to La-
peer County, where tlie father died July 9, 1849.
Their family included four sons and five daughters.
Mr. Fancher is the youngest son of his parents,
and was born July 28, 1843, in Lapeer Co., Mich.
He passed the first 1 8 years of his life in the pa-
rental household, in acquiring his 'education in the
common schools and as an assistant on his father's
farm. He spent the next 12 years in the varied oc-
cupations of farmer and lumberman, and in 1869
evened a market at Attica in his native county.
After managing his interests in that line three years,
he sold out and embarked in the livery business,
which he carried on two years. He passed a year at
Almont, Lapeer County, and in February, 1879, he
came to Marlette, where he opened a meat market,

which he has since continued to manage. Mr.
Fancher is a Democrat in political faith, and is one
of the charter members of Marlette Lodge, No.
1,775, K. of H. He belongs also to the Masonic
Order.

His marriage to Mary Sanderson occurred Oct. 14,
1863, in Genesee Co., Mich. She was born in 1843,
in Canada, and is the daughter of Nelson and Fanny
Sanderson. Two of the three children born of this
marriage are deceased. Their names were Dora and
Nelson. Clara M. was born Sept. 24, 1872.

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'ohn J. Robinson, farmer, section 3r, Ever-
green Township, was born Feb. 28, 1842,
in the Township of Bruce, Macomb Co.,
Mich. His father, Robert Robinson, was born
in 1806, and when he was 18 years old came
to America, settling on Long Island. He mar-
ried Betsey A. Dunn, who was born in 1822, in the
State of New York : she died in 1856. The family
removed to Macomb County in 1836 and settled in
Bruce Township. A few years later they came to
Lapeer County, where the father remained until 1875
when he came to Sanilac County to reside with his
son. He died May 24, 1S77.

Mr. Robinson was 19 years of age when the civil
war engulfed the land, and he enlisted in Co. G,
loth Mich. Vol. Lif. He received his discharge for
disability before his regiment left the State, and re-
turned to Lapeer County, where he engaged in farm-
ing. \\\ 1872 he came to Sanilac County and located
an estate of 240 acres of wild land, which he still
retains, with the e.xception of 80 acres which he sold.
The place now includes 74 acres under good improve-
ments.

Li political sentiment Mr. Robinson adheres to the
principles of the Republican party. He has been
Township Treasurer two terms, and Highway Com-
missioner one term. He has served three terms as
School Director, and as Assessor for the same length
of time.

Mr. Robinson was married in 1863, to Betsey A.
Wilcox. She was bom Oct. ri, r84i, in Lapeer
Co., Mich., and is the daughter of Harvey and Susan
(Burton) Wilcox. The former was born July 5, 1815,

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SANILAC COUNTY.

the latter Nov. 6, 18 10, both natives of the State of
New York. The family of Mr. Robinson includes
one adopted son, Harvey Wilco.x, who was born May

9, 1875-

T. Dodge, M. D., physician at Mar-

, was born April 2, i860, in Barry

-■IVVj^V'J^ Co., Mich. He is the son of Winchester

J^^r T. and Ann (Craig) Dodge, natives respect-

JlXn ivelv of Ontario and .Scotland. They lo-

ively of Ontario and .Scotland.
> cated in Michigan after their marriage, and are
at present residents of Lapeer County.

Dr. Dodge is the eldest of five children born to his
parents, and passed the first 18 years of his life in ob-
taining an education in the con.mon and high schools
of his native county. In the fall of 1878, he entered
the Medical Department of the University of Mich-
igan at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated two
years later, having fulfilled the prescribed course of
study at that institution. He received his creden-
tials in July, 1S80, and came soon afterward to Mar-
ietta, where he practiced a year. In 1881 he went
to the city of New York, where he spent six months
in clinic practice. He resumed his business at Mar-
lette, where he has since pursued his calling with
satisfactory results.

Dr. Dodge is independent in political connections
and views, and in the spring of 1S84 was appointed
Health Officer of Marlette. He is a member of
Lodge No. 343, F. & A. M.

rflD^^^^Jienry Smackart, farmer, section i, Elmer

^^ Townsliip, was born in Prussia, June 16,

^ 1823. His father died when he was a child

O of four years, and he was reared by his mother,

i with whom he remained until his departure from

I his native country in 1853. He was 30 years of

age when he set out to seek his fortune in the New

World. He first settled at Belmont, Waterloo Co.,

Can., where he passed nine years in farming. He

went thence to Huron Co., Ont., and engaged in

agriculture. The next 17 years of liis life he passed

in the labors of the farm there, and then he came

to Michigan to enjoy the privilege of a republican
form of government, and to avail himself of the ad-
vantages offered by the resources of the Peninsular
State. In February, 1879, he purchased the estate
of 80 acres he now owns, and whereon he has estab-
lished his home. He has improved 22 acres and
placed it under good cultivation.

His marriage to Henrietta Riake occurred Sept. 21,
1845, in Prussia. She was born in Prussia, June 21,
1825. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Smackart, four of whom are deceased. They were
named Levi, Rebecca, August and Almateria. Those
who survive are Christopher, William, Andrew, Min-
nie, Barbara and Elizabeth. The family are mem-
bers of the religious society known as "Dunkards."

Stuart MeClure, attorney at Marlette,
mm^V.. was born Sept. 27, 1857, in Madoc, Hast-
3m(j{y ^ ings Co., Ont. His parents, Donald and
r)A Flora (Stuart) McClure, were natives of
the Isle of Skye. They were born in Sleat,
and emigrated to Hastings Co., Can., where the
intimacy which began in their earliest years
culminated in marriage. Later on, they removed to
Middlesex Co., Ont., where they were a number of
years resident, going thence to Lambton Co., Ont.,
where they have since lived. Their family included
six children, — three sons and three daughters. One
of the latter is deceased. The father of Mr. Mc-
Clure has been actively interested in business life,
having been successfully engaged in merchant tailor-
ing, lumbering and in manufacture and traffic in oil.
Mr. McClure is tlie second in order of birth of the
children of his father's family. Previous to the age
of 16 years he acquired a substantial education in
the public schools of Middlesex County, accomplish-
ing the entire curriculum of study therein. At the
age named he commenced teaching, which vocation
he pursued two years. He then attended the
Georgetown Academy, where he took one course of
study. He resumed teaching, and two years later
became a student at Gait Collegiate Institute, enter-
ing the. last year of the four years' course prescribed
by that institution, and devoting his attention partic-
ularly to the classics. He again became a teacher,
and devoted the proceeds of his labors to the educa-

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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227

tion of his brother, who studied medicine at Ann Ar-
bor, graduated, and is now engaged in the successful
practice of his profession at Sherman, Texas. The
prosecution and accomplishment of this purpose was
the cause of the postponement of his own plans for
professional study. He had fixed upon the United
States as a suitable and feasible field for the devel-
opment of his life purposes, and he accordingly de-
termined upon pursuing the course of study prepar-
atory to his entrance upon a i^rofessional life, at an
American institution. In the fall of 1878 he left his
native country, and entered the Law Department of
the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he
was graduated in the spring of 1880. He was
elected Poet of his class.

In the spring of 1881 he established himself in
business at Marlette, in company with the Hon. J. W.
McMahon, and has since been engaged in the pros-
ecution of his profession. He has already won his
way to a prominent position as an attorney, through
his industry, integrity and application to his business
engagements. In political sentiment and connection
he is independent. He was elected Circuit Court
Commissioner on the Republican ticket, in the fall
of 1882.

mj'seterC. Phillips, farmer, section 27, Ever-
iMIik green Township, was born Nov. 18, 1838,
j^; ^ in Elgin Co , Can., and is the son of Nich-
?.^ olas and Effie (Alward) Phillips. The former
was born in 1776, in Schoharie Co., N. Y., was
a farmer all his life, and died in 1862. The mother
was born in 1793, in Canada. She is still living in
the Dominion, at the advanced age of 91 years.

Mr. Phillips attained his majority under the super-
vision of his father, after which he managed the
home farm for five years. He remained in Canada
until 1864, when he came to Michigan. He located
in Brockway Tp., St. Clair County, where he inter-
ested himself in farming and rearing stock. In the
fall of 188 1 he came to Sanilac County and settled
on 160 acres located on sections 27, 28 and 33. He
also owns 80 acres of land on section 35. Politic-
ally, he is a Republican, and in the year 1883 was

elected Township Treasurer, to which office he was
re-elected in 1884.

Mr. Phillips was married in i860, to Experience
A. McGregor. She was born May 24, 1843, and is
the daughter of Philander and Phebe McGregor.
The former was born June 9, 181 1, and died June
16, 1876; the latter was born Feb. 28, 1823, and
died Sept. 17, 1863. Both were natives of Welling-
ton Co., Can. Mr. and Mrs. Phiilii)s are the parents
of ten children, recorded as follows : Albert N.,
born Feb. 9, 1861 ; Francis H., May 22, 1863; Alma
A., March 8, 1867; Philander, March 29, 1869;
Cyrus M., Dec. 23, 1872; Fidelia E., June 9, 1874;
Cadton, May 17, 1876; Sheriff C, June 24, 1878;
Charley, July 31, 1880; Peter L., Aug. i, 1883.

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ames Minard, farmer, resident on section
32, Moore Township, is the son of Samuel
and Rebecca (Moore) Minard. The for-
mer was born in Ulster Co., N. Y., and re-
It moved in 1813 to Canada, where he engaged
in the two-fold occupation of farmer and
blacksmith. The parents are both deceased.

Mr. Minard was born July 31, 1830, in Elgin Co.,
Can. On reaching his majority he married Hannah
Johnson, who was born April i, 1836, in Canada,
and is the daughter of Job and Mary (Scott) John-
son. Her father was a farmer, and died in 1842.
Her mother is living in Sanilac County. In i860
Mr. Minard became a resident of Moore Township.
He located on 50 acres of land, where he has since
resided, and is one of the heaviest land-owners in
the township, owning 680 acres additional to his first
purchase. He was the first perniaiienl white settler
in Moore Township, where he resided four years be-
fore another white man made a location. The near-
est neighbor was 12 miles distant in one direction,
and fifteen miles away in another. The farm now
comprises 140 acres of improved and finely culti-
vated land. Mr. Minard is a member of the Masonic
Lodge, No. 6.', at Lexington. He has been a Re-
publican since the founding of the party, and was
Sheriff of the county in 1874. He has been Super-
visor 12 terms, Treasurer and Justice of the Peace
12 years, and has held the position of Notary Public

(

A<^ii g K m>^ — ^€3!^

\. 228

(i)
f

■'tii^^

T-<^DB>^DD^>-r

■sr

♦^C(®^-f^

SANILAC COUNTY.

d»fe

six years, receiving his appointment from Gov. Bag-
ley. Mr. Minard is now in the position of local
State Commissioner for the Port Sanilac & Tuscola
State Road.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Minard are nine in
number, and were born as follows: Charles L.,
Nov. 28, 185s; Phillip, May 5, 1858; Samuel C,
March 19, i860; James W., Aug. 21, 1862; Enos,
March 16. 1864 ; Mary, Nov. 30, 1867 ; Jacob D.,
Feb. 27, 1870; Hannah, Sept. 5, 1872; Job, April 3,
1878.

Mr. Minard's portrait is presented with those of
other leading citizens of Sanilac County. This is
eminently fitting from the position he occupies as a
pioneer, a developer of the resources of his county
and township, and a public-spirited man, possessing
a desire to aid in every possible way in the progress
of the generation to which he belongs, and to con-
tribute all effort needed to secure its permanent well-
being.

-^^^^

homas Kirkbride, farmer, section 10, Elmer
^^1 Township, was born June 5, 1830, in Cum-

* berland County, England. His parents,

«^ Thomas and Ann (Hall) Kirkbride, were also

natives of England and are now deceased. In

1 83 1 they emigrated with their family to this

country and settled in Quebec, Canada.

Mr. Kirkbride remained at home with his parents
in the Dominion until he was 28 years of age. He
acquired the trade of a carpenter, which calling he
has pursued many years. He came to Michigan in
December, 1858, and located in the township of
Flynn, in this county, where he purchased 240 acres
of land on section 15, and in addition to his interests
as a pioneer farmer he engaged quite extensively in
lumbering. A variety of causes precipitated disaster
to his business in that direction, and in 1867 he sur-
rendered his property. He came to this township in
1867 and entered a claim of 80 acres under the
regulations of the Homestead Act. He has placed
20 acres under creditable cultivation, and is again
becoming one of the solid citizens of Sanilac County.
He is a Republican in political faith and action, and
has served his generation ten years as Justice of the
Peace; he has also officiated in other positions of

trust and responsibility. In 1873 he was appointed
Commissioner of the Elmer State Road by the Legis-
lature of Michigan, and he is also Township Drain
Commissioner. He is an Episcopalian in religious
connection.

'ohn W. Councilor, hardware merchant at
|t^ Marlette, was born May 28. 1S52, in Dela-
>V*^^ ware, of which State his parents, Elisha
=§|,g and Rebecca (Dean) Councilor, were also na-
tives. They came to Michigan in 1854. His
father dying when he was nine years of age,
he was thrown upon his own exertions for self-main-
tenance, and he passed the years following, until he
was 17 years old, as a farm laborer. He then went
to Pewamo, Ionia Co., Mich., and attended school
three years. He was then on the threshold of man-
hood and became a traveling salesman in the inter-
ests of Messrs. Wessell & Wheeler, of St. Louis,
Gratiot Co., Mich. After a year of effort in their ser-
vice he engaged in selling patent rights, in which he
passed a similar length of time, when he engaged
with the National Copying Company of Kalamazoo,
and operated in their behalf two years.

Mr. Councilor became a resident of Sanilac Coun-
ty in December, [876, when he opened a tinshop at
Marlette. He entered into a partnership with
Thomas Aldrich, and the relation existed until 1883,
when he bought the interest of his partner, and has
since managed his business interests with success.
He owris his place of business and other village
property.

He was married May 29, 1883, in Saginaw Co.,
Mich., to Ella Gates. She is a native of Michigan.

it yML^reeman A. Kyes, salesman for John Make-

' ytEjo ''™' ^' Valley Center, was born July 13,

%hf^'-'^ 1862, in Leeds Co., Ont. His father and

^^ mother, Alplieus and Minerva (Shiproan) Kyes

J)K^ are residents of this townshij). (See sketch of

{ John Makelim.) Mr. Kyes became his own

master when he was 13 years of age and engaged as

a general farm laborer until he was 17 years of age,

when he set out for Michigan by himself and located

v§)

mW'^

tF^

SANILAC COUNTY

229

:«

at Valley Center. He engaged in farming in this
vicinity, afterwards going to Port Huron, Michigan,
in 1883. He operated for a time as clerk in the
Commercial House at that place, and af'.er the ex-
piration of his engagement there, he came to this
place and entered the employ of his brother-in-law.
He has attended school winters until he has obtained
a good education. In politics he is a Re|)ublican.
In disposition Mr. Kyes is liberal and enthusiastic, and
his natural traits of character and habits give promise
of a successful and useful career in life.

i.FpWB^ illiam Craig, proprietor of the woolen-mill
mIiISL at Marlette, was born Oct. 16, 1837, in

'^^jkC Scotland. His parents, John and Mary
5> (Stirret) Craig, were natives of .Scotland,
and emigrated from their native land to
Canada. The father died there, and the mother
is now a resident of Sanilac County.

Mr. Craig was ten years of age when he came to
Canada, where he remained until the fall of 1872,
when he came to Sanilac County. He bought 80
acres of land in Marlette Township, of which he
took possession, and on which he resided until 1879,
when he removed to the village of Marlette and
built the woolen-mill which he has since operated.
His working corps includes an average number of
six men. In political faith and connection he is a
Republican, and he also belongs to the Masonic
fraternity.

«>

eorge Etherington, blacksmith at Valley
%. Center, Maple Valley Township, was born
^'S in Vaughan Township, York Co., Ont., May
10, 1856. His parents, William and Martha
f (Keyworth) Etherington, were both natives of
Lincolnshire, England. Their parents emigrated
with their families to Canada, where their children
grew to mature years, married, settled and died in
the Dominion. The mother of Mr. Etherington
was the widow of John Clayton at the time of her
marriage to his father. The latter was a farmer all
his life and died about 1858. The mother died Dec.

17, 1881. Five children survive her. Eliza, only
child of her first marriage, resides in Ontario and is
the wife of Patrick Duffey. William and Stephen
are residents of Maple Valley Township. Elizabeth
(Mrs. John Cann) lives in Ontario.

Mr. Etherington passed the first 16 years of his
life under the care of his parents. He attended the
public schools of the Dominion and assisted in the
labors of the farm until the age named, when he was
apprenticed to learn the trade which he has since
pursued. He served three years at Elora, Welling-
ton Co., Ont., and came thence to Lynn Township,
St. Chiir Co., Mich., where he followed the business
for which he had fitted himself until the fall of 1883.
At that date he established his shoj) and business at
Valley Center. He is a thorough and efficient crafts-
man and is doing a substantial and prosperous busi-
ness.

He is a Republican in political opinion and action,
and is a reliable and respected citizen of his town-
ship. He is a Methodist in religious conviction and
connection.

-ij.

"ifjilfc illiam Thomas, farmer, section 25, Elk

.1^

|l Township, was born Feb. 25, 1837, in the

city of Toronto. Soon after his birth, he

was sent to Northumberland Co., Ont., where
he remained with his grandparents until he
attained to man's estate. He spent a number
of years as a common laborer and in 186 1 he came
to Michigan. In 1869 be bought 160 acres of land,
and in April, 1874, he settled on the place. It was
in a wholly wild condition when he took possession,
and he has now 100 acres in first-class farming con-
dition. His supplies at the time he moved into the
township were worth about $25. He has applied
his time and efforts to the best possible advantage,
and is justly considered one of the substantial citizens
of this township. He has recently begun to deal in
Durham stock, and has a fine herd of graded cattle,
besides a valuable flock of blooded sheep. He is a
decided Democrat in his political views.

Mr. Thomas was married April 10, 1878, in Elk
Township, to Cordelia, daughter of William and
Esther (Stryker) Eastman. Her mother died in
Ontario, in 1856, and her father resides in Port

Mh^^^^

-(^Mmh^r

230

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' )

SANILAC COUNTY.

-«t?^

Huron. She was born Oct. 12, 1851, in Ontario.
Mary E., born Feb. 25, 1879, and William A., born
June 18, 1880, are the children now included in the
family of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. The parents are
members of the Baptist Church.

atthew Umphrey, farmer on section 15,

Elk Township, was born in York (now

^ Toronto), Canada, Nov. i, 1822. His

parents, Samuel and Lucinda Umphrey,

f' " were natives of New York, of New England an-
cestry, who were of Scotch and German descent.
They died in Ontario County, in the Dominion, and
were both about 73 years of age.

Mr. Umphrey was bred a farmer and remained
upon the home place until he was 23 years old. He
then made a purchase of 100 acres of land on con-
cession ninth, in Ontario County, and became
actively interested in agriculture. He retained the
ownership of this a few years, when he sold out and
secured 200 acres on concession seventh, in the same
county. He lived on the latter until he had re-
claimed 90 acres from its natural condition. In 1855
he came to Michigan and purchased 320 acres of
wild land in Delaware Township, Sanilac County,
where he was one of the earliest settlers. The tract
was situated in the vicinity of Forestville, in the
township of Delaware, where he remained about r5
years. Meanwhile he was an actual resident of Lex-
ington Township four years, where he improved
nearly 80 acres of land, and then returned to his
farm in Delaware Township. He established a savv-
mill on his place and engaged extensively in the
manufacture of lumber. In the fall of 187 i the fire
which devastated the county of Sanilac destroyed a
large amount of lumber which he had in stock, his
horses, cattle, stock generally, farm buildings, includ-
ing everything on the place in the shape of a struct
ure, — fences, fixtures and every vestige of property of
which he was the owner, save the ground it occu-
pied, — the loss aggregating $12,000. One of his
sons was burned nearly to death, and the lives of his
family were saved only by seeking refuge on the lake,
which was 80 rods distant. They were practically
unclothed, and stood waist deep in the water eight
hours, waiting for the heat to abate, before it was safe

to venture to the shore. The loss was severe, but
his determination to re-establish once more his
fortunes was intact. He had a little property in
Lexington Township, of which he took possession,
and there remained until the fall of 1877, when he
removed to Elk Township. He settled on section
15 and now owns 240 acres located on sections 14,
15 and 22. He has 150 acres cleared and otherwise
improved, and is fast resuming his former position as
a leading agriculturist of Sanilac County. He is a
Democrat in political connections and action.

Mr. Umphrey was first married in October, 1845,
in Ontario Co., Can., to Mary Noble. She was born
in the same county, of American parentage, in 1828,
and became the mother of nine children, all of whom
survive her save one. They are named Samuel,
Catherine, Elizabeth, Mary, Ellen, Angeline, John
and Lucinda. Martha is deceased. The mother
died in 1867, in Lexington Township, universally
lamented. The husband was a second time mar-
ried in 1870, in Lexington, to Catherine Flynn, who
was born in Ontario in 1853 and died in February,
1875, leaving two children, — Emma and Margaret
Mr. Umphrey was a third time married Aug. 8, 1875,
to Mrs. Mary Keefe, daughter of Fred and Elizabeth
(Post) Keller. Mrs. U. is a native of Ontario, where
she was born, in Colburn County, Nov. 5, 1840. By
her first marriage she is the mother of eight chil-
dren, two of whom are deceased. Their names are
Fred, John, Mary, Jennie, Ellen and James. Richard
and Catherine are deceased. Anna is the only cliild
of her second marriage.

-H=i

rM=f—

7«^#^

-Awl.

<^n

"S^iiSenjamin Collins, farmer, resident on sec-
tion 30, Buel Township, was born in 18 19,
in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. His parents,
^® Israel and Lavinia Collins, were of American
^ birth, and died in Durham, Oxford Co., Can.
Mr. Collins is the fifth of ten children born
to his parents. His brothers and sisters were Mar-
garet, Richard, Betsey, Abel, Josiah, Jerome, Lavinia,
Arminia and Russell. The latter is deceased. His
parents removed to Canada when he was 12 years
of age, and on reaching his majority he bought a farm
in the Dominion, and entered vigorously upon the
work of improving. The place included 100 acres,

«5

c>:

?■
i

'•■";»

SANILAC COUNTY.

-%gm

i^^((®vii

23'

1^ —

and was in a wholly wild condition. He made an
exchange with a younger brother for a similar acre-
age, on which he resided until 1857. During the
latter part of September in that year, he came to San-
ilac County and bought 200 acres of land in Buel
Township. In the year following he removed his
family hither. The entire tract of land was in an
unimproved condition, and is now all under cultiva-
tion. He has sold a part of it and the remainder is
in the possession of different members of the family.

Mr. Collins was married July 16, 1841, in Dun-
ham, Can., to Asenath, daughter of Peter and Eliza-
beth (Woodward) Walker. Her parents were natives
of the State of New York, and died respectively in
Clayton Co., Iowa, and Copetown, Can. Their fam-
ily included two sons and six daughters. Mrs.
Collins was born July 7, 1818, in Chatham, N. Y.
She was three years old when her father removed to
Canada. Of 12 children of whom she has become
the mother, ten are living. They were born in the
following order; Wesley, July 19, 1842; Alvaro (see
sketch), Sept. 26, 1843 ; Betsey, Feb. i, 1845 ; Israel,
May 2, 1846; Frank, Sept. 5, 1847; Zenas, March
25, 1849; Peter, Sept. 10, 1850; George, May 10,
1853; Sarah, Nov. i, 1855; Jerome, Nov. i, 1857;
William Henry, Nov. i, 1859; Jane, Nov. i, 1861.

Mr. Collins is a Republican in political sentiment.

^ Warner (see sketch of S. H. Warner), and
was born Dec. 5, 1847, at Coldwater, Branch

^allas J. Warner, merchant at Marlette, is
„,- the son of Zimri and Sarah A. (Walker)

^J- Co., Mich. He acquired his education chiefly in
the common schools, and supplemented his ele
mentary studies by a course at the Commercial Col-
lege at Flint. In December, 1873, he came to Mar-
lette. He entered the mercantile house of Robert
Hoag as general manager, where he operated about
one year. In 1874 he bought a village lot, on which
he erected the building where he established his
business. His transactions amount yearly to about
$60,000. In political connections he affiliates with
the Democrats. He held the position of President of
Marlette Village the second year after its organi-
zation.

Mr. Warner was married Aug. 13, 1872, in Lapeer

Co., Mich., to Susie P., daughter of Micliael Doyle. ^!j

She was born in New Brunswick, and her parents yl

were natives of that province. Dora. A., Ray D., *4'^

Lulu B. and Harry S. are the names of the surviv- I

ing children. Mary died when she was two years V®
old.

TJjji obert Acheson, farmer, section 32, Le.xing-
^! ton Township, was born Sept. 11, 18 13,
/JP^""" '^^^'^ Enniskillen, County Armagh, Ire-
■f VW land, and is the son of John and Sarah E.
(.Adams) Acheson. His father was born in
1758, of English parentage, was a farmer in
nortli of Ireland, and died in 183 1. Robert's mother
is also deceased. Their family of children, includ-
ing six sons and seven daughters, all reached matu-
rity, but are all deceased except four. Mr. Acheson
lias one brother and two sisters living. The family
came to New Brunswick in August, 1825. The
senior Acheson purchased a farm of 200 acres in the
province, and at the time of liis death was the owner
of 450 acres.

Mr. Acheson was married Oct. 22, 1838, to Mary
Rodgers. She died soon after her marriage, leaving
a daughter, Mary R., who is now the wife of George
Carson, of Humboldt Bay, Cal. The mother was
born in i82i,in County Down, Ireland, and died
Oct. 6, 1840. The daughter was born Sept. 18,
1840. The second marriage of Mr. Acheson, to
Barbara A. McFarland, occurred Oct. 2, 1843. She
was born Sept. i, 18 15, in New Brunswick. The
children of this marriage were horn as follows:
Wellesley, July 29, 1844 (died Feb. 22, 1873, of liver
disease and dyspepsia) ; Lucy, Feb. 6, 1846; Eliza-
beth, Nov. 24, 1847; Cephas, Oct. 27, 1850; John
M., July 29, 1852. Lucy was married Sept. 25,
1874, to William Allington, and resides six miles
west of St. Clair. Elizabeth was married June 17,
1874, to William E. Walker, and lives in Haldimand
Co., Can. Cephas was married May i, 1883, to
Helen Woodcock, in San Francisco, and lives at
Humboldt Bay, Cal. John was married in 1867 to
Eva Harman, and is a farmer in Buel Township.

Mr. Acheson remained on his father's farm until
1857, when he removed his family to Haldimand
Co., Can. He purchased 100 acres of land of
which he was the proprietor and manager three

:,Oj

SANILAC COUNTY.

-^smf^

years, when he sold out and came to Sanilac Co.,
Mich., reaching here in November. He Ijought 80
acres of land, from which the Uimber had been re-
moved, and not long after bought 200 acres in its
primitive state, with the exception of one acre, on
which had been erected a small log house. The
place has since been his homestead. He has cleared
and brought into good farming condition 155 acres.
In addition to his agricultural pursuits, he has
engaged e.xtensively in lumbering, in his own interests
and in behalf of others, among whom may be named
Truman Moss.

The memorable fire of 1871 brought a severe ex-
perience to the family of Mr. Acheson. His build-
ings were so located as to constitute the key to the
village, whose destruction was inevitable if they
burned. On the 9th of October he had been on tiie
lookout all the early part of the day, and had exer-
cised every possible precaution against disaster. All
combustible matter had been carefully removed
from the premises, and water had been drawn from
the river, that in case of emergency a supply might
be accessible, as everything was dry as tinder. The
different members of the family were variously dis-
posed, with pails and dippers, extinguishing stray
sparks, and Mr. Acheson and his son were in the
fields with spades burying the fire as it advanced.
Finally the flames burst through the woods, which
flanked three sides of the place, and Mr. Acheson,
his wife and four children fought the fire until mid-
night before it was sufficiently under control to leave
unguarded.

Mr. Acheson is a Republican, and has been Justice
of the Peace 15 years, and Notary Public two years.
He and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

•'WifiC^©^^— tip

^^^yzfaTra*-

1881,
since

eorge G. Hudd, merchant at Marlette, was
born March 24, 1854, in Hamilton, Ont.,
and is the son of Gordon A. and Mary A-
(Jones) Rudd. The parents were natives re-
spectively of Ireland and Canada, and in 1864
became residents of Sanilac County. In April,
he established the business in which he has
been engaged, with the exception of three

months. He is a Republican in political connections,
and is a member of the Knights of Maccabees.

Mr. Rudd was married March 28, 1880, in Mar-
lette Township, to Mary J. White, a native of Can-
ada. One daughter, Myra E., is the sole issue of
this marriage.

!wS5'5>.;' delfts' t^s

"^^kA

^olomon M. Tice, farmer, section 27, Elk

^j^ Township, was born July 30, 1839, in

f._^" ^ ("hemung Co., N. Y. When he was two
years of age, his parents, Philip and Amanda
(Joslin) Tice, removed with their family to
Tioga Co., Penn., where his father died, in
January, 187 I. His mother still resides there, and
is 65 years of age. Both were of New England ori-
gin and descended from Scotch and German ances-
tors.

Mr. Tice remained with his father and mother
until he was 24 years of age, and received a fair
common-school education. He was instructed in the
labors of the farm and trained to manage all the
branches of employment pertaining to a saw-mill.

When about 20 years of age he went to Ontario,
Can., where he remained four years, variously
engaged. He passed the succeeding five years in
the States of Pennsylvania and New York, employed
in a tannery. At the expiration of that time he de-
cided on casting his fortunes with the tide that was
pouring westward, and came to Michigan, locating
in Worth Tp., Sanilac County. He purchased 57
acres of partly improved land, but was its owner and
occupant only a brief period. He left his family
there and came to Elk Township, where he operated
as a professional sawyer in the mills which were then
the chief avenue of business. In July, 1877, he re-
moved his family here and took possession of about
So acres of land he had purchased shortly before,
and which he has continued to manage. He has
placed 70 acres under first-class improvements, and
is considered in every respect a model farmer. His
success is marked in all his undertakings. In polit-
ical connection he is a Democrat.

He was married Nov. 26, i86i,in Simcoe, Can., to
Mary, daughter of James and Jean (Hood) Jack.
She was born Jan. 9, 1838, in Ontario, Can., of Scotch

T— I

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SAN/LAC COUNTY.

■^^V<-

-^S^jig

.iom

l^t^c©^^i|l

233

descent, and remained with lier parents until lier
marriage. She is the mother of seven children, one
of whom is deceased. They are named Jane, Philip,
John, Jessie, Elizabstli and Fanny. Thomas is de-
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Tice belong to the Methodist
and Baptist Churches.

fe.pencer H. Warner, druggist at Marlette,
Ie^PI^ was born .\pril 12, 1831, in Canada. He

1^~^ is the son of Zimri and Sarah A. (Walker)

Warner, who were born respectively in the
States of New York and Vermont. They re-
moved to the former with their family, and in
the summer of 1842 made another transfer to Cold-
water, Mich.

Mr. Warner remained with his parents most of the
time until he was 29 years old, when he rented a
farm of 400 acres in Genesee County, wliich he
operated five years. At the end of that time he re-
moved to a farm of 160 acres he had previously .pur-
chased in Tuscola County, where he resided 15 years.
He cleared and improved 120 acres and erected
necessary and suitable farm buildings. He found its
profitable management involved more labor than his
health would permit, and in March, 1880, he came
to Marietta and established himself in the mill busi-
ness as a half partner. This investment proved suc-
cessful, and he continued milling operations about 18
months, when he sold out his interest. He pro-
ceeded to Brown City in Sanilac County, where he
built a grist-mill. He sold it soon after its comple-
tion, and in February, 1881, bought out the drug
stock of Dr. Weaver, at Marlette, and has since con-
tinued in that branch of business.

Mr. Warner is independent in political faith and
action, but his opinions in some particulars accord
with the principles of the Democratic party.

He was married Nov. 10, 1859, at Lapeer, to Mary
E. Ovoitt. She was born Nov. 10, 1842, in Niagara
Co., N. Y. Eight children were born to them, named
as follows: Alice C, Ada (deceased), Glenn (de-
ceased), Edward L., Mead J., Clarence B., Jennie E.
and Charles.

Mr. Warner has officiated two years as a member
of the Village Council.

A pioneer experience of Mr. Warner we append

here, as it could not without too great interruption be
incorporated above. On the first of February, 1857,
he left Lapeer with his trusty rifle and knapsack of
provisions. Arriving at North Branch at noon, he
found two shanties, owned by Banker & Beach,
and was served with the best of elk steak. At
sunset he arrived at Bostwick's in the north of
Burlington. At the head of the family was a
widow aged 50 years, who had a son aged 22, and
a daughter of 18. It was an interesting pioneer
family, — especially the daughter, and acquaintance
with tiiem was readily formed. Finding Mr. Bostwick
skilled in woodcraft, Mr. Warner engaged him as a
guide to White Creek. Starting about 9 o'clock, they
arrived at the creek at sunset, built a fire and camped
for the night, but obtained very little rest on account
of the barking wolves. At daylight the men ate their
last morsel of food on hand. After looking about for
two hours they started for home, arriving at Bost-
wick's about 5 p. m., where the mother and daughter,
expecting their arrival, had in readiness a good warm
supper, of which good use was made by the hungry
and e.xhausted men. Next day Mr. Warner "located"
his land, including the well remembered camp-ground
above referred to, which has since proved to be a
good location.

— ^^^^p-i^S-vx/^-j-

;f;l Hfljl athan Vliet, dentist at Marlette, was born
ril&i?: Nov. 28, 1842. in Clarkston, Oakland Co.,
vjS^" '^ Mich. His parents, William V. and
Martha (Axford) Vliet, were natives of New
Jersey. Li 1832 they became residents of
Michigan and settled in the county of Oakland,
where they passed the remaining years of their lives.
The death of the father took place in March, 1881.
The mother died in January, 1882. They had seven
sons and seven daughters.

Mr. Vliet was the si.xth son. He attended the
district schools of his native county and assisted on
his father's farm until he was 14 years of age, when
he was sent to school at the academy at Clarkston.
After finishing his elementary education, he learned
the carpenter's trade, at which he worked summers
until he was 19 years old, and spent the winters in
attendance at private or select schools. The first
shot at Fort Sumter awakened anew the spirit in him,

9M^

itf«^

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■')

234

SANILAC COUNTY.

'-m

which had been keenly alive to the momentous
events of the decade previous to the Civil War. He
enlisted in April, 1861, in Battery A, First Mich.
Light Artillery, and was in the military service of
the United States three years. He was in action
during the course of 18 principal engagements. At
the battle of Chickamauga he was taken prisoner
and confined six months in the prisons at Richmond
and Belle Isle. He was paroled and returned to his
regiment three days before his term of service expired.

On receiving his discharge, he returned to his
home in Oakland County. He returned soon after
to Nasliville, Tenn., where he operated eight months
as an employe of the Government. He went thence
to Pennsylvania, and after spending a year in the oil
regions he came back to Oakland County. He en-
tered a store as a salesman, where he remained three
years. In t868 he began to fit himself for his pro-
fession, and became a student in the office of P. R.
Hovey. He was under his instructions three years,
going thence to Midland City, where he established
his business, which he continued there eight years.
In 1879 lie came 10 Marlette, where he is the only
representative of his branch of business. He is a
member of Sedgwick Post, No. 16, G. A. R. In polit-
ical views and action he is independent.

He was married Dec. 3r, 1869, in Ortonville, Oak-
land Co., Mich., to .'\delia M., daughter of F. P. and
Maria Drummond. She was born in the township
of Hartland, Livingston Co., Mich., March 23, 1852.

♦i^-€»<^

i;itephen H. West, deceased, was formerly a
^il farmer on section 34, Lexington Township.
' He was born in Canada, Nov. 13, 1834,

and was the son of Benjamin and Mary H.
West. He spent his youth and early man-
hood in the Dominion, and owned a valuable
farm of 150 acres in Simcoe County. He was first
married there, to Rachel Spooner, by whom he had
three children — Julian, a farmer in Potter Co., Dak.;
Elma (deceased); Ida, the wife of Theodore Wixson,
of Worth Township. The mother died in May, 1864,
in Canada, and Mr. West was a second time mar-
ried, in Simcoe Co., Ont., Feb. 18, 1865, to Jane,
daughter of James and Rebecca McCoy. She was
born in County Tyrone, Ireland, July 17, 1S47. Her

family removed to America when she was a year
old. Her father died soon after coming to this
country. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
West, as follows: Benjamin, March 15, 1866; Mary
L., April 6, r868; Ella, Feb. 14, 1870; Elizabeth,
March 17, 1872; Alfred A., June 12, 1874; Rachel,
Aug. 21, 1876; Isadore, Feb. 13, 1878. The cliild
last named was born after the removal of the family
to Lexington. Mr. West died Jan. 11, 1882.

His farm included 240 acres at the time of his
death; 160 acres are siill in the possession of the
family.

-.<^^4>=^^>.-^

■'l*ts

dam English, farmer, section 22, Elk Town-

il^^^W ship, was born Aug. 11, 181 9, in County

'•jilg' Armagh, Ireland. He was brought up in his
iiX native country and reared to the pursuit of
i farming. He remained in his native country
until he was 25 years of age, when he accompanied
his parents, Adam and Mary A. (Riggs) English, to
America. They settled in York County, Ontario,
four miles from the city of Toronto. He remained
with his father until his death ten years later. His
mother died two years previously. Two years after
the demise of his father he removed to Michigan and
rented a farm on section 27, Elk Township. He re-
mained thereon three years, and in the spring of
1863 he purchased 80 acres on section 21 of this
township. He took possession of his property and
proceeded with agricultural operations for five years,
when he purchased 160 acres additional, one-half of
which was located respectively on sections 21 and 22,
by which purchase his estate aggregated 240 acres
He has since given 80 acres to his son. Of the re-
mainder he has cleared and cultivated 70 acres, and
placed it in first-class agricultural condition. He has
a commodious and convenient residence, and his
place is supplied withother creditable farm buildings.
Mr. English was married in December, 1847, in
Victoria Co., Ont., to Catherine, daughter of Alexan-
der and Mary Riggs. The parents were of English
and Irish birth. The father was a copijersmith by
trade and died in England. The mother died in
Ireland. Mrs. English was born in the city of Man-
chester, England, and when she was 16 years old
came to Ontario. Mr. and Mrs. English have been

iy\*

'^?ii!lgiiii;>4

)«^t#« ^^^^^ ^^r-T^'. U U ^. U U > -^T

"^^■^^jS""^

SANILAC COUNTY.

the parents of n children, two of whom are deceased.
They are named Alexander, Mary A., Ja-mes, John,
Thomas, Hannah, Charlotte, George, Sarah, JNIartha
and Joseph. The two latter are deceased. Mr.
English is a Republican in political faith and action
and has held the minor township offices. They are
members of the Prebbyterian Church.

\\ illiam H. Shrier, farmer, section 35, Flynn
ijs Township, was born Aug. ,6, 1848, in Mid-
'W^C> dlese.x Co., Ont. He is the son of lacob and
R^ Mary (Motter) Shrier, natives of Germany.
j-T Mr. Shrier remained at home until he was
I- 26 years old, during the last six years of which
he was engaged as a grist-mill assistant with his
brother-in-law. He was married Feb. 11, 1875, to
Sarah Foster, a native of Middlesex County, where
she was born Dec. 28, 1856. After his marriage he
was employed for five years in a grist-mill in his
native county. In 1879 he came to Michigan and
purchased 80 acres of land on section five, Flynn
Township. The place was under partial improve-
ment, and he has increased his estate by an addi-
tional purchase of 120 acres. Of this he has placed
70 acres under cultivation. In. political faith and
action he is a Republican. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Shrier are named Delman, Cephas and i\Iary O.

•V Hd)*.- eoree Coe, farmer, section x\, Elk Town-
' ^"^ ship, was born in Suffolkshire, England,
01^ Feb. 25, 1823. His father was a gardener by
vocation, and he was under his charge and
instructions in that calling until he was 22
years old. In 1849 he came to America and
made a location at Brantford, Brant Co., Ont., where
he passed two years as a laborer on the railroad.
'^ He went thence to Paris, Brant Co., Ont., where he
I remained two years and operated as section foreman
•';» on the railroad. Meanwhile he bought 30 acres of
a), land, on which he afterwards settled and pursued
farming and gardening. In 1873 he went to Well-
ington County in the Dominion, where he was a
farmer four years. In 1877 he sold out his Cana-

dian property and came to Michigan. He purchased
125 acres of land on section 31, in Elk Township,
which was partly improved. The place now includes
90 acres of cultivated land. He suffered the loss of
$2,000 worth of property m the fires of 1881, but is
again in a fair way to retrieve his losses, having re-
built his barns and restored other facilities to his
pursuit of farming. He is a Republican in political
matters.

Mr. Coe was married at Paris, Brant Co., Ont.,
Sept. 25, 1857, to Mrs. Elizabeth (Curson) Rum-
sill. She was born in Norfolkshirc, England, Nov.
16, 1824, and when she was ir years old came to
this country with her parents. She became the
motherof 1 1 children, eight of whom are living. They
are named Sarah, Maiy, Keturah, Rachel, John
Susan, Hannah and Alice. Those deceased were
Fred, Elizabeth and two infants.

Bl|)*^^'ki/eni'y D. Franklin, proprietor and manager
" -J:'>J of the Franklin House at Croswell, was
%&^ born March 10, 1833, in Chenango Co., N.
th Y., when his parents. Smith and Louisa (Gra-
1 ham) Franklin, are still living, aged respectively
I 80 and 82 years. Their family included four
children, — two sons and two daughters. The young-
est sister is deceased.

Mr. Franklin was reared to the calling which his
father made the business of his life, that of farming.
He commenced to learn his trade — that of carriage-
making — when he was 15 years old, and continued to
follow it in different portions of the States and in
Canada, until he was 45 years old. During the
early part of his pursuit of his trade, he operated as
a journeyman, and after passing 10 years in that
method, he went into business for himself, and spent
20 years in its successful prosecution. He came to
Davisville, now ('roswell, in November, 1865, where
he established his business and. continued its man-
agement, at this point chiefly, for 14 years, with the
exception of nine months, when he was in Lexing-
ton, whither he went with the intention of establish-
ing his business permanently. But he found the
place distasteful and returned to Croswell. He re-
linquished carriage- making in 1878, and went to
Peck to manage tiie National Hotel, of which he had

236

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KST

SANILAC COUN7Y.

-es^

Wa^.-v

become the owner. He fitted up the house and
conducted it successfully two years, also operating a
livery. After renting it a year, he exchanged the
property for a farm. Meanwhile he leased the An-
derson House at Croswell, which he managed three
years. While he was conducting the interests of the
Anderson House, he purchased the establishment
now known as the Franklin House, and which he
has since conducted for the benefit of the public.
He has a livery in connection with his hotel.

Mr. Franklin was married Dec. 29, i86r, in Tioga
Co., N. Y., to Emma D. Campbell, daughter of John
and Maria Campbell. The father is living in Penn-
sylvania; the mother died in Michigan when Mrs.
Franklin was but ten years old. The latter was
born April 29, 1844, in Bradford Co., Pa. The chil-
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin were born as follows:
Charles L., April 29, 1863; May, May 26, 1865;
Heniy D., Feb. 15, 1867 (who was drowned June 6,
1878, in the Black River); E. Pearl, March 14,
1869; George, Dec. 26, 1S72; Pidgie Irene, Feb. 27,
1874 (died Feb. 23, 188 1); Kittie E., March 23,
1877; Henry L., Jan. i, 1880.

Mr. Franklin is a Democrat in political views, and
has served one year as Deputy Sheriff. He helped
to organize the village of Croswell, and was elected
its first President.

iM ®Mj^ illiam Rudd, farmer, section 29, Marlette
kW.wiAw Township, was born Oct. 17, 1810, in Ire-
land, and is the son of Gordon and Alice
(Welhvood) Rudd, also natives of Ireland,
where they spent their entire lives. Mr.
t Rudd resided in his native country until the

winter of 1850, when he emigrated to the United
States. He took up his residence in the State of
New York, where he remained until the September
ensuing. At that date he went lo Canada, where he
lived about four years. In the spring of 1S56 he
came to this county and bought 320 acres of land in
Marlette Township, on which he has been resident
ever since. He is the proprietor of 280 acres of his
original property, having sold 40 acres. The tillable
land on the place now comprises 130 acres under a
most creditable state of cultivation. Mr. Rudd is a

Republican in political belief. He is active in the
substantial interests of his township, and has held
the office of Clerk nearly three years. He has served
four years as Supervisor and two years as Justice of
the Peace.

Mr. Rudd was married in his native country
March 2, 1829, to Ann McLean. Fiv.- of nine chil-
dren born of this marriage survive, — Mary A., Robert
Susan, Gordon W. and Eliza. Alice, Jane, William
and Catherine are deceased.

d^lB^fl!t ohn J. Binks, lumberman and real-estate
broker at Croswell, was born April 21, 1830,
in the town of Malton, Yorkshire, Eng.

S His parents, William and Mary (Whitby) Binks,
lu were of English origin. His father was steward

i on the estates of a nobleman, and died when
he was about 40 years old. His mother was born in
May, 1805, and is now 79 years old. She lives in
her native country. They have eight children, six of
whom reached mature life, and of these, three are
still living.

Mr. Binks of this sketch was in early childhood
when his father died. He became a cabin boy when
he was about 14 years old, and was in the sailing
service until he came to this country in 1852. The
Baltic and Mediterranean Seas are familiar in his
memory, and the various ports on the bordering
countries, as well as those of North and South Amer-
ica. On landing on this continent, he made his way
to Toronto and resided some time in that city and at
Branlford, Ont. When the Russian war broke out,
he volunteered in the British navy and went to the
Crimea. He was under fire through two engage-
ments, — the last two bombardments of Sebastopol.
Mr. Binks was in the naval service three years and
two months. He was a volunteer, and on receiving
his discharge he returned to Canada and settled
near Brantford, where he became an assistant in a
saw-mill, which occupation he followed until 1861.
In the spring of that year he came to Croswell (Da-
visville), and passed two years in the employment of
Truman Moss, operating as a sawyer in a mill. In
February, 1864, he enlisted in Co. G, 22d Mich. Vol.
Inf, and remained in the military service of the Uni-
ted States until the spring of 1865. He was mus-

c^:

(■

ft)

i))^^?i-

rC^IlH'^:nils>

T-rr

SANILAC COUNTY.

^^^^^^s\^

237

tered out of the volunteer service May 23, 1865, at

Detroit, Mich., where he was mustered into the
regular army and sewed one year, doing duty chietly
in the quartermaster's office.

He is at present acting as agent in the interests of
the estate of Truman Moss and for Wildman Mills
and J. M. Gage. He has been a resident of Cros-
well since 1861 save one year.

ames Hands, farmer and breeder of stock,
resident on section 31, Elk Township, of
fif='^ which he is the present Treasurer, was
born May 18, 1837, in Euphemia Township,
Lambton Co., Ont. His parents, James and
Charlotte (Wel^ster) Hands), were natives of
Ireland and Ontario, and were respectively of Irish
and English descent. The father came to Ontario
from his native isle when he was 20 years of age.
He settled in the county where his son was born, ac-
cumvdated a creditable property and resided there
until his death, wliich occurred Dec. 26, 1875, when
he was 66 years old. He led an active life and won
for himself and family a leading position among his
compeers. The mother died in Lambton County, in
the spring of 1S58. Their family included six sons
and four daughters, all of whom are living except
one son.

Mr. Hands is the oldest living child of his parents.
The names of his brothers and sisters are as follows :
John (deceased), Mary A., William, Emma, Joseph,
Thomas, Richard, Catherine and Robert. Mr. Hands
worked on his father's farm until he was 21 years
old. The place was in its pioneer days and educa-
tional facilities were poor, but he obtained a fair de-
gree of schooling. On attaining his majority, he set-
tled in Michigan. He made his way from Detroit to
Brockway Center in St. Clair County, then a me-
tropolis containing one shanty, wherein "Vince"
Ferguson sold whisky. He proceeded thence, accom-
panied by a man named John McLaren, to Peck,
which comprised one building, utilized as a hotel and
liquor saloon. He remained there but a brief period
and proceeded to Cass River in the north of Sanilac
County, tracing his route by the " blazes " on the
trees. He made his way to the claim of Martin
Moore, one of the first of the pioneer settlers of San-

^^^^rf^

ilac County, and went to work on the State Road,
then in process of construction through the county.

After working there a year he retraced his steps to
Elk Creek, in this township, now bearing the same
name. He engaged in the manufacture of staves a
short time, when he went to Davisville (now Cros-
well), where he spent a little more than a year as an
assistant in a mill. He had been industrious and
provident, and saved quite a sum, but while at
Davisville was seized with typhoid fever, which en-
tirely consumed his little fortune. After recovering,
he went to Worth Township, where he interested
jiimself for the term of one year in the manufacture
of staves. He then returned to Croswell, where he
engaged in clearing land for William T. Jennie.

In 1861, he entered into a partnership with Patrick
Fox, and prosecuted lumbering interests in his own
behalf on Elk River. He was thus engaged four
years. In 1867 he purchased 20 acres of land on
section 30 in Elk Township. In 1868 he purchased
another 30 acres on section 31. The year following
he bought a tract of 50 acres adjoining his estate on
section 31, which connected his acreage on the two
sections. In 1879 he bought 20 acres on section
32, and in the same year be became the owner by
purchase of 60 acres additional on the same section.
In 1882 he bought 40 acres on section 28, when his
possessions aggregated 220 acres. It ranks among
the most valuable land in the township, and 160
acres have been improved and placed in a most
creditable agricultural condition. Mr. Hands has
accomplished all his improvements on his property
through his own efforts. He makes a specialty of
raising Durham cattle.

At the date of his settlement, the entire section
was in a wholly wild state, and with roads and trails
in an impassable condition. In the fires of 1881 he
incurred the loss of his fences, and on the 17th of
March, 1882, his house and its contents were wholly
destroyed by the same cause. The latter loss is es-
timated at $1,000.

Mr. Hands is a decided Republican. He has
filled the position of Drain Commissioner and held
all the offices of his district ; he has been Township
Treasurer four years and is the present incumbent of
the office.

He was married Oct. 24, 1864, in Oxford Co.,
Can., to Frances J. Burgers. She was born in Ox-
ford County, and is the daughter of Robert and Jane

-r<^\imm>T

^t?@^®

SANILAC COUNTY.

(Innis) Burgers, natives of New Brunswick. Her
father died when Mrs. Hands was a child; the
mother resides in Toronto, and is 54 years of age.
The family of Mr. Hands includes four children —
William P., James O., John H. and Leonard T. Two
are deceased — Charlotte J. and an infant child. Mr.
Hands was reared in the Episcopal belief. His wife
belongs to the Baptist Church.

)

°' ''O^^'javid French,
l^^jl ington Township, has been a resident of
uSV Sanilac County since 1853.
June 30, 1845, in Canada.

5«

farmer on section 26, Lex-

a resident of

He was born

His parents,

Matthew and Abigail (Patterson) French, re-

\ moved to Lexington Township in 1853 and

settled on what was known as the " Lapeer Road."

The father bought 80 acres of land there, on which

he still resides.

The latter gave, the son 40 acres of hnd when he
was 20 years old, and Jan. 5, 1866, he was married
to Catherine Sprowl. She was born in Canada, and
was the daughter of John Sprowl. She died in Lex-
ington, leaving three children, who were born as fol-
lows : Martha, June 5, 1867 ; Margaret R., Feb. 23,
187 I ; William J., Nov. 9, 1877. Mr. French took a
second wife Nov. 5, 1883, when he married Amanda,
daughter of Henry and Aurissa Stoner. She was
born March 11, i860, in Lexington.

Mr. French bought the farm were he now resides
April I, 1870. It contained 80 acres, with 12 acres
cultivated. He has improved and placed in first-
class condition 60 acres, and the place is greatly in-
creased in value by the character of its orchards and
buildings.

^5 ^^ i^

-f\

'.ohn Sullivan, farmer, section 26, Maple

; Valley Township, was born in June, 1829,

'' *' in County Kerry, Ireland. He came to

America when he was 20 years old, locating

first in the city of New Orleans. Two years

later he went to Indianapolis, returning to the

Crescent City at the expiration of one year.

Soon after he proceeded to Columbus, Ohio, where

he remained 14 months. In 1857 he came to Sanilac

County and purchased the property where he has

since resided. He is now the proprietor of 280
acres of land, which includes 100 acres under good
cultivation, with suitable and creditable farm fixtures
Mr. Sullivan was one of the earliest settlers of the
township and had the experiences and vicissitudes
common to that class of people. He is a Democrat
in political sentiment.

He was married in March, 1853, in New Orleans
to Hannah Foley, born in County Kerry, Ireland,
about 1824. She was 25 years of age when she came
to the United States, landing at New Orleans, where
she was married. Timothy J., John M., Hannah and
Mary B. are the names of the children now included
in the household. The family are Roman Catholics.

The results of the energetic efforts of Mr. Sullivan
are plainly manifest in his surroundings and pros-
perous circumstances, and he is a fine illustration of
the possibilities open to the nationalities of the Old
World under the ret;ulations of the New.

;^#(ijn, aitland D. Rass, farmer, section 6, Mar-
^L lette Township, was born in Bradford Co.,
u • n_ AT-. _- _o._ His father, Chas. D.

v|)

*^^?C"" Pa., May 20, 1849.

v'-S' Rass, is still a farmer of that county and is
60 years old. The marriage of Mr. Rass,
'•: ' on attaining his majority, was the first event of
his life out of the ordinary course common to farmers'
sons of his class and condition Mrs. Emma (Mc-
Roy) Rass was born Oct. 31, 1848, in the State of
Connecticut. Her parents removed, when she was
three years old, to the Keystone State, where she
was married. In 1873 she accompanied her hus-
band to this county and township, where she died
Feb. 15, 1883. Bessie, only child of this marriage,
was born Jan. 23, 1883. The departed wife and
mother is still remembered with loving warmth. Mr.
Rass was again married June 19, 1883, at Imlay,
Lapeer Co., Mich., to Mrs. Martha Hubbard, daughter
of Spencer and Diantha (Kimliall) Smith. The
mother died soon after the birth of her daughter; her
father is still living, at Imlay. Mrs. Rass was born
Sept. 20, 1853, in Imlay Township, and was married
Sept. 20, 187 I, to Ebenezer Hubbard, who died May
29, 1879, leaving two children — Claud, born Feb. 18,
1876, and Cassius, born Aug. 4, 1879.

Mr. Rass came to Marietta Township in the spring

x^.

^^mM$^

^m^

-^^^mm^^r

SAN/LAC COUNTY.

241

873 and became the porprietor of his farm of 80

by purchase. It was wholly in a state of nature,
but by persevering energy and industry he has
placed 70 acres under the best order of improve-
ments, with a superior stock and grain barn, and a
suitable residence. Mr. Rass is a Republican in
political views and connections.

•'yisisSM^r^'-^t^^

t^&mm^

jj'.iram Udell, farmer, section 15, Moore Tp.,
is the son of George and Catherine (Ken-
nedy) Udell, natives of Canada and born
respectively in 1826 and 1824. They are still
residents of the Dominion. Mr. Udell was born
! May 24, 1847, in Canada. He has been an
agriculturist all his life, and in the year 1S77 located
in Worth Township, where he remained five years,
removing thence to Moore Township. He located
on a farm of 60 acres, of ^hich about 20 acres are
under good improvements. He is a Republican and
a member of the Masonic Order, No. 259, Springfield,
Canada.

The marriage of Mr. Udell to Sarah Colk occurred
Jan. 23, 1866. She is the daughter of Thomas and
Caroline (Blakeslee) Colk, who were born respective-
ly in England and the United States. Mary A., born
, April 28, 1868 ; Merton T., Jan. 28, 1873 ; Frank R.,
Dec. 9, 1880; Oral E., Jan. 10, 1884, are the children
that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Udell.

e$«hJh*^

^fe'^

bhristian Heberly, farmer, section 31, Elk
gjl fej^ Township, was born Sept. 19, 1S36, in
Wurtemberg, Germany. At the age of 14 he
Ul^ became an apprentice to learn the business
'1^ of harness-making. Two years later, in 1855,
he enlisted in the Prussian War and served
one year as a ])rivate, when he was discharged and
came to the United States. He made his first stop
in Buffalo, and later went to Ontario, where he set-
tled in Port Harwell, on Lake Erie. Two years after.

in 186 ;, he came to Michigan and entered a claim of
40 acres on section i of Speaker Township. A year
later he exchanged the property for 80 acres on sec-
tions 31 and 32 of Elk Township, where he has
since made his home, and has improved 45 acres.
The entire farm is in a very creditable condition, and
is supplied with fine farm buildings. In jiolitical
connection Mr. H. is a Republican.

Mr. Heberiy was married Sept. 27, 1861, in Elk
Township, to Fanny Webber, who was born in
August, 1837, in Switzerland. She came to America
when she was about 15 years old, and located in
Ontario, and was 24 years of age when she came to
Sanilac County. Four children have been born of
this marriage — Louisa, Jacob, Samuel and Nettie. J.
The eldest daughter is married. The family are
members of the Lutheran Church.

-•'&'—

^^J^-'-'-'-^y

'fAS^^^

-^mmm'

} obert W. Fiteh, a prominent farmer of

Marlette Township, residing on section 36

was born Jan. 6, 1S51, in Canada. His

,.,^ parents, Thomas and Margaret (Beaconi)

'V Fitch, are natives of Ireland. They, however,

settled in Sanilac County, when their son was
five years of age (see sketch of Thomas Fitch).
Here Robert grew up, helping his father on the farm
and forming those habits of thrift and industry which
has made him a well-to-do farmer when still a young
man. Mr. Fitch received a good common-school
education and thorough training in the calling to
which he has devoted his life. In 1870 he bought
his present estate, including at the date of purchase,
160 acres of wild land. He went willingly and
energetically to work to subdue the forests and make
in its stead fertile fields. He now owns 120 acres,
70 acres of which are under a creditable aud profit-
able state of cultivation. In political connections
and actions he is a Democrat.

The marriage of Mr. Fitch to Mary Sullivan oc-
curred at Almont, Lapeer Co., Mich., May 24, 1875.
She was born March 28, 1855, in Canada, and is the
daughter of Timothy and Catherine Sullivan. Of
si.x children born of this marriage two are deceased —
Maggie and John. Those surviving are Eva J.,

(o)

-*^

SANILAC COUNTY.

Mabel M., Thomas F. and Mary Charlolte. The

mother is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

j^ As a prominent and representative citizen of Sanilac

f County, and a gentleman fitly representing the large

A^ class of young and prosperous families living here,

we take pleasure in giving Mr. Fitch's portrait in

connection with this sketch.

(c\

Il^^kiamuel J. West, blacksmith, resident at
Peck, was born June i8, 1855, in Middle-
sex Co., Out. At the age of 16 he was
apprenticed to William Shoff, of Ailsa Craig,
in his native county, with whom he spent
three years in the acquisition of his trade. On
completuig his term of indenture he came to Port
Huron, Mich., and worked in the shop of Charles
Nelson, rS months. At the end of that time he be-
came an employe in the carriage factory of A. H.
Wright, of the same place, where he remained 14
months. In February, 1879, he came to Peck, and
three months later established an independent busi-
ness for himself. He continued its management
three years, and at tlie expiration of that period he
leased his shop. Three years later he resumed his
business, in which he has since been actively engaged.
He is a skillful and successful artisan, and has an
extensive patronage. He passed the three years of
his absence from Peck, in Northern Michigan, Color-
ado and Utah. While in Utah he was in the Govern-
ment employ as a blacksmith.

In political connection he is a Republican.

^^^''ohn Tobin, farmer, section 26, Maple "Val-
ley Township, was born Dec. 24, 1838, in

Dundas Township, Halton Co., Ont. His
parents, Michael and Lucy (Murphy) Tobin,
were born in Ireland, and shortly after their
marriage they emigrated to America and set-
tled in Halton County, where the father followed his
trade of stone mason. Later on they removed to
Niagara Falls, where the father died of cholera in

1854. The mother died at the same place in 1858.
They were both 39 years of age and were the parents
of nine children, all of whom are deceased but three.

Mr. Tobin was 16 years old at the time of his
father's death, and has depended upon his own efforts
for maintenance since that date. His first employ was
as a brakeman on the New York Central Railroad,
where he was employed until 1859. He was em-
ployed the next two years as a sailor on the Lakes,
succeeding which he became a minerat Youngstown,
Ohio. In the autumn of 1861 he returned to his
home and once more engaged in farming. In 1863,
he transferred his residence to Michigan, and in the
year following purchased 120 acres of unimproved
land, which has been his homestead since 1867, when
he took permanent possession of the property.

The marriage of Mr. Tobin to Celia Larabah oc-
curred at Buffalo, N. Y., in August, 1865. She is ot
German extraction, and is the mother of ten children
—Mary E., John B., Homer S., Richard P., Ellen,
Celia, Ann, Jacob, Andrew and James. Mr. Tobin
is a Democrat in political sentiment, and has offici-
ated in several of the local positions in the township.
He is now Drain Commissioner and has held the
incumbency four years. He is a prosjserous and
judicious agriculturist.

'^^'^^MiiMaisS'^J^*''*^

ji] . ohn N. Zavitz, farmer, resident on section
14, Speaker Township, was born Nov. 5,
I 84 1, in Malahide, Canada. He is the son
of Christian and Elizabeth (Bird) Zavitz, both
of whom were natives of Germany. They left
their native land to settle in the New World,
and made their residence at Niagara, N. Y., where
they lived nearly 20 years. They removed thence to
Middlesex, Ontario, and after a short period pro-
ceeded to Michigan. The father died April 24, 1881,
the mother March 18, 1882, in Speaker Township.
The former was, born in 1800, the latter in 1806.

Mr. Zavitz obtained a fair degree of education in
the public schools oV the Dominion, and remained
under the care of his parents until he was 21 years
old. The first important event of his life was his
marriage to Lydia Bradley in 1843. Her parents,
Levi and Sarah (House) Bradley, were natives of

<mm^<>^

SANILAC COUNTY.

4^^((svS

243

New York and Canada. Her father died when she
was a child. Her mother remarried and died in St.
Clair Co., Mich., in 1866.

In the latter year Mr. Zavitz located on 40 acres of
land in Speaker Township. He now owns 52 acres,
all of which is in a state of advanced cultivation. He
is an able man, a judicious farmer, and a citizen of
reliable integrity, respected and trusted by his fellow
townsmen, and passing a life of merit and credit to
the community to which he belongs. He is an
earnest Republican, and is Justice of the Peace, — an
incumbency he has held for the past nine years. He
and his wife are members of the Protestant Method-
ist Church. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge, No.
353, at Peck.

Five children are now included in the family cir-
cle, — Sarah, William W., Cora A , Colburn J. and
Ethel V.

B. Uren, real-estate broker at Croswell,

was born March 23, 1832, in Middlesex

^ Co.. Can. He is of mixed national de-

'^P^ scent, his mother having been of Scotch, and

tfd his father of English, origin. His parents,

Thomas and Laura (Brown) Uren, are both

deceased. His father was born in July, iSii,in

Penzance, Cornwall, Eng., and his mother was born

in Vermont.

At the age of 13 years Mr. Uren entered upon
his single-handed struggle with the world, and from
that time until he was 21 years of age he was em-
ployed as a farm and saw-mill assistant. He then
spent some years in renting and buying farms, in
which he continued until 1867, when he engaged ex-
clusively ill buying and selling real estate. He came
to Sanilac County in 1866, and has prosecuted his
business successfully.

He was married in April, 1852, to Christina Pat-
terson, of Oxford Co., Ont. She was born July 27,
1832, in Whitchurch, Can. Their children were
born as follows: Richard W., Jan. 3, 1853, was
married in i88o to Elizabeth Wiieeler; Clarissa was
born July 3, 1854, and died in August, 1855, in Can-
ada; John was born Feb. 21, 1856, and died in
June, 1859, in the village of Croswell, Mich.; an in-

fant, unnamed, was born April 3, 1858, and died in
July, 1859; Mattie, born May i, i860, was married
Nov. 27, 1883, to Walter L. Rogers; AlJie was born
Feb. 9, 1862; John, June 25, 1865; Arthur C, Jan.
18,1873; and Mabel E., born Jan. 18, 1877, died
May 9, 1881.

-''95"-

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A<^DI1

|lohn Cameron, farmer, section 34, Buel
,," Township, was born Aug. ii, 1831, in the
^^ ■■ northwestern part of the Scottish High-
lands. His parents, Donald and Anna (Mc-
Donald) Cameron, were natives of Scotland,
where they were born and married. Eight
children were born in their family, all of whom
reached mature years but one, who died in infancy.
Their names are Christie, James, Catherine, Peggy,
Angus (deceased), Mary, John and Marion. The
parents died in their native land, aged respectively
73 and 80 years.

When Mr. Cameron was 20 years of age lie went
to Given on the Clyde, and entered the employ. nent
of Smythe & Rodger, shipbuilders. He remained
in their service two years, when he went to England
and passed two years at Portsmouth and Plymouth.
In 1854 he came to the United States and spent ten
months as a laborer on the Erie Railroad near the
Susquehanna River, in the southern part of the State
of New York. At the expiration of that time he went
to London, Can., where he worked on the gravel
road. He went thence to Chatham and passed be-
tween five and six months working on the railroad.
He decided upon seeking his fortune in Michigan,
and reached Sanilac County Jan. 22, 1856, He
sought immediate employment in the lumber woods
and engaged heartily in any occupation wliereby he
could secure an honest livelihood. In October fol-
lowing, he bought 40 acres of land at 50 cents an
acre, under the regulations of the Graduation Act.
Not long afterward he pre-enijited 80 acres of land
additional and has increased his landed estate by
later purchase, until he owns 320 acres. He was
married Feb. 9, 1854, to Catherine McPherson. She
was born in 1833, in the Highlands of Scotland, and
came to this country with her father when she was

ca:

Wi^rm

■ Q
I

244

SANILAC COUNTY.

18 years old. She is the daughter of Donald and
Margaret (McDonald) McPherson. Her mother
died in Scotland when she was a small child. The
family comprised six sons and two daughters, as fol-
lows: Neil, John, Daniel, Lauchlin, .\ngus (de-
ceased). Flora, Catherine and a child who died in
infancy.

Mr. McPherson settled in Canada, where he re-
sided four years, removing then to Sanilac County.
Of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cameron,
two are deceased. They vvere born as follows :
Margaret, Dec. 30, 1855; James, Sept. 14, 1858;
Don, Sept. 9, i860; Anna, May 27, 1862 (died June
19, 1 881); Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (triplets) vvere
born March 18, 1865. The last named died April
29, a month and 11 days after birth. John was born
April 19, 1867; Sophronia, Sept. 3, 1869.

Mr. Cameron is a zealous Republican, and has
been active in the local interests of the township,
where he has been a resident 30 years. He has
served three years as Treasurer, three years as High-
way Commissioner, seven years as Supervisor and
was re-elected to the same position in the spring of
the currenfyear, 1884. He has been School Direc-
tor nine years. The family attend the Presbyterian
Church.

On leaving his native land for America Mr. Cam-
eron engaged passage on a sailing vessel with about
900 passengers on board. Fourteen miles off the
coast of Ireland, the ship struck a sand-bar, where she
lay all night. The passengers were in the greatest
consternation and danger, but were all removed in
safety the next morning by a fishing vessel. They
suffered heavy losses, and nine persons died from
fright after reaching land. Mr. Cameron lost his
provisions and money, except three pounds and nine-
pence, English money, which he had in a pocket.

-<-H^I%-^>-

tames Nash, farmer, section 15, Marlette
^/■^ Township, was born April 19, 1831, in the
''^^ county of Leeds, Ont. His father, James

Nash, was a native of England and was mar-
ried after his removal to Canada, to Honora
Greenough, a native of Nova Scotia, of Irish
parentage. They removed to the State of New York

in 1833 and resided nine years in the city of Oswego.

In 1842 the son returned to Canada, where he
remained until his permanent removal to Sanilac
County, Mich , which took place in the spring of
1 85 6. In the fall of the same year he went to Le.x-
ington, coming thence a year later to Marlette Town-
ship. He became resident on 80 acres of land he
had purchased two years before, and on this he lias
labored to most effective purpose, having cleared and
placed in creditable cultivation about 50 acres. He
is a member of the Democratic party and has been
Highway Commissioner six years and School Inspec-
tor one year.

Mr. Nash was married in Halton Co., Ont., Jan. 24,
1864, to Anna Knight, a native of that province.
Three children have been born to them,— Jeannette
R., Mary E. and James D. The mother is an earnest
member of the Presbyterian Church.

rl'pd'Venry Devlin, farmer, section 29, Elk Town-
r^yJj^ ship, was born in County Fermanagh, Ire-
■^'1^ land, Aug. 15, 1827. His parents came to
4^ America when he was seven years old, and set-
tled in Peterborough Co., Ont., where they passed
the remainder of their lives.
Mr. Devlin passed the first 23 years of his life un-
der the care of his parents, and at that period of his
life went to Ohio, where he settled in Stark County.
After spending two years there in farming, he came
to Michigan and located for a time in Port Huron.
He came to Sanilac County in 1855, and purchased
80 acres in what is now Elk Township. Later he
returned to Huron County and engaged in the manu-
facture of grindstones, which business he followed
until 1859. In that year he took possession of his
estate and made a permanent settlement upon it.
The entire county was in a wild and unbroken state,
and Mr. Devlin was the first to enter upon the im-
provement of the land in his possession. He has
since increased his land to 120 acres, 70 acres of
which are now improved and under creditable culti-
vation.

He was married July 10, 1864, in this township, to
Wealthy Vannest, daughter of Nathaniel and Matilda

2^'f^

-S?.'®<^NJ^

^:l)tl^llllf>

-^^jg

'::TV<^>UU;^»UU^i?V

-^aii^^is;"

SANILAC COUNTY.

245

•^

(Van Camp) Vannest. She is descended from Ger-
man ancestors, and her parents were natives of Can-
ada. Mrs. Devlin was born in Ontario, Marcli 12,
1846. The family came to Michigan in 1847. Five
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Devlin, one
of whom died in infancy. Those yet surviving are
James, Thomas H., John and .Stephen. The family
are Catholics, and Mr. Devlin is a member of tlie
Democratic party.

Cohn Dawson, liveryman at Marlette, was
|i- born Dec. 26, 1850, in Durham, Kng. His
i'/iv-*^ parents, Joseph and Ann (James) Dawson,
were natives of the same country, and later in
^r life removed to Canada with their family, and
are still residing in the Dominion.
Mr. Dawson was about four years of age when iiis
parents left England, and he remained in Canada
until 1877, engaged in farming. In March of that
year he came to Marlette, and during the first year
of his stay there was variously occupied. In May,
1878, he began the business which he has since
prosecuted and is now conducting. His first opera-
tions were on a small scale, but perseverance and
attention has increased his business to its present
dimensions. In political connections, Mr. Dawson
is a Republican, and in t88i he was appointed
Deputy Sheriff of Sanilac County. Previous to this
he officiated two years as Constable. He is a mem-
ber of the Order of Odd Fellows. His marriage to
Belle Craig occurred July 12, 1881, in Marlette.
They have one child — Ralph — born Nov. 27, 1882.

^«-^«

"■FW^Ss A. McCree, station agent and telegraph
i'lllii^\^^? operator at Croswell, was born July 14,

(c>

j^&i^' 1858. i» Durham, Province of Quebec,
''} where his parents, James and Jessie (Brown-
lee) McCree, are still living, at Actinvale.
His father was formerly a merchant, but is now
living in retirement.

Mr. McCree was reared at Windsor Mills in his
native province, and remained at home until he be-
came of age. He was carefully educated, and when
he was 17 years old he was appointed Secretary and

Treasurer of the village and township of Windsor, in
which double position he operated six years. He
also officiated as Clerk of the school municipality,
and as Clerk of the Commissioners' Court. He came
to Port Huron, where he was engaged a short time as
baggageman at the Port Huron station, after which
he acted as freight agent at the same point. In
1881 he came to Croswell, and he entered upon the
duties of his present position, for which he was amply
qualified, having learned telegraphy in the village of
Windsor.

He was married Jan. 10, 1880, in Windsor Mills,
to Catherine E. Henderson. She was born Nov. 29,
1863, and is the daughter of John and Catherine
(Manson) Henderson. Both the parents of Mrs.
McCree are living at Windsor Mills. Two children
have been born of this marriage: Edith Marion,
Dec. 25, 1880, and Jessie Manson, May 7, 1884, at
Croswell. Mr. McCree adopts the creed of the anti-
monopoly element in politics. He and his wife be-
long to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

^^'^'] eter McCarroIl, farmer, section rg, Elk
Township, was born in Ireland, Sept. 8,
182 1. His father, Matthew McCarroll,
was a sailor by profession and owned a small
Ji\ sail vessel, on which he was reared to the age
of 14 years. His father died, and Peter, in company
with his mother, came to America. They settled in
Penobscot Co., Me., where Mr. McCarroll was mar-
ried, July 4, 1847, to Bridget Davis. She was born
about r827, in Ireland, and came to America in
early life. Her parents located in Maine, where she
grew to maturity. Six children constitute the issue
of her marriage. They are named John, Sarah,
Mary, Elizabeth and Peter. Matthew is deceased.
Subsequent to marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McCarroll
went to Leavenworth, Kan., where he operated 18
months as an employe of the U. S. Government. At
the expiration of that service, in March, 1852, he
came to Michigan and located in Speaker Township,
in Sanilac County. In company with John R.
Davis, a brother-in-law, he was the first permanent
settler in the township. Tliat portion of the county
was in its primeval condition ; the nearest point

^s^^tJK^ ^:A<>D!l:gtlti;t>'^^

^#'

:-^

1=3

■*-TC;iia<?;iiPri>T-T^

SANILAC COUNTY.

a«s-

where supplies could be obtained was at Pori Huron,
30 miles distant. Indians were as common as forest
trees, and wolves contested territory with the strug-
gling settlers. The history of the family during the
first few years of their residence in Sanilac County,
was marked by all the incidents and events so fre-
quently related of pioneers, and which have in so
many instances formed the basis of the development
of men and the county where they come face to face
with toil and privation.

Mr. McCarroll bought 160 acres of land on sec-
tions 27 and 28. He disposed of 40 acres after-
ward, and improved 100 acres of the remainder. In
the spring of 1878 he sold the property and pur-
chased 360 acres on sections 18 and 19. He
selected a site on the latter for his home, on which
he now resides. His farm now comprises 200 acres
of land in first-class agricultural condition, the pro-
prietor being ranked as one of the most skillful and
progressive farmers in the township. Tlie family be-
long to the Catholic Church. Mr. Mc^arroU is an
independent in political views.

"i obert Attridge, teacher and farmer, sec-
tion 20, Flynn Township, was born Nov. 6,
/IP<SV '^54> '" Perth Co., Can., and is the son of
ix^ Michael and Catherine (Dunklin) Attridge.
His parents were natives of Ireland. In 1844
they emigrated to America and located in the
Province of Ontario. They engaged in farming in
Perth County, where the mother is still living. The
father died there in October, 1876.

Mr. Attridge obtained a good common-school edu-
cation, and when he was 19 years of age he began
to teach, and pursued that vocation most of the time
until he reached the age of 21 years, when he set his
face westward. He arrived in California in 1874,
where he remained until 1877, chiefly engaged in
mining. He returned to Ontario in the fall of the
year named, and established himself in the business
of hotel-keeper at Milford, Perth County, where he
operated two years. He carae to Sanilac County in
the spring of 1880, and located 80 acres of land
"here he has since resided. He has placed 40 acres

of the tract in good cultivation, and has the repute
of being one of tlie most skillful and successful farmers
of the township. He devotes the agricultural season
to his farming interests and follows his profession of
teaching, in which he ranks among tlie leaders, dur-
ing the winters.

He was married Dec. 11, 1878, in Clinton, Huron
Co., Mich., to Anna Ramsey, a native of Perth Co.,
Can., and descended from Canadian parentage. Her
mother, Elizabeth A. (Clendenning) Ramsey, died
March 31, 1881, in Lapeer Co., Mich. Her father,
James Ramsey, is living in Flynn Township, aged
54 years. Mr. Attridge is in sympathy with the
Republican party in political sentiment.

'yxasu^M^r'—Wi

S^?|^4— »-^5!/3ZW»v.

lexander Clapsaddle, farmer, section 4,

'v^^ffjif Moore Township, is a son of George and

"r.i^:;^ Elizabeth (Quaid) Clapsaddle. His parents

''jli( were natives of the State of New York, his

j'' father having been born in 1804, in Herkimer

County. They moved to Ontario, Can., in
1836 and now reside there. Mr. C. was born May
13, 1828, in Niagara Co., N. Y., and at 19 years of
age he decided to learn the business of a tanner and
currier, in which he was engaged three years. At the
expiration of that time he became a farmer, and later
on he became an assistant in a saw-mill, which pur-
suit he followed some years. In 187 1 he came to
Sanilac County and located on the farm on which he
now resides. It comprised about 130 acres of land,
with 60 acres under fine improvements. He passed
through the scourge of flame that devastated the
county in 1881, losing all his buildings and loose
farm property, amounting in the aggregate to $3,300.
He is an adherent to and supporter of the Republi-
can party.

His marriage to Celicia Snell occurred Dec. 12,
1859. She is a daughter of Jacob and Philonia
(Wares) Snell, and was born March 5, 1832. Her
parents were born in the State of New York. Seven
children have been born of this marriage, as follows :
Elizabeth P., June 5, 1861 (died in 1870 ); Francis
A., Oct. 15, 1862; Ida M., Sept. 11, 1864; William,

m-h-

^"^^ — eAc^n a >: i]iir>

■:^K — 6ve?llli:t:illl>>v^

SANILAC COUNTY.

247

■^

May 30, 1866; Harvey, July 7, 1868; Carrie B., April
14, 1870 (died in August following); Alexander B.,
May 10, 1 87 5 (died the same year).

-.<^i4#.^,.-

Is ndrew Jackson, farmer, resident on section
Jl^^^ 22, Speaker Township, is the son of James
W. and Martha (Jones) Jackson. The parents
were natives of Canada, where they belonged
to the agricultural community. In 1853 they
removed to Michigan, and located in Sanilac County
on the farm now owned by their son. The county
was in its pioneer days, and they experienced the
trials and privations common to the early settlers of
this portion of Michigan.

Mr. Jackson was born March 10, i860, in Speaker
Township. His father became a soldier in the Un-
ion army, and enlisted in Co. K, 22d Mich. Inf. The
regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumber-
land, but Mr. Jackson, senior, was a participant in no
battle. He fell ill from hardship and exposure, and
died at Lexington, Ky., March 7, 1863. His widow
afterwards became the wife of Neil Hays, and resides
in Speaker Township.

After his father's death Mr. Jackson was brouglit
up by his mother, and is now tlie manager of the
estate. He is a Republican in political principle,
and cast his first Presidential vote for James G.
Blaine, an act of whicli lie will be pioud to his dy-
ing day. His father was a member of the Metliodist
Episcopal Church.

• — ^►J-^ »-«HiB>-^o S>— M-^-

, , . enry O. Babeoek, attorney and Notary Pub-
f '^feil; ''"^ ^"^ P<^ck, was born in Richmond Town-
ship, Macomb Co., Mich., Dec. 22, 1857.
aV He is a son of Henry A. and Betsey (Stryker)
T Babcock (see sketch), and came to the county
I of Sanilac when lie was five years old, whither
his parents removed. VVlien he was 13 years old he
went to live with his brother in VVatertown Town-
ship, and remained with him until lie attained his
majority. In 1879 he came to Peck, where he en-

tered upon the study of law. In January, 1882, he
was admitted to practice in the State courts of Mich-
igan, and since that date has devoted his whole time
to the prosecution of his profession. Mr. Babcock is
yet young, but he is active and influential in political
circles. He is a republican and has recently been
appointed Census Enumerator. He is industrious
and reliable and is sure to rise in his profession.

He was married Nov. 27, 1882, at Rockway Cen-
ter, to Hannah English. She was born March 4,
1863, in Elk Township, and is the daughter of Adam
and Catherine (Riggs) English (see sketch). She
obtained a good education, and when she was 16
years old became a teacher, which profession she fol-
lowed until her marriage. In September, 1883, she
established a milliner's shop at Peck, and is manag-
ing an increasing and prosperous business.

ajfcsliufred StrafiFon, farmer, section 31, Lexing-
"^^•A ton Township, was born April 28, 1829,
^ near London, Eng., and is the son of George
'' and Fannie E. (Simms) Straffon. His father
was an auctioneer by vocation and died in
London. In 1839 his grandfather Simms came to
Canada with the family of his daughter, and settled
in Osborn Township, Huron District, Can., where his
mother died. Mr. Straffon was ten years old when
he came to the American continent, and he remained
on his grandfather's farm until he was 16, aiding, in
common with his brothers, in clearing and improving
the place, wliich at the date of their settlement was
in an entirely wild state. In 1845 he went to Ham-
ilton and engaged to work in a saw-mill. He pur-
sued that business 18 years, working six years in one
calling. His employer failed in business and Mr.
Straffon lost nearly the entire amount of his earnings.
On the termination of his career as a saw-mill as-
sistant, he came to Davisville (now Croswell) and
commenced to drive a team for William Jenny. This
engagement continued seven months, when he en-
tered the employment of Mr. McCredy as agent in
the purchase of hoops. He operated in that capacity
four years, and removed to the farm on which he is

(

#^^^^(<®>S

248

ir<^Iltl^Dll^>r

SANILAC COUNTY.

now located, of which he became the proprietor in
1 86 1, buying the property of J. L. Woods, of Lexing-
ton. He settled in Lexington Township Jan. 24,
1866. Mr. Straffon is a Republicnn.

He was married May 8, 1858, to Melissa Misiner.
She was born March 21, 1832, in Wentworth, Ancas-
ter Co., Can., and is the daughter of VVilHam and
Catherine (Megelias) Misiner. Six children have
been born of this marriage, as follows : William R.,
Feb. 4, 1859; George A., May 21, 1861: Fannie E.,
Sept. 7, 1863 ; John A., March 27, 1868 ; Ruth, March
5, 1870; Henry M., June 4, 1872. The three first
named were born in Canada, the three last in Sani-
lac County^ Mr. and Mrs. Straffon have been mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 20 years.

^in^iR arren Winterstein, senior partner of the
lllllaitl^ mercantile firm of W. Winterstein & Co.,
jfe^^ " ^' Marlette, was born April 22, 1853, in
York Co., Ont. He is the son of Henry and
Margaret (Johnson) Winterstein, both of
whom were natives of Canada, where the
mother died Dec. 19, 1880.

The son obtained a good common-school educa-
tion, and also attended the High School in his native
place. Afterward he took a partial course of study
in the Commercial College of Bryant & Stratton, in
Detroit. At the age of 19 he came to Sanilac
County, where he was engaged three years in teach-
ing school in Croswell and vicinity, after which he
entered into an engagement as salesman in the vil-
lage of Peck, where he was employed five years. He
came to Marlette in the fall of 1882, and spent a
year as assistant in the store of J. McGill. In
August, 1883, he embarked in the mercantile busi-
ness in his own interest, and with his associate, Mr.
A. A. Talmadge, he is engaged in a prosperous and
satisfactory business. The aggregate sales represent
annually about $35,000.

Mr. Winterstein was married Dec. 29, 1873, in
Sanilac County, to Annie, daughter of Robert and
Laura Graham. She was born in Sanilac County,
April 21, 1853. Her parents were natives respect-
ively of England and Canada. They have had

three children, only one of whom survives — Urban
E. One child died in infancy. Rena L. died when
she was seven months old. The parents are mem- C;!.-
bers of the Baptist Church. f

Mr. Winterstein is a Republican, and has been ^.
four years Township Superintendent of Schools. He
is at present one of the Councilmen of the village
of Marlette. Mrs. W. was also a teacher in Sanilac
County three years previous to her marriage.

^^^X^^iK,

omer Hall, farmer, resident on section 15,
^i Buel Township, was born Jan. 3, 1843, in
Gouverneur, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. Hii
father, George Clinton Hall, was born in Mas-
sachusetts, brought up in Hartland, Niagara
Co., N. Y., and married Jane E. Swan. He
died in Gouverneur, Oct. 30, 1864, when he was 44
years old. The mother died April 20, 1883, in Buel
Township, aged 64 years.

When he attained his majority, Mr. Hall bought a
farm of 75 acres in his native county, which he con-
tinued to manage three years. At the end of that
time he took possession of a rented farm, which he
conducted two years and moved to his father's place,
on which he resided two years, and ^t the end of
that time, he came to Michigan. He bought a farm
which comprised 40 acres, all in an unimproved con-
dition; of this he took possession March 31, 1876.
He has improved 25 acres, built a fine house, barn
and other creditable farm buildings, and is in pros-
perous circumstances. He has added 40 acres to
his original acreage by a later purchase. Mr. Hall is
a Republican in political sentiment, and has held
several local official positions. He has served two
terms as Supervisor and one year as Superintendent
of Schools.

He was married March 5, 1867,10 Asenath, daugh-
ter of John and Desire (Cross) McCombs. Five chil-
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall, one of
whom is deceased. Their births occurred in the fol-
lowing order: Irving W., April 7, 1868; Ada J., Jan.
29, 1870 (died May 7, 1875); Willie E., June 23,

(

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SANILAC COUNTY.

-se^

249

1873; Hubert Eugene, March 4, 1875 ; Nellie Agnes,
Jan. ., 1883.

Mr. Hall came of a line of descent on the mater-
nal side very remarkable for tenacity of life. His
grandmother, Mrs. Betsey Bean, is still living, aged
9[ years. She was born March, 1793. in Heatli,
Franklin Co., Mass. Her first husband, Abel Swan,
died in 1841, and about five years afterward she
married Dr. John Bean. Her married life with both
included about ten years. She resides witli lier grand-
sons in Buel Township, and is in good health, save
that she is unable to walk from the results of a severe
attack of rheumatism wiiich deprived her of the use
of her limbs.

^^jl4,dward W. Ellsworth, manufacturer, resi-
gk dent at Marlette, was born May 17, 1837,
' ° in London, Out. His father, William
^fi. Ellswortli, was a native of Middlebury, Addi-

!son Co , Vt., and married Lydia Bentley, wlio
was a native of the State of New York, and by
whom lie had eight children. The family came to
Sanilac County in 1837, where the mother died, Jan.
15, 185 I. The father died June 15, 1865.

Mr. Ellsworth was the fourth son and next to the
youngest of the children born to his parents. He
was an infant but three months old when his parents
came to Sanilac County. Here he obtained his edu-
cation and business habits and grew to maturity. He
commenced life on his own account when he was 13
years old, and passed two years on a farm. He
spent seven successive seasons as a sailor on the
lakes, after which he learned the trade of carpenter.
He had worked during the winters succeeding the
seasons he had passed on the lakes, in cabinet-mak-
ing. He pursued his trade until September, 1872,
when he started his present business enterprise, the
manufacture of sash, doors, etc., and also does all
the kinds of work common to planing-mills.

Mr. Ellsworth is a Republican in political princi-
ples and connections. He owns considerable village
property, besides some valuable property in the vicin-
ity of Marlette.

He wgis married Dec. 27, 1865, in Oakland Co.,

Mich., to Loretta Beardslee. She was born in the
county where siie was married, April lo, 1838. Her
parents, Lewis and Mary Beardslee, were natives of
New Jersey. Frank H. and Hattie M. are the
names of the two cliildren who have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth. The parents belong to the
Presbyterian Church.

tmhearst Eastman, farmer, section 9, Elk
^ Township, was born in Tapeen, Ont., Oct.

M 2, 1827. He is the son of Nadab and Sarah
(Gordon) Eastman. His father descended
from New England ancestry and was a farmer.
He died in the province of Ontario July 12, 1868, ^.^
aged about 60 years. His mother was born in Ire- ^ '.)
land and came to Ontario when very young, where ^
she died, in 1867, aged 58 years.

He was reared to manhood on his father's farm, ca
where he passed the years of his minority in farm "?^,
labor and in acquiring a fair common-school educa- ca
tion. On reaching the period of his legal freedom, K^/
he became a fanner in the full sense of the term. ^
He purchased 100 acres of land in his native county, ( )^
in the township of Warwick. On this he resided
four years and expended liis time and energies in its
partial improvement. In 1852 he sold the place and
came to Michigan, where he bought 50 acres of land,
in Berlin Townsiiip, St. Clair County. It had been
improved to some extent by its previous owner, and
he remained in its possession one year, when he
again sold out and bought 80 acres in the same
county, in the township of Brockway. In the spring
of 1876 he sold that property. He came to Sanilac
County and purchased the estate of which he has
since been the proprietor, and which includes 160
acres. He has improved 100 acres, and the place is
ranked as among the most valuable in the township.

Mr. Eastman was first married in Elgin Co., Ont.,
Nov. 21, 1848, to Mary Hagle. She was born May
19, 1829, in Ontario. She grew to womanhood in
her native county. Three of the children born of
her marriage are deceased. The births and deaths
were as follows: John H., May 19, 185 i, died Oct.
23, 1856; Mary E., bom Feb. 2, 1862, died Jan. 22,

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250

SANILAC COUNTY.

-I^^f^-i^

1882; John H., born April 9, 1864, died Oct. 23,
1856. The first and last named died on tiie same
^^ day. The mother died Oct. 9, 1869, in Brockway
T Township. She was a member of the Methodist
/§. Episcopal Church. Mr. Eastman was a second time
married, Jan. g, 1870, in Brockway, to Mrs. Constance
(Bond) Bennetts, daughter of John and Mary (Bray)
Bond. The parents were natives of England, and
came after their marriage to Ontario, where the father
died, March 20, 1882, aged 79 years. The mother
is still living, in Canada, and is in the 8ist year of
her age. Mrs. Eastman was born Sept. 6, 1843, near
Land's End, England. She was brought up by her
parents and was first married Aug. 7, 1858, to Thomas
Bennetts. He was born in England, Aug. 14, 1832.
At the age of 18 years he came to Ontario. He was
a blacksmitli and followed that trade as a vocation.
After marriage he came to Brockway, where he died
July 10, 1868. The children of this marriage were
born as follows: Mary A., April 3, i860; Robert,
Feb. 22, 1862; Thomas, Feb. i, 1864; James, Feb.
27, 1868. John was born July 27, 1866, and died

=1 Feb. 3, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Eastman have five

*>■ children, born as follows: William A., Nov. 18, 1870;

1:3 Anna C, Dec. 18, 1873 ; Margaret J., Dec. 27, 1874;

"O* Joseph P., Feb. 25, 1877 ; Katie M , March 22, 1879.
^ The parents attend the Baptist Church. Mr. East-

v^ ) man is a decided Republican in political belief and
action. He has held several minor offices in the
township.

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eorge Boyne, farmer, section 28, Marlette
,fj Township, was born in Scotland, May 24,

1839. His parents, Robert and Jeannette

(Spencer) Boyne, were natives of the same

country and emigrated to the New World in
1843. They settled in Canada.

Mr. Boyne grew to manhood in the Dominion, and
was there educated and reared to the calling which
has been the pursuit of his life. In December, 1868,
he came to Sanilac County and bought 160 acres of
land. He afterwards sold one-half his original pur-
chase, and of the 80 acres of which he still retains
possession, 60 acres is in a fair state of cultivation.
Mr. Boyne has been connected with the public affairs I are natives of England andcame to America- in 1847.

of his township since his removal hither; he has been
Higlnvay Commissioner eight years, School Inspector
two years and School Treasurer three yeais.

He was married Dec. 25, 187 i, in tlie township of
Marlette, to Ida A. Jones, who was born in Michi-
gan. The eldest-born child, Robert J., died when he
was 14 months old. Four children born subse-
quently still survive and are married, — John A.,
David N., George W. and Joseph F. Mr. and Mrs.
Boyne are connected with the Presbyterian Church.

-ir^^Ji^

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rehibald. Noble, farmer, section 9, Elk
1^ Township, is a native of the north of Ire-
land, having been born Feb. 15, 1845, in
County Tyrone. His parents came to Amer-
ica with their family and settled in Darlington,
Durham Co , Ont. Mr. Noble remained under the
guidance of his parents until he was 14 years old,
when he began life on his own responsibility. His
first independent action was as a farm assistant. He
operated in the Dominion about one year, and came
to Michigan in i86o. He settled on Sanilac County
as a desirable location and was successful in obtain-
ing employment in Elk and Buel Townships with
the farmers. He was thus engaged until his mar-
riage, and in the year succeeding that event he
purchased 40 acres of land on section t,t, in Elk
Township. He passed ten years in securing the im-
provement of one-half his property, and at the end
of that time he sold it and purchased the same
acreage on section 2r, in Elk Township. He re-
tained his ownership of the latter place two years,
and improved ten acres. In the fall of 1876 he
bought the farm where he is now located, comprising
80 acres of land in an entirely natural state, with no
improvements and heavily timbered. He has placed
40 acres in creditable agricultural condition and
erected good farm buildings. He is a Democrat in
political principles and has officiated in the minor
local offices of his township.

He was married Oct. 28, 1867, to Sarah, daughter
of Edwin and Hannah (Harris) Apsey. The par-
ents were pioneer settlers of this township. They

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SANILAC COUNTY.

They made their first location in the province of On-
tario, whicli was their home for II years. In 1858
they came to St. Chiir Co., Mich. Eight years later
they settled in Elk Township. Mrs. Noble was born
in England, April 16, 1846. She was brought up in
the home of her parents, with whom she resided until
her marriage. Seven children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Noble, one of whom is deceased.
Those surviving are Alice A., Alma J., Alfaretta,
John S., Archibald and Minnie E. Matilda died in
infancy.

-4-~wv^^~g|^-i/v^-

yron W. Smith, merchant at Marlette,

was born May 18, 1845, in Warren Co.,

an\jgi_ ■" Ind. He is a son of Asa and Mary

?p\\ (Bentley) Smith, who were born respectively
m New York and Canada. His father died
when he was but nine years of age, when he
was thrown upon his own resources. Two years
later he became a sailor on the lakes, and was thus
occupied six successive seasons.

In 1862 he enlisted in the Stanton Guards, and
was stationed at Fort Mackinaw. He was discharged
after six months' service, when, in September of the
same year, he again enlisted, in the Eighth Mich.
Inf, and served until the war closed. He received
an honorable discharge in July, 1865, and soon after
came to Lexington, this county. After a brief stay
there he again became a sailor, and at the close of
the season he engaged in the shoe business with his
brother at Lexington and learned the trade. Toward
the close of the year 1S68 he removed to Ionia
County, where he was interested in the shoe business
about seven years. At the expiration of that time
he returned to Lexington and entered into a partner-
ship with his brother. This connection was dis-
solved a year later, and in the spring of 1876 he
came to Marlette and established the business inter-
ests in which he has since been engaged continu-
ously, with the exception of two years, which he
devoted to farming. In political connection Mr.
Smith is a Republican. He has officiated as Village
Treasurer, and is at present a member of the Council
of Marlette.

His marriage to Anna Shenick occurred Aug. 21,

1864, at Lexington, this county. She was born at
London, Ont. Three children have been born of this
marriage . Lester M. and Esther A. (twins) and
Katie M. The first named died when he was 11
years of age.

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'Kohn Sheldon, farmer on section 33, Lexing-
^^|- ton Township, was born Nov. 2, 1817, in
^^^' '" Canada, and is the son of James and
rfJS' Mary (Shenick) Sheldon. He was reared on a
'^r farm, and in the spring of 1837 he came to
Lexington Township with his father and brother
Henry. After a brief stay he went to Port Huron,
and two weeks later went to Detroit. In July fol-
lowing he returned to Canada, .vJliere he remained
until winter. He went the next summer to Detroit
and proceeded thence to Rock Island, 111., where he
was engaged in ferrying two summers. In July,
1840, he came to Lexington and engaged in farming
and lumbering. In 1841 he bought 80 acres of land
one mile south of his present farm, where he resided
a few years. He was the owner successively of sev-
eral farms in the township, and in 1880 settled on
the place he now occupies, which consists of 120
acres under good cultivation. He has been in public
life nearly all the time he has been a resident of the
township. In 1841 he was made an Assessor, has
been Treasurer three years. Clerk three years. Super-
visor one year, and in 1862-3 ^^s Sheriff of the
county, being elected on the Union ticket. He is a
member of the Order of Masonry, belonging to Da-
mascus Chapter.

Mr. Sheldon was married in Lexington, Sept. 15,
1832, to Hannah Huckins, a cousin of Capt. Israel
Huckins. She survived her marriage but one year,
and Mr. Sheldon was a second time married in Lex-
ington, Jan. 14, 1846, to Sophronia A., daughter of
Jesse and Rebecca Wixson. Eleven children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon in Lexington, whose
record is as follows. Franklin J., born Dec. 17,
1846, died Aug. 18, 1869; Martin VV. was born Oct.
24, 1848, and is a farmer in Dakota; Watson H. was
born Feb. 7, 1851, and resides in the village of Lex-
ington; Elmer W., a farmer in this township, was

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SANILAC COUNTY.

^I'^^^V^^'

born Feb. 20, 1853 : Loella, born June 11, 1855, is a
teacher in Sanilac County; Jefferson was born Aug.

, ri, 1857, and is a farmer in Dakota; William, born
Dec. 2.r, 1859, is a druggist in Altona, Dak.; Charles

J A. is a farmerin Dakota, and was born April 6, 1862;
Richard H. was born May 20, 1864; Minnie M '
June 28, ,868; May, July 12, 1872, Nine children
are living and are in prosperous, promising circum-
stances.

-^^r^s^^^m^sr^

\ obert McClure, farmer, resident on section
29, Buel Township, was born March i,
181 6, in County Kerry, Ireland. He is the
son of Robert and Deborah (Hickson) Mc-
Clure, both of whom died in their native land.
Mr. McClure landed at Quebec, Can., in 1846,
^ where he remained two years in the family of his'
= sister. In 1848, he went to the State of New York,
.^ where he was foreman of a corps of men engaged in
= the construction of the New York & Erie Railroad.
V^; A year later he came back to Canada and entered
T the employment of the corporation engaged in build-
[^ ing the Great Western Railroad. He worked three
years on tiiat route, and two years on the Fort
Stanley Railroad, when he went to Sarnia Branch
and bought loo acres of wild land, on which he
worked a year. At the expiration of that time he
found he had an insecure title, and he was obliged to
relinquish all he had invested in the place. He went
to Sarnia and passed a winter with his son-in-law
He had but little taste for a life of idleness or de-
pendence, and availed himself of the first offer of
work that presented, which was in a gravel pit He
met Mr. Odell, the head engineer of the road, who
recognized him and inijuired into the causes of his
changed fortunes, and received the reply tliat " men
are frequently overtaken by misfortune." On relating
C?^ the incident to his wife, she urged him to show his
I papers to Mr. Odell, which he did, and a few days
'^'''f 'le received an appointment to a position by

f which he was enabled to accumulate nearly $400 in
about three months.

With his small savings he came to Michigan in the
fall of 1859, and bought 40 acres of land, for which

he paid at the rate of 50 cents an acre. The land
was in tlie roughest portion of the county, and the
30 acres he has cleared has been leveled and graded
until It is as smooth as other land which was level
in Its original state. He met Mr. Odell some years
after he settled in Buel Townsliip, and thanked him
as the author of his mended fortunes. Mr. McClure
IS a Republican and held himself in readiness to re-
spond to the draft during the late war.

In the family of Mr. McClure s father there were
12 children, the issue of two marriages. He was the
eldest child of the second wife and liad five brothers
and sisters. He was married Jan. 26, 1837, in Ire-
land, to Mary Ann, daughter of Edward and' Fannie
(King) Archer. The parents are deceased. She was
born in August, 1823, and died May 29, 1882. She
was the mother of 1 1 children, five of whom are yet
living. They were born in the order here named-
Fannie, Robert, Edward, Deborah, Mary Ann, John,
Theresa, Thomas (deceased), William and James.'
Two children were born previous to the last named,
who 'died in early infancy. Edward died in 1846^
during the passage to America, and was buried in the
sea. Robert died on shipboard, just previous to ar-
rival at quarantine below Quebec, where he was
buried. Mr. McClure and his wife were botn mem-
bers of the established Church of England. His
grandfather was a Scotchman and was born on the
Isleof Wiaht.

<mr^.

yron Briggs, practicing physician and
surgeon, located at Melvin village, was
born April 8, 1824, in Randolph, Portage
Co., Ohio. His father, Andreas Briggs, was
born Dec. 29, 1795, in Massachusetts. He was
a soldier of the war of 1812, and is still living
near Cleveland, Ohio. The mother, Betsey (Moore)
Briggs, was born in 1802, in Salisbury, Conn., and
died April 13, 1878.

Dr. Briggs passed his early years acquiring a good
primary education, and at the age of 17 years began
teaching. He pursued his medical studies at Ackley
College, in the city of Cleveland. In 1847 he came

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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to Allegan County, Mich., where he practiced his
profession until i860, when he went to Shelby Co.,
Ohio. He operated there as a medical practitioner
21 years, pursuing his business with success and
profit. In 1 88 1, he disposed of his property in the
Buckeye State, and removed to Sanilac County, lo-
cating where he now resides. Dr. Briggs is a Re-
publican in political affiliation.

He was married July 7, 1861, to Sarah E. Pelton,
daughter of John and Susannah (Oilman) Pelton.
The former was born in Connecticut and died in
Allegan Co., Mich. He was a soldier in the second
war with Great Britain. Her mother was born in
1800, in the State of New York, and resides at Ore-
gon City. Three children have been born to Dr. and
Mrs. Briggs, as follows : Ale.xis O., Nov. 3, 186-
(died July 13, 1865); Ida M. (Mrs. William Ross, of
Speaker Township), Aug. 30, 1863; Marion E., May
6, 1867. Mrs. Briggs is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

Jl ugh McKenzie, Treasurer of Sanilac County,
?/|r was born in Scotland, in July, 1S39. His
parents, Robert and Catherine (Munson)
McKenzie, belonged to the class known as
Highlanders, and were born in Scourie, Suther-
landshire, where they were farmers until their
emigration to the New World. In the year 1847 t^ey
sailed from Loch Laxford, Sutherlandshire, en route
for Quebec, whence they proceeded by water to
Hamilton, Ont. The Dominion was then mostly in a
primitive condition, untraversed by railroads, and the
family made their way to Missouri, O.xford Co., Ont.,
by the aid of teams. They putchased a tract of land
in the unbroken forest of Missouri, upon which they
brought to bear the industrious energies and apply
the persevering toil to which they had been bred
in their native land, and where they founded a home.
The father died there when he was 85 years old. The
mother is now (1884) 90 years of age, and resides at
Cass City, Mich.

Mr. McKenzie assumed the responsibilities and
burdens of his own maintenance and career when he
was 16 years old, and as he possessed a desire to ex-

plore and test for himself the mysterious West, he
set forth on a prospecting tour, visiting 13 Western
and Southern States, experiencing meanwhile the
vicissitudes and trials of a rolling stone.

He returned to his home in 1859, and in i860 came
to Michigan. He at once located 160 acres of land
in Austin Township, Sanilac County, and spent a
year thereon engaged in improving the place ; but the
inconvenience of a location 26 miles distant from
civilization without other outlet than Indian trails
and the blazed routes of pioneer settlers, grew so dis-
tasteful that he abandoned his project and again
started westward. After traveling to some extent in
Illinois and Iowa, he returned in 1864 to Michigan,
and engaged in rafting lumber on the Grand River,
from Grand Rapids and vicinity to Grand Haven.
In 1866 he returned to his former location in Austin
Township, with a resolution to overcome all obstacles
and content himself with the career of a pioneer
settler. His first abode was built from logs hewn by
his own hands, and finished with lumber prepared by
himself and neighbors by the aid of the process
known as "whip-sawing." The first wheat he raised
was threshed by a flail, cleaned by the wind and
milled at Wahjamega, Tuscola County, 35 miles
distant. The grain was transported thither by ox
teams, the trip requiring five days. The first eight
miles of the route was constructed by Mr. McKenzie,
with the aid of his neighbors and associates, Joseph
Brown and William Jordan.

Mr. McKenzie is a Republican, and his first
official service was as Commissioner of Highways, in
which he officiated three years. He was elected in
1870 to the position of Supervisor and discharged the
duties of the office seven consecutive years. He was
elected Sheriff in 1876, gaining a re-election in 1878.
After serving in the office to the limit prescribed by
law, he was, in the fall of 1880, nominated for Treas-
urer and elected by a triumphant majority. He was
re-elected in 1882, and is now serving his second
term.

The portrait of Mr. McKenzie appears on another
page. It represents a man whose traits of character
are such as to command the respect and confidence
of his generation, and whose official career has been
marked by a faithful and wise administration of its
duties.

Mr. McKenzie was married Oct. 5, 1S68, in Austin

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256

SANILAC COUNTY.

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Township, to Ann Robinson. They are the parents
of the following children : Kate, born July i, 1869;
George, May 30, 187 1 ; Robert W., Jan. 13, 1873;
Margaret Ann, Jan. 23, 1875; Kennett H., Dec. 4,
1876. Mrs. McKenzie was born in Scotland and
came to America in early childhood. She acquired
a good education and was one of the pioneer teachers
of Sanilac County, beginning the exercise of her vo-
cation when she was 16 years old, and she continued
her labors until her marriage at the age of 20 years.

eorge W. Hicks, farmer, section t6, Buel
Township, was born March 3, 1838, in
Brownville, Jefferson Co., N. Y. His
father, Daniel Hicks, was born May 18, 1794,
in Saratoga Co., N. Y., and was of mixed En-
glish and Scotch descent. He died in 1879,
in Charlevoix Co., Mich., where the mother, Eliza-
beth Ann (Reynolds) Hicks, is still living. She is of
Holland Dutch and Danish descent.

Mr. Hicks was bred to the occupation of a farmer,
and was under the direction of his father during his
minority. On becoming " his own man" he bought
a farm of 260 acres, in company with his brother, in
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. Two years later the associ-
ation was dissolved, and he came to Calhoun Co.,
Mich., where he passed two years working a farm on
shares. In 1869 he went to Woodland, Barry Co.,
Mich., and rented a farm on which he lived two
years. He went thence to Nashville, where he re-
mained two years, engaged in blacksmithing. The
following year he went upon a farm in Olivet. His
ne.xt remove was to Sanilac County, and he settled
in Buel Township, March 28, 1S74, where he bouglit
40 acres of land. He has since purcjiased 40 acres
more, and has cleared 25 acres. He enlisted Aug.
28, 1861, in Co. D, i6th N. Y. Inf , and his regiment
was assigned to Brooks' Division of Bartlett's Brigade,
Sixth Army Corps, under Gen. Sedgwick. Among
other engagements, he participated in the fight of
Gaines' Mill, the Seven Days' Fight before Rich-
mond, at Antietam, Fredericksburg (first and second),
under Burnside, and at Chancellorsville under Gen.
Hooker. His regiment was mustered out just after

the last named battle, in 1864. Here-enlisted in
the First N. Y. Light Artillery, Battery C, and served
until the close of the war. He was mustered out
the second time June 22, 1865.

The first marriage of Mr. Hicks occurred Aug. 24,
i860, when Amanda M. Downing became his wife.
She was born April 25, 1840, and died Jan. 5, 1866,
leaving two children,— George A., born March 13,
1862, in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence Co., M. Y., and
Alfonso Lamartine, born March i, 1864, in the same
place. Mr. Hicks was a second time married, Dec.
28, 1867, to Julia A., daughter of William and Laura
(Ellis) Kinne. The father was born Jan. 26, 1801,
and died March 25, 1875, in St. Lawrence County.
The mother was born Sept. 25, 1805, and died Dec.
17, 187 I. One child, Charles Augustus, was born of
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hicks, Aug. 31, 1873,
in Woodland, Barry Co., Mich. The parents are
members of the Christian Church at Nashville. Mr.
Hicks is a member of the National Greenback party,
and has been School Inspector. He has served four
years as Justice of the Peace.

^i!l!l

.■^Vjl ohn G. Hamilton, farmer, section 5, Mar-
^Mj^ lette Township, is the son of William and
^■"A^** Wilhelmina (Gibb) Hamilton. His parents
^b were born, lived and died in Scotland, where
he was born, Oct. 24, 1824. He was reared
to maturity in his native country and emigrated
thence to America when he was 22 years of age.
He settled in Canada and worked as a tailor until
the spring of 1856, when he determined on joining
the throng who found in Michigan a desirable point
for the furtherance of their ambitions and purposes
in life. He bought 320 acres in Marlette Township,
which was all in a state of nature, and on which he
located and operated about 18 months, when he re-
turned to the Dominion. He passed 12 years in the
Province of Ontario, and in 1870 re-occupied his
farm in Sanilac County. He has since resided
thereon and has redeemed 100 acres from its original
State and placed it in fair tillable condition, thus

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SANILAC COUNTY.

-sSv;-«~

adding substantially to the material benefit and pros-
perity of Sanilac County.

He was married Njv. 2, 1849, in Canada, to Mar-
garet Ramsey, who was born Aug. 12, 1826, in the
city of Dublin, Ireland, and is the daughter of Wil-
liam and Agnes (Wallace) Ramsey, natives of Scot-
land. Of seven children born of their marriage five
survive. They are Jessie, Maggie, William, Jennie
and Gavin. Those deceased are Agnes and Maggie.
Mr. HarRilton is a Republican in political faith. He
and his wife were both brought up in the Presbyterian
Church.

257 <

^^^^

■n

■^jLohn S. Bagley, farmer, section 28, Buel
'■'. 'jH^' L ' Township, was born Aug. 3, 1820, in
%v^''' County Kildare, Ireland. His parents,
^■^ Isaac and Hannah (Sale) Bagley, were natives
]C of the " Emerald Isle," and had nine children,
\ who were born in the following order: Sarah
(deceased), Richard, John S., Maria, Hannah, Wil-
liam and three others who died in infancy.

Mr. Bagley passed his boyhood and youth in his
native land, where he obtained such education as
that country affords, though he had no advantages of
free schools. At the age of i8 years he came to
America, landing at Quebec, Can. He proceeded to
a place 45 miles from that city, where an uncle re-
sided, and passed the first winter there. He decided
to become a landholder and became the proprietor of
200 acres of land, entering a claim under the regu-
lations of the laws of the Dominion relating to early
settlers. He built a log house, in which he lived
alone one winter and devoted his attention to clear-
ing away the heavy timber on the place. The sever-
ity of the climate caused him to change his opinion
of the feasibility of farming in that bleak section, and
in the spring he abandoned his claim and went to
Montreal, where he entered upon an apprenticeship
to learn the trade of a bricklayer and plasterer.
After serving the stipulated time of three years, he
proceeded to East Minden, New York, where he re-
mained one year working at his trade. He returned
to Canada at the expiration of that time, where he
remained two years, and about at the expiration of

that time he changed his condition of single blessed-
ness.

He was married Oct. 19, 1849, to Emma Ann
Humphries. She was born July 15, 1833, in Percy,
Northumberland Co., Can., was the daughter of
Israel and Amanda (Stone) Humphries, and died
June 30, 1884, in Buel Township, aged 51 years.
Both her parents died in Percy Township, Canada,
the demise of the father occurring Dec. 19, 1855,
that of the mother, March 2, 1844. The former was
born in England, and the latter in Canada, of parents
who were of New York State origin. Mr. and Mrs. ^
Bagley have had 13 children, 10 of whom survive. %■
Following is the record of their birth : John S., born '
May 10, 1854 ; William Henry, July 24, 1857 ; Israel,
June 3, 1859; George W., Aug. 23, 1S62; Emma A.,
Oct. 8, 1867; Elena, Oct. 19, 1869; Isaac, Oct. 22,
1871; Richard, Dec. 16, 1874; Harvey, Aug. 18,
1876. Three children died in early infancy un-
named.

Mr. Bagley came to Sanilac County, April 15,
1879, and bought 80 acres of wild land. He has re-
claimed 35 acres, and built a substantial and good x=i
frame house and a barn. In political sentiment he 9^!
is a Democrat, and holds the views of anti-monopoly.
He has served his township as Supervisor three
years, and at the spring election of the current year
he was elected Justice of the Peace. He is a mem-
ber of the Church of England, as was also his wife.

■•<-^-44l#'-^>-

KSiaplexander Donaldson, druggist and dealer

&3|

m agricultural implements in the village of
Melvin, was born July 7, 1836, in Lower Can-
ada. His parents, William and Ellen (Premo)
Donaldson, were of Scotch and French origin.
When Mr. Donaldson reached the period of his
majority, he engaged in the manufacture of brick, in
which he operated to a considerable extent for a
period of ten years, in his native province. In the
autumn of 1869 he came to the township of Speaker
and located on section 7, on 140 acres of land, on
which he resided some years. He finally sold the

:sijg^^

place and proceeded to Kansas with the intention of @^
settling there permanently, but he remained there •^

Mkr^^m^

■m

258

■^^<^IIIl^tlIl^>T^

SANILAC COUNTY.

only one year, when he returned to Speaker Town-
ship. He became proprietor by purchase of 120
acres of land on sections 5 and 8. The place now
includes 80 acres of improved and cultivated land.
He is a progressive and prosperous farmer, and is
considered able authority on agricultural matters.
He has been President and is now Director of the
Brockway District Agricultural Society, in which he
has taken much interest and advanced its welfare.
In the year 1856 he was married to Catherine,
daughter of Henry and Margaret Cable, natives of
England. Mrs. Donaldson was born in 1836, and is
the mother of six promising sons, — Henry M., Wil-
liam G., Charles A., James B., John and Fred-
erick F.

"tssuiJ^^r-

K^^-^-SWrow*

i=S!f'-f^f t'oseph Neumann, farmer, section 20, Mar-

W^ V

.■tte Township, was born April 17, 1837,

in. Austria. His parents, Francis and
Catherine (Huffnier) Neumann, were also na-
]C^ tives of Austria. He was about 17 years old
when he emigrated to America. He came
direct to Marlette Township, where he entered a
claim of 320 acres of land. On this he has since
expended his strength and energies, and now has
130 acres of his original tract, with 70 acres under
cultivation.

The first marriage of Mr. Neumann occurred in
Detroit, in December, i860, to Augusta Shrine, a
native of Germany. From this union the issue was
eight children, named Adaline, Rosa, Caroline, Mary
L., Frank J., Edmund, Frona and Anna J. The
mother died May 16, 1875. Mr. Neumann was a
second time married, April 25, 1883, in the township
of Marlette, to Euphemia (McKenzie) Ronald,
widow of William Ronald, who lost his life in the
great fire which devastated Sanilac County on the
5th of September, i88r. His body was recovered
four days after he met his death. His clothing was
nearly all destroyed in the flames. Mrs. Neumann is
a native of Canada, where she was born Dec. 7,
1844. She is the mother of ten children by her first
marriage, whose names are Jane, Daniel (deceased),
John J., Mary A. (deceased), Euphemia, William,

Maggie, Elijah A., Etta E. (deceased), and Roland
(deceased). By the last marriage she has one child
— Wensel A., born March 22, 1884.

Mr. Neumann is a Democrat in his political beliet
and connections. He has officiated in the local and
school offices. In addition to the farm he owns in
Marlette, he owns 170 acres of land in Talbot
Co., Md.

ohn Ersk.ine,farmer, section 21, Buel Town-
ship, was born in Bawny Parisli, Lancaster-
shire, Scotland, June 7, 1806. His par-
^.Lg ents, John and Jeannette (Young) Erskine,
ir were also natives of Scotland. They were
married in their native land and came with
their family to America in June, 1831. There were
four persons, and their entire financial resources
comprised three half-crowns, English money, and the
father lent one of these to a man who was a neigh-
bor in the "old country," who accompanied them to
America. The elder^ Erskine and his son John ob-
tained employment as farm laborers at $6 per month,
board included. The son continued in that avenue
of labor a twelvemonth, when he became a fireman
on a St. Lawrence River steamer, plying between
Montreal and Quebec. The next year his father
rented a farm in the State of New York, where he
worked through the season. The father and second
son remained on the place a second year, and John
again "fired" on a river steamer. They bought 100
acres of land 70 miles south of Montreal, where the
father died. May 11, 1845. He was born in 1770.
Tlie mother was born in the same year and died
three months after her husband, her demise occur-
ring Aug. 12, 1845.

John and Alexander retained the farm while their
parents lived, but sold out and severed their business
connection soon after their decease. John bought a
farm which comprised 50 acres, and his sister became
his housekeeper. He lived on this place eight years,
sold out, and in September, 1853, he again became a
sailor. He operated from that time until December,
1855, in the lake service between Buffalo and Chi-
cago. During this period he pre-empted 340 acres

mm^

<mM^^

■r^

-^S^^^

))s^#-

-:^&^ — ^v^nni^niii^'

4^^5C(®vS

SAN/LAC COUNTY.

259

of land in tlie Dominion, and his sister resided on
the property until he paid for it. He then sold out,
and in October, 1S56, he removed to Sanilac County,
where he has since resided He is a Democrat in
political sentiment, and was Ijrought up under the
regime of the Presbyterian Church. Two sisters of
Mr. Erskine died in Scotland, one at the age of 11
years, the other in September, 1845. Alexander and
Jeannette came with John and the parents to Amer-
ica. The remaining sister died Dec. 9, 1857, in
Buel Township.

If|)'*^|,iram C. Wooley farmer, section i, Mar-

T-M^^ lette Township, was born Feb. 28, 1845, in

;f^ * Elgin Co., Can., and is a son of Henry and

A Eliza (Brooks) Wooley, both of whom were

f born in the Dominion. He was educated and

I grew to manhood in his native province, and on

reaching the period of his independent life he

engaged in farming. In February, 1882. he came to

Sanilac County, where he identified himself with the

agricultural community, settling on 200 acres of land

which had been entered as a claim by his father in

1859. Of this he has already cleared 28 acres and

placed it in creditable condition. In his political

views he is independent.

His marriage to iVIarilla Dean occurred in Canada,
Nov. 25, 1869. She is a native of Elgin County,
and has four children born of her union with Mr.
Wooley. They are Lovilla E., William E., Ernest
A. and Nina M.

I illiam Murray, one of the leading agri-
[ i^^i^ culturists of Sanilac County, resident on
Jj^^O section 20, Speaker Township, was born
K' in 1834, in Scotland, and is the son of
Thomas and Margaret Murray. The par-
\^ ents were natives of the " land of cakes," and
came to America in 1849. They landed at the port

of New Nork and made their way to the Grand
River country of Canada, settling in Haldimand
County, where they passed the remainder of their
lives, engaged in farming.

Mr. Murray engaged in active labor in his native
country when he was 16 years old, and after coming
to Canada he engaged in farming. He became a
land-holder of Michigan in i86i, when he came to
Sanilac County and purchased 160 acres of wild land.
He returned to Canada and remained two years ;
and in 1863 removed his family and interests to the
township of Speaker and settled himself for life on
the tract of land he had purchased, and which has
since been his field of labor, and where he has made
successful application of his abilities and efforts.
His farm is one of the most valuable in the township,
and includes 120 acres of land under first-class im-
provement, with two excellent barns and an elegant
farm residence.

Mrs. Elizabeth (Clark) Murray, his wife, was born
Aug. 8, 1838, in Paisley, Scotland. She is the
daughter of William and Margaret (Easton) Clark,
also of Scottish birth. They emigrated with their
family to Canada, where the mother died in 1874.
The father is 80 years of age. Thomas, Margaret,
William, Agnes, Mary E. and Jennie are the chil-
dren that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Murray.
In their family is an adopted son, Frederick. They
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Murray accepts the principles and issues of the
Republican party.

-5—

•;

c^:

(I'

"^FplJt eorge H. Banks, farmer, section 21, Elmer
Ji btMJii Township, was born Aug. 7, 1819, in York-
jjli^r^ '^ shire, England. His parents, George and

'Vk"^ Ann (Henderson) Banks, were born, lived and
^^ died in England. They had eight children.
1 The father was a farmer and miller and died
in 1829. Mr. Banks is the youngest child of his par- 1
ents, and before the death of his father, was appren- ^'f
ticed to learn the trade of a tailor, which he followed (^
in his native country until he was 26 years of age. i^
In 1845 he left England and came to Ontario, Can., @\
where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1868,

^C^D 3 ^ IiniD-V^ ^^^^f^

-^^

260

SANILAC COUNTY.

^:sr

when he came to Michigan, hoping to find better
advantages in the calling to which he desired to de-
vote the remaining years of his life. His was one of
the earliest permanent settlers in the township of
Elmer, where he entered a claim of 160 acres under
the provisions of the Homestead Act. The country
was in an almost unsettled condition; there were no
general thoroughfares of travel and the point of sup-
plies was 16 miles away, necessitating the carryingof
of the necessities of life all that distance on men's
backs. He has succeeded in his farm and business
management, notwithstanding severe losses from the
recent fires which have devastated Sanilac County.
In thatof 1881 he lost heavily in fencing material
and other property, and later his house and its con-
tents were destroyed. He has improved and culti-
vated 100 acres of his farm, and put it in the best
possible agricultural condition. He belongs to the
Democratic element in politics, and has held the
local offices of Justice of the Peace, Highway Com-
missioner and Township Clerk, and is now School
Inspector. He was married Aug. 2, 185 2, in Victoria
Co., Can., to Lordy Marks, who was born June 17,
1826, in Cornwall, Eng., and came with her parents
to Canada when she was 20 years of age. Mr. and
Mrs. Banks have had ten children, two of whom are
deceased, — Henry and Betsey. Those who survive
are Ann, Frederick, John, Caroline, William, Alice,
George and Charles. The parents are members of
the Free Methodist Chnrch.

fSUvaro Collins, farmer, section 31, Buel
4 Township, was born Sept. 19, 184S, in Dur-

ham, O.xford Co., Can., and is the son of
Benjamin and Asenath (Walker) Collins. (See
sketch of Benjamin Collins.) Mr. Collins was
married Jan. 28, 1876, to MaTgaret Todd, who
was born Jan. 7, 1849, near Bear Creek, Canada,
and was one of ten children born to her parents, nine
of whom were sons. (She is the fourth in order of
birth.) They were named Samuel, James, John,
WiUiam, Thomas, Reuben, Joseph, Alexander and
Robert. The latter lost his life by an accident in the
lumber woods. John Todd, the father, died in the

United States Army in 1862. The mother died in
Fremont about 15 years ago. The following children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Collins: Samuel,
Oct. 6, 1878, died in August, 1879 ; Esther Maud,
Sept. 7, 1881; John Wellington, October, 1883.

Mr. Collins is an adherent of the Republican
party, and has served his township six years as
Justice of the Peace, and two years as Drain Com-
missioner.

-■"^^^^^■^^m-^ b-

Ssharles rietcher is one of the substantial
^^^ and enterprising farmers of Speaker Town-
ship, and is operating in the business of
pl(^ farming and stock-breeding. He is the son
'1\ of Edward and Mary (Hurd) Fletcher, of
English nativity, and was born June 12, 1826,
in Langton, England. His mother died when he
was three years old, and he was in the care of his
father until he reached the age of 12 years. On the
15th of May, the customary day in England for the
hiring of servants, he engaged to serve one year for
the sum of 30 shillings, English money. For his
second year of service he received double the wages,
and in the year following he engaged with a brother
of his first employer, for four and one-half pounds
per year. He remained in this last employ two
years, obtaining increased pay. In 185 i he came to
the United States, landing at the port of New York.
He proceeded to the city of Rochester, and obtained
farm work in that vicinity. He spent two years there
and went thence to Wisconsin, where he was en-
gaged four years in farming. During three and a
half years succeeding, he was engaged in the same
vocation in Indiana, going thence to Canada. He
was there engaged as a farm laborer between five
and six years, when he removed to Iowa. Ten
months later he made a permanent settlement on 80
acres of land in Speaker Township. He added 240
acres by later purchase, and is now in possession ot
that amount of real estate, having deeded 80 acres
to his son. In 1878 he erected one of the finest res-
idences in Speaker Township, and his farm is also
supplied witii large and convenient barns and other
fixtures necessary to successful agriculture. Mr.

sM\^^^^

.^^^^

<mm^'i>^

SANILAC COUNTY.

261

(i)

Fletcher is a Republican in political sentiment, and
has served his township as Justice of the Peace six
years.

He was married in 1851 to Dinah P. Goy. She is
the daughter of William and Margaret Goy, who
were natives of England. Mrs. Fletcher was born
Sept. 7, 1829. Her ten sons and daughters were
born as follows : Margaret E., April 4, 1852; Wil-
liam H., Oct. 23, 1854 (died Feb. 13, 1862); Ann
E., July 10, r856; George E, Aug. 29, 1858; Fred-
erick C, Jan. 13, i860; Fanny E., Dec. 6,1862;
William H., June 6, 1865 ; Robert S., Nov. 24, 1867 ;
Webster F., March 14, 1S70; Mary P., Feb. 24,
1874 (died Sept. i, 1876). Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher
belong to the Baptist Church.

I^Sl dward M. Denton, farmer, section 9, Moore
^i,'' Township, was born May 14, 1850, in

SJtsti'' Memphis, Macomb Co., Mich., and is the

^^ son of Darius and Aletia (Lynch) Denton, both

J , of whom were natives of the State of New York.

; The father was born in 1809, and died June 18,
18S2. The mother was born in 1815, and resides in
Memphis.

Mr. Denton obtained a substantial education in a
graded school at Memphis, and afterwards skidied
medicine two years in the Medical College at Detroit.

In 1881 he came to Sanilac County and located
160 acres of land on sections 3, 4 and 9 of Moore
Township. He was married Nov. 21, 1S83, to Ida
Nunn. She was born Nov. 14, 1864, in Elmer, El-
gin Co., Can., and is a daughter of Rev. Isaac B. and
Mary A. (Hanstead) Nunn. Her father was born in
Canada, in 1837; her mother in England, in 1840.
They reside in Argyle Township, Sanilac County. Mr.
Denton is a Republican, and in the spring of 1884
was elected Drain Commissioner. Mrs. Denton is a
lady of exceptional intellectual attainments and has
been a teacher since she was 15 years of age. She
is now engaged in the same occupation, in the dis-
trict where she resides. She is a Baptist in religious
belief.

Mr. and Mrs. Denton are regarded as leading

members of their generation in the community to
which they belong. They possess literary abilities
beyond the common order and are both connected
with the local press in the capacity of correspondents.

i-^-

::'^''p^C ohn Nicolson, farmer, resident on section
.'£i#J - 1 6, Marlette Township, was born Dec. 22,
'^'' 18491 •'■' Scotland, of which country his
parents, William and Catherine (Davison)
Nicolson, were natives. He emigrated from
the land of his birth to Canada when he was
15 years of age, and remained a resident of the Do-
minion until 1879. In the spring of that year he
came to Sanilac County, and bought 80 acres of land
in the township of which he has since been a citi-
zen. To his original acreage he has added 50 acres,
and has placed 70 acres under cultivation. He is an
adherent to the tenets of no political organization,
being entirely independent in his views and connec-
tions. He has held the offices of School Moderator
and Drain Commissioner.

He was married March 5, 1879, in Halton Co.,
Out., to Nancy Whitley. She is a native of the Do-
minion, and a daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Mc-
Millin) Whitley. Ellen J., Catherine H. and Thomas
W. are the names of the children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Nicolson.

lexander Arnot, farmer, section 28, Lex-
n ington Township, was born April 8, 1843,
" in Darlington, Can. His father, John B.
Arnot, removed with his family to Texas in
1852, where they remained one year. In
1S54 they located in the township of Lexing-
ton, where the father bought 120 acres of land. On
this he lived and labored, and at the date
of his death had cleared more than 80 acres.
He died June 16, 1865. The subject's mother, Janet
McDougal Arnot, died in Canada, Nov. 1, 1847.
Her parents were natives of the Highlands of Scot-

262

SANILAC COUNTY.

-4?^C<®

land, and had five children, two of whom died in in-
fancy. James, the eldest, is a farmer of Croswell
Townsh'.p.

Mr. Arnot of this sketch is the second in order of
birth. Mr. Arnot is the proprietor of the homestead
of his parents, which he obtained by paying the
claims of the other heirs. He owns 100 acres of
land.

Mr. Arnot was married in Bournanville, Can.,
March 26, 1868, to Agnes, daughter of James and
Ellen (Montgomery) Heal. She was born in the
same place, May 8, 1849. The children in Mr. A.'s
family are: Ellen, who was born Aug. 19, 1869;
John B., June ii, 1873; and Edgar J., April 4, 1880.

/7S

>
)

'/avid M. Langan. M. D., physician and sur-
k^^il geon, resident at Peck, was born in I.ena-
Ir^"^ wee Co., Mich., Jan. 5, 1847. His parents,
' Yjfx John and Catherine (Camburn) Langan, were
^ natives of New Jersey, and descended from
i Scotch ancestors, who were Quakers. His father
was a boot and shoe maker by trade, and after his
marriage removed to Michigan. He settled in Ma-
con, Lenawee County, in 1831, where he was one of
the earliest of the permanent pioneer settlers. He
there pursued his vocation until his death, which oc-
curred March 4, 1874, when he was 74 years of age.
The mother is 69 years old and resides on the old
homestead. Their family comprised eight children,
all of whom are living. Lavinia is a resident of
Lenawee County; George is a citizen of Ludington;
Sarah J. resides with the mother, as does William,
the second son; Hebron lives in Allegan; Susan
lives at home.

Mr. Langan is the seventh child and fourth son.
He remained at liome until he was 17 years old, and
up to that time attended the common schools. In
1864 he went to Adrian, where he entered upon a
course of preparatory study. He went thence to
Milwaukee, Wis., where he studied practical dentistry
under the supervision of Drs. D. W. Perkins and G.
B. Cady. He remained there two years, and, owing
to impaired health, spent the next two years in out-
door vocations. At the expiration of that time he
began the study of medicine in the oftice and under

the direction of Dr. S. Catlin, of Tecumseh, Lenawee
Co., Mich. He read diligently two years, and in
1873 entered the Medical Department of the Uni-
versity of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He finished a
complete course of study at that institution, and in
June, 1875, ca.ne to Peck, where he entered at once
upon the practice of his profession, which he has
since prosecuted with satisfactory results. In the
winter of 1883-4 he attended a course of lectnres at
the Medical College of Detroit. The business of Dr.
Langan has steadily increased in success and popu-
larity until he has risen to competence. He has
ac(]uired a well-deserved repute for skill and atten-
tion to the duties of his practice, and is warmly
esteemed for his genial nature and fine social qual-
ities.

He was married Dec. 19, 187S, in Shannonville,
Hastings Co , Ont., to Myra Howell, who was born in
Tyendinaga Township, Hastings County, May 6, 1852,
and is the daughter of Richard and Janet (Bedford)
Howell. They were of Welch descent, and their
ancestors were of New England origin. In early
youth they went to Prince Edward Co., Ont., when
that county was new. There the father was a farmer
by calling, and later in life removed his family to
Hastings Co., Ont., where he resided until Iris death
in 187 I, at the age of 60 years. The mother is 65
years old, and resides on the homestead in Ontario.
Their family consisted of nine children, all of whom
are living. Mrs. Langan is the seventh child and
fourth daughter. She was carefully educated under
the care of her parents in her native county. One
child has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Langan, who
died in early infancy. Dr. Langan is a Democrat in
political views and actions. He and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

'^j'^#j '»^»V;oot"»? E^?%r&.

^'1 IHf ^^^ Sawtell, farmer, section 32, Lamotte
'I'kS^ Township, is the son of Gains and Phila
4^^T (Kellogg) Sawtell. His father was born in
6l(j 1794, in thti State of New York; his mother
was a native of Pennsylvania. Both are de-
ceased. Mr. Sawtell was born Aug. 10, 1828, in
Erie Co., N. Y. He was but six years old when his

c^:

-*#ts^^

SANILAC COUNTY.

fe'^&r—

263

(a>

'r )

s^^

father died, and he remained with his mother but one
year after that event. ^Vhen he was 27 years of age
he came to Lapeer Co., Mich., where he became in-
terested in the pursuit of agriculture, and continued
to operate there until the spring of 1870, when he
became a resident of Sanilac County. He located
in Lamotte Township, where he bought 80 acres of
land. The place is now in fine condition, with good
farm buildings. Mr. Sawtell is an adherent of the
Republican party, and has been identified with the
local official interests of the township since be be-
came a resident. He has held the oftice of Super-
visor four terms, Justice of the Peace and Treasurer
three terms and Highway Commissioner. He is
present Postmaster, and has received two aijpoint-
uients to the position, — in 187 i and 1881. He is a
Baptist in religious belief

He was married in 1848, to Mary UnderhiU, who
was born in New York, and is the daughter of Fred-
erick and Sarah UnderhiU, both of whom were na-
tives of New York. The wife died in September of
the same year of her marriage The second marriage
of Mr. Sawtell was to Lydia A., daughter of David
and Mary (Waterman) Fisher, natives of New York.
Four children have been born of the second marriage,
— David E., Nov. 14, 1S54; Mary E., Oct. i, 1856;
Cassius L., Oct. 3, 1863; Nettie, May 4, 1868.

illiam MeLeod, general niercliant at Mel-
vin and Town Clerk of Speaker Township,
. ^ was born April i, iS59,in Canada. He is
^^M^ the son of Kenneth and Isabella (McPhee)
"'"' McLeod, who were also natives of Canada.
In 1863, they became residents of Michigan
and now live on 80 acres of land on section 20,
Speaker Township.

Mr. McLeod became a clerk in the employment of
Charles Dewey, of Melvin, when he was but 14 years
of age, and operated in that capacity eight years. He
obtained a good practical education, and has taught
three terms of school. He has no particular ]jolitical
bias. His first election to the incumbency of Town-
ship Clerk occurred in 18S1, and he has been sue-

— ^tK^dh

cessively re-elected since to the same position. He
is a member of the Masonic Order.

His marriage to Mary J. Goheen occurred in De-
cember, 1878. She was born in 1859, in Canada,
and is the daughter of Robert and Ann Goheen, who
were born in Canada. Ella A., born June 13, 1880,
and Hugh, born April 2, 1882, are the children of the
household of Mr. and Mrs. McLeod.

'\!iS£SiM^r

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liver B. Jacobs, druggist at Peck, was born

_,, Nov. 17, 1847, in Whitby, Ont. His father,

.'^y Charles Jacobs, was born in the State of

f Pennsylvania, of English parentage. He was
a blacksmith by trade and married Elizabeth
Warner, a native of Ontario and descended
from American ancestors. 'I'he family came to Mich-
igan in 1863, and the father resided in Sanilac
County until his death, in November, 1881. The
mother died in Ontario, when her son was 18 months
old. He was placed in charge of his grandmother,
Mrs. [ane Warner, who cared for him with all the
kindness and interest of a mother. In July, 1866, he
came to Michigan and located at Le.xington, where
he engaged as a salesman in the mercantile estab-
lishment of J. N. Clark. He began to teach when
he was 2 1 years old in the district schools, which oc-
cupation he followed for some time. He then entered
a drug store in Lexington, where he was employed a
short time, and later, in company with Charles Part-
ridge, embarked in the stave business. The enter-
prise continued two years, and on its termination he
went to Brockway Center, where he became foreman
in the saw-mill of John Stillson. He passed six
years in that position. His ne,\t business was as
agent for a nursery firm in New York, in which he re-
mained one year. In December, 1881, he came to
Peck and established himself in his present business,
which he has since continued with prosperous results.
He owns his stock, a desirable village lot and 40
acres of land on section 35, Elk Township, all of
which is improved.

Mr. Jacobs is a subscriber to the tenets of the Re-
publican party. He has served two terms as Town-
ship Clerk, and is now discharging the duties of his

' — '

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SAN/LAC COUNTY.

"Z^^s^^^T

^ third term in that incumbency. He has been for
^ four years the Under- Sheriff of Sanilac County. He
.1^ was married May 5, 1874, at Lexington, to Mary
T Ryan. She is of Irish descent, and her father is liv-
/^. ing in Ontario. Her mother died in that jirovince.
Mrs. Jacobs was born in the city of Buffalo. She
was reared by her relatives and on reaching mature
age came to Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have
three children, namely, Charles W., Lillie O. and
Elizabeth M.

(^^

l^amuel J. Welch, proprietor of the Elk Saw
and Grist Mills, in Elk Township, was
born Sept. 22, 1S43, '" Washington Co.,
N. Y. He is a son of S. O. and Betsey Ann
(Barrett) Welch, both of whom were born in
the State of New York, of New England line-
age. His father is a farmer, miller and lumberman,
and is now a resident of Brockway Center, where he
is a prominent agriculturist and is 65 years of age.
The mother of Samuel J. died at Brockway Center
in 185 I. Their family included six children.

When Mr. Welch was 12 years old, he came with
his parents to Sanilac Co., Mich. Two years later
they transferred their family and interests to Brock-
way, St. Clair Co., Mich., where they engaged in
farming. There the son remained until he was 19
years old, when he set out alone in his struggle with
the world. He had no difficulty in obtaining em-
ployment in the lumber woods and on the river, and
in alternate seasons on farms. At the age of 24 he
was married, at Brockway Center, to Rachel A.
Wedge. She was born in Dereham, Ont., Nov. 9,
1847, and is the daughter of John and Mary (Moore)
\Vedge, natives of Canada and born respectively of
Irish-German and English parentage. Her father
is a farmer by occupation and resides at Brockway
Center, aged about 76 years, and her mother died
there Sept. 10, 1882, aged 73 years. They came to
St. Clair County in 1855, and the daughter was a
resident with her parents until her marriage. The
four children of Mr. and Mrs. Welch were born as
follows: Betty A., Jan. 28, 1867; Mary L., Dec. 29,

1868; Jennie E., June 5, 1876; Lillian L., July 2,
1878.

.After marriage .Mr. Welch settled in the townsliip
where he was married. He followed farming and
improved 80 acres of land on which he lived until
April, 1S81. His father deeded him 40 acres, includ-
ing 20 acres of improved land, which made him
owner of a choice, well improved farm of 120 acres.
In the month and year named he came to Elk' Cor-
ners, where he established, in company with. S. C).
Welch, the milling interests in which he has since
been engaged. The products of his saw and grist
mills are already extensive and increasing. His
property includes a residence and lot in the village
and a half interest in the old Ayers Mill.

Mr. Welch is a Democrat of a radical kind.

(3 (7.

; obei't Boyne, farmer, section 20, Marlette
Townsliip, is the son of Robert and Jean-
i^; nette (Spencer) Boyne, and was born .'\[ivil 5,
^!p 1841, in Scotland, wiiich was also the native
i country of his parents, who became residents
of Canada before their son Robert was two
years old.

He was sent to the common schools of the Do-
minion, where he obtained a fair education. He was
reared to the calling of farmer, and in the fall of
1868 he came to Michigan, where he believed he
should be able to find a wider scope for his energies
and secure better advantages for his children. He
bought 80 acres of land in Marlette Townshi|), on
which he settled and devoted his time and strength
to its improvement. Later, he exchanged the property
for the farm, which now constitutes his homestead.
It then included 80 acres. By subsequent purchase,
he increased his estate to 120 acres, 70 of which is
now under cultivation, and present a fine evidence of
the quality of his agricultural skill and the wisdom
of his management. In [wlitical faith he is a Repub-
lican.

He was united in wedlock to Frances E. While
McLeod, in Canada, Ajiril 15, 1867, and the band of
olive branches that now brighten and bless the
household number seven, and are named as follows :

c^:

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SANTLAC COUN7Y.

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265 "S.

George A., Robert J., Mary E., Francis J., William
S., Nellie M. and Walter A. The family attend the
Presbyterian Church, of which the parents are de-
voted members.

atthew French is a farmer of 30 years'

standing in Lexington Township, located

i i>sw— ''^ '^'^ section 28 ; was born Nov. 24, iSi2,in

j/^'\\\ (^.j,.,_^(jjj j^g is t],e son of Charles and

•j^'" Ja-ne French, and was reared to the vocation
to which he has devoted his life in the Domin-
ion. He came to Lexington Township in 1854, and
bought 80 acres of land. The property comprised
70 acres of improved land, and is now all under cul-
tivation except about 10 acres. The farm residence
is a substantial brick building, and the orchards are
valuable.

Mrs. Abigail (Patterson) French, deceased, was a
native of Canada, and was married to Matthew
French in Whitchurch, Oct. ii, 1838. Six children
were born of this union, — William, now a farmer of
Lexington Township; Tliyrza J., David, Mahala,
Mary A. and Margaret. The mother died in Lex-
ington, Oct. 13, 1862. Mr. French was a second
time married, June 13, 18C6, to Janet Arnot, a native
of Scotland. 'I'he family attend the Christian
Church.

4-Ht4^f#^v,.-

'?enry Planz, one of the substantial farmers

^* of .Marlette Township, located on section

'^ I [, is a native of Cermany, wliere he was born

\ July 12, 1835. His entire ancestral lineage

1 was native to the " Faderland," including his

I i)arents, Peter and Catherine Planz.

The son received the solid education which is the

legal heritage of the children of German parents,

and at the age of 2 1 years he came to America. He

was a resident of the Dominion of Canada until the

spring of 1866, when he became interested in the

glowing accounts of the Peninsular State and deter-
mined to avail himself of its prospective agricultural
advantages. He came to Sanilac County and ]nir-
chased the farm which has since been his field of
active operation. His original purchase included 80
acres of land in Marlette Township. To this he
added 40 acres by later purciiase, and his tillable
land now includes 60 acres, which he has jjlaced in
credital.)le condition. In political faith he is a Re-
publican, and has served his generation in various
capacities, among whicli arc the offices of School
Director and Highway Connnissioner. \n 1879 he
was appointed Postmaster at Germania and held the
position five years.

His marriage to Barbara Schnell took place A[jril
5, 1864, in Canada. Of this marriage three children
have been born — Henry J., Selinda S. and John W.
Mrs. Planz is a native of Germany. She and her
husband are members of the Reformed Lutheran
Church.

^^m

Gardner, gram dealer at Croswell, was ^
lorn Feb. 17, 1847, in Westminster, Mid- (^ A
^ ;,p " dlesex Co., Can. A. K. and Hannah E.
1,^2, (Sloat) Gardner, his parents, removed from the
Dominion to Sanilac County in 1851, and pur-,
chased a farm in Worth Township, where they
have since resided. The son was four years old at
that time, and was reared to manhood on his father's
farm, living at home two years after attaining his
majority. He acquired a good common-school edu-
cation, and afterward attended one term of school
respectively at Vpsilanti and Ann Arbor. His pater-
nal grandfather was a good mechanic, and of him
he learned the trade of a carpenter. He worked at
joiner work as a business until the stringencies of the
times affected building so much that he decided to
devote himself to some other employment. He
entered upon that in which he is at present engaged
in 1879, as an employe of P. B. Sanborn, of Port
Huron. He assisted in the construction of the ele-
vator at Croswell, and on its completion took entire
charge of it.

He was married Jan. 21, 1875, to Francis M

r^<mi^M:>^ ^^^

Streeter. She was born Jan. 22, 185 i, in St. Law-
rence Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Alonzo and
Maria (Johnson) Streeter. Her mother died when
she was a child; lier father is a cheese manufacturer
in Aultsville, Can. Three children are now included
in the family of Mr. and Mr>. Gardner, born as fol-
lows: Winthrop A., Jan. g, 1S76; Bruce B., Aug.
31, 1880, and Harold, Aug. 8, 1882. The parents
are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Gard-
ner belongs to the National Greenback party.

-^^^*HJH5lf^^^

I?; ansford Scholz, farmer, section 10, Marlette

Township (Town 10), was born April 5,

1859, in Canada, and is the son of August

and Christiana Scholz. The parents were

natives of Germany, and emigrated thence to

Canada. In 1861 they came to Sanilac

County, where the father died, Dec. 25, 1880.

Mr. Scholz was but two years of age when his
parents became residents of Michigan. He received
a common-school education and was reared to man-
hood on the home farm, which was the property of
his father, and to which he succeeded on the death
of the latter. Nearly the entire acreage is under
fine cultivation. Mr. Scholz is a Republican in
political connection.

He was married in the township of Marlette, May
22, 1882, to Ella Gifford, who was born July 9, t863,
at Burnside, Lapeer Co., Mich.

— 'VV^^f-

^-Wv^— ^

EJ^quire C. Taylor, merchant at Peck, was
born April 25, 1832, in Franklin Co., Vt.
[^^ Mr. Taylor was the second son and third
child of 12 born to his parents. He was
reared on the farm in his native county, and
I when he was 20 years old he came to Michi-
gan. He engaged in farming in Macomb County,
where he remained eight years. In April, i860, he
came to Elk Township and operated three years in
traffic in staves. After that period he was occupied

in teaming, in farming and as a carpenter and joiner,
which trade he had learned at home in his youth.
He was thus variously engaged until 1881, when he
came to this place and embarked in the business
which he has since prosecuted, with satisfactory re-
sults. Mr. Taylor owns his place of business and
his residence and 40 acres of well-improved land or.
section 34, Elk Township.

He was married Dec. 31, 1 86 1, to Jane Collier, a
native of Ontario. She came to this county with her
parents, who were among its earliest settlers, and
who are both deceased. She died Jan. 13, 1866, in
Elk Township, leaving one surviving child,— George
M,— born May 2, 1863. Mary E. died in infancy.
Mr. Taylor was married to Harriet C. Gould, in Elk
Township, May 18, 1866. She was born March 12,
1847, in Wateriown, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. She
is the mother of nine children, four of whom are
deceased. Those yet living are named Louisa, John.
Minnie, Mary and Maud. The deceased are John
C, William, Claude and William W.

Mr. Taylor is a Republican in political principle,
and has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and
Highway Commissioner.

C5
A

If oseph Kerr, farmer, section 16, Speaker

''^^^- Township, was born in .A.pril, 1843, in Can-

■ 1^^^ ada, and is the son of Robert and Mary

$^ Kerr, both of whom were natives of Ireland.

Ilf Tliey died in 1847, when their son was but

i four years of age, and he has lost all but the

faintest remembrance of them. He was reared to the

age of 14 years by an uncle, and since that time has

relied on his own exertions for his maintenance. He

left the Dominion in 187 i and came to St. Clair Co.,

Mich., where he was a farmer 12 years. In 1883 he

sold his property prior to his removal to Sanilac

County. On coming here he located on 160 acres

of fine fanning land, which included no acres with

good improvements and suitable farm fixtures. In

political persuasion Mr. Keir is a Republican.

He was married March 20, 1867. to ?*Iai-y J. Wool-
ner. She was born in Canada in 1846, and is the
daughter of Isaac and Ann Woolner, who were

^'^■'^>>g^

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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respectively of English and Irish, descent. Follow-
ing is the record of the children of Mr. and Mrs.
Kerr: James, born Dec. 31, 1867; George, Oct. 26,
1869; Sarah A., Dec. 5, 1871; Melvin, March 25,
1874; Joseiih 1.., Nov. 12, 1S77. The parents are
members of the Baptist Churcli.

'■ ¥^i °'-*" ^' ^^^'^' ^ ^■' pliysician and surgeon,
■'' ufeJ }^ practicing at Sandusky, was born Oct. 20,
^A'iJ^S^ 1844, at KingsviUe, Ashtabula Co., Ohio.
yjlj He is the eldest surviving'son of O. B. and
Susan (Allen) Read. His father is the son of
'Lotan Read, and was born in Vermont. The
family removed to Canada when O. B. Read was
about four years of age, where his father became a
land-holder and accumulated a fair estate. He was
reijuired to take the oath of allegiance to the British
government, which he refused to do, and he was de-
prived of everything he possessed, the law providing
in cases like his for the entire |confiscation of the
property belonging to rebellious subjects. Lotan
Read removed his family to Crawford Co., Pa., where
he secured a claim of 160 acres of wild land and
carved out another success under the protection of
the Republic of the United States. His sons were
made of similar material, and the father and Dr.
Read engaged to cut 400 cords of cypress timber at
25 cents a cord. He next engaged in rafting cypress
timber down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and
afterwards " boated " wood on Lake Erie, in company
with a man named John Allen. On one occasion
they were wi-ecked in a gale in Conneaut Harbor.
Read and Allen tied their clothes about their bodies
and swam ashore. The father of Allen climbed to the
mast-head and spent the night, whence he was re-
moved by rescuers in the morning.

O. B. Read next turned his attention to farming,
which he pursued a short time in Ashtabula Co,
Ohio, going thence to Crawford Co., Pa. In 1870 he
became a resident of Benzie Co., Mich. Tiie mother
of Dr. Read was born in the Province of Quebec,
near Montreal. Her father, Elijah Allen, was a na-
tive of Vermont and a great-nephew of Ethan .Allen,
the hero of Ticonderoga. Her mother was blind for

a long term of years before her death. Her parents
removed to Canada, and thence to Crawford Co., Pa.,
where they passed the closing years of their lives.
She is living in San Francisco, Cal. She became the
mother of five sons and a daughter. Her oldest son,
Winfield S. Read, was drowned in 1S73, while bath-
ing ill San Francisco Bay. Eva, the daugliter, is the
wife of Alfred Parsjiall, nnd resides in Texas. Clyde,
youngest child, lives in Texas.

Dr. Read was lirouglu up on a farm, obtaining a
fair common-school education. • At the age of 16 lie
determined upon the career of a physican and began
liis reading, wliich he pursued as he could, reciting
once a fortnight to Dr. Wilbuni Whitley, Examining
Surgeon of tiie State of Pennsylvania, during the
war. Dr. Read pursued his studies in this manner
two years, when he entered the military service of
the United States as a private soldier. He enlisted
in Conneautsville, Crawford Co., Pa., March 23, 1S63,
in the logth Pa. Vol. Inf, Co. C, Capt. Walter
Dunn, senior Captain and in command of the regi-
ment, wliich had suffered serious decimation in ac-
tion, and was below the numerical standard for
organization. It was attached to the Second Brig-
ade, Second Division and 20th Army Cor[)s. Dr.
Read was detailed immediately after his enrollment
for field hospital service, in which he remained until
his discharge, which oc<uirred in June, 1865, under
General Order No. 77 On being mustered out he
returned to Pierpont, Ohio, where he read medicine
six months, with Dr. O. S. Trimmer. He then at-
tended the Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio, six
months, when he began his career as a practitioner at
Crossingville, Crawford Co., Pa.

Two years later he went to Venango County, in
the oil regions, where he became interested in the
leading business there and also practiced medicine
at Shambiirg. He operated there seven years, going
thence to Bradford, McKean County, in the same
State, where he continued his business four years.
At the expiration of that time he went to St. Cather-
ine's, Ont., for the purpose of studying dentistry with
Dr. James Jones, President of the Dental Associa-
tion of Lincoln Co., Ont. He remained there a year,
coming thence to Sandusky. He is the only regular
medical practioner at the county seat of Sanilac, and
has established a permanent and popular business.
In 1883 he matriculated at the Medical College at
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was graduated Feb. 26,

«if«

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ga*-

270

SANILAC COUNTY.

rQ^

1884. Dr. Read's qualifications for his profession
are of a superior order. His army practice gave him
peculiar advantages, and his later courses of study
have been of universally advantageous character.
He received from John Bolander, A. M., IVI. D.,
Prof, of Chemistry in the College at Cincinnati, a
diploma in Pharmacy and Chemistry, certifying to
his i|ualifications as an expert in analysis of poisons,
and in other avenues belonging to that branch of
professional duty.

He was married ' March 21, 1880, to Jennie
Bradish, daughter of Richard P.radish, of Crawford
Co., Pa. Lotan C, only child, was born Feb. 4,
1881, at Sandusky.

'i'lie portrait of Dr. Read is presented on a pre-
ceding page. His qualifications for his profession
are such as to give the value of the likeness a wider
scope than usual, and it affords the publishers satis-
faction 10 be the means of calling attention to the
claims of Dr. Read as a medical practitioner of tested
reliability and broad experience.

-^tJiaz/S^-^— l§^

|?4— >./^~SWWinv.

ohn Tenniswood, farmer, sections 8 and 17,
Speaker Township, was born March i,
1835, in England. His parents emigrated
to America in 1854, landing at the [lort of New
iL York. They went thence to London, Out.,
where they remained but a short time, remov-
ing to Middlesex County. In 1864 they located in
Michigan, on 80 acres of land on section 15, of
Speaker Township, where they have since resided.

On coming to this township, Mr. T. purchased 40
acres of land, but in three years returned to Canada.
In 1876 he took possession of 80 acres of land
in said township, to which he had entered a claim
previous to his return to the Dominion. He has
jjushed his interests with energy and judgment, and
is now the proprietor of 200 acres of land, with 150
acres under improvement. Politically, Mr. T. is a
Republican.

He was married in 1866 to Elizabeth, daughter of
Charles and Mary Ann (Ransom) Weston. She was
born June 10, 1849, in .Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Can.

Mary A., born May 25, 1871, and Eleanor A., born
Aug. 5, 1873, are the names of the children which
constitute the issue of this marriage. Neil McKeith,
adopted son, was born Feb. 26, 187 i. The family
are attendants on the worship at the Baptist Church.

section

Mar-

^F^Slfli illiiini Walker, firmer,

ijg^^Mj lette Township, was born July 19, 1842,
J^^r) ' ''^ ''^^ Dominion of Canada. His parents,
Y William and Ann (Keyes) Walker, were na-

"'I1 n tives of Ireland, who came to the New World
soon after their marriage. They removed to
Sanilac County when William was 13 years of age,
and settled in Marlette Township, where they reared
their sons to manhood.

Mr. Walker is now the owner of 1 10 acres of land.
Of this he has placed 90 acres in improved and cul-
tivated condition. He is a member of the Democratic
party in political connection, and has served his town-
ship three years in the capacity of Highway Over-
seer. He was married June 17, 1877, in Marlette,
to Maria, daughter of John and Margaret Armstrong.
She was born in the State of New York. The family
now includes two children, — Ceorge N. and Maggie
K.

19 a)

'>^|S3? in the township of (iwillimburx', June 8, 1838.
ll^r In 186 1 he began to read for his profession.

Ijlfred A. West, M. D., physician and sur-
Ijlg^^gi geon at Peck, was born in Simcoe Co., Ont.,
■j\r-^ in the townshii;
"fir In 186 1 he beg

I with Dr. Schofield, of the village of Bond
Head, in Simcoe County, remaining under his direc-
tion until 1864, when he entered Victoria Medical
College at Toronto. He completed the severe curric-
ulum of the medical course prescribed by that in-
stitution, where he was graduated in 1868. On
receiving his degree, he began his practice at Bond
Head, where he remained ten years. While residing
there his first marriage took place. The event oc-

\§^m^

-^m9Mi>^ — ^5^^

*■/>=

■:J& ^ (^^ M h>T^ ^^&s-

S A. VI LAC COUNTY.

271

curred in March, 1873, when Miss Elizabeth Fries!
became his wife. She was born near Milwaukee,
^ Wis., in 1847, and died at Bond Head, .'\iiril 5, 1874,
^ of puerperal fever following the birth of her first
::hild. The infant was named Edna and survived
its mother but six months.

In 187S Dr. West came to Lexington, Sanilac
County, where he entered upon the career of a med-
ical practitioner. He was a sei;ond time married while
here, to C'ynthia Farwell. The marriage took place
Nov. 5, 18S3, near Ixxington. Mis. West was born
in 1854, in Worth Township. Farwell A. is the only
child of this marriage. Soon after that event they
removed to this village, where Dr. West is engaged
in a thriving and popular business. He is a Re|)ub-
lican in political views and action.

jl'ohn J. Wixson, a farmer on section 33,
^M: Lexington Township, was born Feb. 5
^ip"^ 1846, in Schuyler Co., N. Y. His parents,
Joseph and Cornelia (Salisbury) Wixson, re-
moved to Sanilac County in 1850, and settled
on the same section where the son now resides.
His father bought 160 acres on the southeast quarter
of the section, all in its original, natural condition.
He lived to clear and otherwise improve about 80
acres, and at the time of his death, Aug. 8, 1857, the
farm was in a very prosperous condition.

Mr. Wixson was married when he was 26 years of
age, previous to which time he was an inmate of the
paternal home. Mrs. Lucy Wixson is the daughter
of Kenyon and Jane (Reynolds) Stevens, anil was
born Feb. 1 1, 1841, in the township of Worth, where
she was married to L J. Wixson, Oct. 6, 1S61. Her
parents were among the first permanent settlers of
Worth Township, where they are still living. One
son — Otis M. — was born Jan. 16, 1869.

Mr. Wixson became the owner by purchase of the
farm on which he has since o|)erated, in 1861, when
he bought 80 acres of land. The clearing and im-
proving are the work of his own hands, and he has
placed 60 acies in a highly creditable condition, with

biiildings of a satisfactory character, fine orchards and
other farm belongings, calculated to increase th;
value of the property. He is a prohibitionist in
princip'e.

^(|t,, red E. Tallmadge, speculator, resident at
iMarlctte, is the son of Jerome and Ellen

C. (Spencer) Tallmadge. They were na-
il^ tives of New York, and after their marriage
'h\>-^ settled in Otsego County, where they have
\ ])assed the successive years of their lives, save
two, which they spent in WiUiamsport, Pa. They
had three children besides Mr. Tallmadge of this
sketch, named respectively Frank W., Charles H.
and Minnie L.

Mr. Tallmadge is the third child and youngest
son. He was born Nov. 17, r857, in the city of ( >t- W'?
sego. He was a pupil in the common school until r=
he was 12 years of age, after which he attended tlie vV;
High School of his native |)lace three years. He na
then engaged about two years in the sale of milk in *^
the city of New York, associated with his oldest
brother. Through ihe years 1876-7 he assumed
management of the agricultural interests of his
father, after which he spent a year at the academy
at .\msterdam, N. Y. The _\ear following, he acted
as his father's assistant in the dairy business at
WiUiamsport, Pa. In January, i8Si, he came to
Michigan, where his second brother is a minister of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and where he re-
mained for a brief period. He came later to .St.
Charles, Saginaw County, where he obtained a situa-
tion as salesman in a store. .A.fter a service of eight
months he returned to Amsterdam, where he was
married, Nov. 10, 1881, to Alice A. Hutton. She
was born at Carlisle, N. Y. J. Floyd is the only
issue of this marrirge, who was born .\ug. ig, 1S82.
After his marriage, Mr. 'i'allmadge returned to
Michigan, and after spending some time in prospect-
ing, in lanuary, 1882, he settled at Marlette. He
established himself in the hardware business, and
cor-.ducted his interests in that avenue until 1883,
when he sold out and bought out a stock of dry
I goods, in company with his eldest brother, under the

I> X^ ^

'Z^:^<'Qf^'

T<>DD^DDr>T

■^

SANILAC COUNTY.

firm style of Tallmadge Bros. In September, 1883,
he„ formed a partnership with Warren Winterstein,

!^ establishing the firm of W. Winterstein & Co. They
T are engaged in the prosecution of an e.xtensive and
increasing business. Associated with A. E. Vail,
Mr. Tallmadge is largely interested in blooded stock.
Among their herds is one of the celebrated Holstein
cattle, and he owns' some valuable horses, justly
rated as among the finest in tlie county. Mr. Tall-
madge is one of the most active business men in
Marlelte, and besides the lines of traffic named he
has extensive interests in other directions. He be-
longs to the Masonic fraternity, and himself and
wife, in religious belief, accept tlie tenets of the
Methodist Episcoi)al Church. He is a Republican
of decided type, and a staunch supporter of good
morals and a high social standard. He has never
tasted strong drink of any kind, and has never used

yt^ tobacco in any of its forms.

-.JY r i-p?]; ugh J. McPhec, farmer and dealer in grain,
JN f^M^is operating on section 30, Speaker Townslii]!,
^ V^^*""* was born Nov. 25, 1844, in Canada, and he
m is the son of Dugald and Margaret (McMullen)
*? i\IcPhee. The parents were natives of Scotland
I and emigrated to Canada, afterward removing
to Sanilac County. 'I'hey located in Speaker Town-
ship, where they passed the remainder of their lives.
The father died March 7, 1865, the mother Feb. 14,
1868.

Mr. McPhee commenced his contest wilii the
wurld when he was only 14 years of age. He
o|)erated as a laborer and farm assistant until 1863,
when he came to Sanilac County with his parents.
They settled on 80 acres in tlie midst of the dense
woods, with no access to civilization save by Indian
trails, and supplies 18 miles distant. The place is
now all under improvement, and in the s[)ring of
1S84 he erected a fine dwelling-house at a cost of
$2,000. He has been handling grain to a considera-
ble extent since i88i,and is managing his operations
in that avenue at Melvin village. He is a member
of the Republican party and belongs to Lodge No.
316, F. & A. M., Brockway Center.

— ^^^^ — ^^-Mm

His marriage to Sarah A. Hall occurred May
10, 1837, in Canada. She is the daughter of Wil-
liam and Elizabeth (Norton) Hall, natives of Eng-
land. William J., only surviving child of Mr. and
Mrs. McPhee, was born March 19, 1868. Duncan,
born Dec. 25, 1878, died in 1881. The ]jarents are
n)embers of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

mif\®?^^k^

^ra[|: uther D. Mills, Surveyor of Sanilac County,

.&IE and farmer on section 34, Le.^dngton Town-
ship, is tlie son of Clark and Lucy (Olds)
'S"^ Mills. He was born in Vermont, about 24
fk miles tVoni the city of Burlington. His parents
\ removed, when he was six years old, to St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y. He was 17 years of age when
they made a second removal to Ohio. In tlie sum-
mer of 1841 they came to Le.xington and settled on
the present site of the Cadillac House.

Mr. Mills was married Aug. 22, 1842, in Erie Co.,
O., to Emily, daugliter of Joseph and Philena Clark.
She was born in Vermont, June 16, 1823. Follow-
ing is the record of the children of Mr. and Mrs.
Mills; Enimeline, born June ,24, 1843; Fernando,
June 29, 1845; Delia, July 10, 1847; Laura, Oct.
15, 1849; Solon, Oct. 26, 1852; Clark, June 10,
1854 (died Oct. 6, 1856); Walter, June 12, 1855
(died Oct. 16, 1856, ten days later than his brother) ;
Martin, Sept. 4, 1857 ; Daniel July 24, 't 860; Ida L.,
Dec. 19, 1863; Carrie M., March 4, 1865.

Mr. Mills ac(iuired the details of the carpenters'
and millwrights' trades, and also learned surveying,
in Ohio. In 1847 '^'^ came to Lexington and settled
on the farm on which he now resides. It comprises
36 acres, and at the date of purchase was coveted
witli timber. It is all cleared and improved, and is
sui)i)lied with line buildings and all the accessories
of a judiciously managed place. Mr. Mills is one of
the earliest permanent settlers in Lexington Town-
ship, and has held the position to which he is justly
entitled by his character and abilities. He cast the
first Republican vote in the county for State officers
in 1856; tlie second was deposited by his brother,
William .Mills. He has been Deputy Sheriff of the
county six years. In 1856 he was appointed County

(S)^

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I

'■^>

SANILAC COUNTY.

',_^-^r

Surveyor, and has discharged the duties of the posi-
tion 14 years.

The first wife died March 16, 1872, and Mr.
Mills married Julia Clark, her sister, Feb. 14, 1877.
She was born Sept. 10, r834, in Ohio. Edna, only
issue of the second marriage, was born Nov. 28,
1877.

™^i illiam Duff, farmer, section 27, Marlette
Township, was born April 20, 1826, in
»■/_ Scotland. His parents, James and Chris-
3> tina Duff, were also born in Scotland, and
emigrated late in life to Canada, where they
passed their remaining years.
Mr. Duff was in early youth when his parents em-
igrated to the New World, and he resided in Canada
until 1859. In the autumn of that year he bought
the property he now owns, consisting of 160 acres of
land in its primeval condition. He has a fine farm,
with 130 acres under tillage. The political views
and opinions of Mr. Duff coincide with those of the
Republican party. He was married in Halton Co.,
Ont., April 14, 1854, to Jeannette Campbell, a na-
tive of Canada and born of Scotch parents. Chris-
tian, John, Jeannette and William ai'e the names of
four children that have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Duff. The two latter are deceased. Mr. Duff and
his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

rifflfflj? illiam Smafleld, retired farmer, and Jus-
!~S tice of the Peace at Peck, was born Nov.
(P 23, 1820, at Sheffield, England. He was ed-
ucated in the common schools and was in-
structed in the details of the cooper's trade.
When he was 20 years old he came to America and
settled at first in Quebec. Later, he went to To-
ronto, whence he proceeded to the city of Buffalo.
At all these places he spent some time working
at his trade, and in 1843 went from the last named

^^^^ ^tH^DB^

to St Catherine's, Ontario. He established a cooper

shop seven miles from St. Catherine's, which he
operated two years. Meanwhile he was married,
June 23, 1845, in Niagara Co., N. Y., near the city
of Lockport, to i\l arietta Kinney. She was born
March 28, 1838, in Newstead Township in that
county. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Smafield
includes five children, all of whom are living. They
were born as follows: Annie M., Oct. 16, 1847;
Waller B., Nov. 2, 1849; John E., Feb. 3, 1851;
Franklin, Feb. r4, 1853, and Alfred, Sept. 27, 1857.
Two years after marriage they went to Elgin Co.,
Ont., where they resided until i86r, and were en-
gaged in agriculture. In that year they came to
Michigan. Mr. Smafield purchased 56 acres of land
on section 31, of Elk Township. He now owns 210
acres, which includes 140 acres of improved land.
He also owns four village lots, with residences. In
18S2 he rented his farm and took up his residence
where he now lives. He is a Republican in political
principle, and since 1870 has been Treasurer and
Justice of the Peace.

^nvhia

pharles H. Moore, farmer in Lexington
village, has been a resident of Sanilac
.1^ County since 1854. He was born Dec. 30,
■^ 1824, in Bath, N. H., and is the son of Isaac
' and Mary (Brown) Moore. His father was a
native of the same place and was a cabinet-maker
and millwright. In 1830 the family removed to
Lancaster, N. H., where they resided four years.
They spent about the same period in Barnet, Vi.
In 1S38 Mr. Moore went to Richmond, Chittenden
Co., Vt., to reside with an uncle. He was there en-
gaged as a farm assistant and also worked as a car-
penter.

He was married March 2r, 1848, to Sojihia,
daughter of George and Mary Hodges. She was
born in Williston, Chittendon County, in 1824.
Three children were born of this marriage: Ella E.
is the wife of Denuison Hicks, of Lexington (and is ©
the mother of one child, — Lala M.); Emily W. is "^

mi>^ — ^m^ — ""

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274

SANILAC COUNTY.

.-^

the wife of Henry Meyers, and Mary C. is living
with her parents.

In 1852 Mr. Moore came West and settled in
Harrison Township, Licking Co., Ohio, where he
continued two years, engaged in the management
of an extensive dairy. At the end of that time he
came to this township and engaged in farming.
He found his ability as a carpenter in demand,
and he aided in the construction of the first pier on
the lake. He was in the employ of J. S. Woods
for a long term of years, and has been engaged in
his interests 30 years. In 1855 he bought lots 12
and 13, and has since sold them. Later, he pur-
chased lots 9, 10 and 11, and has erected a hand-
some residence. He also owns 26 acres of farming
land in Le.xington village, and a lot in Sandusky.

He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and has
served several years on the Town Board of Trustees.
He has been a member of the Fire Department at
Lexington since he became resident there, and has
been Steward of the Company several years. He has
been, and still is, deeply interested in this direction.

acob Grimes, farmer, section 15, Speaker

^,, Townshiij, was born March iS, iS-jo, in

5" ' the county of Norfolk, Ei.g. His parents,
_ . Thomas and .Ann (Sexton) Grimes, were also
It natives of England, where they passed their
entire lives.

Mr. Grimes became a resident of America in 1852,
in which year he landed at New York, proceeding
thence to Canada. Eight years afterward he came to
Sanilac County, and in i860 located on 40 acres,
where he now lives and at present owns 120 acres.
He has followed agricultural pursuits all his life; has
been prosperous, and has placed his farm in fine
condition, having recently erected thereon three fine
barns, one of which is 50 by 36 feet, one 30 by 70
feet, and the third 52 by 48 feet. The place has also
a fine house.

Mr. Grimes is a Republican in political preference,
and has held the office of School Director.

.He was married in 1855, to Johanna Smith, the
daughter of Alexander and Nancy Sheldon (Vincent)

Smith. She died in October, 1S78, having become
the mother of seven children. Mr. Grimes was mar-
ried a second time Nov. 8, 1879, to Emily Cork
daughter of Robert and Fannie Cork, all of whom
are natives of England. Herbert, Arthur and Fannie
are the names of the children born of the second
marriage.

^1 '>-lj^4i4- .

t evi B. Robinson, farmer, section 34, Fre-
mont Township, has been a resident of
Sanilac County since June, 1865, when he
hP^ became connected with the agricultural ele-
rp ment therein, by the purchase of 80 acres
■L of land, where he established his homestead.
He has sold 40 acres of his original purchase.

Mr. Robinson has been active and efficient in
the local affairs of his township since he became
a resident. He has served four years as Justice
of the Peace, and has officiated during the last
eight years as Notary Public. He has also dis-
charged the duties of the several school offices.

He was born April 19, 18 12, in Albany Co., N. Y.,
and is the son of James B. and Anna (James) Rob-
inson. The father was a farmer and died at the
home of his son in Fremont at the age of 95
years, three months and 24 days. The mother
died in Livingston Co., Mich., aged 77 years.

The first 18 years of Mr. Robinson's life were
passed upon a farm, and at that age he began an
apprenticeship for the tailor's trade, which was his
business from 1835 to 1863, the year in which he
entered the military service of the United States.
He learned his trade at West Bloomfield, Ontario
Co., N. Y., and worked as a journeyman in various
places in the States of New York, Minnesota and
Michigan.

He enlisted in Macomb County, in the Eighth
Mich. Cav., Co. G. His regiment was brigaded
at Stanford, Ky., under General Burnside. He
received an honorable discharge, and was mustered
out May 23, 1865, at the United States Hospital at
Camp Nelson, Ky., on account of disability con-
sequent upon camp exposure, privation and hard-
ship. On returning to Michigan he visited his

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SANILAC COUNTY.

Y^^

-^m^:-. ^4^@§^(^-f|

27s

brother in Sanilac County, and, yielding to his solici-
tation, he decided on making Fremont Township
his home.

He was married Jan. 12, 1S3S, to Catherine
Hunt. Two children were born of this union —
Mary J. and John G. — both of whom are married.
The son resides in Westfield, Pa.; the daughter
in Steuben Co., N. Y. Mrs. Robinson is the daugh-
ter of Aaron J. and Lucy (Garfield) Hunt. They
died in Livingston Co., N. Y.

•^ilF^Sjlfhoiuas Norman, farmer, section 28, Lex-

|_<r\j ington Township, was born June 13, 185 i,

XjJTt^-i "^ in Canada. He is the son of John and

•^P^ Ann Norman, and was bred to the vocation of

tw a farmer. His parents located in Lexington

I Township, in 1864. His father at first bought

40 acres of land, and later he increased his estate to

80 acres. It is all under cultivation. The father

died Sept. 29, 1876, and the son succeeded to the

ownership of the property.

He was married Oct. 6, 1877, to Charlotte E. Mc-
Garvey, who was born Nov. 19, 1851, and is the
daughter of Israel and Luretta McGarvey. Mary
Blanche, only child of Mr. and Mis. Norman, was
born Sept. 17, 1879.

=E>-

Cames Ronald, farmer, section iS, Marlette
Township, is the son of Hugh and Jane
(McKie) Ronald, who were born in Scot-
land, but who emigrated in early life to Can-
]r ada, where they married, settled and passed
their remaining years. Their fanrily included
five sons and four daughters.

Mr. Ronald was born in Brant Co., Ont., Oct. 16,
1842. Until the age of 17 years he was engaged in
the acquisition of a common-school education. On
learning his studies he became a farmer under his
father's guidance and remained an assistant on the

^^^1- ^^^ — ^T^^^^n a :^

homestead until he reached the age of 28 years. He
then settled on a farm in the county where he was
born, which had been bequeathed to him, where he
remained until the spring of 1874, when he came to
Sanilac County and bought the property of which he
is present proprietor, comprising 160 acres of land.
It was in its original state of wildness, and by the
tlirift and industry of the owner go acres have been
converted into a finely cultivated tract, constituting
a valuable farm with fine buildings. Mr. Ronald is
an adherent to the principles of the Republican party,
and has held the local and school offices.

He was married Dec. 3T, 1873, in Waterloo Co.,
Ont., to Margaret, daughter of John and Jane
(Adams) Gillespie, natives of Scotland. She was
born in the county where she was married, June 76,
1845, and has become the mother of two children —
Hugh N. and James C. S. The parents are promi-
nent members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr.
Ronald has officiated as Elder and Trustee of the
local organization to which he belongs.

»^

*^^gwra7ra»'

farshal Woodard, resident on section 27,
Elk Township, was born June 12, 1850,

(

P''^ in the province of Ontario. He was reared
in the village of Tilsonbury, and after reach-
T" ing man's estated he engaged in farm labor.
He located in Speaker Township, in 1876,
where he married Zeruah Locke, a native of Worth
Township. She died in this township in the sum-
mer of 1880. One daughter, Julia, born of this mar-
riage, died when she was a year old. Mr. Woodard
was again married, in Speaker Township, Oct. 22,
1 88 1, to Mrs. Amanda (Simcho) Woodard. She was
born in the township of Durham, Oxford Co., Ont.,
Jan. 9, 1840. Her fatlier died when she was eight
years old and she was reared to womanhood by her
mother and maternal relatives, among whom she re-
sided until her first marriage. That event took place
March ir, 1856, when she became the wife of Wil-
liam Woodard, who was born Feb. 22, 1828, in the
State of New York. He was brought up on a farm,
and after reaching manhood became a carpenter.

mmf^j^

S>/^®»^^

'276

SANILAC COUNTY.

-HSS&'

He came to this township, where he became the
proprietor of 160 acres of land near the village of
Peck, on which he made extensive improvements
and where he died, March 2, 1881. He left seven
children. They were born as follows: Andy L.,
Oct. 19, 1S61; Myron T., Feb. 23, 1853; Florence
A., Oct. 30, i866; William A., Oct. 6, 1870; Presi-
dent G., Sept. 6, 1872; Daisy A., Oct. 25, 1874;
Minnie T., June 27, 1877. One child, Warren, was
born of a former marriage, Oct. 29, 1859. The last
named child is cousin and step-brother to the six
first named, his mother having been the sister of the
second wife. She was married March 7, 1848, and
died Dec. 31, 1854.

Mr. Woodard was universally esteemed as a neigh-
bor and citizen, and was pre-eminent in his domestic
relations. He was a Republican in political connec-
tion. Mrs. Woodard is a member of the religious
body known as Second Adventists.

<^.

-^^

T T

=HH^

section 9,

Mar-

If fftxl ? illiam Camei'on, farmer,
f(f\ c^^^ja lette (Town 10), was born March 7, 1844,
Js^p in Scotland, of which country his parents,
"4w^ John and Ellen (McDonald) Cameron, were
tW also natives. They emigrated to Canada in
1853, and soon after, in 1859, removed to San-
ilac Co., Mich., where they settled, in Marlette Town-
ship.

Mr. Cameron was but nine years of age when his
feet last pressed the "bonnie heather bells" on his
native soil, and he grew to man's estate in Michigan.
The family were among the permanent pioneer set-
tlers of the township, and the father and son were
among the most active and prominent in the develop-
ing interests of the new country. In addition to the
farm labors, they were interested in lumbering for
local necessities, and turned their abilities to use and
profit for the benefit of themselves and neighbors.
The son learned the trade of carpenter and joiner,
and shingled the first house in the village of Marlette
with shaved shingles, which were manufactured by
his father and himself. He also aided in the finish-
ing of the first saw-mill erected in the village of

Marlette, by John McGill. Mr. Cameron is a Repub-
lican in political principle, and has held the position
of Highway Commissioner 11 years. He is a mem-
ber of Marlette Lodge, No. 1,775, K.. of H., and has
been Dictator three years.

He was married March 26, 1864, in Marlette, to
Alice Hagar, a native of Canada, where she was born
June 17, 1844. William J., Anna E., Phebe and
George are the names of the children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Cameron. They are members of the
Protestant Methodist Church.

VlW^ASsla

!^r. Seth W. Bedford, physician and surgeon,
!> druggist and dealer in sundries, resides at

Peck, where he is Postmaster. He was
born June 19, 1831, in Oxford Co.,Ont. He
^^ is a son of Captain David and Lydia (Weston)
Bedford, who were natives of New England.
His father was a man of radical views, and when the
civil conflict of 1837 known to history as the "Patriot
or McKenzie's War" broke out, he enlisted and be-
came a leader in the rebellion against British rule.
The fate of the insurgents is well-known, and its
worst results overtook Captain Bedford, who was
taken prisoner and executed at London, Ont., for
the crime of taking up arms against the government.
No ignominy is attached to his memory ; he died for
freedom, as John Brown died. Had victory crowned
the effort, his name would have ranked with that of
Washington and Lincoln. In the place where he
lived he is remembered as a martyr to liberty ; and
the time is not far distant when the cause for which
he died will again be tested, with a result that will
reflect glory on the few names who strove so vainly
to secure it for the period to which they belonged.
The mother is still living and resides in Dakota
Territory. At the date of her husband's death she
had four young children.

Dr. Bedford is the oldest of the four children — two
sons and two daughters^born to his parents. He
was seven years old when his father was executed,
and he remained with his mother two years after that
terrible event. He developed rapidly in understand-
ing, through the circumstances that surrounded his

(7>.

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<mnm>^

^^^

-^!^^^ — ev<:>ii n^ n ni>-7^^

■^*^^^^ vm^

SANILAC COUNTY.

277

youth, and was early impressed with the necessity of
self-maintenance. He was only nine years old when
j^^ he went into the world to seek a liveliliood. He was
T taken charge of by a neighboring farmer, and worked
(^. three years for his clothes and board. After that, he
spent the summers in farm labor and the winters in
study until he was 20 years old. At that age he
turned his attention to the acquisition of a substan-
tial education, which he succeeded in securing. In
1853 he went to California. He passed 13 years in
traversing the States and Territories of the Pacific
slope, and extended his travels through British Co-
lumbia and the peninsula of Alaska. Eight years of
this period he devoted to mining. During the gold
excitement of Frazer River in 1858-9, he was at
Puget Sound and in Washington Territory, where
he had many adventures incident to those remote
regions, then inhabited by Indians and abounding
j^ in game.

\ In 1866 he returned to the Dominion of Canada,

but the same blood flowed in his veins that impelled
his father to struggle for manly independence, and
he found it impossible to abide long under the
British flag. Even in his boyhood, he had rebelled
against the royal standard of England, and it was
his custom on each succeeding Fourth of July to
hoist the Stars and Stripes and hurrah for the
banner of equal rights and human liberty. For this
he was once arrested, but was soon released on
account of his youth. But he ever afterwards per-
sisted in observing the "day we celebrate." He
was proprietor of a hotel at Otterville until 1870,
and while there incurred a loss of about $2,000
by fire. On coming to Michigan in the year named,
he located at Nortli Branch, Lapeer County, wliere
he engaged in the study of medicine. He remained
there three years and entered upon the practice of
his profession. At the expiration of that period, lie
removed to Marlette, where he passed a year in the
same vocation. In the spring of 1874 he came to
Peck and established himself in a substantial and
prosperous practice. He is independent in political
views and connections. In 1876 he received his
appointment as Postmaster. He has also occupied
the position of Township Clerk, and is a member of
the Masonic Order, belonging to Elk Lodge, No.

'^)

35-

Dr. Bedford has been married tliree times. His

^■)f^#-

present wife was Hannah Allen, a daughter of
Chauncey and Lavinia (Fo.x) Allen. She was born
and reared in Elk Township, wliere her parents were
pioneer settlers. Her father died in 1881. Her
mother is living in this township. James C, only
child of Dr. and Mrs. Bedford, was born Dec. 15,
1877. The first wife of Dr. Bedford, who died in
Ontario in 1869, became the mother of one child,
Lydia E., born Aug. 14, 1868, and died in January,
1882. The second wife died at North Branch,
Mich., in 187 1, leaving one child, John C, born
Aug. 17, 1871.

-J&t^-

Carles E. Stevens, farmer, section 34,

P3^ Fremont Township, was born in Con-
£j«^ necticut, Feb. 2, 1842. He is the son of
W Thomas A. and Maria L. (Crane) Stevens.

{ The former died in Port Huron, Mich., in
1857, when he was about 43 years of age. The
mother is still living in Gratiot Township, St. Clair
County. She was born about 1818.

The father of Mr. Stevens was a wheelwright,
and worked at that business a number of years,
also operating to some extent as a farmer. The
family lived in town until the son was 12 years
of age, when they removed to a farm. He was
15 years old when his father died, and he and a
brother supported the family by their labors as
farmers, lumbermen and sportsmen, game and fish
being plenty at that early date. This was the duty
and occupation of his life until 1869, when he came
to Sanilac County, reaching the place which was to
be his future home April 5. He had purchased
80 acres the fall previous, and to this he added 80
acres later on. The place had a clearing of about
eight acres and a small frame house. The farm
of Mr. Stevens is in a condition that stamps him as
a man of industry, thrift and good judgment, 100
acres being inii)roved and under excellent cultiva-
tion.

Mr. Stevens has discharged the duties of his
citizenship in the offices of Township Clerk, two
years. Justice of the Peace, four years, and as

^ |l|]f>A^ ^^^ -|»^

Vto:

J^^

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2'ji

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SANILAC COUNTY.

ia^

School Director, 12 years. He is a Democrat in
political conviction.

His marriage to Mary S. Swan occurred June
15, 1865. She was the widow of Horatio Swan,
who died in the year 1863, leaving four children —
Kirk H., John E., William S. and Josephine M.
Of her second marriage five children have been
born, as follows: Jennie M. was born May 5, 1866,
in Oakland Co., Mich., and was married Aug. 10,
1884, to Sarah C. Scott. George E. was born in
Port Huron, June 13, 1868; Charles F., Aug. 22,
1872; Annie. E., Feb. 21, 1874; Esther M., Jan. 29,
1877. Mrs. Stevens is the daughter of Harley
and Diantha Olmsted. Her father was the first
white settler in Oakland County, and her brother
was the first white child born there.

— 'vv^SP-i^S-w-— ^-

J;i'fe=«Til!f'olin Fitzgerald, farmer, section 2, Speak-
';. ;'>^|, - er Township, is the son of John and Mary
■f^ (Berningham) Fitzgerald. The parents are
natives of Ireland, and the father died in 1835,
in the city of New York. The mother is a resi-
dent of Canada.
Mr. Fitzgerald was born May 7, 1830, in Limerick,
Ireland. His parents came to America when he was
in early youth; his father dying soon after, his
mother returned to Ireland with her children to place
them in the care of their grandparents, with whom
they remained until the death of the grandfather.
They then returned to America, and the son, who is
the subject of this sketch, acquired the details of the
painter's trade, which was his occupation until 1862.
In that year he enlisted in Co. C, Sixth Mich. Cav.,
Capt. Wesley Armstrong, of Lapeer, Mich. The
regiment joined the Army of the Potomac and was
assigned to the command of Kilpatrick. It was in
action at Gettysburg, Falling Water and througii the
engagements of the Richmond raid. Mr. Fitzgerald
was made prisoner of war June 11, 1864, at Trevilian's
Station, Va., and confined at tiie notorious Libby
prison at Richmond until his removal to that climax
of horror — the stockade pen at Andersonville, Ga.,
where he arrived June 28, 1864. He was sent later
to Camp Lawton, Ga., and a month after he went to

Savannah. He was one of the hapless Unionists
who were sent to Blackshire to secure them from relief
from Sherman, then on his march to the sea, and
traversing that portion of Georgia for the express
purpose of relieving them. That period of suffering
eclipsed all others they had passed. Henry M.
Martin, of the 72d Ohio Volunteers, also a prisoner
in the hands of the Confederates, relates of this
period, that only those survived who had determined
to outlast the whole Southern Confederacy, as the
sufferings were so much increased by the exposure in
addition to other privations. They were driven thence
to Thomasville, and afterwards on foot to Albany, a
distance of 66 miles, at the mercy of drivers who
impelled them forward like a herd of animals. They
were sent from the last named place back to Ander-
sonville, where they arrived Dec. 24, 1864. Mr.
Fitzgerald was paroled April 28 following, after a
period of suffering protracted through 1 1 months.
In June following he was discharged and returned to
Lexington, where he remained until 187 r. In that
year he removed to his present location. Mr. Fitz-
gerald is a Democrat in political connection, and a
member of Lodge No. 61, F. & A. M., at Lexington.
He was married, in 1854, to Catherine Cornwell.
She was born in 1832, and died in 1S61. In 1865
he was again married, to the widow of Alexander
Stacy, n Union soldier who was killed in action July
20, 1864, at Peach-Tree Creek, Ga. Three children,
Catherine A., John F. and Mary, were born of the
the first marriage. Of the second, two have been
born — Paul and James.

-^'

c^:

J^ra Bullock, farmer, sec. 6, Marlette Town-
[r ship, was born July 24, 1835, in Canada.
He is a son of William and Nancy (Heaton)
Bullock, who were born respectively in the
States of New York and New Jersey. Mr. Bul-
lock received his education and training in the
Dominion, where he lived until November, 1861.
At that date he came to St. Clair Co., Mich., where
he purchased 40 acres of land, on which he resided
ten years. At the end of that time he sold the place
and removed to Almont. He was a resident there

^^^#-

<mm

SANILAC COUNTY.

-^^i^s^

279

^
r

nearly two years, and in the spring of 1874 came to
Sanilac County. He bought 240 acres of land in
Marietta Township, on which he settled and where
he has since rigorously prosecuted his agricultural
interests. He has placed nearly 100 acres in good
farming condition. He is a Republican in political
faith and action and has been Justice of the Peace
one year.

His first marriage occurred in Elgin Co., Can., Feb.
25, 1857, to Marion A. Moore, a native of the Do-
minion. His wife died Oct. i, 1861, in Canada, leaving
two children : George H. and Minor. Mr. Bullock
was a second time married June 11, 1863, in Elgin
County, to Maria J. Ensign, who was born in Canada.
Four cliildren have been born of this marriage — Nina,
James W., Ira R. and Henry S. The parents are
members of the Baptist Church.

'i>n^<;

--i^^^^£«^|:-^?^?5-.

Ifonzo Gray, an early settler and prominent
farmer of Sanilac County, resides on sec-
tion 10, Speaker Township, and is the son of
Nathan and Eunice Gray, natives of the State
of New York. After marriage, they removed to
Canada, where the mother died in 1S50, and
the father in 1857.

Mr. Gray was born .\pril 6, 1825, in the State of
New York. On becoming his own master, he engaged
as a farm laborer in Canada until 1859. In that year
he removed to Speaker Township. The county was
in its earliest pioneer days, roads being only Indian
trails or otherwise of a poor order, and the place of
supplies being 18 miles distant, at Lexington. They
located on 40 acres of wild land, and the farm now
includes an additional "40," with two comfortable
dwellings.

The marriage of Mr. Gray to Sarah L. Watson oc-
curred in 1852. She was born Oct. 2, 1836, in
Kingston, Can., and is the daughter of William \V.
and Ruth Ellen Watson. Her father was born on
the Mississippi River. Her mother was born in
Canada in 1814, and died in 1S83. Of this marriage
one child, Charles A., was born April 3, 1853, in
the portion of Canada known as " Eden."

Mr. Gray is a Republican in politics. He became
a soldier for the Union during the course of the civil

war, enlisting in Co. K, i6th Mich. Inf. The com-
mand was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, in
the corps of Gen. Meade. On receiving honorable
discharge at Alexandria, Mr. Gray returned to his
home in Speaker Township. He and his wife are
members of the Protestant Methodist Church.

K!£J

Ibert E. Vail, merchant at Marlette, is the
TT^^siii son of George W. and Hannah C. (Gunn)
Vail. After their marriage, the parents set-
'&. tied in Middlesex Co., Out., where they resided
until their removal to Sanilac (bounty, which
look place in 1877. Their family consisted of five
sons and one daughter.

Mr. Vail is the second son, and was born March
10, 1853, in Middlesex Co., Ont. He obtained a
common-school education, and when he was 14 years
of age he found himself his own master, with the
world before him. He learned the trade of carpenter
and builder in his native province, at which he worked
chiefly until he was 22 years of age. He was for a
short time engaged in clerking, and later accepted a
position as foreman in a machine shop in Ontario,
operating in that capacity between two and three
years. The engagement terminated with the burn-
ing of the shop. In the spring of 1877 he came to
Marlette, and in company with two brothers bought
out the grist-mill of R. Wilson & Son. After pros-
ecuting the business about ten months, he sold his
interest to his brothers and continued to manage the
affairs of the mill as foreman, a relation which ex-
isted three and a half years. In the fall of 1880 he
went to Minnesota, where he remained six months
and afterwards made an extended trip through the
States of Kansas and Iowa. He returned to Mar-
lette, where he established a drug trade, which he
conducted until February, 1882, when he sold out
and bought the hardware stock of F. E. Tallmadge.
He has sines continued to transact a satisfactory and
prosperous business in that line of traffic. Mr. Vail
has no political bias, and is considered as neutral in
his oi)inions.

His marriage to Mary E. Donaldson occurred in
1 Marlette, April 14, 1880. She was born in Iowa,

()

v<^.\imm>7

280

SANILAC COUNTY.

(5^

Feb. 21, 1 86 1, and is the daughter of David and
Anna Donaldson, the former a native of -Scothmd,
and the latter of Michigan. George D., only child,
was born March 11, 1882.

ames Rutherford, farmer, section 7, Mar-
lette Township, is the son of George and
Agnes (Meichel) Rutherford, natives of
Scotland, of which country he is also a native.
He was born Oct. 6, 1820, and came to the
New World in 1848. He located in Canada,
where he lived until i85<5. In that year lie decided
to test the promise and reputed resources of the Pe-
ninsular State. He came to Sanilac County and be-
came the proprietor, by purchase, of 160 acres of
land in the township of Marlette. He took posses-
sion of the place the )ear following and has contin-
ued to reside there. He has pushed his agricultural
interests until he owns 360 acres of land in Sanilac
County, and has placed nearly one-half of his acre-
age in tillable condition. He is a man of strong
good sense and native ability; is a Republican in
political connection, and has been Township Treas-
urer four years.

He was married before he left his native country,
to x\nn Donald, who was also born in " Auld Scotia."
They have had eight children, named as follows :
Isabella, George, Margaret, James, John, Agnes,
Anna, Robert. The parents are members of the
Presbyterian Church.

S^-i-D.

ames Knight, farmer, section 22, Marlette
Township, is a substantial member of the
sJ^ ^ agricultural community to which he be-
longs. He is the son of David and Catherine
^r (Moore) Knight. His father was a native of
I Scotland and his mother was born in Barnard,
Vermont. They emigrated to Canada, where their
son was born Aug. 14, 1820, in the county of Halton.

His education was necessarily meager, owing to the
remoteness of his home from schools, as he passed
the first 18 years of his life in assisting on his father's
farm. In 1838 he went to the State of New York,
returning thence 12 years later to Canada, where he
remained three years. In the fall of 1S61 he came
to Michigan. He was satisfied that the county of
Sanilac presented facilities for the application of his
efforts and was a fit field for his ambitious iilans-
and he located on a tract of 220 acres of land in
Marlette Township, which he had entered in the
land office two years previous. He has retained 160
acres of his purchase, and has cleared, improved and
cultivated 80 acres. He is a Republican in political
sentiment and connection.

He was married in Canada, Nov. 6, 1861, to Isa-
bella Dougherty, who was born in Canada. Three of
five children born of this union survive, — David,
Catherine and Elizabeth A. The deceased children
died in infancy. The parents belong to the United
Presbyterian Church.

^*H^fe

t('-y|; lamuel Van Camp, deceased, former pro-

1 prietor 01 the Globe Hotel at Peck, was

- born in the Province of Ontario, in 1826.

(V, His parents, Jacob and Mary (Buike) Van

l\®)>e^#^

u:^

Cam]), were both natives of Canada and be-
longed to the agricultural class. The father
died in Ontario, the mother in 1883, in Grand Trav-
erse, Mich.

Mr. Van Camp was brought up to the vocation of
his father. He was married in Darlington, Durham
Co., Ont. (where he was born and reared), Dec. 15,
185 1, to Jane, daughter of Charles and Mary (Miles)
Nobles. She is a native of Ontario, of Irish descent.
Her father was a farmer and resides with his son
Andrew in Elk Township. Her mother died about
1864, in Canada, aged 43 years. He came to this
township in 1880, and retains to a remarkable degree
the activity of his prime. His family includes three
sons and two daughters, all of whom are living and
settled in life. John, Archibald and Mary are resi-
dents of Canada. Mrs. Van Camp was born May
I, 1843, in Darlington, Durham Co., Ont. She be

c>4i / ^/ '^:

I))^?#^

^^nr^^lJU^UU^^ v ^ yy^-

SANILAC COUNTY.

6)
>

■■>.
1=1

came the mother of ten children, seven of whom are
deceased. Maggie, Sarah and Minnie reside with
their mother and afford effective assistance in the
labors and duties pertaining to the hotel, which Mrs.
Van Camp is still managing. Samuel died at the
age of 13 years; the others died in infancy.

Two years after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Van Camp, they were engaged in farming, in On-
tario. In 1853 they came to this county and located
at first in Lexington, then inhabited by a few pioneer
settlers. Mr. Van Camp built a hotel, which he
called the Franklin House. He conducted it as a
house of public entertainment two years, when ne re-
moved to Buel and there engaged in the same ca-
pacity for some time. About 1864 he came to Peck
and took possession of the Globe Hotel, whose man-
agement he continued until his death, which occur-
red Feb. 3, 1881. He owned the hotel and consid-
erable real estate besides. He was a Democrat and
held a prominent place in the j^arty he represented
in the township.

6«

•■ — ->-5-^i — o<®Mi))>-?s>o — ^>-5<- — •

oseph Moss Gaige. banker and dealer in
real estate, resident at Croswell, was born
■' June 13, 1848, at West Burlington, Otsego
Co., N. Y. His father, Henry \V. Gaige, was
Tc born Dec. 7, 1821, and is the son of Sherbiirn
I and Christine Gaige. He was reared to man-
hood in the Empire State, and married Harriet N.
Cornell, daughter of Daniel and Martha (Russell)
Cornell, at West Burlington. The mother of Mr.
Gaige, of this sketch, was a member of the Cornell
family of University fame, though belonging to a
different branch from that of Ezra Cornell, whose
interest in the cause of education in the Empire
State has created permanent recognition of the
name. She was born July 10, 1821, and died Nov.
I, 1856, at the age of 34 years, leaving two children
— Mary Christine, wife of J. H. Richardson, mer-
chant at Croswell, and Mr. Gaige, of this sketch.
The father contracted a second matrimonial alliance,
with Mrs. Sarah (Davis) Waldo. The senior Gaige
is still living, at West Burlington.

Mr. Gaige obtained his elementary education at
the common schools of his native county, and at the

K2)

age of 14 years became thsp-o^ege of Truman Moss,
the founder of Croswell, to whom he was allied by
birth. He had received the name of a deceased son
of Mr. Moss, who hoped to realize in him so far as
might be the hopes that had set in the grave of
his son. Mr. Gaige as a boy possessed the active,
restless temperament which has characterized his
life. His predominating trait, even in childhood,
was a persistent energy, which, being free from
mischievous tendency, promised a manhood of use-
fulness and achievement — outlining a future of far
more value to the work of the world than the un-
wholesome cravings of natures wholly surrendered
to the ambitions which thwart the career of a large
proportion of the rising young men of the period.

In study, and as an assistant in the mercantile
establishment of Mr. Moss, young Gaige passed the
years of his life previous to the age of 15 years. In
1863 he was placed at the Oneida Conference Semi-
nary at Cazenovia, where he entered upon a prepar-
atory collegiate course of study, which he supple-
mented by a year at Cooperstown Institute. He was
a diligent, persistent student and accomplished a
large amount of study to the close of his preparatory ^>
course, but he chafed under the confinement and 1=
application necessary to the accomplishment of the S>
purpose of Mr. Moss, who had charge of his educa-
tion and training, and it was decided to compromise
the matter by giving the young gentleman a thorough
education in law. He was accordingly placed under
the instructions of Messrs. E. C. Walker&C. A. Kent,
an eminent legal firm of Detroit, under whose guid-
ance he prosecuted his legal studies one year (1866).
E. C. Walker is still an attorney of prominence in the
City of the Straits, and is a brother of Judge Walker.
C. A. Kent is a member of the faculty of the Law
Department of the University of Michigan at Ann
Arbor, where Mr. Gaige entered in 1867. He was
graduated at the latter place in the spring of 1869
receiving the authority of the institution to practice
in the State Courts of Michigan. He was admitted
to the Bar in Detroit, and gave some attention to the
details of professional life, but his natural predilection
for an active business career came to the surface
with such force of frequency thai; the scheme of a
professional course was abandoned. He prepared to
enter vigorously into the lake service, and on the
opening of the business season of 1870 he was thor-
oughly equipped to participate in its opportunities.

^JIiaSDr^'^© a«8^

&)^v^^

t!7

V^:l]Il^liny>v

■^#^^

SANILAC COUNTY.

■:■/

He held the proprietary ownership of the " Truman
Moss," and of the " J. O. Moss," two schooners which
phed among the several lake ports, and he also estab-
lished himself in a branch of business known to the
craft as " ship brokerage."

After the close of the navigation season on the
lake he sold the two vessels and his entire interest as
a ship broker in order to enter the business firm of
Moss & Mills, merchants and lumbermen at Cros-
well (then Davisville), becoming junior member with
them in the spring of 187 1. The style became "Moss,
Mills & Gaige," the firm having an invested capital
of $165,000, and being heavily interested in the
avenues of business named. They owned immense
tracts of pine land in .Sanilac County, and their office
for the transaction of local business was established
in a building connected with the residence of Mr.
Moss near the right bank of the Black River, which
flows between the old and new portions of Croswell.
The business relations of Messrs. Moss, Mills &
Gaige ended with the termination, by natural limita-
tion, of their lumbering interests.

The next business enterprise of Mr. Gaige was the
establishment of his private banking house known as
the "Sanilac County Bank," in September, 1882,
where he has since conducted a general banking
business, embracing' all the operations common to
such institutions. He owns a considerable acreage
of land in Sanilac County, and is engaged in the sale
of real estate to a considerable extent.

Mr. Gaige has been a resident at Croswell since
1871, and has taken an unmistakable and disinterest-
ed interest in all projects referring to the advance-
ment and progress of the place and people. In all
his movements he never fails to consider the welfare
of Croswell, and he makes it a point to operate with
direct advantage, not only to the location of his home
but to the advantage of this portion of the Peninsular
State. The act for the incorporation of Croswell was
passed by the Legislature of 1882-3, and he was
elected President of the village in the spring of
1883, to which position he was re-elected in the
spring of 1S84 (current year).

He identified himself with the Republican party on
the attainment of his majority, and continued to act
in accordance with its principles until the organiza-
tion of the National Greenback element, when he
became an adherent of its fundamental creed. He

based his position on his unqualified trust in the
United States as a nation, and that the Government
possessed the power to create representative issue of
its resources whenever the condition of the country
demanded such action, as well as in case of emerg-
ency, the relative force of each being inherently a
matter of opinion. The issue being met by the Re-
publicans, he resumed his former relation with that
element, the action convincing him that a party
which had accomplished so much held within itself
the elements to achieve other needed reforms. In
1878 he was nominated for Representative to the
Legislature of Michigan from the district which then
included Sanilac, Huron and Tuscola Counties, his
name being placed before the people by the local
Fusionists of the district. His defeat was a virtual
triumph, as the opposition candidate, who had car-
ried a previous election by an overwhelming n.ajority
of 1,500 votes, secured the position this time by a
majority reduced to 58 votes. At the Republican
Senatorial Convention held at Minden, Friday, Sept.
6, 1884, Mr. Gaige was nominated for the position of
Senator. The honor came to him unsolicited during
his temporary absence in the East. The result is
tvell-nigh foregone, owing to the political status of
the district and the general estimate of the character
of the nominee, and his well-known devotion to local
interests, as well as his widely understood and popu-
lar traits, presenting a strong claim of fitness and
e.xpediency.

One of the most noted acts of Mr. Gaige was the
naming, in 1S79, of the county seat of Sanilac Coun-
ty, which he called Sandusky, with eminent good
judgment, as it does not repeat the designation of
any other place in Michigan; it serves as a reminder
that the city of that name in Ohio was founded by
the families to which he belongs by consanguinity.

\Vitliin the first year of his residence at Croswell,
came the first general ordeal of devastation and ruin
in Sanilac County by the fire fiend. Messengers
brought tidings of the havoc at different points
during the closing days of September and the open-
ing ones of October, 187 i ; and as tales of losses of
life swelled the dread recitals of destruction of
property, the people at Croswell, who were almost
wholly without means of extricating themselves, be-
came seasonably alarmcl ar.d organized to' arrange
means of safety. Creeping tongues of flame ap-

»4>

S^X

-^^^K — 6v<>tiii^DH^>T^

SAN/LAC COUNTY.

287

)

•■>.

proached the lumber yards of Moss, Mills & Gaige,
and on two occasions the fire department of Lexing-
ton was summoned to subdue the fires. The losses
of the firm in standing timber at points where it was
impossible to check the course of the destroying ele-
ment were already heavy, and the several members
were of the opinion that prompt organized action
could save (^roswell, as the event proved. Tiie
people of the village made common cause of the
work of averting the catastrophe which had been so
terrible in other portions of the county. Men,
women and children were stationed at various
points, and a working force went to meet the ap-
proaching monster whose lurid glare environed the
town and whose smoke filled the atmosphere and
pressed into the dwellings to an extent that made
vision of little avail. Mr. Gaige was in the saddle
five days, directing the operations of 60 men, who
were fighting the progress of the fire in every con-
ceivable manner, with plows, spades and other de-
vices which could be of any possible use. Business
was suspended, domestic routine was wholly aban-
doned, and only the unremitting superhuman exer-
tions of the people saved the place. The fires
crawled close to tlie residences, and the wind hurled
burning chunks and cinders upon the roofs of the
buildings, necessitating constant watchfulness ; and
a large proportion of the women stood on the roofs
of their houses with water to extinguish the embers
which fell in showers all around. Every household
had its effects packed, and the horses were kept
harnessed and the wagons in readiness for instant
flight when effort to fight the fire should be no longer
effective.

But hope and labor prevailed and the end came.
The sun set on the evening of Oct. 9, and when it rose
the following day only the sullen gray of the smoke
from smouldering fires in the surrounding district
could be seen in the atmosphere, which gradually
broke away, the people experiencing a sensation as if
their aggregate possessions had been suddenly and
mysteriously transplanted to a new realm, wholly
strange and desolate with the marks of a mighty
struggle. One feature of the fire was that numbers
of bears and deer came from the woods into the
streets of the village, so dazed by terror of fire that
their shyness of human contact was entirely over-
come, bears in several instances pressing in a coax-

ing, cat-like manner against the persons of men, as if
soliciting protection.

The approach and progress of the second visitation
of the scarlet demon in 1881 was an event of much
less moment to Croswell. Improvements had made
such strides that open fields protected the village,
and although the fire came near enough to create
some uneasiness and unusual effort, it was altogether
shorn of its terrors in a comparative sense.

Mr. Gaige is prominent in Masonic affairs, and has
advanced in the order to the extreme limit afforded
in America, having passed to the 33d degree. He
made his first connection with Blue Lodge No. 61 ,
at Lexington, in 1871, and subsequently took the
degreeof Damascus Chapter, No. 41, and of Lexing-
ton Commandery, No. 27, of which body he holds the
position of Past Eminent. Dec. 10, 1878, he became
a member of Michigan Sovereign Consistory at De-
troit. He and Mrs. Gaige are communicants in
Christ's Church (Episcopal) at Croswell, in whose
interests they are active and efficient.

Mrs. Mary Ella (Jones) Gaige was born in Fish-
kill, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Sept. 12, 18^3. She is the
daughter of M. V. K. Jones, Postmaster at Croswell
(see sketch). Her mother, Elizabeth A. (White)
Jones, is the daughter of Nicholas White, who was
for 30 years an itinerant minister of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He was Presiding Elder in
Brooklyn and vicinity nine years. Mr. and Mrs.
Gaige were married Sept. 20, 1869, at Ann Arbor.
Mrs. Gaige occupies a social position, in which she
does credit to her womanhood, and by her genial
affability and unaffected manners throws a grace
about her influence which renders her an acquisition
to society of no ordinary stamp. The home and
surroundings of the family are characterized by quiet
elegance with no attempt at ostentation.

Mr. Gaige is a representative of the men of this
generation, upon whom rest the hopes of the Repub-
lic. Reared in affluence, trained under social in-
fluences of an elevated character, one of the heirs of
his patron and relative, Truman Moss, he preserves
his character of independent, spotless manhood, and
holds the unwavering esteem of all who know him.

The addition of the portraits of Mr. and Mrs.
Gaige give an attraction to the Album of Sanilac
County of no common type. They may be found on
pages just preceding the beginning of this sketch.

(

4>^5f^P

288

'T<mm\im^

4^^c^-il

SANILAC COUNTY.

>
rs

)

<ft

obert Tenniswood, farmer, section 15,

Speaker Township, was born May 24,

1837, in England, and is tlie son of Robert

•J{^ and Mary (Gaul) Tenniswood. Both parents

were born in Cumberland, England, the
mother Nov. 23, 1809, the father May 27,
1803. In 1842 they left the Old World for Amer-
ica, and landed at New York. They proceeded
thence to Canada, where they resided 16 years, en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits. In i860 they located
on 80 acres of unimproved land in Speaker Town-
ship, where they were among the earliest settlers.
Their estate now includes 160 acres, with 100 acres
under creditable improvements.

In 1863, Mr. Tenniswood was married to Edith A.
Billings. She was born Aug. 18, 1S45, in the Prov-
ince of Quebec, and is the daughter of Chester and
Eunice (Smith) Billings. The parents are natives of
Salem, Mass., where the mother was born Aug. 27,
1808; the father, Sept. 11, 1809. They are de-
scendants of the original Puritan settlers of the Bay
State, and reside in the township of Speaker. Five
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. T., in the
following order: J. Frank, Sept. 21, 1864; Arthur R.,
June 10, 1868; Mary E., Dec. 11, 1S71; Lyman R.,
Oct. 27, 1876; Everett W., Sept. 10, 1879. The
parents are zealous and influential members of the
Baptist Church. Mr. T. is a Republican in political
faith and action.

-vtazfi/®^^

^^--SJ^ZTZTJOv.

lohn Walker, farmer, sections 24 and 25,
Marlelte Township, was born May 17, 1840,
in the county of Dundas, Ont., and is the
son of William and Ann (Keyes) Walker. The
parents were natives of Ireland, and after the
event of their marriage came to Ontario, Can.,
where they reared their children.

Mr. Walker remained in his native place until he

was 15 years old. In January, 1855, he came to
Sanilac County, and is now the proprietor of 120
acres of valuable farming land, of which he has
placed 65 acres under first-class cultivation. He is
a Democrat in political sentiment and action, and
has been Highway Commissioner about three years.
He was married Nov. 12, 1867, in Lapeer Co.,
Mich., to Catherine A. Rawson. She was born Nov.
12, 185 I, in the State of Illinois, and is the daughter
of Rev. W. T. Rawson. Three of four children born
to Mr. and Mrs. AValker survive. They are: Wil-
liam R., Anna L. and Herbert R. One child died in
infancy.

"^^Mit eorge A. Willard, farmer, section 16, Buel

L Township, was born March 26, 1850, in

"^ Gouverneur, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. His

X pa-rents, George and Lucy D. (Woodward)
I Willard, are both living with an unmarried
\ son in this township. They are both natives
of the State of New York, and the father is of Eng-
lish descent. Their family includes three children, —
Frank E., Laura E. and the son who is the subject of
this sketch. The sister is the wife of A. B. Hall, of
Buel Township.

Mr. Willard grew to the age of manhood under
the supervision of his parents, and in the spring of
1874 made his first visit to Michigan. He returned
to Sanilac County in the fall of 1875, and in the
spring of 1876 bought 40 acres of land in Buel Town-
ship. His acreage was increased later by a gift of a
similar amount from his father. The entire tract was
in a wild state, without buildings or improvements of
any character. He has placed 50 acres under first-
class tillage, erected a good house and a barn of
more than ordinary pretentions. Mr. Willard has
been active in school matters ever since he became a
citizen of the county.

His marriage to Mary Wilson took place May 6,
1878. She was born Feb. 14, 1858, in Mitchell,
Perth Co., Can., and is the daughter of John and
Margaret (Findley) Wilson. His parents were na-
tives of Ireland, but came to America in early child-
hood. The father died in Mitchell, April 7, 187 1,

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V u

SANILAC COUNTY.

289

j^,;
^

and was 57 years of age at the time of his decease.
The mother is still living in the same place. Their
children were born in the order named : Edward,
John, Richard, William, Sarah, Mary, Margaret J.,
Elizabeth L., Susannah P. E. and James Wesley.
Mr. and Mrs. Willard have had four children, the
oldest of whom died at birth. Harold A. was born
March 16, 1882; Ethel M. and Percy C. (twins) were
born May 19, 1884. Politically, Mr. Willard affiliates
with the Anti-Monopolist party, and was a delegate
in 1884 to the Anti-Monopolist State Convention.

X >

•=^

' ' I

' .'jan Barnes, farmer, section 25, Fremont
, ri^i-'., Township, was born Jan. 29, 1S28, in
.' 'V., • Theresa Township, Jefferson Co., N. Y.
"rjfi. He is the son of Benjamin and Mary (Sheley)
/R- Barnes, both of whom are deceased. His father
' was born in Vermont, was a mason by trade, and
one of the most active and energetic men in Jeffer-
son County, where he was a local Methodist preacher.
He probably preached more funeral sermons than
any other clergyinan in that county. He was also a
practical farmer, and burned brick and lime. He
also operated as a jobber and builder, and superin-
tended the construction of numerous houses in his
native township, supplying the material from his own
products. He was a soldier in the war of 181 2, and
fought m the action at Sackelt's Harbor. He died
at the age of 72 years. The mother of the subject of
this sketch was born at Danul)e, in the State of New
York, and died when she was 70 years old.

On the failure of his father's health, Mr. Barnes
assumed the management of his business. He was
only 16 years^ld, but he continued to conduct its
various branches after the death of his father for a
period of six years. He then sold out and removed
to Port Huron, Mich., where he was interested in
lumbering seven years, in company with Messrs.
Skinner & Ames. He went thence to the township
of Worth, where he managed a farm of 850 acres of
land, in connection with the same gentlemen. It
was under his personal superintendence about nine
years. In 1880 he took possession of the place,
where he has since pursued agriculture with rapidly

increasing resources. It comprises 357 acres. At
the date of his purchase the good lumber trees had
been cut out and a small clearing made. The place
now includes 160 acres of well improved and credit-
ably cultivated land, and supplied with a good frame
house and a barn second to none in the county.

Mr. Barnes lias been twice married. His present
wife, Mary H. (Gates) Barnes, is the daughter of
Asia and Dolly (Kingsbury) Gates. Her father was
born in Antwerp, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and died sud-
denly of heart disease when he was 56 years old.
Her mother was a native of New Hampshire and was
72 years old when she died. The marriage of Mr.
and Mrs. Barnes occurred April 25, 1848, in Ant-
werp, Jefferson Co., N. Y. Mr. Barnes has been the
father of 13 children, nine of whom are living — -Mary
A , Sarah A., Gates (deceased), Florence E., Ada
A. (died when she was 1 1 years old), Benjamin (de-
ceased), Charles A., Arthur, Lewis (died in infancy),
Lewis F. and Jessie (twins; Jessie died when three
months old), Perlie H., John K., Frank L. and Dolly
A. O. Their father and mother are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Barnes is a Re-
publican in his political views.

^^«1!))>-^^

r;^d;^lmore Putney, one of the substantial and

'si.r',; influential farmers of Sanilac County, re-

- T ^, - "' sides on section 10, Speaker Township.

THe was born Jan. 12, 1839, in Lisbon, St. Law-
rence Co., N. Y. His father, Obadiah Putney,
was born June 11, 1804, in St. I^awrence Co.,
N. Y., and died Nov. 18, 1870, in Hillsborough, N.
H. The mother was born in Johnson, Franklin Co.,
Vt., Aug. 22, 1798, and died April i, 1883, in Speaker
Township.

Mr. Putney left the parental roof when he was 15
years of age, and was engaged in farming and lum-
bering until the civil war awakened him to the emer-
gency of actual fighting. Accordingly he enlisted,
in July, 1862, in Co. B, io6th N. Y. Vol. Inf The
regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac,
and Mr. Putney was a participant in 16 general
engagements, among which were P'airmont, Va., the
Wilderness, Gettysburg and others, until the collapse
of the rebellion. He was wounded at Cold Harbor,

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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and at Winchester in 1864. The latter was a severe
injury, the bullet passing between the trachea and
jugular vein, quite through his throat. He receives
a pension in consequence. He was honorably dis-
charged June 22, 1865, at Washington, D. C, re-
turning to the State of New York. Two years later,
in 1867, he came tp Sanilac County, where he located
a claim of 80 acres in Speaker Township. He now
owns 120 acres of land, with 100 acres under first-
class improvements, with immense barns, a large
and excellent house, and all other farm appurte-
nances of a fine type. Mr. Putney is a member of
the Republican party in political preference, and be-
longs to the Order of Masonry, Elk Lodge, No. 353.
He was married in 1866 to Harriet D. Portus.
She was born Jan. 2, 1846, in St. Lawrence Co., N.
Y., and is the daughter of M. L. and Eliza (Davft)
Portus. Her father was born in 1783, in Ireland,
and resides in Waddington, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
Her mother was born in 1805, in Pennsylvania, of
German ancestors, and died April i, 1870. Charles
G., Wallace L., Franklin O., RoUin E., Herbert S.
and Mabel A. are the names of the six children of
Mr. and Mrs. Putney. The latter are communicants
in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

.-: L ^ \ ^ '^°^ Babcoek, farmer, section 29, Elk Town-
Iji^a ^^j sliip, was born July 4, 1818, in Monroe Co.,
SiSsM N. Y. His parents transferred their family
"jff and interests to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, when
IF he was eight years old. His father was a
farmer and reared his sons to the same calling.
Mr. Babcoek was 22 years of age when he left
home. He became agent for a stave manufacturing
company in Ohio, and some time later came to Mt.
Clemens, Macomb Co., Mich., where he remained
three years, going thence to Bay City. There he en-
gaged in a mill, in which capacity he operated 18
months. His next remove was to Sanilac County,
when he settled in this township and was one of its
earliest pioneers. During the first year he engaged
in lumbering for Myron Williams. In the fall of
1854 he purchased the farm on which he has since
resided, and has placed 70 acres under cultivation.

Mr. Babcoek was the first voter in the township, and
the first man who took unto himself a wife within the
town limits ; he acted as pilot for the first United
States mail-carrier who ever crossed the county. He
was married in Elk Township, in January, 1854, to
Mrs. Margaret (Pomeroy) Dinion, a native of Can-
ada, where she was born Feb. 26, 1828. She was
the mother of two children by her first marriage, —
George F. and Sarah J., — both of whom are married.
Mr. Babcoek is a Democrat in political connection,
and has held the office of Highway Commissioner.

eorge Henry, proprietor of the Henry
House, at Lexington, was born Aug. 19,
1842, near the village of Ancaster, Ont.,
and is the son of Joseph and Anna (Aikens)
Henry. His father was a farmer, to which
1 vocation he was reared. In 1856 he came to
Sanilac County, and became an inmate of the family
of his uncle, who owned a farm in the northwestern
part of Lexington township. He worked on the farm
alternate summers and attended school winters for
two years for his uncle, and passed three years suc-
ceeding, with ^Villiam Lawrence. He was then ig
years old, and became a soldier in the Union service.
He enlisted Nov. 7, 1861, in Co. D, Tenth Mich.
Vol. Inf , under Captain Huckins, of Lexington. The
company was assigned to the Army of the West,
under Gen, Sherman. It was one of the first com-
panies filled under the call for three-years men. Mr.
Henry was discharged from service at Roseville, Ga.,
April I, 1863, and veteranized, re-enlisting in the
same company in which he served, until the close of
the war. He was finally discharged at Jackson,
Mich., Aug. 19, 1865. Following are the names of
some of the battles in which he was a participant :
Farmington, Corinth, Nashville, Stone River, Chatta-
nooga, Ringgold, Buzzard's Roost, etc. His regiment
was involved in all the heavy engagements through-
out the campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta. It
was the first command detailed to special service at
Jonesboro, and captured 500 prisoners, the regiment
losing about 65 men. It was also in a part of the
active campaign to Savannah, Black River and Ben-

)^^tf-

V^:I1H^I1I1>J>^

SANILAC COUNTY.

2gi

(b)

tonville, N. C, where its members were present at
the surrender of the rebel general, Johnston. It was
mustered out of the service of the United States July
19, 1865, at Louisville, Ky.

"iMr. Henry returned to Lexington and was vari-
ously employed until the fall of 1866, when he bought
80 acres of land situated about three miles west and
four miles north of the village of Lexington. He
placed 62 acres under cultivation, and the place be-
came, under improvement, most valuable and desir-
able. In December, 187 r, he e.xchanged the property
for the hotel which he now owns, and which was
built by E. B. Parsons. He has continued its man-
agement since he became proprietor. The establish-
ment has accommodations for 25 guests, and has a
livery attached. Besides his business as landlord,
Mr. Henry is dealing extensively in lath and shingles,
operating from a yard on the beach of Lake Huron,
near the pier. He owns two village lots attached to
the hotel, and five acres on Main Street in the south
part of the village of Lexington. He is also the pro-
prietor of two farms of 200 acres each, situated re-
spectively in Elk and Watertown Townships. Mr.
Henry is a member of the Order of Masonry and
belongs to Post H. H. Nims, No. 118, G. A. R., of
Lexington. He is also a foreman of Fire Company,
Huron No. i, and has served on the Board of Village
Trustees. He was Township Treasurer in 1882-3.
He was married in Lexington, May 5, 1867, to
Martha, daughter of John and Eliza (Reynolds)
Riley. She was born July 18, 1849, in Canada. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Henry were born as follows :
Annie E., April 9, 1869; Rose E, May 21, 1871;
Margarets., Dec. 7, 1872; George W,, July t3, t875;
Martha C, June 22, 1880; John R , Au^. 6, 18S3,

rames Walker, (n.iier, section 23, Marlttte
|f Towns'iip, is the son of William and Ann
(Keyes) Walker, who were natives of Ire-
land. He was born in the Dominion of Can-
^y It ^^^^ whither his parents emigrated, Aug. lo,
^\ \ 1844. He passed the earlier years of his life
^^ in attending the common schools of his native county,
^ and when ten years of age (in Jantiary, 1855) came

to Sanilac County, where he grew to man's estate.
He has become the prosperous proprietor of a fine
farm of 120 acres of land in the townshi)) of Mar-
lette, and has placed the greater portion of his acre-
age under cultivation. He is identified in political
principle and action with the Democratic party.

He was married Jan. 5, t867, at Marlette, to Mary
A. Fitch. She was born in Canada, and is the
daughter of Tliomas and Margaret (Beacom) Fitch.
(See sketch). Margaret, Mary E., Emma J. and
Ada M. are the names of the four children born of
this marriacre.

; illiam P. Wallace, farmer, section 13
pliii^iailg Fremont Township, was born Aug. 11,
%i^'i~^ 1846, in Racine Co., Wis. John Wallace,
J,"^-^' his father, was a native of Amsterdam, New
K^^ York, and was of Scotch descent. In early
J ' life he was a farmer, and later became a hotel-
keeper at Milton, Halton Co., Can., wjiere he died,
March 27, 1882, aged 74 years. He married Susan
Beckwith, who survives him and is still resident at
Milton.

Mr. Wallace is the oldest child of his parents and
acco.npanied them from Wisconsin to Canada when
he was but five years old. He passed the time until
he was 22 years old in the Dominion, with tlie ex-
ception of two years, during which he was employed
in and about Elgin, 111. He re'.urned to Canada, and
was there connected with a Government surveying
party about six months. After passing about 18
months at home, he came to Sanilac County, and
Nov. r2, 1867, he took possession of the farm on
wliich he has since resided. It was conveyed to him
by a deed of gift from Iris father, and comprised 160
acres of land, heavily timbered with maple, beech,
oak, hemlock and basswood. He has reduced nearly
the entire tract to cultivation, leaving only the portion
he desires to reserve unimproved. He has erected
good and comfortable farm buildings. Mr. Wallace
is a Republican in political principles and connection.
He is present Supervisor and has held the various
school offices.

He was married Sept. 13, 1871, to Maggie Ander-

^(^J^#^

->l4^11!Sr

SAN/LAC COUNTY.

son. She was born Aug. 27, 1849, in Kalamazoo,
Mich., and is the daughter of Hiram and Ann (Cum-

I' mings) Anderson. The former was born in Canada,
of Scotch parentage, and came thence to I,exington,
>^ where he was a farmer for a number of years. He is
now resident at Port Huron. The mother died at
Lexington, in 1864, from the effects of an accident.
Mrs. Wallace is one of six children, — four daughters
and two sons. One of the latter is deceased. Three
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, as
follows: Edith M., Oct. 22, 1872; Maud A., Dec. 6,
1874; Elizabeth A., March 28, 1876.

■^— «"— ljl--^:~fS5'>-

jarvin V. K. Jones, Postmaster at Cros-
„^ well, and Justice of the Peace, was born

f IS^"' ^°^' ''' '^^°' '" ^'^'^'^'"' Dutchess Co.,
jf)^'^\ N. Y., the son of Stephen and Mary (Weeks)

)

Jones. His father was a carpenter by trade and
^ 'I died in Ulster Co., N. Y., in October, 1853, aged
= about 83 years. His mother died Feb. 11, 1846, in
[^ Dutchess County, and was about 66 years of age.

Mr. Jones came to this State in 1835, and spent
14 months working at the cooper's trade in Ann
Arbor, returning at the end of that time to Dutchess
County. He at once gave his attention to acquiring
a knowledge of the mason's trade, which he did in
the most thorough manner, becoming fully proficient
in tlie art of laying brick and stone. He passed five
years in his apprenticeship, and a year later worked
as a journeyman. He went then to Poughkeepsie,
N. Y., and formed a brief partnership with John
Longfield. On its termination he resumed journey
work in that city and in New York. Two years later
he returned to his instructors, with whom lie was en-
gaged six years. He owned a residence and other
property in that place (Fishkill), which he sold and
went to Brooklyn. He operated in the " Ciiy of
Churches " two years and returned to Fishkill, where
he entered into partnership with one of his former
masters, and followed his trade two summers. In
October, 1854, he removed with his family to Ann
Arbor, Mich., where he worked one year as a journey-
man in the construction of the Union School build-
ing. He then established hia business inde' endently

and erected some of the most prominent of the build-
ings (at that time), comprising residences, stores and
churches. In 1867 he managed the construction of
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Jackson and in
Parma in 1868. In 1869 he superintended the
building of the dormitory and dining hall on the
State Agricultural farm at Lansing. In the spring of
1870 he went to the city of Lawrence, Kan., where
he passed four months working at his trade. He re-
turned to Ann Arbor and again engaged as a journey-
man, and afterwards operated as a builder. In 1872
he built the Methodist Episcopal Church at Water-
loo, in Jackson County, and in 1873 aided in the
construction of the shops of the Michigan Central
Railroad Company at the "Junction," three miles
from Detroit.

He lived in Ann Arbor in 1S74 and 1875, engaged
in journey work, and in the fall of the latter year he
came to Sanilac County, where he was employed by
Moss, Mills & Gaige in their dock and lumber yard
at Lexington. In 1876 they sold out, and he agaiii
returned to his trade. In the spring of 1877 he
visited his birth-place. In 1881 he removed to Cros-
well, where he has since resided. He received his
appointment as Postmaster Sept. 8,. 1881, and took
possession of his charge on the 20th of the same
month.

Mr. James was married Aug. 17, 1S42, to Eliza-
beth A. White. She was born June 15, 1827, at the
parsonage of the Duane Street Methodist Episcopal
Church in the city of New York. She is the daugh-
ter of Nicholas and Artemisia (Cooley) White. Her
parents died in the city of Brooklyn, the demise of
her mother occurring in April, 1853, when she was
about 60 years of age. Following is the record of the
children of whom Mr. and Mrs. Jones have become
the parents : Mary Ella was born in Fishkill, Sept.
12, 1843, and was married in 1869, to J. M. Gaige.
(See sketch.) Julia .'\iida was born in Brooklyn,
Nov. I, 1845. She was married to Eben S. Saunders,
of Ann Arbor, who died, and she was a second time
married, to Henry Janes, a nephew of Bishop E. S.
Janes of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Cora A.
was born in Fishkill March 16, 1848, and was mar-
ried in Kansas City in 1873, to Joseph A. Perkins.
She is now a widow. Junius Lyndon was born March
4, 1850, at Fishkill, and died in Brooklyn, Nov. 10,
185 I. Viola R. was born April 3, 1853, in Fishkill,
and is now the wife of W. B. Smithett, of I

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SA.V7LAC COUNTY.

293

Ontario. Their marriage occurred in 1875, at Water-
loo, Iowa. Jessie B., born Nov. 3, 1856, at Ann
Arbor, was married in 1S74 to George H. Bascey.
Marion C, born in Ann Arbor, Jan. 5, 1859, enlisted
ill the regular service of the United States in 1878.
His fate is unknown, as all trace of him has been lost
since December, 1880. Le Jeune, born at Ann Arl;or,
Jan. 21, 1 861, is an undergraduate at ihe University
of Michigan in his native city. Winthrop Custer,
born Jan. 23, 1863, in Ann Arbor, is a student at
Goldsmith's Commercial College, Detroit. Julius
Arnot, born Jan. 5, 1867, in Ann Arbor, is in the
regular army. He enlisted in the loth United States
Infantry, and his company is stationed at Fort Lyon.
His parents procured his discharge on account of
non-age.

In 1868 Mr. Jones was elected Tax Collector for
the Third Supervisor's District, comprising the fifth
and sixth wards of Ann Arbor. He was elected Su-
pervisor of the same district in the following year.
His election to the position of Justice of the Peace
occurred in the spring of 1884. He is a Republican
and was a delegate to the first Representative Con-
vention of Washtenaw Co., Mich.,.after the formation
of the party to which he belongs.

illiam Shier, farmer, section 5, Marlette
1^ Township, is the son of Philip and Mary
ISi-'/i., " (Dawson) Shier, natives of Ireland. They
f!^^' emigrated to Canada, where the father died
3/'' and the mother is still living. Mr. Shier was
born April 8, 1840, in the Province of Onta-
rio. He received a common-school education, and
being the eldest of a family of 13 children, seven
sons and six daughters, — all of whom are living but
one, — his services were early in requisition for the
support of the family, in which he assisted until he
was 25 years of age. The deatli of his father left
him in possession of a farm of 50 acres, on which he
expended his efforts for about nine years. At the
end of that time he removed to Huron Co., Out.,
where he was a resident six years. In the spring of
1880 he came to Sanilac County and bought 320 acres
of land in Marlette Township. He still retains 240

acres of his original purchase, having disposed of 80
acres in 1882. He has cleared and creditably im-
proved 60 acres. Mr. Shier is in affiliation with the
Republican party.

His marriage to Nancy Till occurred Dec. 29,
1864, in the county and Province of Ontario. She
was born July 8, 1840, in Ireland, and is the daugh-
ter of John and Jane (Ritchie) Till, also natives of
the "Green Isle." Mary J., Margaret A. D., Carroll
I. and Richard O. are the names of the children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Shier. Tiie parents belong to
the Methodist Church.

''• ] -'jrTnrames T. Waterman, general merchant and
>r^vy - farmer, resident at Peck, was born Dec.

C-f^

7, 1840, at Port Sarnia, Ontario. His father,

James D. Waterman, is a native of the State of
New York, of Scotch extraction. His parents
located in New England. He is a shoemaker
by vocation and married Eliza Talbot, a native of
Ontario, of Irish descent. She died in Worth Town-
ship, Sanilac County, in 1881, aged 74 years. The
father is a resident of Peck and is 79 years old.
Four of their seven children are now living.

Mr. Waterman is the eldest son and fourth in order
of birth, of the children born to his parents. Soon
after his birth they removed to Middlesex Co., Ont.
In 1865, they removed their family toSanilac County,
locating in Speaker Township. Two years later they
settled in the Township of Worth, where he resided
with them until of age. He had been employed
during the years of his minority in farm labor and in
the lumber woods. During the last three years of
that time he was engaged in job lumbering, which
method of business he pursued until he was 25 years
old. In 1865, he established himself in the grocery
business at a point then known as Switzer's Mill in
Worth Township, and entered into a partnership with
his brother-in-law. This enterprise continued ayear,
when they removed their business to Speaker Town-
ship, where they prosecuted their joint interests three
years, when they dissolved their partnership. On
that event transpiring, Mr. Waterman went into bus-
iness singly in the township of Worth, where he

1=1

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T<^I1I1^I1I1^^V

-^t7^^((^

294

SAN/LAC COUNTY.

^ pursued his mercantile interests six years. In Ocfo-
^ "ber, 1874, he established himself where he has since
'^ operated. His interests are extensive and prosper-
T ous, and he carries a stock representing !j8,ooo and
/*) transacts an annual business of $28,000. He is also
the practical manager of a farm of 160 acres in the
township of Elk, and 212 acres of land in Worth
Township. He owns two lots, on which his store and
residence are located. He is a Republican in polit-
ical faith and action and has filled the positions of
Clerk and Treasurer of his township.

He was married Sept. 29, 1875, in Worth Town-
ship, 10 Jeannette .Smith. Three children have been
born of this marriage, — Helen E., Harry and Mabel.
Mrs. Waterman is a lady of cultivation and intellect-
ual acquirements. She began teaching when yourig
and continued that vocation until her marriage. She
is generally esteemed for her geniality and fine

j^ social qualities.
O

'^-■<-^^^c

h.-,..^

udolph Papst of the firm of Tewksbury,
Papst & Co., one of the most prominent
v[ ) \}\^ business houses of Sanilac County, has been
« connected with the history of Le.\ington since
1858, when he came there, just previous to
attaining his majority, and began his conflict with
fortune. He first obtained employment as a team-
ster and passed his fiist winter on the Huron
peninsula, in the manufacture of shingles.

In the s])ringof 1859 he entered upon the initiatory
to his future business career by becommg a clerk in
the mercantile establishment of Jolm L. Woods &
Co. at Lexington, in which capacity he operated
until the climax of Southern frenzy had involved the
nation in civil conflict. He enlisted Oct. 25, 1861,
from Sand Beach, Huron Co., Mich., in Co. D. loth
Regt. Mich. Vol. Inf, Capt. Israel Huckins, and
was mustered unto service as a private. In January,
1862, he was made Second Sergeant of his Company,
yp and at a later date was promoted to the position of
jj^ Sergeant Major. He was made Second Lieutenant
/g) March 31, 1863, and Aug. 26, 1864, acceded to the
>^ position of First Lieutenant; Feb. 24, 1865, he be-

came Adjutant of the regiment. He received his
commission as Captain May 8, 1865, and was dis-
charged from the military service of the United
States July 37, 1865. During the months of his
military career he was in action in most of the im-
Ijortant engagements in which his regiment partici-
pated, among which were the siege of Corinth,
Nashville, Stone River, Cliattanooga, Ringgold, Buz-
zard's Roost, through the Atlanta campaign, at
Savannah, and at the surrender of Gen. Johnston,
when the loth Michigan was attached to Sherman's
command.

After Mr. Papst reiurned to Sanilac County he
entered Coldsmith's Business College at Detroit,
where he compleled a full course of commercial
study and was graduated in December, 1865. Re-
turning thence he again became a salesman in the
same employment, and also officiated in the capacity
of book-keeper, until April i, 1873.

At that date he succeeded to the position of Reg-
ister of Deeds and County Clerk, to which he had
been elected in the fall previous, on the Republican
ticket, defeating the nominee of the opposition ele-
ment by a majority of 600 votes. He served four
successive terms as Register of Deeds, and dis-
charged the duties of County Clerk two terms.

On the expiration of his last official term, March
31, 1880, he returned to the commercial house with
which he had formeily been connected as assistant,
and was made a partner in its business relations.
In April, 1884, Mr. Woods withdrew, and the suc-
ceeding firm of Tewksbury, Papst & Co. has since
prosecuted its interests. Their connections are ex-
tensive, and include three branches of mercantile
transactions, in which they carry full lines of the
various sorts of merchandise in which they deal,
representing an annual aggregate of about $200,000.
Their establishment is the leading one of its kind in
Sanilac County. Their dock on the lake was built
in 1866, by the former firm, and rebuilt in 1883, by
the present association.

The firm of Pajist & Wixson is engaged in real-
estate brokerage and in the abstract business, having
the only set of abstracts in the County. They buy
and sell real estate, do a considerable business in
lending money, and traffic to some extent in paper

Mr. Papst owns 240 acres of land in Worth Town-
ship, situated on sections 17 and 18, the tract em-
bracing moie than 200 acres under cultivation. 'I'he

^niiv^'

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^C^11I]^I1I1^>

¥mai,

SAN/LAC COUNTY.

4^^^f^-S

295

farm is beautifully situated on the lake side and is
proportionately valuable.

Mr. Papst is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
and belongs to the several bodies of that order at
Lexington, — the Blue Lodge and Damascus Chapter,
No. 41, and has officiated 18 years as Secretary of
the last named. He also belongs to Lexington Com-
mandery, No. 27. He is a member of Post No. 1 18, ■
G. A. R., at Lexington, and of Huron Fire Co., No.
I, at that place.

His marriage to Emily Banghart occurred April 3,
1864, at Berlin, St. Clair Co., Mich. Their two
children were born as follows: Edwin Tecumseh, at
Berlin, St. Clair Co., June 9, 1865, and Rudolph,
April 17, 1878, at Lexington. Mrs. Papst was born
April 17, 1842, at Lexington, and is the daughter of
James and Lucy (Burch) Banghart. Her parents
were among the early settlers of Sanilac County.

#-#

abilities, and ranks fairly among the agriculturists of
Sanilac County. He is a Democrat in political views.
He and his wife are members of the Disciples'
Church. His parents were natives of Scotland.

~^^^^yyy\S

I'Vv/v^ ^ y

( ohn McKellar, farmer, section 25, Flynn
^^| [- TownshiiJ, was born April 13, 1823, in
5Jv^ Elgin Co., Ont. When he was four years
of age, his parents removed to Middlesex Co., in
■ji the Dominion, where he was reared to the pro-
\ fession of farming. He remained with them
until their deaths — that of the father occurring in
July, 1854, when he was 77 years old. The mother
died in May, 1854, aged 73 years. After they died
the son became the owner of the homestead, and he
continued its management until April, 1879, when
he came to Michigan and purchased 280 acres of
land on sections 24 and 25, which was under partial
improvement. He has purchased 160 acres addi-
tional since and has 60 acres improved. A consid-
erable portion of his estate is divided among his
sons. He has erected a good faim house and other
farm buildings.

He was married April 5, 1855, in Middlesex Co.,
Ont., to Catherine McNiel, who was born in 1833, in
that county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. McKellar
are named Dugald, Christie, Henrietta, Peter, Alex-
ander, Anna, Kate, John, Maggie, Mary, Flora and
Donald.

Mr. Kellar is a farmer of more than ordinary

illiam E. Scribner, resident at Elmer vil-

|L lage, Moore Township, is the son of Sol-

]W^Y^ ' omon and Ursula (Tibbetts) Scribner. The

^j^' former was born June 12, 1822; the latter
Dec. I, 1826, in Canada, and both are now

, ' living in the village of Elmer.

Mr. Scribner was bnrn Nov. 30, 1845, in Macomb
Co., Mich. He obtained a common-school educa-
tion, and when he was 15 years of age he went to
learn the business of a carpenter, which pursuit he
followed in Macomb and St. Clair Counties until
1880, when he came to Sanilac County and estab-
lished himself as a wagon-maker at Elmer. He was
married in 1881, to Mary Johnson. She was born
July 17, 1864, in Elgin Co., Can., and is the eldest
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Groh) Johnson, who
are now residents of Sanilac County. One child, John
W., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Scribner, May 19, 1882.
The former is a Republican, and in the spring of
1 88 1 was elected Justice of the Peace and Town
Clerk. He is now the incumbent of the latter posi-
tion, and in 1884 was appointed Enumerator to take
the cen-ius of 1884 in his township.

-H-'^f-^-^-

ji^avid Markham, jjrick manufacturer at
j^yjl 'l, Croswell, has been engaged in that busi-

ness here since 1872. He is the original
founder of the enterprise, and his products
\\ rank among the best, on account of the superior
' quality of the clay. This is substantiated by
the fact of his securing the contract to manufacture
1,000,000 brick for the Upton Manufacturing Com-
pany at Port Huron. He bid against 22 competitors
and obtained the contract at an advance of 50 cents
per thousand, on account of the quality of the mate-

f^t^C(®X^

-«s>?^*

'S^

T<^IIIl^|]|]>i>-r

fisr

-^f^^(®V|

SANILAC COUNTY.

rial. His clay bed is estimated as practically inex-
haustible, and is 12 feet in depth. A force of about
20 men are employed at present, who turn out an
average of 1,500 brick each daily. The capacity of
the works is about double the present production.
The mi.xiiig and pressing is accomplished by a
25-horse-power steam engine.

Mr. Markham was born in Waterioo Township,
Waterloo Co., Can., Nov. 22, 1846, and is the son of
James and Sarah (Pipe) Markham. His mother
died on the family homestead in Canada. His
father is living in Traverse Co., Mich., where he is
still engaged in fanning, the pursuit of his life.

Mr. Markham came to Sanilac Co. in 1S70. His
marriage to Jane Smurfit occurred Sept. 5, 1875. She
is the daughter of Thomas and Lavinia (McClellan)
Smurfit, and is a native of Canada. William Her-
bert, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Markham, was born
May 3, 1877. Mr. M. has been Clerk of Croswell
one term.

Abraham Markham, brother of Mr. M. of this
sketch, resides with him. His wife's maiden name
was Emma Davis.

S'<s»«118>-js>< »^=^ -^ -o-

harles P. Mavis, wagon-maker and foun-

Pj^ dryman, was born May 29, 1846, in Ger-
many, and is the son of Charles and Carlotta
Jlj (Karvitz) Mavis. The parents were natives
'^ of Germany, where the mother died Jan. 5,
1865. In 1869, the father came to the
United States, and settled in Macomb Co., Mich.
He afterwards went to Lapeer County, where he
died Sept. 24. 1S73.

Mr. Mavis is tlie fifth of si.\ children born to his
parents. He received a good common school edu-
cation, according to the custom of his native country,
before he was 14 years of age, and in the year fol-
lowing he was apprenticed to a blacksmith. He
completed his term of service and acquired a thor-
ough knowledge of the business, at which he worked
until he was 22 years of age in the " Fatherland."
He came to this country with his father in 1869. In
September, 1876, he came to Sanilac County and
formed a partnership with R. A. Kilgore, under tlie

style of Kilgore & Mavis, for the purpose of man-
ufacturing wagons. In June, 1879, they added the
foundry business, and till 1884 have been engaged in
the prosecution of their two-fold interest. June 15,
1S84, Mr. Mavis dissolved his connection with Mr.
Kilgore and formed a new partnership with Ferdin-
and Z. Luedke in the manufacture of wagons and sell-
ing agricultural implements, under the firm name of
Mavis & Luedke.

Mr. Mavis was married Nov. 21, 1S69, to Minnie
Ladebuhr, at Almont, Lapeer Co , Mich. She was
born April 4, 1844, in Germany. Si.x children have
been born of this marriage — August H., Frank C,
Ida M., Martha, Charley L., and Lao C. The second
child died at the age of 18 months. The father is a
Republican of most decided type. Both parents are
members of the religious organization known as the
Evangelical Association.

— ►^€-

S-vMMs

,||'-?'>"' lexander Mc Alpine, farmer, section 27,
j^:^'tS Flynn 'I'owiiship, was born April 15, 1857,
^ in Ekford, Middlesex Co., Ont. His parents,
>r Donald and Mary (McLoughlin) McAlpine,
were natives of Scotland. The father sought
a home in the New World about 1842. The parents
of the mother came to Ontario in 1833. Mr. McAl-
pine, senior, was a farmer by profession. He married
in the Dominion and there resided until the spring of
iSSo, when he disposed of his interests there and lo-
cated on 300 acres of land on section 27 of this town-
ship, a part of vvliich was iin|)roved. He died Dec.
2, 1880, when he was 65 years of age. The mother
is a member of the Jiousehold of her son. The fam-
ily included eight children, two of whom are
deceased.

Mr. Ml- Alpine is the oldest child of his parents.
He was reared to manhood under his father's care
and remained at home until the death of the latter.
He owns 200 acres of land, with 60 acres improved.
The place gives the best evidence of the character
and quality of his skill and judgment in his agricul-
tural management, being in first-class condition. Mr.
McAlpine is a Democrat in political connection and
views. In 1883 he was elected Treasurer of his

^>:

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<^D!l^lllli>V^ ^^^

SANILAC COUNTY.

township. In 1884, he was re-elected. His mother
is a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which
his father also belonged. Following is the record of
f the brothers and sisters of Mr. McAlpine : Eliza
/§ was born Aug. 18, 1859, in Middlesex Co., Out. She
is engaged in the business of dress-making in Detroit.
Archibald was born Dec. 27, 1863, and is a farmer.
Margaret was born Dec.17, 1865 ; Mary B., Jan. 4,
1867 ; Flora J., March 4, i86g; Catherine was born
Aug. 7, 1855, and died Oct. 9, 1879 : Flora was born
Dec. 21, T 866, and died Dec. 23, following.

(i)

««^?>^(':<i'-;

S>^X><c

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ruman Moss, deceased, was a resident of
Croswell for more than a score of years pre-

\^^ ceding his demise. His name is an in-
'IsS^ separable part of the history of this portion of
Sanilac County, with whose relations he iden-

I tified himself in a manner which incorporated
therewith the bulk of his own private interests, and
left his memory a personal legacy to the inhabitants
of the place where he established a permanent busi-
ness and where he came to the ultimatuni of a long
and useful life.

He was born July 28, iSoi, in New Berlin, Che-
nango Co., N. Y. His fatlier, Joseph Moss, was
l)orn Sept. 8, 1775, and was a descendant from a
prominent family of C^onnecticut, of English lineage.
He married Rhoda (iriftith, who was born July 28,
1783. Their family included several children, and
all the sons pursued active and successful business
careers. Joseph Moss died Oct. 28, 1856, at Mar-
shall, Mich., where he was spending a short time.
His wife died at Sandusky, Ohio, some years before,
under similar circumstances, the demise of both
occurring while temporarily absent from home.

Mr. Moss received from Iris father a thorough busi-
ness training, and was brought up under the influence
of the commercial and financial interests in which
the senior Moss was engaged. At the very early age
of 15 years or, at most, within ayearortwo afterward,
he was qualified for the management and supervision

<i^^^^

j=i.j^

of extensive business relations, and he went to West
Burlington, Otsego Co , N. Y., to take charge of mer-
cantile affair's which his father had established there.
He conducted the relations of the enterprise with
sagacity and the success which characterized the
operations of his whole life, and subseiprently became
connected with a hanking enterprise with his brothers
at Sandusky, Ohio, which is still in existence, and in
its style perpetuates the patronymic, being now known
as the " Moss National Bank." The house at San-
dusky lent money for the purchase of lands in Mich-
igan, taking security on the property purchased. The
management proved inefficient, and in i860 Mr.
Moss came hither to protect the property and to
secure Moss Brothers against loss by giving his per-
sonal attention to affairs. He assumed control of the
business, and succeeded in a short time in placing
everything on a substantial and permanent basis.
His interests became so extensive and involved so
many complications that he continued the personal
nranagemeiit of his affairs at Croswell until the close
of his life.

He engaged heavily in lumbering, and in a mer-
cantile enterprise which had its outcome and growth
in his other business connections. The store of Moss
Brothers was the headquarters of the lumber camps
of this section. He owned vessels which were de-
voted to the transportation of lumber products to the
Eastern markets, and which brought back all needed
supplies. The saw-mill at Croswell (then known by
the name of Davisville) had a producing capacity
of about 40,000 feet of lumber daily. The time-worn
structure is still standing, adjacent to the premises
now owned by Mrs. Mills, the only surviving child of
Mr. Moss. In connection with the saw-mill was a
lath and shingle mill. Mr. Moss continued in the lum-
ber business about 20 years. The estate owned and
controlled by the Moss Brothers included about
40,000 acres, half of the acreage lying within Sanilac
County. Mr. Moss continued the management in the
interest of Moss Brothers until 1868, when that firm
and style terminated and he continued the prosecu-
tion of his individual interests a short time, when he
formed an association with his son-in-law, Wildman
Mills (see sketch of Wildman Mills), their business
being conducted under the style of " Moss & Mills."
The relation existed two years, when it was recon-

C'J

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<-IIKIl»<?>A

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300

■^V<^I]ll^Illly>7^

SANILAC COUNTY.

-#^C(®^«

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structed and extended by the admission of Joseph
M. Gaige, the nephew of Mr. Moss, after which the
transactions of the lirm were carried on under the
name of Moss, Mills & Gaige. The latter relation
continued until Jan. 16, 1882, wlien it was dissolved
liy mutual consent.

Mr. Moss died at Croswell, March 28, 18S3. He
left an estate variously estimated at from one-half to
two millions, and which includes a large amount of
property of various kinds, among which are 30,000
acres of land in Michigan, 20,000 acres lying in San-
ilac County.

During 35 years of active business life, in which
Mr. Moss was engaged previous to his coming to
Croswell, his home was in West Burlington, Otsego
Co., N. Y., where he established himself in business
while yet a boy.

He married Elizabeth Gaige, of West Burlington,
who was born in 1802, and died in the same place,
March 29, 1846. She was the mother of five chil-
dren: Joseph, eldest child, died from accident when
he was n years old. Ambler T., born Sept. 25,
1S29, died Dec. 11, r849, of typhoid fever, just at the
threshold of a promising manhood. Truman died in
early infancy. Mary Elizabeth died at the age of
four years. Julia H. (Mrs. Wildman Mills), was
born Oct. 2, 1836, at West Burlington.

Mr. Moss was a man of marked traits of char-
acter. His domestic tastes and home instincts
ruled his life. He was a resident of West Bur-
lington from 1816 to i860, and his loyalty to the
place where the hopes of his life sprung unto being,
and where they went out in the hopeless gloom of
tlic grave, never wavered or knew shadow of turn-
ing. In the l)usiness relations of Jiis later life, which
almost seemed a second existence, so shorn was it of
the associations of that earlier jieriod, he belonged
essentially to Croswell. But to that first home and
the graves of his wife and cliildren his heart clung
with a tenacity that manifested the fine nature he
possessed. Every year, until his life ended, his
feet pressed the accustomed streets and ways, and he
continually renewed and strengthened tlie vt-onted as-
sociations. In the house his family occupied, the room
of his deceased wife was preserved as slie left it as
long as he lived, and he felt in recalling the memory
of her gracious presence that was so precious to him,
as a royal husband of France said of his dead con-

sort, — "She never caused me a sorrow, but in dy-
ing." Wiien the end came to him, he was borne
back to the home he had cherished, and after a brief
rest within its walls was laid beside his loved ones.
He was buried at West Burlington, N. Y., April i,
1883.

In his intercourse with the world at large the
ruling trait of the character of Mr. Moss was sympa-
thetic kindness. He turned with coldness or apa-
thetic indifference from no case of need which came
to his knowledge. He felt himself his " brother's
keeper," and he res]»nded substantially to all ap-
peals of the distressed without distinction, save that
of merit. The bulk of his business transactions in
Michigan were witii the laboring people, and they
felt that in him they had a sympathetic, considerate
friend, a reliable adviser, and a firm coadjutor in
their business plans. On his death they mourned
his loss as a personal affliction. In all his busy,
hurried life, he had time and opportunity to con-
sider the happiness and well-being of others, and his
charity and hospitality were unlimited.

He was a communicant in the Protestant Episco-
pal Church from early life, and was Senior Warden of
Christ Church at West Burlington, N. Y., more than
20 years. He held the same position in Christ
Church at Croswell 12 years previous to his decease.
The society reinains a monument to his religious
character, its establishment and the church at Cros-
well being largely the result of his efforts.

In his early manhood he was deeply interested in
the State miliiia, and was Major in the organization
at West Burlington, a position which gave him a
peculiar satisfaction in the fact that it afforded him
another opportunity to serve his fellow men. While
a constant resident of West Burlington he was also
active in local affairs and gave his attention to
whatever promised the advancement of the general
interests. He was Supervisor of that township,
holding the position about 1857.

No reproduction of features in the Album of
Sanilac Counj'v will be more heartily welcomed
than that of Mr. Moss, which appears on another
page. "The good he did lives after him." It is
well that the lineaments of the well remembered face
be made imperishable as his memory will be trans-
mitted to the future generations of Sanilac County
and vicinity.

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SANILAC COUNTY

301

OOP

b'oshua Bettis, a leading agricaltaiist of Sani-
lac County, resident in Bridgehampton
Township, has lived in this county since
1846. He was born April 12, US34, in Ontario
Co., Can., and is the son of Moses and Rachel
(Wixson) Bettis, who are now residents of Lex-
ington Township. They are natives of Canada,
where they were married and lived until 1846, when
they removed their family and interests to Sanilac
County. Their family included nine children.

Mr. Bettis was 12 years old when he accompanied
his parents to Sanilac County. He has led a life of
activity and industry, and is now the owner of 200
acres of land, upwards of half of which is under cul-
tivation. He is a member of the Republican party,
and has been Clerk of his township one year and
School Treasurer four years.

He was married in Grant, St. Clair County, July
13, 1856, to Sarah, daughter of Joseph and Ann
(Graves) Ellerthorpe. She was born May 21, 1836,
in Ontario Co., Can. Her parents were natives of
England, where they lived for 30 years, emigrating
thence to Canada. In 1856 they settled in St. Clair
County, where the mother died. Five children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs Bettis, three of whom
survive: Joiin, William E. and Levi M. Joseph and
Cyrus C. are deceased.' The parents are members of
the Baptist Church.

■.«=;-

H»— ♦— vS!° —

S Ki^il §1 illiam V. Mclntvre, farmer, section 28,
iJlii&Ji^W Fremont Township, was born Nov. 14,
^'p, * 1816, in Lanark, Scotland, and is the son
A of Hugh and Henrietta (Burns) McLityrc.
His father was an educated man, and spent
many years as a teacher. He was also a
preacher of the denomination known as the Lide-
pendent Methodists. He emigrated with his family
to America in 1834, landing at Quebec, and buying a

farm in the vicinity of that city. The parents died
in Darling Township, near Prescott, Ont.

Mr. Mclntyre resided with his parents until he was
of age, and fitted himself for the business of a cooper ;
but he became satisfied tliat he should win neither
wealth nor glory in that pursuit, and bought a farm.
This was his field of labor seven years, when he sold
the place and removed to Worth Township, Sanilac
County. He became the proprietor there of 80 acres
of land, on which he labored 30 years. At the end
of that time, he sold the place and bought the farm
on which he has since resided, in the Townshiii of
Fremont.

His marriage lo Margaret Donahue occurred Dec.
24, 1841. She is the daughter of Patrick and Ann
Donahue, both of whom are deceased. Her father
was 30 years old at the time of his death, and she
had been in America but six weeks when it occurred.
Her mother died in Canada, aged 62 years.

Mr. and Mrs. McLityre have been the parents of
1 1 children, six of them now living. Hugh was born
Nov. 23, 1842; .\nn, born Dec. 15, 1844, died Sept.
13, 1849; George was born April 15, 1846, and died
July 4, 1859; Patrick was born Sept. 8, 1847, and
died in the service of the United States July 6,1864 •
Henrietta was born Oct. 3, 1849; William, Oct. 13,
1851; Margaret, Aug. 7, 1853; Norman, April 20,
1856; David, born Oct. 16, 1859, died Jan. 27,1865;
Mary J., NLarch 8, 1865. The family are Adventists
in religious opinion.

-.<H-4^>^.>>.-^:^-

; obert J. Arnot, farmer on section 32, ad-
\ joining the village of Lexington, was born
^^ in Florida, N. Y., Feb. 14, 181 1, and is the
son of James and Sarah (McMichael) .A.rnot.
His father owned a farm near the city of
Toronto, Can., of which the family took possession
in 1825. When he was 23 years old his father gave
him 50 acres of unimproved land. He cleared a
small portion, built a house suited to his circum-
stances, and, preparatory to settling in life, was mar-
ried to Sarah Hall, the event occurring March 30,
1836. The fruits of this marriage were n children,
born in the following order : James (deceased), Eliza

ca:

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m
^ 302

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.MHr^j'i^'

7<M(lD:t;iiD>>r

SANILAC COUNTY.

beth (wife of Barney Vanest, a farmer of Lexington
Township), Ira (a farmer in this township), WiUiam
(deceased), Cephas (a farmer and merchant at Cros-
well), Silas (a farmer in Grant Township, St. Clair
Co.), George (living on the homstead), Phebe J.
(wife of N. O. Randall, of Marysville, St. Chiir Co.),
and three children who died in infancy.

Mr. Arnot remained on his small farm in the Do-
minion until 1851, when he came to tliis township
and bought 80 acres where he now lives. He added
to his real estate by subsequent purchase, until he
owned 700 acres of land. He has distributed the
bulk of his acreage among his children, and holds
120 acres as a homestead. His fine home was built
in 1881. His first wife died March 15, 1862, and
he was again married to Mrs. Elizabeth Livingston,
widow of Andrew Livingston. She was born in
Canada, Feb. 13, 1817. Arnot and his wife are
Adventists in religious belief He has been Super-
intendent of the Poor about 25 years, and still dis-
charges the duties of the position.

'^5'|iT.r ohn H. Fox, Treasurer of Moore Township,

• — '' ■' ■
'' 'fyii' - resident at Elmer, was born Dec. 22, i8cq,

7^''' '" Brant Co., Burford Tp , Can., and is the

^g son of Peter and Jane Fox. The motiier was

^r born in England ; the father was born in Can-

>" ada and died there in 1858. The mother died

in Elmer in 1880.

Mr. Fox was employed in a cheese-factory when
he was 13 years old. He spent two seasons in that
business, when he came to Sanilac County and set-
tled in Lamotle Township. Three years later he
came to the township of Moore, where he lived two
years, coming thence to Elmer, where he spent three
years operating as a general merchant. He then be-
came interested in a saw-mill and also in selhng
farming implements.

He was married in 1879 to Carrie Banks, daughter
of George H. and Looday Banks, both of whom
are natives of England. Joseph H., only child of Mr.
and Mrs. Fox, was born April 17, 1880. Mr. Fox
acts with the Republican party in political matters.
In 1879, he was elected Township Treasurer, and

-I

after serving one year vacated the office. He was
re-elected to the next term and has held the position
since. He has also served as Justice of the Peace,
Constable and School Inspector, and is a member of
of the Order of Maccabees, at Sandusky, Sanilac
Countv.

^.*^X-^

» iJff oshua Wixson, a leading and influential
'^ '5vj agriculturist of Sanilac County, located on
section 10, Worth Township, was born
Jan. 9, 1827, in York Co., Can. He is the
third son of Amos and Elizabeth (Long) Wix-
son. The former was a native of Steuben Co.,
, and was of mixed English and German de-
scent. He settled in Canada after his marriage, and
in 1841 transferred his interests to Sanilac County.
He settled in what was then the township of Lexing-
ton, which was afterwards divided and the township
of Worth constructed. They afterwards removed to
St. Clair County, where the wife and mother died
about Aug. I, 1868. Two years afterward the father
removed to Lexington Township and died there, in
January, 1882. His family included six children.

Mr. Wixpon obtained a fair education, considering
the adverse circumstances which surrounded him.
In 1841 he came to Sanilac County, since which time
he has been continuously a resident of Michigan,
having never been out of the State. When he
reached his majority he became the owner of 160
acres of land, which has been his field of labor. To
this he has added by purchase 40 acres additional,
and has now a valuable farm of 200 acres, with 120
acres in highly creditable cultivation, supplied with
fine farm buildings. He has been identified with the
Republican party since its organization, has been
prominent in local public affairs, and has held the
various township offices, having served as Supervisor
six years, Justice of the Peace 16 years. Clerk two
years, and School Inspector t8 years. In the fall of
1882 he was elected to the Legislature of Michigan
and discharged the duties of the position in a man-
ner every way creditable and satisfactory.

His marriage to Nancy Macklem occurred Nov. 16,
1853, in Worth Township. Her parents, James and

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SANILAC COUNTY.

303-

Ann (Lundy) Macklem, were natives respectively of
Pennsylvania and ('anada. Her father was born of
Irish parents. The name of her mother before mar-
riage was the same as that of the celebrated battle of
Lundy 's Lane, or Niagara, which was fought on her
grandfather's farm. Three children of eight that
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wixson died in in-
fancy. Melissa J. was born Jnne 9, 1856, and died
Oct. II, 1859; Mary M. was born April 27, 185S;
Philip T., April 6, i860, and died July 2, 1884;
Waldo E., Oct. 23, 1863, and Ada Z., Nov. 16, 1869.

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ames Sharp, Sr., farmer, section 21, Fre-
mont Township, was born in 18 19, in
Perthshire, Scotland. His parents, James
and Ann (Thompson) Sharp, were both na-
tives of that country, where they married and
passed the entire period of their lives. Their
family included six children, — John, \Villiam, James
Robert, Ann and Ellen.

Mr. Sharp was married in the parish of Comroy,
Scotland, in 1848, to Anna, daughter of Alexander
and Anna (McEwen) Drummond. Both her parents
are deceased. Her mother died in February, 1S55,
and her father in 1868. Mrs. Sharp is the fifth of a
family of nine children, born in the following order:
Jeannette, Catherine, Peter (deceased), Elizabeth
(deceased), Anna, Elizabeth (2d), Mary, Bell and
.\lexander.

Mr. Sharp came to America in 1854, witli his wife
and three children. They reached Qtiebec, Canada,
May 21, and the father obtained employment on the
Grand Trunk Railroad and afterwards on the Coburg
& Petersburg road, operating in that capacity two
years. In May, 1856, he came to Sanilac County.
He bought 120 acres of Government land under the
regulations of the Graduation Act, paying 50 cents
an acre threfor. He belonged to the pioneers of the
county and experienced all the vicissitudes and
novelty of the existence of the early settler. Bread-
stuff was attainable only by going to Wortli Town-
ship. On one occasion Mr. Sharp, in company with
three neighbors, proceeded thither for flour and
started on their return home, esch with .a sack of the

necessaries of life on his back. They arrived at
Black Creek at dark, the rain pouring down and the
prospect of achieving a transit across the jam of logs,
in the stream rather dismal. An uncertain step on
an unsteady log sent Mr. Sharp into the water up to
his neck. As he fell he adroitly deposited his sack
of flour on a log and his companions assisted him in
once more obtaining foothold. There were no roads
in the township when Mr. Sharp became a resident,
only a slight clearing of underbrush constituting any-
thing like a thoroughfare. He brought with him a steer
calf, for which he bought a mate in Worth Township.
He and the calf made a (jrocession across Black
Creek, which entirely outrivaled his former exploits
with the flour sack. The calf refused to experiment
in traveling across the revolving logs, and his owner
shouldered the refractory beast and marched across
the "jam," the four legs of the calf flying in the air
at all points of the compass during the transit.

The children of Mr. and Mr. Sharp were born as
follows: James, July 11, 1849; Anna, Jan. 14, 1851;
Elizabeth, Nov. 14, 1853; Mary E., April 12, 1858;
Bell, Sept. 14, i860. The two last named were born
in Fremont Township. Mr. Sharp is an adherent of
the Republican party, and he and his wife are mem-
liers of the Presbyterian Church.

ndrew Macklem, farmer, section i6, Worth
^i^ Township, is the son of Thomas and Cath-

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>Jj|pP erine (Wideraan) Macklem. The parents
"■|lai were born and reared in Pennsylvania, where
they were married. They settled in the Do-
minion of Canada and resided there until their
deaths. Their family included five sons and six
daughters.

Mr. Macklem'is tlie second son of his parents, and
was born Oct. 27, 1821. On attaining his majority,
he spent a year in the capacity of farm laborer, and
at the expiration of that time he took possession of a
farm which was transferred to him by his father. In
February, 1852, he came to Sanilac County and pur-
chased 80 acres of land, in Worth Township, most of
which was in an unimproved condition. His home-

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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stead now includes 220 acres of fine farming land,
and nearly the entire acreage is in a finely cultivated
condition. In political connection, Mr. Macklem is
a Republican. He has been active and prominent
in town matters since he became a citizen, and has
been Supervisor one year. Treasurer ten years (seven
successively). Clerk two years. Road Commissioner
three years and has held the different school offices.
He was married Nov. 10, 1846, in York Co., Can.,
to Jane, daughter of Dan P. and Elizabeth (Robin-
son) Hunter. Her father was born in Ireland, her
mother in Scotland. After their marriage they set-
tled in Canada, where the former died, in April 1879.
Mrs. Macklem was born Feb. 21, 1828, in Canada.
Of ten children born of her marriage, eight survive,
namely: Joseph H., Elizabeth A.. Margaret K.,
Wilfred J., Hamilton A., Cynthia E., Ida J. and
Bertha M. Paden and Thomas A. are deceased.

-i — '-^^^■

^ndi-ew W. Mouro, grocer at Lexington,
^^ was born Aug.

1837, in Canada. His

parents, S. W. and Nellie (Banghart) Monro,
removed to Michigan in 1838. They settled
in Lexington Township, and not long after the
father bought 26 acres of land on the present site of
the village, including a portion of the most important
part of the same. He was a tanner and currier, and
erected a building for the prosecution of his business,
which he continued to manage up to the time of his
death in 1881. The demise of the wife and mother
occurred three days previous.

On attaining a suitable age, Mr. Monro went to
London, Can , to learn the tanner's trade. He re-
turned to Lexington in 1859 and spent two years at
his trade. He then opened a saloon, and at times
managed a bakery and engaged in the sale of gro-
ceries. He is still operating his saloon and grocery
business. He is also extensively interested in fish-
ing, which enterprise he instituted as a business in
1874. He owns a fine boat and 1 10 gill-nets. His
fishing-ground is at Grindstone City, and he em-
ploys three men. He finds market for the product
of this industry chiefly at Port Huion. His heaviest

catch was taken opposite Lexington, with one gang
of 25 nets, and comprised 3,500 pounds of fish. Mr.
Monro is a member of the Masonic Order, Lexing-
ton Lodge, No 61.

He was married at Lexington, in October, 1864, to
Anna M., daughter of Benoni and Mary A. Hayes.
She was born in Canada. Of this marriage two
children have been born, — Nellie, wife of Albion
Wixson, a salesman in a wholesale and retail hard-
ware establishment in Detroit, and William, who is
deceased.

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nniel Lawson, farmer, resident on section
J, Fremont Township, was born May 23,
%^^^ 1821, in Perthshire, Scotland. His par-
"rjft ents, Graham and Ann (Wright) Lawson,
■^ were of Scotch origin and were married in
\ their native land. In 1831 they emigrated

to America with their family of ten children, who
were born in the order which they are here named :
Margaret, William, .Ann, Amelia, Lilly, Mary, John,
Daniel, Louisa and Ellen. They settled in Halton
Co., Can., where the parents passed the remainder
of their lives. Each was nearly four score years of
age at the date of death.

Mr. Lawson grew to man's estate under his
father's supervision, and, after attaining his majority,
remained at home until he was 35 years of age,
working on the home place as he had previously
done. In October, 1855, he came to Fremont, with
Mark Gray (see sketch), and located 280 acres of
Government land, for which he paid $1.25 per acre.
To this he has added 160 acres by later purchase,
and now owns the entire tract of 440 acres. It was
all in a wild state, entirely without improvements.
About one-fourth has been placed in first-class till-
able condition. His family removed to the place
which has since constituted their hoinestead, Sept.

's. 1857-

He was married Jan. 12, 1846, to Janet, daughter
of Andrew and Elizabeth (Douglass) Aiken. She
was born in Selkirk, Scotland, and accompanied her
parents to Halton Co., Can., about the year 1825.
The family settled on a farm where the parents died.
Andrew, Elizabeth, Matilda, William, Margaret,

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SANILAC COUNTY.

305

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Agnes, Jeamiette, Thomas and John are the names
of their cliildren. The mother died in 1861, and
was 85 years of age. The father was 84 years of
age, and died in 1864. Mrs. Lawson was born April
15, 1819. The four children born to himself and
her husband are all living. Following is their rec-
ord: Daniel, born March 10, 1847; Elizabeth D.,
born Dec. 29, 1848, was married April 19, 1871,10
Thomas Aiken; Graham, born Feb. 26, 185 1, was
married Dec. 11, 1877, to Fannie Teed; Ann W.,
born March 17, 1856, was married to Thomas Todd,
of Fremont.

Sanilac County was in its infancy when Mr. Law-
son removed his family hither. He paid a man %\Z
to bring his household effects from Croswell (then
Davisville). They made but two small "jags," and
accomplished their removal with the aid of a two-
horse wagon, Mrs. Lawson walked all the distance
from Croswell, carrying her youngest child in arms
over a route which she selected for herself, making
the way over logs and through brush, there being no
regular road.

Mr. Lawson is a Repulilican in political senti-
ment. He has been active in local official positions,
having served 16 years as Justice of the Peace, nine
years as School Director, and six years as Supervisor.
The family attend the Presbyterian Church.

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lyi||J K illiam D. James, proprietor of the Cadillac

'^KK^^ House, Lexington, was born April 11,
j|\^> 1843, at Fort Huron, Mich., and is the son

1^' of Amos and Angeline (Spaulding) James.

5^ His father was an owner and captain of vessels
on the lakes, and at the age of 15 years Mr. James
, . became a "look-out" in his father's employment

]

He operated as a sailor until he was 22 years of age,
and in 1865 he came to Lexington, where his father
owned the Cadillac House. He became a clerk in
the establishment, and has been in the hotel busi-
ness ever since. In i868 he bought the livery stable
of Peter Janette, which he still manages. He keeps
six horses, and equipments suited to the demands of

^^^ ^'^^^ — ^r2<iii fi nm>

his business. He manages a sale, board and feed
stable. The hotel is the largest at Lexington, and
has accommodations for about 100 guests, with bill-
iard and pool rooms, bar and fixtures. Mr. James is
a member of the Order of Masonry and of the Royal
Arcanum, in which fraternity he is Regent.

He was married July 9, 1866, at Port Huron, to
Emma H., daughter of David and Mary A. Bryce,
a native of St. Clair County. Their eldest child died
in infancy. Dollie B. was born June 14, 1868; Frank
A., Sept. 30, 1870; Irene E., March 24, 1883.

Mr. Bryce is a prominent business man of Port
Huron, and has been an essential factor in the prog-
ress and development of that city. He is the
builder of the Bryce Block.

ijit^ljjudrew Moore, merchant, Postmaster, No-
liM^^ tary Public and Conveyancer, pioprietor of
S|p? the Speaker Creamery, etc., located at the
iJaT village of Speaker, Mich., was born Sept. 22,
I 1843, '" Canada, and is the son of Martin and
Mary A. (Fluellen) Moore. His father was born in
Canada, his mother in the State of New York. They
removed to Michigan and settled in St. Clair County,
where they resided over three years ; returned to the
old homestead in Canada, where his mother died, in
185 I. The father returned to Michigan and died in
June, 1868.

Mr. Moore was seven years old when his mother
died. He remained under the management of his
father until he was 21 years of age, when shortly he
became a soldier in the services of the Union, en-
listing in Co. F, 24th Mich. Inf Vols., under Capt.
George A. Ross, of Detroit. The command was as-
signed to the Army of the West, and was discharged
July 8, 1865, at Detroit. He is now receiving $8
per month pension for disabilities contracted while in
the service. He attended the Medical College at
Ann Arbor during the winters of 1868-9 ^"d 1869-
70. In the fall of 1S71 he fixed his residence in
Speaker village, where he has since resided, with the
exception of five months at Port Sanilac.

He has been a citizen of Sanilac County since

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306

SANILAC COUNTY.

'(^

March, 1858, and is one of the oldest permanent
settlers. He has been Drain Commissioner, Health
Physician, School Inspector, etc. In the year 1883 he
was elected Supervisor, and in 1884 was re-elected
to the same position.

His marriage to Augusta Hart occurred in 1872.
She was born in 1847, in the State of New York, and
is the daughter of John H. and Sarah (Hogg) Hart,
both of whom were natives of England.

Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Moore, as follows : Darwin, March 14, r 87 3 (died
Nov. 6, r877); Wilfred E., Nov. 27, 1874; Allan K.,
April 23, 1878; Martin A., Oct. 8, 1880, and John
H., Sept. I, 1882. Mr. Moore is an earnest be-
liever in the truths of modern spiritualism, as he
believes they are taught by the "gentle Nazarene,"
and is a member of the order of Odd Fellows .ind
of the Masonic fraternitv.

>^S'c — - ^ i< » — •

"ohn S. Bobb, farmer, section 30, Lexington
Jl te^'l 'l"ownshi|), was born June 26, 1830, in
vS'^'^ Lanarkshire, Scotland, and is the son of
John and Marion (Stuart) Robb. John Robb
was born Jan 9, 1804, at Stonebyers, in the
parish of Leshmahagon, Lanarkshire, Scotland,
and is the son of John Robb, who was born in the
same place in 1761, and died in the parish of Car-
luke, Lanarkshire. The father of the first John
Robb was named Thomas, and died in 1810, aged 95
years. The grandmother of J. S. Robb, Mary
(Thompson) Robb, was born at Killbank, Lanark-
shire, in 1759, and died in 1846. (This account
traces the lineage of J. S. Robb through three gener-
ations to the records in Scotland.) Marion (Stuart)
Robb was born at Borland, Lanarkshire, May 5,
1802, and died July 9, 1879, at Croswell, aged 77
years. She was the daughter of John Stuart, a na-
tive of Lanarkshire. Her mother was born in the
same place.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a fami in
his native land and learned the trade of a builder.
In October, 1855, he came to America, landing at
New York. The ocean passage was very stormy
and lasted si.x weeks. He paid his passage in
money before sailing, but the ship sprang a leak and

he found it expedient to assist in bringing the vessel
safely to ix)rt by working at the pumps. He came
direct from New York to Hamilton, Can., where he
worked six months as a farm assistant and in a saw-
mill, spending some time also in freighting, hi the
spring of 1856 he started for the copper mines of the
Upper Peninsula, but stopped at Black River, where
Croswell is now located, then comprising less than
half a dozen houses. An ice-drive from the nortli
detained the steamer, on which he expected to jour-
ney to liis destination, and he went to work as a car-
penter, engaging with Messrs. Davis & Stevenson to
assist in the construction of a steam saw-mill. In
November following he went to Potts, to engage in
lumbering. He passed two winters in the woods.
His parents came to America several years after he
had found a home here. His mother died in Lex-
ington, in 1878, aged 79 years; the father resides
near his son and is 80 years old. Mr. Robb owns
120 acres located on the northeast quarter of the
section above named.

He was married June 13, 1857, to Mary Hart.
daughter of John and Sarah (Hogg) Hart. Her
father died m rS8i, aged 68 years. Her mother is
living in Croswell, and is 78 years old. Mrs. Robb
was born April 26, 1837, at Stratford-on-Avon, Eng-
land, the birthplace of Sliakspeare. The children
of Mr. and Mrs. Robl) were born as follows: Mari-
on H., April 6, 1858; Genevieve, Jan. 26, i860,
Martha, July 19, 1862; William J., March 27, 1865 ;
Elizabeth, Jan. 29, 1868, died July 17, 1873; Nellie
C, July 22, 1871; Jessie, A\n\] 14. 1873; Lena,
Nov. 2, 1875; Mabel, -■Vpril 18, 1S77: Winnifred,
Oct. 15, 1881.

Mr. Robb is a Republican, has been Justice of the
Peace, and served in the various school offices.

-I— -wv^^S-^^-vw^-

oses Foster, farmer, section 16, Flynn

Townihip, was born Jan. 8, 1824, in

^ Tompkins Co., N. Y., and is the son of

^^^^ John and Lucinda (Treadwell) Foster. His

parents removed, when he was nine years of

age, to Ontario, Can., where they engaged in

farming. The mother died there at the age of 64

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SANILAC COUNTY.

years, and the father removed later to Lapeer Co.,
Mich., wliere he died, in May, 1856.

Mr. Foster remained in Elgin Co., Can., until he
was 18 years old, when he went to his native State
and engaged in farm labor. Four years later he re-
turned to Canada, and jnirchased 125 acres of land
in Elgin County, wliere he pursued agriculture for
27 years. At the ehd cTf that time he sold his prop-
erty in the Dominion and came to Michigan. He
purchased 80 acres of land in Attica Tp., Lapeer
County. He afterwards sold this and removed to a
farm in Burnsides Tp., Lapeer County, which he
owned and managed three years, when he again sold
out and bought 160 acres of unbroken land situated
on sections 16 and 21 in Flynn Township. He has
placed 40 acres under cultivation and is making
rapid progress in the work of improving and placing
the property in good arable condition.

He was married Jan. i, 1845, in Tompkins Co.,
N. Y., to Susan Strong. She was born Nov. i, 1826,
in that county, of parents who were natives of
Pennsylvania, of German extraction. She died in
Elgin C"o., Ont., May 4, 1875. Five of 12 children
of whom she became the mother are deceased. They
were named Lydia, Eunice A., Adaline, Anna, David,
Lorinda, Mary E., Lovica, Benjamin F., James V.,
John S. and Moses E. Mr. Foster was a second
time married, in Elgin Co., Ont., in September, 1876,
to Alice Abel. She was born in St. Catherine's, Ont.,
and died in October, 1877. One child, of whom she
was the mother, died at the same time. The third mar-
riage of Mr. Foster occurred in Attica, Lapeer County,
in February, 1878, to Marcia Dunham, a native of
the Empire State. Mr. Foster is a Republican in
political sentiment.

reside there. Mr. Graham learned his trade in his
native land, sj^ending five years in his apprentice-
ship. In 1873, when he was 20 years of age, he
came to the New Worid and settled at first in Can-
ada. In the spring of 1876 he came to his present
location. Mr. Graham belongs to the Order of Ma-
sonry and the Knights of Maccabees.

He was married May i, 1877, in Croswell, to
Olivia Kimball, a native of the province of Quebec.
They have three children, — Walter W., Roy and
Myrtle.

•-~s*

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"■fjndrew Graham, blacksmith at Carsonville,

^ established his business there in 1876. He

^ bought the shop and interest of James Ross,

'•]ior and has since been engaged in a prosperous

1'' and increasing business. He was born in

Scotland, Feb. g, 1853, and is the eldest son

of his parents, William and Mary A. (Dalrymple)

Graham. They were natives of Scotland, and still

arcus Fields, farmer, section 25, Maple
Valley Township, was born July 30, 1832,
in Erie Co., N. Y. His parents, Paul and
^^^^\ Nancy (Price) Fields, were natives of Wind-
sor, Vt., and descended from New England
ancestors, wlio traced their origin to the earliest
settlers of that section of the United States. Mr.
Paul Fields was a farmer in the Empire State, where
Mrs. F. died, in December, 1833, leaving three
children. The former went, later in life, to Wis-
consin, where he died a few years after. \X the
death of the mother, the children — Hiram, Melinda
and Marcus - were taken in charge by several kindly
disposed families, who reared them as their own,
Marcus being cared for in the family of a Quaker
named Hosea Eddy. The separation of the chil-
dren proved a lasting one. Tiiey were too young to
know the necessity of perpetuating the clues 10 each
other's whereabouts and circumstances, and 14 years
elapsed before the brothers met. The sister was
adopted by a family who removed to Ontario, where
she grew to womanhood and married a man named
Franklin Lacass, who in all probability was the first
permanent settler in the township of Maple X'alley.
Mr. Lacass became a soldier, enlisting in Co. K,
Third Mich. Vol. Inf., and was killed near Atlanta,
Ga., in 1864. His widow is an inmate of the home
of her brother. On her removal to Canada, all traces
of her were lost for 32 years, when through persistent
advertising she was discovered and was reunited to
her brothers.

The death of Mr. Eddy, the protector of Marcus

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SANILAC COUNTY.

Fields, occurred when the latter was nine years old.
He remained with the widow of his foster father,
caring for her and supplying the place of a son, until
the advent of civil war. He was among the first to
enlist, and enrolled as a soldier, June 4, i86i,in Co.
K, 2ist Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Layton.
The regiment was assigned to the Army of the
Potomac. Mr. Fields re-enlisted after the expiration
of his first period of enrollment (which continued two
years), in the i4Sth N. Y. Reg. Vol., Co. A. He was
in the service a year longer, and during the entire
period participated in 22 battles and skirmishes. He
possessed singular caution and other qualities, which
made him valuable as a scout, and he performed
much effective service in that capacity, for which he
was specially detailed many times. He was honor-
ably discharged in the fall of 1864, and, on succeed-
ing in obtaining knowledge of his sister, he made her
interests and those of her four children his own, and
has since devoted his time and energies to their well
being.

Mr. Field is a believer in the essential claims of
Spiritualism and is independent in political views.

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rthur Avery, farmer, located on section 29,
«jTea «B!ai|j Fieniont Townsliip, is a pioneer settler in
StOy the town where he lives and wliere he located
in 1862. He arrived in April and bought his
farm, and soon afterward sent for his family.
The place had 50 acres cleared and a good log house.
There were fevi' settlers, and at first it was difficult to
obtain supplies, which involved hardship and priva-
tion of no common character, and necessitated ardu-
ous effort and the exercise of all the endurance of
which mankind is capable.

Mr. Avery was born Feb. 3, 18 ig, in Mere, Wilt-
shire, Eng. His parents, John and Amelia (Mills)
Avery, have been dead many years. The demise of
the former occurred when he was 86 years old ; the
mother died at the age of 65 years. His father was
a stcuie-mason and brick-layer, and he instructed his
son in the same business. The latter was under the
guidance of his father until he was 25 years of age.

He went then to Bristol, Eng., where he operated
eight years. At the end of that time, in 1852, he
emigrated to America, landing at the port of New
York, where he found employment at once and
worked at his trade several weeks. He went thence
to Jo Daviess Co., 111., and erected the first stone
building in that county. It was the residence of a
man named Dimick, who had returned from Califor-
nia. On completing the job, Mr. Avery proceeded
to St. Louis, and, after a delay there of a few days, to
New Orleans.

This was in the fall of 1852, and he passed the
winter months in the Crescent City, working as a
mason. In the spring he returned to St. Louis,
where he lingered two weeks, working at his trade.
He then proceeded to La Salle Co., 111., where he
aided in the construction of the railroad bridge that
crosses the Illinois River at that place. He worked
there three months, acting as foreman of the build-
ing corps on one side of the bridge. He started for
Niagara City, now Niagara Falls, going thence by the
way of Chicago, stopping in the (then) embryo city
but a few days. He worked at Niagara about a year,
and obtained the job of putting up the first house at
Elgin, now Clifton. The work of progress at the
latter place made rapid strides, and in a few years
the town was incorporated. A man named Samuel
Zimmerman was the founder of the place, and
pushed all projects for its advancement with energy.
He obtained the charter of the Canada Southerji
Railroad, and it was in his possession when he was
suddenly snatched from life in the disaster on the
Des Jardines Canal at Hamilton. Mr. Avery re-
mained at Clifton eight years, coming from there to
Fremont Township. The family made their way
hither by Port Huron, which they reached by rail-
road, and drove through from there with a horse
team. Mr. Avery pushed his agricultural opera-
tions as rapidly as possible, but in the third year of
his residence provisions were scarce and want seemed
close at hand.

The husband and father resolved on greater effort,
and he walked 25 miles to Port Huron, and from
there to Fort Wayne, near Detroit, where he obtained
work to provide for his family, .-^fter a few weeks he
found that a strike among the employees was immi-
nent, and by collusion with the foreman he obtained
his pay. A strike would preclude the laborers
from obtaining their wages, and the foreman de-

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SANILAC COUNTY.

^^^^®\Wi

309

vised a pretext for discharging liim before the crisis
came. The foreman, who was a former actiuaintance,
told him to go to Detioit and apply for the building
of a brick house that was projected there, whicli he
did with success. He remained in the city about
five weeks, and returned to his farm.

Mr. Avery was married May 12, 1845, in St. Mi-
chael's Church, in Bristol, Eng., to Jane Moger. Her
parents, Thomas and Ann (Matthews) Moger, were
both natives of England and both died tliere, aged
about 65 years.

Mr. Avery sailed for the United States in the
spring of 1852 and in the fall of 1853 he sent for his
wife and four children, whom he met in the city of
New York. They first began domestic life at Niag-
ara City. Of ten children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Avery, eight are living: Arthur M. was born Feb. 3,
1846; Alfred, born Feb. 19, 1848, died Aug. 12,
1864; Agnes was born Nov. 12, 1850; James O.
was born Aug. 19, 1852. These four were born in
the city of Bristol. Charles R. was born June 10,
1854; Catherine, May 28, 1856; Jane, Feb. 27,
1858: William, Nov. 17, i860; John, Jan. 3, 1862,
died Aug, 8, 1879; Emily, .'Vug. 23, 1864. The last
named child was born in Fremont Township. Five
children were born in Clifton, Ont.

Mr. Avery is a Democrat in political connections,
and has officiated two terms as Township Clerk at
Fremont.

■^■isJiS2f®^r

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toseph W. French, farmer, Lexington Town-
ship, located on section 28, was born near
'^*''' Toronto, Can., April 16, 1829. His i3ar-
ents, Charles and Jane (Macklem) French, be-
^r longed to the agricultural class in the Dominion,
and the son was reared to that calling. In 185 i
he came to Sanilac County, and not long afterward
purchased 50 acres of land on section 9, Worth Town-
ship, on which he resided ten years. He cleared 40
acres and put the farm in a very valuable condition.
He sold it in 1869 and purchased his present home-
stead property. He labored on this alone until he
cleared 24 acres, and now has the entire tract of 80

acres in finely improved and cultivated condition,
with orchards, fine buildings and valuable stock, in-
cluding six cows.

He was married the first time Feb. 28, 1852, in
Lexington Township, to Emmeline, daughter of Mar-
tin and .Sophia Law. She was a native of Canada
and died Oct. 9, 1857, leaving one child, — (Miarles
R., — now a farmer in Isabella Co., Mich. Mrs.
Rachel J. French was born Nov. 22, 1827, in Lon-
don, Can., and is the daughter of Levi and Anna
Lewis. She was married March 28, 1S58, to Mr.
French, and of this union five children have been
born, as follows: Jennie, Emma, Katie, William J.
and Sarah. The two oldest and the youngest daugh-
ters are now popular teachers in Sanilac County.

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liver ]jane, farmer, section 17, Flynn Town-
ship, was born May 6, 1834, in York Co.
Ont., and is the son of Cyrus and Sarah
(Todd) Lane. The father was born in New-
bury, Vt., in the year 1796. He died June 20,
1876, and is buried in Tobo, Middlesex Co.,
The mother was born in County Tyrone, Ire-
land, in 1 809, and died Dec. 20, 1853, and was buried
on lot seven in the sixth concession in Markhani
Township, York Co., Ont.

The subject of this sketch attained his age under
the supervision and instructions of his father and re-
ceived a good education. When he arrived at man's
estate, he became a teacher in the public schools of
the section where he was reared, and passed three
years in that employ. He then became interested
in farming, to which he devoted two years previous
to his marriage. That event occurred Jan. 3, i860,
in Middlesex Co., Ont., where he was married to
Amanda Brooks. She was born Dec. 23, 1846, in
Elgin Co., Ont. Of eleven children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Lane four are deceased — Mary E., Alonzo,
Minnie and Polly M. Those who survive are named
Alberta A., Eliza J., John M., Sarah E., Ernest C,
Oliver A. and Levi. After the event of his marriage,
Mr. Lane located on 100 acres of land in Oxford
Co., Onr. In the spring of 1865 he started on a
western trip for the benefit of his health and to ob-

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310

SANILAC COUNTY.

tain an idea of the West, then becoming famous for
its resources of scenery and profit, and traveled
through Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Ohio,
returning to his farm in the fall of the same year. He
thence removed to Kent Co., Ont , and purchased
280 acres of land, where he labored ten years. In
1876 he traveled in the East, visiting the Centen-
nial Ex[)osition and the cities of Baltimore, Washing-
ton and New York. In the spring of 1881, he came
to Sanilac County and purchased 280 acres of land
on sections 17 and 20 in Flynn Township. He has
improved 70 acres, and has erected a comfortable
house and good farm buildings. He is a Republican
in political connection, and is now serving a term as
Justice of the Peace.

bharles Scott, farmer, section 34, Fremont

»i »^P a Townshii), was born Nov. 21, r8i8, in

^^y Niagara District, Canada. His father, Amos

^U Scott, was of English descent, and died in

'^ Oxford Co., Can., in .Xpril, 1864, aged 84

years. His mother, Rachel (Ward) Scott, was

a native of the State of New York, born of Holland

Dutch parentage. She died March 14, 1854, in

Norwich, Can., aged 64 years.

Mr. Scott was reared a farmer, and when he was
20 years old he was married to Marion Smith. Their
wedding took place Nov. 21, 1838. She was the
daughter of Isaac and Mary (McCleisk) Smith, both
of whom are deceased. She died March 14, r85o,
and left six children living of seven of whom she
became the mother. They were born as follows :
Isaac A., Dec. 4, 1839; George W., Nov. 18, 1840
(died March i, 1884); Charles'!"., January, 1842;
Mary J., March 20, T844 (died Oct. 24, 1882); Amos
L., Sept. 15. 1846 (died in September, 1850); Min-
erva A., Jan. 18, 1848; Marvin, March 14, 1850
(died March 14, 1854).

Mr. Scott was again married March 29, 1855, to
Amy Johnson, eldest daughter of Ezra and Rath
Johnson. She was born of German parentage, in Can-
ada, in 1802, and died in Norfolk, March 22, 185 i.
Mrs. Scott has three sisters, — Mary J., Hannah and
Maloya. She has been the mother of ten children,

seven of whom are living. They were born as follows:
Emma R., March 16, 1856 (died Dec. 3, 1856);
.'\mos E.,Sept. 12, 1857; Edward ^'., Feb. 10, 1859;
Francis C, March 26, 186 1; Joseph T., May 30,
1863; Agnes G., July 20, 1865; Charlie A., March
29, 1867 (died July 20, 1869); Amy R., July 30,
1870; Hannah M., Feb. 25, 1873.

While a resident of Canada Mr. Scott was engaged
in lumbering, and prosecuting all the business per-
taining to his saw-mill there. He has pursued the
same calling to a considerable extent since coming
to Michigan. He took possession of his farm in Fre-
mont Township Sept. 15, i860. It was in a primi-
tive condition, with no improvements, and in a
situation so entirely unknown to the presence of
humanity that wild game was most abundant,
especially deer, which could be seen in every direc-
tion from the door of the house, and were so tame
that they would remain wnere the cattle were herded.
The subject of game was one of peculiar interest to
Mr. Scott, his father and grandfather having been
hunters of considerable celebrity in the Dominion of
Canada. The house which he built for his family
was the first frame house erected in the township,
and was constructed in six days. It has served as a
residence for his family ever since.

Mr. Scott is a Republican in political principles,
and has held several local official positions in the
township. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Baptist
Church.

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athan McClux'e, taruier, resident on section
16, Fremont Township, was born Sept. 8,
^ 1841, in Worth Township, Sanilac Co,
Mich. He is the son of Robert and Margaret
J'vi Ann (Taylor) McClure, and both his parents are
deceased. His mother died when he was a
babe; his father's death occurred when he was a lad
of ten years. After the latter event, he lived with his
brother John several years, after which he maintained
himself He became a farm assistant and continued
in that capacity until he was old enough to learn the
trade of a carpenter, at which he worked until he
yielded to the increasing influence of the war spirit

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SANILAC COUNTY

which inflamed the North during the progress of the
Rebellion. In September, 1862, he enlisted in Co.
C, Sixth Mich. Cav., under Capt. Armstrong and
Col. Gray. The regiment was assigned to the Mich-
igan Brigade, and was under both Kilpatrick and
Custer. It was mustered out of the United States
service at Jackson, Mich., in the fall of 1865. It was
actively engaged at Gettysburg, Falling Waters, and
through the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley,
with Custer and Sheridan. Mr. McClure was con-
tinuously with his regiment after his enrollment, save
two weeks, when he was ill with measles, during the
time when the regiment was at Washington, before
proceeding to the field. On receiving his discharge
he returned to his native township and again became
a farm assistant, working'by the month, and also ob-
taining employment a part of the time at his trade.
He bought his farm of 40 acres Dec. 15, 1880. On
this he has operated successfully and has improved
and placed 20 acres under cultivation. He is a
Democrat and has served as School Officer and
Highway Commissioner.

He was married Oct. 6, 1874, to Lucena C, daugh-
ter of Aaron K. and Hannah A. (Sloat) Gardner.
Her parents are both living in Worth Township and
have always been on a farm. They are natives of
Canada, and are aged respectively 57 and 59 years.
Mrs. McClure was born July i, 1847, in Westminster
Can. Three children have been born of her mar-
riage : Aaron A., Oct. 10, 18715 (died Jan. 29, 1877);
Albert M., Sept. 4, 1879, and an unnamed cliild,
March 29, 1S84.

-5—

inley House, farmer, section 25, Buel
'I'ownship, was born Aug. i, 1839, in O.k-
*¥^" ''^ ford Co., Can., and is the son of James J.
rM^ and Triphena (Malcolm) House. The former
was born in the State of New York, of Penn-
sylvania Dutch descent, and is now a resident
of Buel Townsliip. He is 83 years of age. The
mother died Jan. 28, 1884, and at the time of her
death was 73 years old. She was born in Canada, of
Scotch parentage. Their family included eight sons
and four daughters, as follows: Daniel, Joseph

(died from the results of hardship in the army); Peter
(died while in the army); Lemuel ; Jeremiah (died in
the army); Chauncey, John (died at the age of six ^.
years); Maria (deceased); Nancy, Rebecca, and Al-
mira (deceased). The family came to Sanilac Coun-
ty, Feb. T, 1862, where Mr. House located 160 acres
of land in Buel Township. He sold this to his
brother Lemuel and bought 80 acres, where he has
since resided. He is a Republican in political prin-
ciple and a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He is unmarried.

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A illiam Dawson, Register of Deeds of San-
^ji^^gu ilac County, whose portrait appears on the
j|;v;i'i^ ' preceding page of this volume, was born

;V^> Dec. 21, 1845, in Markham Township, On-
~' tario. Thomas Dawson, his father, was a
native of England and passed his life in the
two-fold occupation of farmer and teacher. He came
to Ontario when he was 2 1 years of age, and married
Mary Brooks, a native of Canada, whose parents
were born respectively in Pennsylvania and New
York. Seven children were born to them. In 1857
the family removed to Michigan and settled in St.
Clair County. Later they went to Memphis, Ma-
comb County, where the father is yet living and oc-
cupies a prominent position in social and political
circles. The mother died in 1878, while on a visit
to Ontario.

Mr. Dawson is the oldest child of his parents. He
was 1 2 years of age when they located in St. Clair
County, 'and he spent the following seven years with
them, obtaining his education under the supervision
of his father. He came to Sanilac County in his 19th
year, and found employment in the town of Elk, where
he engaged as a salesman for Alexander Farwell, and
continued to operate in that capacity two years. He '§^
was married meanwhile, in i866, to Lorania, daugh- i
ter of Chauncey and Lavinia (Fox) Allen, pioneer ^l
settlers of Sanilac County. Mrs. Dawson was born fe^
in Indiana, in 1847. Three of nine children born of ^^
hev marriage are deceased. They were named (4)
Emma I., .\rthur F. and William H. Thomas E

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314

SANILAC

COUNTY.

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MaryL., Delmer H., Eva M., Lela B. and Lilith are
the children still living.

Mr. Dawson passed the decade subsequent to his
marriage in mercantile pursuits, agriculture and the
manufacture of hoops. In addition to his business
operations, he was prominent in public life, holding
successively the local offices of his township. He was
the Postmaster at Peck/rom 1865 to 187 i. In 1876
he was elected County Clerk, which position he
filled two terms. He was next elected Register of
Deeds, and was for a time acting Probate Judge.
He has since held his present position continuously,
and is now serving his second term. He is a Repub-
lican of a decided stamp, and wields a strong influ-
ence within his sphere, which he has won by the
fearless mode of his political activity and holds by his
consistent integrity. He owns 65 acres of land in the
village and vicinity of Peck, and 1 15 acres of land
adjacent to the village of Sandusky. In 1869 he
drafted the first resolution to fi.\ the location of the
county seat at Sandusky, which, though it was not the
immediate cause of the ultimate action which se-
cured that end, was one of the earliest preliminary
movements to effect the final result. Mr. Dawson is
prominent in his Masonic connections ; is a member
of Elk (Blue) Lodge, No. 353, at Peck, of Damascus
Royal Arch Chapter, No. 41, and of the Lexington
Commandery, No. 27.

-»^'

I illiam J. Crorey, proprietor of the Ex-
change Hotel at Carsonville, Washington
^^1) Township, has been a resident of Sanilac
County from infancy. He was boru June i,
1854, in Ohio, and soon after that event his
parents, John and Mary (Stewart) Crorey, settled in
Sanilac County. They were natives of Ireland,
whence they emigrated to the Buckeye State. On
removal to this county they settled in Washington
Township, where the father died, in 1880. Their
family included three children.

Mr. Crorey is the oldest of the children born to
his parents, and received a common-school educa-
tion. In 1S76 he bought So acres of land in its nat-

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ural state, on which he lived and labored until 1884,
when he exchanged the farm for the hotel property,
which he still owns at Carsonville. His establish-
ment is the leading hotel in town, and he is engaged
in a good business. Mr. Crorey is a Democrat in
political faith and belongs to the Order of Mac-
cabees.

He was married June 8, 1875, in Bridgehanipton,
to Huldah, daughter of James and Harriet (Bennett)
Lee. Her parents were natives of Canada. Henry,
William J., Matilda A. and May M. are the children
of Mr. and Mrs. Crorey.

.sG'-

amuel Tuschingham, farmer, located on
section 14, Fremont Township, was born
March 17, 1826, in Lancashire, England. His
parents, Samuel and Lucy (Woods) Tusching-
ham, were both natives of the same country,
where they died, at nearly 70 years of age. In his
later youtli and early manhood Mr. T. was employed
in a foundry in his native country.

In 1862 he came to America, landing at New
York. He did not remain in the States, but went to
Halton Co., Can., where he worked a short period as
a quarryman. Sept. i, 1865, he landed at Lexington,
in this county. He proceeded to Fremont Township
and bought 160 acres of land, to which he has added
80 acres more by later purchase of John Lawson.
This entire acreage was in its original condition. He
has about 150 acres improved, and it ranks as one of
the finest farms in the township, with excellent brick
house and other good farm buildings. The place is
well stocked with cattle, sheep and horses, and the
proprietor is justly considered one of the leading
agriculturists in the county of Sanilac. He is a de-
cided Republican in his political views.

Mr. T. was married June 20, 1S50, in Lancaster-
shire, Eng., to Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and
Sybil (Daniels) Dutton. Her parents died in Eng-
land, her father being about 70 years old at date of
death, and her mother was about 85 years of age at
the time of her demise. Their family included ten
children, — five sons and five daughters. Mrs. T. is the

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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third in order of birth. She was born Dec. 8, 1817,
in the same phice where she lived until her mar-
riage. Following is the record of the children bovn to
Mr. and Mrs. T.: Mary Ann, Aug. 29, 185 1; Wil-
liam H., April 7, 1853; Samuel, Aug. 6, 1857 ; Peter,
April 9, 1855, died of scarlet fever in March, 1863,
in Canada. The children were all born in Lanca-
shire, Eng.

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^Ij^jtoratio J. Emery, physician and surgeon at

^.j^^^l C'roswell, was born Dec. 27, 1857, in the

^h^ tnwn-iclili-i nf PnrtlnnH T.plinOX Co., Ont. He is

'>C^ township of Portland, Leni
'N the son of James and M

Mary (Empey) Emery,
I both of whom are Canadians by birth. His
father is of Irish descent, was born March 18, 1827,
in Lennox Co., Ont., and is the son of Andrew Em-
ery, who was a Captain in the British service in the
second struggle of Great Britain with the American
colonies. He was married in September, 1858, in
Nappanee, to Mary Empey, and they are the parents
of five sons, — Frank, Horatio, John, Fred and Rufus.
Their mother was born Sejjt. 15, 1837, in Addington
Co., Ont., of New England parentage. The family
resided in Nappanee until 1868, when they removed
to Decorah, Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where they re-
mained 18 months, returning to Kent Co., Ont., the
climate of the Hawkeye State proving too severe for
the health of the mother. They located at Dresden,
where the father is engaged in traffic in stock, his sons
managing the farm.

Dr. Emer)' obtained a fair elementary education
at the public schools of Kent County, studying there
until he was 15 years of age, when he went to To-
ronto, where he entered the Normal School and took
the prescribed course of study. After six months he
went to Sydenham, Frontenac Co., Ont., and spent
18 months in the grammar school, receiving a certif-
icate in the second grade A, authorizing him to
teach in the public schools of the Dominion, an oc-
cupation he pursued two years, with growing dis-
taste.

In 1879 he went to the Collegiate Institute at
Kingston, to prepare for college, and in the fall of

1880 he matriculated at Queen's University, in the
Art Department, entering the Royal College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons, where he fulfilled the prescribed
curriculum, covering a period of four sessions of six
months each. April 27, [884, he took the degrees of
M. I), and C. M., and in the first week of May fol-
lowing he passed successfully the Medical Council
of Ontario. In the intervals of the college terms of
1882-3, he walked the Kingston iiospitals and read
one summer with a preceptor, C. B. Lake, M. D., at
Ridgetown.

He came to Croswell May 14, 1884, where he at
once established his office and began ;i permanent
career as a medical practitioner.

His thorough qualification for his professional du-
ties, his earnest, conscientious character, and his de-
votion to his business, have given him a substantial
position as a physician, and won for him the respect-
ful consideration of the community where he has
entered upon his chosen occupation.

rederiek L. Walther, of Lexington, was
born Jan. 5, 1836, in the Province of Sax-
ony, Prussia. His parents, Conrad and
Elizabeth (Wise) Walther, came to America

with their family in 1852. The remained for a
short time in the city of Detroit and proceeded
thence to Sandusky, Ohio. They returned to Detroit,
and a year later made their way to Lexington Town-
ship, where the father became the owner of 40 acres
of land situated one and a half miles northwest of
the village. He died in 1868, and his wife May 6,
1870.

Mr. Walther accompanied his parents in their
various removals, and in i860 he built a brewery at
Lexington, in company with John L. Feed. In 1865
he purchased the interest of his partner and con-
tinued the successful prosecution of the enterprise
alone until the spring of 1884. At that date he sold
the business to Purkiss Brothers. Mr. Walther owns
a fine residence on Boynton Street, which is occupied
by his family. He also owns five lots with houses, -,-
all of which he built but one. He has served several ®j
terms as Village Trustee and Assessor of real estate. ^

■316

i^S^"

^rmmm^^r

^(svife

SANILAC COUNTY.

He was married in the city of Detroit, July 2, 1863,
to Mary Faltz, a native of Mecklenburg, Germany.

1 She died in Lexington, Sept. 2, 1868, and left three
young children, who were born as follows: Minnie,

I June 22, 1864; Emma L., March 28, 1866; Francis
W., Oct. 28, 1867. Mr. Walther was a second time
married, Nov. 13, 1869, to Louisa Grounstedt. She
was born Sept. 12, 1850, in Hungary. Of this union
six children have been born, in tlie following order:
Frederick, Herbert, Augusta, William, Florence and
Henry. William is deceased.

)

I ohn Griee, farmer, section 24, Fremont
Township, was born June 6, 1823, in the
village of Carlby, Lincolnshire, Eng., and
is the son of James and Charlotte (Sesson)
Grice. His father was born Nov. 5, 1787, in
Suffolkshire, Eng., and died in Rutlandshire.
^^ He was buried in the celebrated Ryhall church-
= yard. The mother was born in April, 1796, and
;^ died July 3, 1884, in Cowthorpe, Lincolnshire, and
S was buried in Rutland beside her husband. The
father of Mr. Grice was a man of honorable and dig-
nified character, and was much respected in his gen-
eration.

Mr. John Grice was in the service of a farmer
until he was 17 years old. He became incapacitated
for active manual labor by the kick of a horse, sus-
^ taining a serious injury to his left leg, and in conse-
quence he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a
miller. As he received no money while serving the
term of his indenture, he went into debt for clothes,
and in order to pay it he went to work for a mason,
with whom he remained three years, thoroughly
learning the business. He spent the next three
years on a farm, in the employment of a man named
Clement Bland, who abandoned agriculture to be-
come a miller, Mr. Grice continued in his service
subsequent to the transfer about a year, when he
engaged as a farm laborer for Thomas Finder, with
Ji whom he continued ten years. He left his employ-
ment to come to the United States, and landed at
the port of New York in 1856, accompanied by a
brother. He proceeded to Hamilton, Can., where

he worked for a man named Dodd, running an en-
gine in a saw-mill. His employer failed and he lost
$too.

His next enterprise was the purchase of a piece of
land in company with his brother, whicli they were
obliged to surrender on account of a defective title.
He then engaged in the management of a farm,
owned by John Morden, and he operated in this
capacity four years. While in this employaient his
abilities as a mechanic were in requisition, as he was
able to perform the duties of a first-class mason.
The year after leaving Mr. Morden he worked for
William Campbell as a farm laborer. He then en-
gaged as a miller and continued in that pursuit seven
years.

In 1873 he came to Michigan and bought the farm
on which he has since lived and labored. It com-
prised 80 acres, with but slight improvement. Mr.
Grice has now 45 acres in fair tillable condition.

Mr. Grice was married the first time May 13,
1846, to Mary .A.nn Shortliff. She was born in Rut-
landshire, Eng., in 1828, and died May 5, 1853.
She is buried in Ryhall churchyard. She became
the mother of four children, three sons and a daugh-
ter, — James, John T. (deceased), Elizabeth Ann nnd
John. The present wife of Mr. Grice, Elizabeth
(Monney) Grice, was born April 12, 1822, in Bar-
rovvby, Lincolnshire, Eng.

The record of the children of Mr. Grice is as fol-
lows: James, born Feb. 23, 1847; Elizabeth Ann,
March 23, 1849; John Thomas, born Sept. 17, 1851,
died when six months old. John was born Sept.
16, 1852. William G. Monney, adopted son, was born
March 26, 1870.

In his political creed, Mr. G. is independent. He
and his wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist
Church,

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Jjamuel Todd, farmer, section 2, Fremont
Township, is a native of South Gore,
Greenville Co., Can., and is the son of John
and Esther M. (Main) Todd. His father was
born in County Tyrone, Iielanc\ about the
year 1805. He came to the .•\merican con-
tinent in 1S25, landing at Quebec. He passed a

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SANILAC COUNTY.

)

few years as a day laborer and finally bought a farm,
married and settled. Ten years later he sold out his
property in Greenville County and removed to Hal-
dimand County, where he bought 200 acres of land,
but the title proved insecure, and he was obliged to
surrender his claim. He came to this county April
I, 1855, accompanied by his family, which included
nine sons and one daughter. He bought 160 acres
of land for 50 cents per acre, under the provision of
the Graduation Act. Two years later he purchased
140 acres for the same price, and he operated upon
his place until the outbreak of the civil war, when he
enlisted in the 15th Mich. Vol. Inf Ho died of
disease at Corinth, Miss., before the expiration of his
period of enlistment, aged 60 years.

Mr. Todd learned the trade of carpenter, at which
he worked summers, and engaged winters in hewing
timber. At the date of his father's death he was in
Canada, where he had charge of a lumber camp. On
the occurrence of that event, he came to Sanilac
County, where he has since resided, with the excep-
tion of a short time, which he spent in Alpena. He
owns 80 acres of land, in his own right, which is
mostly improved. He is a Republican in political
sentiment, has been Supervisor of his township two
years and three years Commissioner of Highways.
Following are the names of the brothers and sisters
of Mr. Todd— James M., William H., John, Thomas
H., Robert (deceased), Margaret, Reuben, Josiah
and Alexander. All reside in Sanilac County save
two, namely, James, who is a resident of .Alpena, and
Reuljen, who lives in Wvman, Mich.

acob Cline, farmer, section 15, Worth Town-

'^ sliip, is the son of John and Delilah (Shell)

Cline, both of whom were natives of Penn-

His father was married and settled

120 acres of land in Worth Township, on which he
has since resided and labored until he has im-
proved 100 acres of his land. After settling on
his land he made rapid strides towards a com-
petency, and in 1864 he built a frame house,
which cost $1,800. In .April, 1878, the building was
entirely destroyed by fire, and he at once erected a
farm house near the same site, in which his family
reside. Mr. Cline is a Democrat in political faith,
and belongs to the Order of Masonry.

He was married Sept. 15, 1845, to Jane Finney,
who is a native of Scotland, and was about three
years old when her parents emigrated to Canada.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Cline includes six chil-
dren, five of whom survive. Their names are John,
William M., Tena, Lillie and Sewall. One child
died in infancy.

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^p^llis B. Clarke, of the well-lmown mer-
ISlfe' cantile firm at Lexington designated as
■^' "Clarkes, is a native of Peachara, Vt.,

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in Canada, where he resided until about the

year 1861, when he came to Sanilac County

^^ and spent the remaining days. His mother died in

W. Canada.

>j^ Mr Cline was born .April 30, 1817, in Canada. He

fi,i) was there engaged in farming, and in 1861 accom-

^ panied his parents to Sanilac County. He bought

Clarkes,
!|!^ where he was born June 16, 1841. He is the
son of Dr. Ira M. Clarke (see sketch), and was
reared to manhood in the old Granite State, of
which his more immediate progenitors were natives.

He received a goad common-school education, and
on reaching his majority he became a salesman in
the mercantile establishment of Tillotson cS; Castle-
man, of Orford, N. H., where he operated two years
before embarking in business in his own behalf at
Orforville, N. H., establishing commercial relations
under the style of E. B. Clarke & Co., which existed
two years.

In 1869, Mr. Clarke came to Lexington, and in
October of that year he formed an association with
his uncle, A. M. Clarke (see sketch) for the prosecu-
tion of mercantile affairs. This relation continued
until purchase of the interest of the latter by the
senior Clarke in 187 1. The commercial house of
"Clarkes " has been in continuous operation since its
establishment at Lexington. A. W. Merrill was an
associate partner nearly four years, when the busi-
ness was conducted under the firm name of Clarkes
& Merrill. On the death of I. M. Clarke, his younger

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318

SANILAC COUNTY.

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son succeeded to his fatlier's interest. Their stock
represents about $7,000, and comprises all lines of
goods common to general merchandise, including
dry goods, groceries, crockery, glassware, hardware,
hoots, shoes, hats, caps, flower, feed and all other
articles suited to the local demand. Mr. Clarke is
the proprietor of consideral)le property at Lexington,
and farms 40 acres of land located one and a half
miles south of the village, where he makes a specialty
of breeding fine grades of poultn,', and is somewhat
interested in raising fine horses.

Mr. Clarke was married, Jan. 2, 1865, at. Bath, N.
H., to Mary E. Johnson. She was born in White-
field, N. H., where her parents, Samuel R. and Eliza
A. Johnson, resided for many years. Her father was
a prominent farmer and lumberman, being engaged
in the latter business 40 winters in succession. Mrs.
Clarke was born Nov. 12, 1S43. Three children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, as follows:
Ira M., Jr., Nov. 12, 1865; George Driggs, Aug. 5,
1867; Helen M., Oct. 26, 1877. The two eldest
were born in Orford, N. H., the last in Lexington.

..*^.4<4^^>..

ohn Galbraith, farmer, dealer in grain, and
^ one of the leading business men in Sanilac
County, residing on section 21, Worth
Township, is the son of John and Nancy
]L (Humphrey) Galbraith, natives respectively of
the State of New York and Canada. They set-
tled in the Dominion and resided there until 1838.
In that year they came to Sanilac Co., Mich. Mrs.
G. died Ai)ril 17, 1878; the demise of Mr. G. took
place Feb. 6, 1883.

Mr. Galbraith is the eldest of eight children, and
was born Jan. 4, 1826. When he was 12 years old
he came to Sanilac County, where he has grown to
manhood. He is the owner of 320 acres of land in
the townships of Worth and Fremont, and has 300
acres under good cultivation. In addition to his ex-
tensive agricultural interests, Mr. Galbraith is in
charge of the depot at Amadore, to which position he
was ap{X)inted Dec. 25, 1883. He is one of the
oldest settlers in the county. In political connection
he is a Republican, and he has held the offices of

Treasurer, Clerk, Road Commissioner, and for many
years was County Surveyor.

He was married Aug. 17, 1855, in \\'orth Town-
ship, to Amanda Willets, daughter of Abraham W.
and Samantha Willets. Her parents were early set-
tlers in Sanilac County, and her father is deceased.
Three children survive, of four that have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Galbraith. William is deceased.
Those yet living are Ulysses S.,Angeline and Emma.
The mother died in May, 1865. Mr. Galbraith was
again married Aug. 28, 1865, to Margaret ^'ondry, a
a native of the Isle of Man. Two children born of
this marriage died in infancy. Olive and Alexander
.still s\irvive.

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Imond Hyde, dealer in agricultural imple-

jii^^^ ments, machinery, wagons and carriages,
S^ portable saw-mills, etc., located at Lexington,
liaT was born in this township, March 5, 1843, on
<p the farm where his parents located a few years
before. He is the son of John D. and Cath-
erine (Robinson) Hyde, both of whom were born in
England, where they were married. After that event
they came to America and settled for a time in Can-
ada, afterwards removing to Port Huron, Mich., and
thence to Lexington Township, where the father
died ; the mother is yet living, nearly 90 years old.

Mr. Hyde received a common-school education
and was reared in the pursuit of farming. In 1864
he purchased 80 acres of land on section 10, Lexing-
ton Township, which was in a wholly unimproved
condition. He is still the owner of the place, which
has been reclaimed from its primitive condition, and
is a fine and valuable farm. He also owns consider-
able real estate, located in various parts of the county.
In 1875 Mr. Hyde began to operate as agent for
mowers and reapers ; his business relations enlarged
and extended in a satisfactory manner, and in 1879
he opened his present establishment in the village of
Lexington, on Main Street. In the following year he
located his residence in that village. In 1881 he
transferred his business to the quarters he has since
occupied, and where he has continued to operate
successfully. His establishment is the largest of the

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kind in the county, and his annual transactions reach
an aggregate of about $75,000. He owns his resi-
'^ dence at Lexinsj-ton, and is intimately connected with
f public local interests. He is a member of the Village
Board of Trustees, and belongs to the Knights of
Pythias, the Knights Templars, the Knights of Mac-
cabees, and is connected with the Northwestern In-
surance Company. The brother-in-law of Mr. Hyde,
John A. Wright, built the first frame residence in the
village of Lexington. (He died in Saginaw, in Sep-
tember, 1882.)

Mrs. Mary E. (Lakim) Hyde is a native of Lex-
ington; she was married to Mr. Hyde in August, 1865,
at Port Sanilac. Their seven children were born in
the following order, on the farm in Lexington Town-
ship: Otho, F., Frank D., Charles L., Bertram, El-
mer, Anna and Norman.

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^mi^dward C. Babcoek, lawyer, practicing at

Sandusky, was born Feb. 17, 1845, in

Warwick, Lambton Co., 0;it.. and is the

5s. eldest son of Henry A. and Betsey (Stryker)

i Babcoek, of Elk Township. (See sketch of H.

A. Babcoek.) He is the second in order of

birth of 15 children born to liis parents, all of whom

are yet living.

He has been a resident of Michigan since the age
of seven years, his parents having removed from the
Dominion to Macomb County in 1852. The family
remained at Romeo about one year, going thence to
Richmond, where the father took up land on the
school section of Macomb County, under the pro-
visions of the Quarter-Pay Act, then in o|)eration,
whose regulations reiiuired the payment of one-fourth
of the market value on taking possession, and af-
forded optional limit as to tlie remainder in case tlie
interest (legal rate) did not fall into arrears.

Nearly the whole of the life of Mr. Babcoek from
the age of eight years until 1879, was passed in tiie
changeful, eventful, practical career of a pioneer.
Reijresenting, as he did, tlie best element to be
found in Northern Michigan, he is, per st-, insepara-
ble from its history, and is an important factor in the
progress and development of .Sanilac County. Early

accustomed to the weight of responsibility, with all
the ambition of a keen intellect and a laudable
desire to get on in the world, he realized in its
fullest and truest sense the fact, that there is no
royal road to any achievement which is worthy the
devotion of the course of a human life. He formed
habits of reflection in his youth, and he set himself*
deliberately to the accomplishment of plans and
purposes that reflect the utmost credit upon the
maturity of his judgment even in his boyhood, and
the traits of character which have distinguished his
whole business career. The circumstances which
surrounded him, precluded his attaining a great de-
gree of elementary education, and he worked cheer-
fully and manfully on his father's farm until he was
19 years old. Two years previous his parents made
a transfer of their interests to Elk Township, Sanilac
County, and in 1864 he went to Strykersville, Wyo-
ming Co., N. Y. (This place was named from the pat-
ronymic of his mother.) He obtained excellent educa-
tional advantages at Somerville .Academy and at
Arcade Academy, his aggregate of attendance at
both institutions being 19 months. He was gradu-
ated in the commercial course of study in the last
named, and engaged for a short time thereafter as a
salesman in Strykersville. The failure of his em-
ployer shortly after released iiim, and he returned to
Elk Township. He interested himself in the hoop
business in the interests of parties at the East, and
operated with satisfactory results in that and other
branches of business until 1871.

On the event of his marriage he secured a claim
of 1 60 acres of land on section 1 8, Watertown Town-
ship, under the regulations of the Homestead Law.
The tract was in its natural state, and Mr. Babcoek,
in taking possession of his property in 187 i, moved
ten miles into the wilderness, whence the only guides
to the routes of travel and to neighbors were "blazed"
trees. This was in the fall of 187 i ; and he applied
his physical powers vigorously to the work of clear-
ing his land, availing himself of tlie resources afforded
by the abundance of game, and turning his mental
ability into i)ractical channels toward the develop-
ment of the ulterior [uirpose of his life, by devoting
every available moment to tlie study of law. His
isolation furthered all his projects, his circumstances
furnishing the opportunity for the reflection neces-
sary to his full preparation for the business of his
later life. He supported his family for five years

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A<^Il!l^Iltlf>^

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320

SANILAC COUNTY.

chiefly with his rifle. Deer were plentiful and mar-
ketable, and his expertness proved an available
accessory.

In the fall of 187 i fires and rumors of fires dis-
quieted the people of Sanilac County. Reports of
serious disaster to property and even human life flew
with the velocity of the wind current, that followed
the sweep of the flames which made tiiat year his-
toric in the annals of the world. In the deliberate
and successful preparation of Mr. Babcock to with-
stand the encroachments of the fiend which he felt
to be approaching, stands prominent one of his lead-
ing characteristics. He built what he called a "cave,"
for want of a better name, the structure consisting of
timbers inclined in a V-shape, closing at tlie top, and
banked with earth to a depth which perfectly pro-
tected the " tumule " and its contents from tlie fire
and smoke, and to it Mr. Babcock attributes the
preservation of his children's lives. The space in-
cluded was 8 by 24 feet. Into this he moved his
family and all his household effects, and lived therein
during the terrible 14th, 15th and i6th of October,
1871. The fire raged on every side, but the little
household passed intact through its terrors.

Words fail to convey any adequate idea of the
horrors of the night which followed the last day of
conflagration. A wind of incalculable velocity and
power raged throughout the entire night, hurling to
the ground the blackened, smoking trees whose roots
had been loosened by the burning of the turf and dried
matter in which they were buried. The swift suc-
cession of crashes from the falling timber caused an
uproar which, to the tense and overstrained senses of
the inhabitants, was indiscribably horrible. The
revelations of day-dawn defied comprehension. Every
landmark was destroyed where the fire had been ;
the ground was covered witji a net-work of fallen
timbers, and the people experienced a sensation as
of homesickness, akin to that of having been sud-
denly transported to new and strange lands. Mr.
Babcock relates that it was unsafe for a man to leave
his locality. He made the experiment himself, with
the result of losing his way within 40 rods of his own
house. But sad and heavy as was the loss of life
and |3roi)erty in Sanilac County, tire fire was of ines-
limalile value to tlie general territory, and advanced
its improvement as years of toil could not have done.

Mr. Babcock remained upon his farni until 1879.

He had cleared about 30 acres, and was fitted to
enter his profession as he had designed. He sold
his estate, and having been admitted to practice in
the State Courts of Michigan he removed to San-
dusky, the geographical center of Sanilac County and
whither the county seat had been in the same year
removed from Lexington. He entered at once upon
the practice of his profession, which he has pursued
with satisfactory results. He is a Democrat in polit-
ical connections and sentiment, and while a resident
of Watertown Township served seven consecutive
years as Supervisor. He is interested to some extent
in local insurance.

Mr. Babcock was married Oct. 26, 1867, to Cyn-
thia A. Woodward, in Elk Township. She was born
Dec. 29, 1852, in Dereham, Oxford Co., Ont., and is
the daughter of Emory and Charlotte (Foote) Wood-
ward. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have had six children,
born as follows: Henry A., May 2, 1869, in Burnside,
Lapeer County ; William D., June i, 1871 ; Noel A.,
April 13, 1873; Amy E., Aug. 15, 1878; Nettie B.,
Nov. 15, r88i ; Cecile A., March 26, 1884. The five
last named were born in Sanilac County.

:?:«hJh5S^

"^ came to Worth Township, Sanilac County^
and purchased 80 acres of land, which he
cleared and otherwise improved until the entire
tract was in a valuable agricultural condition.
On this he resided for 26 years, when he sold it and
came to Speaker Township. He bought a farm con-
taining 120 acres, which he occupied three years, at
the end of that lime again selling, after which he
bought 120 acres in Fremont Township. The place
comprised 115 acres of improved land, and he has
continued its occupancy since he first bought it.

Mr. Bradley is a native of the Newcastle District,
Province of Quebec, where he was born Jan. 28,
1 819. His parents, Oliver and Dorcas (Abbey)
Bradley, were natives of Connecticut and are both
deceased. His mother died in Hope Township,
Province of Quebec. His father died in Canada,
where the family settled, his demise occurring when

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;v|:, athan N. Bradley has resided in Michigan
l^iif since 1850. In January of that year, he

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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321

his son was in early yontli. The latter was reared to
manhood in the Dominion and was bred to the call-
ing which he has pursued all his life.

He was married Oct. 11, 1842, to Melinda Briggs.
Of this union nine children have been born, who are
yet living. Two others are deceased. Philinda was
born Dec. 23, 1844, and was married July 4, 1861,
to Charles W. Locke; Diana, born June 10, 1849,
was married June 25, 1870, to Joseph Sischo ; David
was born Nov. 30, 1851 ; Louisa, born Aug. 13, 1854,
was married Feb. 19, 1874, to Andrew AlKvard;
Melvina was born Jan. 25, 1857, and was married
June 16, 1875, to Francis Hill; Reuben was born
June 20, 1859, and was married June 5, 1883, to
Polly Locke; Delina was born Oct. 4, 1863, and was
married Sept. 9, 1880, to William Spencer; Francis
Edwin was born April 13, 1866; Henry, April 7,
1868; Susannah, born June 30, 1847, died Sept. 16,
1848; William, born July 7, 1843, died June 19,
1870. The mother is the daughter of William and
Susan (Hinkson) Briggs. Her father was born June
5, 1800, and died in August, 1881. Her mother was
born Sept. 12, 1799, and died July 9, 1845. They
both died in Whitby Townshi|i, Province of Quebec.

-s -^^^^^^B-^ —

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illiam Smith, farmer, section 22, Worth
__^i. Township, is the son of George and Isa-
iif^fe-, * bella (Peat) Smith, who were natives of
Jl\i^' Scotland. (See sketch of George Smith.)
Mr. Smith is the only son of his parents, and
was born July 9, 1848, in Worth Township. He
has obtained his education and training for his busi-
ness in his native township, and on the occasion of
his marriage, when he was 25 years of age, he settled
on the farm on which he has since operated, and
placed himself in independent comfort. He was
married Oct. 16, 1873, in St. Clair Co., Mich., to
Philanda Leonhard. Her parents, Ferdinand and
Augusta Leonhard, were natives of Germany and
belonged to the pioneer element of Sanilac County,
where they were among the earliest permanent set-
tlers. iVIrs. Smith was born Oct. 16, 1854, in Worth
Township. One child, Jennie A., lias been born of
her marriage.

Mr. Smith is a Democrat in political faith and
action. He has been Township ("lerk two years, and
has also officiated as Overseer of Highways. He is
a member of the Masonic fraternity.

11 eorge McKay, attorney at Marlette, was
fe™ born Oct. 20, 1856, in West Zorra, Oxford
Co., Out. His father, John McKay, is a
native of Rosshire, Scotland. His mother,
Mary (Matheson) McKay, was born in Dar-
nach, Sutherlandshire, in the "land o' cakes."
Mr. McKay is of unmixed Celtic origin, his grand-
parents being of Old country- stock, pure and simple,
and using all their lives the Gaelic speech. His
parents emigrated to Canada in early life, grew to
adult age in Ontario, and were married in West Zorra,
by Rev. Alexander McKenzie, pastor of the Presby-
terian Church and well-known in ecclesiastical circles.
In i860 Mr. McKay accompanied his parents to
the vicinity of Mayville, Tuscola Co., Mich. He
was a pupil in the public schools until he was 15
years of age, and he then passed one winter in lum-
bering in the woods. He attended the High School
at Caro one year and subsequently taught school two
years. He had formed a plan to pursue a literary
course of study and prepared to take the Latin scien-
tific course in the University at Ann Arbor; but he
changed his purposes and entered the Law Depart-
ment of the University of Michigan, where he studied
one term. He returned to Caro and entered the
office of Black, Edson & Quinn, attorneys of that
place, and read for the profession of law under their
instructions one year. He passed his examination at
Caro, Hon. Josiah Turner presiding, and was admit-
ted to paactice in the State Courts in October, 1878.
In the spring of the following year he formed a
partnership with E. H. Taylor, at Vassar, Tuscola
County, under the style of Taylor & McKay. This
relation continued to exist about 13 months.

In the spring of 1880, Mr. McKay came to Mar-
lette and established his business, in which he has
operated with satisfactory results. He was nominated
in the fall of the same year of his removal hither on
the Democratic ticket for Prosecuting Attorney, en-

Cm
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322

SANILAC COUN7Y.

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countering defeat from the fact that the county of
Sanilac was strongly Republican.

While Mr. McKay resided in Tuscola County he
was elected Township Superintendent of Schools,
despite the fact that he was still a minor.

He was married Jan. 25, 1S82, in Almont, Lapeer
Co., Mich., to Ida, daugliter of Matthew Warner, and
was born in the county where she was married.
Jean A., only child of Mr. and Mrs. McKay, was
born Dec. i, 1882.

aktenry McCrea, M. D., physician and sur-

II geon, resident at Madette, was born Oct.

12, 1844, in Lansdowne, Leeds Co., Ont.

,'^

His father, John McCrea, was of Scotch par-
entage and married Eliza Acton, who was of
English descent. After their marriage they
settled in Leeds County, on the banks of the river
St. Lawrence, locating opposite that part of the
stream now made famous by tourists in search of
summer recreation among the "Thousand Isles."
The father died in Lansdowne, June 20, 1846. The
demise of the mother occurred Sept. 19, 1880.

Dr. McCrea is the youngest of eight children born
to his parents, and he remained under their care
until lie was about 20 years of age. He obtained a
substantial elementary education in the district
schools of his native town, and later attended a few
terms at the High School in the village of Gana-
nogue. On completing his studies there he returned
home and passed several years as an assistant on his
father's farm, after which he taught school two years
in liis native county. In 1870 he went to Middlesex,
Ontario, where he entered the seminary and was
graduated in the English and mathematical depart-
ment. He was advanced in his course of study at
the time he began it in the seminary at Middlesex,
and alternated his attendance there by teaching
several terms in the village school. Besides dis-
charging his duties in these he prepared the matric-
ulation work preliminary to entering the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. He succeeded
in passing the severe examination required by the
authorities of that institution, and in the fall of 1872
he began the study of medicine in the office of A.
\,, McLaren, of Komoka, Ont., where he continued

to read at intervals for the period of one year, during
which he taught the village school. The average
number of pupils under his instructions was 80, and
he had no assistants. Oct. r, 1873, he entered the
Medical Department of the University of Michigan
at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated June 30,
1S75. He passed the ensuing vacation in the office
of his former preceptor, and in the fall went to New
York and entered Bellevue Medical College, where
he completed a full course and received his cre-
dentials as a graduate at that institution, March i,
1876.

He spent a short time in prospecting for a satisfac-
tory location, and in July following settled at Mar-
lette. He at once entered upon the career of a
medical practitioner, in which he has attained success
beyond his expectations. He is a leading member of
his profession and has a wide and enviable repute as
an able, skillful and reliable physician and surgeon.
Dr. McCrea is a Republican in political views, but
pursues an independent course in his actions. Dur-
ing the years 1878-9 he acted as Coroner of Sanilac
County, and he has been Health Officer of Marlette
for several years. He has also officiated as School
Superintendent one year. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and belongs to the Presbyterian
Church. At the meeting of the Presbytery in 1884,
in Flint, he was elected to represent that body at the
meeting of the General Assembly at Saratoga.

The marriage of Dr. McCrea to Eudora McLean
occurred May 16, 1877, in the village of Mount
Bridges, Ont. She was born Nov. 25, 1853, in Can-
ada, and was the daughter of the Rev. John and
Evalina (Mitchell) McLean. Her father was form-
erly Presiding Elder of St. Clair District, Ontario.
Mr. McCrea died Dec. 10, 1879, leaviiig one child,
Edna L., born Dec. 5, 1879, five days preceding the
death of the mother.

ryant Stewart, farmer, section 5, Wash-
ington Township, has resided in Sanilac
"^ County since the spring of 1872. He is a
prosperous agriculturist and owns a fine farm
of 115 acres, all of which is in first-class cul-
tivation except 15 acres, which is still in tim-
He belongs to the Democratic element in

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Sanilac county.

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politics, and is one of the Justices of his township, in
which position he has served six years. In July,
1883, he was appointed Supervisor to fill the vacancy,
and in the spring of 1884 he was elected to the same
office. He has also been active in school affairs. He
is a member of the Order of Maccabees, and, with
his wife, belongs to Charity Grange, No. 417, P. of H-

Mr. Stewart's parents, Spencer and Elizabeth (Hur-
ley) Stewart, were natives of North Carolina, where
they married and settled. They removed to Hardin
Co., Pa., where they passed the last ten years of their
lives. Mr. Stewart is the oldest of their five children,
and was born Dec. 30, 1828, in Montgomery Co.,
North Carolina. He was ten years old when his
parents removed to Pennsylvania, whither he also
went and passed the remainder of his minority. On
attaining to manhood's estate, he went to Arkansas,
where he remained until the close of the Civil War.
He went thence to the State of Mississippi and re-
sided there until his removal to Sanilac County. His
chief employment in the South was in the wood busi-
ness. The farm he purchased in Washington Town-
ship was partly improved, and he has expended upon
it the best energies and efforts of which he is capable,
and has a homestead which is an honor to iiis effi-
ciency and judgment, and will be a comfort all his
life.

He vvas married April 4, 1861, in Arkansas, to
Harriet, daughter of Elias and Phebe Ceas, and
widow of James H. Vaughn. Her first husband died
in Illinois, Oct. 9, 1859. Two children, Benjamin F.
and Theresa M., were born to them. The first died
when he was five months old. Mrs. Stewart was
born June 2, 1838, in Venango Co., Pa. By her sec-
ond marriage, she is the mother of seven children, —
Ellen, Emily E., Susan A., Mary A., Harriet I.,
Clarence S. and Clement B. She is a member of the
Methodist Church.

ames Dorward, farmer, section 22, Worth
Township, is the son of James and Mar-
■ garet (Livingston) Dorward. They were
born in Scotland, and in 1849 emigrated to
Canada. The father died in 1873, in the Do-
minion.
Mr. Dorward was born in Scotland, Aug. 17, 1844,

and was five years old when he accompanied his
parents to Canada. He spent his youthful years in
study, and afterwards assisted his father, who was a
brick-layer and stone mason by vocation, until he was
20 years old. He then engaged in the buying and
selling of real estate and was successively the owner
of many tracts of land. In January, 1S76, he came
to Sanilac County and bought 280 acres of land in
Worth Township. Of this he now owns 120 acres,
having sold the remainder. His farm is all improved
and cultivated. Mr. Dorward is a Republican in
political affiliation, and has been active in official
life both in Canada and Michigan.

He was married Nov. 27, 1878, in Worth Town-
ship, to Alice M., daughter of Gordon A. Rudd. She
was born March 3, 1859, in Canada. Margaret A.,
Lydia and Mabel are the children of Mr. and Mrs.
Dorward.

•>*-^»^

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T/fS i^ akefield West, proprietor of the Anderson
iVfAlllJ House at Croswell, was born Oct. 21,

■^<m

1 i' akeni
I* Hou
P=^ 1843, in Simcoe Co., Can., and is the son

a,((3^\ of Benjanim F. and Mary (Howard) West.
JXp His mother was born and died in Canada.

I ) His father was a native of Ohio, and died in

-■ Worth Township, Oct. 8, 1S74, when he was
63 years of age.

Mr. West was reared on a farm in Canada, and
was trained to the business of agriculture, the calling
of his father and grandfather before him. On reach-
ing his majority, he commenced his life independent-
ly, leasing a farm for personal management, as a
place which he owned was remote from where he
lived. In 1878 he sold his farm and came to Sani-
lac County. In October of that year he bought 126
acres of land in Worth Township. It was in good
arable condition, and he continued its management
five years, when he again sold his agricultural inter-
ests and purchased the Anderson House. The hotel
is the largest in Croswell and enjoys a good reputa-
tion, which secures for it a fair share of the public
patronage. The proprietor is as genial, affable and
popular as his calling demands.

Mr. West was married Feb. 22, 187 1, to Matilda
I Vance. She was born March 27, 1853, in Middlesex

(

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<^i]tignii^>^

/^^

324

SANILAC COUNTY.

r(®Vffll

(now Simcoe) County, and is the daughter of William
and Mary (Coburn) Vance. Her mother died Jan.
10, 1884, in Canada, at about the age of 63 years.
Her father was born in Ireland, and is also deceased
The children of Mr. and Mrs. West, four in number^
were born in Simcoe Co., Can., in ihe following
order: William, Aug. 28, 1872; Benjamin F.. Jan. 11
1S75; Alfred Edgar, Oct. 29, 1876; Mary Ada, Sept.
13, 1878.

Mr. West is a Republican in his views of national
policy.

-^%^k

ichard Olmstead, farmer, section 22, Fre-
mont Township, has been a resident in
this part of Sanilac County since i860,
when he purchased his farm of a man named
Schell, in Canada, and came from the Do-
minion to test the possibilities of the Penin-
sular state. The country was still new and settlers
were few.

The civil war broke out soon after Mr. Olmstead
fi.xed his residence in Fremont, and he partook of
the general interest in the progress of the struggle.
He finally determined on enlistment, and enrolled
Feb. 22, 1864, in Co. K, 22d Mich. Vol. Inf. His
regiment was assigned to the 15th Army Corps,
under Gens. Sherman and Thomas. He was in 1:0
regular battles, but participated in several minor
engagements. He became disabled from illness and
went to Hospital No. i, at Chattanooga. He was
afterwards transferred from his regiment to the 29th
Michigan, and was soon afterward detailed for duty
at the headquarters of General Thomas, where he
was occupied until he was mustered out in August,
1865, at Murfreesboro, Tenn. His health was hope-
lessly impaired, and five years of the time since his
return to his home he has been unable to labor.

Mr. Olmstead was born March 2,0, i83i,in Oxford
Township, Ont., and is the son of Hiram and Orilla
(Olmstead) Olmstead. The former died in Fullon,
N. v.; the latter in Oxford, Ont. Their family
included 13 children, ten of whom are now living.

Mr. Olmstead is the fourth in order of birth. At
the age of 16 years he found himself at liberty to

make his own way in the world, and he has since
been independent of assistance.

He was married June 13, 1854, in Canada, to
Elizabeth Wilson. She was born June 23, 1S38, and
died Sept. 5, 1874, having become the mother of ten
children, five of whom were deceased at the time of
her death. Hiram was born Sept. 18, 1857; Mary
J., July 28, 1862; Richard, Oct. 27, 1S64; George,
May 16, 1867; Almira, April 13, 1873. These are
still living. The two eldest born died in infancy.
Tiiose deceased were named Abraham, John and
Horace.

Mr. Olmstead was married the second time June
4, 1S75, to Mrs. Sarah (Merrick) Fifer. She was
born May 5, 1845, and is the daughter of Robert
and Esther (Crawford) Merrick. Her parents are
living in Dakota, whither they removed in Septem-
ber, 1883. Their family comprised 12 children, of
whom Mrs. Olmstead is the eldest. She was born
near Londonderry, Ireland, and was brought by her
parents to the United States when she was 15 months
old. They settled in Kingston, Ont., removing thence
to Oxford, in the Dominion. Her father removed
his family to Sanilac County in 1855. She married
John Fifer, and by this marriage had three children,
na.nely: Robert, born Feb. 23, 1862; Anna J. .April
21, 1864, and George H., Aug. 30, 1866. She is a
member of the Advent Church. Mr. Olmstead is a
Republican, and has been an official in the various
school offices of his township.

^rTj^l '% C. L. Sly, furniture dealer and manufac-
^j.^Hl' turer at Lexington, was born Nov. 6, 1841,
C'JlJn?^ in Livingston Co., Mich. He is the son

§«#S3>— ■

p of Solomon C. and Huldah (Wilson) Sly. His
father was a farmer by proxy, as he owned a
farm, and hired laborers to do the necessary
work thereon, while he applied himself to his trade
of carpenter and joiner, and also to some extent to
the busines of cabinet-making, in which he instructed
his son. In 1857 his father removed to Worth Town-
ship, Sanilac County, where the subject of this sketch
attended school for a time. He returned to Living-
ston County, where he was attacked by a disease of

^^^

<m^m>r

SANILAC COUNTY.

4)^

^
^

the eyes. He spent a few months at Fowlerville in
the same county, undergoing treatment, but, as it
did not prove effective, he went to Detroit and spent
15 months in the care of Dr. J. C. Gorton. He re-
turned to Worth Township, where he engaged for a
time in weaving. Since that time he has followed
his trade. He came to Lexington in 1864, and
entered upon the same business. He opened his
present establishment in 1878, and, with the assist-
ance of his sons, is managing a prosperous business.
He carries a stock suited to the local demand,
manufactures all varieties of furniture and combines
therewith repairing and upholstering. He also has
considerable patronage in undertaking.

Mr. Sly was married March 16, 1S65, in Lexing-
ton, to Clara M., daughter of Jerauld and Ruth
Miller. Five children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Sly, two of whom are deceased. The record is :
Jerauld M. was born Oct. 13, 1866; Carlton L., Feb.
24, 1868; Florence L. was born Dec. 22, 1869, and
died March 16, 1872; Walter T. was born May 9,
1874, and died May 30, 1874; Edward S. was born
Jan. 25, 1876.

The parents are communicants in the Episcopal
Church.

||homas Elliott, Jr., farmer, section 24,
Washington Township, was born April 4,
1857, in England. His parents, Thomas

and Margaret (Mooney) Elliott, were also born

!> in that country, where they were married and
settled. They emigrated to Canada in 1864,
where they were residents until 1867, in which year
they came to this county, and located in Sanilac
Township. Later, they removed to a farm in Wash-
ington Township. Their children were four in
number.

Mr. Elliott is the youngest child of his parents,
and was but seven years old when they came to the
New World. He has lived in Sanilac County since
he was a lad of 10 years. He is now the proprietor
of 80 acres of land, 55 acres of which are under cul-
tivation. Li political views he holds to the princi-
ples of the Anti-Monopolist party. He has held the

office of Justice of the Peace three years and School
Moderater three years.

Mrs. Jane (Robinson) Elliott was born in Canada,
July 4, 1857, and was married in the Dominion to
Thomas Elliott, May 4, 1881. Jessie and Maud are
the names of the children born of this union.

->-5-4^ — o^af^aUHe^o 1»-5<-^ •

S^^fi^yc

||Lrank T. Smith, merchant at Forester,

^ _|!| P senior member of the mercantile Hrm of

^W^-'^ F. T. Smith & Co., has been connected
i^ with the business history of Sanilac County
Jyis^ since 1867, when he came to Forester and be-

{ came a salesman in the mercantile establish-
ment of Smith, Kelly & Co. He has made steady
and sure strides of progress until he is now at the
head of one of the oldest and most influential busi-
ness houses of the Huron peninsula, and is one of
most prominent leaders in the later development of
the resources of Sanilac County.

The original senior member of the firm was his
uncle. He remained in liis capacity of salesman
until 1S72, the firm having become Geo. H. Tanner
& Co. At the date named he became a member of
the firm which, in addition to its mercantile relations,
owned a grist-mill and saw-mill, and trafficked largely
in mill and lumber products. In 1876 he succeeded
to his present position ; and the house is managing a
trade of $50,000 annually, with an invested capital of
$10,000. Their annual transactions when their lum-
ber traffic was at its height amounted to $150,000.

Mr. Smith is the owner of the extensive business
block where he operates, besides other property at
this point. He is an active and zealous supporter of
the current issues and tenets of the Republican party,
and has served his township six years as Treasurer.

He was born in New London Co., Conn., March
21, 1850, and is the son of Nathan G. and Lucy A.
(Pendleton) Smith. The father was a native of
Connecticut, and passed the greater portion of his
active life in speculating. His wife is a native of
New Jersey, and they are living in retirement at
Slonington, Conn., in ease and comfort.

Mr. Smith received a good business education and
entered upon his career of activity in Sanilac County,
as has l)een stated.

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He was married Oct. 17, 1882, at Detroit, to Mary
Dement. They liave one child, Edward T., born
March 29, 1884. Mrs. Smith was born Nov. 26,
i860, in the city of Detroit. Her father, Capt. Gilbert
Demont, was an experienced and practical navigator,
having passed a series of years successively in the
lake service. In 1872 he assumed command of the
propeller, R. G. Coburn, a large and comparatively
new steamer. In the fall of the same year, while en
route from DuUith, the vessel, with all on board, was
lost in .Saginaw Bay. A heavy sea was running, and
the wind was blowing with great velocity, when the
propeller was discovered by other lake craft in the
bay, and was evidently in distress, as she was flying
a red flag. While the observers were endeavoring to
determine her identity and condition, with the pur-
pose of rendering aid, she suddenly went down. Two
of her boats were picked up, with several persons,
but Captain Demont and his eldest son Charles were
lost. The mother of Mrs. Smith died in Detroit, in
the spring of 1872. The daughter was educated in
her native city, and at the age of 16 years became a
teacher. She followed teaching as a vocation until
her marriage. She is a communicant of the Episco-
pal Church.

The portrait of Mr. Smith accompanies this sketch,
and may be found on a preceding page.

(c\

s^-Ka

enjamin E. Bond, foundry man and ma-

^iRM^Ii- chinist, at Anderson, Washington Town

^ ship, was born Nov. 28, 1853, in Canada.
■ ® His parents, Benjamin and Eliza (Eden)
^^ Bond, were natives of England, where they
were married. They emigrated to Canada,
where they died. Mr. Bond passed his early years
in farm duties and in obtaining a fair degree of
education, and at the age of 19 years he entered
into an apprenticeship to learn the business wliich
he has since pursued. He served three years. In
February, 1878, he came to Macomb Co., Mich., and
after remaining there more than three years, he
came to his present locatiom, in the spring of 1881.
He put up a building suitable for the prosecution
of his business, which was destroyed by fire in the

autumn following. He rebuilt the structure in the
summer of the following year, since which time
he has operated continuously and with satisfactory
results.

He was married in Richmond, Macomb County,
Jan. I, 1879, to Jane Dennison, who was born in
Canada. Lillian M., first-born child, died at the
age of nine months. Benjamin H. is still living.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church.

«Wi2j2fi'!s-fiS^— ►/!

•^^fmss"

ames McClure, farmer and stockman, re-
^Ifc' siding on section 29, Watertown Township,
was born in July, 1832, in Oxford Co., Ont.
His parents, Samuel and Nancy (Hunter) Mc-
jt Clure, were natives of Ireland and of Scotch-
Irish lineage. He was a mechanic by occupa-
tion, and after marriage came to Canada, where he
died, in 1835. James' mother is still living, in O.y-
ford County, aged 75 years.

The loss of his father in early life necessitated an
early struggle with the world, and when but a boy
Mr. McClure came to Michigan, first obtaining em-
ployment in the city of Port Huron, and subse-
quently in the woods as a lumberman in the county
of St. Clair. He went thence to Huron County and
spent some time in lumbering on the rivers there. In
1849 he came to Sanilac County, making his way
into the township in which he has since resided,
by the way of Elk River, then the only means of
ingress into the unbroken forest and the most direct
route from Lexington. The entire township lay in
its primitive condition, its forests intact, and trav-
ersed by the wild animals common to this section.
In December, 1851, he entered a homestead claim of
:6o acres, one of the earliest in the township. He
was the first permanent settler in that part and
probably the third in the township. He was instru-
mental in the organization and naming of Watertown
Township, •and obtained its separation from Wash-
ington. k.\. its first election he became Supervisor,
a position he held three years. He is a Democrat
in political connection, and has been one of the
most imixirtant actors in the progress of Sanilac

•< — '

«fe

^^^

rTrCrDH^nil^>7

(<)

SANILAC COUNTY.

329

County. He is suffering from a pulmonary disease,
the result of hard labor and exposure.

The marriage of Mr. McClure to Elizabeth Collins
occurred May 24, 1862, at Lexington. She was
born Feb. 16, 1844, in Dereham, Oxford Co., Out.,
and is the daughter of Benjamin and Celia
(Weaver) Collins, natives of Ontario, and now resi-
dents of Buel Township, whither they removed in
1S54. James W., Susan, Melinda and Benjamin
are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs.
McClure. The original acreage of the farm has
been decreased by the sale of 40 acres, and of the
remainder there are 75 acres in first-class farming
condition, with commodious barns and a comfortable,
convenient residence.

— vv^ei"€^s-^'^ — ^

'Vf?:

oter H. Benedict, farmer, section 21, Worth

Township, is the son of Michael and Clar-

',' ii;:*.<? issa (Hurlburt) Benedict. The parents

t-&tj "'ce natives of Connecticut, but removed

jj^- later to the State of New York, and afterwards

* to Pennsylania, where they died.

Mr. Benedict was born in the Empire State, Nov.
25, 181 1. He received a common-school education,
and at the age of 18 years was apprenticed to learn
the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he has since
that time combined with the calling of agriculture.
In 1842 he came to Sanilac County and bought 80
acres of land, on which he settled two years later,
and where he has since resided. He has placed the
entire acreage under cultivation.

Mr. Benedict is a Democrat in political faith and
action. He'has been prominent in the local interests
of Sanilac County and Worth Township, and is re-
garded as a solid and substantial citizen. He has
been Supervisor several terms and held other posi-
tions. In the fall of 1852 lie was elected to repre-
sent his district in the Legislature of Michigan, and
served one term.

He was married Jan. 26, 1844, in Worth Touui-
ship, to Jeannette, daughter of William and Jean-
nette (Luke) Smith. Her parents were natives of
Scotland, where her mother died. Her father after
that event came to America and resided seven years

in Canada. In the fall of 1839 he removed to
Worth Township, where he died. Mrs. Benedict
was born Jan. 26, 1S21, in Scotland. She has *■;>-
become the mother of six children, — William. H., 1
George F., Nina, John A., Frederick J. and James \fc)
L. Nina died when she was about 30 years of age.

»^''R r/-;-'i'"- George Wever, formerly of Marlette,
i T^jii^ was born Oct. 3, 1838, in Elgin County,
-' >ir Ont. His father, Daniel Wever, went to
"^j^)<v Lapeer Co., Mich., in the fall of 1854, with

this family, which included eight children. Dr.
Wever had made the best use of the advantages
of the common schools he had attended, and in the
winter of 1854-5 he began teaching in Mayfield Town-
ship, then connected with Lapeer Township. He
taught successive terms of winter school in Lapeer ^^.
and Oakland Counties, operating through the alter-
nate summer seasons as an assistant on his father's
farm, studying opportunely with reference to the
ever recurring autumn examinations. In the fall of
1858 and the spring of 1859 he attended the Academy
at Oxford, Mich. In the spring of i860 he went to ( ))
Missouri and taught a term of school in Jackson
County, in that State. The winter following he was
engaged in teaching in Lapeer Co., Mich. He at-
tended school in 1861 and 1S62 at Utica, Macomb
Co , Mich.

He enlisted in August, 1862, in the 22d Mich.
Vol. Inf , for three years or daring the war, and was
discharged with his regiment in July, 1865. During
a part of the period of his military service he was
detailed as Brigade Hospital Steward, and while act-
ing in that capacity he began the study of medicine.
He attended medical lectures at the University of
Michigan during the winter of 1865-6, and after that
read for 18 months for his profession with Dr. J. S.
Caulkins, of Thornville, Lapeer Co.y Mich., and,
acting in accordance with the advice of his instructor,
he opened his career as a practitioner at Attica, La-
peer County. In the early part of 1869 he settled in
the village of Marlette, then in its incipiency, where
he prosecuted the duties of his practice with vigor
and conscientiousness, and reaped the reward of a "x^^^^

ca:

SUtlr^-^-

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'^DD^(iD^^v

-zn^&sr

-#^(<®vii

33°

SANILAC COUNTY.

fair success aad a general popularity. In the winter
of 1877-8 he altendcd lectures at the Medical Col-
lege of Detroit, where he was graduated and received
the credentials of tliat insiiluiion. He resumed his
practice at Marlette, which he continued until his
removal to Olivet, Eaton Co., Mich., whither he went
to secure educational advantages for his children.

Dr. Wever married Cynthia Dewolfe, of Dryden,
Mich. They are the parents of six cliildren. Dr.
Wever united with the Methodist Church when he
was 19 years old; Mrs. Wever joined the same con-
nection when she was 14 years of age, and they con-
tinued that relation until their removal to Olivet, and
are now identified with the Congregational body of
that place.

In political connection Dr. \Vever is an inflexible
Republican, and is also tolerant of those who enter-
tain diverse opinions.

At the date of this writing (iSS4),he is still largely
interested in Marlette, where he owns his former
home and where his worldly accumulations still
remain.

atson Beach, editor and proprietor of the

Sanilac Jcffcrsonian, and member of the

li^^^"'^ legal firm of Beach & Macklem, has been

-/|B<S('' a resident of Lexington since 1850 He

was born Jan.

igton since 1859
3, 1840, in Litchfield Co.,
.. Conn. His parents, Eben and Lucy (Walling)
Beach, removed while he was an infant with their
three children to Port Huron, where the father en-
gaged in the business of manufacturing harness and
saddles. He attended school there until he was 18
years old, when he began to read for his profession
in the law office of Messrs. Conger & Harris, of Port
Huron. In 1859 he came to Lexington and con-
tinued to read under the directions of A. E. Chad-
wick. In April, 1861, he was admitted to practice
in the State Courts of Michigan, and entered into a
business relation with his tutor, which existed until
December of the same year, when he yielded to the
influences that pervaded the entire North, and be-
came a soldier for the Union. He enlisted at Lex-
ington, in Co. D, loth Mich. Vol. Inf, and on the
organization of the company was made fifth Sergeant.
He served until March, 1865, the command being

%\®^^^^

attached to the Army of the Cumberland. Mr.
Beach was an active participant in all the engage-
ments in which his regiment was involved, went
through the campaign from Chattanooga to tlie siege
of Atlanta and to Savannah. He was in the culmi-
nating battle at Jonesboro, where the regiment suf-
fered severely. He was discharged March 5, 1865,
at Savannah, as First Lieutenant, and returned to
Lexington, where he resumed his professional career
in company with Chas. S. Nims.

In May, 1865, they bought the Jeffersoniaii, which
they put in fine condition and rendered attractive and
popular, its circulation steadily increasing and its
influence widening under their management. It is
and has since been the leading and largest publica-
tion in Sanilac County. The business relations of
Messrs. Beacli & Nims was dissolved in 1882, after
17 years of successful and harmonious co-operation.
Since the date of their dissolution, Mr. Beach has
managed his journalistic enterprise without assist-
ance. In January, 1883, he entered into a partner-
ship with Wilford Macklem, a prominent and efficient
attorney, and the firm has since been engaged in the
transaction of a prosperous and popular business.
They are authorized agents for several insurance
companies, among which are the .-Etna, the London,
Liverpool and Globe, the North American, and
others of equal reliability.

Mr. Beach has been prominent in political circles,
as in business and journalism. He has served the
county one term as Prosecuting Attorney, and is
filling his second term as Judge of Probate. He is a
Republican of decided ty]je, and was elected to his
present position in 1876 and 1880, by triumphant
majorities, that left the cpiestion of his fitness and
the confidence of his constituency beyond cavil. He
has acted as President of the village. Trustee, Vil-
lage Attorney and in other positions of trust. In
1880 he was elected Presidential Elector, and satis-
fied the best ambition of his political career in help-
ing to place James A. Garfield at the head as the
National Executive.

Mr. Beach was married in Le.Kington, March 17,
1864, to Frances S. Waterbury. She was born in St.
Clair, and is the daughter of John C. and Lory P.
Waterbury. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Beach
were born inthe following order: Wilbur J., John W.,
George E. and Frederick P.

kS)

Ae>D n ^:n Df^A-^ — ^^^^

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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oel Hurley, of VVasliington Township, one
^1^- of the prominent agriculturists of Sanilac
''^^ County, has been a resident therein nearly
30 years, the beginning of liis life within its
limits dating from the winter of 1856. He was
then 23 years of age, and on coming hither he
bought 160 acres of land in Marion Township, of
which he was the owner and manager eight years.
At the end of that period he removed to Washington
Township, where he is now the owner of 240 acres of
land, on section 24. Nearly the entire acreage is
under cultivation, and the property is considered to
be among the best farms in Sanilac County.

Mr. Hurley is a Democrat in political sentiment,
but takes no aggressive part in public affairs. He
refuses office with persistency, preferring the i[uiet
and freedom from turmoil of the life of a private
citizen.

He was born March 17, 1833, in Steuben Co., N.
Y., and is the son of John and Dorcas (Wixson)
Hurley. The former was born in the State of New
York, the latter in Canada. After their marriage they
settled in the Empire State, afterwards removing to
Sanilac County. They settled in the township of
Worth, which is still their home.

Mrs. Sarah (Avery) Hurley was born Nov. 18, 1836,
in Canada. She married Joel Hurley July 11, 1857,
in Lexington Township. Jennie and Dorcas A. are
the names of her two children.

ahlon Bigger, farmer, section 12, Fre-
mont Townsliip, was born July 2, 1856,

■?; ;

in Elgin Co., Can., and is the son of John

jW-''''^ and Alice (Hall) Bigger. Her father was

■■(J born in Canada and died Feb. 17, 1879, in

Sanilac County. He was 64 years old. The

mother was a native of Ireland, and was about 46

years old at the time of her death, which occurred

Sept. 13, 1874. Their family included seven chil-
dren.

■ Mr. Bigger was reared to the calling of a farmer
and remained at home until he was of age. In the
spring of 1876 he came to Sanilac County in com-
15any with his father. He bought the farm of r6o
acres on which he has since resided, and of which
he took possession May 20th of the same year. He
has improved about 50 acres. Mr. Bigger is inde-
pendent in political views.

He was married Oct. 10, 1883, to Esther, daughter
of William and Matilda (Plunket) Willis. Her
parents are natives of Ireland and are on a farm in
Marion Township, Sanilac County. Their family
comprises ten children, and Mrs. Bigger is the
youngest child. She was born May 2, 1862, in Sani-
lac County.

-^%

j[ndrew J. McCardle, farmer, section 20, f^T
iC Worth Township, is the son of John and L--
Catherine (Luckey) McCardle. Parents ^.
are natives of Ireland, and came to .America y'
and resided nearly two years in the State of
) New York, removing thence to Canada. In the
spring of 1854 they came to Sanilac County and
located in Worth Township. The mother died Feb.
28, 1871; the death of the father occurred June 21,
1880. Their family included 10 children.

Mr. McCardle was born Oct. 13, 1840, in Ontario
Co.,_Can. He was 13 years old when he came with
his parents to Sanilac County, and he lias since re-
sided in Worth Township. In 1870 he succeeded to
the ownership of the homestead, consisting of 210
acres of land, to which he has added 40 acres by later
purchase. About 140 acres are now under good cul-
tivation, and the remainder is still in heavy timber as
it was when in its original condition. Mr. McCardle
is a Republican of decided views, and has held the 1
office of Township Treasurer five years. Highway
Commissioner one year and School Director two
years.

He was married Jan. 22, 1870, in Worth Town-
ship, to Mary J., daughter of Ira and Elizabeth
(Mathews) Lount. Her parents were natives of Can- ^

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<^>lir^:llllr>r

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,.--5

332

SANILAC COUNTY.

•Z^W^

ada, and in the fall of 1850 settled in Worth Town-
ship, where they have since resided. Mrs. McCardle
was born Jan. 29, 1850, in the county of Ontario,
Can. Five children have lieen born in this family,
two of whom are deceased. The names of the living
are: Lottie C, John O. D. and Olive E. Those de-
ceased are Jennie L. and Edith M. Mr. McCardle
is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and his wife
belongs to the Methodist Church.

'a^

ev. Christian Denissen, Pastor of St.
Denis' Church, Lexington, was born April
24, 1847, in Rozendaal, Holland. His
f \^ parents, Cornelius Denissen and Mary Cor-
nelia (Konings) Denissen, sent young Chris-
tian to school at the age of six years. The
boy went through his different lessons and readers
with the usual ups and downs of school-boys, having
his mind on play and mischief as much as on the
austere discipline of the old-fashioned school-master.
At the age of 12 his parents sent him to college in
the city of Oudenbosch. He studied in the prepara-
tory classes of languages for two years, passing satis-
factory examinations, then began his classical course,
which at that college is a six-years course, it includ-
ing poetry and rhetoric. In October, 1867, he com-
menced his philosophical studies at the Seminary in
Hoeven, Holland, and afterwards the theological
course, under Profs. Gabriels and Loos.

On June 10, 1870, he was ordained to the four
minor orders, and on the following day to Sub-dea-
conship. He received his ordination as Deacon
June 3, 1871, and May 25, 1872, was ordained
Priest, by Rt. Rev. John Van Genk, Bishop of
Breda.

Father Denissen, with that heroic courage so typi-
cal of his character, decided to spend the remainder
of his life in America. The Diocese of Detroit was
his choice. He received his dimissorial letters from
his bishop, and, sacrificing home, friends and all that
were near and dear to him, left his native land June
I, 1872. He presented himself to the authorities of
his adopted diocese on June 17. On the 2gth of
that month he was sent to Anchorville, St. Clair
County, as assistant to Rev. Jolin Elsen. On July

12 he was recalled to Detroit to do service in Trinity
Church as assistant. His further career has been as
Pastor of the Catholic Church of Lexington, Sanilac
County, where he arrived Dec. 19, 1872. He entered
with intrepid zeal upon the work assigned him. Of
all the struggles whicli he was called upon to under-
go, little is known, save what is self-evident, owing
to his uncomplaining endurance and perseverance.
In the performance of his ministerial duties, he
proved himself a true priest of his Church. Exact
and punctual for himself, he makes great allowances
for the shortcomings of others; not interfering with
the religious views of his fellow-citizens, he is un-
compromising in his own belief and in the doctrine
of his Church. That he has worked with indefatig-
able patience for the welfare of his congregation,
can readily be seen by comparing the condition of
his parish r i years ago with its present flourishing
state.

As a citizen he has a reputation of high standing
in this vicinity, by his cautious enterprise having
contributed in no small degree to the develoiiment
of this village. In his business transactions, he is
known for his clear judgment and his unswerving
integrity. Father Denissen is possessed of the attri-
butes tending to make the character of a gentleman.
Combining with charity a kind and unostentatious
manner, he has won in a marked degree llie affec-
tion and esteem of his own flock, as well as of all
with whom he has come in contact. His peculiar
traits of character are national to the Dutch! Free-
dom and independence they have maintained against
all odds. Their industry and econouiy are pro-
verbial. We might add, that the true Dutchman
is self-possessed and liberal. During the best part
of his public career, it is evident that lie is shaped
truthfully after the pattern of his gallant forefathers.

()

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*>_

(

|lc eorge E. McNinch, merchant at Ander-
|L son, Washington Township, was born Aug.
^2, 1848, in Livingston Co., N. Y. The
'/f^ Empire State was also the birth-place of his
parents, Samuel and Harriet (Taylor) McNinch.
He received a common-school education in his
native State, and in 1865 he became a resident of

Jv,

<^in!i:^:iii]>>

)^#^«

SANILAC COUNTY.

^m^\m^

333

Michigan, settling in Tuscola County, where he re-
mained until the spring of 1882, when he removed to
Sanilac County. He bought 80 acres of land in the
township of Sanilac, and has now a fine farm, with
about 72 acres in tillage. In the winter of 1882 he
rented his farm and came to Anderson, where he
erected a building for the purpose of establishing the
business in which he is now engaged and to which
he has since given his entire attention. Mr. McNinch
is a Republican in political connection, and belongs
to the ISIasonic Order.

He was married the first time in Tuscola County, to
Victoria Young, a native of Canada, who is deceased.
Three children were born of this union, — Asa, Jennie
and Joseph. Mr. McNinch was a second time mar-
ried June 5, 1S79, to Annie Eyoy, who was born in
Canada, Nov. 6, 1849. Two children, born of this
second marriage, died in infancy.

•"vtujefi/®-^^-

-^^J^iaznfv

§^harles Corbishley, merchant at Sandusky,
was born Aug. i, 1848, in London, Ont_
He was a resident of St. Clair, Mich., from the
age of six months to 16 years, and there re-
ceived a common-school education. He fol-
lowed the lakes as a sailor from the age
mentioned until the fall of 187 1, when he relin-
quished sailing and went to Smithville, St. Clair
County, where he embarked in a general mercantile
enterprise as a clerk, remaining in the position about
five years. In 1S76, he opened the same line of
business in his own behalf. He continued its man-
agement until the spring of 1879, when he transfer-
red his interests to Sandusky, Sanilac County. He
met with a satisfactory degree of success, and in the
spring of 1882 erected and took possession of the
building where he has since prosecuted his business.
His location, opposite the recently constructed court-
house, is regarded as one of the most desirable, from
a business point of view, in the village. His stock is
estimated at $4,000, and his annual transactions
average $17,000. His possessions include three im-
proved village lots and 120 acres of choice land,
finely located on the north side of Sandusky village.

Mr. C. is a Republican in political faith and con-
nection, is a member of the Order of Masonry, be-
longing to Blue Lodge, No. 142, and to St. Clair
Commandery, No. 12.

He was married July 2, 1876, to Mary E. Vin-
cent, who was born at Burchville, St. Clair Co., Mich.,
in January, 1859, and is the daughter of John and
Catherine Vincent. Of this union three children
have been born, as follows: Fred A., Nov. 9, 1878;
Lee J,. Nov. 15, 1880; and May, Dec. 15, 1883.

^=H=#>=H=E^

■rF® iniliam Grant, farmer, section -lo, Fremont
pi^^&sl,. Township, was born July 8, 1835, m Aber-
j|^*i ' * deen, Scotland. He is the son of Alex-
ia ander and Isabella Grant. The former died
in Granton, Can. The mother is living with
one of her sons at Point Edward. The family
emigrated to the American continent in 1843, landing
at Quebec. The father bought a farm in the town-
ship of Riddulph, where he passed the remainder of
his life. Mr. Grant was reared to the age of 18 years
on his father's farm, coming in 1853 to Michigan,
where he was engaged during the winter season in
the lumber woods, and returned for the labors of the
summers to Canada until the fall of 1856, when he
bought 1 60 acres of land. The entire tract was in a
wholly wild state, it having probably never been
crossed by a white man previous to his ownership,
and not a stick of timber had been removed from it.
He spent two years on the place in solitude and
isolation, lumbering winters and chopping and clear-
ing summers.

His marriage to Miranda Beal occurred March i 7 ,
1 86 1. She was the daughter of Ezekiel and Tabitha
(Fitzgerald) Beal. Her father died when he was
about 53 years old, in Speaker Township. Her
mother is living. The wife was born Nov. 22, 1840,
near York, Maine, and died July 4, 1873, leaving five
children. They were born as follows : Leslie C,
Dec. 8, 1861; William A., Nov. 5, 1863; Lowell E.,
April 7, 1866; Mary J., May 23, 1868; and Clara A.,
Sept. 30, 1870. Mr. Grant was a second time mar-
ried April 19, 1875, to Margaret A. Schram. She

(

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•^m>^

4^^^^(^m

"z^^^sir

<m^m>r-

SANILAC COUNTY.

was born and bred a farmer's daughter, and her par-
ents, Peter G. and Catherine Ann (Flake) Schram,
are living on a farm in Greenwood Township, St.
Clair Co., Mich. Mrs. Grant was born Feb. 7, 1852,
in Nisouri, Canada. Of four children l)orn of the
second marriage three are living. Alice was born
April 5, 1876; John H. was born Aug. 8, 1878, and
died Jan. 24, 1882; Catherine was born June 20,
1880; Isabella, March 16, 1884.

Mr. Grant has served several terms as Township
Clerk, and has officiated as School Inspector since
the organization of the township.

'S^'^^^l

^?wr-

)

. ohn Ireland, proprietor of the Everett
House at Marlette, was born July 5, 1848'
and is the son of John and Mary (Craig)
"flS Ireland. His father was born in the capital
^ It city of the "Green Isle," and was educated there ;
■'^ \ he was the eldest of four sons and two daughters
-^ born to his parents — John and Esther ( Hawthorn )
,^ Ireland. He began his career as a teacher in Dublin,
\, and in 1844 emigrated to Canada and engaged in his
chosen vocation in the Niagara District, going thence
to Bertie, where he met and married Mary Craig, an
estimable young lady, and daughter of David and
Ann Craig. The marriage occurred Sept. r2, T846.
Of their union three children were born, in the fol-
lowing order : John, as stated ; Lavinia, March 10,
1850, who married David Adair and resides at Ade-
laide, Ont. ; Newton, Aug. 2, 1851, since deceased;
and Hugh, March 29, 1854, who married Elizabeth
Adair and resides at Marlette. Their mother died
June 13, 1855. Mr. Ireland, senior, pursued his pro-
fession 30 years and won a wide reputation as a
mathematician. He is now retired on a pension.

The first recorded ancestors of the Ireland family
emigrated from Scotland to Ireland in the reign of
James II. Some of them were farmers and others
' engaged in the white-lime trade. There was a tra-
^ dition current that the Hawthorns and Aikens
^ owned and controlled the town of Cluntaug, parish of
^ Killileagh, County Down, Ireland. The ancestors
\® in the maternal line (Hawthorn) .were very wealthy,
^ possessing estates yielding an income so large that

the loss of 30,000 pounds sterling, by the collapse of
a bank in which tttat amount was dsposited, made no
perceptible difference in their affairs.

Mr. Ireland of this sketch was born in Bertie,
VVelland Co., Ont. He passed some years as a farmer,
and was also a hotel proprietor at Strathroy three
years. He obtained a fair education in the common
schools in his youth. In the spring of 1878, became
to Sanilac County and bought 160 acres of land in
Marlette Township. Of this he took possession and
remained upon it four months, when he rented the
place and removed to Attica, Lapeer County. He
rented the Williams House there, which he managed
about two years, returning at the end of that time
to his farm. After a few months he went to North
Branch, Lapeer County, and rented the Exchange
Hotel for two years. In September, 1883, he came
to Marlette and bought the hotel which he now owns
and manages. It is the leading place of public
entertainment in Marlette, and is known as the
Everett House. Mr. Ireland is a Republican in po-
litical principles and views.

He was married in 1874, in Strathroy, Ont., to
Hannah, daughter of Paul and Elizabeth (Graham)
Kingston, and the following children have been born
to them : Isaac Newton, June ro, 1875, at Strathroy ;
John Walter, June 27, 1878, at Attica, Lapeer Co.,
Mich.; Edith May, May 7, 1881. Mrs. Ireland was
born Oct. 14, 185 1, at Enniskillen, Kent Co., Ont. Her
parents removed when she was an infant to Adelaide,
Middlesex Co., Ont., where her father died, Feb. 14,
1864. Her mother still lives in Adelaide.

The family are communicants in the English
Church. Mr. Ireland's father was baptized into that
communion in Ontario, by the Rev. Edward Hinks,
brother of Sir Francis Hinks, the celebrated financier
of the Dominion.

-^-^'vT.^^i-

-yi '^f\ acob Gumming, merchant at Carsonville,
JilSMlii Washington Township, came to Sanilac

ffi

m^ym^

<^M

County in 1882. He is one of the sub-

VllT stantial citizens of the county and is the pro-

T prietor of a fine farm ol 268 acres in Washing-

I ton Township, which he bought soon after he

became a resident here. He also bought real estate

:^:tjtj;?>.:^,

fc".

-^^^ ^^V<-ill USD Df^^r^e^ :^&^

SANILAC COUNTY.

in Carsonville, where he built his home. In May,
1883, in company with Thomas \V. Preston, he en-
gaged in lumbering and mercantile business, which
they have since prosecuted with success. Mr. Gum-
ming is a Republican in political connection, and a
member of Charity Grange, No. 417, P. of H. He
also belongs to the I. O. of G. T.

Mr. Gumming was born May 9, 1837, in Ganada,
and is the third son of his parents, William and Mar-
garet (Bell) Gumming. The former was born in
Scotland, the latter in Ireland. Both came to the
Dominion in early life, where they m.irried, settled
and spent the remainder of their lives. Their family
included 11 children. Mr. Gumming received a
common-school education and remained at home
until he was 24 years of age, when he became posses-
sor of a farm and pursued agriculture in the Domin-
ion until 1880, when he went to Pennsylvania. In
the fall of 1880 he came to Michigan and resided at
various points until he settled at Carsonville.

He was married in Ganada, June 25, 1869, to
Eleanor M. Jarvis, who was born in Halton Co., Ont.,
Aug. 17, 1847. William T- is their only child. Mr.
and Mrs. Camming are members of the Presbyterian
Church. Mrs. Gumming is a niece of John White,
ex-member of the Canadian Parliament.

.^wmTi^

'• ')'p^^ orton HoUister, farmer, section 31 (frac-
\'!Mm^ tional), Worth Township, is the son of
5/ k Samuel L. and Sybil (Norton) HoUister.
. They were natives respectively of the State of
New York and Canada, and after marriage set-
tled in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. The father died
there, in the summer of 1849. Their family included
nine sons and a daughter.

Mr. HoUister was born July 8, 1S15, in Cattaraugus
Co., N. Y., and is the second in order of birth of his
parents' childien. In the fall of 1837 became to St.
Clair County, and until 1841 was engaged in lumber-
ing. In the winter of that year he came to Sanilac
County and settled on 120 acres of land in the town-
ship of Worth, which he purchased from the Govern-
ment. The entire county was then in a state of

wildness and the first house built in the county was
erected by him on his farm. He now owns no
acres, and has 60 acres under good cultivation. In
the summer of 1874, the jirimiiive log house gave
place to a fine frame dwelling of modern style. In
political connection, Mr. HoUister is a Democrat, and
has officiated in several local official positions, among
them Supervisor and Justice of the Peace.

He was married July 8, 1841, in St. Clair Co.,
Mich., to Matilda, daughter of Jonathan and Maria
(Gale) Burtch. She was born in Guilford, Chenango
Co., N. Y., March i, 1823. Mr. and Mrs. HoUister
have two surviving children, namely . Ella M., now
Mrs. William Dunning, and Arthur W. Chaancey
A. and Allison E. are deceased. The parents are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

^€^««^

^^Dgr^niif^

-| 7^1 lexander Weston, farmer, section 35, Fre-
ij||; mont Township, has been a resident of
rrll'Sf:^! Sanilac County since 1855, and of Mich-
!?|!}^ igan since 1840, in which year he came to Port
\d^ Huron. In the year named he located on his
j farm containing 80 acres, which was then in a
perfectly wild and unimproved condition, and the
home of deer, bears and wolves, the animals abund-
ant in the woods. The township was unorganized,
and Mr. Watson has been a participant in all its prog-
ress and advancement. At its first election there
were 12 voters. Mr. Weston has officiated one term
as Justice of the Peace, and has served four years as
Constable.

He was born in the town of Barrack on the river
Tweed, England, April 24, 1806, and is the son of
William and Jane (Badgeley) Weston. Both parents
died in England. His father was a brick and tile
maker, and reared his son lo the same calling, ac-
cording to the English custom. He left his native
land in 1832, and on reaching the United States he
went to Mooretown, Clinton Co., N. Y., where he
passed eight years engaged chiefly in brick-making.
He has made very little tile since coming to this
country. He came to Port Huron in 1840 and worked
at his trade there about four years, making the brick
for the court-house and jaU in that city. He then

Cil

9MN"mm^^ ^^K — ^v^^^n n ^iDf-^-r^

SAN-JLAC COUNTY.

engaged in lumbering in St. Clair County, getting out
staves and round and square timber. He lived some

sliyears at Gray's Corners, St. Clair County, and Rose-
1 burg, Sanilac County.

(§; Mr. Weston was first married in 1825 in England,
to Ruth Newton. She died of cholera, in Sarnia, Ont.,
in 1835, leaving six children, all of whom but one
still survive her. Eliza is the wife of Edward Morris,
of Lexington ; Mary is Mrs. Conrad Gordon ; Alex-
ander died in the spring of 1884, in Ohio, leaving a
widow, //^-c Margaret Baker; Alice married Edward
Jones, of Port Huron, and removed to Minnesota,
where her husband died ; Thomas and George are
residents of Fremont Township. Mr. Weston was a
second time married in i860, to Eliza Huntley, and
by this union there have been five children, viz.:
William W. ; Ida May, who married Allen Stevens;
Effie Jane, the wife of Joseph Duffy, and living with
her parents; Caphtoly and Ira Ambrose. The last
two mentioned are aged respectively 15 and 12

^rv years.

)

:-^

C=lXS3

^oses Burns, farmer, resident on section 1 1,
Fremont Township, was born in Septem-
ber, 1834, in Chapel, County Wexford,
Ireland. He emigrated to America when
he was 18 years of age, landing at Quebec. He
made his way to Toronto, where he obtained
employment on a farm. He labored on a farm six
months, after whicli he was occupied as a teamster.
He remained about three years in the Dominion. At
the end of that time he came to Detroit and went to
the land office in that city, where he effected a pur-
chase of 160 acres of land, at 50 cents per acre, under
the Graduation Act. He made another purchase,
which increased his claim to 240 acres. He and a
brother took possession of the tract, built a shanty
and chopped a small " slashing." He has engaged
in lumbering, and has lived on his farm since he first
commenced the work of clearing and improving.

Mr. Burns was married in St. Clair, in 1856, to
Bridget O'Conner. She was born about 1839, in the
^ city of Tamond, County Wexford, Ireland. Her father
^ died in Canada when she was young; her mother

died in Worth Township. Seven children have been
l)orn to Mr. and Mrs. Burns, six sons and a daugh-
ter, viz.: William E., born Nov. 3, 1857; John B.,
April I, i860; Anna S., Aug. 25, 1862 ; Moses, April
6, 1864; Thomas, July 21, 1868; Lawrence, Jan. 15,
1872; James, May 16, 1874. All were born in Fre-
mont Township but the eldest.

Mr. Burns is a Republican in his principles of
national Government.

^«H^»

eorge Ervin, blacksmith, resident at Mar-
lette, is tlve son of James and Rebecca
""^ (Walker) Ervin. The parents were born
respectively in Canada and New York. After
their marriage they settled in the Dominion,
where they resided until June, 1881, when
they came to Marlette to enjoy the care and com-
panionship of their son. The father died in Mar-
lette Oct. 15, 1881. Three sons and tliree daughters
constitiited their family.

Mr. Ervin is the eldest son and second in order of
birth. He was born March 31, 1836, in Canada
West, and was a member of his father's household
until he was 19 years of age, when he entered upon
his struggle in the world. In 1855, he came to
Michigan and entered a claim of 160 acres in Lapeer
County. He held his proprietary right therein 14
years, but occupied the property but a short time.
He had learned the business of a blacksmith in Can-
ada of his father, and on coming to Marlette he
opened a shop in the village, which was the third
building erected on its present site, the other two be-
ing dwellings. He operated as a blacksmith there
four years, when he bought 80 acres of land in Mar-
lette Township, on which he resided about seven
years. At the end of that period he sold out and
embarked in a mercantile enterprise in Marlette, in
company with Warren Manning, the firm style be-
coming Manning & Co. Two years later he sold,
out his interest and bought in the same township an-
other tract of 80 acres, of which he is still the owner,
but has continued a resident of the village of Mar-
lette. He has 50 acres of his farm in a finely culti-
vated condition. He is also the owner of considerable

<^ll!IKDD-->Ag-

»)f^t|^

'J)

J
^i\

SANILAC COUNTY.

■^V

— s«>*

^^^((^Vlg

village property, and is altogether in circumstances
which reflect credit on his management and mode
of life.

Mr. Ervin was married in Feburary, 1861, in Ox-
ford Co., Canada, to Amanda Vosburg, a native of
the State of New York. The family circle now in-
cludes si.x children, — Emma R., Rebecca, Libby,
Ida and Lilly (twins), and George W.

Mr. Ervin is a Republican of no uncertain type.
He has made the interests of his township and vil-
lage his own, and he has aided in the furtherance of
every enterprise that has promised aught of substan-
tial benefit or advantage to the generation to which
he belongs. He has served Sanilac County four
years as Deputy Sheriff; has been constable si.x years,
and Highway C'onimissioner four years. He has
acted m the capacity of Township Treasurer one year,
and three years as Village Marshal. He is a mem-
ber of the Order of Masonry. Mr. Ervin has been a
personal witness of the growth and prosperity of Mar-
lette from its infancy.

In addition to his discharge of his duties as a citi-
zen of his town and county, he responded affirma-
tively to the call of the United States Government
in its hour of peril at the hands of the misguided
and rebellious South. He enlisted in February,
1863, in Battery A, First Mich. Light Artillery, and
served until the close of the war. (This battery was
that known as the famous Loomis Battery, and was
equipped by the late H. C. Lewis, of Coldwater,
Mich:) Among the engagements in which Mr. Ervin
took part were the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary
Ridge and Lookout Mountain, besides having been
a participant in numerous skirmishes. He received
an honorable discharge, at Jackson, Mich., and re-
turned to his home in Sanilac County.

^^Sf"

^-w^^-f-

fe'efferson W. Galbraith, merchant and

MM& Postmaster at Amadore, Worth Township,
^''' ^ is the son of John and Nancy Galbraith.
(See sketch of John Galbraith.) He was born
'y^ April 25, 1843, in Worth Township, obtained a
\ fair education in common schools and attended
the High School at Port Huron one summer. At the

age of 21 years, he went to Lexington and there
established himself in the mercantile business, re-
maining five years. His business was destroyed by
the burning of his building in 1869, and he returned
to Worth Township, where he disposed of the residue
of his stock. He bought 50 acres of land on Black
River, spent two years in clearing it, after which
he began the study of surveying, and in 1876 he was
elected County Surveyor. He held the position six
years. In the spring of i88i he exchanged his land
on Black River for property at Amadore, and once
more embarked in mercantile pursuits, in which he is
successfully engaged. In the spring of 1880 he took
charge of the postoffice at Amadore. He is a Re-
publican in political matters.

•"^p-«¥

f ohn J. Thornton, farmer, section 14, Wash-
ington Township, was born June 17, 1820,
in Yorkshire, England. His parents, John
and Frances (Bowler) Thornton, were also
natives of Yorkshire, and in 1829 emigrated
thence to Canada, where they passed the re-
maining years of their lives. They had 13 children,
eight sons and five daughters.

Mr. Thornton of this sketch is the third son. He
was a lad of nine years when he came with the fam-
ily to Canada, and there received such education as
the facilities of the place afforded. In i860 he left
the Dominion to come to Sanilac County. He set-
tled in the township of the same name, removing
thence four years later to Washington Township,
where he has since resided.

The first marriage of Mr. Thornton took place in
Canada, Feb. 22, 1843, to Eliza Powers, who was a
native of the Dominion. She died Dec. 27, 1843,
after the birth of a son, — Richard B., — who still sur-
vives. Mr. Thornton was a second time married, in
Can<ida, Nov. 7, 1844, to Nancy Coulter. She was
a native of County Down, Ireland. The issue of this
marriage were seven children, namely: Ann E.,
William B., John W„ Charles P., Sarah E., Almeda
and Nancy. The second wife died April 7, 1863,
and Mr. Thornton contracted a third marriage, in
Sanilac County, May 8, 1864, with Mary J. (Miller),

7^:DQ^DD>^-r

SANILAC COUNTY.

XOJ

/7S

>
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widow of Frederick Carter. Her death occurred in
the year 1872, and Mr. Thornton married his pres-
ent wife, Louisa M. Pack, May 7, 1874. She was
born in Madison Co., N. Y., April 18, 1830.

Mr. Thornton is a Repubhcan in political views.
He has held the office of Township Treasurer two
years and Clerk several years; also has officiated
four years as Justice of the Peace. The family at-
tend the Methodist Episcopal ("hurch.

-^^^!<OTTO>'

IfF]^,!' illi^ni ^- Nims, retired farmer and mer-
""■^JAg chant, resident at Lexington, was born
JK>i^ " June 7, 1829, at Richmond, Vt. His
K^' father, Reuben Nims, M. D., was born Nov.
'"* 10, 1794. in the State of Massachusetts. He
came in 1854 to Lexington, Sanilac County and
remained a year. In 1855 he went to Romeo, Ma-
comb Co., Mich., where he retired upon a farm of
120 acres, which he purchased in the vicinity of that
village. He died there in February, 1869. The
mother, Sophia (Whiten) Nims, was born in Lee,
Mass., March 15, 1799, and is yet living, at Romeo,
in comparative health and vigor.

Mr. Nims received a good education in the Green
Mountain State, and after leaving school he entered
a store, where he operated some time as a salesman.
He was acquainted with John Wood, a merchant and
lumberman of Lexington, and he came hither in
1853 and entered his employment as a clerk in his
store. After a service of three years he was admitted
as a partner in the business, under the firm style of
J. L. Wood & Co., which afterward became Wood,
Nims & Co. He withdrew from the connection in
1S80, after a business career of 24 years. He owns
a very fine farm of 170 acres, situated north of Lex-
ington, and since his withdrawal from commercial
transactions he has been engaged in the manage-
ment of his agricultural interests. He is making a
specialty of thoroughbred Guernsey cattle, and pur-
chased two head of a Massachusetts importer. His
herd at present includes a dozen fine samples of
stock. His residence in the village was built in 1874
of brick, and has six acres of land attached, besides

some vacant lots. Mr. Nims has discharged a
citizen's obligations several times in the offices of
.\lderman and President of the Board of Trustees of
Lexington. In the fall of 1864 he was elected to
represent his district in the Senate of Michigan on
the Republican ticket, securing a victory over the
opposition candidate by a large majority. He served
on Committees of Finance and other subjects, with
fidelity.

He was first married June 10, 1S56, in Richmond,
Vt., to Miss S. B. Greene. She was the -daughter of
Ezra B. and Jane P. (Bucklin) Greene, and was born
May 8, 1833, in Richmond, Vt. -She died in Detroit
June 10, 1862. Mr. Nims was again married in Lex-
ington, Jan. 15, 1872, to Catherine H., daughter of
Robert A. and Catherine (Fitzgerald) Schell. She
was born Sept. 8, 1848, in Canada. The children
who constitute the issue of this marriage were born
as follows : William R., Dec. 15, 1874; Mary A.,
May 24, 1880; Robert J., Sept. 23, 1883.

vi:

"Sf^^r raham J. Lawson, farmer, section 13, Fre-

ii^Ssi'L mont Township, was born Nov. 26, 1847,

'&&' *" '" Esquessing, Halton Co., Can. His

r*J^ father, John Lawson, was born Sept. 29, 1818,

{ in Perthshire, Scotland, and married Mary A.

1 Clark, who was born May 12, 182 1, in the
county of Inverness, Scotland. They emigrated to
America previous to their marriage -and settled in
Canada, where they reared their family.

Mr. Lawson remained at home until he was 29
years old, working for his father as he had done
during his minority. In the spring of 1876 he
came to Sanilac County and bought 40 acres, in the
vicinity of a tract of 160 acres purchased by his
father in 1855, and which the son now owns by deed
of gift. About 40 acres are now under improve-
ments. Mr. L. is an adherent of the Republican
party.

He was married Oct. 17, 1880, to' iMargaret Ken-
nedy, who is the daughter of John and Isabella (Mc-
Donald) Kennedy. Her father is now living in
Esquessing, Can. Her mother died there July 29,

-^^€^r^ — ^-K-^nD:-^t1Ilr>^

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(g))^t#^

■ry

■7<i>um]i^^

■^^iisaf^"

SANILAC COUNTY.

1 86 1, and was 45 years old at the time of her death.
Mrs. Lawson is one of five daughters born to her
parents. She had four brothers, all of whom are de-
ceased. .She is the mother of two children : Mary
A., born Oct. 21, 1881 ; and Isabella, born Aug. 26,
1883. The parents are members of the Presbyterian
Church.

^^^t&

irthur M. Clark, a prominent citizen of San-
ilac County, and a former merchant and
business man in the village of Lexington, re-
sides on a farm of 20 acres three-fourths
of a mile north of that place, on section 24.
The location overlooks the lake and is one of the
) finest and most desirable in the county. It was pur-
-, chased by Mr. Clark in 1868, on his retirement from
/»^ connnercial life. The property is finely improved,
== and is increased in value by an elegant residence.
«^ Mr. ('lark is a native of Landaff, Grafton Co., N.

H., where he was born Aug. 4, T833. His father,
•T7 Daniel Clark, was born March 1 g, 1789, in I,andaff,
N. H. He was a prominent citizen in his county
and State and was influential in the place where he
spent most of his life. He possessed extensive farm-
ing interests, and was a merchant and Postmaster at
Landaff for a period of 30 years. He was active in
local and public political life, and represented his
district several terms in the Legislature of the " Old
Granite State." He died Sept. 18, 1852, on the Isle
of Shoals, near Portsmouth, whither he had gone for
the benefit of his health. Mr. Clark's mother, Mary
(Merrill) Clark, was born March 28, 1792, in Warren,
N. H., and died Feb. 4, 1874, in Landaff, aged 82
years. Following is the record of the children of
Daniel Clark and his wife: Ira M. (deceased) was a
merchant at Lexington (see sketch of Dr. I. M.
Clark); Ebenezer W. (deceased) was a clerk in the
Revere House in Boston at the time of his death.
Ellen N. became the wife of Clark Haywood, a lum-
berman of Cleveland, Ohio; Benjamin M. is a farmer
in Monroe, N. H.; Mary M., wife of Rev. O. D. East-
man, for some years a clergyman in the Congrega-
tional Church, is the owner of the homestead at
Landaff, N. H.; Tamar M. (deceased) married Hon.

John G. Sinclair, who served six terms in the Legis-
lature of New Hampshire, four as Representative and
two as Senator, and was twice nominated on the
Democratic ticket as candidate for Governor. Mr.
Clark of this sketch was next in order of birth ; Sam-
uel P. died when he was 15 years of age.

Mr. Clark attended the common schools of his na-
tive State until he was 16 years of age, when he was
sent to the Seminary and Collegiate Institute at New-
bury, Vt., an institution under the management of
the Methodist Church, where he was graduated four
years later. On attaining his majority and the com-
pletion of his education, he came to Lexington, and
in September of the same year (1854) he became
Principal of the High School at that place, which
position he retained four years. He then built a
store on the corner of Main Street and Huron .\ve-
nue, where he prosecuted mercantile affairs singly for
12 years. \\. the end of that time he admitted his
brother. Dr. Ira M. Clark, to whom he sold his busi-
ness in 1873.

Mr. Clark is one of the most prominent Masons in
Michigan, and the occasion of his surrender of his
business was his election as Grand Visitor and
Lecturer of Michigan, a position he filled eight yenrs.
He has been a member of the order since 1855,
when he was made such at Lexington Lodge, No. 61.
In 1884 he was elected Grand Master of Michigan.

He is one of the Regents of the University of
Michigan, and received his nomination for the posi-
tion on the Democratic ticket at Lansing, in the
spring of 1883. He was elected by 8,000 majority,
the most decided victory of the entire ticket. He led
his own county by a majority of 1,500 votes. C. J.
Willett, his colleague, was elected by a majority of
3,000 votes. The opposition candidates were Harry
B. Hutchins, of Mt. Clemens, and R. L. Jones, ot
East Saginaw.

Mr. Clark owns 1 20 acres of land on section 26,
Lexington Township, 40 acres in .\ustin and a faini
of 120 acres in Page Co , Iowa.

He was married ."^ug. 16, 1S55, in Stowe, \'t.. to
Mary E. Robinson. She was born June 14, 1835, in
Stowe, and is the daughter of Nathan and Rulh
(Thompson) Robinson. Of four children born of tins
marriage, two are living: Ellen H., born June 12,
1856, is the wife of George A. Merrill, who is super-
intending the farm of Mr. Clark on section 26. (Mr.
and Mrs. Merrill have three ciiildrcn — Arthur, Grace

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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!'■)

and Timothy.) Arthur N., born May 28, 1858, died
Oct. 26, following. Charles S. was born June 29,
i860, and is managing a stock ranch in Wyoming
Territory, in the interests of Mr. Patrick, of Omaha.
Howard R., born May t6, 1862, died Aug. 8 of the
same year. The mother died July 27, 1862. Mr.
Clark was a second time married in Littleton, N. H.,
Sept. 8, 1863, to Martha H. Hale. .She is the daugh-
ter of Joseph W. and Isabella M. Hale, and was born
in Haverhill, Mass., Sept. 27, 1833. Of this marriage
two children have been born, — Winthrop W., Jan. 28,
1865, and Arthur H., April 26, 1873. The latter
died Nov. 29 following his birth.

The subjoined extract is taken from the report of
the transactions of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M., of
the State of Michigan for 1S82. It is reproduced as
being the best possible manifest of the private char-
acter of Mr. Clark, and also as a memorial to the
citizens of Sanilac County of the work he accom-
plished in the capacity of representative of his order
for the relief of the fire sufferers belonging to the fra-
ternity. It is also a defined statement of the loss
and sufferings of the members of the order, and is a
fitting supplement to the biographical sketch of Mr.
Clark, and a valuable historical addition to the
annals of the Huron peninsula. The "Communi-
cation " states that the report of Mr. Clark was ac-
cepted and adopted amidst the cheers of the
brethren.
To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Free and

Accepted Masons of the State of Michigan:

Having been directed by our Most Worshipful
Grand Master to distribute the Masonic relief to our
distressed brethren of the burnt district, I submit
the following report: On the 5th day of September,
1881, a terrible fire swept over that portion of our
State embracing the counties of Sanilac, Huron and
Tuscola, and in a few short hours at least 15,000
people were left without a home or a shelter, and
some 300 human beings perished by the all-devour-
ing element. By order of the Most Worthy Grand
Master, I visited the "Burnt District," in order to
learn to what extent the fraternity had suffered, and
I there found distress and suffering among our
brethren that I hope and pray I may never witness
again. I found more than one hundred of our
brethren and their families homeless and houseless,
and all their work'ly goods consumed, and where, but
a few hours previously they were opulent and in
comfortable circumstances, ar.d were now reduced to
beggary and want.

Two Lodges, viz.: Cato No. 219, and Verona, U.

D., with all their furniture, jewels, charter, etc., were
swept out of existence. I have obtained, mostly by
sworn statements, the losses of the several Lodges
in the "Burnt District," and they are as follows:
Lexington No. 6, 15 members and $27,600; Port
Hope No. 138, 27 members and $61,000; Cato No.
215, 28 members and $54,000; Cass No. 219, five
members and $9,000; Sanilac No. 237, six members
and $11,170; Tyler No. 315, nine members and
$11,500; Marlette No. 343, four members and
$3,000; Elk No. 351, three members and $6,000;
Verona U. D., 16 members and $86,500. In addi-
tion to the above are 15 members and $28,100, be-
longing to various Lodges throughout the State and
in the Province of Ontario, making a total of 128
Masons in the " Burnt District " who lost nearly
$300,000, and on whom relief has been bestowed.

As soon as this terrible calamity became known,
relief began to be sent, and before any appeal was
made in their behalf. I want to mention two in-
stances of charity to those sufferers that will never be
forgotten. The Masons of Detroit sent more than
$400 worth of provision and supplies to Cato Lodge
at once on hearing of their calamity, and the other
is that of Washington Lodge No. 7, of Tekonsha,
who forwarded to me for distribution among the suf-
ferers 39 bags of wheat, two bags of corn, one bag of
flour and nine boxes of merchandise, containing
clothing, bedding, etc. I have received from Most
Worthy Brother O. L. Spaulding, Grand Master, for
dislriDution, the following cash contributions gener-
ously donated . Michigan $4,919.77, Maine $804.5 i ,
Connecticut $1,229,16, Delaware $55, Illinois $1,180,
California $i,io8.5g, W. Virginia $100, Mississippi
$840.65, Iowa $500, Indiana $137, Pennsylvania
$4,086.47, Wisconsin $500, Louisiana $1,860. Ten-
nessee $1,090.06, South Carolina $349-15. Texas
$1,356.56, Kansas $300, Kentucky $100, .■\rkansas '
$869.50, Ohio $65, New Jersey $50, New York $125,
Missouri $250, Maryland $636, Georgia $295.50.

I have distributed this relief among the distressed
brethren as follows: Lexington No. 61, 19 members,
$2,639.42; Port Hope No. 138, 31 members, $3,-
267.50; Cato No. 215, 34 members, $4,785.86 ; Cass
No. 219, seven members, $925; Tylei No. 317, 10
members, $2,300: Sanilac No. 237, nine members,
$1,144.04; Marlette No. 343, four members, $225 ;
Elk No. 353, four members, $545 ; Memphis No. 142,
two members, $125 ; Flint No. 21, one member, $25 ;
Lapeer No. 54, one member, $300; Morenci No. 95,
one member, $200; Ortonville, No. 339, one member,
$25: Ely No. 424 (Ohio), one member, $150; vari-
ous Lodges, Ontario, nine members, $1,320 ; Brethren
dimitted. seven, $800; Verona L^. D., 15 members,
$4,161 ; Davage Lodge No. 374 (Penn.),one member,
$50; sundries, $651.

Union Lodge, No. 3, Ashlar No. 91, and Oriental
No. 240, all of Detroit, have donated and sent to the
two Lodges burned out the following goods : Nine

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SANILAC COUNTY.

343

sofas, one secretary's large desk, one small desk, one
circular table, one oblong table, two dozen chairs,
two master's columns with globes and small table,
six station columns with marble tops, one wardrobe,
one set lesser lights, one set steps, etc., for M. C.
work, one altar with cushions, and one set officers'
collars; and Zion No. r, of Detroit, contributed one
set lesser lights.

I can assure you, my dear brethren, that their
noble contributions have sent joy and gladness to
their stricken families, and their kind and generous
donors will ever be remembered with truly thankful
hearts, and the prayer of every one is that God will
bless all who have contributed to this fund that has
truly sent relief to them in this their time of great
distress and suffering.

Reading Lodge, No. 1 17, claims to have forwarded
$25 in currency througli the mails, but the same has
never been received.

Donations forwarded through Grand Lodge officers
have been credited to the several Grand Lodges, as
the donors were not individually mentioned. It has
been our aim in all cases to give credit to individual
Lodges where we could do so.

Fraternally submitted,

Arthur M. Clark,
Grand Visitor and Lecturer.

The portrait of Mr. Clark, which appears on an-
other page, is a three-fold acquisition to this volume
from his character as a citizen, his position as Regent
of the University of Michigan and as the sympa-
thetic and judicious dispenser of the noble charity of
the Older of which he is the chief official, and in
which he has officiated in the most responsible posi-
tions.

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\ eorge Mclntyre, retired farmer, resi-
^^^ dent on section t,t„ Worth Township, is
M^'^K |.]^g gg^ ^j- jjyg]^ j^,.|(j Henrietta (Burns)

% Mclntyre, and was born Nov. 22, 1806, in
I Scotland. His parents were also natives of
T Scotland, married and lived there until their
removal from the " land of cakes " to Canada in 1834.
Mr. Mclntyre is the eldest of a family of nine chil-
dren. In 1829 he left his native country and emi-
grated to Canada. In 1845 he made another removal
and settled in Sanilac County, then attached for
municipal purposes to St. Clair County. He ob-
tained a claim of r55 acres, a part of which was

situated in both counties. He afterwards disposed
of 80 acres ini St. Clair County, and holds a life lease
of the farm in the township of Worth. He followed
the calling of cotton spinning in Scotland, and after
coming to the Dominion, engaged some time in
teaching; after that he devoted his time exclusively
to agriculture, in which he has since been engaged.
In political matters Mr. Mclntyre is a Republican,
and has been Township Supervisor three years,
Treasurer three years. Justice of the Peace 19 years,
and has held the position of Notary Public two years.
He was married in Scotland Nov. 11, 1825, to
Helen Condon, a native of that country, born May
10, 1806. She came to Canada with her two chil-
dren in 1832, her husband having preceded her and
established a home for his family. Ten children
have been born since her removal to America, and of
the 12, six only survive. They are named James,
Hugh, Mrs. Helen Foster, Mrs. Grace Noble, George
and Mrs. Barbara A. Welton. The deceased were
Henrietta, John, Norman, William and William Scott.
One child died in infancy. The parents are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

H^H- ^~t5{»-

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Cm
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irHjlJIlJ illiam B. Laidlaw, farmer, section 30,
^^3l Speaker Township, was born March 2,
"'""i 'S38, in Delaware Co., N. Y., and is the
son of William and Isabella (Liddell) Laid-
'' law. They were natives of the Lowlands of
Scotland, where they belonged to the agricul-
tural class. They emigrated thence to the State of
New York, where they were residents nearly half a
century, and where their lives terminated.

Mr. Laidlaw acquired a substantial and available
education in the cominon schools of his native
county, and at Delaware Institute, which he attended
some time. He turned his acquisitions to a good
and worthy purpose, and passed some time in teach-
ing. He next fitted for a blacksmith, which voca-
tion he pursued three years. The issues and
progress of the civil war exerted a jiowerful influence
over him as the many years rolled on, and he aban-
doned his business to aid in relieving the country in
its hour of distress. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. H;

SANILAC COUNTY.

-4^^e(®vfi§:

3d N. Y. Cav., and, being a musician, he was as-
signed to band duty, and operated in that capacity
during the entire period of his service. He received
honorable discharge May 18, 1865, at Hart Island,
when he returned to Middletown, Delaware Co., N.
Y. In September following he came to Sanilac Co.,
Mich., and located a claim of roo acres of land.
His aggregate average is now about 340 acres, which
he has acquired by later purchase. He is independ-
ent in political views and action, and has officiated
in the local offices of his township. He has been
Supervisor one term, and School Director nine years.
He was married in 1867 to Sarah Dewey. She
was born July 4, 1847, in Ohio, and is the daughter
of Amos and Martha (Spencer) Dewey. The par-
ents of Mrs. Laidlaw were both born in the State of
New York. Her father died in Ohio, and her mother
resides in Speaker Township, this county. Seven
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Laidlaw,
namely : William J., Charles E., David E., Andrew
G., Lillian, Belle, .Ale.xander and Augusta. The two
last named are deceased.

farmer, section 2^
Speaker Townsliip, is one of the prominent
"^^r-l" agriculturists of the township where he re-
«*S' sides. He was born Sept. 13, 1854, in St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., and is the son of \V. M
and Elizabeth (Portus) Tomlinson. The par-
ents were natives of the State of New York, wliere
the father was born June 5, 1833, and the mother
Sept. 23, 1832. The former died June 11, 1854.
The latter resides in Lisbon, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
and is now Mrs. Robert Gray.

Mr. Tomlinson obtained his education at the com-
mon schools, and was an inmate of his mother's
house until he was 18 years of age. In 1872 he en-
gaged as a farm laborer and followed that employ
until 1879. In that year he came to Michigan and
located on 80 acres of land in Speaker Township,
on which he has since lived and prosecuted agri-
cultural operations. He has placed 60 acres of his
farm under good improvements. In political con-

belongs to the Elk Lodge, No. 353, Masonic Order.
He was married in 1881, to Elvira E. McKeith.
She was born Feb. 22, 1863, in Lobo.Ont., and is the
daughter of John D. and Susan (Carmichael) Mc-
Keith. Her parents are natives of Can.ida. Her
father was born June 6, 1837, her mother, Oct. 2,
1839. In 1873 they came to Michigan and became
residents of Speaker Township. Leo N., liorn .Aug.
15, 1882, and Loretta Elvira, born June i. 1884, are
the children of Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson.

mos James, proprietor of the Cadillac
S^ House at Lexington, was born in Ludlow,
'^AV^ Mass., July 9, 1818, and is the son of Horatio
■jleA 'ind Dolly B. (Bissell) James, who removed in

nection he is a member of the Republican party. He

his infancy to East Windsor, Conn., going
thence in 1823 to Buffalo, N. Y. Five years later
they removed to the village of St. Clair, St. Clair Co.,
Mich., then having five families as a nucleus. The
senior James bought an undivided one-half of a sec-
tion of land now included in St. Clair. He paid
therefor $5 per acre, buying the tract from Thomas
Palmer, of Detroit, father of Thomas Palmer, present
U. S. Senator. It was platted by Mr. James, and a
large proportion sold in lots. He removed his family
and interests to Port Huron, where he died, in 1841.
His wife died the very next day after his death took
place.

Mr. lames of this sketch became a cabin boy on
the steamer "Oliver Newberry," when he was 14
years old, and hi followed the life of a sailor on the
lakes chiefly until he was 40 years of age.

During the period of his service as cabin boy, the
boat caught fire, and he saved his life by climbuig to
a cabin window and dropping thence into the water.

On reaching his majority he bought the "Mariner,'
a schooner in the lake transportation service, and
four years later the vessel was wrecked at St. Joe, on
Lake Michigan, involving a total loss. His next
engagement was on the steamboat " Oregon, '" and
after its termination he was Marshal and Constable
at Port Huron, and also Deputy U. S. Marshal. He
was frugal and cautious in his management, and

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SANILAC COUNTY.

"^•^Qif^sr

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soon saved sufficient to establish himself again in his
favorite calling. He bought a half interest in the
schooner "Traveller," but retained his proprietorship
only a short time. After making a profitable sale of
that interest, he became half owner of the schooner
"Sacramento," selling again soon after and buying
the propeller " Mohawk Chief," in v/hich he continued
his ownevshii) two years, and bought the propeller
"Stockman." He again sold out and bought the
schooner "L. D. Cornan." The boat was wrecked on
Lake Huron, and Mr. James was once more stranded
in a business sense, and returned to a career on tlie
land in order to re-establish himself He was aj)-
pointed Deputy Sheriff of St. Clair County, and dis-
charged the duties of the position four years, after
which he was appointed Deputy United States Mar-
shal and also City Marshal. He was elected .Sheriff
of St. Clair County in 1857 and served in that
capacity from 1858 to i860.

In 1864 became to Lexington and rented the hotel
where he is now operating, and continued its man-
agement two years, when he disposed of his interest
and returned to Port Huron. A few montlis later
he returned to Lexington and became proprietor of
the Cadillac House, and has since continued its
management. The hotel is admirably constructed
and fitted for its purpose, and is faithfully and cred-
itably conducted. The accommodations are ample
for the comfort of 95 guests, and it is the largest
hotel in Lexington. A good livery is attached.

Since establishing himself permanently at Lexing-
ton, Mr. James has lost five barns with their contents
by incendiary fire. On one of these occasions he
lost five horses, one of them a stallion worth $2,000.
The loss also included carriages, harnesses, cutters,
and other valuable livery property, and Mr. James
nearly perished while striving to save his stock.

He was married Dec. 31, 1841, to Angeline
Spaulding, and two children were born of their
union — William D. (see sketch) and Irene E. (See
also sketch of Henry Adams.) Mrs. James is the
daughter of Jedediah and Sallie (Tolman) Spaulding,
and was born in \\'illiamstown, N. Y., on an island
in the St. Lawrence River, June 29, 1824. Her
father died June 18, 1865 ; her mother died in August,
1 831;, at Tonawanda, N. Y.

While Mr. James was a resident at Port Huron, he
conducted the Albion House one year, and also the

^Si22^-^ J^^^ ^^^^^-^ll

Huron House of that city, winch he managed two
years.

He is a member of the Masonic Order, and be-
longs to the Lexington Coniniandery, No. 21, and
Damascus Chapter, No. 41.

«v«acfl;®|@^-H§^

i^^wraaav

\^s^ii| athan Shell, farmer, sec. 22, Worth Tp., is a
V son of Geo. A. and Jane (Cox) Shell. (See

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I h

^SS-

sketch of G. A. Shell.) He is the second
son, and was born March 20, 1856, in Worth
Township. He is well educated and a compe-
tent, practical agriculturist. He has taught
nine terms of district school. In 1880 he bought
the farm of which he is now the proprietor, and
which consists of 80 acres of land, placed in a
highly creditable condition entirely by his-own efforts.
He belongs to the Republican party.

He was married Aug. 3, 188 1, in Canada, to Jessie
Mitchell, who was born March 10, 1862, in the Do-
minion. She is a member of the Congregational
Churcli.

" '"^''^"'^amuel Umphrey, tarnier, section 23, Fre-
mont Township, was born Dec. 14, 1822, in
the township of Brock, Ontario. His par-
ents, Samuel and Lucinda (Woolery) Umphrey,
both died in that township. His father was
born Jan. 31, 1788, at Prescott, of Scotch-Irish
parentage, and died at the age of 75 years. His
mother descended from Dutch ancestors, and was
born March 16, 17 88, in Canada.

Mr. Umphrey was reared on a farm in the Domin-
ion and obtained his education in a select school,
there being no public schools at that period where
he lived. On setting out to become responsible for
his own fortunes, he bought a small farm, on which
he lived alone one summer, and in the ensuing fall
determined on securing companionship. He was

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SANILAC COUNTY.

married Nov. 5, 1844, to Rachel Kester. She was
Dec. 24, 1824, in the township of Markham, Can.

^iJ» Her father, Philip Kester, died in that township June
22, 1 88 1, aged about 90 years. Her mother, Mary

(hi (Brown) Kester, died about .1867. They belonged to
the agricultural class.

Mr. Uniphrey lived two years on the farm referred
to, when he sold it and purchased another, which
comprised 170 acres. A year later he again sold out
and embarked in a commercial enterprise, in the
township of Reach. Soon afterward he transferred
his stock of goods to a small village named Bprilla,
where he operated one year. He exchanged his
mercantile interests and possessions for a farm soon
afterward, of which he retained the ownership but a
short time. On selling the place, he built a saw-mill,
which he managed three years, and exchanged for a
hotel situated 16 miles northeast of Toronto, at a

/( ) point called Milliken's Corners.

He ran the hotel three years, and made another

f\ exchange for a farm, which he operated three years,

^ and then he made anotlier trade for a farm in Worth
I I

■^jy* Township, in Sanilac County. It contained 80 acres,
"= and the next year he cleared 46 acres, which he
thinks the heaviest clearing up to that date ever done
in one year in Sanilac County. After a residence on
/^ N it of two years he made an exchange for a farm of
160 acres in another part of the same township, lying
on the Wild-Cat Road. He lived and labored thereon
three years, when he rented it for a year and went to
Iowa with his family, $1,800 in cash, two span of
horses and a wagon. Mrs. Umphrey carried 35
pounds of feathers. One year later they retraced
their steps to Sanilac County, bringing back $600 in
money, but minus horses, harness, wagon and feathers.
This loss was all entailed by the financial panic which
caused the low price of all farm produce.

They returned in the fall and rented a hotel at
Amadore, where they remained until spring, when
they once more re-possessed their farm. Three years
later the place was sold, and the family removed to
Chillicothe, Mo., and bought a liotel, paying therefor
$8,000. Si.\ months afterward, Mr. Umphrey ex-
changed the house for 476 acres of land in Carroll
Co., Mo., which was the home of the family for two
years. At the end of that time, the proprietor ex-
changed the property for another hotel at Chillicothe,

valued at $13,000, which included livery with stables

— e^e^D !1 gDDf^-^ ^^'^^

and all other fixtures. Six months later, Mr. Umph-
rey exchanged the hotel for a farm, and not long
afterward the former was burned, entailing upon him
a loss of $5,000. He collected his remaining means
and went to Jackson Co., Minn., where he pre-empted
1 60 acres of land, on which he remained until the
grasshoppers "jumped his claim " and destroyed his
crops. This occurred the second year after his
arrival. They placed a family in charge of the house
on the place, and returned to Worth Township, to
care for a sick daughter.

Mr. Umi>hrey went to work as a carpenter. He
bought 40 acres of State lands in the township of
Fremont near Roseburg, and began improvements,
erecting needed farm buildings, etc. After a stay
thereon of three years, he sold out and bought a
store. He continued his mercantile enterprise one
year, meanwhile exchanging his farm in Minnesota
for the one he now owns and occupies in Fremont.
He soon exchanged his store and trade for another
farm, and moved where he now resides. The title
to the place he had traded for proving defective, he
was obliged to take the store back into his possession,
which he did, leaving one of his sons to manage his
agricultural interests. In six months he sold the
building and removed his stock of goods to Port
Huron, where he transacted commercial business
about ten months. He sold his stock, and, being in
poor health, he suffered serious financial loss from
being unable to give proper attention to his accounts.
He theu settled on the farm where he has since re-
sided. It comprises 80 acres, and he has improved
50 acres and built a good house and barn.

Mr. Umphrey has had a life full of eventful
change. In addition to his hand-to-hand struggle
with the chances of fortune, he has discharged the
duties of his citizenship and borne the vicissitudes of
his changeful career with equanimity. He has been
Justice of the Peace, Overseei of the Poor and while
in Minnesota was Postmaster of Hersey, a position
he also filled at Roseburg. This county was in its
pioneer days when he first made it his home, and
he has a fair record as a sportsman in the days when
civilization was far enough in the rear to admit of
the delights of the hunter's life. He has killed deer
and bear within three miles of Lexington village, and
also along the Wild-Cat road. He is a Republican
in political connection and views; both he and his

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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347

wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.

Nine children have been born to them, whose
records are given as follows : Adam was born Aug.
27, 1845, and was married Sept. 23, 1870, to Vina
Wixson ; Henry was born Sept. 3, 1847; George was
born Sept. 4, 1849, and was married Dec. 10, 1870, to
Elizabeth Scott; Amarillis was born Aug. 11, 1851,
and died June 11, 1879. Nelson was born Sept. 28,
1855, and was married in May, 1880, to Anna Cook;
Wellington, born Nov. 6, 1857, was married June 30,
1878, to Elinor Soule; Sarah Alice was born Sept. 8,
i860, and died April 22, 1869. John Franklin was
born Nov. 15, 1861, and James Wesley, Nov. 8, 1863.

Sa/vn^-^

Pwlervin B. C
iltM' ident on

Cody, farmer and stockman, res-
section 6, Marlette Township, is
the son of Charles G. and Abigail E.

^^\V\^ (Bodvvell) Cody. The former was born Feb.
14, 181 1, in the State of New York. The
mother was born in i8i5,in Canada, where the
family resided until her deatii in 1879. The father
still lives in the Dominion, and is engaged in the
employment of the well-known Mutual Fire Insur-
ance Company of Canada.

Mr. Cody was born June 9, 1843, in Oxford Co.,
Can., and remained on the family homestead until he
was 38 years of age. He was married meanwhile,
to Mary F., daughter of Gilbert and Eliza (Burnett)
Harris. She was born April 13, 1842, in Oxford Co.,
Can., and died Oct. 29, 1879, leaving two children, —
Annette C, born July 29, 1866, and Arthur B., born
Jan. 30, 1869. Two years after the death of his
first wife, Mr. Cody was married to Helen B. Smart.
She was born April i, 1852, in Dover, Kent Co.,
England, and is the daughter of James B. and Sarah
E. (Chatte) Smart. The latter was a native of the
same shire, and the father was born in the ca|)ital
city of Scotland, Edinburgh, Feb. 6, 1S04. They
came to Canada in 1858 or 1589, and the mother
died in Whitley Township, Can., in 1865. The father
resides in Dixon Co., Kan. Following is the record
of four children born of the second marriage of Mr.
Cjdy: Roy, born Nov. 12, 1873; Jennie L., April

16, 1877; Mabel E., Jan. 6, 1880; Abbie W., July
19, i88i.

Mr. Cody removed to Michigan in 1881, and
located on 120 acres of land in Marlette Town-
ship. It comprises 40 acres of cleared and
improved land with good farm buildings. He is a
Republican in political views, and he and his wife
are members of the Baptist Church.

icholas E. Rector, farmer, section 31, Fre-
mont Township, claims priority of settle-
^ ment in the part of Sanilac County of
which he became a resident in 1852. He

(G settled in Fremont Township, wiiich he readied
Dec. 3, and was the first permanent settler within
what is now the limits of the township. It was then
a part of Worth Township, to which it was attached
for municipal purposes. The settlers of the east
half of Woith Township became dissatisfied with the
apportionment of funds, and although they were few
in number they petitioned for, and were successful
in obtaining, their ciiarter. Mr. Rector aided in the
organization of Fremont, and every citizen was made
an office-holder at its first town meeting. The first
residents who settled after he located were Abraham
Spring, Silas Harris and John Spring, who secured
the farms on which they lived and died, in the spring
of 1883.

The first visit of Mr. Rector to Sanilac County
was made in the spring of 1838. He was in the lake
service and came to Birchville, St. Clair County,
where he procured a loid of tan-bark for Kirby's
tannery at Detroit. He continued to operate along
the Michigan shore five years, bringing provisions
and other supplies to the lumbermen and carrying
away shingles, lumber, tan-bark and cordwood, which
he delivered in Detroit. He was in Lexington for
the first time in the fall of 1839, and that metropolis
then consisted of one log shanty, inhabited by a man
named Simons. He shipped shingles throughout
the summer of 1840 from that point to Detroit in his
father's vessel. Iir the fall of the same year he

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SAN/LAC COUNTY.

-4^€^((^vii

brought to Lexington the first frame house erected
there. It was framed at Port Huron. On taking
possession of his farm, he erected a log house, the
first built in Fremont Township, and the frame house
he built was the second of the kind in the county of
Sanilac. He has been active in the local affairs of
the township, and has officiated 21 years as Justice
of the Peace. He has been School Director 13 years,
and in the spring of 1862 was the only legal official
in the township, the several individuals who held the
position at various other points being aliens. Mr.
Rector is a Democrat.

He was born July 17, 1824, in Onondaga Co., N.
Y. His parents, John and Sally (Howard) Rector,
were natives of the Empire State, his father being
born in Albany, Jan. i, 1800. His mother was born
Jan. 27, 1800, and died at Red Run Corners, Ma-
comb Co., Mich., in 1872. The father died in 1879.
Five of their children grew to maturity.

Mr. Rector is the eldest of the children born to
his parents, and when he was 15 years old he left
home to connect himself with the canal service in
his native State, his parents receiving his pay until
he was 22 years of age. He sailed on the lakes for
some years after quitting the canal. During that
time he had a fall, from the top-gallant yard of a
vessel, a distance of 76 feet, striking on his back on
a plank in a yawl-boat lying alongside. He was dis-
abled a year, and for months his recovery was thought
impossible.

His marriage to Mary A. Thompson occurred
Dec. 6, 1844. Their children have been born as
follows: Lorenzo M., Nov. 3, 1848, in Algonac, St.
Clair County; Nicholas A., born Feb. 16, 1851, at
Clyde Mills, St. Clair County, died .-Xug. 13, 1874;
Homer A., March 31, 1853, at Port Huron; Sally S.,
Aug. 13, 1855; Eliza J., Jan. 23, 1857; Louisa C,
July 23, 1859; Henry, Oct. 23, 1861; Nathaniel H.,
Sept. 15, 1864 (died Aug. 10, 1865); Marion J., Sept.
5, 1866; an unnamed infant died when three days
old; Willis Eli, June 3, 1874. All but the three first
named was born in Fremont Townsliiji.

Mrs. Rector was born Dec. 22, 1829, in London,
Eng. Her father, James S. Thompson, a Scotch-
man, died in May, 1845, aged about 40 years. Her
mother, Mary (Stanton) Thompson, a native of Eng-
land, died in Detroit Jan. 17, 1843, at the age of 35
years. Mrs. Rector was the eldest of the children

of her father's family, of whom five grew to maturity.
She was a child when they came to Canada, and re-
mained there until she was 13 years old, when she
came to Detroit, Mich.

'f%WA\\ia,ra C. Sherman, editor of the "Mar-
it Ifi) m'^
ll^^i, lette Litti/t'r," was born May 22, 1862, in

'%^p. ' Caro, Tuscola Co., Mich. His parents,
i|i!^'' William E. and Sarah E. (McGlone) Sher-
man, were born respectively in New York and
Ohio. .\fter their marriage they settled in
Tuscola County, where Mr. Sherman, senior, enga"ed
in lumbering, in which pursuit he secured a compe-
tency. Later,heengagedin mercantile business, which
he pursued with moderate success, and, after some
years, retired from active life. Orra F., William C.
and Maud M. are the names of the three children
belonging to the family.

Mr. Sherman is the second son. He was educated
in the common schools of his native place, which he
attended up to the age of 15 years. On arriving at
that period he found himself the custodian of his
own fortunes. He was variously engaged for three
years, and when 18 years old he apprenticed himself
to acquire the details of the " Black Art." He found
it congenial and made such rapid progress in the
craft that at the end of three years he was foreman of
the establishment where he served his term of in-
denture, with a corps of six men under his supervi-
sion. On quitting that position, he was for a time
inclined to embark in mercantile interests, but by
some chance failed to pursue that business. He was
employed about a year in a printing house at Cass
City, Mich., and in October, 1883, he came to Mar-
lette, where, a few months later, he assumed his
present position as editor of the Leader. The paper
is Republican in its purposes and is a popular and
well-sustained journal under the present manage-
ment. Mr. Sherman is a member of Marlette Lodge
No. 1775, K. of H.

His marriage to Mattie E. Scott occurred at East
Saginaw, July 6, 1883. She was born Oct. 6, 1862,
in Washington Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of
Darius O. and Mary A. (Ward) Scott.

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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illiam H. Ennest, teacher and farmer
resident on section 36, Washington Tovvn-
l^Z"' ship, was born Jan. 28, 185 1, in Oxford
!' Co., Ont. He is the eldest child in his
, father's family, and has been a resident of

!__ Sanilac County since he was 15 years of age.
He attended the common schools until the age of 13
years, when he was sent to the academy at Wood-
stock, Can., and was a student there two years. He
adoi)ted the profession of teaching, which he has fol-
lowed since iS6g. He is the proijrietor of 44 acres
of cleared and cultivated land, which is his home-
stead.

His parents, George and Amanda (Mitchelson)
Knnesl, were natives of the State of New York. After
their marriage they settled in Canada, where the wife
and mother died, .\fter that loss, the father removed
10 Sanilac County (in 1866), and settled where he
still resides, in \Vashington Township. He married
again, and the issue of his second union included
live children. William H. and Minnie J. are the
children of his first wife.

Mr. Ennest of this sketch was married in Sarnia,
Out., March 17, 1874, to Laura C. Potts. She was
born in Lexington Township, Dec. 19, 1851. Their
children were born as follows: Ralph H., July 7,
1876; Carrie, Oct. 30, 1S78; Mary, Sept. 8, 1883.

Mr. Ennest's political opinions are in accord with
tiiose of the Republican party. He has been active
in official school positions. His wife belongs to the
Methodist Episcopal Church.

M^ '' ranklin P. Philo, farmer and meclianic,

;lC ' resident on section 20, Watertown Town-

1. ship, was born in Lapeer Township, in the

^^[j^ county of the same name, Sept. 18, 1854, and

^fe^ is the son of Jared L. and Catherine R. {(iraves)

i Philo. They were natives of the State of New

York, and the father is yet living, in Lapeer County.

The mother died about 1875.

349"

Mr. Philo was reared on his father's farm, and ob-
tained his education in the common schools. At the
age of 20, he abandoned the farm and devoted his
attention to the acquisition of the details of the trade
of carpenter and joiner. He completed his knowl-
edge of the business and spent some years in its
prosecution at various points in Michigan. Li 1S78,
he came to Sanilac County, and purchased the farm
which is now his homestead. It comprised 40 acres,
and at the date of purchase was wholly wild and un-
improved. Ai present nearly the entire tract is under
cultivation, and in addition to his labors as an agri-
cultural pioneer, he has devoted much time to his
trade. He is a Democrat in political faith and
action, and has held the positions of Highway Com-
missioner and the various school oflices. He belongs
to the K. O. T. M. O. T. VV., Lodge No. 272, located
at Sandusky, and holds its official trusts. In 1883
he was delegate to the annual meeting of the Mac-
cabees at Detroit; was Census Enumerator of his
township for 1S84.

His marriage occurred Oct. 9, 1876, in Elba, La-
peer County, to Alice Brookins, who wa% born in that
township Feb. 21, 1857. Two children have been
born of this union, as follows: Herbert, Aug. 12,
1879, and Archie, July 7, i88r.

(

eorge Hinkson, Jr., farmer, section 28,

,, Worth Township, is the son of George and

^jKS=^ Margaret (McGill) Hinkson. His father
% was born in Vermont, the mother in Scotland,
t After their marriage they settled in Canada,
I where they engaged in farming, and there re-
mained until December, 1845. At that date they
came to Sanilac County, and purchased 1 60 acres of
land in Worth Township. In the spring of 1867
they sold the property and removed to Oakland Co.,
Mich. After a residence there of 1 1 years they went
to Detroit, removing two years later to Le.xington,
their present residence. Their family included four ,
sons and two daughters. Two of the former survive. %-'
Mr. Hinkson was born July 22, 1830, in Canada. ^^
He obtained a fair common-school education, and ^
attained his majority in Sanilac County, whither he v£
accompanied his parents when he was 15 years of

)

/7S

SANILAC COUNTY.

■"Sas^^^ST

age. He was bred to the vocation of farmer, and in
1866 bought the farm on which his father located on
coming to Sanilac County. It comprised 160 acres,
and he has since added 80 acres. He retains the
entire tract except two acres, which he sold to the
railroad company. The remainder is all under culti-
vation except 38 acres. The proprietor is one of the
pioneer settlers of Worth Townsliip, and has been
identified with its best interests since he has lived
here. He has been Supervisor five years, .School
Inspector a long period, and Townsliip Clerk a num-
ber of years. He is a Republican in politics.

His first marriage occurred in May, 1852, when
Phebe Strevel became his wife. She died in March,
1853, leaving one child, George H. Mr. Hinkson
was again married in Worth Township, May 8, 1856,
to Jane McCardle. Six children have been born of
this union, namely : Maria L., Maggie, William,
John, Bertha and Irving C. The last named child
died when he was three years old. Mr. Hinkson
has been a teacher for 1 2 years, three of which were
passed in that occupation in his own district.

-4 ^^^^-i^-W^~-

= ' l"f (I't osiah Reynolds, merchant at Amadore
*'^MLj find fanner on section 27, Worth Town-
£?->"^*^ ship, is the son of .Arnold and Mary
(Thomas) Reynolds. The parents were natives
of the State of New York, where they married
and passed a number of years of their lives
after that event. They removed to Canada, and in'
1848 came to Sanilac County, where they terminated
their earthly career. Their family comprised eight
children.

Mr. Reynolds is the youngest child of his |)arents,
and was born Dec. 15, 1833, in Canada. He was
14 years of age when he came to Michigan, and
attained to man's estate in the Peninsular State.
He enlisted Sept. 9, 1862, in the Sixth Michigan
Cavalry, and served as a soldier a little more than a
year. In the engagement at Falling Waters, Md.,
July 14, 1863, his right leg was shot off below the
knee, and consequently received his discharge from
the service of the United States, and returned to his
home in Sanilac County. In 1866 he came to

Amadore and established " Reynolds' Hotel," which
he continued to conduct seven years. In 1874 he
embarked in trade, and has since been engaged in
successful business in that line. He is also exten-
sively interested in agriculture, owning 427 acres of .
land situated in the townships of Worth and Fre-
mont, and of this 300 acres are under cultivation.
He is a Democrat in political connection, and has
held the office of School Director. He belongs to
Post H. H. Nims, No. 118, G. A. R., Dept. of Mich.
He was married April i, 1858, in St. Clair Co.,
Mich., to Eliza Foe. She was oorn Aug. 28, 1839,
in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have had nine
children, five of whom yet survive. They are named
Caroline, Charles J., Nellie, Wallace and Clifford.
Mary and Wallace are deceased; also two unnamed
infants.

-It?!"

^(iiji illiam Thompson, retired merchant, and
I^A^ farmer on section 35, Bridgehampton
'it;^!^, Township, has been a citizen of Sanilac
• i's^ County since 1865, and has been closely
.fsT^ connected with the business interests and
I, prosperity of this part of the county for nearly
20 years. On removal to Michigan, he was variously
occupied for a short time. His first business venture
of much importance was his embarkation in trade
with W. Raymond & Co., iii 1870, at "Farmer's."
The relation existed about six years, when Mr.
Thompson became owner of the entire commercial
interests of the firm. He continued its management
until September, 1882, when he sold out and took
possession of his fine and valuable farm, which con-
tains 370 acres, with 150 acres in a state of good
cultivation. Mr. Thompson was Postmaster at
■'Farmer's" about 12 years, receiving his appoint-
ment to the position in 1870. In 1880 he built an
elavator at the depot, which has a capacity of 24 car-
loads of grain. In political connection he is a Re-
publican, and is a member of the Masonic Order.

He was born Jan. 10, 1827, in Manchester, Eng-
land, and IS the eldest son of Archibald and Jane
(Collins) Thompson. The former was a native of
Scotland, the latter of England. They married and

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SAN/LAC COUNTY.

^^^m\A

35'

settled in the city of Manchester, removing subse-
quently to Scotland, whence they again transferred
their residence to the Isle of Man. Mrs. T. died in
England, and Mr. T. came to tlie United States and
settled in Te.xas. He died in Indianapolis, Ind.,
aliout the year 1854.

Mr. Thompson is the eldest of five sons born to
his parents. At ten years of age be became an
assistant in a diy-goods store, where he remained five
years. He came to the United States when he was
16 years old, and went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he
served an apprenticeship of eight years, learning the
business of a ship carpenter. He passed 21 years in
Cincinnati and Madison, Ind., pursuing his trade of
ship-builder and engaged in steam-boating. During
the war, he was foreman of the Dry Dock Company
at Madison. His marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of
Anthony and Ellen Oldfield, took place Sept. 15,
I <S49, at Cincinnati, Ohio. She was born June 16,
1826. in England, which was the native country of
her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Tliompson have an
adopted daughter, Fanny G. They are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.

||Rjhiiiip I

" Em ': agent a'

L. Wixson, real-estate and loan
at Lexington, was born in Pickering,
' I,'-/ "^ York Co., Can., Dec. 10, 1824. His iiarents,
jilj;'^ Amos and Elizabeth (Long) Wixson, were
J^ among the earliest permanent settlers of the
township of Worth, where they settled in 1841. The
father bought 320 acres of land of the U. S. Gov-
ernment, which was his home and field of effort for
many years. He died Jan. 30, 1882, in Lexington
Township, aged 82 years and six months. The
mother died in Giant Township, St. Clair County, in
187 I, aged 69 years. Of their six children five are
still living.

On attaining his majority, Mr. Wixson became an
independent agriculturist, settling on 160 acres of
land which his father had purchased of the general
Government at $1.25 per acre. He cleared 100
acres and put the place in valuable condition, with
improvements and modern farm fixtures. He resided
on the place until 1862, when he sold it and removed

Ci^i

to Lexington. In the fall of 1S62 he was elected
County Treasurer on the Republican ticket, and was
re-elected to the same position five times, holding
the oflice six terms, or 12 years. From 1875 to 1880
he acted as Deputy Register of Deeds and dis-
charged the duties of the office five years. In 1880
he established the business relations in wliich he has
since been engaged. He has also been one of the
village officials since his present residence therein,
and is the President of the Board, in which capacity
he has served a number of terms.

While living in Worth Township he held the office
of Township Treasurer seven years in succession,
that of Supervisor three years.

The first marriage of Mr. Wixson occurred June 2,
1847, in Worth Township, to EUinor, daughter of
John and Ann Castor. She was born June 10, 1826,
in Canada, and died in Worth Township, April i,
1859, leaving two children. Elizabeth A., wife of J.
W. Selden, editor of the Huron Times; and Elmer
A., a resident of La Plata Co., Col. Mr. Wixson
was married a second time in Worth Township, Oct.
26, 1862, to Helen, daughter of George and Isabella ^
Smith. She was born in the same township where (^^
she was married, Jan. 27, 1844. Walter S., Isabella, =
George B. and Roscoe are the names of the four l^
children born of the second union. The eldest son ^
is an attorney, having graduated in the Law Depart- r
nient of the University of Michigan in 1883. Only
the eldest and youngest children are living.

The father and grandfatiier of Mr. Wixson were
both clergymen of the Baptist denomination. The
former sometimes officiated in that capacity after his
removal to Worth Township, and continued to do so
occasionally up to the time of his deatli. Joshua
Wixson, the grandfather, was a farmer and minister,
and was a man of honorable and just character, with
which was combined generosity and sympathy for
others' troujjles to an uncommon degree. He once
aided a man to leave the State of New York, where
he was a resident, only knowing that he was in diffi-
culties of some kind, without understanding their
character, or the penally of the law in the case. It
was afterwards proven that the man wa^ a delin-
quent debtor, escar.ing from the legitimate conse- ^J
quences of his acts, and his aider and abettor thereby U^
incurred the burden of his liabilities. He devoted i^
what property he possessed to the discharge of tlie (4 j
indebtedness to whicli his good nature had made ^

^W^M:'>^rS ^^^^ 4^^5(<I>P=

■■^r<C^Dil>^tlii^>v

SANILAC COUNTY.

him liable, and afterwards went to Canada, where he

,. I cleared a farm and became wealthy, when he paid

t?:^ the balance, principal and interest. The maternal

I grandmother of Mr. Wi.xson, Rachel Eggleston, was

^ born July 4, 1776, on the identical day the American

colonies declared their " Independence."

\%Xi 'ette Township, is the son of William and

— S>5-

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:^'(|Killiam T. Wilson, farmer, section 8, Mar-

•'•>.

'j/~ Mary (Thistleton) Wilson. The parents
i> were born in Lincolnshire, England, where
they passed their entire lives. Tiieir eldest
child, Mary, died in infancy.
Mr. Wilson was born in the same shire as his par-
ents, Dec. I, 1828. He was reared to mature years
in his native country, and was brought up a farmer.
When he was 23 years of age he came to America
and settled in Canada, where he lived between five
and six years, working as a farm assistant. In the
fall of 1856, he came to Michigan, where he bought
160 acres of land belonging to the Government, on
which he settled the following year and commenced
his active life as an independent land-holder. His
real estate now includes 240 acres and 150 of this
are in finely cultivated condition. In political senti-
ment, Mr. Wilson adopts the principles of the Repub-
lican party, and has officiated as Highway Commis-
sioner.

His marriage to Mary E. Burnett took place at
Alton, Canada, Nov. 23, 1857. .She is a native of
Scotland and has become the mother of two children
— William and Mary.

^•®fK«W®>^

i^iaptain William H. Beal, farmer, section
1 ^^^ 28, Watertown Township, was born Sept.
1;^ 18, 1836, in Canandaigua, Seneca Co., N. Y.
'3^ He is a son of Israel and Temperance
'^ (Howell) Beal, natives of Connecticut and
descendants of English parentage. His
grandfather was a General of the War of the Revo-
lution. Israel Beal was a soldier in the Mexican

War, and in 1S42 came to Medina Co., Ohio, where
he died, at the age of 47 years. The mother died
in July, 1876, in Sandusky, Ohio, aged 67 years.
Their family included seven children, as follows;
Christopher, William H., Israel A., Elizabeth, Zelmer
(deceased), Constantine (deceased), and Edla. All
the sons were soldiers in the War of the Rebellion.
The youngest reached the rank of First Lieutenant,
and died after he returned home, from tlie effects of
a wound received while in action.

Mr. Beal was six years old when his parents came
to Medina Co., Ohio. His father died when he was
13 years old, since which date he has been engaged
in his single-handed contest with the world. He
began earning his livelihood as a farm laijorer and
was thus occupied in Medina County until he was
19 years old. He went then to White House ni
Lucas County, where he engaged as a salesman in
the general store of Alexander Walt, and remained
in that employment until he was 21 years old.

He was married in December, 1857, at Hull Prai-
rie, in Wood Co., Ohio, to Maria E., daughter of
Abraham and Maria E. (Rennard) Yount. Her
parents were natives of Pennsylvania, of German
descent, who removed from the Keystone State to
Wood County, where they passed the remaining
years of their lives. The father died May 14, 1857 ;
the demise of the mother occurred April 11, 1S82.
Mr. Beal is the eighth of nine children born to her
parents^ She was born Oct. 30, 1839, in Wood Co.,
Ohio. She is the mother of seven children, born as
follows: Inez, Aug. 26, 1858; Zelma, Dec. 20, i860;
George, Sept. 23, 1862; Maria G., July 1, 1866:
Amber J., Oct. 20, 1869; Sophronia, Feb. 3, 1872;
Constantine, Feb. 23, 1876.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Beal located on a
farm in Wood County, where he operated until he
felt it his duty to respond to the call of liis imperiled
country, as, witliin the first days after the rebel guns
fired on Fort Sumter and awoke the latent patriotism
in the breast of every loyal son of the United States,
he enlisted April 22, 1861, as a private in the 14th
Ohio Militia, Co. I. He enrolled as a three-months
man and received an honorable discharge July 25,
following. On his return home he aided in tiie
organization of Co. B, iiith Ohio Vol. Inf, and
secured the enlistment of 56 men. He was com-
missioned First Lieutenant of the company. The

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f't^>nD>^niif^T-

SANILAC COUNTY.

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regiment was assigned to the Western Division of the
Army, and its first encounter with the enemy took
place at Perryville, Ky., where the rebels were
under the command of Gen. Bragg. They pi'o-
ceeded to Bowling Green in Kentucky, where Mr.
Beal was commissioned Captain for bravery at Gal-
latin, Ky., ill conflict with the guerrilla hordes of
Morgan. He was placed at the head of Co. A,
of the same regiment, and continued its chief officer
until the close of the war. He received an honor-
able discharge at Salisbury, N. C, July 23, 1S65.
He was in action during 23 prominent engagements
and nmnerous skirmishes. Save tlie wear and tear
of active military service and consequent hardships,
he escaped uninjured.

On his return to Ohio, he resumed his business as
a carpenter, at whicli he worked until Septemlier,
1875, when he came to Michigan. He purchased 80
acres of land on which his family have since resided.
At the date of their settlement, the whole section
was in its primitive stale, its forests unbroken and
practically no thoroughfares of travel. The woods
have given way before the hand of improvement,
and the farm now includes 40 acres of land in cred-
itable agricultural condition, with fine farm buildings.
In [lolitical views and connections he is an adherent
of the National Greenback party, and has held the
office of Township Clerk. He is now Justice of the
Peace. Mrs. Beal is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

illiam M. Griee, machinist, dealer in saw-

mill supplies, steam and gas fittings, guns

SN^vr '^' and revolvers, cartridges, pocket cutlery
sewing-machines, needles, oils and attach-
ments, at Lexington, was born Dec. 11, 1840,
in Lancashire, England. He is the son of
James and Jane (Mason) (irice. His father was a
machinist and blacksmith, and in 185 r came to this
country with his family, settling in Windsor, Conn.,
where they resided until 1854, the date of their re-
A< moval to Forester, Sanilac County, where the father
._:) was an engineer in the mill of Smith, Kelley & Co.
^ (He is now proprietor of the Verona Mills in Huron
1'*) County.)
^ Mr. Grice was employed by the same company in

Forester, and was engaged in operating a small engine
for grinding feed. He was occupied summers in
filing saws, and alternated these two occupations
until he was 20 years of age, when he returned to
Windsor, Conn., where he learned the trade of a
machinist, in which he has since been occupied. He
remained in Connecticut nearly three years and re-
turned to Lexington. Soon afterward he was em-
ployed a short time in a jeweler's store at Port Huron.
He next yielded to an inclination to investigate the
West, and traveled until his money was spent, when
he again returned to Lexington. He has since been
engaged in his trade, and in selling and repairing
sewing-machines. He handles tlie Domestic and
Davis machines, and also deals in fire-arms, ammu-
nition, steam fitting, etc. In 1877 he bouglit tlie
property known as tlie Jason Wilde's place, and re-
constructed the barn to serve as a planing mill. He
is a member of the Order of Masonry.

The marriage of Mr. Grice to Jane Stevens
occurred in Worth Township. She was born in
Canada, and is the daughter of Webster and Sarah
Stevens. Three children are now included in the
household of Mr. and Mrs. Grice, who were born as
follows: Flora, Clara and Mary.

♦ :a - c=» -

■Salvin Fenton, farmer, section 33, Lexing-

"^^^ toi' Township, was born Nov. 14, 1829.
•jip His father, Lukins Fenton, was a blacksmith
\ by vocation and married Margaret Hender-
1^ son. The son learned the trade of his father,
and in early manhood determined on seeking
a broader field of labor, and one which piomised
more satisfactory results. In accordance with his
resolution he came to Sanilac Co., Mich., in con.pany
with Joseph French, who is yet a resident of Lexing-
ton Township. Mr. Fenton began his labors in the
Peninsular State by working a short time at his trade
in Lexington. He removed thence to Amadore, in
Worth Township, and followed the same pursuit there
for a lime, when he opened a blacksmith shop at a
point on the " Wildcat " road, three miies west of
Lexington and known as Huckins' Corners. He
bought an acre of ground and built a sliop, where he
operated several years. In 1862 he went back to

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SANILAC COUNTY.

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Araadore, where he bought a hotel. Three years later
he sold out and went to Pennsylvania, where he
spent a year in the oil regions. He returned at the
expiration of that time to the township of Lexington,
and bought So acres of land one mile east of Amadore.
He continued its management but a short time, when
he returned to the village of Lexington and bought a
house of public entertainment opposite the Henry
House. He conducted its affairs about two years,
when he sold out and embarked in the livery busi-
ness at Lexington. Three years later he again as
sunied proprietorship of the hotel, selling out once
more at the end of a year. He bought a- residence
and was variously engaged until tlie spring of 1882,
when he purchased the farm on which he has estab-
lished his homestead, including 90 acres of valuable
land.

Mrs. Mary A. Fenton is the daughter of Joseph
and Cornelia (Salsbury) Wixson, and is a native of
the State of New York. She was married to Calvin
Fenton in Lexington Township, March 13, 1853.
Of this marriage six children have been born, as fol-
lows : Almeda, Effie, Ella, Minnie and Emma.
Eveline is deceased.

•■':'-»
'I

eorge A. Shell, a prominent agriculturist

., and citizen of Worth Township, resides on

"ci!©^ section 23. His parents, Peter and Mary
(Heebner) Sliell, were natives of Canada and
remained residents of the Dominion until 1842.
In that year they removed with their family to
St. Clair Co, Mich., settling in the northern part,
which five years afterward was detached from Sanilac
County. After ten years' residence here tliey moved
to Grant Townsliip, St. Clair County, where they re-
sided another ten years, nnd llicn removed to Lai:)eer
County, where the father now lives, eng ;ged in farm-
ing. The mother died tliere in August, 1S74. Their
family included 11 cliildren, eight of whom grew to
mature age.

Mr. Shell of this sketch is the eldest of the children
of his father's family and was born Jan. 31, 1827,
about 24 miles from the city of Toronto, Can. His

education was acquired in the common schools, and,
on reaching the peiiod of his legal freedom, he en-
tered courageously upon the prosecution of his own
interests. In 1842 he came to that portion of Mich-
igan which is now Sanilac County, and was then
attached to the county of St. Clair. In 184S he
bought 80 acres of land on what is now section 1 6,
Worth Township, and entered at once upon its im-
provement and built a barn. He sold the place in
1851 and invested his means in a farm on section 22,
which was his field of operation until the fall of 1870,
at which date he became proprietor, by purchase, of
the property which he now owns and holds as a
homestead. It comprises 70 acres of improved land,
and 10 acres which are yet in their primitive state,
for manifest reasons.

Mr. Shell is a Republican in political views and
action. He has served as Constable two years.
Justice of the Peace eight years. Commissioner of
Highways eight years and he has also officiated as
School Assessor.

His marriage to Jane Cox occurred Dec. 30, 1850,
at Port Huron, Mich. She is the daughter of Fhomas
and Elizabeth Cox, natives of Ireland, where she was
also born, Jan. 15, 1S33. Of nine children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Shell, five are now living. Caroline
and Anabel are deceased, and two unnamed infants.
Lafayette, Nathan, John R., Elizabeth A. and Mary
H. are the names of the survivors. Biographical
sketches of Lafayette and Nathan are given. The
parents are members of the Christian Church.

^*J

*^l®3'' ichard D. Sherriok, manufacturer, has
i)i^£M■^ been a resident of Lexineton since 18^8.

i^(5\ " He left home at the age of 12 years and
y\V^ came to tiie village of Lexington, whicli tiien
included but three buildings. One was owned
by John Smith, a second by .Samuel Munroe,
and one by a trader on the lake shore named Z.
Wriglit. (The latter was known as " Big Z," and
owned a large vessel which was named after him-
self.) Another Iniilding was in process of erection
by C. M. Mills. At the time of his arrival Mr. Sher-

ca:

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SANILAC COUNTY.

355

rick had a capital of six cents ! He was chiefly in
need of employ, which he obtained with little delay,
and he was varioasly occupied until he was 20 years
old, in the avenues open to laborers in this section
in its early days. In 1S46 lie established the foun-
dation of his present business, beginning to manu-
facture wooden articles by the aid of a foot lathe,
which he built himself. He had been a practical
carpenter from necessity, and he gradually extended
his operations until he was largely engaged in the
manufacture of furniture, sash, doors, blinds, and
many other articles in wood. He is also a contractor
and builder, and commonly employs a working force
of tvom 5 to 20 men. His establishment was de-
stroyed by file in 1879, involving a loss of between
ten and fifteen thousand dollars. He immediately
rebuilt on Washington Street, on the site of tlie
former building and where he originally commenced
operations. He has a fine brick residence on the
corner of Washington and Simons Streets, and a
furniture store on Main Street. He also owns !he
village properly located both sides of and adjoining
that where he resides, and 80 acres of land in the
township of Worth, 40 acres of which is under
culture. Mr. Shetrick has served in the official
positions of the village, and discharged the duties
pertaining to the school offices. He is a prominent
member of the Order of Masonry, and belongs to
Lexington Commandery and Chapter. He is a
charter member of the former body.

Mr. Sherrick was born July 16, 1S26, in London,
Can., and is the son of Solomon and Phebe (Sails)
Sherrick. He was married in the township of Lex-
ington, in 1846, to Harriet Ellsworth. She was born
in Canada, and is a daughter of William and Lydia
Ellsworth. Adaline, wife of George Mason, a mer-
chant at Lexington, is the only child of Mr. and
Mrs. Sherrick.

gljI^S: afayette Shell, son of George A. and J;>"e
A L^kM - (Cox) Shell, is a farmer on section 14, Worth
wW^ Township. (See sketch of George A. Shell.)
'6(y He was born July 28, 1854, in the township of
/tj which he has been all his life a resident. He
received the advantages of education and train-
ing common to the sons of farmers, and became a

teacher in addition to rendering assistance on the
home farm.

He was married Dec. 24, 1883, in Fremont, Sanilac
County, to Fanny A Fletcher. She was born in
Wisconsin, and belongs to the Baptist Church. Mr.
Shell is a Republican in political faith.

-vtecfi'®^^— ^>^

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y^f|)ark Gray, deceased, formerly a farmer on

1^,
aiSMt,'. section 2, Fremont Township, was born

,^fc- * Nov. 5, r8o8, in Northumberlandshire,
, "X -X England. He was there married to Mar-

• A-

'V garet Davidson, a native of the same county,
and came to Canada within the same year and
bought 100 acres of land in Halton County. A few
years later he sold the place and rented a farm near
a school, in order to secure as good educational ad-
vantages as possible for his growing sons and daugii-
ters. He resided there between five and six years,
and in 186 1 he removed to Fremont Township, with
six children, four sons and two daughters. They re-
moved from Canada in the year 1861, making their
way to Lexington by boat from Port Huron. They
brought with them an ox team, which the father
drove to Croswell (then Davisville) and transported
their household goods on a "jumper." ^L•. Gray
had owned his farm several years previous to his re-
moval with his family, and they took possession of
place on the 21st of November. The tract of land
comprised 240 acres, which he bought for $1.25 per
acre. On this he lived and labored until about 70
acres were reduced to a state of creditable cultiva-
tion. His death from paralysis occurred Jan. 2,
1875. His sons have continued the work of reclam-
ation on the place and have improved 20 acres ad-
ditional.

Mr. Gray lived an honorable and useful life. He
brought to the New World the habits of industry and
thrift which characterize the class to which he be-
longed in England, which was coupled with his ambi-
tion to secure comfort for his family and the inde-
pendence to which he had all the right conferred Ijy
nature on any man, and which could never be his
or his children's in his native country. He lived to
accomplish all he desired and left to his family a

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SANILAC COUNTY.

large estate and an honored name. He is held in
loving remembrance by his children and a large cir-
cle of friends. He was a Republican in political
connection.

The surviving wife was born Aug. 6, 1812. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Gray were born as fol-
lows : Andrew, Oct. 25, 1840; George, Feb. 7, 1843,
died April 21, 1873; Robert, March 6, 1845 ; Mark,
May 23, 1847 ; an infant, who died at seven months
old; Mary, Jan. 27, 1852; Margaret, Jan. 28, 1856.
The parents were both members of the Presbyterian.
Church.

^^,

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"ohn M. Mason, dealer in stock and farmer,
I?" resident at Le.\ington, was born Jan. 26,
1834, in the immediate vicinity of the vil-
lage of Castleton, Rutland Co., Vt. He is the
^r son of Geo. W. and Adaline (Eaton) Mason.
\ His father was born in the same place and his
mother in the vicinity. Both are deceased. Mr.
Mason accompanied his uncle, Lorenzo M. Mason,
to Port Huron when he was ten years old. He re-
mained there three years attending school, after
which he returned to his home in Vermont. When
he was 20 years old, he went to Troy, N. Y., and
served two years in acquiring a knowledge of the
silver-finishing trade, and after that proceeded
to Hartford, Conn., to perfect his understanding of
the business in the establishment of the celebrated
Rogers Bros, of that city. His health failed while
there and he abandoned his purix)se. He came to
New River, Huron Co., Mich., and engaged as fore-
man in the store of Thomas S. Donahue. He then
engaged, in company with William Moore and others,
as a scaler on Black River. In the spring of 1864,
he came to Lexington and rented 120 acres of land,
belonging to the uncle above mentioned, and man-
aged the property four years. In 1868, he bought
40 acres in Sanilac Township, chiefly covered with
heavy tinilier, and took possession. It is located on
section 33, and the farm now includes 160 acres with
140 acres improved, constituting one of the most
valuable places in the county, with excellent build-
ings and three good orchards. He found himself un-

equal to the demands of active agricultural life, and,
in 1882, removed to Lexington, where lie has since
given his personal attention exclusively to his buy-
ing and shipping interests, which he had formerly
combined with his farming operations. He occupies
the residence owned by J. L. Wood, and owns a fine
house with one-fourth of an acre attached in another
part of the village.

Mr. Mason was married Feb. 24, 1S62, in Avon,
Rochester Tp., Oakland Co., Mich., to Albina E.
Parker. She was born March 29, 1844, in Pontiac
Tp., Oakland Co., Mich. Her father, Abner C.
Parker, was born in the State of New York, Jan. 29,
1814. He married Elinor C. Paine, of Palmyra, N.
Y., Aug. 29, 1836. She was born in the Emiiire
State Dec. 21, 18 18, and died in Avon Sept. 19,
1864. The father resides in Avon. The children
of Mr. and Mrs. Mason, five in number, were born as
follows; Frederick L., Feb. 4, i863(; Julia F., Dec.
27, 1864; Lucy A., March 4, 1865 ; Mary D., Aug.
6, 1868; Georgie, Feb. 15, 1872. Miss Julia, eldest
daugiiter, is a graduate from the celebrated Ft. Ed-
ward Institute, on the Hudson River, in Washington
Co., N. Y., under the management of Rev. J. E.
King.

Mr. Mason is a member of the Order of Masonry,
Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. He has
been Treasurer of Sanilac County three years, and
held the minor local offices.

c^:

-^-<-t<5

>»—>-

eorge Smith, farmer, section 22, Worth
Township, is the son of William and Jean-
■ nette (Luke) Smith. The parents were
natives of Scotland, where the mother died, in
October, 1828. The father came to America
in 1832, settling in Canada, where he resided
seven years. In 1S39 he came to Sanilac County,
then connected with St. Clair County for municipal
purposes. He located in a section now included in
the township of Worth, where he died .^pril 4, 1861.
His family included four daughters and four sons.
George, the third son, was born Sept. 7, 1814, in
Scotland. In 1829 he went to London, where he
remained two years

In 1831 he became a sailor'

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JP^^tJUa^A

SANILAC COUNTY.

1
f

" before the mast," and operated in that capacity
three years. In 1834 he came to Canada and con.

tinned his life as a sailor in the lake service, devot-
ing two seasons to that occupation. He passed the
next year on his father's farm in Canada. In Octo-
ber, 1838, he came to Michigan and bought 80 acres
of land, located in what is now Worth Township,
where he has since resided. His real-estate property
now comprises 240 acres, all of which is improved
and under first class cultivation. His farm buildings
are a credit to his taste and judgment, and orna-
mental to the township. He is now the oldest living
settler in Sanilac County.

Mr. Smith was married in Canada, May 16, 1842,
to Isabella Peat. She was born Oct. 18, 1818, in
Scotland, and emigrated from her native country to
Canada with her parents, Thomas and Helen
(Mitchell) Peat, when she was 16 years of age. The
former died May 31, 1858; the latter's demise oc-
curred in March, 1866. Helen, Jeannette, William,
Mary and Maggie are the names of the children of
Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Mr. Smith is connected with the Democratic party
in political views. He has been Supervisor, Clerk,
Highway-Commissioner and Overseer, and has held
the position of School Director many years, besides
discharging the obligations of the minor school and
local offices. He is a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity.

-5-- ^^v^^^-^^B'W^^-?-

^^^9

iram Hayward, practicing physician, resi-
dent on section 14, Worth Township, is the
>£<iKJ'" son of Joshua and Lydia (Barker) Hay-
ward. The former was a native of Massachu-
setts, the latter of the State of New Yoik.
After their marriage they settled in Saratoga,
N. Y., and in 1808 they removed to Canada, where
they lived four years. Joshua Hayward was i)ressed
into the British service during the contest of Great
Britain with the United States, but he deserted at the
end of a month and returned to his native State. He
at once enlisted in the army of the United States
and remained in the Federal service until the close
of the war. He afterwards became a preacher and

pursued that vocation 20 years. He died May 17,
1840, near Richfield Springs, N. Y., aged 58 years.
His widow died Dec. 5, i88r, in Ontario, at the ad-
vanced age of 93 years.

Dr. Hayward is the eldest son of his parents, and
was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 18 15. At
the early age of nine years he became master of his
own maintenance, which he secured entirely without
assistance. He obtained a good education in the
common schools, and by study at home under the
directions of his mother.

He began to read medicine when he was 17 years
old, under the care of his uncle, Isaac Hayward,
continuing with him three years, when he lost his in-
structor by death. He spent a year in teaching,
when he associated himself with another physician,
and after three years' practice he made an attempt
to enter the Medical College at Albany, N. Y.; but,
havmg adopted eclectic principles in the practice
and theory of medicine, his application was rejected.
He continued his professional career in the State of
New York until 1849, when he removed to Canada.
He there combined the practice of medicine with the
ministry until 1866.

In the summer of that year he went to Wisconsin,
with the purpose of making a permanent settlement,
but found the selected locality distasteful, and in
September following he came to Michigan. He pur-
chased 80 acres of land in Worth Township, which
was under practical improvements, where he located
and erected good farm buildings. He added 150
acres to his original purchase, but afterward sold no
acres of this. Seventy acres are now under cultiva-
tion.

Dr. Hayward has had a large and successful
practice, but declining health has compelled the
abandonment of the larger part of it to others. He
has declined all official promotion, though he has
been an ardent Republican since the organization of
that party. In 185 i became to Sanilac County and
organized the Christian Church at Amadore. In
1S67 he organized the Worth Christian Church, and
was its Pastor i r years. (See historical portion of
this volume.)

His first marriage, to Marlha Druse, occurred
Sept. 20, 1837, in Otsego Co., N. Y., of which she
was a native. Amanda M., eldest child of this
union, became the wife of Benjamin Stone, and died

e^na^nnf^-^r^ — ^«^

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SANILAC COUNTY.

in 1878, at the age of 37 years. Eliza J. and Hiram
S. are the names of two children, also born of this
marriage. Their mother died Oct. 20, i860. Dr.
Hayward was again married in 1861, to Frances
Vernon. She was born in Canada, and has been the
mother of two children — Lillia and Lettie. The
latter died Oct. 5, 1879.

Dr. Hayward's portrait appears on a preceding
page, and is es))ecially valuable to this work from
the relations he has long sustained to the people of
the southern part of Sanilac County, in the capacities
of physician and Pastor.

^..,^.^^^^..

5^J9 mont Township, was born March 15,

illiam F. Green, farmer, section 19, Fre-

*0 1833, in County Cork, Ireland. His par-
ents, John and Eliza (Barron) Green, were
natives of Ireland, and emigrated to the New
World in 1841. They landed at Quebec, and
proceeded successively to the cities of Montreal,
Kingston and Toronto, stopping two weeks at each
to perfect and thoroughly test their inclinations for
life in America. The meeting with a brother Mason
in Hamilton gave them a feeling as of home, and
there they pitched their tent. The father became a
hardware merchant and dealt in the merchandise
common to that business, including cutlery and fish-
ing tackle. They remained in Hamilton si.x years,
when the senior Green secured a position under the
Government in the custom-house at Toronto. Both
his parents died there and are buried in that city.

Mr. Green learned the business of gunsmith and
also of machinist, working at each several years. He
came to Detroit in 1859, where he remained twenty
months, and at the end of that time came to Port
Huron and spent five years there employed as a gun-
smith. In 1866 he bought his farm of Fish & Co.,
who had removed the lumber from the place. Since
becoming interested in agriculture Mr. Green has
abandoned his trades.

He was married Jan. 4, 1854, to Nanno Falvey.
She is the daughter of Dennis and Mary Falvey,
both of whom died in Ireland. Mrs. Green was born

May 20, 1831, in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Green, as follows : Lizzie A., in Brunswick, N. J.,
Oct. 26, 1854, and married June 9, 1880, William
McNeill; John F., at Hamilton, Ont., July 13, 1856,
and died March 27, 1874; Mary L., born in Hamil-
ton, Aug. 6, 1858, died Jan. 5, 1880; Harriet S.,born
at Detroit, Feb. 3, 1861, has been engaged in teach-
ing several years.

-H=l^^

i4—

t|3[^ ewis W. Brown, farmer, section 34, Worth
sj^ EH t Township, is the son of Clark M. and
^i^r Catherine (White) Brown. The parents
fiW' were natives and life-long residents of the State
A of New York. The former died Sept. 5, 1839,
\ the latter Oct. 17, 188 r.

Mr. Brown is the third in order of birth of five
children of his father's family, and is the eldest son.
He was born July 23, 1833, in Jefferson Co., N. Y.
He obtained a fair common-school education, and at
the age of 16 years was apprenticed to acquire the
art of carriage-making. He served three years, and
has since combined that business with his agricul-
tural pursuits.

The progress and issues of the Civil War awakened
his sense of duty as a citizen of the Republic, and
he became a soldier. He enlisted Aug. 7, 1862, in
the i42d N. Y. Vol. Inf., and continued in the service
until the close of the conflict, receiving his discharge
June 17, 1865. He sustained a severe gunshot
wound in the siege of Petersburg, which resulted in
a serious injury to his right arm, in consequence of
which he receives a pension. He enlisted as a pri-
vate, and passed through several grades of promo-
tion to that of Second Lieutenant, in which capacity
he was serving at the time he received his wound.

He came to Sanilac County in the fall of 1865,
and bought 40 acres of land in Worth Township,
where he has since resided. He is now owner of 160
acres, and has 90 acres cleared, improved and culti-
vated in accordance with the best principles of farm-
ing. He is a Democrat in political views. He was
married Oct. 24, 1855, in Jefferson Co., N. Y., to
Candace, daughter of Amos and Anna (Foster)

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SANILAC COUNTY.

361

Streeter. The former was born in Vermont, the lat-
te