Glass J 5"1 -L
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OF PROMINENT^ REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
OF THE COUNTY
TOGETHER- Wl TH ■ POFfTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES- OF- ALL - THE
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CHICAGO:
CHAPMAN BROS.
1891.
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JHE grSatest of, English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writi-rs of
the present cenlnry, has said : "The history of a country is best told in a record of the
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Poktijait and Bioguai-iiicai.
Album of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and
talcing tiierefrom dry statistical matter tiiat can be appreciated by but few, our
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their
enteri)rise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among tliose
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli-
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men wlio
have risen from the lower wallcs of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of manj', very
many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done what
tlHiy could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not
be lost upon those who follow after.
Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from tlie fact
that it contains so much that would never find its waj' into public records, and whicii would otherwise be
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunitv possible
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers Hatter them-
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph-
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given.
The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to five the
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasional!}' some member of
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never bo found, though repeated calls were made
at their residence or place of business.
^ e . , ,Q,>, CHAPMAN niiOS.
CniCAOo, .September, 18!)1.
^i{_jr\ i x LJ.-v>ix
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OF THE
GOVERNORS of MICHIGAN,
AND OF THE
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1885.
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CA
FIJiST PRESIDENT.
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■ga'^' .4' .1' ; 4^; ■^;-t'^t^'^'?^t^t^'^Mtai'as^t'^t-^>%'(!^i;^<^^.^ii^t^'ta?'>ra^i:s;'
I HE Father of our Country was
'■j'l horn in Westmorland Co., Va.,
r.M% _ ' '
^ Feb. 22, 1732. His parents
i] 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,
I^awrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his
second marriage, George was the
eldest, the others being Betty,
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles
and Mildred.
Augustine Washington, tiie 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 lie left tiie 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
tnathemat'cs. His spellinii was rather <iefectiv«
Remarkable stories are told of his great physica:
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. In
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier
life, gaining experience which aftenvards proved very
essential to him. In 175 i, though only 19 years of
age, he was apix)inted 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 liis 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 ilie
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 territory occupied by Indians. The
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
irip was a perilous one, and several times he came near
losing his life, yet he retarned in safety and famished
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 inijMrtant part. In the
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad-
dock's defeat, Wasliington 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 : " 1 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 i)romotion in the royal army, he
look advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio,
CO resign his commission. Soon 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
if 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-
del[)hia,Se|)t. 5, r774, to secure their common liberties,
peaceably if iwssible. To this Congress Col. Wash-
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of
England were ])lainly 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 ever)' 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, r783, Washington, in
a patting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his
commission as commander-in-chief of the army lo
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer aiid planter, shunning all
connection with public life.
lit February, 17S9, 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 impoverislied condition of the country,
owing 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 term many
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March,
1797, at the expiiaton of his second term as Presi-
dent, he returned to his home, lioping 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 superinter.ded 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 seveie 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 wiih 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 princijjles, 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 tan, erect
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetrv.
He commanded respect without any appearance ol
haughtiness, and ever serious without V^iogduU.
"■^.
TiVElVTIETH PRESlLiENT.
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AMES A. (GARFIELD, twen-
tieth President of the United
States, was born Nov. 19,
1S31, 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-
^9 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 tiie houses of
J poor Ohio farmers of that day. It
.dc about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces bc-
.vsen the logs filled with clay. His father was a
lard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
.:lea!ed, an orchard planted, and a lug barn liuilt.
I'lie household com[)rised the father and mother and
heir four children — Mchetai)el, 'I'liomas, Mary and
'ames. In May, 1825, tiie father, from a cold con-
./acted in helping to ])ut out a forest fire, died. At
'his time James was about eighteen months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perliaps, can
tell how much James was indebted to his biother's
ceil and self-sacrifice during tiie twenty years suc-
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis-
itrs live in Solon, O., near their birthplace.
The early educational advantages young Garfield
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of
iiiem. He 1 ibored at farm work for others, did car-
penter «ork, (Ivii'pid wood, or <.lid anytliing that
woulil Ipfinn in a few ilollars to aid liis widowed
mother in lie- ■ i-':>,>;^lcs to keep the little f.m ily to-
gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug-
gling cliildhood, youth and manhood, neither did they
ever forget him. When in the highest seatsof honor
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly
greeted as ever. 'I'he [loorest laborer was sure of 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 hi
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain 0/
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard
a vessel, wliich his mother strongly opposed. She
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the
understanding, however, that he should try to obtair
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 tlie Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He re-
mained at this work but a short time when he wen'
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the
Eclectic Listitute, teaching a few terms of school in
the meantime, and doing other work. 'I'his school
was started by the Disciijles of Christ in 1S50, of
which churcli he was then a member. He became
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way
He then became both teacher ami ]Hipil. He soon
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from whi' h
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon-
ors of his class. He afterwards returned lo 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 [)rf;aching in ils pulpit and i)l3ces where
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, Presidirt of
Vale College, says of him in reference to liisrclipion:
o«.
JAMES A. GARFIELD.
a man of
His whole
" President Garfield was more than
strong moral and religious convictions,
history, from boyhood to the last, sliovvs 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 JLidgmeiu 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 comniunions
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
;hurch 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 "nsec-
Urian charity for all ' who loveour Lord in sincerity.'"
Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 1 1, 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 speeches in 1856,
jn 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 tliis year he was elected to the Ohio
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland,
and in i86i 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 before he had ever seen a gun fired in acUon,
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the officer
'Humphrey Mirshall) 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 (leneral in the
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh,
in its operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the
General Coutt-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John
Porter. He was then ordered to rei)ort to Gen. Rose-
crans, and was assigned to the " Chief of Staff"
The military h'story 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 Gew 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.\ty 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 lime he en-
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that
body. Thert; he remained by successive re-
elections until he was elected President in 1880.
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Sinct
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question whici.
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before t.
tribunel of the American people, in regard to whicL
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."
Uix)n 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 favo; 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 deixit, in com-
pany with Secretary ISlaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his liack.
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 in.licling no further
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " _ Never
before in the history of the Nation hnd 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. Foreighty
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.
19, 1883, at Ellieron, N. J , on the very b.ank of the
ocean, where he had been taken shortly jirevious. 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 -.nid exe-
cuted, in one year after he committed the fou; deed.
TWENTY-FIRST PRESIDENT.
99
HESTER A. ARTHUR,
twenty-first Presi'^.^iii of the
United States was born in
Franklin Cour ty, Vermont, on
thefifthofOdobcr, 1830, and is
the oldest of a family of two
sons and five daughters. His
father was the Rev. Dr. William
Arthur, a Baptist d.rgyman, who
emigrated to tb.s country fro:n
the county Ant.im, Ireland, in
his i8th year, and died in 1S75, in
9J y}i Newtonville, neai Albany, after a
"^ long and successful ministry.
j>^j^j Young Arthur was educated at
Ig M Union College, S( henectady, where
J ]\ he excelled in all his studies. Af-
»j ter his graduation he taught school
R] in Vermont for two years, and at
the expiration of that time came to
New York, with $500 in his iwcket,
and e.Uered the office of ex-Judgc
^W E. D. Culver as student. After
being admitted to the bar he formed
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate,
Henry 1). Gardiner, with the intention of practicing
in the West, and for three months they roamed about
in the Western 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 niaj-r'^d the daughter of Lieutenant
Hemdon, 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 esjxjused 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 jjut off a Fourth
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare.
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a
verdict of S500 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
100
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave-
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored i*r-
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 hmi 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 Yoik, 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,
?o, 1878, 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, 1 880. This was perhaps the greatest political
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It
was composed of the 'sading 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
■vas 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, — those moments of
anxious suspense, when the liearts 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 certainlv 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 ]x>sition in the world ivas 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 ;.ssume the responsibilities of
the high office, and he took the oath in New York.
Sept. 20, iSSr. The iX)sition was an embarrassing
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do,
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se-
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been
greatly neglected during the President's long illness,
and many important measures were to be immediately
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 tlie reins of the Government in his own
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so
wisely that but few criticised his administration.
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the
close of his administration, March 4, 1S85, and was
a popular candidate before his party for a second
term. His name was ably presented before the con-
vention at Chicago, and was received with great
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party
for another campaign. He retired to private life car-
rj'ing with him the best wishes of the American peo-
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory
to thcni and with credit to himself.
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S>EC0ND PHESIDENT.
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'^Tipj
OHN ADAMS, the second
, President and the first Vice-
President of the United States,
t was born in Braintree ( now
t-ys, Quincy),Mass., and about ten
''^' miles from Boston, Oct. 19,
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 shoeniaking. 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 Ivj endeavored to
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For tiiis purjxDse 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 ti^rned from this by what he
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun-
cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic goodnature,''
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
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep-
tive lowers. He gradually gained practice, and in
1764 married Aijigail Smith, a daughter of a minister,
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, (i7f'5), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa-
Mon turned him from law to politics. He took initial
steps toward holdin^, :v town meeting, and the resolu-
tions he offered on the subject became very jwpulai
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 delegate.s
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress,
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himseU
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad-
vocated the movement for independence against tlii
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 conunittee of nve
apjxjinted June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde-
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but
on ."Xdams devolved the task of battling it througl\
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 projjhecy. "Yesterday," he says, "t'ac
greatest question was decided that ever was debated
in America ; and greater, i)erhaps, never was or wil
be decided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, ' that these L'nited
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 devotirm to /Mmighty
God. It ought to be solemnized with [wniii, shows.
24
JOHN ADAMS.
games, S|)orts, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations
fioui one end of the continent to the other, from this
time forward for ever. You will think me trans}X)rted
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 Noveml)er, 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 ^nd 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-
jxjsed him to great peril of capture jjy the British cruis-
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was again
clioseii to go to Paris, and tliere 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 pvoix)sels. 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 anxiety 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 goto England to drink the waters of
Bath. \Vhile in England, still drooping anddesjiond-
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,hemade 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 aiiixaint a minister to the United
States, and as Mr. .Adams felt that he was accom-
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to
nis own country, where he arrived in June, 1788.
When Washington was first chosen President, John
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President, .\gain
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 mucho'piKisition.
Serving in this office four vears,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 atisSuewith
the majority of his countr)men led by Mr. 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 peo[)le. Hence or-
iginated the alienation between these distinguished
men, and two jxjwerful parties were thus soon organ-
ised, 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
ajjpreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till
after death. No one could look uixsn 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
supjwrting. In 1824, 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 ujx)n the
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is
well known, on that day two of these finished their
earthly jiilgrimage, 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 bed. On l)eing requested to name a toast for the
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In-
DF.PKNDENCE 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 maimers of Mr.
Adams were not particularly ])re]X)ssessing. His face,
as his ])ortrait manifests,was intellectual ard expres-
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his
manners were frequently abrupt and imcourteous.
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked
the manners and address of Jefferson.
THIRD PRESIDENT.
27
m^?=r.-^
THOMAS iTEFiFEISSOM
HOMAS JEFFERSON was
born April 2, 1743, at Shad-
l^well, Albermarle county, Va.
His parents were I'eler and
Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson,
thet'ormcr a native of Wales,
and tlie 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
fatlier 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 lie entered William
end Mary College. \Villiamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fashion
a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17
years old, lived somewhat e)i[)ensively, kecinng fine
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he
was earnestly devoted lo his studies, and irreproai ha-
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under
siiiii influences, that he was not ruined. In tiie sec-
ond year of his college course, moved by some un-
exi)lained inward impulse, he discarded his horses,
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen
liouis a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex-
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out
of tlie city and back again. He thus attained very
high ;;;tellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso-
phy and the languages. 'Die most difficult Latin and
Greek authors he read witii facility. A more finished
scholar has seldom gone fortli from college halls: and
there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man.
Immediately ujjon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the short time he continued in tlie
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin-
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a
lawyer. But the times called for greater action.
Tlie policy of England iiad awakened the spirit of
resistance of tlie American Colonies, and the enlarged
views whicli Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led
him into active political life. In 1769 he was choser
a inember of the Virginia House of Burgesses. !n
1772 lie married Mrs. Martha .Skelton, a very beauti-
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow
Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, thare
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, wliich
commanded a pros|)ect of wonderful extent and
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest ye^
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon
became the most distinguisiied resort in our land.
In 1775 he was sent to the Cdonial Congress.
where, though a .silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon iiecome known, and he
was placed ui)on 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 Rolierl R.
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was api)ointed
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
ill it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July
4, 1776, What must have been the feelings of that
28
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
man — what the emotions that swelled his breast —
Vvho 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,
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, as Governor of Virginia. At one time
the Britisli officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to
Moniicello, 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 yeirs later he was apiK)inted 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. r, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi-
dent, and four years later was elected President over
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity,
and George Clinton, Vice President.
The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra-
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 (xslitical 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 ujxjn 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 tiieir 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
fashionable watering-place.
The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver-
sary of the Declaration of American Independence,
great preparations were made in every part of tin.'
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 tlie few surviving signers of the Declara-
tion, to participate in their festivities. 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 nc
hope of his recovery. From this time he was jjerfectly
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the ne.xt
diiy, 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 tha'.
he might be permitted to breathe the airof the fiftieth
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture thiougli 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 uf) 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 ix)ssessed great fortitude of mind as
well as personal courage; and ?.is 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.
/ cZA^'^ '■ ' .^yOC
g,j^M^^-( c'-'^
FOURTH PRESIDENT.
1WW> npDisoi|.
AMES MADISON, "Father
" the Constitution," and fourth
^'"'President of the United States,
was born March i6, 1757, and
died at his home in Virginia,
June 28, 1836. The name of
James Madison is inseparably con-
nected with most of the important
events in that lieroic jieriod of our
country during which the founda-
tions of tliis great repubUc were
laid. He was the last of the founders
of tiie Constitution of tlic United
States to be called to his eternal
reward.
The Madison family were among
the early emigrants to the New World,
lauding upon tile shores of the Chesa-
pealce but 15 years after the settle-
ment of Jamestown. The father of
James Madison was an opulent
planter, residing uiwn a very fine es-
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co.,
Va. The mansion was situated in
the midst of scenery highly pictur-
esipie and romantic, on the west side
of Soutli-west Moinitain, at the foot of
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of
Jefferson at Monlicello. The closest jjersonal and
jKjlitical attachment existed 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-
prudent zeal ; allowing himself, for months, but tliree
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in 1771, with a feeble
body, witli a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind highly disciplined and riclily stored with learning
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subst'
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 wiiich he asso-
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work ol
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that
liis life was not to l)e long, he diiected esi>ecial atten-
tion to theological studies. FMidowed with a inuid
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with
almost unequalled ix)wers 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 the Virginia Convention, to
frame the constitution of the State. The next year
('777)1 he was a candidate for the General Assembly.
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and
conse(iuently lost his election ; but those who had
witnessed tiie talent, energy and public spirit of the
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf,
and he was appointed to the Executive Council.
Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Ciovernors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his
32
JAMES MADISON.
nitellectual, 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
tlie 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, urging 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.
'I'here 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 i)y 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 jMwer at home and little I'espect
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 opjxisition
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and
went into effect in 1789.
Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre-
sentatives in tlie 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 jXDWer of fascination,
whom he married. She was in person and character
queenly, and probalily no lady has thus far occupied
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs.
Midison.
Mr. Madison served as Secretary 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 destioyed our commerce, and
our flag was exixjsed to constant insult. Mr. Madison
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring
in his disposition, war had no charms for Iiim. 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 conqiulsion, the
battles of England. This right of search and im-
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce
the British cabinet to relinquish.
On the 1 8th of June, 18 12, 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, 1813, was re-elected by a large majority,
and entered ui^on his second term of office. This is
not the place to describe tlie various adventures of
this war on the land and on the water. Our infan'-
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap-
pling with the most fonnidalile power which ever
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in Febniaiy,
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 the brief conflict
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of tlie
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city.
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White
House, with her carriage drawn up at the doer 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, 18 17, his second tenn of
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his 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.
i^-
^^^i^^^i^ 7 /^z
-?-^y^_
FIFTH PRESIDENT.
35
AMKS MONROK. Uio ntili
. I'rcsidcntof 'I'hc United States,
was born in Westmoreland Co.,
Va., April 2.S, 1758. His early
life was jjassed at the place of
nativity. Hi.5 ancestors had lur
9 many years resided in the prov-
ince in which he was born. When,
at 17 years of ai;e, in the process
',' of completing his education at
William and Mary C'ollege, the Co-
lonial Congress assembled at I'hila-
del|)hia to deliberate u[)on the un-
just and manifold oppressions of
(ireal Britian, declared the seiKira-
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 the
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits,
who were sufficiently terrified at the [jrospect 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
(wlitical emancipation. The young cadet joined the
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 Wbitfj
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it flee'
before its foes through New Jersey. In four month,'
alter the Declaration of Independence, the patriots
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg-
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left
shoukler.
As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was i)ro-
moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however,
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an
officer in the staff of l.ord Sterling. During the cam-
paigns of 1777 and 177S, in the actions of Brandy
wine, Ciermanlown 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 jjursued, 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 1782, he was elected from King George county.
• a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by tha*.
body he was elevated to a seat in the Kxecuiive
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having
at this early perioti disiilayed some of that ability
and aptitude for legislation, whii h were afterwards
employed with unremitting energy for the public good,
36
JAMES MONROE.
he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of
ilie Congress of the United States.
DeeplyasMr. Monroefelt the imperfections of the old
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution,
ihinking, with many others of "ihe Republican parly,
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 17S9, 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 sej)-
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 jxjwer, and the State
Governments as much [X)wer, 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 jjower to tlie
Central Government as tiiat 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 up 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 eipiilibrium. .\nd yet each in his day was de-
nounced as almost a demon.
Wasiiington 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 Earoi)e 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 sliould help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous
and noble nature. He violently o[)posed 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 ]X)licy of the Government, as the minister
of that Government to the Repuljlic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations.
Shortly after his return to this countrv, Mr. Moi-
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the
office for three yeais. 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 Sjxiin. Their united efforts were sue
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 oui'
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng-
land was unrelenting. He again 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. Wliile 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 o(
peace he resigned the Deixirtment of War, but con-
tinued in tlie 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 o[)position, and
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four year?
later he was elected for a second term.
Among the im|iortant measures of his Presidency
were the cession of Florida to the United States; the
Missouri Conii)roniise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'
This famous 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 [)orti(jns of the American Continent. The doctrine
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt
on the part of F>uropean 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 interjiosition for the jiurijose of ojipressing
or controlling American governments or provinces in
any other light than as a manifestation by European
l)owcrs of an unfriendly disiwsition toward the United
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course
of foreign governments, and has become the approved
sentiment of the LInited States.
At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830,
when he went to New York to live with his son-in-
law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831
^l"**
M'^-
3. S, At
<L/nvJ
SIXTH PRESIDENT.
39
^ .^/C/QvAK^^a.
OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the
sixth President of the United
'States, was born in the rural
home of his honored fatlier,
John Adams, in Qnincy, Mass.,
on the I ith cf July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted
worth, watched over his childhood
during tlie almost constant ab-
sence of liis father. When but
eight years of age, lie stood with
his niotlier on an eminence, listen-
ing to the liooining of the great l)at-
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 ot hostile British cruisers. The bright,
animated boy spent a year and a half in Pan's, where
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as
minister pleni]X)tentiary. 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
(ohn Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he
applied himself with great diligence, for six months,
to .'.tudy; then accompained his father to Holland,
where he entered, first a school in .\msterdam, then
the ITniversity at Leyden. About a year from this
time, in t78i, when the manly hoy was but fourteen
yea's of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min-
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary.
In this school of incessant later and of enobling
rulture 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 17S2, he accompanied his father i;
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintanct
with tlie most distinguished men on the Continent
examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he agair.
became associated with the most illustrious men o(
all lands in the conten)])lations of the loftiest temi)oral
themes which can engross the human mind. Aftj'
a short visit to P^ngland he returned to Paris, ana
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 17S5,
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young
man of eighteen, v. lio jiad seen much of the world,
and who was familiar with the etiipiette of courts, a
residence with his father in London, under such cir-
cumstances, must have been extremely attra(tive
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 supixjrt.
Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twcntj'
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be-
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap-
jiointed 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
Gieat Britian. After thus spending a fortnight i.
London, he proceeded to the Hague.
In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as
minister pleni]X)tentiary. On his way to Portugal
upon arriving in London, he met with ilespatches
directing him to the court of Bei'iin, but rei|uesiirg
him to remain in London ur.til he should receive his
instructions. While w::iting he was niairicd to a;
American lady to whom he had been iireviously en-
gaged,— Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughtt'
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in I ondon:
a lady endownd with that beauty and those nccom-
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in t'i{
elevated sphere for which she w« ^j>*fined
lO
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ;
wlicre he remained until July, 1799, when, havingful-
tilled all the piir^wses of his mission, lie soUcited his
recall.
Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to
I he 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 JelTerson in the Pres-
idential chair, and he inmiediately nominated John
Qnincy 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 accomplished scholar could scarcely be found.
All through life the Bible constituted an importart
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 apirainted Mr.
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num-
erous friends in public and private life in Euroiie, he
sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the
1 8th 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 Lhe close of Mr. Monroe's second
term of office, \\q\^ candidates began to be presented
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought
forward his name. It was an exciting 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-
seifen. As there was no choice by the people, the
question went to the House of Re|)resentatives. Mr.
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and
he was elected.
The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
;ombined in a venomous and persistent assault upon
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in
*V><", 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 coim-
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 hims(;lf to work in his library
often long before dawn.
On the 4th of March, 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
ixjrtentous 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. Prolxibly there never was a
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually
the first in his [)lace in the morning, and the last to
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be Ijrought forward and escape his scrutiny. The
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against
lire proslavery jiarty in the Government, was sublime
in Its moral daiing and heroism. For persisting in
presenting jjelitions for the abolition of slavery, he
was threatened with indictment by the grand jur)',
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 Adams, 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 prajer which his mother taught him in
his infant years.
On the 2istof February, 1848, he rose on the floor
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken l.>y ]iaraly-
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 opened his eyes, looked calmly around and
said " This is the end of earth /"then after a moment's
pause he added, '^\I am content" These were the
last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent."
SE VENTH rHESIUENT.
«*3
•'^vmOM^r'^i^t&s??. •M^Mf^^-:^i
ajs.aa.5»*©fSW!Wrav.
#.|ir©ji^j^v^ ^k^%%%^%.
NDREW JACKSON, the
seventh PresideTit of tlic
United States, was horn in
Waxhaw settlement, N. (;.,
March 15, 1767, a few days
after his father's death. His
parents were jxwr emigrants
from Ireland, and took \\y
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 lirother 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 desperate
dIow at the head of the helpless young jirisoner.
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear-
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other ujxjn 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-jxjx. Their
mother was successful ir> i)btaining their exchange,
and took her sick boys home. After a long illness
Andrew recovered, and tiie death of his mother soon
left him entirely friendless.
.Vndrew supported himself in various ways,sichas
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and
clerking in a general store, until 1784, 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 apjwinted
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 skirnush
with the Sharj) Knife.
In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who
supposed herself divorced from her former husband.
Creat 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 more 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 JackA
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its
44
ANDRE W JACKSON.
iessions, — 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 expiiing, 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 adminstralion 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 f^jr six years.
When the war of 1812 with 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 u|X)n him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson
jffeied his services and those of twenty-five hundred
volunteers. His offer was accejjted, and the troops
were assembled at Nashville.
As the British were hourly expected to make an at-
tack r.jjon New Orleans, where Gen Wilkinson was
in command, he was ordered to descend the river
with fifteen hundred troojis to aid Wilkinson. The
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay 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 brother of Benton's was engaged,
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was
iingering ii|X)n a bed 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 tlic Tallapoosa River, near the cen-
ter of Alabama, aliout fifty miles below Fort Strother.
With an army of two tiio'isand men, Gen. Jackson
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven
days. He reached their fort, called TolK>]K-ka or
Horse-shoe, on tl^-' 27lh 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 K few probably, in the night, swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The
jxawer 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 uix>n 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 ujxDn 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 uji and the rest retired.
Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
And the battle of New Orleans w hich 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 1824,
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 o\ir country'; applauded by one party,
condemned by 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.
/ J ^^d^rr ^L^J
7
EIGHTH PRESIDENT.
47
ARTIN VAN BUREN, ihe
eighth President of the
United States, was born at
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5,
1 7 82. He died at the same
place, July 24, i<S62. His
body rests in the cemetery
at Kinderhook. Above it is
a [ilain granite shaft fifteen feet
high, bearing a simple inscription
about half way up on one face.
The lot is unfenced, unbordered
or unbounded by slirub 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 uneventfid 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 Dutcli lineage, was a woman of superior intel-
ligence and exemplary piety.
,fe 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
ill his native village, and comiiienced the study of
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven
years of study in a law-office were reijuired of him
Vjefore he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with
J. lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur-
sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After
spending six 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 ot
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 iwlitician. He had,
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the
many discussions which had been carried on in iiis
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloiiueiitly espoused Ihe
cause of State Rights; though at llial 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, ih.
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years
constantly gaining strength by contending in tin-
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned
the bar of his State.
Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomiilishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consumi>.
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep ovet
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 iSi 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the Slate Senate, and i^ave his strenuous supjiort to
Mr. Madison's adniinstiation. In 1815, he was ajv
pointed y\ttorney-(^ieneral, and the next year moved
to Albany, the capital of the State.
While he was acknowledged as one of the most
p. ominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had
48
MARTIN VAN BUREN.
the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not require that " universal suffrage" which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of
governing the State. In true consistency with his
democratic i)rinciples, he contended that, while tlie
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 tlie welfare of tlie
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 an active and useful legislator.
In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to
che Senate. He had been from the beginning a de-
.■ermined 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 tlid Martin Van Huron. ^Vhether
entitled to the rei)utation or not, lie certainly was re-
garded ihroLigiiout the United States as one of the
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians.
It was sujiposed tliat no one knew so well as he how
to touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all
the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to
organize a political army which would, secretly and
ste.'^Uhily accomplish the most gigantic results. liy
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
api)ointed Mr. Van Hiiren Secretary of State. This
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately
apix)inted Minister to England, wliere he went the
same autuinn. Tlio Senate, however, when it met,
refused to r.itif)' the nomination, .ind he lelurned
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 tlie Constitution had conferred
upon him the jiower to appoint a successor."
His administration was filled with exciting events.
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in-
volve this country in war with England, the agitation
of the slavery (juestion, 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 1848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death.
He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits,
and living within liis income, had now fortunately a
competence for liis declining years. His unblemished
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned
patriotism, and the distinguished positions whicli he
had occuiiied 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
.\\\\ of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from
the [iresidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald
he still exerted a powerful infiuence \\\to\\ the politics
of the country. From this time until his death, on
the 24th of July, 1862, 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, ])robably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life.
v%^.
'"^r,.
/(J-. //r^^G^iA^
■n.^^
NINTH PRESIDENT.
S«
^'(^^^':;
ILLIAM HENRY HARRI-
SON, the ninth President of
the United States, was horn
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773.
His father, Benjamin Harri-
son, was in comparatively o\t-
ulent circumstances, and was
one of the most distinguished
men of his day. He was an
intimate friend of George
Washington, w as early elected
a member of the Continental
Congress, and was conspicuous
among the patriots of Virginia in
resisting the encroachments of tlie
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,
i 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 honor sooi. r.fter the death of his father. He
then te[)aired to Philadelphia tostudy medicine imder
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianshi|) of
i'obert Morris, both of whom were, with his father,
signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Jjwu the ouilircak of ilic Indian troubles, and not-
withstanding the 'cnions'.tances of his friends, he
ahando'^ed liis medical studies and entered the army,
■laving 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 aiv
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
lX)sition.
In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory
was divided by Congress into two jwrtions. The
eastern [wrtion, 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, Illinois and
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil-
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ai>.
[Xjinted by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as
extensive a realm as any sovereign \\\*i\\ the globe. He
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in-
vested with i)owers nearly dictatorial over the now
rapidly increasing white i>opulation. The ability and
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible
duties may be inferretl from tiie fact that he was four
limes apjiointed to this office — first by John Adams,
twice by Thomas JefTerson 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
tumult of wealth and traffic. Oneof thesesettlements
was on the Ohio, nearly opixjsite Louisville; one at
Vincennes, on the Wabasii, and the tliird a P'rench
settlement.
The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrisoi.
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indian.s. Aboi"
5 =
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.
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, OUiwacheca, 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 wliich 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, tlie Prophet, was
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which
they dwelt.
liut the Prophet was not merely an orator: he was,
i 1 the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested
with the suiierhuman 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.
t)ctober 28, 1812, his army began its inarch. 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
sliort conference, arrangements were made for a meet-
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.
ikit 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 diiz/.ling rain. In
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi-
ble, and j':st then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all
the desperation which superstition and passion most
liighly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of tlie
little army. The savages had been amply provided
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of l)ullets.
The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide-
cus yells, the Indian bands ruslied on, not doublir.ga
speedy and an entire victory. 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 thp foe.
Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmost. The British descending t'roni the Can-
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but
with llieir savage allies, rushing like wolves from the
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn-
ing, i)lu,idering, scalpi.ig, 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 l)y 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 ofificers,
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle.
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted
before the fire, without bread or salt.
In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of
the National House of Representatives, to re[iresent
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an
active member; and whenever he s[>oke, it was with
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested
the attention of all the members.
In 18 1 9, Harrison was elected to the Senate ol
Ghio; 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 United States Senate.
In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison Ijrought 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
by 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.
'I"he cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webstei
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 liopes 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 April ; just one month after
his inauguration as President of the United States.
ll
'"hO^
TENTH PRESIDENT.
*>i
JDIHK TYILlISo
OHN TYLER, the tenth
, 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
commenced the practice of law.
His success was rapid and a.ston-
ishing. It is said that three
months had not elapsed ere there
was scarcely a case on the dock-
I et of the court in which he was
hOt retained. When 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, opiX)sing a national
bank, internal improvements by the General <«jvern.
ment, a protective tariff, and advocatmg 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 jxjwerful
in promoting jjublic works of great utility. With a
rei)utation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen
by a very large majority of votes, C.overnor 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, thtn represented Virginia in the Senate of the
United States. A [wrtion of the Democratic party
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course,
and brought forward John Tyler as his op|X)nent,
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, ujxjn taking his
seat in the Senate, he joined ihc ranks of tiie opjjosi-
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 oi)i)Osilion to the nuliifiers, had
abandoned the i)iinciples of the Democratic party.
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record
in perfect accordance with the princii)les which he
had always avowed.
Returning to Virginia, he rosumcd the practice of
!iis profession. There was a :i'I:i i 1 the Democraiu
JOHN TYLER.
/arty. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef-
lersonian, 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; audit 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
7839. 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 lias l)ut very little power in the Govern-
ment, his main and almost only duly 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 -:und 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 home in Williamsburg when he received the
une.xpected tidings of the death of President Harri-
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of
Ajril -itas inaugurated to the high and responsible
office. He was (ilaced in a position of exceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been
opposed to tl:e main principles of the party which had
brought him into jiower. He had ever been a con-
•istent, hoiie;t man, with an unblemished record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun-
sjUors 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-
n.ony with himself, and which would op[)ose all those
I'iews which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub-
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in-
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had
i-elected to retain their seats. He reccomm-.Mided a
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and
bless us.
The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for tlie
incor]X)ration of a fiscal hank of the United States.
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it wiih
nis veto. Y{ff (iuiigested, however, that he would
approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he
projjosed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval.
It -.vas 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 si verely
touched the pride of the President.
The opposition now e.\ultingly received the Presi-
dent into their arms. The party which elected him
denounced him bitterly. All 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 sympathy with his
old friends, the Democrats, until atthe close of his term,
he gave his whole influence to the su|)port 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 lelief. 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. \\\(\\ sufficient
means for the exercise of a generous ho?|)itality, 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
ixjlicy had helped to introduce.
When the great Rebellion rose, which the State.,
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Ca\-
hoiin 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.
ELEVENTH PRESIDENT.
59
-I
.^'^'
\''<S-i
AMES K. POLK, the eleventh
I'rcsideiU of the United States,
was born in Mecklenburg Co.,
N. 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 tiie 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 childiiood and
youth. His father, adding the pur-
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer,
gradually increased in wealth imtil
he became one of the leading men of the region. I lis
mother was a superior woman, of strong common
sense and earnest i)iety.
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
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a
sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits.
This was to James a bitter disapi>ointment. 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. With
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 1815, entered the sophomore
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplaiy of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious
service.
He graduated in iSicS, with the highest honors, be-
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty-
three years of age. Mr. Polk's heaUh 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 beer
slightly acquainted before.
Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same \>o\\\\-
cal faith. He was a i)oi)ular public speaker, anil was
constantly called ujwn to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that
he was [jopularly called the Najwleon of the stump.
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and
6o
/AMES K. POLK.
courterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic
nature in the jo) s 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 liini, — 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 1839, he was con-
tinuec^ in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew,
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair
of I'^nnessee. In Congress he was a laborious
member, a fre(]aent 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 1 4th 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 the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur-
ated President of the United States. The verdict of
the country in favor of the annexationof 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 of 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 jirovinces, 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 yiearly
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 wai
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 ujxjn the condition that
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas,
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal-
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen
majestic States to be addied 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 iiappiness were before him. But the
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up
the Valley of the Mississijjpi. This he contracted,
and died on the isth of June, 1849, in the fiftv-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.
^.C^oc^A-^yi^y^y/^f^
jy' y^P(^^
TWELFTH PRESIDENT.
<^i
^i\f\.^V:tS^.T\. \.^^\si
'k ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth
m rrcsident of tlic United States,
a was horii on the 24lh of Nov.,
¥ 1784, in Orange Co., Va. His
■0 fatlicr, t'olonel Taylor, was
■^.j^^.^^'' '' \'irginian of note, and a dis-
i^iifc"",)^^ tinyiiishcd [latriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When ZaLJuiry
was an infant, iiis father with liis
wife and two children, emigrated
to Kentucky, wliere he settled in
the pathless wilderness, a few
miles from Louisville. In tliisfront-
?/iiR ier home, away from civilization and
I all its refinements, yjung Zachar)'
could enjoy init few social and educational advan-
tages. When si.x years of age he attended a common
school, and was then regardi'd as a bright, active boy,
father remarkable for bhmtness and decision of char-
acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and
<iianifesled 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 i)lantation.
In 1808, 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 (ien. Wilkinson. Soon after
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady
(rom one of the first families of Maryland.
Immediately after tlie declaration of war with Eng-
land, in 1S12, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort
Harrison, on the ^V'abash, about fifty miles above
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder-
ness by Gen. Harrison,on his march to Tippecanoe.
It was one of the first iwints of attack by the Indians,
icd iiy Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken
company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of
whom were sick.
Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily,
and in large numbers, moved ujxjn the fort. Their
ai)proach was first indicated by the murder of two
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor
made every possible prei)aration 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 ; the savages disai)peared. the
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before
midnight the war whooi) burst from a thousand lips
in the forest arountl, followed by the discharge of
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick
and well, sprang to his iwst. 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 jien can describe, 1.0 immagination can
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc-
ceeded in setting Cire (o one of the block-houses-
Until si.\ o'clock in the morning, this awfid conflict
continued. The savages tiien, baflled at every ix)int,
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt.
Taylor, for this galiant defence, was promoted to the
rank of major by brevet.
Untii 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 depthsof (he
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, wliich
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-
64
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 Taylor
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part.
For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and 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,
iiac'' promised they should do. The services rendered
he';e secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated
tc .he rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com-
mand of '.he 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. Establishing 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 witii Me.xico
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the
Mexicans. 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 Mnnterey 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,
the sobriquet of " Old Rough and Ready.'
The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista
jpread tlie 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 po|)ularity in livinging forward the unpolished, un-
■ 'Ted, honest soldier as their candidate for the
I'residency. (Jen. 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
'l.iir 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 liis haste re-
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made."
Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent sjjeaker 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-slavery party
was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi-
tions were fitting out to capture Culnx ; California was
pleading for admission to the Union, while 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 occuined the Presidential chair but little
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of
but little over five days, died on the Qlh 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 trutliful
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. Tiie 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 the
offender to be a coxcomb (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 shorf
few men have ever had a more comforta;.''-":, >->>■>'-«.
saving contempt for le3rnir.| of every kind,'
~^x^
u
V
-ocnx)
THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT.
6?
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^-r
i ^MILLflRn FILLMnHE.^ %
iji
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3?
4-9-
jI ILLARD FILLMORE, thir-
teenth President ot'the United
States, was born at Summer
Hill, t'ayuga Co., N. Y ., on
the 71I1 of January, 1800. His
~^ father was a farmer, and ow-
ing to misfortune, in humble cir-
(umstances. Of his mother, the
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,
of I'iitsfield, Mass., it has been
said that she [wssessed an intellect
ofvery iiigh order, united with much
])ersonal loveliness, sweetness of dis-
position, graceful manners and ex-
quisite sensibilities. She died in
I S3 1 ; 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 u[X)n 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, when* some
enterprising man had commenced the collection of a
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing
to young Fillmore. His evenings were s[)ent 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 l)e 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 tha'.
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample
jK'cuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter
Wood, — who was struck with the pre[x>ssessing ap-
pearance of young Fillmore. He made hisacquaint-
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,
r.o 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 alxiut
a collegiate education. A young man is sup;K)sed to
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col-
lege. But many a boy loiters through university hal" \
ind then enters a law office, who is by no means sis
t;6
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 hi fame.
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station
she might l)e called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers.
His elevation of character, his untiring industry,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate,
gradually attracted attention ; and lie was invited to
enter into partnership under highly advantageous
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in
Iiuffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829,
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of tlie
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 degri e the respect of his associates.
In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in
Ihe 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 yeai^s closed ; and he returned to
his profession, which he pursued with increasing re|)-
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 ex[)e-
rience as a representative gave hmi stiength and
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to
any man can be but little more than an introduction.
He was now jjrepared for active duty. All his ener-
gies were brought to bear upon the public 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.
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 liumpet-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
namesofZachary Taylor 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,
Cen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States.
On the 9th 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 ap|)oinled 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
tiie South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt
the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation.
The iJOjiulation 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.
Fillnicre's adminstration, and the Japan Exp.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 supixjsed 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 iiy both. He lived to a ripe
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874.
'^/^y/A>4
FOURT&ENTH PRESIDENT.
T
|feaiCfta»^ ■'^^
_.^««SW,!^f
oSfe|#^ ^1. FRANKLIN PIERCE.'^ ^^,
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i
RANKLIN PIERCE, the
fourteenth Presidetit of the
)?■ United States, was born in
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov.
23, 1804. His father was a
Revohitionary soldier, who,
with his own strong arm,
hewed out a home in the
wilderness. He was a man
of inde.vible intej^rity; of
strong, though uncultivated
mind, and an uncompromis-
ing Democrat. The mother of
Franklin Pierce was all that a son
could desire, — an intelligent, pru-
dent, affectionate, Christian woni-
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. Tlie neighbors
looked uiwn him with pride and affection. He was
by instinct a gentleman; always siieakingkind 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 ])opular young men in the college.
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and
an.
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 tiie brilliant
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en-
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci-
nating yet i)erilous path of [wlitical life. With all
the ardor of his nature he es[X)used the cause of Gen.
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected
to rejjresent the town in the State Legislature. Here
he served for four yeais. 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
l)art 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 Huren commenced
his administration. He was the youngest meini)erin
the Senate. In the year 1834. he married Miss Jane
Means Ap[)leton, a lady of rare beauty and accom-
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the
7«
bRANKLIN PIERCE.
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 imj^rtant 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 Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo-
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession,
very frequently taking an active part in political ques-
tions, giving his cordial supjxDrt to the pro-slavery
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise
measures met cordially with his a|)proval ; 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
•afely trust in office to carry out their plans.
On the I 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven-
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the
Presidency. For four days they continued in session,
snd 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 (xsint. 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' tenii
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 Episcoi)al
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.
tL^7z^J (2^^U^-/l^^y7l-S6-<?7/^
I'IFTEENTH PRESIDENT.
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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 AUegha-
nies, in Franklin Co., l'enn.,on
the 23d of April, 1791. The j'lace
where the humble cabin of his
father stuod 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 [xjor man, who had emigrated in
783, 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 liie d-rama of life. In this se-
cluded home, where James was born, he remaineil
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantagis. 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
jirogress 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
the first scholars in the institution. His application
to study was intense, and yet his native |X)wers en-
abled him to master the most abstruse subjects wi "•
facility.
In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest
honors of his clasi. 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 181 2, 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 1ml
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc-
cessfully defended before the State Senate 01 e of the
judges of the State, who was tried uixan articles of
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally
admitted that he stood at the head of the 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 imixjrtant case. In 1831, he retired
altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac-
quired an ample fortune.
(Jen. Jackson, \\\>on his elevation to the Presidency,
ap]K)inted 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 ])roposedby President Jackson, of miiring repri-
76
JAMES BUCHANAN.
sals against France, to enforce the payment of our
claims against that country ; 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 adiiiinistration. 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 de[)osits.
Earnestly he opixjsed the abolition of slavery in the
District of Columbia, and urged tlie prohibition of the
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United
States mails.
As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo-
cated that they should be respectfully received; and
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had
no [xjwer 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 exists."
Ujwn Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr.
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such,
took his share of the resix)nsibility 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 (irande into that territory was a declaration
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the
account of the course our Covernment pursued in that
movement
Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with
the party devoted to the pi^rpetuation and extension
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind
to bear against the W'ilmot 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 al>ohtion, on the other. Mr. Fre-
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re-
'.eived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
174, and was elected. The i>0|)ular vote stood
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On
March 4th. 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated.
Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four
vears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and
ten. His own friends, those with wliom he had been
allied in political principles and action for years, were
su<;king 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 einergeni'v, 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
nominaied Abraham Lincoln 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
tlie United States.
Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slaverj'
party was such, that he had been willing to ofiferthem
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. Bii^
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 exhibitions of governmental im-
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He
declared that Congress had no power 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 besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals
were seized ; our depots of military stores were plun-
dered ; and our custom-houses and iX)st-offices were
api)ropriated 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 whii h rolled its billows
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came
from his lips to intlicate his wish that our country's
banner should lriuni]ih over the flag of the rebellior,
Hf" died at his Wheatland retreat, Jane i, i863.
/^
<9-f iZ--i^-v^
e//^fe^^^T^
SIXTEENTH PRES/DENT.
79
i^5-..
„i^^ir^.
RRAHAM LINCOLN, the
sixteenth President of tlie
,JUnited States, was horn in
f? Hardin Co., Ky., Feh. 12,
W 1809. Ahout tlie year 1780, a
man hy the name of Abraham
^"^ Lincohi left Virginia with his
t.imily and moved into t)ie then
wildsof Kentucky, (^nly two years
after this emigration, still a young
man, while working one day in a
field, was stealthily a])pro::ched hy
an Indian andshot dead. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five
little children, three 1)0)S and two
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the
boys, was four years of age at his
father's deatli. This Thomas was
the father of .\braham Lincoln, the
President of the United States
whone name must henceforth foi-ever be enrolled
wiih the most prominent in the annals of our world.
Of coarse no record has been kept of the life
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among
the ix)orest of the [xjor. His home was a wretched
log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest.
Education he had none; he could never either read
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 inish out into the world, a friend-
less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him-
self out, and thus spent the whole oi his youth as a
*/iborer in the fields C)f others.
When twenty-eight years of age he built 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 hojje 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 farin, 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 tlie 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. Tlie family was gradually scattered. Mr.
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830,
and emigrated to ALacon Co., 111.
Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age.
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing
another log-cabin. .'Miraham worked diligently at this
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their
small lot of enclosed prairie [ilanted 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 liecame
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi-
cating li(|uor to pass his lips. And he had read in
God's word, "Thou shall not take the name of the
Lord thy (Jod in vain ;" and a |)rofane expression he
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminatcd by a
single vice.
Young Abraham woiked for a lime as a hired laliorer
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield,
where he was employed in building a large flat-lwat.
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis-
sissi|ii)i to New Orleans, ^\'hat^.•ver Abraham Lin-
coln undertcxik, he performed so faithfully as to give
great satisfacticn to his employers. In this adven-
8o
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
ture his employers were so well pleased, that uix)n
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 1854 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
ilavery cjuestion, and lie took the broad ground of
.he 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 building called "The
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven-
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes
were thrown. William H Seward, a man whose fame
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most
orominent. It was generally supi)osed 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 aslittledid he dream that he was to render services
to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of
the whole civilized world, and which would give him
a place in the affections of his countrymen, second
only, if second, to that of Washington.
Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore,
constitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that vas [Xjured upon this good
and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this
high ix)sition. 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 ujj 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 ot the Secessionists with theirCon-
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln
reached W'ashinglon in safety and was inaugurated,
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people.
In tlie selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other
prominent opixDnents before the convention he gave
important ix)sitions.
During no other administration have the duties
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and
the resixjnsibilities 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, lie
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his
trials, bo*h 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,
witli no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans Iiad 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 Le present. Gen.
Grant, however, left the city. .President Lincoln, feel-
ing, witli his characteiistic kindliness of heart, that
it would be a disapiwintment if he should fail them,
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to
the i)lay an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth
entered the 1k3x 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 l)y the death of its ruler.
Strong men met in the streets and wei)t 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 the savior of his country ■"'ill
live with that of Washington's, its father; his country-
men being unable to decide which is tl^e greater.
"/"'^dh^^.^'C^A^^
'^^^:^^:i^:Zt:j2>t^
SEVENTEENTH PREHIUEA/T.
»1
^SSBSf^
^? NDREW JOHNSON, seven-
•>) tceiith President of the United
States. The early life of
Andrew Johnson contains but
^ the record of poverty, destitu-
tion and friendlessness. He
was horn December 29, 180S,
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents,
belonging to the class oi' the
"poor whites " of the South, vere
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 herorically endeavoring to save a
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supix)ried 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 s[)eeches ; 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 s|)eeches. The owner.
pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the l)Oo!c
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters
into words. Under such tlifficulties he pressed ou
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hous^
at work in the sho]), and then robbing himself of rest
and recreatio," to devote such time as he could to
reading.
He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located a'
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 tlected him mayor, which
position he held three years.
He now began to take a lively interest in jxjlitical
affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes,
to which lie belonged. In 1835, 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 :n
1840 "stumjied the State," advocating Martin Van
Huren's claims to the Presidency, in opjMasition to thos^
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign heac()uired niucli
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.
\\\ 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive
elections, held that important jiost for ten years. In
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and
was re-elected in 1855. In all these resi^nsible jwsi-
lions, ht; discharged his duties with distinguished abi.-
84
ANDREW 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 1S45, 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 ''ree States of the Nortli should return to the
Souih 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 iSuo, he
ivas the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the
Presidency. In 1861, 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 lield 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, hut 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 ioi;onsistency with, and the most violent
opiX)sition 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 pwssible, to the utmost. In
the beginning 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 not guilty
side would have sustained the impeachment.
The President, for the remainder of his ten'.i, was
but little regarded. He continued, though impotent';-,
his 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 sth 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 fin.illy passed away at
2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun-
eral W.1S attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August,
with every demonstration of respect.
/^ l2
^-C^C^
EIGHTEENTH FRESIDENT.
87
^ LYSSES S. GRANT, the
^ eighteenth President of the
^r United States, was born on
the 29th of April, 1822, of
Christian parents, in a liumble
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 Milii'ary .\':ademy 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 [xjsts 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
Resacade la I'alma, 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 anin^al, 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 Mcrtino 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
tlie leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga-
lena, HI. 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
1 have served him through one war, I do not feel that
1 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 uf 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 Caj)t.
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 15 th of
88
UL YSSES S. GRA NT.
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 the mouth
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap-
peared ill 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 Henry
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
iistrict 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 uj) the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.
Gen. Cirant 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 tc the aid
of Gens. Rosecrans and Tliomas at Chattanooga, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical 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
,;nd enter upon th'» duties of his new office
Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of
the army toconcentrate 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.
The 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.
He was the most prominent candidate before the
Republican National Convention in 18S0 for a re-
nomination for President. He went to New York and
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm
nameof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain,
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23,
1885, the nation went in mourning over the death of
the illustrious General.
ii
0 cyi^^^^ej^^Ac'
yr
NINETEENTH PRESIDENT.
9»
UTHERFORD B. HAYES,
the nineteenth Presidc-nt of
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-
cane ovfcffaking the family, George Hayes left Scot-
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was. born in Windsor, and remained there
during his li/e. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar-
ried Sarah L;e, and lived from the time of his mar-
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezckiel,
son of Daniel, was born in 17 24, and was amanufac-
turerof scythe;; at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
sonof Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to
Vermont at an uiiknown date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he cstablislied a hotel. Here his son Ruth-
erford Hayes the fatiicr 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. 1 le 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 C'hurch, active
in all the benevolent enteriirises of the town, and con-
ducted his business on Christian principles. After
tlie close of the war of r8i2, for reasons ine.vplicable
to his neighbors, lie resolved to emigrate to Ohio.
The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day
when there were no canals, steamers, not 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 lier 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
V*
HUTHUJiFORD B. HAYES^
subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he
was not expected tj live beyond a month or two at
most. As the months went by he grew weaicer and
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in-
quiring from time to lime " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on
f.imiliar terins with the family, after alluding to tlie
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of
aim, said in a bantering way, '" That's right! Stick to
him. Yoa liave got him along so far, and I shouldn't
wonder if lie wo.ild really come to something yet."
"You reed not lauyh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You
wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him
Pre.-.ident of the United States yet." The boy lived,
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy
djath; 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 w<:nt to
school. His education, however, was not neglected.
He probably learned as much from his mother and
iister as he would have done at school. His sports
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being
his sister and her associates. These circumstances
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo-
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings
of others, which are marked traits of his character.
His uncle Sardis Bircliard took the deepest interest
in his education ; and as the boy's health had im-
proved, and he was making good progress in his
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre-
paration commenced with a tutor at home; bit he
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the
\Vesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en-
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of si.xteen,
and was graduated at the head of his class in t842.
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 1 845, 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, aciiuiring but a limited practice,
and apparently unambitinns of distinction in his pro-
fession.
In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, 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 jiowerful influence upon his subse-
quent'ife. One of these was his niarrage with Miss
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of
Chilicothe; the othev was his introduction to the Cin-
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its
members such men as '"hief Justice Salmon P.Chase,
Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many
others hardly less distinguished in afterlife. 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 Cluu 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 bashfulne.s and
modesty.
In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judga of
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac-
cept tlie nomination. Two years later, the office of
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Co-mcil
elected him for the unexpired term.
In 1S61, when the Rebellion iiroke out, he was ai
the zenith of his professional lii.. His rank at the
bar was among the the first. But the news of the
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take "in
arms for the defense of his country.
His military record was bright ar.d illustrious. In
October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and
in August, t862, 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 Soutli 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 AV'est ^'irginia." 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 Dem-
ocratic. He was not present dnring the campaign,
and after his election was im]X)rtuned to resign his
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, "1
shall never come to Washington until I can come by
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866.
Ir. 1S67, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio,
over Hon. ,\llen G. Thunnan, a populai Democrat.
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton.
He was elected Governor *br the third term in 1875.
Jn 1876 he was the standard le.iier of the Repub-
lican P.irty in the Presidential contest, and after a
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in
aumirated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his
full term, not, h, wever, with satisfaction to his party,
but his administration was an average 0!\.?
II
TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT.
«°3
■»v'f7
K-:^^:
, orx?
' oOo
TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE-
LAND, the twenty- second Pres-
ident of the United States, was
born in 1837, in the obscure
town of Caldwell, Essex Co.,
N. J., and in a little two-and-a-
half-story white house which is still
standing, characteristically to mark
the humble birth-place of one of
America's great men in striking con-
trast with the Old World, where all
men high in office must be high in
origin and born in the cradle of
wealth. When the subject of this
sketch was three years of age, his
father, who was a Presbyterian min-
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved,
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most
straggling of country villages, about five miles from
Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born.
At the last mentioned place young Grover com-
menced going to school in the " good, old-fashioned
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the
capacity of the village school and expressed a most
emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to
become self-supporting by the quickest possible
means, and this at that time in Fayetteville seemed
to be a position in a country store, where his father
and the large family on his hands had considerable
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to
receive $100 the second year. Here the lad com-
menced his career as salesman, and iii two years he
liad earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness
that his employers desired to letain him for an in-
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex-
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy.
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette-
ville, he went with the family in their removal to
Clinton, wiiere he !iad an opportunity of attending a
high school. Here he industriously pursued his
studies until the family removed with him to a point
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica,
N. Y. At this i)lace his father died, after preaching
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family,
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his
104
S. GROVE R CLEVELANn.
calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order,
he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as
there was some charm in that name for him; but
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to
»sk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not
speak enthusiastically. "What is it you want to do,
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study
law," was the reply, "Good gracious!" remarked
the old gentleman ; " do you, indeed .' What ever put
that into your head? How much money have you
got."" '"Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got
anjr."
After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a
year, while he could "look around." One day soon
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers,
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told ^hem what he
wanted. A number of young men were already en-
gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and
ne was finally permitted to come as an office boy and
liave the use of the law library, for the nominal sum
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for
his board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular.
On the first day of his service here, his senior em-
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's
where they all begin." A titter ran around the little
circle of clerks and students, as they thought that
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ;
Dut indue time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland
exhibited a talent for e.xecutiveness rather than for
chasing principles through all their metaphysical
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do
t" was practically hii motto.
The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was
eiected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in
which Buffalo is situated ; and in such capacity it fell
to his duty to inflict capital pp.Ishment upon two
caiminals. In i88i he was elected Mayor of the
City of Buff'alo, on the Democratic ticket, with es-
pecial reference to the bringing about ceriain reforms
in the administration of the municipal affairs of that
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his
performance of duty has generally been considered
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer-
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui-
tous street-cleaning contract : " This is a time for
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme
to betray the interests of the peoplr; and to worsa
than squander the people's money," The New York
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve-
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there-
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882,
and his administration of the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if
any, were made very public throughout the nation
after he was nominated for President of the United
States. For this high office he was nominated July
II, 18S4, by the National Democratic Convention at
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F,
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks,
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and lie
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub-
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve-
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in
January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of
March, 1885. For his Cabinet officers he selected
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State,
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ;
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas,
of Wisconsin; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of
Arkansas.
The silver question precipitated a controversy be-
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr.
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his
inauguration.
^&^
d^C.^^r^-'A'H^^^^'i^'--^^
TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDEfTT.
•.o*o.@^<^..o»o»
;ENJAMIN HARRISON, llic
Iwcnty-tbii'd President, is
tlio descendant of one of the
iiistorical families of tliis
country. The head of tiie
r^i°^^ family was a l\Iaior(!eneral
iJ^'l.Jfa Harrison, one of Oliver
Cromwell's trusted follow-
ers and figiiters. In the zoniih of Crom-
well's power it became the duty of this
Harrison to participate in the trial of
Charles I, and afterward to sign the
death warrant of the king. He subse-
quently paid for this with his life, being
hung Oct. 13, ICGO. His descendants
came to America, and the next of the
family that appears in history is Benja-
rr.in 'larrison, of Virginia, great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, and
after whom he was named. Benjamin Harrison
was a member of tlie Continental Congress during
the years i774-5-G, and was one of tiie original
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He
was three times elected Governor of Virginia.
Gen. William Henry Harrison, the son of the
distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suc-
cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812,
and with -a clean record as Governor of the North-
western Territorj', was elected President of the
United States in 1840. His career was cut short
by death within one month after his inauguration.
President Harrison war, born at .Nort.h Bend,
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. -^0, lS;j3. His life upto
tiic time of his graduation liy the Miami University,
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun-
try lad of a family of small means. His fathor was
able to give him a good education, and nothing
more. He- became engaged while at college to tho
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female schoo
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en-
ter upon the study of the law. He went Ui Cin
cinnati and then read law^ for two years. At tht
expiration of that time young Harrison receiv. d tb .
only inheritance v( his life; his aunt dying left him
a lot valued at ^800. He regarded this legac}' as i
fortune, and decided to get married at once, ♦aka
this money and go to some Eastern town an ". 'i.>e-
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with
the monej' in his pocket, he started out witii his
young wife to fight ft«r a place 'ii the world, ile
108
BENJAMIN HARRISON.
deciiled to go to Indianapolis, which was even at
tli.'it time a town of promise. He met with sliglit
iiicouragement at first, making scarcely anything
llie first year. He workoil rliligently, applying him-
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive
practice and took a leading rank in the legal pro-
I'ession. He is the father of two children.
In 1860 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and tlien be-
gan his experience as a stump speaker He can-
vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a
handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 17th
Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His
regiment was composed of the rawest of material,
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first
mastering military tactics and drilling his men,
when he therefore carae to move toward the East
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best
'Irilled and organized in the array. At Resaca he
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery
rt Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen-
'ral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most
•jomplimentar}' terms.
During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field
he Supreme Court declared the olHce uf the Su-
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person
was elected to the position. From the time of leav-
ing Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 1864
he had taken no leave of absence, but having been
nominated that year for the same office, he got a
thirty-day leave of absence, and during tliat time
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected
for another terra. He then started to rejoin Sher-
man, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet
_ever, and after a most trying siege made his way
to the front in time to participate in the closing
'.ccidents of the war.
In ISGSGen. Harrison declined re-election as
.«porter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876
£e was a candidate for Governor. Although de-
eated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him
a National reputation, and he w^as much sought, es-
pecia].y in the East, to make speeches. In 1880,
js usual, he took an active part in the campaign,
und wii^ elected to the United States Senate. Here
he served six years, and 7/.as known as one or the
ibiest men, best lawyer"- ^nd strongest debaters in
that body. With the expiration of his Scnaioi.i
term he returned to the practice of his profession,
becoming the head of one of the strongest firms ia
the State.
The political campaign of 1888 was one of the
most raeraorable in the history of our country. The
convention which asserabled in Chicago in June and
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer
of the Republican party, was great in every partic-
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as-
sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr.
TJarrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move-
ment became popular, and from all sections of the
country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed
thither to pay their respects to the distinguisheil
statesman. The popularity of these was greatly
increased on account of the remarkable speeches
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through
the summer and autumn to these visiting delega-
tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were
his speeches that they at once placed him in the
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen.
On account of his eloquence as a speaker and his
power as a debater, he was called upon at an un-
commonly' early age to take part in the discussion
of the great questions that tlien began to agitate
the country. He was an uncomprtmiising ant:
slavery man, and was matched against some of . '.e
n-.ost eminent Democratic speakers of his State.
No man who felt the touch of his blade de: ired u
be pitted with him again. AVith all his eloq-'ence
as an orator he never spoke for oratoricai effect,
but his words always went like bullets to the mark
He is purely American in his ideas and is a spier
did type of the American statesman. Gifted witl.
(juick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue,
he is one of the most distinguished imi)romi)tu
speakers in the Nation. Many of these speeches
sparkled witli tlie rarest of eloquence and contained
arguments of greatest weiglit. IMany of liis terse
statements have already become aphorisms. Origi-
nal in thought, precise in logic, terse m statement,
yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as
the sound statesman and brill iau^ orator o- tac day
^'A^^J^-i
]m^:L ^c^=^^'-^=^^_
lem,^/
GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
'OS
^JF-.v.rB^-S^^^.a^jjjrjwv.
I
TEPHEN T. MASON, the
first Governorof Michigan, was
a sou of Gen. John T. Mason,
of Kentucky, but was born in
Virginia, in 1812. At the age
of 19 he was appointed Secre-
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 6th of
July, 1834, Mr. Mason became Act-
ing Governor. In October, 1835, he
was elected Governor under the Slate
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 jwsition, 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 officFal 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 jwint 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 wiiich 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 ("ongress — the United .States on
the one part, and each Territory northwest of the
Ohio, as far as afTectcd by their provisions, on tlic
other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the prior
grant, or assignation of boundary.
Ohio, on the other hand, 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 aj)-
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
18 1 2, Congress authorized the Surveyor-General to
survey a line, agreeably to the act, to enable the jjcople
of Ohio to form a Constitution and State government.
Owing to Indian hostilities, however, the line was not
run till 1 81 8. In 1820, the question in dispute
underwent a rigid examination by the Committee on
Public Lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously
urged by her delegation, and as ably opjwsed by Mr.
VVoodbridge, 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 Michigan organized her State gov-
ernment.
The Territory in dispute is about five miles iu
width at the west end, and about eight miles in width
at the east end, and extends along the whole )iorih-
ern line of Oliio, west of Lake Eric. The lino claimed
by Michigan was known as the " Fulton line," and
that claimed by Ohio was known as the " Harris line,"
r06
STEPHEN T. MASON.
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 apix)int 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 carry out the provisions
of that act of the Legislature. On the 31st of March,
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 Mason, 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; William 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 5iote
of their 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 possession of 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 jxsssession 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 the 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 territor)', and accept
in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did.
*
SECOND GO VERNOR OF M/CH/GAiY.
109
#fcfe
^ ljs,j>».»>»®|SK2'W>\/-
ILLIAM WOODBRIDGE,
isecond 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 Woodbridge, removed to
Marietta, Ohio, about 1790. The
life of Wm. Woodbridge, by Chas.
Lauman, from whicli 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 GalliixDlis,
where he acquired a knowledge of
• ) 3 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 disci[>line 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, 1806, he married, at Hartford, Con-
necticut, Juleanna, d. milliter of Jolin Truinbell, a
distinguished auiiior and judge ; and author of the
peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of the
Revolution, wrought such a magic change ujx)n the
spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domes ■
ticrelations until the death of Mrs. W., Feb. 2, ig, 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 ufxan the history of the
world will bo 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 early 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 ujwn to fill, gave
her the highest satisfaction " She was an invalid
during the latter jwrtion 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 a]>-
|)ointment, during the time the office of Prosecuting
Attorney for his county. He tcxjk a leading part in
the Legislature, and in 181 2 drew u|) a declaration and
resolutions, which passed the two houses unamiuously
lO
WILL/ AM WOODBRIDGE.
and attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest
a.id most emphatic terms, the war measures of Presi-
dent Madison. During the period from 1S04 to 1814
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 Terriiorry. This latter position was,
in 1S14, 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 customsat 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 mure popular
representative system, they were allowed no delegate
in Congress. Mr. W., as a sort of informal agent of
the iieople, 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
passedin Congress in iSigauthorizingone tobechosen.
Under this act Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence
of all ]wrties. His first action inCongress was to secure
the i)assage 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 ihe "black
swamps" from the Miami River to Detroit, thus oiien-
ing a means of land transit between Ohio 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
I-ake 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 head of the
department by Mr. W. 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
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 With-
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 gTounds,much to the disappoint-
ment of the public and the bar of the Territory. The
partisan feehngof 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 witli
the Whigs and was elected a member of the Conven-
tion of 1835, which formed the first State Constitution.
In 1837 he was elected amember of tVe Slate 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 jxaliti-
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 than 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 his 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 arrangement, happy in the choice and
treatment of topics, and terse and vigorous in expres-
sion. Judge W. was aCongregationalist. 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 liie more at-
tractive because not too often allowed to come to the
surface. His letters and addresses show a deep and
earnest affeclion not only for his ancestral home, but
the home of his adoption and for friends and family.
GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
"3
<««
■+-•
-»*-
xJOHN S. BARRY R'
^^^^^^M^^:^^^^^^^M<^^<i^&i::2£^^LJi£-i£dili^^^^^^^^^^'
««c
->-•
-^J»-
OHN STEWARD BARRY,
.Governor of Michigan from
fan. 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
he became of age, working on his
father's fami, 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 hid charge of an academy
for iwo years, meanwliile 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 comiiany of State militia. In 1831
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-
I
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 flamed 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.
Uixjn Michigan being admitted into the Union,
Mr. Barry was ciiosen 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 ix)pular 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
114
JOHN STEWARD BARRY.
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, a
State land office was established at Marshall, which
was invested witli the charge and disposition of all
the lands belonging to the State. In 1844, the tax-
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 tlie railroads was nearly tliree 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 tlie burning of tlie de|X)t
at Detroit, in 1850.
At a setting of the grand jury of AVayne County,
April 24, 185 I, 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 em|)loyed ten eminent lawyers, in-
cluding David Stuart, John Van Arman, James A.
Van Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, Alex. D. Phraser, Dan-
iel Goodwin and William Gray. Tlie defendants wore
represented by six members of the State bar, led liy
William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied
four months, during vvliich time the plaintiffs exam-
ined 246 witnesses in 27 days, and tlie defendants
249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed the jury
for the prosecution; William H. Seward for tlie
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 thai 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
I'. .M., Sept. 25, 185 I. 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, with 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 years; 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
Slate has ever had.
Gov. Barry was a man cf 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 wlien 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. SoHdity, 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
tliorough knowledge of histoiy. 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 tlie beginning
of the ascendency of the Republican party, and car-
ried on his mercantile inisiness at Constantine. He
died Jan. 14, 1870, liis wife's deatli having occurred a
year previous, March 30, 1869. They left no children.
^y^^^^ci
GOVEJiiXORS 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 disfX)sed of his library and started to seek
a new home. His intentior^ w^s 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 pemiit 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 Atbor. 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 Stale was enact-
ed, and went into o[)eration. 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-
ii8
ALPHEUS FELCH.
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, been declared forfeited and
the law repealed. It was subsequently decided to
be constitutional by the Supreme Court of the State.
In the year 1842 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 iX)sition
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 $4,647,608. 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 witli 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 purix)se. 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-
[wrtant 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 adjudicationsof 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 piinci-
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 exception 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
confened 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 United
States Senator from the State of Michigan.
GO VERNORS.
121
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4-SJ-
ILLIAM L. GREENLY
(lovernor of Michigan for the
year 1847, was born at Hamil-
ton, Madison Co., N. Y., Sejit.
18,1813. He graduated at Un-
■1/ ion College, Schenectady, in
1 83 1, 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. Tlie 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 brouglit
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 imjxjssible 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-
l)er.
In May, 1846, the Governor of Michigan was noti-
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, 1 1 of
infantry and two of cavalry, at once 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 tlie State, but embodying to a
great degree themateri.al 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 VEMNORS.
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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 apjxiinted 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 pwrtion 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 exjiiration 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 reixirtcd
as under cultivation in 1848 was 1,437,460 acres; of
wheat there were produced 4,749,300 bushels; other
grains, 8,197,767 busiiels; wool, 1,645,756 pounds;
maple sugar, 1,774,369 pounds ; horses, 52,305 ; cat-
tle, 210,268; swine, 152,541; sheep, 6to,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 tem|X)-
rary buildings for the use of the Legislature were im-
mediately erected, at a cost of $12,450.
'm
GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
»»9
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OBERT McCLELLyVND,
LCiovernor of Michigan from
Jan. I, 1852,10 March 8, 1853,
was born at Greencastle, Frank-
^^J lin Co., Penn., Aug. i, 1S07.
Among his ancestofs were several
officers of rank in the Revolution-
ary war, and some of his family con-
B\\^ nections were distinguished in tlie
war of 1812, and that with Mexico.
His father was an eminent physician
and surgeon who studied under Dr.
Benj. Rush, of Philadelphia, and
practiced his profession successfully
until six months before his dcatli, at
the age of 84 years, .'\lthough Mr.
McClelland's family had been in good circum-
stances, when he was 17 years old he was thrown
ujxjn his own resources. After taking the usual i)rc-
liminary studies, and teaching school to obtain tlie
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 afterward he removed to the
city of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a
year.
In 1833, Mr. McClelland removed to Monroe, in
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 debatl;rs. He was apfXiinted the
first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Gov. Mason,
and received an offer of the Attorney Generalshii), but
declined both of these offices in order to attend to his
professional duties.
In 1S38, Mr. McClelland was elected to the State
Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished
as the head of several imixsrtant 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 fwpular 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 jxjwer in the State,
and having been returned to the State Legislature M.'.
McClelland's leadership was acknowledged by his
election as Si)eaker of the House of Representatives
1^0
ROBERT McClelland.
in 1843. Down to this time Micliigan liad consti-
tuted one congressional district. Tiie 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 toc'c a prominent po-:i
tion in Congress among the veterans of that body.
During his first term he was placed on Committee on
Corrmerce, 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
feTorably was he known as a parlimentarian that his
name was mentioned for Speaker of the House of Rep-
iesentatives. He declined tie offer in favor of J. W.
Davis, of Indiana, who was elected. During this ternr
he became Chairman of Committee on Commerce, in
which position his reports and advocacy ofimportant
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
'vhich he retains as a souvenir of the donors, and of
his labors in Congress.
In 1847, Mr, McClelland was re-elected to Con-
fess, and at the opening of the 3olh 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, Mr, McClelland was an advocate of the
nght 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'coustitutional 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 abolisliing of slavery in the District
of Columbia Mr. McClelland was one of tlie 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 iii new territory which might be acquired by
ihe 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 sup|X)rt of Henry Clay's
famous compromise measures, of which Mr. McClel
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 Governoi
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 185 [, the new Stat2 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 operatic '^ 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 opiMsition, and when he resigned, in March, 1853,
the State Treasury was well filled, and the State
otherwise prosperous. So widely and favorably ha&
Mr. McClelland become known as a statesman that o?:
the organizatien of thecabinet by Pn sident Pierce, in
March, 1853, 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 ordei
and system. In 1867, Michigan again called a con
vention to revise the State constitution. Mr. 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
R. Sabin, of Williamstown, Mass. They have had
six children, two of whom now survive.
GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
'33
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'o| NDREW PARSONS, Gover-
m n(
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nor of Micliigan from March
8, 1853 to Jan. 3, 185s, was
born in the town of Hoosick,
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 Newburyport,
(Mass., Oct. 2, 1782, and who was the
sonof Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary
soldier, who was the son of Phiiieas
Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons,
a descendant of Walter Parsons, born
ill 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 tlie dignity of
Viscounts and more lately Earls of Ross."
The following are descendants of these f.imilies :
Sir John Parsons, born 1 481, 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 1556, was Vicar of Rothwell, in Notingham;
Bartholomew Parsons, born in 1618, was another
noted memiier of the family. In 1634, Thomas Parsons
was knighted by Ciiarles i. Joseph and Benjamin,
brothers, were l)orii in Great Torrington, ICngland,
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, 17S9, 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
worth, 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.
»34
ANDREW F ARSONS
In the fall of 1835, he explored the Grand River
Valley in a frail 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 Clinton County, andan 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 1S42, and
also in 1844. In 1846, he was elected to tiie Stale
Senate, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in 1848,
and elected Regent of the University in 1851, and
Lieutenant Governor, and became acting Governor,
in 1853, elected again to the Legislature in 1854, and,
overcome by debilitated healtli, 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
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 extra session of the Legisla-
ture. Meetings were held in all parts of the .State
for tliat purpose. In some sections the resolutions
were of a laudatory nature, intending to make him do
their bidding by resort to friendly and flattering words.
In other places the resolutions were of a demanding
nature, while in others they were threatening beyond
measure. Fearing that all these influences might
/ail to induce him to call the extra 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 favois, whether from any jiarty who would at-
tempt to corru'-t '>ini by buidalioiis, 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
"extraordinary," 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 :
"thougii 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,
witii the dictates of his conscience, and the behests
ofhisoath." The following eulogium from a jxjlitcal op-
ponent is just in its conception and creditable to its
author: "Gov. Parsons was a jwlitician 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 jx)litician he
was candid, frank and free from bitterness, as an ex-
ecutive officer firm, constant and reliable." The
highest commendations 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 uj), whether
slavery should exist there. For the jiurposeof permit-
ting slavery there, the " Missouri compromise " (whic'i
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 ;ind the organization of the new
Democratic and Republican parties of the jiresent.
#"-
00 VeRNORS of MICHIGAN.
'37
-^«.
W^
m KiNSLRY S. BiNQHAM.
"s
INSLEY S. BINGHAM,
^.j^'Overnor of Michigan from
1855 fo 1859, and United
States Senator, was born in
CamilU'.s, 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
of knowledge in the life of a farmer
Wm '^"^ ™;inaged to secure a good aca-
•^^^ demic education in his native State
and studied law in the office of
Cicn. 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 civilizalion, buried in the primeval for-
est, our late student commenced the ardi:ous task of
preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, put-
ting up buildings, etc., at su.h :, rate that the land
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 1836,
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 1 846 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, Re[)-
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 opi^osed
to the introduction of " Wood s Patent Cast 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 Stales and was committed to
and voted for the Wilmot 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
administration, 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
Congress and took an active part in the stormy <am-
paign in the election of Abraliaiu Lincoln Hi. wit-
'38
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-
lic activity he was attacked with appoplexy 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 for 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 in 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
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, 1855, 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-
ricultural College owes its establishment to a provision
of the State Constitution of 1850. Article 13 says,
" The Legislature shall, as soon as practicable, pro-
vide for the establishment of an agricultural school."
For the purpose of carying into practice this provision,
legislation was commenced in 1855, and Ihe 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
existing 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
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 tiie first. It has a steady growth 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 rotation 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 by the
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 arid impos-
ing building first erected was nearly destroyed by fire
in 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 7 2, 48 by 7 2, 80 by 60, 52 by 72, and they con-
tain one-half more room than the original buildmg.
The State Reform School. This was established
at Lansing in 1855, in the northeastern \x)rtion 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.
^tcr^J^^ ;W^^^--i^T>^^>^'"^--
GO VERXO/iS OF MICHIGAN.
Ui
OSES WISNER. Governor of
|LMichigan from 1859(0 1S61,
was born in Springport, Cayu-
ga Co., N Y., June 3, 1815.
_- His early education was only
what could he obtained at a
common sciiool. 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-
r^' 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 iS.^i he was admitted to the bar
and establisiied liimself in his new vocation at the
village of Lapeer. While there he was appix)inted
by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting Attorney for tliat
county, in which capacity he acquitted himself wtU
and gave promise of that eminence he afterward at-
tained in the profession. He remained at Lapeerbut
a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he liecame
a member of a firm and entered fully \\\xm tlie
practice.
In jxjlitics he was like his talented brother, a Whig
of the Henry Clay stani]), but wiili a dec ided anti-
slavery bias. His practice heromiiu; extensive, he
took little part in politics until after the election of
Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in 1S52, when he took an
active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a
man of great ability, but relied less ujwn mere book
learning than upon his native good sense. Liberal
and courteous, was he yet devoted to the interest of
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 eloipience was at once grace-
ful and powerful. His fancies supplied the most
original, tlie most pointed illustrations, and his logic
became a battling giant under whose heavy Mows the
adversary shrank and withered. Nature had be-
stowed \ipon him rare qualities, and his jjcwers as a
popular orator were of a high order.
On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of
1854, repealing the Missouri coinpromise andoi)ening
the Territories to slaveiy. he was among the foremost
in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He
aciivcly participated in organi^iTig and consolidating
the elements opposed to it in that State, and was a
member of the |)opular gatheting at Jackson, in July,
1854, which was the first formal Republican Conven-
tion held in the United States. At this meeting the
name " Re[)ublican " was adopted as a designation of
the new |)arty consisting of Anti-slavery, Whigs,
Liberty men, l-'ree Soil Democrats and all others op-
posed to the extension of slavery and fivorab'e to its
expulsion from the Territories and the District of
Columbia. At this convention Mr. ^\'. was nrged to
accept the nomination for Attornev Genetal «f the
1^2
MOSES lyiSNKH.
Slate, but declined. An entire State ticket was nom-
inated and at tlie 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 jxjwer 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,
lo 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 jxjlicy, 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 w\xii\ the author.
His term having expired Jan. i, 186 1, he returned
;o 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 tennwrizing expedients. His counsel was to
send no delegate, but to prepare to fight.
After Congress had met and passed the necessary
.egislation he resoUed 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 22d
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 distinguislied 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, ana
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
hand 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 tlie enemy 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. ^V. 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 otheis he
sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his cojntry.
"^ (L4n-^^
GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
'45
^«^!i__^-««aatt^ §
USTIN BLAIR, Governor
of Michigan from Jan. 2,
1 86 1, to Jan. 4, 1865, and
kown as the War tlovcrnor, is
and illustration of the benifi-
cent influence of rcpubHcan 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, 1818.
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 1S09, and felled the trees and erected the
first cabin in the county. The last 60 of the four-
score and four years of his life were spent on that
spot. He married RhodaBlackman, who now sleeps
with him in the soil of theold homestead. Thefirst
17 years of his 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 ])re-
paring for college ; entered Hamilton College, in
Clinton, prosecuted his studies until tiie middle of
the junior year, when, attracted by the fame of T)r.
Noit, he changed to Union College, from whicli he
graduated in the class of 1839. Upon leaving col-
iege Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet
& Davis, Owego, N Y., and was admitted to jjractice
iB id4i, and the same year moved to Michigan, locat-
ing in Jackson. During a lemiwrary residence in
Eaton Rapids, in 1842, he was elected Clerk of Eaton
County. At the close of the official term he returned '.u
Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously esjx)used 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 report 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 dutias of the office during that most mo-
146
AUSTIN BLAIR.
mentous and stormy period of the Nation's life. Gov.
Blair possessed a clear comprehension of the perilous
situation from the inception of the Rebellion, and his
inaugural address foreshadowed the prompt executive
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 icS6i tlie coming struggle cast its
shadow over the Nation. Governor Blaiv, 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
of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the
relations between the free and slave Stales 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
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
of the past, they will not renounce the equally glo-
rious hopes of the future. But they will nilly around
the standards of the Nation and defend its integrity
and its constitution, with fidelity." The final para-
graph being:
" I recommend you at an early day to make maiii-
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 1 1 men during the war.
Money, men, clothing and food were freely and abun-
dantly suijplied 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, 186S, was a clear and
convincing argument. Since his retirement 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, 1849.
Their family consists of 4 sons — George H., a postal
clerk in the railway mail service; Charles A., partner
with his father; Fred. J. and Austin T., at home.
Governor Blair's religion is of the broad type, and
centers in the "Golden Rule." In 1883, Gov. Blair
was noinnatcd for Justice of the Suiirenie Court
of the State by tin; Republican puty, but wns dcfeate<i:
GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
149
sq^£.^
ENRY ROWLAND 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.
He was the eldest son of Jesse
and Phoebe (Rowland) Crapo.
Ris father was of French descent
and was very poor, sustaining his
) family by the cultivation of a farm in
Dartmouth township, which yielded
I nothing beyond a mere liveliiiood.
Ris 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. Ris struggles to secure this
end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would
have discouraged any but the most courageous and
persevering. Re became an ardent student and
worker from his boyhood, though the means of carry-
ing on his studies were exceedingly limited. Re
sorely felt the need of a dictionary; and, neither having
money wherewith to i)urchase 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 bogHs, whiclj came into |iis hands, froiij 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 tlie library
and satisfymg 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 manuscrip*-
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
«5o
HENR Y 110 WLA NB CRAPO.
a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that
he was qualified, he waliied back to his home the
same night, liighly elated in being jjossessed of the
acquirements and re<iuirements 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 tlie occupation of land surve)or, 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 ta-\es, wliich 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 the free Public Library
of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crapo was
chosen a member of the Board of Trustees. This
was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if
not in the world. 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. In 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 rci)utation he acquired in that field
of labor, it may be mentioned that after his death an
affecting eulogy to his 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. Crajx) was also engaged
ia the whaling business. A fine barque built at Dart-
mouth, of which he was part owner, was named the
"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 Connnercial Insurance Company in New
Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal gov-
ernment he com piled and published, between the years
1S36 and 1845, five numbers of the New Bedford
Directory the first work of the kind ever published
there.
Mr. C. removed to Michigan in 1856, having been
induced to do so by investments made principally in
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, Kentonvilie, 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 unlil 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 cr 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, i86g,
having given the 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 wliile 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 rajjidly to restore him, but he
overestimated his strengtli, and by too much exertion
in business matters and State affairs suffered arelapse
from which there was no rebound, and he died July
i^', 1869.
In the early jiart of his life, Gov. Crapo affiliated
with the Whig [larty in politics, but became an active
member of the Republican party after its organization.
He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called
the l)iscii)les') 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 tiine, 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 readv
for school Monday morning. As the walk for a good
part of the time was 20 miles each way, it is evitleiit
that at that period of his life no cimimon 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 perfo'inance of all her duties. They had
ten children, one son and nine daughters. His son,
Hon. A\'m. W. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now an
honored Representative to Congress from the First
Congressiptial J)i5trict of Massachusetts.
7 ?i 'M.-"^ n
^i^S-i^t-^ Oy <^Cx^oC^>iy--h-
goi'/-:rnors of micjiigan.
'!).<
ENRY P. BALDWIN, Gov-
ernor of Michigaa from Jan.
*4, 1869, to Jan. I, 1873, is a
lineal descendant of Nathan-
iel Baldwin, a Puritan, of Buck-
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 18 13, where for more than 50
years he had been pastor of the Presbyterian Churcli.
On his mother's side Governor B. is descended from
Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Ro.x-
burj', Mass., about 1C38. 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 sketcli was born at
Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New
England common-school education until tlie 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 i8-?8. 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 dee)) interest in
all things affecting the prosperity of the city and
State of his adoption. He was for several years a
Director and President of the Detroit Young Men's
•Society, an institution with a large library desigi-.ed
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 nourishing 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
tJie 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 wliich Governor B.'s name is not
in some way connected. He was a director in the
Michigan State Bank until the ex|)iration of its char-
ter, and has been President of the Second National
Bank since its organization.
In i860, 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 twa
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 f>f
Sault St. Mane 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 mucli effort or attention to bestow \\\k>\-\ the
thing in hand, has been tlie secret of the uniform
IfA
HENR Y P. BALD WIN.
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. Thelawof 1869, and prior also, permitting
municipalities to vote aid toward the construc-
lion of railroads was, in 1870, declared unconstitu-
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 iionor
and credit of the State were in Jeopardy. His sense
of justice impelled him to call an e.xtra 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 hoiia-
fidc holders. In his special message he says : "The
credit of no State stands higher 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 tlie 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 admiur
istration were the devastating fires which swept over
many portions of the Northwest in the fall of 187:
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 abou'
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 retiiing 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 executive chair of this State, but in
painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, ingeruine
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. Tlie retiring Governor has fully earned
the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day
imssesses to such remarkable decree, '
GO VERNORS OF ^MICHIGAN.
'57
JOHN J. BAeiLEl'
""^ife
^
OHN JUDSON BAGLEY,
II^Governor of Michigan from
1 87 3 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 Lxjck-
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 ex[)erience was
like that of many country boys whose
parents removed from Eastern States
to the newer jwrtion of the West.
.^ His father being in very jxjor circum-
ifi'ifl 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-
moved toOwosso, Mich.,and he again
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 the man-
ufacturing of tgbaccQ. His establishment has become
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 otlier corporations.
Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two
years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same
length of time. In 1865 he was ap[)ointcd by Gover-
nor Cra])0 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 tlie 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 liy 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 faith or de-
nomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan.
j6, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev.
Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionarj' 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
•S8
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 iniixirtant features, chief among
which were his efforts to improve and make popular
tlie educational agencies of the Slate by increasing
the faculty of the University for more thorough in-
struction in technical studies,by strengthening the hold
of the Agricultural College u^xsn 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
inanagement 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 offend-
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 histoi-y of
Michigan a systematized organization upon a service-
able footing. It was u^xju the suggestion of Gov. B.
in the earlier part of his administration that the law
creating the State Board of Health, and also tlie 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 opiX)rtunity. How-
ever strong the mind and {X)werful the will, if tliere
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 ]X)wer to do, he
asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to
labor for them. Self entered not intg the calculation,
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 ; aboul
liow much does your charities amount to in a year.''
H'" turned at once and said: "I do not know, sir; I
do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more
tliis year than I did last, and hope I shall give mori-
next year than I have this." This expressed his idea
of charity, that tlie giving should at all times be tree
and sjontaneous.
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-
ra|)hy 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 iMwer 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 stor)',
closing the cntev'ainniciit with "The Night Before
Chrislmas," or Dickens's "Christmas Carol."
f^>-<-->)
GOVERNORS OF MJCIIIGAN.
161
i -vcj2£i2/®^«s"*""*<f ' '-' <r<^i^'
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HARLES M. CROSWELI.,
3} Governor of Michigan from
" Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. i, 1881,
was l)orn at Newburg, Orange
County, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1825.
He is the only son of John and
Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His
father, who was of Scotch-Irish
e.xtraction, was a [laper-nuiker,
and carried on liiisiness 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 eaity exis-
tence of the RepuDlic. Harry Oos-
well, during the administration of
President Jefferson, published a pa-
per called tiic lialaiue, and was
prosecuted for libeling the President
under the obnoxious Sedition Law.
He was defended by the celebrated
Alexander Hamilton, and the decis-
is, jf the case establised the important ruling that
tht trutii niiglit be shown in cases of libel. Another
member of the family was Kdwin Croswell, the fam-
ous editor of the Albany Ari;us ; also. Rev. William
Croswell, noted as a divine and ixiet.
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
si,\teen 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 si)are
lime to reading and tiie ac(iuirement of knowledge.
In 1846, he began the study of law, and was ai)-
pointed Deputj 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, hetook part in the first movements
tor the formation of tlie 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
tcirnied a law partnersiiip 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 reijresent Lenawee County in the State
Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864,
anil again in 1866, during each term filling the i)osi-
tions above mentioned. Among various rejiorts made
by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the
death penalty, and another against a proinasition 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-
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 puljlished. In 1867, lie was
elected a member of the Constitutional Convention,
and chosen its presiding officer. This convention
was composed of an aljle body of men ; and though,
in the general distrust of constitutional changes
wliich 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
Gove/nor; and, at the State Convention of the party
in August of the same year, he was put in nomination
by acrlamation, 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 hiive 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 excess 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, i868, 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 ix)pular, 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 distruclion of
both life and property was prevented at that time.
GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
'65
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DAVID H. JEROME, Gover-
^,>nor of from Jan. i, 1881, to
Jan. I, 1883, was born at De-
troit, Mich., Nov. !7, 1829.
His parents emigrated to
Michigan from Trumansburg,
Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828,
locating at Detroit. His father
died March 30, 183 1, 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 tlie
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 tlie 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
of 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
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 purix)se 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
com[)leted his education in the fall of his i6th year,
and the following winter assisted his brotiier Timothy
m hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer
he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac.
In 1847, M. H. Miles beingClerkinSt. Clair Coun-
ty, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds, David
H. Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, remaining
as such during i848-'49, and receiving much praise
from his employers and the people in general for the
ability displayed in the discharge of iiis duties. He
spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board
the lake vessels.
In i849-'5o, he abandoned office work, and for the
proper development of his physical system spent
several months hauling logs. In the spring of 1850,
his brother "Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer
"Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" became her mas-
ter, k 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
1 66
DA VI D H. JEROME.
vessels could carry only about 10,000 bushels of grain.
Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels
from one lake to tlie other, and put his plan into
ojjeratioii. Tluoagh the intluence of practical men, —
among tliem tlie subject of this sketch, — Congress
removed tlie obstruction above referred to, and now
vessels can jiass 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 ves'sel 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 lie was clerk of tlio propeller "Prince-
ton." running between Detroit and Buflalo.
In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California,
oy 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-
mained there during tlie summer, and located the
Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded
millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment.
He i)lanned 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 the fall of
1S53, and in December sailed from San Francisco for
New York, arriving at his home in St. C'lair County,
about a year after his departure. During his absence
his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, ana in
1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber o[ierations
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 1873 he was also ex-
tensively engaged in lumbering operations.
Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated
for Alderman against Stewart \\. 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-
iican 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 oive 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 ])atriotic 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. Tlie contest was very exciting, and resulted
in tlie 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 apix)inted Chair-
man of the Committee on State Affairs, 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 1865 was ap[X)inted a member of the State
Military Board, and served as its President for eight
consecutive years. In 1873, he was apiK)intcd by
Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prejiare
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 5 th day of the
month received the highest honor the convention
could confer on any one. His opiwnent was Freder-
ick M. Hollow.av of Hillsdale County, who was sui>-
jwrted by the Democratic and Greenback parties.
The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties,
and when the jiolls were closed on the evening of
election day, it was found that Daviil H. Jerome had
been selected by the voters of tlie Wolverine State to
occupy the highest jxDsition within their gift.
Q^cTL-io^ 9ir i
COVERXORS OF MICHIGAN
169
JOSIAH W. BEGfEi
^
>" ®
3 =^*''"l^'s('^s'-«^
^ ■ i.T^Tffll OSIAH W. BEGOLE, the
• m^liresent (1883), Ciovernor of
I?) Michigan was born in Living-
ston, County, N. Y., Jan. 20,
1815. His ancestors were of
French descent, and settled at
-^ an early period in the State of
Maryland. His grandfather, Capt.
Bolles, of that State, was an offi-
cer in the American army during
il the warof the RevoUition. .\bout
the beginning of the present cent-
ury both his grandparents, having
)ecome 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 fomier slaves, who
volunteered to accompany them.
His father was an officer in l!ie
American army, 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 Gencseo, N. Y. Being the eldest of a
family of ten children, whose parents were in moder-
ate though comfortable circumstances, he was early
taught haljits of iudus'ry, and when 21 years of age,
being ambitious to better liis condition in life, he re-
solved to seek his fortune i;i the far West, as it was
then called. In August, 1836, he left the parental
roof to seek a home in the Territory of Michigan
then an almost unl)roken wilderness. He settled in
Genesee County, and aided with his own hands iu
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 1839 he married Miss Harriet A.
Miles. The marriage proved a most fortunate one,
and to the faitliful 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 jjerse-
verance and energy, he soon established a good home,
and at the end of eigliteen years was the owner of a
well improved farm of five hundred acres.
Mr. Begole being an anti-slavery man, became a
member of the Re[)ublican party at its organization.
He served his townsmen in various offices, and was
in 1856, 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 iu recruiting
and furnishing sujiplies for the army, and in looking
after the interests of soldiers' funilies at home. The
death of his eldest son near .'\llanta, Ga., by .1 Confed-
rate bullet, in 1864, was the greatest sorrow of his life.
When a few years Liter lie was a member in Congress
170
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 (jubernatorial 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 m 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 hispur^
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
aiven 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
lo 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 "ibumt 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.
/l6<..4.^-£^6^^?Wz^-'Z^
GOVEKNOItS OF MICHIGAN.
173
'MsiM,':^^
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iti '"''■■i"'''iiii> "'-• Ai'^''^ A'^^"' A^"^"^ A"^"^' A'-^"-^ tSt^^'-'^-^'^'^'^''^'^ ~-"'> j^v/,- j. v<^ a v^ta^ ^ ^"-^.^ vv<^^ J
-' o<.5o"
" USSELL A.ALGER,Govenior
of Michigan for the term com-
mencing Jan. 1, 1885, was
bom in Lafaj'ette Township,
Medina Co., Ohio, Feb. 27,
^y 1836. Having lived a tem-
'cT' perate life, he is a comparative
young man in appearance, and pos-
sesses those mental faculties that are
the distinguishing characteristics of
roliust, mature and educated maii-
iiood. When 1 1 j'ears of age both
his parents died, leaving him Tvitha
3'ounger brother and sister to sup-
port and without any of the substan-
tial means of existence. Lacking the opportunity of
Ijctter employ nicut, he worked on a farm in Richfield,
Ohio, for the greater part of each of the succeeding
seven years, saving money enougli to defray his ex-
penses at Richfield Academy during the winter
terms. He obtained a very good English education,
and was enabled to teach school for several subse-
quent winters. Ill 1857 he commenced the study of
law in the offices of Wolcott & Upson at Akron, re-
maining until March, 18.59, when he was admitted
to the bar by the Ohio Supreme Court. He then
removed to Cleveland, and entered the law office of
Otis & Coffinbury, where he remained several
montiis. Here he continued his studies with in-
creased zeal, and did nuuli general reading. Hard
study and close connnenicnt t(j office work, however,
began to tell on liis constitution, and failing health
warned liim that he must seek other occupation.
He therefore reluctantly abandoned the law and re-
moved to Graml Rapids, Mich., to cng.age in the
lumber business.
When Micliigan was called upon to furnish troops
for the war, Mr. Alger enlisted in the Second Mich.
Cav. and was mustered into the service of the
United States as Captain of Co. C. His record as
a cavalry officer w^as brilliant and honorable to
himself and his companj\ He participated in some
of the fiercest contests of the rebellion and way
twice wounded. His first injury was received ir
the battle of Booneville, Miss., July 2, 18G2.
His conduct in this engagement was so distin-
guished that he was promoted to the rank oi
Major. On the same occasion his Colonel, the
gallant Phil. Sheridan, was advanced to the rank
of Brigadier General. A few months later, on the
ICtU of October, Major Alger became Lieutenant-
Colonel of the Sixth Mich. Cav., and was ordered
with his regiment to the Army of the Potomac.
After marked service in the early campaign of 1 8()3,
he was again advanced, and on June 2 received his
commission as Colonel of the Fifth Slicii. Cav. His
regiment at this time was in Custer's famous Michi-
gan cavalry brigade. On the Gth of Jul}' occurred
the battle of Boonesltoro, Md. In this conflict he
was again wounded. His health received a more
than temporary impairment, and in October, 18G I,
he was obliged to retire from the service. His
career as a soldier included man}' of tlie most cele-
brated contests of the war. He w:is an .active charac-
ter in all the battles fought by the Army of the
174
RUSSELL A. ALGER.
Potomac, from the time of the invasion of Mary-
lanrt \>y Gen. Lee in 1803, up to the date of his
retirement, with the excei^tion of those engagements
which occurred while he was absent from dutj- on
account of wounds. In all he took part in C6 bat-
tles and skirmishes. At the close he was breveted
Brigadier General and Major General for "gallant
and meritorious services in the field."
Aside from regular dutj', Gen. Alger was on
private service during tiie winter of 18G3-4, receiv-
ing orders personally from President Lincoln and
visiting nearly all the armies in the field.
Gen. Alger came to Detroit in 18G5, and since
that time has been extensively engaged in the pine
timber business and in dealing in pine lands. He
was a member of the well-known firm of ]Moore <fe
Alger until its dissolution, when he became head of
the firm of R. A. Alger ik Co., the most extensive
pine timber operators in the West. Gen. Alger is
now president of the corporation of Alger, Smith &
Co., which succeeded R. A. Alger it Co. He is also
president of the Manistique Lumbering Company
and president of the Detroit, Bay City & Alpena
Railroad Companj', besides being a stockholder and
director of the Detroit National Bank, (he Peninsu-
lar Car Company and several other large corpor-
ations.
AVhile always an active and influential Republi-
can, Gen. Alger has never sought nor held a sal-
aried office. He was a delegate from the First Dis-
trict to the last Republican National Convention,
but aside from this his connection with politics has
not extended beyond the duties of ever}' good cit-
izen to his party and his country'.
Gen. Alger is now forty-nine years of age, an
active, handsome gentleman six feet tall, living
the life of a busj- man of affairs. His military
bearing at once indicates his army life, and although
slenderly built, his square shoulders and erect
carriage give the casual observer the impression
that his weight is fully 180 pounds. He is a firm,
yet a most decidedly pleasant-appearing man, with
a fine forehead, rather a prominent nose, an iron-
gitiy moustache and chin whiskers and a full head
of black hair sprinkled with gray. He is usually
attired in the prevailing style of business suits. His
fjivorite di'ess has been a high buttoned cutaway
frock coat, with the predominating cut of vest and
trousers, made of firm gr.aj' suiting. A high collar,
sm.all cravat, easy shoes and white plug hat com-
plete his personal apparel. He is very particular
as to his appearance, and alwaj's wears neat clothes
of the best goods, but slums any display of jewelr}'
or extravagant embellishment. He is one of the
most approachable men imaginable. No matter
how busy he may be, he always leaves his desk to
extend a cordial welcome to every visitor, be he of
high or low situation. His affable manners delight
his guests, while his pleasing face and bright, dark
eyes ahv.a^-s animate his he.arers.
Gen. Alger is a hard worker. He is always at his
office proraptlj^ in the morning and stays as long as
anything remains that demands his attention. In
business matters he is alwaj's decided, and is never
shaken or disturbed bj' any reverses. He has the
confidence of his associates to a high degree, and al.
his business relations are tempered with those little
kindnesses that relieve the tedium of routine office
life. Although deeply engrossed i:i various busi-
ness pursuits. Gen. Alger has yet found time for
general culture. He owns a large libr.ary and his
stock of general information is as complete as it is
reliable. His collection of paintings has been se-
lected with rare good taste, and contains some of
the finest jiroductions of modern artists. His team
of bays are perhaps the handsomest that grace the
roads of Detroit, and usually lead the other outfits
when their owner holds the reins.
Gen. Alger has an interesting family. His wife
was Annette H. Henry, the daughter of W. G.
Henr}', of Grand Rapids, to whom he was married
April 2, 18G1. She is a slender woman of fair com-
plexion, bright and attractive, and a charming host-
ess. She is gifted with many accomplishments and
appears quite young. There are six children. Fay.
a lively brunette, and Caroline A., who is rather tall
and resembles her mothei', have completed r, course
at an Eastern seminar}', and during the past year
traveled in Europe. The remaining members of
the family are Frances, aged 13; Russell A., Jr.,
aged 1 1 ; Fred, aged 9, and Allan, aged 3. All are
lirlgiit and promising children. Gen. Alger makes
his home at his handsome and large new residence on
Fort street, at the corner of P'irst street, Detroit,
^(L^-
/'^^^d.^^i^^-eyC^^^^-
GOVERNORS OF MICIIIOAN.
77
VRUS GRAY LUCK, the
present Governor of Michi-
gan, combines in his ciianic-
ter the substantial traits of
the New England ancestry
of his father, and the chival-
rous and hospitable elements
peculiar to the Southerners, which
came to him fmm his mother's side of
the liouse. Tlie New Englanders, act-
ive in the cause of American libertj',
after this desired result was accom-
plished, turned their attention to the
growth and development of tiie
country which their noble daring had
constituten independent of foreign rule. Tlie pri-
vations they endured and the struggles from which
they had achieved victory built up in them those
qualities which in the very nature of events could
not be otherwise than transmitted to their posterity',
and this jrosterity comjjrises a large number of the
men who to-day, lilvc the sul)jcct of tliis history,
are making a record of wliich their descendants will
be equally proud.
Gov. l^ucc was born in Windsor, Ashtabula Co.,
Ohio, July 2, 1824. His father was a native of
Tolland, Conn., served as a soldier in the War of
1812, and soon after its close emigrated from New
England and settled on the Western Reserve in
Northern Ohio. His mother, who in her girlhood
was Miss Mary Gray, was born in Winchester, A'a.
Her faliicr, tinctured with Abolitionism, found his
home in the Old Dominion l)ecoming unconifoiLa-
ble as an abiding-|jlace at that time, and accord-
ingly, with ills wife and family of young children,
he also migrated, in 181,"), to the wilds of Northern
Ohio. There the parents of our subject, in 181!),
were united in marriage, and continued residents of
Ashtaliuia County until 18;5G. Tiiere also were
born to them six sons, Cj'rus G. of this sketch being
the second.
The incidents in the early life of Gov. Luce were
not materially different from those of other boys
living on the farms in that new country. lie was
taught to work at anything necessary for him to do
and to make himself useful around the pioneer
homestead. When twelve j-ears of age his parents
removed further West, this time locating in Steu-
ben County, Ind. This section of country was still
newer and more thinly settled, and without recount-
ing the particular hardships and privations which the
family experienced, it is suflicient to say that but few
enjoyed or suffered a greater varietj'. Markets were
distant and difficult of access, the comforts of life
scarce, and sickness universal. Young Luce, in com-
mon witii other boys, attended school winters in the
stereotypcMl log school-house, and in summer as-
sisted in clearing away the forests, fencing the
fields and raising crops after the land was improved.
He attended three terms an academy located at On-
tario, Ind., and his habit of reading and oliservation
added essentially to his limited school privileges.
When seventeen years of age the father of our
subject erected a cloth-dressing and wool-carding
estaljiisiiment, where Cyrus (i. acquired a full
knowledge of this business and subsequently hud
charge of the factory for a period of seven ycais.
In the meantime he had become interested in local
politics, in which he displayed rare judgment and
sound conunon sense, and on account of whii'h, in
1818, he was nominated by the Whigs in a di.strict
composed of the counties of DcKaib and Steuben
for Representative in the State Legislature. IW'
made a vigorous canvass but was defeated by eleven
majority. This incident was but a transient bub-
ble on the stream of bis life, and that same year
178
CYRUS GRAY LUCE.
Mr. Luce purchased eighty acres of wild land near
Gilead, Branch Co., Mich., the improvement of
which he at once entered upon, clearing away the
trees and otherwise making arrangements for the
establishment of a homestead. In August, 1849, he
was united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Diclcinson,
of Gilead, and the 3'oung jicople immediately' com-
menced housekeeping in a modest dwelling on tlie
new farm. Here they resided until the death of the
wife, which took place in August, 1882. Mrs.
Luce was the daughter of Obed and Experience
Dickinson, well-to-do and higlilj' respected residents
of Gilead. Of her union with our subject there
were born five children, one now deceased.
In Novv^mbcr, 1883, Gov. Luce contracted a sec-
ond marriage, with Mrs. IMaiy Tliompson, of Bron-
son, this State. He continued on the same farm,
which, however, by subsequent purchase had been
considerably extended, until after his election to the
offlce of which he is now the incumbent. In the
meantime lie has iiad a wide and varied experience
in public life. In 1 8 j2 he was elected to represent his
township in the County Board of Supervisors, and
two years later, in 18.54, wasclected Representative to
the first Republican Legislature convened in the State
of Michigan. He served his township altogether
eleven j'cars as a member of the Board of Supervisors.
In 18.58 he was elected County Treasurer of Branch
County and re-elected in 18G0. In 1864 he w5s
given a seat in the State Senate and re-elected in
186G. In the spring of 1867 he was made a member of
the Constitutional Convention to revise the Consti-
tution of the State of Michigan, and in all of the
positions to which he has been called has evidenced
a realization of the sober responsibilities committed
to his care. To the duties of e.ach he gave the most
conscientious care, and lias great reason to feel pride
and satisfaction in the fact that during his service
in both Houses of the Legislature his name appears
upon every roll-call, he never having been absent
from his jiost a day.
In .Till}-, 1879, Mr. Luce was appointed State Oil
Inspector by Gov. Cros well, and rc-appointcd by
Gov. Jerome in 1881, serving in this capacity three
and one-half j'cars. In the management of the
duties of this odlcc he is entitled to great credit.
The office was not sought by hira, but the Governor
urged him to accept it, claiming that the otfice was
the most difficult he hail to fill, and was one which
required first-class executive ability. He organized
the State into districts, appointed an adequate force
of deputies and no more, secured a reduction of the
fees by nearly one-half, and in ever}' way managed
the affairs of the office so efficiently and satisfac-
torily that above all expenses he was enabled to
pay into the State Treasury during his management
$32,000.49.
In August of the year 1886 Mr. Luce was nom-
inated by the Republicans in convention assembled
at Grand Rapids, for the office c>f Governor of
Michigan by acclamation, and on the 2d of Novem-
ber following was elected by a m.ajority of 7,432
over his chief competitor, George L. Yaple. In
1874 he became an active member of the farm-
ers' organization known as the Grange. Believing
as he dues that agriculture furnishes the basis of
National prosperity, he was anxious to contribute to
the education and elevation of the farming com-
munity, and thus availed himself of the opportuni-
ties offered by this organization to aid in accom-
plishing this result. For a period of .seven years he
was Master of the State Gr.ange but resigned the
position last November. Fidelity to convictions,
close application to business, whether agricultural or
affairs of State, coupled with untiring industry', are
his chief characteristics. As a farmer, legislator
executive officer, and manager of county as well as
State affairs, as a private as well as a public citizen,
his career has all along been marked with success
No one can point to a spot reflecting discredit ir
his public career or private life. He is a m.an of
the people, and self-made in the strictest sense. His
wliole life has been among the people, in full sym-
pathy with them, and in their special confidence and
esteem.
Personally. Gov. C.yrus G. Luce is high-minded,
intellectual and affable, the object of nianj'
and warm friendships, and a man in all respects
above reproach. To the duties of his high position
he has brought a fitting dignitj', and in all the re-
lations of life that conscientious regard to duty of
which we often read but which is too seldom seen,
especiall}' among those having within their hands
the interests of State and Nation.
''ot-Hyv^x^ /a /T^P-r^a^n^^^
GOVERNORii OF MICHIGAN.
lit
2=s«— ■
-♦■^-1-
EDWIN B. WINANS,
ho began his duties as
iovernor of Michigan,
January 1, 1891, is a sou
j«!;3E^ .^!=5»i!Ksr-j^w»vi-t jf the Empire State, of
y^^^ ^^*^ ^ which his parents also were
' ~- .^^ natives. From German ancestry on
.^^ the father's side, he derives tiie in-
€ f y2>'£? stincts of frujTality and careful con-
sideration of ways and means, and
tiiese are strengthened by the sub-
stantial traits of the Puritan fore-
fathers of his mother. Both lines
have transmitted to him the love
of country and home that has led
thousands into untrodden wilds where they might
secure that which would be for the future good of
tliemselves and posterity.
John and Eliza (Way) Winans removed from
New York to this State in 18.31, and settled on a
farm in Livingston County, where the boyhood of
Gov. Winans was passed. He was about eight
years old at the time of the removal, having been
born at Avon, Livingston County, N. Y., May IG,
182G. Up to the age of eighteen years lie attended
the district school, and he then entered Albion
College, from which he was graduated in 18;)0.
The excitement attendant upon the discovery of
gold in California had not died out, and youjig
Winans felt a strong desire to visit the coast and
try his fortune in the mines. He decided in favor
of the overland route, crossed the plains in safet}'.
and spent the ensuing eight years in seeking the
precious metal — a quest that was fairly successful.
Returning to Livingston Countj-, this State, Mr.
Winans bought land and eng.^gcd in general farm-
ing. He has retained the farm as his home through
all the changes various official positions have
brought him, and joyfully returned to it whenever
his faithful disciiarge of public dut}' would allow.
His estate now includes four hundred acres of land
under a high state of cultivation and improved
with buildings of the best construction and modern
design. In connection with general farming Gov.
Winans has given considerable attention to raising
stock of high grades, and his understanding of
agriculture in its various departments is broad and
deep. He believes that his success in political life
is largely due to his thorough identiBcatioii with
the agricultural interests of the State and no doubt
he is right.
The public career of Gov. Winans began in 1860,
when he was elected to represent his county in the
State Legislature. lie served two consecutive
terms, covering the period from 18C0 to 18G5. In
18G7 he w.as a member of the Constitutional Con-
J2
EDWIN B WINANS.
vention of the State, and in 1876 be was elected
Probate Judge of Livingston County for a term
of four years. The nest important position occu-
pied hy Gov. Winans was that of Congressman dur-
ing the Forty-eighth and Fort3'-ninth Congresses,
representing the Sixth District. It was always his
lot to be nominated for office when the Democratic
party was decidedly in the minority, but such were
his personal characteristics and his reputation as
one interested in the welfare of that great class,
the farmers, that in every case he made a successful
race. When he was put up for Congress the oppo-
sition had a majority in the district of three thou-
sand votes, but he was elected by a plurality of
thirty. While in Congress he took an active part
in all measures tending to the public good and
served on the Committees on Agriculture and Pen-
sions. In the fall of 1891 his name headed the
Democratic ticket and he was elected Governor of
the State.
In his private life Gov. Winans has been as ex-
emplary as in his public career he has been useful
and influential. He is a consistent member of the
Episcopal Church and in his religious faith and
practice has the close sympathy of his wife, who
belongs to the same society. His marriage was
solemnized in Hamburg, Livingston Count}', in
1855, his bride being Miss Elizabeth Galloway, who
was born and reared on the farm she still calls home,
as it was bought of her father by Gov. Winans.
She is a daughter of George and Susan (Haight)
Galloway, who are numbered among the early
settlers of Livingston County, whither they came
from New York. She is an educated, refined woman,
whose mental attainments and social qualities fit
her for the position which she occupies as hostess
of tlie Gubernatorial mansion. Governor and Mrs.
Winans have two sons, George G , who is now act-
ing as his father's private secretary, and Edwin B.,
Jr., a graduate of West Point.
Gov. Winans has in former years shown himself
capable of close application to the duties which lay
before him, and his judicious decisions and wise
course when attempting to bring about a worthy
object, are well known to those who are acquainted
with the history of the State. Although it is often
said that it is scarcelj' safe to judge of a man until
his career is closed, yet Gov. Winans has acted his
part so well thus far in life that he is confidently
expected to add to the credit that already belongs
to the great commonwealth of Michigan, and which
to a certain extent lies in the hands of those who
have been and are its chief executives. Among his
personal characteristics are those of a love of truth,
justice and progress, and a cordial, kind!}' spirit
which makes warm friends and stanch adherents.
®1
Clinton and Shiawassee Counties,
MICHIGAN.
pii^^^^
8l,
int:"roduqt"ory.»
^«4^^»s>^
^'J^'^3
-^k"^^
]HE time has arrived when it
becomes the duty of the
people of this county to per-
petuate the names of their
pioneers, to furnish a record
of their early settlement,
and relate the story of their
progress. The civilization of our
day, the enlightenment of the age
and the duly that men of the pres-
ent time owe to their ancestors, to
themselves and to their posterity,
demand that a record of their lives
and deeds should be made. In bio-
graphical 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 whicli the names and actions of the
{">eopie who contriljuted to raise this country from its
|)riniitive state may be preserved. Surely and ra|)idly
the great and aged men, who ni tlieir |)riine entered
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their
heritage, are passing to their graves. The mnnber re-
maining wlio can relate the incidents of the first days
)f settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an
actual necessity e.\ists for the collection and preser-
vation of events without delay, before all the early
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time.
'!"o be forgotten lias been tiie great dread of mankind
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enougli,
in spite of liieir iiest works and the most earnest
elTorts of their friends to perserve the memory of
their live-;. Tiie ine.ins employed to prevent oblivion
and to ])er|)etuate their memory has been in propor-
tion to the .unount of intelligence they possessed.
'I'h : pyranii'ls of Kgv pt were luiilt to perpetuate the
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu-
mations m.ide by the archeologists of Egy|)t from
buried Menphis indicate a desire of those people
to perpetuate the memory of their achievements.
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu-
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their
great achievements and carry them down the ages.
It ii also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea —
to leave something to show that they had lived. All
these works, though many of them costly in the ex-
treme, give but a faint idea of tlie lives and charac-
ters of those whose memory they were intended to
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity;
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum-
bling into dust.
It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli-
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating
a full history — immutaijle in that it is almost un-
limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and
this is tiirougli the art of printing.
To the present generation, however, we are in-
debted for the introduction of the admirable system
of local biography. By this system every man, though
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness,
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history,
through the coming ages.
The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the
physical man is left. The monument which his chil-
d.cn or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme-
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished,
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated
by a record of this kind.
To preserve the lineaments of our companions we
engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col-
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to
wait until they are dead, or until those who know
tliem are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to
i)ul)lish to the world the history of those whose livei"
are unworthy of public record.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
191
-♦ ^»*<^
lOBERT M. STEEL. The very name of
Robert M. Steel inspires the people of
iii \y Clinton County with admiration at Ills suc-
^P eess. He is the most extensive property
owner and the wealthiest man of the county, and
the present l)usiness prosperity of St. .John's is due
to liim more largely tlian to any other man who
has lived iiere. He iias large interests on the
Pacilic Coast and his name is known in many
parts of tiie United States, as he lias had large con-
tracts in raih'oad and bridge-buiiding work and has
won many a bloodless victory over opposing ele-
ments and material forces. It lias been well said
tliat •' peace lias its victories as well as war " and
Mr. Steel, when affairs are viewed in this light, is
fully as deserving of praise as those who have led
hosts to victory on bloody battle-lields.
Mr. Steel, whose portrait accompanies this sketch,
is of Scotch parentage, his direct progenitors havi-ig
come to America in 1830. Tiicy settled in \vr-
mont, where the father, William Steel, was engaged
in contracting and building. In Craftsbury, tiiat
.State, he of whom we write was born October "21,
1833. He received an academic education in his
native State and after having olHaincd u thorough
training as a carpenter and joiner fmm his father,
he went to Toronto when of age and was employed
ns time-keeper on the Grand Trunk Riiilroad,
After t\vo months he was appointed foreman on
the road that was building between Toronto and
Sarnia and held the [jo-'^ition fifteen months. He
then entered into partnership with his (Mnployers —
Messrs. Hayden & Ross, who had taken a contract
to lay the superstructure on the Detroit & Mil-
waui<ee Road. In 1856 he removed to St. .lolin's,
as the most convenient point from which to carr^'
on his work. The contract was completed in tiie
fall of 1858 and the next year be took one to Ia3'
the superstruclion on the Grand Trunk from
Detroit to Port Huron. At the same time he was
interested with W. A. Stearn it Co., in building a
road from Three Rivers, Canada, to Arlhaska, a
distance of thirty-eight miles. Both contracts
were completed in December, 1859.
In September, 18(;2. Mr. .Steel with his former
partner, Mr. Ross, entered into a contract under
the firm name of Ross, Steel it Co., to build the
Kansas Pacilic Railroad of three hundred and sixty
miles. The firm had one hundred miles located and
twenty-five miles giaded when the company dis-
posed of their franchise to Mr. Samuel llallct and .1.
C. Fremont. Mr. Steel then entered into parlncr-
shi[) with I'^llithorpe it Adams, under Ihelirni name
of Ellithor()c, A<lams it Steel, and engaged in build-
ing stone bridges, etc., for the city of Leavenworth.
He subsequently rebuilt the Hannibal it St. ,Ioe
192
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Railioad, in whk-li work lie was engaged until
December, 1869. In 1867 be made an individual
contract with James F. .lu^- to build tlie accretions
for tiie Union Depot for the Burlington & Missouri
River and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail-
ro.ads in Burlington, Iowa. This contract was com-
pleted in the fall of 1868, by working niglit and
day. In 1870, Mr. Steel contracted to build ninety
miles of the St. Louis & Southeastern Railroad,
which was completed in November, 1871. The
next January he took a contract to build the Cairo &
Vincennes Road through two counties — a distance
of one hundred and sixty-eight miles, with the cul-
verts and bridges, and within the twelvemonlli the
work was finished.
In 1873, Mr. Steel contracted to build the super-
sti-uctiou of forty miles on the Paducah i& Mem-
phis Railroad and completed it in thirty-five days.
In May, 187.5, Mr. George Masson of Toronto,
Canada, made a contract to build seventy miles of
railwaj' between the Great Western of Canada on
the south and the AV^ellingion, Grey & Bruce on
tke north, to be open for traffic, the following
January. Mr. Steel became sub-contractor for
thirty-five miles of this line, with fencing for the
whole, this necessitating a post and board fence one
hundred and forty miles long. He completed his
contract and it was declared satisfactory in every
particular and he was congratulated by Mr. Masson,
the chief engineer. Besides his extensive railroad
contracts, Mr. Steel was connected with the Govern-
ment work at Chicago, Calumet, Ludington, Man-
istee and Frankfort.
Mr. Steel was the originator of the St. John's
Manufacturing Comjiany, is the principal stock-
holder and President. He is a Director and holds
the largest individual interest in both the St. John's
National and Clinton County Savings Banks of St.
John. He is President of the Whijiple Harrow
Company of St. John, the St. John's Evaporator it
Produce Companj', Electric Light, Heat &■ Power
Company, an<l Mutual Gas Company of St. John.
He is a partner in the retail furniture establishment
of R. M. Steel & Co., of which D. G. Steel, repre-
sented in this work, is manager. He also has an
interest in the hardware firm of Nixon & Co. and
in the millinery firm of J. T, Cole (Sj Co. He is
Piesident of the St. John's Mercantile Company.
In 1887 he ouilt the Steel Hotel in St. John's at a
cost of *0.5,000. which is not only a credit to the
city but is one of the finest hotel biiil;tings in the
State. He h.as valuable real estate interests here,
owning about one-sixth of the town site and a valu-
able improved farm of three hundred acres within
the corporate limits. He also has farm lands in
different parts of the county and State.
Mr. Steel has still larger interests in the West
than here. In 1879 he began contracting on the
coast and thus became interested in different enter-
prises. He owns a stock ranch in Oregon where
he has from eight hundred to one thousand head
of horses, imported and graded, and on the coast
the half circle A brand is well known. He has also
an individual lialf of the town site at Huntington,
Ore., and with his son George is largely interested
in the Island City jMevcanlile and Milling Comi)an}'
and has a controlling interest in four or five stores
and two tlouring mills there. They also own the
town site of Uillguard and have stores there. Mr_
Steel also owns a one-fourth interest in six valu-
able co))i)er mines, several ()lacer mines (gold) and
a large mining ditch in Idaho. He is a stock-
holder in the Merchants' National Bank in Port-
land and is interested in other banks in the State,
being President of the First National in Island
City, the Wallona National of Enterprise and the
La Grande National of La Grande, and Vice-Presi
dent of the First National of Union.
Three thousand acres of land in Gratiot County'
and an equal amount in Isabella County are in-
cluded in the real-estate holdings of Mr. Steel.
He is President of the First National Banks of
Ovid, Mt. Pleasant, St. Louis and Itlmca, and of the
Mt. Pleasant Manufacturing Comi)any and Ithaca
Milling Company. Notwithstanding his extensive
business interests, which to an ordinary individual
would be more than sufficient to occupy every
moment, ho finds time to enjoy the intercourse of
one of the most prominent social orders and is a
Knight Templar of St. John's Commander}'. He
also keeps well informed regarding the events that
are transpiring, the discoveries that are being
made and the improvements that are taking place
in science and art, and studies the political question
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
i;t3
tliorougblj'. He votes tbe Kepul)lican ticket. In
1848 he spent a year abroad, visiting England,
Ireland and Scotland. He was married Mart'li 13,
1860, to Miss Carrie A. Hyatt, daughter of James
M. Hyatt of New York, and lias three children.
■<rM^'^:-
1^^ US. HANNAH MARSHALL, a venerable
/// \\\ and esteemed resident of Greenbush Town-
I 1ft ship, Clinton County, is a native of Huron
*' County, Ohio, and was born November 7.
1829. She is a daughter of William W. and Nancy
(Strong) Watros. Her parents were natives of
New York, and her father served as a soldier in
the War of 1812. Of their children the following
survive: .Joseph who resides in Norwalk, Ohio;
Franklin a resident of New London, Ohio; Mary,
Mrs. Hi.iraan, now a widow of Huron County,
Ohio; Washington, in Norwalk, Ohio; Mrs. Mar-
shall; Wealthy, in Eaton Count}'; Hester A., wife
of J. Reynolds of Huron County, Ohio.
Mrs. Marshall's early home and training were in
Huron County, Ohio, and there after taking her
education in the district schools, she prepared for
teaching, which work she carried on for some three
(erms. She was then married October 7, 18.52, to
Henr}' S. Marshall, who was born in Westchester
County, N. Y., in 1827. This gentleman was a son
of Seth and Phijcbe Marshall, and he emigrated lo
Ohio when a young man and was there married.
His childhood and youth received the benefit of
the usual advantages which were tlien offered to
the young, but the greater part of his education
has been what he has acquired himself.
By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall lliore
were born six children, five of whom are living.
namely: George, Frank, Lewie, Almira M. (a teacher
in Clinton County) and Denton. The parents of
this household emigrated to Clinton County, this
State in 18G0, and coming to Greenbush Townsiili),
Gnally settled upon ihe farm where the widow now
resides. Mr. Marshall was a hard working and in-
dustrious man, and by his own efforts, aided by his
boys, he made his farm what it is to-day. lie
started in life empty handed and accuuuilatcd a
handsome property, all the result of his life work.
He was n kind and affectionate husband and father
and his death was an irreparable loss to his house
hold. His fellow-citizens also felt the blow, as by
his death they lost a jniblic spirited and enterpiis-
ing man from their midst. He was one who en-
joyed the universal confidence and esteem of h's
fellow-men. He was a Rei)ul)lican in politics and
deeply' interested in all movements which look to
the [)rogre8sof the county in either social or public
ways and was well known for his honesty and in-
tegrity, being esteemed ''a man among men." He
died February 14, 1880.
Mrs. Marshall still resides on the home farm and
owns one-third interest in the estate of eighty
acres. Her husband was a soldier in the Civil War
and received his honorable discharge before the
date of expiration of his service, on account of a
wound which he received in the Battle of the
Wilderness. Mrs. Marsiiall is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Chun-ii and iier naturally fine
qualities and Christian character command the
esteem of all who know licr.
OHN A. W^ATSON. Prominent among in-
telligent and prosperous stock-raisers and
well known in political circles of Clinton
County, is the gentlemen whose name ap-
pears at the head of this sketch. Ills beautiful
farm with its elegant improvements forms one of
the most attractive features of Duplain Township,
and the fine grades of stock which he raises, at-
tract the attention of every intelligent visitor. He
was born in the township where he now presides,
July 21, 1844. His parents, William B. and ll;ir-
riet F. (Faxon) Watson, were born, the foiiiu^r in
Bucks County, Pa., and the latter in Batavia. (ii'iic-
see County, N. Y. His superior parentagt? :ind
home training were of intestimable value lo the
youth, who was thus given a preparation in life
superior to that of most of his comrades In the
West.
The father of our subject was by piofession a
194
rORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
physician and a graduate of the University of
Pennsylvania, who came to Michigan in the fall of
183y and located on the place where his son now
resides near the center of Duplain Townshi(). A
select school education was given the boy as well as
good practical business training. His mother was
a graduate of Le Roy Seminary, at Le Roy, N. Y.
and she gave him careful instruction in his early
life, for which she was well adapted, as she had
been a teacher before her marriage. His early life
was [)assed on the old liome^tead and when his
father died, August 20, 1871, he took charge of
the estate and properly and carried it on suc-
cessfully.
Having now reached the years of maturity, Mr.
Watson sought a companion togovvith him through
life and on April 19, 187G, he entered into the
matrimonial slate with Lizzie Webb of Walerbury,
Conn. Her father William Webb is the well-known
manufacturer of brass goods, the head of the
business known as the American Cap and Flask
Company. One child, a son^William B.^ — who
was born .lanuarj' 19, 1883, is the fruit of this
union. He is at home with his parents at whose
hands he is receiving the education suited to his
years, and his future is one of the great promise.
Mr. Watson has a place of four hundred acres,
mostly under cultivation, upon which he and his
father made the clearing and placed the improve-
ments. Three hundred acres of this is under the
plow and the houses and barns are both handsome
and spacious, and show the hand of a thorough and
systematic farmer. Besides cultivating a large
share of his land he is a large breeder of sheep,
making a specialtj' of fine wool sheep. He breeds
Clydesdale horses and Short- horn cattle and also
raises large crops of wheal. He has a sugar camp of
about one thousand hard maples from which he
makes a great quantity of maple sugar and more
largely manufactures maple syrup.
The |)olitical atHliations of this gentleman are
Willi the Republican party and he has always been
actively engaged in forwarding its interests. He is
generally conspicuous as a delegate at the various
county and Stale conventions where his opinion
has great weight and his judgment is respected.
He is a member of the Stock and Wool Growers
Association and is identified with the Masonic
order. lie is a man of broad experience and has
not been contented to sit down at his own fireside
and know lillle or nothing of what is going on in
the world about him. He has spent a good deal
of time in traveling and has visited many parts of
our country being familiar with the prominent
cities and points of interest both in the East and
the West. In his earl}' days in Clinton County he
was familiar wilh the Indians and found among
them the playmates of his childhood. He looks
back with interest to those ])ioneer days and feels
that that experience was one of the many which
have enriched his life.
• ' *3-
E^
s^\ ELDEN S. MINER, one of the most
|)opuIar citizens of Corunna City, and the
prosecuting attorney for Shiawassee
County, was born in Osceola, Livingston
County, this .Stale. His father, Ezra, was a native
of Steuben County, N. Y., and his father's father,
also Ezra by name, was born in Connecticut, and
took i)nrt in the War of 1812. He was a sailor on
the high seas for twenty years and then settled on
a farm in New York which he improved and culti-
vated. He came to Michigan in his later days, to
spend them willi his son at Osceola and died at the
age of eighty years. The father of this aged
gentleman was Seth Miner, a native of Connecticut
and a Revolutionary soldier who was taken prisoner
early in the War and was in prison six years.
Being thus lost to his famil}' for so long thej* be-
lieved him dead and his brothers took possession
of his propert}'.
The father of our subject was a farmer, who
came to Michigan in 183G when he was twenty-one
years old and located in Ilarlland Township,
Livingston County, where he bought unimproved
land and devoted himself to his cultivation. At
different times he resided in Cohocta and Conway
and now lives in Handy, Livingston County. He
has been a large landowner and is a public-spirited
man. His wife bore the maiden name of Annie
M, Skidmore. She was born near Springwater,
PORTRAIT AND 15IOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM.
195
Livingston Coiintj-. N. Y., and is the daughter of
Benjamin Skidmore, a faimor in that county, and
afterward an early settler in Lapeer Coiintv, to
ivhich lie came in 1836. lie followed farming
there and afterward in Livingston County, and
died at the very advanced of ninety-two years, lie
was a soldier in the War of 1812.
Of the seven children of the parental family our
suliject is the lifth, being born June 5. 1851. His
mother who is still living at the age of sixty-live
i'ears is a devout member of the Church of the
United Brethren. This son grew n|) in Coliocla
and Conwa}" Townships, in Livingston Count^^, till
he reached the age of seventeen j'ears, having had
the advantages of the common district schools.
When seventeen years old he came to Corunna
with his parents and entered the high school, where
he graduated in 1875 after which he engaged in
teaching for three terms. He began the study of
law under a preceptor and in the fall of 1876,
entered the Department of Law of the University
of Michigan, taking work also under Judge Kinney
of Ann Arbor. In 1878 he took examination be-
fore the Michigan Supreme Court at Lansing and
was admitted to the bar of the State.
The young lawyer now began practice, May 3,
1878, at Corunna, where he has continued ever
since, with the exception of the j'ear which he
spent at Flushing. At the time he went to that
citj' he resigned his offlce of Circuit Court Com-
missioner and in the fall of 1880 he was re-elected
to that position for two years. In 1888 he re-
ceived twelve hundred majority over his opponent
in the contest for the ollice of Prosecuting Attornej'
for .Shiawassee County-, and was re-elected to the
same office in 1890, by a large majority, even con-
sidering the famous land slide of Republican votes
to the Democratic ticket. Besides his profes-
sional and official duties be has had some con-
siderable dealings in real estate.
June 5, 1879, was the wedding day of Selden S.
Jliner and Kilie Junes, the daughter of Charles
Jones, a teacher and a native of Wjishtena Count3',
who was doubly ori)haned while still a little child.
The marriage took place at Bancroft, Shiawassee
County. Four children have resulted from this
union, namely: Wilman, Maude, Harold and Leon.
Mr. Miner has served the city of Corunna as
Mayor one term and Supervisor of the Second
Ward for three terms and is President of the
Sciiool Board. He is identified with several of the
social orders, is a Mason — having attained the de-
gree of Royal Arch Mason, and a member of tlu;
Knights of the Maccabees. His enterprise and
public spirit make him a prominent man in Re-
publican circles, and lie is always a delegate to the
county Conventions and generally to those of the
Slate.
ON. ROWLAND S. VAN SCOV, deceased,
a pioneer and an honored citizen of Clin-
ton County for more than fifty years, was
^; born in the town of Kent, Dulcliess County,
N. Y., November 22, 1811. Ilia father, Rowland
Van Scoy, was probably a native of New York and
served in the War of 1812 and died of camp fever
soon after the expiration of his service, at the age
of twenty four years. The grandfather of our
subject was a wealthy farmer in the Km[)ire State,
whose ancestors were from Holland.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Rachael Drew, a native of New York and a rel-
ative of the late Daniel Drew, who became many
times a millionaire through his speculations on
Wall Street. By her first husband she was the
mother of two sons and a daughter, onl3' one of
whom, Isaac Van Sco}', of Cayuga Countj', N. Y.,
survives. She re-nnrried and had nine children by
her second husband. Her death occurred a few
years ago at the ripe old age of ninety-one years.
Mr. Van Scoy was born three months after his
father's death, at the home of his grandfather, with
whom he lived until old enough to look out for
himself. His education was obtained in the com-
mon district schools of his day. He was an apt
pupil and an industrious student and gained sulli-
cienl knowledge to enable him to teach school.
His efforts in this direction weie successful and he
found no trouble in getting employment as a
teacher. He taught six terms in all. Wlien In;
was thirteen years old he hired out for nine months,
at $3 a month, to work on a farm. He fulfilled the
196
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
contract to the letter and saved every cent of the
|t27 thus earned. He coiitiiuied tu work out dur-
ing summers and atlendod scbool during winters
until he was aljle to teach.
Mr. Van Scoy was united in maniagc Septem-
ber I'J, 183!). witii Miss Ruth liisseli, wlio was a
native of New York State and born in 1814. In
April, 1839, soon after his marriage, he came West
and pushed into tiie wild forests of Michigan, lo-
cating in De Witt Township, Clinton County,
where he purchased eighty acres of land from the
Government. He was the first to locate in that
part of the county and ids neighbors for a time were
few and far between. He located not far from
where Lansing, the then unthought of capital of
the State, now stands. For three years after his
settlement there he had purchased all iiis groceries
and necessaries of life in Detroit. lie cut his way
through the forest to where he located and built a
small shanty whicli he afterward replaced with a
comfortable log house.
This young man had just enough mone}- to pay for
the land he purchased at aljout ^3 an acre. His team
consisted of a 3oke of oxen which he bought in De-
troit and he made most of his household furniture.
The forests abounded in wihl game but he found
no time for hunting. His mind was occupied with
matters that were destined to largely- determine his
future. Our subject aimed to clear ten acres of
land each year in addition to what he sometimes
hired done. His cows pastured in the great forest
surrounding his home and many a time, wlule huni-
ing for them in the evening, he lost his way and
on one occasion he failed to find his way and was
obliged to sleep in the woods over night. He pur-
chased more land as soon as his means would per-
mit, as be always made it a rule not to purchase
land until he was able to pay half the purchase
money in cash. His specialty was raising wheat,
which he sold to make payments on his land, and
by adding to his possessions from time to time, he
l)ecame the possessor of four hundred acres, which
he cleared and brought to a high state of cultiva-
tion.
Mrs. Van .Scoy died February 9. 18.')-2. She was
a woman of strong religious convictions and a
member of the Baptist Church. The union resulted
in the birth of two children, namely : Rachael, now
Mrs. McPherson and the mother of two sons, who
was born June 29, 1840, and is living ne.ir her
father, and Caroline, born September 23. 1M2.
She is the wife of William Heck, a wealthy and
prominent farmer of Essex Township. Mr. \nn
Scoy contracted a second marriage with Angeline
Bisscll, which was celebrated Ma}' 6, 1852. She
survives him and lives in a bea\iliful home left I)}'
her husband.
In the spring of 1854 Rowland S. Van 8003' dis-
posed of his farm in De Witt Township and re-
moved to Essex Township, where he purchased one
hundred acres on section 9, being a part of what
was known as Benedict's Plains. During the fall
he made another inirciiase and the following year
another, and so on from time to time until he
owned one of the finest and most productive tracts
of land to Ite found anywhere in this or any other
section of the State. This magnificent estate com-
prises nearly nineteen hundred acres of land,
equipped with all the modern improvements. His
late residence is one of the most attractive and im-
posing in the count\ . His barns and other out-
buildings are 01 a substantial character and always
kept in the best repair.
Mr. Van Scoy died October 14, 1890. in the sev-
enty'-sixth year of his age. He was during his en-
tire life an active, energetic man. Early in life he
united with the Presbyterian Church, but later,
there being no church of his first choice, he at-
tended all churches and gave liberally of his means
toward the su|)port of the Gospel. He was also a
cheerful and liberal giver to all benevolent causes
of worthy character and he was especially kind to
the poor. He was truh' a just man and did what
he believed to be right at all times and under all
circumstances. Politically he was a Republican
an<l held various oflices of responsibility' and trust.
He was Supervisor of lOssex Township many years
and also of De Witt Township while a resident
there. He served as Justice of the Peace and filled
other local odices with entire satisfaction.
Mr. \'an Scoy represented his district in the
State Legislature from 1871 to 1875, being re-
elected in 1873. During his terras as Representa-
tive he was always found in his seat in the legisla-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAniJCAL ALBUM.
197
live halls, ready for the business uf llie hour.
One of his rules of life was (jrotuptness uiid he w:is
never known to shirk a (lul3'. Socially he was a
momher of the Masonic and (Jranuje fraternities
lie took an active inleresl in the success of the lat
ter and lectured frequently for the order. He
was Sl.aster of the local Granuje for ten years con-
tinuously and was recruiting ollicer at the time of
his death. lie was a self-made man, a great reader^
and possessed a broad knowledge of the leading is-
sues of the day.
About ten years ago this gentleman purchaseil
the bank at Maple Rapids and conducted that in-
stitution upon a safe and sound l)asis until his
death. IIi' was truly a farmer by occu|ialiou but
he was an able linaneier as well and was regarded
with the utmost confidence and esteem by all who
knew him. lie was a man of the strictest integ-
rity and always m.adt- liis word as good as his bond.
Mr. Van Scoy's estate is valued at about |il;)0,On().
the result of iiis life's labors. He accumulated it
slowly by honest toil. He was strictly lem|ierate
in all things and regular in his hal)ils <jf life. His
success was due to his sound morals and close ap-
plication lo business and as an e\aiiii)le is well
worthy of emulation.
H,
W;^ILLIAM .lOHN MURl'HY. The gentle-
man of whom we write and who was born,
^ „ August 27, 1857, in Oakland County, this
State owns a very fine farm on section IG, Owosso
Township. He is the third child in a family of
five. His father, John Murphj'. deceased, was born
August 15, 182G, at The Spring, County Wexford,
Ireland, and was married at Templeton, the same
county, Febru.ary 8, 1852, to Miss Mary Breen, who
survives him and who was also born in County
Wexford August 31, 1827. She was the d.-iugliter
of Morris and Marj* (Lcary) Breen.
The spring of 1852 was a severe one in Ireland,
the crops having failed the previous year and many
people really suffering for the barest necessities of
life. Thousands emigrated from the Hmerald Isle
to a land that promised them both freedom and
plenty and among the many came the (.arents of
our subject. They settled in Oakland County, this
State, near Orchard Lake where the father earned
his living as a laborer for four years when the
family removed to Shiawassee County, securing the
land which afterward became their home. In the
spring of 1856 our subject's father bouglit cighly
acres in company wiih his wife's brother, James
Breen and soon after bought the entire amount.
Her brother was killed at Detroit, where he had
been an engineer for the I'nion Kerry Company
from Detroit to Windsor; he was killed instantlj-.
Kighly and one-half acres have since been added
to the number of acres first purchased.
In his earlier days our subject's father spent
much of the time on liie water as a coaster and
fisheimau, their home in County Wexford l)eing
directly (>n the coast. After a sickness covering
about three years Mr. Murphy died Novend)er 1,
1887. He was highly resi)eeled and deei)ly lamented.
He was a iKiiil-working man and made a most at-
tractive lionie for his family with first class im-
provements. He left quite a family whose names
are as follows: James, who died at the .age of
twenty-seven of consumption, worked at home on
the farm until tlie List; .Mary Kllen, William John,
Julia Ann and Katie who died in infancy. Mar}'
Ellen married Lawrence Terrill and died at An-
trim, Shiawassee County, this State, February 20,
1891. Julia married Patrick Rurns of Sciota
Township, Shiawassee County and died Mav 17,
1889, only two weeks after her marriage, while on
her wedding journey. Our subject has had charge
of the farm on which he lives for a number of
years. His father's sickness incapacitated him
from all care for three years before liis death.
Jlr. Murjjhy w-as married April 24, 1888, lo
Miss Maii;gie Maroney, daughter of Edward and
Joana Maroney. One little child, a bright boy of
two years of age, named John, gladdens their
household. William Murphy- as well :is his father,
is an ardent Democrat. They are members of the
Catholic Church. .'\Ir. Mur()h}' is a pushing, vigor-
ous farmer and stands high in the community as a
man of intelligence and abilitj'. His mother bears
the loss of nearly all her family with resignation
and is one of the class of noble women who have
198
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
done so much, enduring hardships and privations
incident to early settlement without a murmur and
who deserves great credit and praise for her devo-
tion and attention.
-•j:^-
<;fjOHN E. JAYNE, druggist at DeWitt, Clin-
ton County, and proprietor of the Universal
Heave Remedj', was born in Jackson Count}',
this State, June 15, 1840. Henry Jayne,
the father of this gentleman, was born in New York
State in 180G and the grandfatlier, Samuel, of
Scot';h-Irish descent was born in New Jersey. He
was a farmer and a soldier in the Revolutionary
War and our subject has in his possession the gun
which this ancestor carried through the period of
conflict. He removed to New York State about
tlie year 1800 and died there at the age of ninety
si.K years. The father of our subject was reared
upon this New York farm and came to Michigan
in 1836, traveling by water to Detroit, where he
bouglit a yoke of oxen and followed the Indian
trails to Jackson County.
Here Mr. J.a3-ne was one of the first pioneers,
and took a farm of one hundred and forty acres
from the Government. He built a log cabin and
cleared up the farm and after living on it for twenty-
five years, sold it and established a general store
and afterward a drug store at Grass Lake. He
came to DeWitt in 1866 and established a grocery
store, but devoted himself a part of the time to
farming. He also was in business in Lansing for
some time and now having retired from active
life, lives with his daughter, Mrs. Lawrence. He
is a Democrat in his political views.
Mrs. Jayne bore the maiden name of .Sarah John-
son and she w.as born in Yates Count}-, N. Y., in
I.SIO. Of her five children three grew to matur-
ity, namely: Elizabeth, (Mrs. Halbert) ; John, and
Ella, (Mrs. Lawrence). .She has ever taken an
active interest in church matters, having been a
member of the Congregational Church for forty-
five years. Her father, born in New Jersey, re-
moved to a farm in New York in early life, and
came to Washtenaw County in 1836. He took up
a farm there of two hundred and forty acres and
operated the first sawmill in the county, dying there
at fifty-nine years of age. He had reared twelve
children and was of (Jerman descent.
The subject of this sketch remained upon the
farm until he was twelve years old and attended
the pioneer schools, which were furnished with
slab benches having pin legs. When twelve 3'ears
old he moved into the vilhige of Grass Lake and
attended school the^'e and also at Lvoui. When he
was eighteen years old he entered the telegrapli
office and learned thai art. He worked as operator
at different |)laces along llie Michigan Central R lil-
waj' and also on the Alton and St. Louis Railway
and on the Illinois Central.
When the war broke out young Ja3ne hired him-
self to the Government as operator under Capt.
Bruch, and was sent to Stanford. Kj'., and then
sent out on a raiding party lo take the dispatches
sent Ijy the rebels. He tapped the rebel telegraph
lines, took their messages and goini; to Knoxville,
Tenn., became detacliecl from his nic!i liy Uie rebels
in an encounter, and had to walk nil the way back
lo Kentucky, traveling entirely liy niglit. He had
only two and one-half biscuits as rations for four
days and three nights, and the journey lasted for
eigliteon days, during which he saw other hard
times and came near starving. After this experi-
ence he was laid up with the tj'phoid fever for six
weeks and he was taken home by his father and
wife. After recovering his health he returned to
Lebanon Junction, Ky., and remained there for
two years in the (iovcrnnient employ.
During his service in Kentucky Jlr. .laync had
some hair-ljreadth cscajies. At one time while his
wife was spending some time with him the tele-
graph otHce was attacked b}' a force of guerrillas.
He hastily secreted himself in the attic and [luUed
up the ladder after hira. The guerrillas could not
find him, but finding his wife ordered her to reveal
his whereabouts, drawing revolvers upon her where
she stood. She told them that he had lle<l. 'i'hcy
fired many shots into the attic, but he protected
himself behind a brick cliimnry. Another episode
was when he was riding a mule and he jumped
from its back and ran into the woods and escaped
the rebels who were after him. At another lime at
UORTEAIT AND BIOC-RAPHICAL ALBUM.
199
Knosville he had his horse sliot from under him |
and ran for two miles under fire but was not
touched.
After the war Mr. Jaync farmed in DeWitt
Township for several 3'ears and carried on dealings
in real-estate, after which he came to the village
and ran a general merchandise store for three years,
and then bought out his father's drug store. Ilis
patent horse medicine called the Universal Heave
Remedy is a remarkable remedial agency which is
good for man and beast. It is a comiiound from
sixteen ingredients and he has sold and is now
selling great quantities of it.
The marriage of our subject on Christmas Daj',
1861, united him with Elizabeth M. Parks, who
was born in LooniTownship, .Tackson County, Mich.,
May 4. 1830. Their two children, Lottie K. and
Gertie B. are botli at home. He is a Democrat in
his political views anil for four years tilled the
ollice of Dei)uty .Sjioiiff un<ler Mr. Collins. He is
a member of the Masonic order having joined it
at Eii/.ibcthtown, Ky., dining the war. and also
belongs to the Chapter and Conuuander^- at Lansing.
He was one of tiie organizers of the Lodge here
and helped to build the iiall wliicli belongs to the
order. He owns his frame store and owes no man
a dollar. He has eight}' acres of land in Dakota,
and eighty-four acres in Cheboygan County, Mich.
'iRCHIBALD C. COOPEK. The original
(@SI of this sketch w.as born March 12, 1809, in
l4i Wa.shington County-, N. Y. His parents
were George and Susan(Hamilton) Cooper.
The former was from Ireland and the latter of
Scotch birth and parent.age. Both were brought to
America when children. Jane Serepta Castle, the
wife of our subject, was born near Rochester. Mon-
roe County, N. Y., May 24, 1820, and was married
to Archibald Cooper, May 12, 1842, in Benning-
ton Township. JNIr. Cooper came to Shiawassee
County in 1840, having come from Waterford,
Oakland County. He had lived in Michigan one
year before. He w:is a carpenter by trade and
worked at that in connection with his farm. He
owned new land on section 1, Bennington Town-
ship, having purchased two hundred and twenty-
nine acres of Mr. Hunt, of Pontiac. His family
have ever since lived on the farm. The death of
the original of this sketch occurred August 10,
1876.
Mr. Cooper and wife made welcome to their home
a large family. The eldest of these, Lemuel C,
who lives in Bennington; Duane, in Caledonia;
George Archibald who makes his home on the
homestead; .lennj', who married Edwin O. Place,
lives near Owosso; Delia, who is now Mrs. Pres-
ton Reynolds and who resides in Shiawassee Town-
ship; John who is still at the old homestead; Sabina
who married William Lewis and resides in Shia-
wassee Town9hii>; William, who is in Caledonia
Township, and Mar}' Susan, now Mrs. C. .S. Wat-
son, of Bancroft. The eldest of the family, Lem-
uel C. Cooper, who owns a farm on section 2.
Bennington Township, was born on the honiesttad
on section 1, August 3, 18-13. Ilis parents, Arclii
bald C. and Jane (Castle) Cooper, settled in Ben-
nington, coining there from Pontiac. His mother
is still living with her son John on the old home-
stead. His father had previously married at the
age of twenty-one a Miss Jane Conger who liied in
Oakland County, leaving two children. They are
Hamilton, who lives in Russell County, Kan., and
Harriet, who is the widow of R. Holman, of
Owosso. The second wife presented him with nine
children, the elflest of whom was married April
24, 1874, to Miss Sarah Beers, daughter of -Vbcl
and Catherine (Banks) Beers. She was born Feb-
ruary, 1818, in Connecticut. Mr. Cooper was a
teacher, having taught from 1863 to 1871. l\lr.
Cooper began to improve his present farm in 1867.
Tlie original purchase was eighty acres, luit he has
added to it from time to time until it now contains
one hundred and thirty-three acres. Lemuel C,
the present proprietor of the farm, is now engaged
in breeding Short-horn cattle. His flock of sheep
is also noted for being a very fine one. He also
has many hogs.
Mr. L. C. Cooper was Supervisor for a perit)d of
nine years. He has held nearly all the oflices in
the township during the past twenty-two years and
is an iniportant factor in the community. He with
200
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAFHICAL ALBUM.
his wife Iiave a family of tbrec children — Frank L.
who is sixteen yeavs of age, Katie M., fifteen and
Gracie B., seven. In polilics Sir. Cooper is a Re-
publican. Mrs. Cooper is a member of tlie Epis-
copal Church. His farm is a very beautiful place,
having upon it good buildings with all modern
improvements. He is an intelligent man, inherit-
ing tlie best qualities from a good old family.
fc^lLLlAM WELHUSEN. Among the Ger-
man-American citizens who are doing
good work in Clinton County is the above
named, who owns and operates a farm of 120 acres
in Bingham Townsliii). The property lias been his
home since his early childhood, when his parents
emigrated from the Fatherland and took up tlieir
residence here. He was reared to farm life, in
which his father spent his days, and is one of the
most intelligent and successful agriculturists in the
vicinity. He seems to possess all the qualities
necessary to secure prosperity in this line of work,
being industrious, thrifty and observing, noting
every change in the condition of the soil and in
climatic influences, and quick to take advantage of
e.ach.
John Welhusen, father of our subject, crossed
the Atlantic in 1862 and for four years made his
home in Lockport, N. Y., working out by the
month, lie then came to this State and became a
permanent resident of Clinton County. For nine
months after his arrival he worked for J. R. Hale,
then bought a tract of unimproved land on section
22, Bingham Township. He cut the first stick
of timber from tlie forest that covered tlie land,
and after iiuilding a log house continued the work
of improvement. At the time of his decease,
which occurred in 1878, when he was but forty-
eight years old, he was the possessor of 120 acres
and had his affairs on a sound Bnancial basis. He
was a member of the Luliicran Cliurch, >/ith which
his widow is connected. She bore the maiden
name of Sophie Luver, and she also was born in
the Fatherland. She has been devoted to her
home and the inteiests of her family, and by her
economy and prudence has done much toward ad-
vancing their worldly affairs. She has two children
William and Fredricka, the latter now the wife of
John Luther.
The subject of this biographical sketch was
born in the northern part of Prussia, January 30,
1860, aid was but two years old when his parents
came to America. When old enough to begin his
school life he entered the district school and con-
tinued his studies until he was fourteen 3'ears old
when he was laid up with a broken leg, caused by
the kick of a horse. For several weeks he was
confined to the house and when he recovered be
was put to work on the farm. Since his father's
death he has had charge of the estate, a part of
which lias come into his possession. He was mar-
ried November 19, 1884, to Bessie Sclineiderwind.
formerly' of Wisconsin. His wife is an excellent
housekeeper and an intelligent, kindly lady, who
has many friends. Mr. and Mrs. Welliusen have
two children — Elsie and Jessie, whose charming
ways brighten the home.
Although Mr. Welliusen had not a liberal school-
ing, he has made such use of the avenues of infor-
mation that are open to all progressive men that
he is well informed on general topics, and particu-
larly so on those in which he takes sjiecial interest
by reason of the bent of his mind or their connec-
tion with his work. In politics he is a sound Re-
publican. He has been chosen Drain Commissioner
of Bingham Township and is discharging the du-
ties which belong to that office in a manner in-
dicative of his desire for the improvement of the
county and the increased prosperity of tiie cora-
nmuitj'.
%i
INFIELD SAMUEL CARSON. The fine
^/#/ farm on section 11, Owosso Township,
^^p^ Shiawassee County, is owned and con-
ducted by Mr. Carson, who was born May 16,
1847, in Seneca County, Ohio. His parents were
Henry and Agnes Rachel (Hamilton) Carson. The
younger of their two sons, James Filson, died
February 11, 1886. Our subject's father was a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
201
native of Harrison County, Ohio, where he was
born January 9, 1822. His i)arents were Col.
Samuel and Elizabeth ( Willoutjhby) Carson and
his fatiicr, great-grand father of our subject, was
John Carson, a Revolutionary soldier. Col. Samuel
Caison eomraaiided a regiment of riflemen from
Ohio iu the War of 1812. About the j'ear 1S2C
he moved to Seneca County, Ohio, then a frontier
count}-, where he reared a family, of which our
subject's father was the third child. The children
are as follows: Robert, J. W., Hurrison H., Ann
who (lied in Wisconsin, Oeorge who lives in
SagMiaw County, Samuel, T. B., Hannah, Sarah
and Margaret. Of these five are still living.
The father of the gentleman whose name heads
this sketch was married to Agnes Rachel Hamilton
May 21, 1846, and in October, 1850 the family
came to Michigan. They were married in Hardin
Count}-, Ohio, where she h.ad been a seamstress.
He was then in charge of a gang of men on the
railwa}', supplying material and building trestles
for bridges and overseeing the woodwork. In
1850 lie purchased the land where his family now
lives, three miles northwest of Owosso, and devoted
much time to selling land. He showed great skill
iu tracing the titles and original ownership of
Government land, being a natural surveyor and
woodman. Land-buyers estimated highly his
knowledge of woodcraft and consulted him in re-
gard to the amount of timber that could l)o taken
off a tract of land.
The childhood home of our subject was the
headquarters for all new comers. Ills father was
hospitable in the extreme, an almost necessary
quality in those days when hotels were so few and
far between. The old gentleman was formerly a
Democrat but after the war he became a Repub-
lican. At the very outset of the war he enlisted as
Corporal In Company G, Third Michigan Cavalry,
and was frequently given detailed service. On
one occasion when the advance guard w.as about to
be cut off from the main body of troops he volu-
nteered to notify them to return, the command
having taken a detour. After a hard ride of si.\
hours he succeeded in bringing them in but at the
expense of killing his horse and injuring himself to
such an extent that he never fully recovered, hav-
ing suffered thereby partial paralysis of the hip.
That he had stamina is proven by the fact that al-
though he w.as suffering intensely, he did not leave
the command for hospital attention. A pension
was awarded him after his death. He served until
June 9, 1865, when he was honorably discharged
by general order. He participated in the battle at
Corinth and was one of the regiment of scouts
under Col. J. K. Misner under whom T. \'. Quack-
enbush w.is Captain.
After the war Mr. Carson took an active [)art in
political campaigns and was frequently called upon
to make stump speeches which were always effec-
tive because of his originality and gift of language.
He was a member of the Methodist Church of
which body he was an ordained Elder. At an earl}'
period after coming to the State he was licensed to
exhort and conducted services at the log meeting
houses that dotted the countryside. He was a
zealous worker in ever thing relating to the Church.
The honor was paid him of being made Chaplain
of the Grand Army Post, and he enjoyed the plea-
sure of attending the Post on February 23, 1887,
at meeting of the G. A. R. which was held in
Owosso at which time a tremendous storm burst
over the cit}' terrifying and bewildering the many
people who had convened to be present at the Post
meeting. On his way home the road being w.ashed
by the river which had overflowed, Mr. Carson's
horse went over the bank almost in front of his
own house. His wife being alarmed by his non-
a))i)earance, sent her son to seek for him, but his
body was not found until eight days after the storm
when the ice vvas broken by dynamite and a short
distance below the house the horse and bugg)'
were found,and the body about sevent}' rods farth-
er down under a block of Ice that had been over-
looked. His obsequies were conducted b}' (^\iack-
enbush Post of Owosso and be wf.s buried at Oak
Grove cemetery.
Our subject was married December K?, 1868 to
Miss Emily Owen, who was born in l^icking County,
Ohio. Her i)arents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Night-
sir) Owen were both from New Jersey. They
originally settled in Clinton County in 1856 and
18G3 came to Owosso Township where her jiareuts
died within two weeks of each other at quite an
202
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Carson have a very
interesting family. Their names are Inez L., who
is twenty-one years of age; Wilbur H., nineteen;
Lena Agnes fifteen; Libby Edna, thirteen. Inez
was graduated with honors at tlie Owosso High
Scliool where all the children are students. Mr.
Carson has had entire charge of the f.arm which he
own.'i for sixteen years. It consists of one hundred
twenty acres of good, arable land, the greater part
of it under a high state of cultivation.
Our subject has been prominently connected
with educational matters in his vicinity, having
been three j'ears elected to the Board of Education.
Although a Republican in politics, Mr. Carson is
strongl}' in sympath}' with the Prohibitionists. He
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
His great interest in educational matters and his
effects to secure better facilities for the district
schools in the county are evinced by the many
papers which he has written on the subject and
which are widely current in this State.
home
Mich.
f/:._^ ON. SAMUEL S. WALKEH, the organizer
*^ and Chairman of the Michigan Mortgage
Company, and one of the keenest men, in-
tellectually, in Clinton County, makes his
at Old Mission, Grand Traverse County,
He was born in Fredonia, Chautauqua
County, N. \'., .lune 11, 1841. His father, Hon.
Alva H. Walker, was born in Foster, R. I., Feb-
ruary 15, 1802. He was the son of -lohn Walker,
of Rhode Island, who was in the War of 1812.
His grandfather early removed to Western
New York and settled near Fredonia in 1805. The
father of our subject became identiScd as a mer-
chant with the business of that village and re-
mained one of its leading citizens until his re-
moval to Michigan in 1855. He was early identi-
lii'd with the educational interests of his home and
for many years was a Trustee and Treasurer of the
celebrated academy at Fredonia, which has re-
cently been absorbed by the State Normal School
there. He was deeply interested in public affairs,
and w.as elected to the Senate of New York in 1853,
receiving the almost unanimous vote of the District
and serving in the Senate for two sessions. His
first Michigan home was in Detroit, but in 1861
he removed his family to St. John's and entered
into business with the late Mr. Teachout. He
was a member of the Constitutional Convention
of Michigan, which met in Lansing in 1867, and
was President of the village of St. John's for a
number of years. He was a consistent member of
the Presbyterian Church while in New York and of
the Congregational Church at St. John's, contrib-
uting by his means, counsel, and influence to its
many good works. He died in St. John's, April
3, 1891.
The Walker famil}' descended from the North
of England, the earliest member of it known in
this countrjr, William Walker, being a sailor and
private during the Revolutionary War, sailing
with the celebrated John Paul Jones. The mother
of our subject was Minerva Snow, daughter of
Dr. Samuel Snow, of Booneville, Oneida Countj',
N. Y. Dr. .Snow w.as born in Connecticut and
there became a practicing physician. He after-
ward removed to Sackett's Harbor, and after liv-
ing at Booneville, spent his last days in Fredonia.
Minerva (Snow) Walker still survives at the age
of eighty-one years.
The subject of this sketch had his education
lirst in the district schools and then in the famous
Fredonia Academy'. After coming to Detroit in
1855, he continued his preparation for college.
In 1857 he entered the literar}- department of the
University of Michigan and after four 3ears took
his diploma in the spring of 1861 with the degree
of Bachelor of Science. He returned to St. John's
and engaged with his father in merchandising, but
in .January, 1865, opened a private bank which
was changed that same fall to the First National
Bank at St. John's. He continued as Cashier of
this institution and as a dealer in real estate for
about twelve years. In 1877 he sold his interest
in the bank and turned his attention more entirely
to real-estate loans and mortgages. In 1888 he
organized tlic Michigan Mortgage Company, in
which he is Chairman of the Board and Business
manager. He is a born financier and has a thous-
and and one schemes for the promotion of business
C/l f-y^yuy
^J^M..<:,A^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
205
in which he is remarkably successful. His fine resi-
dence is .in orn.iment to tlie city ami he is well-
liked by those who have dealings with hiin. He
has a beautiful summer home and productive farm
on Grand Traverse Hay, at Old Mission. He has
four hundred acres of fine lan<l and the place is
known as "Water's Edge." He also has a fine
farm here.
Mr. W.ilker is a stock-holder in the State Bank
and was one of its organizers. He is also Vice-
president of the .State Hank at Carson Cit^' aud a
Director in the Charlevoix Savings Bank. He
also helped to organize the St. Louis aud Ovid
Banks, and was eng.igeil in the spoke factor}'
while it was in existence. He is also interested in the
Durand Land Compan}' and w.as its first President.
He also has mining interests in Colorado. Por
twelve j-ears he was a member of the School Board
and he is wide-awake to the educational needs of
the cit}'. He was Trustee and President of tlie
village of St. John's as long as he was willing to
add these responsibilities to his heavy business
cares. In 1874, he w.is elected to repres(:nt this
county in the Michigan Legisl.ature, being the only
Republican elected in the county that year. He
served on various committees as Chairman and
member, and is considered a leader among Repub-
licans in that vicinity. He and his family are at-
tached to the Eijiscop.al Cluirch where they find
their religious home. From 1876 till 1882 he was
a member of the Hoard of Regents of the Univer-
sity of Michigan and is now Treasurer of the So-
ciety of the Alumni of that institution. Alto-
gether he is one of the most interesting cliaracters
of this thriving city, and one to whom every one
looks for help in any enterprise whi<'li is designed
for its prosperity.
Mr. Walker's marriage in 1864 to Miss Mary M.
Chapin, daughter of Volney Chapin, a well-known
manufacturer of Ann Arbor, united him with a
prominent family and added .still more to his in-
fluence in the community. His wife was born in
Ann Arbor aud educated there. For further de-
tails in regard to the hislor^- of this family the
reader will refer to the biography of Volney A.
Chapin, the ne|)hew of this lady.
Three children have blessed this home, all of
whom are being liberally educated. The two old-
est, Susie and Louie, have both attended the Uni-
versitj' at Ann Arbor, while Minnie w.os sent Fast
to take advantage of the (Inc educational advan-
tages which are afforded at Houghton Seminary,
Clinton, N. Y.
<^ LBFUT T. NICHOLS, Cashier of the
igg/ZJII First National Hank of Corunna, is one of
'/I II) the well-known financiers of Shiawassee
(^ County, and his portrait presented on the
opposite page shows the lineaments of a gentleman
very ]irominent in his section of country. He
was horn in Farmington Township, Oakland
County, August 30, IS.S'i. and comes of ohl East-
ern stock, whose blue blood is shown in the nat-
ural courtes}' and ease of manner of the descend-
ants. His paternal grandfather was Nathan
Nichols, a native of Berkshire County, M.ass., and
one of the early settlers in Ogden, N. Y. He
cleared a farm there, on which his son Truman,
father of our subject, was born and reared. In
1836 Grandfather Nichols came to this State and
the remnant of his days were spent in Oakland
County; he was a solilier in the War of 1812.
Truman Nichols w.as married in Monroe County,
N. Y., in September, 1831, and with his bride joined
the tide of emigration to the wilds of Michigan.
They traveled on a canal-boat to Buffalo, crossed
on the ''Henr^' Clay" to Detroit, and hireil a team
to lake them to Oakland Count}^
Mr. Nichols lioughl eighty acres of land pay-
ing the Government price of ^1.2,") per acre, and
had i?10 left, with whicU he bought a heifer. He
began chopping and clearing, putting up a log
shanty in which to shelter his family. He threshed
wheat for other settlers with a Hail, receiving for
his labor one-tenth of the grain. Tlie country
was full of Indians, and .it the time of the Black
Hawk outbreak the neighbors went to Detroit for
safety. Mr. Nichols remained on his farm, treat-
ing the savages kindl}', and was not molested by
them. He hewed out two farms from the wilder-
ness an<l finally had three hundrt<l ami twenty
206
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
acres of land well fitted for habitation. In tlie
early days he went to Detroit for sup|)lies, and
bought of Zach Chandler, aftenvard Michigan's
famous Senator. He was one of the originators
of tiic Baptist Cburcli in Farmington, which was
the third organized in the State. His wife, who
v/as a native of Brockport, N. Y., bore the maiden
name of Hannah M. Allen. She is still living in
F'arraington, which has been her home for aixty
years, and she is now seventy-eight years old.
She belongs to the same family from which Ethan
Allen, the famous Green Mountain boy, sprang.
The family of which our subject is the eldest
comprises four sons and one daughter. As he
was born on the old farm which was then |tartl.y
cleared, his earliest recollections are of a wild
region still tiie haunt of deer and wolves. When
old enough to attend school he had two miles to
go and hril nothing better than slab benches on
whicli to sit. As the country became belter set-
tled, the schools were improved, and before he
was twenty years old he had .acquired a very good
education. He then began teaching and a part of
his work was done in the district where he liim-
self had been a pupil. Ere long he attended the
Normal school in Ypsilanti about a twelvemonth,
but in two different terms, and he then returned
to tiie liomestead and bought ninety acres of tlie
old farm. He put u)) a building and engaged in
the sale of general merchandise in liie village of
Farmington, at the same time operating his farm,
and in the course of time he became the owner of
one hundred and forty acres. During the war he
was enrolling ollicer and otherwise worked for the
Union cause.
In 18G5, when the First National liank of Cor-
unna was organized, Mr. Nichols beanie a stock-
holder and Director and in 1S71 he was elected
Cashier. He then disposed of his interests in
Farmington and removed to Corunna, and has
been in constant discharge of the duties of his
bank oHice except during six months when he was
incapacitated by illness. No other Cashier in Shi-
wassee County has had so long a term of service
in that capacity. Mr. Nichols is interested in real
estate and in agricultural work in and near the
county seat. For twenty j-ears he has been Notary
Public, and for eighteen years has been a member
of the School Board and is now Treasurer. He
has been one of the Board of Aldermen, serving
more than fifteen years, and in 1889-90, was
Mayor of the city. For two jears he was Treas-
urer of the Shiwassee Count}- Mutual Fire Insur-
ance Compan}-. In every position to which he
has been called, whether of a financial nature or
municipal relation, he has been honest and faith-
ful and his reputation is firmly established.
In Farmington, Oakland Count}', in 1855, Mr.
Nichols was married to Miss Angeline E. Mills, a
native of that place, who has been as faithful to
the duties whicli lay before her as her husband
has been to his. They have two children, Ella
M. and Harr}- G., both at home. Mr. Nichols is
Pa.st Eminent Commander of the Knights Temp-
lar, belonging to Corunna Cnmmandery, No. 21.
He has been a fervid Republican since the party
was organized, and has frequently been a delegate
to county and State conventions. He attended
the National Convention in Chicago as an alter-
nate, when Gen. Garfield was nominated for the
Presidency. On account of his parents' faith he
has special interest in the Baptist church, and be-
cause his wife is an Episcopalian he regards that
denomination with considerable favor. He there-
fore attends and supports both churches and he
has contributed to the building fund of other
societies. He is a courteous, accommodating and
affable gentleman, and is greatly liked by those
who enjoy his ac(juaintance.
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^^T^
GEORGE 11. .HDD, merchant tailor at St.
John's, Clinton Countj', has been established
in business longer than any other man of
this class in the place, and is by all odds the most
[irominent. He keeps fine goods always on band,
carrying even more than his trade will warrant,
and employs on!}' first-class workmen, to whom he
pays city prices. He is himself a practical work-
man, and is, tlierefore quick to observe any slack-
ness on the part of his cmplo^'es, and it is his
ambition to keep up the reputation of his establish-
1>0RTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
207
ment, and ever3'thiiig turned out from the shop
must be first-class in material and workmansliip.
The reputation of Mr. .Tudd is that of having the
finest merchant tailoring establishment in Clinton
County, and it is doubtful if any similar place in
the central part of the State excels his.
The parents of our subject, Richard and Mary
A. (Gayton) Judd, were born in Devonshire, Eng-
land, and sailed from their native land the day
after their marriage. They came at once to tliis
State and made their home in Blint, where Mr.
Judd engaged in such honorable emplojnient as he
could. He soon bought a suburban lot and built
a residence in the midst of a seven-acre tract, and
he still lives in that locality. He is one of the
oldest settlers of Flint now living. Mrs. Judd
entered into rest in October, 1889. She was an
Episcopalian and a devout church member. The
children born to her were George II., Tliurza and
Eliso. The older daughter is now Mrs. King, of
Los Angeles, Cal., and the younger is the wife of
T. A. Willctt, of Flint.
The subject of tliis biographical sketch was born
in Flint, November 18, 1852, and saw that city
grow from a small village to a ph^ee of import-
ance. He was educated there and [lursucd his
studies until he was within a year of grml nation
from the High School. He then began to acquire
his trade, learning to sew with one man at Clio,
and then taking up the regular trade of tailoring
with C. J. Haas in Flint. He remained with that
gentleman some years, becoming a practical cutter
and fitter, and for a j-ear and a half he had charge
of the cutting work. He spent two years as clerk
in a general dry goods store in Flint, but then re-
sumed his trade. In 1877 he came to St. John 'sand
began in a moderate way. It was not long ere he
had a good run of custom, as soon as he became
known as a reliable workman, and his business has
increased, compelling him to hire more and more
assistance. He has accumulated properly, has some
valuable real estate here, and occupies a residence
that he built for his own use.
The home of Mr. Judd is presided over by a
lady who is a first-class housekeeper and an esti-
mable woman. She bore the maiden name of Adah
Bailey, was boru in Grand Rapids, and was married
to our subject in St. John's, December 1, 1879.
They have five children, who are named respect-
ivel3', Thurza M., AVilliam H., George E., Ethel
and Gayton. Mr. Judd was confirmed in the Epis-
copal Churcii at Flint, and the family attend and
support it. He casts his vote with the Demo-
cratic party, but takes no greater interest in |joli-
tics than is the duty of ever}' good citizen.
^/RANK I. GODDARD is the owner of a fine
farm, which attests to the success he has
met with in prosecuting the labors of life.
He combines with the cultivation of the soil con-
siderable work as a stock-raiser, and has an honor-
able place among those similarly employed in
Clinton County. His lK>me is on section 30,
{Jreenbush Township, and tiie estate he owns
there consists of ninety-five and one-half acres of
land. It is under thorough cultivation and is sup-
plied with numerous and commodious farm build-
ings, including a dwelling which is frequently in-
vaded by the friends of himself and wife, whose
social qualities and interest in those about them is
recognized by all.
Mr. (ioddaril is a Knickerbocker, having been
born in Erie County, N. Y., .luly 4,1847. His
parents were Riverus and Susan (I)illcr) Gt>ddard,
natives of Connecticut and I'ennsylvania, respect-
ively, and he has a brother and sister living,
namely: Uriah (Joddard, whose home is in Mont-
calm County, and Harriet, wife of Judson Ban-
croft, of Greenbush Township. The father
emigrated to Clinton County in the fall of 18G5
and settled on a partially' cleared tract of land that
is now owned by our subject. He continued the
work that had been begun upon the place, im|)rov-
ing its condition from 3 car to year, and lived upon
it until his earthly life was ended, February 5,
1878. His wife survived him but a few weeks,
passing away April 1, of the same ^ear. She was
a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Goddard
voted with the Repulilican party and acled with
the public-spirited and industrious classes.
208
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Frank I. Goddartl has been engaged in farming
from liis youth up. He was educated in the com-
mon schools and in Ids mature j-ears lias gleaned
knowledge from various sources, prineii)al!y from
the public prints which are so accessible in these
later decades. He was married in 1872 'o Adeline
Allen, daughter of John and Rebecca Allen, now
deceased, who were early settlers in Clinton
County. Mr. floddard follows his father's exam-
ple in voting the Rei)ul)lican ticket and in taking
an interest in that which promises to be of general
bonefit. lie is carrying on his farm work in an
able manner and receives a satisfactory income as
a reward for his efforts.
/^EORGE II. BEDFORD. In scanning the
{/[ __, record of the lives and enterprises of citi-
^^[f zens of Shiawassee County it is pleasant to
note the exercise of ability in every walk of life.
Talent may be shown in many a calling which is
considered by superficial obseivcrs to be merely
mechanical. True artistic merit and talent may
be discerned in the work of Mr. Uedford, a sign
painter of Owosso. He is frequently called upon
10 paint designs which require ability and during
political campaigns, especially during the Presiden-
tial canvass, he has a great run of business in paint-
ino- banners and portraits of the candidates, as he
has skill in attaining a likeness and gives unusual
satisfaction in his work.
Our subject was born in North Newburg, Shia-
wassee County, February 9, 1850. He is the only
son of Joseph H. and Mildred (Ilubbert) Bedford,
both natives of England and early settlers of Shia-
wasse County. The father emigrated to the United
States when a single man and coming to this eount3'
took up Government land and then returned to
England for some eigiit years. During this time
he was married, after which he returned to the
United States and spent some time on his new farm
and then built a store, one of the first at Newbcrg,
and engaged in carrying on 'a general store, and
merchant tailor business, having le.irncd the tailor's
trade in the old country. When on a business trip
to New York to purchase goods he was taken sick
and died there in June, 1856, when our subject was
a mere lad. His wife is still living and is now in
her sixty-sixth year and makes her home with our
subject.
George H. Bedford is the eldest of the two chil-
dren of his parents, his only sister being Ada M.,
the wife of Jerome E. Turner. This son attended
school at Newberg. In settling up the father's
estate much of the property was lost, thus throw-
ing the boy u[)on his own resources at a tender
age. He worked for four 3'cars upon a farm and
then clerked in a store at Newberg and afterward
joined a surveying party.
Our subject now took up painting, learning to
paint carriages, and followed this for about eight-
een years, most of that time carrying on an inde-
pendent business at Owosso. He then turniMl his
attention to sign painting and finally made that his
specialty, and during the campaign of 1888 painted
many campaign banners and flags which were sent
out all over the State. Ho is trul}' artistic and ex-
tremely accurate, being able to dispense with the
measurements usuall}' made by sign-painters. His
shop is at No. 210 Exchange Street over the gas
company's office.
A neat and handsome residence on Ball Street
was erected by Mr. Bedford in 188.3. Here he re-
sides with his mother wlio has charge of his bacli-
elor home. He is a highly respected and industri-
ous citizen and bear a high reputation for integ-
rity. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and has
served one term .as Alderman in his ward. He is a
member of Owosso Lodge No. 81, F. & A. M.,and
also of Owosso Chapter No. 89, R. A. M.
^
E^
ARRIE r E. CASTLE. The lady whose name
heads this sketch is at present a resident of
Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, C'al.
She was born on the home farm in Oakland
County, this State, February 7, 1824. She en-
joyed the educational advantages common to the
children of that day and in 1875 she declared her
independence of conventionality by going to Call-
l^L4A.-:f
^u
/ti^O-^hyit^ --<<yL£'Lyl/-cV't.i
PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
211
fornifi anil pre-cmptinc: n claim of one hundred and
sixty acres, located twelve miles east of Santa Cruz.
Here she has made her home ever since.
Perfect climate and scenery, Miss C'asUe feels,
are in a measure a recompense for the host of
friends and relatives she left in licr native State.
From hir piazza siie lias a line view of the bay.
Miss Castle is warmly attached to a niece who
spends much time with her. Tliis lady, Miss Ida
D. Hcnfcy, is a professiopal cloiiitionist and a
fjraduatc of the California Tnlversity at Herklcy.
She is the only living daughter of Louis and Delia
(Castle) IJenfej'. The public readings which she
gives are characterized by a careful analysis of the
subject considered, and a most sympathetic ren-
dering of the dramatic clement. It is said by
those who have listened to Miss IJenfey's iMiU'rtain-
ments that she is a lady of rare vocal culture and
a thorough student. She is twenty-one years of
age and has a fine address, possessing great beauty
and talent.
SDlJ-^B^TlC^ai"
f
rOHN STEWART, of the linn of Dewey &
Stewart, proprietors of the Owosso Mills,
has been successful in the accumulation of
^^/> properly but is in manner unostentatious
and unassuming, his character and his friendly
kindness making him resi)ected and esteemed by
all who know him. He was born in Seneca County',
N. Y., in the village of Romulus, March 15, 182;").
His parents, David and Charlotte (Lyon) Stewart,
reared their family in Seneca County. T^vo of
their little ones died in infancy.
The Western fever ins|)ired the father of this
family to remove to Washtenaw County, Mich., in
the Territorial days. Me located in Ypsilanti, in
1825, and there for twenty-five years carried on
farming operations. Later in life he removed to
Owosso, where he lived with his sons and led a
retired life. He was born in 1798 and died in
Owosso, in 18C;5. His faithful companion, who
survived him some seven i'ears, was born in 1795
and |)assed away February 25, 187L (Jf their six
children only two are living, four having been
c:illed to pass over the dark i-iver. M. L. Stewart,
a banker in Owosso, is the only surviving brother
of our subject.
The schooldays of our subject, were passed in
Washtenaw County, Mich., until he moved to
Owosso with his ])arents. In 1850 he formed a
partnership with T. D. Dewey, a business union
which is still in existence and has proved both con-
genial and lucrative. These gentlemen erected
what is known as the Owosso Flouring Mill, which,
after operating for quite a time according to the
old burr system, they remotleled in 1884 and
changed to the roller system. Mr. Stewart still
retains his interest in the Owosso Mills, but owing
to poor licallli and asthmatic troulilc, he is seldom
found about the; mills hut busies himself in look-
ing after his farm and line hor.ses. He is |)art
owner of "Louis Nni)()leon" and was also part
owner of ".lerome Kddy," llie last named horse
having brought $25,000 the last time he changed
owners. Mr. Stewart still pays considerable atten-
tion to the breeding of thoroughbred trotters.
The gentleman whose sketch we here present was
married January IG, 185.'i, at Owosso, Mich., to
Mary X. Thomas, a native of Oakland County,
Mich., and a daughter of Avery and Hariiet
(Goodhue) Thomas, who were formerly of New
York and came to Michigan as p'oneers in 18.31.
Mrs. Stewart was born October 20, 1832, and is
the only surviving child of her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have two children living:
Alice L., the older daughter, takes great delight
in handling the reins and driving a good horse.
She is interested in breeding and caring for fine an-
imals and is at home among the horses and colts;
Carrie .1., who is also under the parental roof, is
accomplished in the musical line.
Mr. Stewart is the owner of three good farms,
one comprising live hundred and ninety- live acres,
another one hundred and sixty and the third half
that size. The last two are within tlie corporate
limits of the city of Owosso. This property is all
well improved and unusually valuable, and the res-
idence of Mr. Stewart, at the c<jrner of Oliver and
Water Streets, is both commodious and attractive.
Our subject has served as Constable and some
212
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
years ago was Alderman from the First Ward at
Owosso. Politically he has always been a stanch
Republican.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Stewart is pre-
sented |in connection with liis biograpiiical notice.
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-5-
^LI COOPER and his brother Lester arc
among the leading and prosperous business
firms of LainiTsbiirg, Mich., having been
connected witli its public intciests for sixteen
years. He is the proprietor of the fiii"st, liovcl in
the place, also carries on nicrclianiiising and is
engaged quite extensively in slock dealing. His
excellent business ability-, enterprise and progress-
ive siiirit have won liim success in life and as he is
so widely and favorably known throughout the
community we feel assured that a record of his
life work will be receiveil with interest by man}'
of our readers.
Mr. Cooper was born in Crawford County, P;i.,
October 26, 1843, and is a son of Tliomas and
Malinda (Courtwright) Cooper. His parents were
natives of New York and there resided until after
their marriage, when they removed to Crawford
County, Pa., making their home in that counly
until 1846, which year witnessed their arrival in
Michigan. The}' settled near Franklin, Oakland
County, where Mr. Cooper died some years later.
His widow afterward became the wife of A. Smith
of Little's Corners, Crawford County, Pa., where
slie lived until after the death of her second lius-
band whe» she returned to Michigan and has since
made her home in Laingsburg with her children.
She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and a most estimable lady. The family to
wiiich our subject belongs numbered eight chil-
dren as follows: Matilda, Polly A., Lavica, Aldon
G., Thomas, Eli, Maria and Lester.
Eli Cooper, whose name heads this sketcli was
reared to manhood upon a farm in the vicinity
of Franklin, Oakland C/'ounty, Mich., and near
Plymouth, Wayne County, Mich. His boyhood
days were spent mid play and work in the
usual manner of farmer lads and like thousands of
others he acquired his education in the schools of
the neighborhood. Having resided in Oakland
and Wa3'ne Counties until twenty-two years of age,
he then went to Clinton County, where he pur-
chased land near St. John's, and cleared and im-
proved a farm. Having devoted his energies to
agricultural pursuits until 1875, he then came to
Laingsburg and built the Cooper House, which is
a three storj- brick hotel. It is the best block in
town and the hotel is furnished with all modern
conveniences and is first class in every particular.
As before stated, Mr. Cooper also engages in tlie
mercantile business and is a stock-dealer. The lat-
ter branch of business he has carried on for about
sixteen years and nearly all of the stock shipped
from Laingsburg passes through his hands.
In political sentiment, Mr. Cooper is a Republi-
can and while he keeps himself well informed on
the issues of the day, is no politician in the sense
of office seeking for he desires rather to devote his
entire time and attention to his business interests,
and carrying out this wish he has met with .signal
success. He is still the owner of his excellent
farm of one hundred acres near St. John's, and
although he began life with no ca|)ital he has now
a handsome competence. He is not only enter-
prising but is sagacious and far-sighted as well and
possesses those characteristics which are always
essential to success, perseverance and thrift.
-^1=
^ IVILLIAM CALL, a well-known farmer and
\fj/i stock-raiser, residing on section 5, Fair-
\j^yi field Township, Shawassee County, was born
in Onondaga County, N. Y., Jnly 4, 1832. He is
a son of Sherman and .Susan (Randall) Call. The
father was a native of Ogdensburg, N. Y., where
lie was born April 1, 1813. The grandfather, Jesse
Call, was a native of Vermont, of Scotch descent,
and removed to New York when his son Sherman
was a boy. Sherman removed to W.iyne County,
Mich., when his son William was onl}- about fifleeii
years old. After remaining two years the father
returned to New York. William went on the Erie
Canal, where he followed lowing for some seven
POUTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AL15UM.
213
summers, and after llint, touk service as a sailor on
Lnltrs Krie and Cbiiuiplain for some two jeiirs.
During this time ho liiul inarle his vvny so tliat lie
was now in command of a boat.
William Call was happily married to Sarah A.
Ciirlis. .hnie 10, l«5.'i. 'I'liis couple had lieen ac-
quainted with each other Uvm their earliest child-
hood, having been horn within a mile of each other.
The lady is a daughter of Bradley B. and J.,ydia
(Ahha) Curtis. His wife aecomi)anied him on his
boat for about a year, but thinking it was lietter
to make his home upon tiie land, Mr. Call decided
to settle in iMiehigan, and in December, 185G,
removed to Gratiot County.
Soon after coming to Micdiigan this gi'utlcmau
gained by his frank cordiality anil honorable deal-
ings the good will of his fellow-citizens and he was
shortly selected Township Treasurer, which otiiee
he tilled for seven j-ears. He was .lustice of the
Peace for eight years and Highway Commissioner
for six years. He worked in the lumber woods in
the winter and speculated in tax lands, doing well
in both of these lines of business.
The largest farm of Mr. Call comprised eighty
acres on section 4. which he i)urchased twent^'-one
years ago. and the tract of twenty -seven acres, sur-
rounding his beautiful residence he purchased later
and presented to his w'ife, so that she might be pro
vidi'd for if anything should happen to him or his
fortunes. In addition to this lie owns twenty acres
in aTiother part of the township, besides a house
and lot in Ashley.
'I'he political views of our subject have led him
to ally himself with the Republican party until the
time of the last election, when he voted the I'rolii-
hilion tickrt. lie has 'ravck'd considerably and is
a man of broad informalion and considerable intel-
ligence, lioth he and his worthy wife havi; been
members of the I{a|)tist CIum( h for some twenty-
three 3ears. His live children are: Ada, born
April 4. 1«58, now Mrs. Charles Emmert, living in
Gratiot County' ; Charles H., born July 21, IStM.
living in Chai)in, this State; Edward, born .Maridi 1 H,
1808, also living at Chapin ; and Nettie, born April
4, 1872, who lives at home; the youngest child,
Mabel, born .Inly 20, 1879, is still a school-girl.
Our subject did uot have good opportunities foi
e<Iucat!on in his youth, but this made him more and
n)ore resolute in his design of giving his children
fi better chance than he had himself. His eldest
daughter taught school some nine terms before her
marriage and the daughter Nettie is prepared for
teaching, but prefers to be at home, as she is the
mainstay and comfort of her parents and her love-
liness of character and dutiful devotion lead them
to lean ui)on her in many ways. This famdy is,
perhaps, more than ordinary families united in
their lives and syinjjathies and are helpful to each
other.
<« I»1LLIAM JOPLING, V. 8. The citizensof
\^/l ^■'"•"^'^'^ "'l'*^ hi^vG emigrated to the States
^'^ and have there established themselves .as
permanent resi<Ients are almost invariably men of
clijiracter and ability, who are gladly welcome to
the privileges and opportunities which are ours.
Among those who have thus added their mite of
character and inlkience to the great .aggregate of
integrity and business ability in the State of
Michigan, we are pleased to mention William .lop-
ling, who was born in the Dominion of Canada, in
the province of Ontario, December 7, 1856.
Our subject is a son of Sarah (Wade) .Topling,
natives of Canada, and they gave to their son a
thorough and comprehensive education. He passed
his early school days in his native town, and after-
wards attended school at Peterboro and later en-
tered the Collegiate Institute, pursuing his stu<lies
there for two years and making good progress in
his classes. On leaving that institution he entered
the ( )iitario Agricultural College, and upon com-
pleting his couis(! there he commenced the stud}-
of velcrinar}' surgery in the Ontario \'eterinary
College, from wliicli he gra<luated in April, 1883.
After graduation h(' spent the session of 1 88.'i-84
in the college as Assist;int Demonstrator of Ana-
tomy, remaining there about live months.
Dr. Jopling was now pr(^pMre<l for independent
practice, and in April, 1K84, he came to Owosso,
Shiawassee County, and commenced his practice as
a veterinary surgeon, to which profession he has
devoted his whole time. He has a good horse barn
214
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
and all necessary appliances in liis business, and
lias built up a good local practice as well as a large
country trade in SLiawassee and adjoining coun-
ties.
In August, 1885, lie married Miss Jewel Pake,
a native of Canada, born in Bellville, Ontario. Slie
is a daughter of the late Atnos Pake, and tiieir
union lias resulted in the birtii of two daughters —
Hazel I. and Myrtle W. whose companionship and
affection make bright the lives of their parents.
Dr. iTopling is a member of llie Independent Order
of Foresters, and is the commander of the lodge
of the Maccabees with which he is ickntitied. Po-
litically he is a Democrat.
AMUEL W. GREEN. In the career of this
enterprising farmer may be found an illus-
tration of the worth of good princi|)les and
habits of industry. He had not the inher-
ited wealth that falls to some men, but instead had
his own way to make, with only the weapons be-
stowed upon him by beneficent nature and the ac-
quirements of boyhood. He struggled along dur-
ing youth and early manhood, and in 1854 came
to Dallas Township, Clinton County, and set up a
permanent home. He had then but little more tlian
the money necessary to secure a tiact of Govern-
ment land and jirovisions to last during the win-
ter. Determination, frugality, and persistent in-
dustry were brought to l)ear, and resulted in secur-
ing a good home and the comforts of modern life.
The family that Mr. Green represents was estab-
lished in America during Colonial times by his
grandfather, Russell Green, who emigrated from
England when nineteen years old. When the Rev-
olution took place he enlisted against the Mother
Country, and fought bravely on the side of free-
dom. After the war he settled in Massachusetts
and married Maiy Hazard, a native of that State
and the descendant of English colonists who came
to Plymouth in 1G20. They reared four sons and
three daughters and si)eut their lives on a farm.
One of their family was Willitti. the direct progen-
itor of our subject. That gentleman married Mary
Eldridge, daughter of Amos Eldridge, of the Bay
State and of honorable stock. After living in
Erie County, N. Y., for some years, Mr. Green
came to this State in 1840, and located in Oakland
County. Ten years later he came to Clinton
County and for thirty years was a resident of Dal-
las Township, dying there in 1880 at the age of
eighty years. His faithiul wife passed away two
years before, aged seventy -eight. The meirbers of
their family are Samuel, George, Willit, Alniira,
Polly, Betsey, Philena, Nancy, Emily, Eliza and
Matilda.
The subject of this biographical notice was born
in Erie County, N. Y., February 23, 1826, and at the
age of fourteen years began the battle of life by
working on a farm by the month. He pursued
that course and was a Qsherman on the Lakes un-
til 1853, when he took up his abode in Oakland
County, this Stale, for three years. At llie expi-
ration of that period he sitent two years in Flint
;ind then vvent on the Lakes for Ave yeais. He
next bought eighty acres of Government land,
where he now lives and kept bachelor's hall for six
months. He was quite a hunter and had O|)portu-
nilies to exercise his skill, as deer were numerous
and bears too frequently encountered for comfort.
He once had a hand-to-hand contest with one and
a narrow escape from serious consequences. While
on the way home from the harvest field, he found
a bear killing a hog and set upon her with a club,
regardless of the fact that her cubs were with her
and she would be even more ferocious than usually
is the case. He succeeded in driving her away,
although she turned on him and did battle with
her paws.
In Dallas Township, in 1855, Mr. Green was
married to Miss Julia Duttou, whose father, George
Dutton, was one of the earliest settlers in Clinton
County, to which he came from New York. To
Mr. and Mrs. Green there came four children, all
now iu California, except George, the third child.
He marriedjLena Harier, daughter of James Harter,
a resident of Gratiot County and a native of New
York. The young couple were joined in wedlock
March G, 1889, and have an infant son, James S.
The children of our subject who are iu the West,
are Elleu, Edmond and Mary. The lady who now
7iS«^.xs
^^
■I'
Qi
PORTRAIT AND HIOCRAI'IIICAL ALHUINI.
•2\:
presides over the home of Mr. Green was known
in her intiidenhood as Miss Catlierine Dorn. Her
fatlior is Aniasa Doin, a well known resident of
Dallas Township. Mr. and Mrs. fTreen belong lo
the United Brethren Church and are generally
respected for the earnestness of their lives and llie
use they make of their lioie. Mr. Green has al-
ways voted the Republicau ticket.
X
mBKRT G. MORRISON, M. I)., a surgeon
y and physician of the Kclectic and Botanic
iSi '^ school, but belter known, perluqis, as Col.
Morrison, makes his home in St. John's,
Clinton County. He was born in Wlieelock Hol-
low, Caledonia County, Vt., at the foot of the
Green Mountains, .Januaiy 6, 1«;38. His father,
Jonathan, and his grandfather, Gillain, were both
Vermontcrs and farmers. The latter was a dealer
in and a lover of horses, and was accustomed to
drive to Boston and back for a pleasant trip. He
served in the Revolutionary War. Tlic family was
of English and Scotch extraction.
The father was also a noted horse dealer and a
good judge of th.at fine animal. He was a liberal
man in helping his neigh bois and lost a fortune by
signing notes for a friend. In 1841 he removed
to Indiana wheie he cultivated a farm in Hunting-
ton County till his death. ])uring his residence
there he was active in overseeing the introduction
of water works in his city. The mother of our
subject bore the maiden nanie of Betsey Brown,
and was a resident of Caledonia County, Vt. Her
father was in the War of 1812, and, removing to
Indiana, died in IMuffton, Wells County, that State.
He was of Knglisli parentage. The wife of Jona-
than Morrison died in Midland City, Mich., and
was buried in the cemetery with her two sons and
one daughter. The parents were both earnest and
.active members of the Free Will Baptist Chipch,
anil had a family of eleven children.
The subject of this brief biography came to In-
diana when six years old. There he was reared
and attended the district school in Huntington
County, after which he took some sehooliug in the
Ft. Wayne High School. When sixteen years old
he began the study of medicine with Doctors Rich-
ard and Davenpfut, and when only nineteen, began
practicing, having (juile a country ride. When
twenty years old he established an independent
practice. After two gears' practice in the country
he removed to Peoria County, HI., and ;ifler
spending some lime there, returned to Indiana.
The young Doctor enlisted when oidy twenty-
three years old, September 10, ISCl. In one day
and a half he raised a company of one hundred
men, with whom he was mustered into the army as
Captain at Anderson, Ind. Their regiment was
lirsl placed in Gen. Sherman's command. The
gallant conduct of the young soldier speedily
raised liiui from one rank to another. He received
his commission as Major, September 2, 1HG2; as
liiiuteiiant-Colonel, December 17, 180;!; and .as
Colonel, March 21, 18G5. He was linally mustered
out of service at Brownsville, Texas, February 3,
isoo.
Tlie Colonel took part in the following engage-
ments: New Madrid, Riddles Point, Mo., Ft. Pil-
low, Grand Prairie, Ark., Yazoo Pass, Miss., Port
Gibson, Champion Hills, Siege of \'icksburg, .lack-
son, Caniro Crow Bayou, La., Grand Choctaw,
Grand Gulf, Miss., Palo Alto, Tex., and other
lesser lights and skirmishes. At the battle of Mag-
nolia Hill, Miss., he received a slight wound in his
left shin bone from a cannister shot, but it w.is
not severe enough to comj/el him to be off duty.
He had command of his regiment for two and one-
half years.
Before Col. Morrison enlisted as a private in the
army (iov. Morton sent him a commissioli as sur-
geon, which he refused. While in the army, not a
day p.assed but he visited the hospital and did all
in his power for the comfort and relief of the suf-
ferers under his command. The last live and one-
half months of his army life he was in command
of a separate brigade by special order of Major
General Steel; Brigadier General James Slack
having been relieved of the command liy reason of
being mustered out of the service, this brigaile was
composed of all the white troops in the Rio Grande
district at that time.
At the close of the war the young Colonel lo-
218
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
cated at Roanoke, Iiid.. eanyiiif; on liis professional
piaclicc in connection with the dry -goods business
for two and onc-lialf years, after wliicli lie spent a
sliort lime in Vl. Wayne. He tried Wisconsin as
a place of residence, seeking health which iiad
been considerably impaired by his army expe-
rience, but returned to Indiana. In 1877 he came
to Michigan and located in Allegan for some eight-
een years, after which he lived in Midland for
avvliile.
October 12, 1886, Col. Morrison made his home
in St. .lohn's, where he has built up a line practice,
being the only Kclcctic and Botanic physician in
the city. Here he has built a pleasant home. Ills
marriage in Allegan in 1.S81 united him with Miss
Lima K. Selleck, a native of New York. He is one
of the examining physicians for the branch otiicc
of the United Stales Pension Department, and is
Treasurer. He is ideulitied with the Masonic
order in the Llue Lodge and also belongs to the
County Me<lical Society. Politically, he is a
strong Republican, an<l, as might naturally be ex-
pected, is an inlluential member of IheGrisson Post,
(L A. R.
A lilhogiaphic portrait of Col. Morrison is i>re-
senlcd elsewhere in this volume.
^^
aHARLKS I-:. RIGLKV, is a potent factor in
the work of the Estey Manufacturing Com-
' l)any, of Owosso, and is considered one of
the best linanciers in the city. He has various
business inten.^ts here, but that in which he is ac-
tively engage<l is the one above mentioned, in which
he has the |)(>silion of Secretary and Trea.surer. He
docs nil the biiving and manages the finances, thor-
oughly un<lcrslanding the details of the business,
aiul displaying great shrewdness in securing need-
tul material, etc.
Mr. Rigley is a son of the Green Mountain Slate,
iK.rn in Norlhfield, September 27, 1818. His par-
ents were Kdward and Christina (Butler) Rigley,
both natives of lands acri)ss the sea. The father
was born in Lancashire, Kngland, and was a spin-
jier by trade. When he came to America he be-
came connected with woolen mills, and the most of
his active life was spent at his trade. The mother
was born in Kdinburg, Scotland, and was scvdi-
teen j'ears old when she accompanied her parcnis
to the United States. The son of whom we wiiic,
spent his early boyhood in Slockbridge, Beikshire
County, Mass., dividing his time between sUidy
and such light work as he was able to perform. In
1M07 he came to Detroit, and for some time spent llie
days in painting or doing any other work by which
he could earn an honest dollar. The evenings were
spent in sehcol, principally IJryant A- Stratlon's
Commercial College, wiierc he took a full business
course. At its completion he entered the employ
of the Estey & Tooley Company, wiiii which he
remained in Detroit until 1875. That year the
firm established themselves in Owosso, an<l Mr.
Rigley came hither as one of their trusted em-
ployes.
Soon after the removal the? Estey Manufacturing
Company was organized, and Mr. Rigley was made
Vice President and Secretary. In 1885 Julius
Estey succeeded him as Vice President., and he as-
sumed the ollice of Treasurer, still retaining the
duties of Secretaryship. His i)lace is one of great
responsibility, calling for the display of the strict-
est honesty, good clerical ability and tact of a high
order. That Mr. Rigley has not been found want-
ing is demonstrated by the feeling with which ho
is regarded by those who have been his associates
in thecom|)an3- or with whom he has business deal-
ings.
On November 14. 1873, he was married to Miss
Sarah Landon, of Iirockville, Canada. Siie was IIil
daughler of James Landon. She has borne her hus-
band three children whose respective names are:
Charles E., Lois E. and James (!. The interesting
family brightens the pleasant residence, which, with
its tastefully adorned grounds, is one of the at-
tractive features of the city. Mrs. Rigley died
January IG, 1883.
JNIr. Rigley is a stock-holder and Director of the
Owosso Savings Uank, and of the .Shiaw.issce .'sav-
ings Society. He is a member of the Ancient Or-
der of United Workmen, a Director of the Young
Men's Christian Association, and a Trustee in the
Baptist Chinch. The religious society named has
PORTRAIT AND BIOGIIAIMIICAI. ALBUM.
219
no more active member or liberal contributor than
lie. Ill every project which promises lo iiiil the
cili/.i IIS of the town nnd coiiiity to !i iiinlier life
iiiid menler iirosperily, Mr. Kij;ley is round lendinj;
a iiand. In politics lie is ;i Republican. Intelli-
gent, social and well-liied, he is a favorite in so-
ciety.
^^1
W,ILL1AM N. III'SON, who is nunibeied
ainonfif the industrious fainicrs of C'linlon
County, is located on section i, Dallas
'l'owiislii|i. 1 le h;is seveiily iicics of fertilt^ l.iiid,
with ^ood buildings upon it, and his perseverance
and earnestness are rewarded by the securiii^j of a
good inaiiilt'iiaiiee from his liehls and Mocks. Il(^
bej^aii his Labors tipun this liael when it was in its
primitive condition of forest wildriess, ami deer
were numerous in the locality, lie clearecl .•mil
liroke the farm, .and from year to year made such
inipiovements in the way of orchai'ds and buildiiif^s
as seemed to him littinj,', unlll he had a comfin'l-
:ible home.
.Siimmd I ' psoii, grandfather of our sulije<'t, was
born, re.'iied and married in Conma'ticul, but spent
his last )ears in Ohio, lo which State lie went din-
ing its early settlement. His wife also died in that
Stale, in Medina County. They reared a family of
live sons and one daughter. 'I'heir son Archibald,
father of our subject, went from his native State,
Connecticut, to New York, in his early life, and
made his home in Delaware County. He married
Nancy Newlaiid, daughter of William Newluml,
who was a native of Vermont ami an hotel keepc-
most of his life. 'J'he only child born of the union
was William N., who was about five ^'ears of age
when bis father died. His mother subsequently
married Reynolds Sweet, and with her second hus-
band came to this State, both dying in Calhoun
Counl3'. Their children are Newland W., Sophro-
nia A., James L., Klijali, Margaret and Joel.
The subject of this notice was born in Dclawai'e
County, N. Y., December 21, 1820, and remained
at home until be was of age. He then began work-
ing by the month on a farm, having been reared to
agricultural work. After bis marriage he ceased
working by the month, and entered upon a regular
farmer's life. In 1852 he came to Michigan, and
for three years his home was in IJattle Creek. He
then bought and took possessioii of lifty-live acres
of the property he now owns. In course ol lime
be added to the trad, and by degrees liKiughl it to
its present excellent condition.
In New York, December 22, ISlf), Mr. I pson was
married to Miss l>;iinor R. Williams, who shared
his fortunes, and was his cherished companion un-
til Apiil I, 187"), when she breathed her last. Her
father, Nathaniel Willi.ams, a native of the iMiipire
State, came lo C'linldii C'oiiiity when lifty-live years
old and died In re at I lie age of seventy-two. He
was a shoeinaUer by trade, .and followed the same
on the faiiii occu[)ied by Mr. llpson. To our sub-
ject anil his wife one eiiild w;is liiirii, Id;i I., now
Airs. I''reenian, and the mother of tliri'e children,
named respectively, Orplia, William and Myrtle.
Mr. I'pson has held all the township odices except
Constable, and be was retained as Township Ch-rk
a number of 3ears. He liasalw.ays voteij a Demo-
cratic ticket. He is a menilier of the Baptist Church
and his deceased wife was identilied wilh the same
religions body. A (jiiiet, unassuming man and a
good citizen, he is respected by his acipminlanees,
and numbered among those who arc worthy of re-
gard.
Vl/OHN M. SHAFT, dealer in hardware, paints
oils and groceries at Shaftbnrg, Shiawassee
(.'ounty, was born in Lenox 'I'ownship, Mad-
ison County, N. Y., .lune 18, 18;{7. .lolin
1'. Shaft, his father, was a native of New York
Stale and it was after him that the village of .Shaft-
burg was named. The grandfather I'eter Shaft was
also a native of New York and was of (Jernnin and
Holland descent. l'(!ter Shaft came to Michigan
about the year 1840, having been a soldier in the
War of 1812. He wiis a Whig in (lolitics and after
his coming W^est made his home with his son, .lohn
P. in which home he died after having completed
more than four-score and ten years.
The father of our subject owned an cighly-acro
farm in Madison County, N. Y., and was llicic
220
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
marriorl and came to tlic AVcst in 1839. He luade
his journey Ihrough Canada in piaiiie scliocners,
camping out in tlio wagon at niglil. He located in
t'lC townsiiip of Pen-y, Shiawassee County and
there bought two hundred and forty acres of hind
upon whicli there were no improvements. Tlie
nearest house to them was six miles awny. In the
summers the Indians were frequent callers as he was
situated upon their trail and he used to trade with
tlicni and buy venison of them, although he hunted
some and partially su|)plied his family with veni-
son and l)ear steaks.
This pioneer used to market grain in Detroit and
it took six days to make the trip as there were no
regular roads this side of Howell. He cleared up
a farm and at one time owned eighteen hundred
acres. He was a hard worker and a very persever-
ing man. He came to Michigan with a small oaiii-
tal of S700 or ^SOO and was quite successful in his
operations. He was first a Whig and then a Re-
publican in politics, and was earnest in his Chris-
tian belief, being an active member of the Methodist
Church. Ho passed away from earth November 16,
1890.
Christian (Olsaver) Shaft, the mother of our sub-
ject was born in Madison County, N. Y., in 180G.
Her eight children all grew to man's and woman's
estate, bearing the names of Orville, Elizabeth,
.lane, JMaitlia, John M., Anna, Eliza and Henry.
The mother who died in 18-15 was of German and
Holland (lescent and her parents were Martin and
Anna (Williams) Olsaver. The name was origin-
ally spelt Ulsheffer. Both of this worthy couple
lived to comi)lete their fourscore years.
I'lie subject of this sketch was a little fellow of
two and one-half years when he made his memor-
able jouiney by wagon to Canada and he renicin-
beri; still seeing the red coated soldiers of the
Canadian Army. He was educated in the log
schoolhou.se under the rate bill system, amid the
surroundings of a pioneer school and had more
neighbors who wore the blanket than those who
wore the garments of civilization. While still a
boy at home he used to haul wheat to Detroit and
hunted not only deer I)ul coons.
His father u;ive the young man eighty acres of
wild l.md upon which lie settled ami [)roeeeded to
improve it. He built a frame house, to which he
has since made additions and carried on farming
exclusiveli' until thirteen years ago. At th?t lime
he saw a good opening in the mercantile line in
Shaftburg and erecting the first store building in
that village, began business there in 1877, with a
stock of groceries. He opened a stock of hardware
in 1884 and was the first man to engage in nu'i-
chandise of any sort at that point. He erected the
fine double brick store in 1889 and there hecariies
on business with a general line of goods, including
hardware, oils, paints and groceries, in fact almost
everything to be found in a "country store" with
the exception of dry goods.
Elizabeth I'inkney became the wife of .lohn M.
Shaft in 1858. She was born in Livingston County,
Mich., and is the mother of eight children: Cash,
Lillian, James, Elizabeth, Ella, Peter, Ray and Roe.
Mr. Shaft's political alHliations are with the Dem-
ocratic [larty and he has held a number of township
otlices having been Township Treasurer six or eight
terms. He is identified with tlu^ Masonic order at
Laingsburg being a member of Lodge No. 230.
ylLLlAM R. SHAW is one of the enter-
prising and painstaking business men of
Ovid, Clinton County, engaged in dealing;
in all kinds of |)roduce and grain. He was for some
time manager of the elevator which was owned by
the H0II3' Milling Company, but in 1890 purchased
the entire interest and has been carrying on the
business for his own emolument. Mr. Shaw has
shown good business ability so far in life, and being
a young man who is well informed a.m\ quick to
apprehend the turns in the tide, his career is likely
to continue a prosperous one, and his business be-
come one of the important enterprises of this
county.
Mr. Shaw was b >rn in Livonia, Wayne County,
August II, 1S59, and (lassed his early life on a
farm, as his father was engaged in agricultural
pursuits. John Shaw, the |),-ireiil, was born in Not-
tingham, KiiLland, but has lived in America many
years and become thoroughly in sympathy with
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
221
American institutions and ideas. Tlie molhtr of
our subject is a native of this State and bore the
maiden name of Mary A. Madcn. The son looked
forward to talvinj" a collegiate course and pursued
his preparatory work in the Ann Arbor High
School, but on account of poor health was obliged
to change his plans. When nineteen yeais old he
began to teach and for a year gave his attention
to [irofessional work in Wayne County. Finding
that he was likely to enter upon n business life
rather than that of a student, lie then went to
Detroit and became cashier in the wholesale store
of Hammond, Standish & Co. For eight years he
was thus engaged, then came to Ovid and began
the management of the elevator, from which em-
ployment has grown his present occupation.
On February 13, 1884, Mr. Shaw was niarrinl to
Miss P^lla S. Partridge, an educated, refined lady,
daughter of George W. Partridge, of Detroit. The
children who have come to bless the union are
John C. born August 24, 1885; Carrie L., August
15, 1888; and Robert D., June 30, 1890. Mr. and
Mrs. Shaw are agreeable and friendly, and with their
general intelligence and good manners are becom-
ing popular in the society' which they frequent. Mr.
Shaw is a Rei)ublican, but has never held ollico.
Instead he pursues the even tenor of his way, at-
tending thoroughly to business matters and enjoy-
ing domestic and social life as befits one of his
quiet tastes.
-^N-B-
J^ OHN J. PATCHEL. The gentleman who
owns the line farm on section 10, in \'eriuin
Township, Shiawassee County, was born in
Essex County, N. J., in the town of Bloom-
field, June 1 7, 1839. His father was Samuel Patcliel,
a native of New York, born in Schoharie Count}-,
October 7, 1809. He spent the early jjart of his
life in his native place, from which he went to New
Jersey and then came to Michigan in 1848, at wliicli
time he located in Shiawassee Counly, X'enion
Township, on section 9. There were no improve-
ments whatever on the farm and tliei'' lirsl^ dwell-
ing was a little log house which he himself erected.
At the time of his death, which occurred March
18, 1891, his farm was one of the most highly im-
proved m the county. He was a firm adherent of
the Democratic i)arty.
Our subject's family on the paternal side of the
house were of Irish origin. His grandfather, Sam-
uel Patchel, came to America at the age of twelve
years and located in New York where he remained
until his death. Our subject's mother was also
from Ireland. Her mai<len name was Bridget Gar-
rity. She came to this country when only eighteen
years of age and is still living, having attained to
the ripe old age of three-score and twelve. The
gculleinan of whom we write is one of five chil-
dren, one having died in infancy. The children
are as follows: our subject, John J.; William; Peter;
Mary E., and Richard T.
The original of our sketch, John J. Patchel, was
brought to Michigan l»y his parents when but nine
years of age and experienced all the delights that
a boy can feel in primitive and pioneer settlement.
Only think of the fox hunts, deer, bear and wild
turkey that could be had for the killing! The woods
were full of the riclicsl and sweetest nuts and the
holiday in which these sports could be enjoyed to
the fullest extent was well worth several days' work
hoL'ing in the corn-field or chopping wood in the
forest. His first school life was passed in his na-
tive i)lace. lie finished his school days in Vernon.
Ho remained with his father, helping him with the
manifold work that is necessary on a farm until he
reacln'il his twenty-second year, when he started
out f()r himself, working on a farm in the summer
and teaching in tlie winter. This course he pur-
sued for four years.
December 13, 18G6, Mr. Patchel was married to
Mar}- E., daughter of Chandler B. and Phebe
(Sickles) Clialker, a sketch of whose family will I)e
found on another page of this Ai.ni si. Mrs.
Patchel was born in Shiawassee County, Vernon
Township, August 21, 1838, and was reare<] in her
native place. Three daughters and three sons are
now living of this family: Samuel C, who was
born October 9, 18()7, took to wife Adella Kcnyon
and resides on the same farm with our subject.
The second child is Ellen, who was liurn Januavj-
13, 1871, and died November (!, 1873; then came
222
PORTKAIT AMD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Edith M., born May 15, 1872, and died August 15
of the same year; tiieii Helen J., who was liorn
Alnrch 24, 1874; Mary E.. June i;3, 1875; John R.,
June 23, 1878; Emma B., August 2G, 1880, and
Ralph J., September 11, 1882. These children first
saw the light of day on the home farm where our
suhject now lives.
Mr. Patdicl after his marriage at on(ie settled on
the place where he now resides, first building a log
liouse, 16x25 feet in dimensions. Eight acres of
the farm were cleared when the farm was purchased.
He kept gradually cutting the timber and con-
stantly adding more to the original acreage in the
place. He now has one hundred and twenty acres,
ninet3'-five of which are under cultivation. He is
a general farmer, although he devotes much time to
breeding improved slock. He built his present
residence in 1889 at a cost of $2,500. II is a two-
story brick dwelling, built in tlie modern style and
containing eleven rooms with closets and other
conveniences and nicely finished in red oak. It is
indeed a pleasant home.
In politics Mr. Patchel is a Re|>ulilican. He has
been Supervisor of the township. School Inspector
and has held various other local odices. His posi-
tion as Supervisor extended over four years. He
is a member of the Congregational Church of Ver-
non, as are all his family dovvn to the smallest. He
is a Doacon in this body and also Trustee, and de-
votes himself ardently to cliurch work and also to
the Sunday-school.
->
ml
'if;UDGE CURTIS J. GALE. Few indeed are
the men who retain an official position for as
great a length of time as that in which Mr.
Gale has been Justice of the Peace. He was
first elected to this |)osillon in 185!) and has held it
continuously, and has lieen absent from his field of
l:il)of lull six nionlhs during the more than thirty
years of his incunil)eiicy. His name is ver3' famil-
iar in Shiawassee County, as he is one of the old set-
tlers, as well as one of the most busy lawyers. He
was admitted to the bar the year that he became
Justice of the Peace and for some time no ten men
did as much business as he. He has done other
official work besides that belonging to the office of
Justice, nearly all connected in some wise with
legal forms and practices. He is now retiring from
professional work and devoting his time to farm-
ing and breeding fine horses. The latter may be
said to be a hobby with Judge Gale, and he is tak-
ing great pains to prepare his land for the work in
which be is so interested, by arranging suitable
shelter and training tracks.
The Gales are an old Jiastern family and presum-
ably of English descent. The grandfather of our
subject was Joseph, a native of the Empire Slate
and a farmer in Westchester County, five miles from
Peekskill, among the foothills of the Catskill range.
The farm he lived upon is now operated as a sum-
mer resort by another member of the family-. It
is principally covered with slate, and those who
have lived there in former years have made their
support by raising poultry and garden truck, for
sale at West Point. Joseph Gale, father of our
subject, was reared as a farmer but left the home-
stead and located in New York City. For about
twenty years be was engaged in the cartage and
dairy business, and for about the same length of
time was a night-watchman, becoming captain of
the night watch of the metropolis. In the j-ears
1837 — 38 — 39, he came to this State and located
lands at different points in Jackson, Ingham and
Shiawassee Counties. In 1840 he made a fourth
trip and bought property in Ingham County upon
which he established his home. He settled in the
woods and made from the forest land a fruitful
estate, clearing and breaking and putting up good
buildings. He died there in 1872, at which time
his hohling of real estate was eleven hundred acres,
all improved. He was Supervisor several years
and was a well respected citizen.
The wife of Capt. Joseph Gale anti mother of
our subject w.as born in New York and bore the
name of Marj' Sutton. She was descended from a
Mohawk Dutch family. She died in Ingham County,
this Stale in 1848, leaving five children, three of
whom arc now living in that county. They are
Charles, John C and Mrs. Elizabeth Pierson.
The youngest member of the family is Mrs. Ann
Correll, whose home is in Eaton Count}- and the
PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAPHJCAL ALBUM.
223
third is the subject of this notice. This gentleman
was born in New Yorlv City, in April 1829, and '
attended school there until 1810. The family were
twelve days in making the journey 'o their Michi-
gan home, traveling on the Hudson River, Erie
Canal and Ijake, aid from Detroit to Ann Arbor
by rail. From that point to Ingham County they
went in a wagon and father and sons carried guns,
as their journey was through a wild country and
they did not know what animals they would en-
counter. Our subject was early put to work break-
ing lanil, there being some |iarts of the properly
not covered with tinilier. lie had coniinori-scliool
advantages and when about twenty years old at-
tended Spring Arbor College. He acquired an
excellent etlucalion, being privileged to continue
his studies several years.
Mr. dale went to .Tackson and learncrl the paint-
er's trade, then spent a ^'car vvilli his father and in
the winter of 1856 came to Coniiini. He took u|)
the business of lumbering in the north woods on
the Tilavassee River, but tired of the business with-
in a year and abandoned it to begin reading
law under S. 1'. Parson. He says this was tlie mis-
take of his life, for fortunes were then to be made
in the pineries. After he w.is a Imitted to the bar
he was in active practice until his health failed,
when he began to draw out on legal work and pay
more attention to other nutters. He was Circuit
Court Commissioner eight years, was Postmaster of
Corunna four years under the .administration of
Gen. Grant, and for some time Supervisor of the
First Ward. He also held the Ma^-or's olliee one
year, was City Clerk several years and while Super-
visor was Chairman of the County Hoard three
years. He has also been a member of the School
Board for a protracted period anil for several years
was Secretary of that body. The mention of these
positions gives but a fnint idea of the amount of
business transacted by Judge (ide during the ib;-
cades that Corunna has been his home.
Mr. Gale has twenty acres of land within the
corporation and a two hundred and forty-acre farm
in Hazelton Townshij). For twelve or thirteen
years he h.as been carrying on the small tr.act, em-
I'loying from twelve to fifteen hands during the
spring and summer. He made a specialty of rais-
ing onions and made a financial success of the pro-
ject. He built an onion cellar witli a granite wall
in which he could store three thousand bushels,
designing the structure for the purjjose. He was
for a long time the heaviest dealer in that vegetable
in the .Slate, but he finally gave np growing them
on account of the condition of tiie land. Mr. (lale
put up a line brick residence which is set off by a
handsome lawn, his home being known as "West
Side Lawn." In 1888 he built a driving track less
than half a mile in circuit, and in the fall of IHi)0
enlarged it, and now the West .Si(ie Driving P.-irk
iias the best half-mile track in the county.
The special purpose of Mr. Gale in making the
track was to have a place for the training of Gov.
Tod, which is considiM'ed the best colt in Michigan.
It is a three-year-old lia^- stallion, sixteen hands
high, and shows trotting action sehlom exhibited
in a colt of its years. It is by Louis Napoleon,
(lam Kit (Javin and grand-dam Scott's Hiatoga.
Its grandsire has strains of the MesscTiger, Hain-
bletonian and Abdallah blood and the record made
by other horses of the same stock is very low. Mr.
(Jalc has a couple of fine driving teams with a gait
of less than three minutes, and he has carried off
the blue ribbon from the State fairs for gentlemen's
driving horses. He has also some line fillies and
his stud is one of the largest and best in the count}'.
The stable in which his steeds are sheltered is one
of the best appointed in the State. Mr. (iale owns
city lots and has excellent improvements on his
large farm, which he superintends.
At Kalon Rapids, Eaton County, in 18f),5, Mr.
Gale was married to Miss .lulia Preston, a native
of Jackson County. She was an accomplished
musician and prior to her marriage was a music
teacher; she died in Pontiac leaving one child,
Frank, who is now book-keeper for the Corunna
Coal Company. A second marriage was made by
Mr. Gale, the ceremony being performed in Shia-
wassee Township and the bride being .Miss S.aman-
tha Parnienter. She is a daughter of Joseph Par-
menler, one of the first i)ioneers of the county.
This marriage has been blest by the birth of one
child — Joseph, who lives with his parents. Mrs.
CJale is a member of the Baptist Church. Judge
Gale is a Knight Templar and for years has been
224
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Captain General of the Commaudery i" Corunna.
He has been identified with the Repuljliean party
since its organization and is recognized as one of
its influential members in this part of the State.
^j^^ELSOM SCOTT, a representative farmer anil
I jjj stock-raiser of Greenbush Township, Clin-
jtit^ ton County, nialving liis home on section
15, is a native of Morrow County, Ohio, and was
born August 15, 1850. His parents William and
Olive Scott are botli natives of tiie lUickej-e State,
and the father emigrated to Clinton County, this
State in 1855, making a settlement on section 10,
Greenbush Township. Here in the dense woods
he made a home for his family, and became a pio-
neer and permanent settler, as he remained upon
tlie same tract of land until his death in 1872. He
was married a second time and was the fatiicr of
four children, three of whom are living: Chins-
worth, who resides in Elsie, Mich. : Nelson; and
Alice who lives in Toledo, Ohio.
Mr. Scott was ever deeply interested in local
matters, especially in regard to educational affairs
and has served as one of the School Directors. He
was always looked to as one of the men who would
earnestly promote all movements looking toward
the prosperity of the township, and the elevation
of its people. His political views led iiim to alflli-
ate himself with the Republican party. He was
a public-spirited man and in his death the com-
munity lost one of its best members and a pioneer
who had endured hardship as a good soldier.
Nelson Scott was reared to manhood in Clinton
County, and amid the trying yet stirring scenes of
pioneoi life, and has been a part himself of the
wonderful progress which this countr3' has seen
since it was a wilderness. He received his educa-
tion in tiie district schools of the township, which
weic not in his days as tliorough and systematic as
might be desired although they did a noble work
in their way, and reached as higli a degree of ex-
cellence as could be expected. He has in his life
long career as a farmer ever striven to improve
himself by reading the journals of the day and has
thus gained much which was denied him in his
early days. The marriage of our subject, Decem-
ber 2G, 1878, united him with Matilda C. McQuis-
tion, who is a native of Indiana. By their union
there was born one son. Henry O., who came to
them November 29, 1880.
Mr. Scott settled on his present farm in the
spring of 188G. He now owns sixty acres of ara-
ble land, well improved and fitted up with excel-
lent farm buildings. His political sympathies bring
him into connection with the Republican party,
and he is dpc|)l\- interested in the progress of that
organization. Both he and his amiable wife are
faithful and earnest members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and active members of society.
Mrs. Scott is actively identified with the Woman's
Foreign Missionary .Society connected with her
church, and is an intelligent lady of refinement
and sterling qualities, and the^- are both highly es-
teemed members of societj'.
i^^ AMUEL E. PEARL is perhaps as well-
known as any man in the town of Ovid,
Clinton County, as he has l)een engaged in
business here for some years and carries
a thiiving trade. His business is that of a
dealer in clothing and is run under the firm name
of Cowen & I'earl, and in the pleasant store a well
selected stock may always be seen, and at prices
that defy competition. At present Mr. Pearl is
giving his personal attention to completing the
work on hand at the works of the Schofield Buggy
Company, for which he was appointed receiver in
September, 1890. When that corporation failed
tiie court placed their affairs in the hands of Mr.
Pearl and he has opened the factory, and is trying
to complete all their contracts.
Clinton County is that in which Mr. Pearl was
born, and his early home was in Duplain Township,
where his eyes opened to the light October 14,
1859. His p.arcnls are Orsamus M. and Ann II.
(Faxon) Pearl, the former a merchant of rei)ute.
The educational privileges of our subject were such
as the common schools afford, supplemented by a
on
u(ji^<2^M>Z^j^^ "^n
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
227
three years' course at Hillsdale College. He de-
cided upon the liter.iry course as the hest for him
and most likely to be useful in his future life, and
applied himself diligently thereto. When Ihe ra(^e
was run he embarked in business and still operates,
as before mentioned.
Already, in the short period of ten years, Mr.
Pearl has risen to prominence among the business
men of Ovid, and become known as a man of strict
integrity, close applie.ition and financial penetra-
tion, and his reputation in social circles is tliat
which his mental culture and gentlemanly bearing
entitle him to. Politically he is a Republican and
a stanch supporter of the pnrt3', although not an
aspirant for public favors.
ON. DAVID M. ESTEY. The best me-
\ niorial that can be given this gentleman
is the plain account of the work he has
^ accomplished and mention of the exten-
sive enterprises in which he is interested. Less
than thirty years ago he stood at the bottom of
the linancial ladder — to-day no man in Owosso,
Shiawassee County, has a higher posilio-.i in busi-
ness circles or is at the head of larger interests.
He is President of the Estey Manufacturing Com-
pany and the Owosso Savings Bank, and half-
owner of the (^ucon Cart Company and the Estey-
Calkins Lumber Company. All arc located at
Owosso except the last named, tiie headquarters
of which is at Pinconning, Hay Count3'. The
lumber company owns twelve thousand acres of
timber land in Gladwin County and as the trees
are removed farms are o|)ened up and sold to set-
tlers. 'J'he company has platted a town on their
land.
The subject of this life history is descended from
Isaac Estey, who was one of the (Irst settlers of
Royalston, Mass., and was of .Scotch and Irish ex-
traction, tlie paternal line having sprung from
Scotland and the maternal from Ireland. Follow-
ing Isaac Estey in the direct line was Israel B.,
who was born in the Hay State and carried on
farming and lumbering in New Hampshire and
Massachusetts for many j'ears. Later he made his
home at West Dummerston, Vt., and his death
occurred in Owosso while on a visit to his son,
July 8, 1891, at the age of eighty years. He mar-
ried L. Permelia Boyington, a noble woman, who
who was born in Paxton, Mass., and wa.s the
daughter of Daniel Boyington, of that State,
whose ancestors emigrated from England. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Israel B. Estey were six
in number, and David IM. was the second born,
llis birth look place in Hinsdale, Cheshire County,
N. II., February 9, 1812, and he passed his early
years principally in Vermont. He received a
common-school education, and when a mere boy
went into the woods and chopped and cleared off
ten acres of heav3' timber land.
Young Estey began the manufacture of lumber
in a small way, cutting down the timber with his
own ax, hauling it to the mill with ox-teams, and
sawing the logs on one of the old-fashioned New
England Gate sawmills. The lumber was dried
and maile up into bedsteads of a simple pattern,
which were sold in New England. In 186;') Mr.
Estey transferred his business operations to this
State, locating at West Haven, si.x miles from
Owosso, where he had good water power. He
became known as one who furnished reliable fur-
niture, and the business incrcascil and compelled
him to remove to a place where he would have
better railroad communication with other points.
He therefore removeil to Owosso in 187.'>, and es-
tablished what has become a mammoth industry.
Mr. Estey formerly introduced his own wares,
spending much of his time on the road, but since
he has built up a large business he has employed
a good force and devotes himself to tlie general
oversight of affairs.
The small frame building in which Mr. Estey
began the manufacture of furniture in Owosso
stands opposite the immense works now used, .-ind
affords a striking contrast of the past with the pres-
ent. The building now used contains one hundred
and seventy thousand feet of flooring and the
power is furnished by a Corliss engine of two
hundred and fifty horse-power. The output is
about iji.'JOO.OOO yearly, consisting of twenty styles
of chamber suits, twelve of sideboards and eight
228
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of cliiffoniers. The goods have a world-wide repu-
tation, the marltet including every State and Ter-
ritory in the Union, and tiie company having also
quite an export trade, notably' to Japan, where
they have made large shipments. The Estey
Manufacturing Compan}' uses some special im-
provements, one of which is the Clapp patent
case, bj' which drawers are prevented from be-
coming boun<l by swelling or loose b}' shrinking,
so that they always move easil}' and are secure
against dust, moths or insects. The company em-
ploys a large force of competent workmen and
carries constantly in its yards 4,.'>00,000 to 6,000,-
000 feet of lumber, which is cut on its own land
and prejiared in its own mills. Goods can thus
be placed on the market at prices that defy com-
petition for equally good work, and so great is the
demand that they have been obliged to put u|) a
second large factory, of which Mr. D. M. Estey
was the projector.
This new ))uilding occupies one of tiie most
available sites in the citj', on wiiicii an immense
three-story and basement factor}' was completed
within less tlian six days. The building pio|ier
contains six hundred tliousand feet of lumber, four
tons of nails and bolts, and one carload of glass.
The power is supplied by tlie latest improved
Compound Corliss engine (manufactured by C. &
G. Cooper & Co., Mt. Vernon, Ohio) and the dry-
house has a capacity of two hundred and fifty
thousand feet. The furniture made is constructc<l
so as to retain the standard of merit for which the
Estey furniture has become noted, although placed
upon the market at low pri(!es. Tlie company
operating tliis second factory, which is known as
the D. M. Estey Furniture Company, includes the
members of the Estey Manufacturing Company,
l)ut is a distinct corporation with a capital of
$100,000. The city of Owosso gave a bonus of
^S.OOO toward its establishment in this place,
knowing that it would attract hither a good class
of working people and add to the circulation of
mone}' in otlier lines of trade.
The home of Mr. Estej' is in a residence sur
rounded by extensive grounds that arc beautified
by shade trees and blooming plants, the whole in
one of the best localities in the city. The estab-
lishment is presided over by a lady who was for-
merly known as Miss Mary J. Norcross, but who
became the wife of our subject August 10, 1862.
She was born in the (ireen Mountain State and is
the daughter of Orson Norcross, who was of Eng-
lish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Estey have two chil-
dren— Orson B. and Dora. The son, who is a skilled
carver, has charge of that department in the fur-
niture factory.
Mr. Estey has represented his ward in the City
Council and has served as Mayor of Owosso one
term. He took an active part in the establishment
of the water works and is now a member of the
Board of Water Commissioners. He was elected
Treasurer of the Board for a term of three years,
but at the expiration of a twelvemonth resigned.
Politicallj- he is a stanch Republican. Mr. Estey
also aided in organizing the Owosso Savings Bank,
and in other less conspicuous projects has ad-
vanced the interests of the community. Mrs.
Estey is a member of the Baptist Church and Mr.
Estey is one of the Trustees of that organization.
It is needless to say that he is one of the most
valued residents of Owosso and his soundness of
judgment and keen perception of business details
is recognized by all with whom he comes in con-
tact, and that as President of the corporations
mentioned his name and reputation have been sent
broadcast over the land.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Este}' accom-
panies this sketch.
^^E0R(;E ARCHIBALD COOPER. The
\\l (Sf, owner of the farm located on section 1,
^5^J! Bennington Township, Shiawassee County,
was born December 25, 1847, on the old homestead.
He was reared at home and during childhood at-
tended the district school. He worked on the
farm until his father's death, when, having pur-
chased eighty acres adjoining the homestead on
the west, he turned his attention to the cultivation
of that, his brother .Tohn assisting him, and they
worked together until 1885, when our subject un-
dertook the charge of the County Farm of which
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
22i)
he was overseer for three years. He worked on a
sal.ary, liaving from twcnt3'-five to thirty inmates.
Mr. Cooper h.as a fine farm comprising one liun-
drc(i and twenty acres, upon wiiicli is some well-
bred stock. He keeps an English draft horse that
was bred by McCann Bros. Our subject was mar-
ried June 18, 1880, to Miss Harriet K. Bemiss, who
was born in Bennington Township. She was the
daughter of Alva and Eunice Bemiss. She made
her home in the family of J. H. Hartwcll for twelve
years prior to her marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have two children: Lillian,
who was born February-, 9, 188,'j, and Walter A.,
July 9, 1890. The original of this sketch has fine
buildings U|)on his place and a great many of the
latest inventions in agricultural implements. He
has a large barn, 36x82 feet and eighteen feet in
height that cost him $1,000 Jo erect. Mr. Cooper
is a Republican in politics. He h.os a vivid recol-
lection of seven hard years spent in the lumber
woods. Mrs. Cooper's parents settled in Shiawassee
County, this State, at an early d.iy, the father com-
ing from New York. Mrs. Cooper was born Feb-
ruary 12, 1858, in Bennington Townshi(). Her
father died October 16, 1876, at the .age of fifty-
four years. Her mother died several years pre-
vious. One brother still lives in Pittsburg, Mich.
^1^ ETEK E. WALSWORTH. This genlle-
I Jp man is Cashier of St. John's National
I ^ Bank anti Treasurer of the Clinton County
\\ Savings Bank, and is a stockholder and di-
rector in each institution. He is a (^'anadian by
birth, but in the |)aternal line is descended from
Eastern families, and several of his ancestral con-
eections fought against the Mother Countiy dur-
ing the Revolution. In the maternal line he traces
his lineage !)ack to the Emerald Isle, whence his
mother came to America when quite small. Her
maiden name was Ellen Lewis and her father was
William Lewis, a farmer who establisherl himself
near Kingston, Canada, and died there. The
father of our subject is Edmund Walsvvorlli,
whose parents were natives of New York but who
was himself born in Ontario, Canada. He is a
mechanic and was engaged in contracting and
I building in ^'illa Nova and then at Park Hill, On-
tario. In 18G6, he removed to St. John's where he
worked at his trade for a time but is now living
retirecL
The parental family consists of three children
and Peter E. is the youngest. He was born at Villa
Nova, Can.ada, January 29, 1853, and was ten
years old when his parents removed from that
place to Park Hill. He pursued his studies in the
common schools, finishing his education after the
family came to St. John's. He inherited manual
dexterity and was handy with tools from his bo}--
hood. He learned the trade of a carpenter and
then began studying architecture and building,
working in Bay City with a large company and
becoming a practical and skillful architect. In
1878 he turned his attention toother work and be-
came book-kee|)er for what is now .St. John's Na-
tional Bank, but was the First National. lie
worked his way up, becoming in turn. Teller, As-
sistant Cashier and Cashier, and in the meantime
the charter expired and the new corporation suc-
ceeded with a capital of i? 100,000. In December,
1889, the Clinton County Savings Bank was organ-
ized in the same building with a cajiital of $35,000.
and Mr. AValsworth became its Treasurer — a posi-
tion similar to that of Cashier in other banks.
The Savings Bank is a solid concern and has al-
ready on deposit over $120,000, and continually
increasing.
At the bride's home in Muir, Ionia County, in
1878, Mr. Walsworlh was married to Mi.ss Victo-
ria El}'. The father of the bride is .h prominent
farmer of Ionia County and the name of Oliver
Ely is familiar to many people of this section of
the State. Mrs. Walsworth is a lady of more than
ordinary intelligence and tact, which she lias dis-
l)layed in the schoolroom, she having been a
teacher prior to her marriage. She is the mother
of one child, a son named Harry E
Since 1881 Mr. Walsworth has been Treasurer
of St. John's, and he was a member of the Build-
ing Committee when the present schoolhouse was
erected. He is connected with the Masonic order,
enrolled in the Blue Lodge here. He gives his
230
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
political support to the Republican party and is as
stanch a member as can be foiiiid. He belongs to
the First Congregational Cluiich and is one of the
Board of Trustees. His business ability is recog-
nized by all with whom he comes in contact and
he is considered one of the most trustworthy of fi-
nanciers.
J'^ NDREW SILVERNAIL. Tlie fertile soil
(@ZlJJ| of Clinton County is made the scource of
la good income by many thorough farmers,
whose homos are models of good taste and
comfort. A farm which attracts the attention of
the passers-by by the manner in vvhicli it lias bfien
improved and ihe general appearance of prosperity
whicli it bears, is that on section 27, (treenbush
Township, owned and occupied by Mr. Silvernail.
The distinguishing feature among tiie buildings
here is a flue briclv farmhouse, wiiich was put u|) a
few years since, forming a decided contrast with
the little log cal)in in which Mr. and Mrs. Silver-
nail made their lirst iiome in this township.
From his early boyhood our suljject has been
engaged in farming, the only exception being the
years which he gave to the service of his country,
when he and thousands of other were struggling
to maintain the Republic. During that trying
time his wife was left with the care of the farm
upon her shoulders and had also to look after two
small children. She chopped her own wood, and
many a time walked to St;. .John's by a circuitous
route, where the roads were poor and swamps had
in some places to be crossed, in order to procure
Indian meal from which to m.ake bre.a<l, or get a
small supply of other necessaries.
Mr. Silvernail was born in Chenango County,
N. Y.,Juiy 9, 1833, being a son of Abram and
Betsey (Sitts) Silvernail. His parents trace tiieir
ancestry back to Holland. Our subject was the
second son in the parental family and was about
entering his teens when a removal was made to Ing-
ham Count}', this State. The family w.as numbered
among the early settlers there, and Andrew grew to
manhood amid the surroundings of life in a par-
tially developed and sparsely settled country. He
attended school during the short sessions of the
time, and gained an insight into practical branches
and laid the foundation for his present fund of
knowledge. There were no unusual incidents con-
nected with his youth, and when he was married
he and his wife spent a short time in the county
that had been their home for some years previous-
ly. They then made Eaton County their place of
residence for a short time, but in 1801 settled on
their present farm.
August 8, 18C-2, Mr. Silvernail enlisted in Com-
pany D,'Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry. He w.as
soon detailed as a drummer and as such and Drum
Major he went through the war. He was with the
Army of the Potomac a part of the time, but to-
ward the close of the struggle was with the A'ete-
ran Reserve Corps. .He was honorably discharged
July 8, 18C5, and returning lo Clinton County re-
sumed his agricultural work. He had set uj) his
home on land covered with forest and had to pass
tlirougli the usual hours of toil in bringing it under
cultivation. Not only during his absence, but
wiule he was at home, his wife did much to aid in
bringing about the good result and they are now
enjoying the fruits of industrious and well-spent
years.
Mrs. Silvernail bore the maiden name of Mary
H. Sitts, and became the wife of our subject March
27, 185G. She is a native of Montgomery County,
N. Y., where she was born February 5, 1835. Her
])arents were James and Nancy Sitts, natives of the
Empire State, and the other members of their fam-
ily are: Edward A.; Alice, wife of Lewis Albers;
Emily, wife of Cornelius Weatherby, and Lydia C,
wife of Chauncy Stevens. Her Grandfather Sitts
was a Revolutionary soldier, and so too was the
paternal grandfather of Mr. Silvernail. The lat-
ter has a Colonial relic in the shape of a powder-
horn which was used by his ancestor during the
struggle for independence. Mr. and Mrs. Silver-
nail have two sons whose respective names ate
LaFa^'ette and Washington. LaFaj'ctte married
Dora M. Crooks, and they have two children:
Edith and Guy. Washington married Nola Keifer,
they have two children: Ral|)ii and Bertha.
Having always been a lover of reading, Mr.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
233
Silvernail is more than ordinarily well-informed
regarding topics beyond the particular line of life
whifli lie lias been following. In questions of poli-
ties, finance and religion he is read^- to give a good
reason for his stand, and he is an entertaining com-
panion. He votes the Republican ticket, and is of
course identified with tlie Grand Army of the Re-
public, his name being enrolled in a post at Eureka.
Mrs. Silvernail is a member of tiie Woman's Relief
Corps, and she is also active in the Ladies' Aid
Society by which good is done iu the neighbor-
hood. Husband and wife belong to the Christian
Church and take an active part in the work carried
on by that religious society. They have the respect
and goodwill of a large circle of acquaintances,
and man}' friends rejoice in their prosperit}'.
^1 ABEZ PERKINS, M. D.,one of the leading
physicians in this part of the Slate, would
also be one of the wealthiest if it were not
for his generous nature, and his inability to
urgently demand what is due him from patients
who seem reluctant or unable to pay. lie was born
in Defiance, Ohio, October 26, 1820. Ills father,
John Pi rkins, .1 native of Penns3'lvania, removed
to Lexington, Ky., when but two years old, with
his father, Richard, who was a nat've of England.
The inotlier, Abigail Jones, a native of Virginia,
was a daughter of David Jones. of Welsli extraction.
After twenty years residence in Kentucky the fam-
reraoved to Ross County, an<l after living there for
some time removed to Defiance County, where he
made his home during a brief period, then sold out
and settled on a jilace about two miles from De-
fiance, on a tributary of the Miami River. There
he built a Hour and saw mill and also operated a
farm. Subsequently he removed to llie vicinity
of Bryan, Williams County, where he owned and
managed a llouring-raill and sawmill, and where
he died.
He of whom we write spent his boyhood days in
and near Defiance, Oliio, until lie reached the .age
of fourteen years, when he went to Williams
County, Ohio, and there grew to manhood assist-
ing in a mill and on the farm. He entered the
Wcsleyan University of Ohio at the age of eigh-
teen,where he pursued his studies for tsvo years, and
then commenced the study of medicine with Dr.
John Paul. He took the first three courses of lec-
lines iu the medical department of the Western
Reserve College, at Cleveland.
The Doctor commenced his practice at Spring-
ville, Mich., and in 18,0'.) took a course of lectures
at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New
York City. After leaving college he made a
trip through the South, and u|)on his return in
18G0 i-esiimed his priiclice. In July, 1862, he was
appointed Surgeon of the Tenth Kentucky Regi-
ment, and soon after was i)ronioted to the oltice of
Medical Director of the Twentieth Army Corps,
which position he held until October of the follow,
ing year, when he was commissioned Surgeon of
\'olunteers. He remained in this position until
October, 1865, and during the time w.as a member
of Gen. Elliott's staff and had charge of Hospital
No. 19, at N.ashville, Tenn. He was retained in
the employ of the Government until October, 1865,
and made trips to different cities in its interest.
After being released from his army position the
Doctor returned to New York City and spent eight
months at the College of Physicians and Surgeons,
and then came to Owosso, Shiawassee County, and
engaged in a general practice to which he has since
(]i>v<itc'd his time and energies. He has built u[) a
ri'imtation not only as a medical practilluncr but
al.M) .IS a surgeon, and few in this part of the State
stand higher than lie. His partner, Dr. A. M.
Hiune is a good physician, and the two logi'ilur
make a strong linn, and have built up a large pi;\e-
tice. Dr. Perkins Is frecpu'iilly called to distant
p;iils of the Stale as cdiiiisi'l.
Dr. Perkins w\as united In marriage with Eva I.
Di.aiie May 24, 1870. This lady was born In
Or.'inge County, N. Y., and is a liaughter of Gil-
bcri, T. Doane. While living In Lewanee County,
Mirli., In 1858 Dr. Perkins was elected to the Leg-
islaUire. where he served one term greatly to the
satisfaction and prolil of his consUtuents, and to
the credit of the Republican party nhieh iihiced
him in this honorable posllion. lie Is a nu'inbcr
of the Owosso Lodge, No. 21, F. k A. M., ihe
234
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Owosso Chapter, No. 89, R. A. M., and Corunna
Commandery, K. T. The Doctor is a kind-hearletl
and benevolent man, and does much for the un-
fortunate and need^', being ever ready to respond
to the appeal of the distressed.
A portrait of Dr. Perkins is presented in connec-
tion with this biographical sketch.
^TNDREW I). SHERMAN is numbered
(^Oi among the early settlers of Shiawassee
]\\vk County of 1854, and has resided u|)on his
<^ present faim on section 1, in tin town of
Sciota for the long perioil of thirty years. In the
years which have come and gone he has watched
the upbuilding of the county and aided in its
development and progress, especially has he been
prominently identified with the agricultural in-
terests of the community. To the early settlers is
due all honor, for it was they who laid the founda-
tion for the county's prosperity and thus made it
what it is to-day.
Mr. Sherman, who well deserves representation
in this volume as one of the early settlers, was
born on his father's farm in Shawangunk Township,
Dutchess County, N. Y., March 1, 1836, and is a
son of Almeron and Jane A. (Donnelly) Sherman,
who were also natives of the Empire State. They
removed to Madison County, N. Y. when our sub-
ject wa.s a year old and there resided until Nov-
ember, 1852, when they emigrated westward to
Michigan, settling on the same section where our
subject now resides. Upon the farm which Mr.
Sherman developed they spent the remainder of
their lives. He bought the whole of section 1, the
purchase price being 12.50 per acre and the wild
land which was covered with a heavy growth of
timber he cleared and improved, making it an ex-
cellent farm. His first house was a log cabin,
30 X 37 feet. It is still standing, one of the few
landmarks of pioneer days yet remaning and is
owned by Andrew G. Barry. Almeron Sherman
was a very successful farmer. By trade he was a
tanner and currier but on his removal to Madison
County, N. Y., he turned his attention to agricult-
ural pursuits, which he followed during the re-
mainder of his life. Although when he started out
in business for himself he had no capital, he be-
came well-to-do. He was a valued citizen, res-
pected by all who knew him and was honored with
several local oflices of trust. In Madison County,
N. Y., he served for seventeen years as Justice of
the Peace and after coming West again held the
same oflice for about twelve years, a fact which in-
dicates his etticiency and fidelity to duty. In
politics he was a Democrat but afterwards became
a Republican and both he and his wife belonged to
the Methodist Church of which they were faithful
and consistent members. Their family numbered
eight chihiren — -Evelina, Mary, Andrew D., Jane,
Anna pj., John, Albert and Almeron.
Our subject w.is the third in order of birth and
tiie eldest son. He received a limited education in
the common schools of Madison CounL}-, N. Y.,
where the days of his boyhood and youth were
passed in the usual manner of farmer lads. He
accompanied his parents to Michigan and remained
at home until thirty years of age in order to care
for his i)arents. On attaining his majority he
took charge of the home farm, thus relieving his
father from all business care. On the 1st of March,
1860, he married Miss Harriet M. Cross, who was
born in this county. May 15, 1839, and is a repres-
entative of one of the first pioneer families. Her
parents, Gideon M. and Elizabeth (Hall) Cross,
were natives of New York, and iu 1833, followed
the course of human emigration which was steadily
drifting westward, until they arrived in Michigan.
They first settled in Livingston County, after-
wards removed to Vernon, and a year later took
up their residence in Sciota, Shiawassee County.
In the fall of 1836, they settled upon a fnrm in
Sciota Township where the mother died. The
father's death occurred in Ovid Township. Their
eldest son, Rev. Charles Cross, a Methodist min-
ister, was the first white child born in Sciota Town-
ship, his birth taking [dace in March, 1837.
Mr. Sherman secured a deed to one hundred and
twenty acres of land, his present farm, upon which
he has resided since 1861. The many improve-
ments found thereon are all the work of his hands
and many of those upon the old homestead also
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
235
stand as nionuments to his thrift and industry. As
he was the eldest son he worked upon the farm
while the younger children attended school. He
MOW has one hundred acres of his land under a
high state of cultivation and his farm is improved
with good buildings, including a large hiru and a
commodious two story frame residence, which was
ereeted in 1884. The stock which he raises is of
the best grades. He has led a busy and useful life,
characterized by fair dealing and is truly a self-
made man. In politics he is a Republican and
while he keeps himself well informed concerning
the issues of the day has never sought or desired
the honors of emoluments of public office. He and
his wife hold membership with the Methodist
Churcii.
This worthy couple have a family of four ciiild-
ren, of whom they maj' well be proud — Henrietta,
the eldest daughter, is now the wife of D. E.
Tobias who is in the railway tnail service and re-
sides in Grand Rapids, Mich. One child gr.aces
their union, Maxwell. Jennie, Gertrude and Mary;
the younger daughters are well educated young
ladies, having received the advantages of the best
sciiolastic training in the State and Jennie and
Gertie are now teachers of recognized ability.
Mrs. Tobias also engaged in teaching prior to her
marriage as also did Mrs. Sherman before her
marriage.
S3i?^.
HILANDER W. OSRORN. It is undoubt-
edly a great satisfaction to a man or
^ woman who has reached j-ears when liiey
can look back over a long life spent in
hardsiiips and a struggle to give one's family
every advantage possible as well as to do one's
dut\ by one's fellowinen, to have tiic efforts recog-
nized by loving children and kind friends wilh
the assurance that one h.as m:i<lu the most of Ufv
and that the worlil is better for their having liveil
in it.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch
and who lives on section 1, Fairfield Township,
Sliiawassee County, is a general farmer here and
was born In what was originally Portage County
but is now known as .Summit County, Ohio. He
is the sou of Klias and Jerusha (Adams) Osborn,
the father a native of Osbornville, Conn. Our
subject's grandfatiier, Isa.ac Osborn, removed to
Northampton Townshiii, Summit County, Ohio,
while his son was a boy. He built the first flour-
ing mill erected on Mud Brook in Northampton
Township. The walls were of niggerhead stone and
the work was done in the main by himself. He
was one of the first settlers tiiere iuid did a business
both as a millwright and miller an<l w.'is also en-
gaged in distilling.
Our subject is the eldest in a famil3' of four,
only one of whom beside himself is still living,
this being a half-lirolher who resides in Summit
County, Ohio, and vifhose name is Henry Monroe.
Pliihuiiler received a limited education, having less
tiiaii a year's schooling, but he early acquired a
love for reading and study and utilized the uufjer-
taiii light given out by the liickory (lie that blazed
on the broad heartlisloue to become :icqu:iinled
with the i)opular authors as well as such sciences
as physiology, geology, philoso|)liy, uiineralogy
and astronomy. He th us gained a fair education
by iiis own efforts.
Mr. Osborn grew to m;uilioo(l in Xoithaiiiplon.
His father having died while he was yet young he
was thrown on his own resources and obliged to
look to himself for his living. When sixteen years
of age he took n trip South, traveling through all
the Southern States to New Orleans. November
2, 1849, he was married to Merilla Antels, a daugh-
ter of John and Agnes (Sweronger) Antels. The
lidy was born in Akron, Ohio, but her father was
a native of Wayne County, same State.
The gentleman of whom we write came to Mich-
igan July 5, 1873, and purchased eight}- acres of ■
land. He has since given forty acres of this to his
sou. He is the father of three children : the eld-
est child and son is Oliver (). wlio is a physician
ami druggist and lives in Fenwick, Montcalm
County; he has two children. The second child is
Nancy who married Francis Emmert, whose sketch
appears on another i>agc in this ALnUM. The third
child is Jessie M. who lives at Hitlie Creek, tliis
State, and is unmarried.
Our subject votes the RepubliiMu tii-kct 'lud hiis
236
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
been a popular man in tbe county; lie is not an
otliee-seeker and has ever refused to be a nominee.
He lias served on tiie Board of Review. He, wilii
his wife, is a member of tbe United Brethren
Church, in which they tliey have been for over
forty years. Mr. Osborn's maternal grandfather,
Philander Adams, was a commissioned officer in
both the Revolutionary War and tlie War of 1812.
He was a business man of unusual ability and ac-
quired a verj' comfortable fortune. A native of
New York State, he settled in Kandolpli Townsliii),
Portage County, Ohio, where for many years he
was the proprietor of a large farm.
(A felLLIAM E. WARREN, an intelligent and
\rJ// prominent farmer and one of the leading
W^ stock raisers of Sciota Township, Shiawas-
see County, residing on section 4, has the honor of
being a native-born citizen of this county. His
birth occurred March 21, 1853, in Middlobury
Township, on a ffirm wiihiii a half mile of where
he now lives. His parents, David L. and Mary
(IngersoU) Warren, natives of New York, came to
Michigan in the pioneer days, settling tirsl in Oak-
land County and thence removing to Shiawassee
County. The}' took up their resi<lence on section
33, in the town of Middlebury, whore they re-
sided until 1888. They then removed to the vil-
lage of Ovid, which is still their home.
Farming has been the life work of David War-
ren, and in that pursuit he acquired a handsome
competence. He came to Michigan in its pioneer
days a poor man, but has now considerable means,
owning one hundred and ninety-five acres of land,
besides property in Ovid. Then, too, he has aided
his children to start in life. Mr. Warren has been
twice married, his first union being wiih Miss In-
gersoU, by whom he had four children — Maria,
William E., Adelia, and Edna (deceased). After
the death of his first wife he wedded Mrs. Jane
Graham, of Lenawee County, Mich. In religious
belief Mr. Warren is a .Metlujdist, and tiie mother
(if our subject was also a member of the same
(.■liurch. He supports the Republican party, and by
bis fellow-townsmen has been honored with a num-
ber of local offices.
Our subject was reared to manhood upon his
father's farm, and no event of special importance
marked his boyliood, which was passed in the usual
manner of firmer lads. During the winter season
he attendcii the district schools of the neighbor-
hood, and throughout the remainder of the year
aided his father. The occupation to which he was
reared he has made his life work. On the 27th of
December, 1877, he was united in marriage with
Miss Enmia B. House, of Williamston, Livingston
Connt}', Mich. She was born in Clinton County,
and is a daughter of Jacob and Emma (Gates)
House. The young couple began their domestic
life upon their present farm, and their home has
been brightene<l by the presence of two interesting
children, both of whom are living — Cliffie D.,
aged eight j-ears, and Cliarlie W., four years of
age.
Mr. Warren is the owner of one of the finest
farms in Sciota Townshi)). His landed possessions
aggregate one hundred and fort^-five acres, of
which one hundred and twenty acres have been
placed under the plow and are yielding to him a
ready return for the care and cultivation he be-
stows u|)on them. Not onl^' is he engaged in gen-
eral farming, but, as before stated, he is an exten-
sive stock-raiser, making a specialty of Holsteiu
cattle, lie has thirteen head of thoroughbreds on
his farm and also high grades of horses and sheep.
Large barns furnish ample shelter for his stock
from the storms of winter and are in themselves
models of convenience.
The home of the family, however, far surpasses
in excellence every other improvement upon the
place. On another page of this volume appears a
view of his commodious two storj- brick residence,
which was erected in 1877 and is neatly ami taste-
fully furnished. From the door extends a beauti-
ful and well-kept lawn, and shade trees add to the
loveliness of the scene. The passers-by at a glance
will learn the fact that iudustr}-, neatness and en-
terprise are charicteristics of the owner. In
politics Mr. Warren is a Prohibitionist, and both
he and his wife are faithful memliers of the Middle-
bury and Sciota Jlethodist Church of Middlebury.
X
o
o
X
CO
a;
<
f-
o
PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AMJUM.
23!)
This worthy couple have long resided in the com-
munity and are widely and favorably known, hav-
in«: a large circle of friends and acquaintances who
esteem them higl'ly for their slerlinjj; worth.
~->''r4f-^^ —
aHARLES HAGAN. One of the pioneer
, seitlers in this State who has helped to in-
' troduee measures tliat have given it position
among the States is he whose name heads our
sketch. He is a native of Ireland, having been
born in County Down in 1827. His parents were
Arthur and Martha ( Mullen) Hagan. The mother
died when Charles was nine months old and his
father when the bo}' was twelve years old. Left tiuis
early to battle with tlie world all his native wit
and shrewdness was developed by necessity. His
elder brother, .Tame?, now living in Bennington
Township, Shiawassee County, came from Ireland
to Canada in 1845. Our subject, who had come
with iiiin, picked up the trade of a mr.son and
managed to support himself by it in the town in
which he settled, which was that of Henehenburg,
Canada.
Charles Hagan located on the new farm with liis
brother James, going eight miles away from any
settlement. Hero he lived for twent3--flve years
and in November, 18G9, he sold out his farm and
came to Shiawassee County, where his brother had
l)efore settled. On first coming here he secured
eighty acres of land, afterward adding to it thirty-
five acres more. He at once began the erection of
a log house in the woods, which was a solid forest
for three or four miles. His energy is vouched for
in the fact that of this hundred and fifteen acres
of perfectly wild land he has now m.ade a finely-
improved farm, nine acres only being unimproved.
He devotes himself to general farming.
In Canada Mr. Hagan took contracts for cutting
pine logs, from two thousand to five thousand logs
being considered a season's work. He was a mason
by trade and worked at that as lime and circum-
stances allowed. His present home is an attractive
frame house, containing eight rooms and iiaving a
handsome interior finish of hard wood. Under the
house is a spacious cellar, large enough to gladden
the heart of any thrifty housekeeper. There is a
fine barn upon the place, and taking it all in all it
is one of the most comfortable, tastj* and attractive
places in the townsliip. The house was erected at
a cost of 81.51)0.
Mr. Hagan was married in June, 1848, to Miss
Hannah Leve';k, born in Camden, Canada. ( )ctober
13, I>S30. A large family has grown up under the
eyes of the |)arents. The eldest, John, lives at
Bennington; Mary is at home; James is in Ben-
nington; Justine; Elizabeth and Sarah (twins);
Thomas, residing in Owosso; Charlotte; Charles, a
cleik in Ovvosso; Joanna Loretta, Joseph, and
Teresa. Justice is Mrs. Jolin Donovan, of (J rand
Rapids. Elizabeth is Mrs. Al Barr, of Detroit;
Saraii married .lohn Stratch and resides in Wash-
ington; Charlotte who married Frank Stengel, re-
sides in Owosso; Joanna is a natural artist and
without training has executed some excellent work
in cuUir and design; she also has some musical tal-
ent and is a fine-looking and very attractive woman.
Teresa is Mis. Charles Hammel. Our subject has
always been a Democrat but recently has become a
member of the Patrons of Industry. The family
are members of the Catholic Church of Owosso.
,p^ AMUEL LAMFROM, a retired dealer in
clothing and the Alderman of the Second
Ward of Owosso, was born in the King-
dom of Wittenburg, Germany, in the vil-
l.age of Oberdorf, December 9, 1838. He is the
second son of Leonard and Sarah (Mendel) Lam-
from, the father being a butcher by trade. Three
of this family were daughters and five were sons,
and four of them are still living. The school days
of this son were passed in his native village and at
the age of eleven he entered the seminary at Es-
lingen and there studied for two years.
The mercantile experience of our subject was in-
itiated by clerking for eighteen months in a dry
goods store at F^slingen. He now deciiied that he
would emigrate to the New World and in August,
240
PORTRAIT AND DIOGRAPMICAL ALBUM.
1854, he sailed for America, landing in New York
City with ninety-four cents in his pocket. lie went
to Elmira, N. Y., and clerked in a store for a year
and then at Ou;denslnirg, and took charge of a
branch store for the same parties. He Ihen went
to Rome, N. Y., and soon after to Syracuse. At
Auburn he served Mr. Jacob Silverlnug and con-
tinued clerking for him until his employer moved
his stock of goods to (Irand Rapids, this State,
when he accompanied him and continued for four
3-ears in his service.
In 1861 the young man enlisted in Company K,
Tenth ]\Iicliigan Infantry, Col. Lum commanding
the regiment. This rcjiment was assigned to the
western department of the army and its first bat-
tle was at Pittsburg Landing. He particii)ated in
severe battles at Corinth, Murfreesboro, Atlanta
and Cape May, and joined the march to the sea.
He then returned to Hilton Head, thence to New
York City, and on to Detroit, Mich., where he re-
ceived his final discharge. He was a tifer all
through his term of service, which lasted three
years and two months.
fioing to .Tonesville, this State, the young vet-
eran clerked there in a store for eighteen montlis
and in 18G6 started in business of his own, and
leaving Hillsdale County, went to Burr Oak,
St. Joseph County. He purchased a good stock of
gentlemen's furnishing goods and clothing and con-
tinued in this line for fifteen months. In Septem-
ber, 1867, he decided that. Owosso wa< a better cen-
ter of trade and removing his stock thither set up
liis business house here, which he carried on until
his health failed in 1878, when he sold out his
stock and retired from active work. But an active
business man finds it hard to sit styi and see the
busy world go on, and having to some extent re-
covered his health, Mr. Lamfrom, in 1882, again
started in business with an entirely new stock in
the same line as before. In this he continued until
September, 1890, when he again sold out his busi-
ness and renting his store permanently retired
from active life.
The ladj' who presides so graciousl}' over the
home of our subject became his wife March 24,
1867. Her maiden name was Mary Mendelsohn
and her home before marriage was in Detroit,
Mich. Three sons have blessed this home, namely:
Moses H., who is a merchant in Balina, Ohio;
Henrj', who is at home; and Rudolph, who is clerk-
ing for his elder brother. The election of Mr.
Lamfrom to the position of Alderman of llie
Second Ward took place in the si>ring of 18!»l.
He is the Secretary of the Business Men's Associa-
tion and has occupied that position since llie
organization of the societ}' in 1887. He is a mem-
ber, demilted, of the Owosso Lodge. His [)oliti(:il
preferences h.-i.vc led him to ally himself with the
Republican party, in which he is an aotive worker.
His residence at No. 40.3 Oliver Street, is in a
pleasant neighborhood and with attractive sur-
roundings. The (^uackenbush Post, No. 205, G .A.
R., claims him as one of its most active raembeis
and he w-as its first (Quartermaster. His life in
Owosso has made him well known throughout the
county as a man of enterprise, strict integrity and
pleasant social qualities.
OiSo"
LONZO A. AUSTIN, who has long been a
resident of Ovid, was born in Wi'oming
/// ill County, Atica Townshij), N. Y., O';tober
vjj 13, 1820. He was a son of Augustus and
Phoebe (Conger) Austin, both of Connecticut, who
moved into New York in the j-ear 1814. His
father was b^- trade a car|)enter, but pursued agri-
culture through most of his life. His son's advan-
tages for education were very meager, as he at-
tended only the common district schools of the
country and was never allowed by circumstances
to attend the town sclioOi. His mother died when
he was a child of onl}' eleven and he remained with
his father until he reached the age of twenty-three
years.
The young man then began life by farming in
the county where he was born. His marriage took
place October 10, 1844. The lady who then No-
came his wife was known in her maidenhood by the
name of Elisabeth Root. She w.as a native of Ni-
agara County, N. Y. Her tinec children have nil
lived to establish homes of their own, in which
they are an honor to their parents and a l)cnelil to
PORTRAIT AND BIOCaiAPUIt'AL ALIiUiM.
241
the community. The eldest. R. Delia, was born
July 14, 1845. She is now Mrs. (icorge Shuman
anil lives in Laingsburg, Shi.iwassec Couiily; .James
A., born December 29, 1850, married Francelia
Cornell and now lives in Miildlebury Township,
the same county; Emma, who was born June 29,
1858, is the wife of O. V. Gambee and resides in
Ovid. Tiie mother of these children was called
from earth October 29, 1859.
Mr. Austin continued to farm in New York un-
til February. 1875. when he came West and made
his first settlement at Laingsburg, l)ut the follow-
ing spring came to Ovid Township, this -county,
and l)ought a farm of eighty acres, where he has
continued to live most of the time since, although
he spends a gof)d deal of time in the village with
his daughter, Mrs. Gambee, making his home witii
her most oi the time since 1887. He has his place
operated b}- hired help and visits it frequently to
superintend tlie work. When he took this farm it
was in a very ])oor con<lition and he has improved its
qualJLy and placed upon it many improvements.
Our subject lias always taken a deep interest in
educational matters and did more toward building
the sclioolhouse near his farm than any other man.
He was formerly connected with the Methodist-
Episcopal Church, but of late years has joined the
United Brethren and has taken an active part in
the church work. He has tilled the ofiices of Mag-
istrate and Highway Commissioner in Ovid and is
a Prohibitionist in his political views. He says
that he can mark great changes and improvements
in this section since he came here in 1 875.
-J^^
^?=!5 OTTLOB RUESS, the owner of a farm
on section 18, Bennington Township, was
G
^^^li born in Wittenburg, Germany, .Tune 0,1842.
His parents were .lohn and Barbara (Alber) Ruess.
He is the ehlest of a family of ten children si.x of
whom aie now living. In 1852 our subject with
other members of his family, braved the dangers of
the ocean and came to America settling near Cleve-
land. His father and mother accompanied him
hither, also his grandfather Michael and his grand-
mother Catherine Rucsscamc overat tlusaine lime.
They have both since dieil in the town of Indepen-
dence, Ohio, at the age of seventy years. Our sub-
ject operated a stone quarrry at Independence,
Ohio, for some time, remaining there from 1852 to
1856.
Attracted b^' the advantages that the West of-
fered to strength and industry, Mr. Ruess came
hither and located in Bennington Township in Au-
gust, 18(17, where he and his father engaged in
farming. Tlie father was thrown out of a wagon
by a stampede of horses and was injured so that he
did not long survivc,dying at the age of fifty three.
His widow still lives willi her son,(iottlob and has
attained to the age of seventy-two years.
In 1862 our subject enlisted in the war, joining
('on)|)any A, One Hundred Twenty-fourth Ohio
Infantry. He served until the close of tlie war un-
der llie command of Thomas. He was in all the
great battles except that of Kenesaw Mountain,
when he was in the hosiiital. His regiment was
suriounded at Chickaraauga whore our subject was
wounded by a musket ball striking his elbow. He
was discharged at Nashville under general order,
in July, 18i)5. .Since his enlistment he had not
asked for a furlough and consequently on his dis-
charge was eager to see his family at home. He
bought his present faim in 1867, about forty-five
acres of the place ivere then iinpioved, but there
was only a |)0(jr lug iiouse upon the place in which
he lived one year.
With German thrift .Mr. Ruess immediately Degan
improvements upon his newly acquired place and
during the time which he has owned it he has
expended i!3,000 upon his buildings. His farm
boasts of some fine stock. He has three head of
Short-horn cattle, one male of which is registered.
He also has eighty acres one mile south of the pl.ace
on which he at present resides.*
April 1.'5, 1867, the original of our sketch was
married at Cleveland, Ohio, to Miss Christine Herr,
who was born in Pennsylvania, December 25, 1844.
ftlr. and Mrs. Ruess have been blest with a large
famil}', four of whom died in infancy. All the liv-
ing children are at home. The eldest is John, fol-
lowed by Elizabeth, Josephine, Ella, Lilly, Anna
and Frank. Ella, who has learned the trade of
242
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
dressmaking, is quite a fine musician, having spent
some time in study of this beautiful art in which
her natural niililude is so great as to promise
well for her being a brilliant performer. Mr.
Ruess' family belongs to the Evangelical Associa-
tion. He casts his vote for the Republican ticket
and is an ardent advocate of that party. Mr. Ruess
has a fine farm and by hard work and constant
application to his business has amassed a compe-
tency. His farm is furnislied with all modern im-
plements. He has the Woleott patent wind engine
which supplies water to his two barns and owns a
fine feed cutter, corn sheller and feed mill where
he grinds all his own feed for stock. Our subject
has one brother, Jacob, who lives in Bennington
Township on section 20, also one sister, Paulina,
who is the wife of John Segrist and resides on sec
tion 20, of the same township.
JOHN CHRISTOPHKR SCHROEDER, who
resides on section 19, Owosso Township,
Shiawassee County, was born in Saxo
Coburg, Germany, December 17, 1820.
His worthy and intelligent parents were Zach-
ariah and Elizabeth (Pressy) .Schroeder, of whose
children our subject is the only survivor.
A twin sister of John died in infancy and
the father was also called from life when this
son was but twenty-two weeks old. His mother
livi'd to train and educate this son until he reached
his sixteenth year and in this task she had the
kindly help of his stepfather, Adam Luetz, with
whom the boy remained at home after his mother's
death until he reached his majority.
The young man |)ursucd tiie life of a laborer for
three years, and when lie was twenty-four years
old look to himself a wife, celebrating his marriage
with Fredericka Petckee in May, 1841. In the
mon'.li of June the young wedded couple started
for Iheir future home in the New World, passing
four weeks in Bremen harbor awaiting the day of
soiling, and six weeks upon the ocean. After a
rough voyage during which the vessel at one time
was grounded upon a reef our emigrants landed in
New York City, and made their way to the
Western country reaching Detroit August 3.
Mr. Schroedtr purchased forty acres of land on
the jMt. Clemens Road eleven miles north of
Detroit, and made his home there for six years.
Here he was bereaved of his wife by consumption
as she died October 12, 1850, leaving four chil-
dren, the youngest being six weeks old. These
little ones have grown to maturity with the excep-
tion of Matilda who died the j'ear after her mother
passed away. George is now in California, whither
Carrie has also gone. Emma became the wife of
Edward Reed and died six years ago in Owosso
Township, Shiawassee County.
After the bereavement of Mr. Schroeder he rented
out his farm and worked out at flftj' cents a day in
haying and harvesting seasons, sometimes receiving
instead of money one bushel of wheat a day as
wages. He struggled nobly to care for his chil-
dren and keep them together and for five years
worked in that vicinity and in Detroit. Upon
June 18, 185G, he made a second matrimonial al-
liance taking to wife Mrs. Margaret Finster, the
widow of George Finster who died of cholera
Her maiden name was Holstein.
The subject of this sketch made his home in
Detroit, after his second marriage, until May, 1861,
when he removed to Pontiac, having sold his lirst
farm and bought a tract two miles east of Pontiac.
He lived there for six years and in 18G7 came to
this county, buying one hundred twenty acrcj
which were mostly unbroken. He now has one
hundred and five acres upon which he has placed
im[)rovements, which cost him over ^;3,000 and
where he has been breeding Durham cattle.
The death of Mrs. Schroeder, which occurred
September 4, 1890, when she had reached the ago
of sixty-two years was terribly sudden and unex-
pected. She had gone to Detroit during the
exijosition, ananging her programme so as to visit
a sister and other friends and return home on the
following Friday. She was stricken with sickness
on the exposition grounds on Wednesday, and al-
though every attention was given her she survived
but a day, and on Friday came home in her collin.
Much blame is attached to the telephone companies
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
243
for negligence in regard to sending corarauiiica-
tions. Mr. Scliroeder was anxiously wailing fur
news after repealcflly spmiing messages, wlii(.'li the
company failed to transmit. He became almost
frantic with distress before being able to receive
definite news, and llien only learned tliat his
partner in life's trials and joys had departed.
She was laid in the Dewey cemetery after
services held at her sisters's home in Detroit.
The Rev. Dr. Canova of the Episcopal Church,
of which she was a member, conducted mem-
orial services on the following Sunday. Slic
left three children to mourn her loss, Charles, wlio
married Miss Delia Vourrggone and lives in Owosso
Township, Shiawassee County; William who lives
in Witchita County, Kan., where he took up a
homestead some six years ago and Ileiiry aged
twenty-six who lives at home and manages the
farm for his father.
Mr. Schrocder is an earnest and devout member
of the Lutheran Evangelical Church. His politi-
cal views attach liim to the Republican party, in the
movements of w-hich he takes a great interest,
but in local elections votes for the best man. He
cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. The
home of tliis gentleman is a delightt'ul one and lacks
only the presence of the lamented wife and mother.
Mr. .Schroeder has been a hard worki:)g man having
passed through many didlculties and trying
periods in the early days. His earnest struggles to
keel) '"'s little family from want after the death of
his first wife were indeed heroic. His family is one
of the most prominent among the German people
of the county.
'KRDINAM) II. GELLER. Among the
) men to wiiom the village of Kovvler, Clin-
ton County, owes its prosperity as a center
of business is Mr. Gellcr. who has for some years
been engaged in mercantile pursuits here. He
Cp.me to the village in 18C9, and for fifteen years
followed hotel keeping, and then with iiis tnother
Frank, embarked in the sale of merchandise. This
business has been continued, and at the same time
Mr. Geller has been interested in the real estate
business in partnership with .lohn Eedewa and has
carried on general farming. He has a large amount
of land which has been acquired b^' his own efforts,
as has his other property. His farm lands consist
of two hundred and thirty acres in D.n,Ilas and
eight}' acres in Essex Township, and good improve-
ments have been made and the valuation of the
entire tract largely increased.
The parents of our subject were born in Prussia,
the birthplace of John .1. Geller having been Arli-
wailer in the Province of Prussia, and his natal day
Sei)tember 12, 1812. His union with Catherine Lin-
gen was blest by the birth of six children, before he
emigrated to America, of whom three are deceased:
Kate, Ferdinand, John, Nicholas, Joseph and Mag-
gie, two sons, Peter and Frank were born after the
family came to this country. The Gellers crossed
the Atlantic in IB.')!, and came direct to Clinton
County and made their home on a forty-acre farm
in Dallas Township. Mr. Geller hail l)een a team-
ster in the old count.'y but here he followed farm-
ing. He added to iiis farm, and when he died, in
18110, held the title to eighty acres, most of wliich
he had eleaied and broken. In accordance with
the custom in the Fatherland he h;id done military
service three years. He was seventy-eight years
old when called from time to eternity, and his
widow is now living in P'owlcr at the age of sev-
enty-four. Siie is a communicant of the Roman
Catholic Church, wilii which her husband was con-
nected.
Our subject was born in Prussia, July 27, 181.3,
and was eleven years old when he came to this
Stale with his parents. He worked for them until
he vvas twenty-live years olil, and then established
a home of his own in Fowler. He was married in
1869 to Lizzie F"'edewa, daughter of Morris Fedcwa,
to whose biography the reader is referred for facts
regarding her progenitors. The ceremony took
place at the liride's home in Dallas Township, and
the union was blest by the birtli of a son Nicholas,
Mrs. Lizzie Geller died .lanuary 21, 187.5, in Fow-
ler, and the same year Mr. Geller was married to
Caroline Fedewa, a sister of his first wife. Six
children have been born to this lady: Ferdinand,
244
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
who died when four months old; Norah, who
breathed her last May 16, 1890; Katie and Bertha,
who are yet hriglitening their parent's home; Aure-
lia, who (lied in 1890; and Eva who is piirsiiing her
studies from under the home roof. Mr. Geller has
alw.ays been a Democrat. He and his wife are
communicants of the Roman Catholic Church.
^
E^
J^JOHN T. WALSH, one of the most prosper-
ous young merchants of Owosso, Shiawassee
County, who has worked out his own for-
/ tunes and demonstrated his ability and en-
leiqjrise bj' the success which he has made of his
bnsiness at Owosso, was born in Troy Township,
Oakland County, July 25, 1851. He is a son of
John Walsh, Esq., a native of Ireland, who emi-
grated to this country when a young man, and has
always followed farming as an occupation.
Miss Elizabeth T'odd tlie lady who became the
mother of our subject was also a native of the
Emerald Isle, and came when a young girl to this
country. After tiieir marriage this couple made
their home in Oakland County, where they carried
on general farming in tlie township of Troy.
Mr. and Mrs. John Walsh removed from Oak-
land County to Shiawassee County, in 1865, mak-
ing their new home on a farm in Bennington
Township. There they still reside and are among
the most highly esteemed and |)rosperous residents
in that section. Two children only have been
granted to this estimable couple. Our subject is
the oldest son, and his brother William is a farmer
in Bennington Township.
Jolin T. Walsh passed his school days in the
counties of Oakland and Shiawassee and took his
practical training on the farm until he reached the
age of nineteen years. He then worked at house
painting for seven years, after which lie began his
nurcaniile experience as a clerk in Howell, Mich.,
where he spent six months. In 1877 he bought a
stock of goods in Bennington and entered into
general merchandising, and two years after began
buying grain at Bennington, which he still con-
tinues. In this line he has shown great judgment
and discrimination, giving great satisfaction to his
customers b}' his courteous treatment and kind at-
tention to their needs, and by his judgment in a
choice of goods which will satisfj' their demands.
He has the entire confidence of the community and
all rejoice in his prosperity and are glad to give
him a good word and a generous patronage.
Mr. Walsh added to his Imsiness in June, 1891,
by purchasing the grocery stock of F. E. Brooks &.
Co., of AVest Owosso and carries on this business
at the old stand as well as his other store in Ben-
nington. The new store is well slocked with all
kinds of first class goods in his line. His union in
marriage January 10, 1883, with Miss M^-ra Pond
of Bennington, gave him a helpmate who h.as
proved and will prove a prominent factor in his
career. Tiiis lady is a native of Shiawassee County,
and a daughter of Rolland Pond whose sketch ap-
pears in another place in this Albu.m. To this
happy home one son has come, Hariy who is now a
little lad of seven years. Mr. Walsh and family
have recently moved to Owosso. He has served
as Treasurer of Bennington Township for three
terms and is alre.Tdy a well-known man in Repub-
lican circles. He is a member of the Laingsburg
Lodge, No. 230, F. & A. M., and is consitlered one
of its prominent men.
I
m^J
OIIN R. BUSH. The gentleman wiiose
name heads this sketch was born March 25,
1819, in Ontario County, Seneca Township^
N. Y., near Geneva. His father, Thomas
Bush, wtis a native of New Jersey and his mother,
Jane (Roberts) Bush, who died when her son was
only ten years of age, was born in Ireland. The
Bush family w.as originally from Prussia and a
family record is preserved which covers its history
for two hundred and fifty 3'ears. This has been
carefully prepared by the Rev. John L. Bush, one
of the members of the family.
Mr. Bush began for himself at tlie early age of
thirteen years by wielding the ax for his living.
When only fourteen he boasted that he could put
up two cords of wood in a day and at eighteen
PORTRAIT A^D BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
245
learning the carpenter's trade, he caine to Mich-
igan in 1850. He settled in Ingiiam Count}' on
eiglily acres of land wliich he cleared. He also
cleared another farm in Huron County-, Ohio. In
1859 he came to Owossoand improved three farms,
two of which were in Rush Township and one on
section 1, Owosso Township wliicli contains seventy
acres. In November, 1878, he united his life for
better or worse witli that of Rliss .lane Robertson.
SluMlied in 18G3. Only one of the family of six
children that slie left long survived her. This
daughter, Ksther, who became Mrs. Scliuster, re-
sides in Rusii Township. In 1875 Mr. Rush mar-
ried for liis second wife Victoria Ricthell, a native
of (lermany. Their union was blest bj' three chil-
dren— Emma Ma^', who is fourteen years of .ago;
Nellie .Tanc, twelve years and John R. .Ir., eight
years,
Mr. Bush is a typical rustler. He has never been
happy without an ax in his hand. It is as natural for
him to chop as for most boys to play and even
now at seventy-two years of age he can chop down
more timber than most men of half the age. It is
music to his soul to hear the giants of the forest
crushing to earth under the blows of his ax. As
soon as he liaii one farm cleared with nothing left
for him to chop, he would sell and seizing his ax
jump over the fence and I'ommence his old pursuit,
and was never satisfied until everything in sight
was felled and split into rails or slashed iiito cord
wood. For some un.accountable reason he has left
a beautiful natural grove of towering pine trees
about his house, but it is e.'cpected that they will
succumb to his passion and that he will attack them
some night while dreaming.
Mr. Bush is a very methodical man. Every-
thing must be done with matheiaatical nicety and
every rail cut to a certain length and laid up in the
fence with perfect exactness that would do credit
to a mechanical engineer. Our subject shows this
characteristic in his personal appearance, tiiough
carrying many years, he is !U> straight and slender
as one of his saplings he dearlj' loves to demolish.
He is as "thin" i\s a sa[)ling and nearly as tall, with
a mind as keen, active and vigorous .as Ills own ax
h.as ever been. He bo.asts of having voted for
William Ilcnrj' Harrison in 1840 and also for his
grandson, Benjamin F. Harrison. It will not be
surprising to those who are opposed to the use of
stimulants to read of Mr. Bush's perfect physi<jue
and health at so great an age, when it is recorded
that he has never taken stimulants in liquid form
of any nature, neither h.is he smoked or chewed
tobacco.
^^
lEORGE O. BRANDS, who resides on his
l|i g=p farm on section 26, Caledonia Township,
'^^jj was born June 2, 1858, in Shiaw.assee
County, this Slate. His father w.as John Brands,
a native of New Jersey and a farmer by occupa-
tion. His mother w.as Elvira (Martin) Brands, u
native of New York State. John Brands, the
father, came to Michigan in 1845, at the age of
eighteen. The mother came when a young woman
and made her home with her uncle, Samuel Martin.
She was a teacher by profession and conducted the
district school in Venice and Caledonia Townships.
John Brand returned to New York State, where he
remained for three years, coming back to this State
in 1850, when he settled uiion the farm which he
occupies at this time.
David Brands, our subject's grandfather, and
family came to Michigan in 1845, he working in
the saw-mill in Corunna for a time and about 1847
he settled upon section 25, Caledonia Township,
whore he died. The parents of our subject were
here married and made a permanent home, the
father settling upon ninety acres of timber land.
He was in straightened circumstances and obliged
to resort to many methods in order to clear his
farm and at the same lime support his family. He
finally got the farm into a good stale of cultivation
a.nd afterward purchased eighty acres of land, half
of which was improved. He .added to its improve-
ment and finally died. May 15, 1887. Tiie mother
still survives at the age of sixty years, making her
home here. Our subject is one of four children,
two of whom only are living, himself and brother
William. The father was a member of the Masonic
order and a Democrat in politics. . He served .as
Justice of the Peace for three terms.
The gentleman of whom we write received a <lis-
246
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
trict school education. He has always been a far-
mer, having been reared on the farm where he at
present resides. In December, 1887, he was united
in marriage to Miss Abbie Aemes, a daughter of
William and Amanda (Moore) Aemes, residents of
Fairfield Township. The father was a native of
New York and came to Michigan at an early day.
He was married in this county and moved to Hazel-
ton, tlien to Corunna and later to Fairfield. The
mother is deceased, the father still survives. By
that marriage Mr. Aemes is the father of two chil-
dren, both of whom are living. Mi's. Brands was
born November 5, 1863, in Ilazelton Township.
She received a good education and has spent much
time as a teacher. She and her husband are the
l)arents of one child, Ivan E., who was born Sep-
tember 28, 1888.
Mr. Brands is a member of the Knights of the
Maccabees. He has been elected member of the
School Board and takes an active interest in local
politics. lie is an adherent of the Democratic
party and has been Road Overseer. He is now
serving his third term as Township Clerk. He
lives on the old homestead, where he carries on
eeneral farming.
{, — , .(::M'^. '&:■:,. . — .i
ANIEL W. MOREHOUSE, a noteworthy resi-
dent of Ovid, was born in Litchfield, Hills-
dale County, Mich., on October 23, 1844.
He is a son of Gabriel and Harriet (Winans) More-
house, his mother being a sister of Hon. Edwin A.
Winans, now Governor of Michigan. His parents
were brought up in Steuben Count}', N. Y., and
came to Michigan when the father of our subject
was still very young. Michigan was then only a
wilderness and they made their home in the wild
forest. His father was by occupation both a farmer
and contractor, and when in this work he put in all
the culverts on the railroad between Ann Arbor
and Michigan City, this being the second time they
were |)ut in. He was also engaged in similar work
on the Detroit, Grand Haven and Milwaukee Rail-
way, but through i-everses was compelled to return
to the farm.
The subject of this sketch had few educational
advantages for when he came to Clinton County
there were no schools for him to attend and when
he grew older lie had to work h.ard and could not
be spared from tlie farm to go to school. His
father c?me to Siiiawassee County in 1854 and set-
tling in Miildlebury Township, began his work on
the railroad and the farm.
The father of our subject enlisted in the Union
Army and the son also enlisted in the fall of 1863,
in Company F, Tenth Michigan Cavalr}' under Col.
Foote and was sent South to join the Arm}' of the
Tennessee. Being on detached duty he was one of
those who chased Morgan and Gen. Price and was
at the battle of Saltsville, Va. He was there dis-
abled and sent to the hospital at Camp Nelson, Ky.
After recovery he was sent to Camp Douglas, Chi-
cago, and acted there as guard to the prisoners till
the war was over, taking his discharge in the f.all
of 1865. The father was wounded in the battle of
Murfreesboro and died in the hospital at Louis-
ville, Ky., in the fall of 1863. The mother lived
until the spring of 1886 and was buried atOwosso.
Upon the close of the war Mr. Morehouse began
farming in Middlebury Township, Shiawassee
County, and remained upon that place until about
six years ago when he sold out and went on a trip
to Kansas, Iowa and Illinois. He then returned to
farming and after one year came to make his home
in the town and engaged in business. He now
owns and has in operation, by the aid of hired help,
a farm of sixty acres.
The marriage, July 4, 1867 of Daniel Morehouse
and Laura M anger, was the union of a congenial
and happy pair. Miss Munger was from Munger-
ville, which was named for her father, but is now
known as Burton. She is the daughter of A lander
Munger of Shiawassee County, and is the mother
of five children, George, Myrtle, Claude, Nellie
and Willie. The last two died in infancy.
The ))olitical views of the subject of this sketch
are represented in the declarations of the Republi-
can party, and he has held the offices of Treasurer
of the townships of both Middlebury and t)vid,
and has been Superintendent of the water works
dTf :;;r^ ..
iJ
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
251
of Ovid since they were begun. He still holds this
responsible position and lias filled all the school
offices since he came into the townshii). He lakes
a more than ordinary interest in school matters as
well as in all affairs of public weal.
^
^
AVID L. WARREN was burn .June 9,
1825, in the town of ^Yalworth, Ontario
County, N. Y., an<l is the son of William
and Mary (Horn) Warren. The father, who was
by occupation a farmer, moved to the State of
Michigan when his boy was onl^' six 3'ears old and
died soon after their arrival here in December,
1831. They made their home in Oakland County
about five miles north-east of Pontiac. Upon thus
being sadly orphaned our subject and one sister
went to live with Thomas J. Diake, an attorney,
who resided on a farm. After remaining there
about seven years he lived at Flint and afterward
at Detroit with his mother who then had married
Joseph Hathaway, and afterwards lived with her
in Washtenaw County. At the age of fourteen
years he began life for himself, working out for
*6 per month. He never had the opijorlunity of
gaining a thorough education and although his
foster mother taught him a good deal, he never at-
tended a public school until he went to live with
his mother again when he was fourteen years old.
He then decided to attend school and pay his own
tuition, working nights and mornings and during
vacations. This he continued until he was twenty
years old.
When he was twenty-two years old our subject
came to Shiawassee County, and in 1817 settled on
section 33, Middlehury Township. He lived there
several months, erecting a log house and making
some clearing. The season before he cliojjped and
split two thousand rails, hiring a man to lielp liini
and paying $1 for making six hundred lails. He
was married April 27, 1848, to Mary Ingersoll of
Oakland County, who was reared in New York
State.
After marriage he started from Washtenaw
County, May 2, 1848, bringing his wife on lop of
the wagon of household goods and he himself ac-
companying her on foot, driving the cattle, which
consisted of an ox team and a cow. Their cabin
home had neither doors nor windows as we count
doors and windows now-a-days. He planted corn
and potatoes on land wliich he rented from a
neighbor, and worked out to earn money to pur-
chase fift}' bushels of wheat. This gave him seed
for the twenty acres of land wiiich he h.ad by this
lime cleared, as well as for the maintenance of
their table. He had been presented by his mother
with an eighty-acre tract and soon had it cleared
and planted. Later he purchased two hundred and
forty acres at |4 an acre and afterward sold part
of it for |G. At one time when he had set his
heart upon a certain tract of land and had to get
to Flint to secure it in advance of another man
who also had his eye upon it, he drove a two-year
old colt forty miles without slopping to feed it
and reached Flint in advance of his rival, thus se-
curing the land. He still holds one hundred and
fifteen acres of a tract of one hundred and twenty-
five which he bought just across the road from
where his first land is located.
To him and his first wife were granted four chil-
dren: Maria M. born April 2C, 1850; Edna E.
August 20, 1851 ; William E. March 21, 1853, and
Frances A. August 26, 1855; Maria married Hor-
ace G. Suiith, a farmer, and resides at Laingsburg;
Edna died July 26, 1853; William E. married
Emma B. House, of Ovid and is a farmer; Frances
married Edson Swarlhout and resides near the
father's farm. The motlier of these children died
April 2, 1881.
Mr. Warren was married a secomi time on May
30, 1882, to Jane B. Graham of Lenawee Countj',
this State, whost portrait together with that of
Mr. Warren appears elsewhere in this volume. He
has made all the improvements on his various
farms and bnill all the houses and barns u|)on
them. His political views are in accord with the
platform of the Republican party and he has held
the ollices of Townsliip Treasurer, Justice of the
Peace, School Commi.ssioner and other school
offices. He has for many years belonged to the
Methodist Episcopal Church and in this respect he
and his family are closely united, as their sympa-
252
rORTKAIT AND BIOGRAFHICAL ALBUM.
thies are one and they labor together in church
work. He takes an earnest and intelligent inter-
est in all matters of education. He has given to
his children excellent educations in the graded
schools of Corunna and Ovid, and desires for the
young people of his neighboiliood ever^' opportun-
itj' to gain a hroad foundation for future usefulness.
He gives lilierally to any cause wliich he deems to
be for the good of humanitj-. He removed to
Ovid in 1888 and has continued to reside here,
but still conducts the affairs upon his farm and
manages everything in connection with them.
The attention of the reader is invited to a litho-
graphic view of the fine homestead of Mr. Warren,
presented on another page.
3^=--
/p^EORGE R. WARREN. SlasUstics show
III (^— . that the English people arc the richest
^^j) nation on earth and as a people they are
credited witli extraordinary shrewdness and fore-
sight in making investments that will bring the
largest returns, but they have allowed one of their
richest treasures to slip awaj' from them in that so
many of their bright young men have emigrated
to the New World. Our subject, George R. War-
ren, is proud of the fact that he is of English birtli
and parentage, having been born in Surrey, Eng-
land, December 15, 18.31. His fatiier was Henry
Warren and his mother, Harriet (Ridgebridgcr)
Warren.
In 1847, when all parts of the world were con-
vulsed by commercial and social changes, the War-
ren family emigrated to America, coming to
Rochester, N. Y., where they lived for seven years.
In 1854 they came to Owosso and in the fall of that
year located on their farm. Our subject worked
by the month for neighboring farmers until he had
saved a sura of !f700 or |800. This he used in
the purchase of one hundred acres of land on sec-
tion 19, Bennington Township, Shiawassee County.
Mr. Warren has exceptionally good taste and judg-
ment which is shown in every part of his farm.
The buildings are tastefully and conveniently ar-
ranged, his dwelling being a model of comfort and
elegance. He has a fine barn upon which he has
expended a large sum of money. Mr. Warren
took to wife, December 11, 1861, at St. John's,
Margaret Warren, a daughter of Seth and Catherine
(Johnson) Warren of Owosso, to which place they
had come in 1856. The lady's parents died in this
county, t'le father March 17. 1859, and the mother
November 16. 1878. Thej' were natives of New
York.
(51eorge R. Warren, our subject, is the eldest of
ten children. Mrs. Warren was born in Saratoga
County, N. Y., January 11, 1838. Her mother's
father was William Johnson, a Revolutionary
soldier, having been attached to the commissary
department. He was married at the close of the
Revolutionary War. At the time of his death he
was ninety-three years and eleven months old; the
mother was ninet3'-four years old.
The gentleman of whom we write has a family
of bright children. His eldest son, Fred, was born
March 14, 1863; Ella, June 24, 1866; she married
Mr. Charles Shadbolt and resides at Bennington;
Fred is at home although he has shown his native
acquisitive faculty by already having secured sixty
acres of land adjoining his father's farm. Mr.
Warren and his son vote the straight Republican
ticket.
The familj' of our subject is one that all are at-
tracted to by their geniality and warmth of heart.
Mrs. Warren is a woman possessing rare business
qualities and in these daj-s of progress among wo-
men the possibilities for arising to prominent posi-
tions are many.
<* j^ILLlA.M A. WOODARD, senior member
\/\j// of the firm of Woodard & North, is one of
\y^' the well-known business men of Owosso
Shiawassee Count}-. He has been located there since
the suTnmer of 1866 and his name is perhaps as
well known as that of any dealer or manufacturer
in this localit}-. The firm of which he is a member
carries on a wholesale and retail furniture trade,
and their slock is large and con)plete. The}'
occupy all the floors of a brick block 22 x 100 feet
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
253
and three stories high, situated on the corner of
Wasliington ami JNIain Streets, and also occupy
two stories in a building fronting on Main street.
Mr. Woodard is thoroughly' acquainted with every
department of the business and possesses a large
degree of the tact which is necessarj' in carrying
on an establishment where a number of persons are
employed, as well as the courtesy and honor that
win the good will of patrons.
Mr. Woodard was born in Steuben County, N.
Y., in the town of South Danville, May 14, 184G.
His father, William A. Woodard. was born in
Steuben County, N. Y., and was a farmer by oc-
cupation; his mother, Miranda (Wing) Woodard,
was born in Cohocton, her father having been L.
Mason Wing. The parental family consists of four
sons and one daughter, and AVilliani A. was the
youngest son. He was educated in the common
schools of his native place and later attended the
Rogersville Seminary. He then prepared for a
business life by a course of study in liastman
Commercial College in Rochester. In 18G6 he
came to Owosso in company with two brothers and
bought what is generally known as White's plan-
ing-mill. The sons were followed to this State by
their parents in 1870. After carrying on the
planing-mill some months our subject bought the
furniture stock of C. W. Hastings and carried on
business at the same stand. About two years later
he began manufacturing furniture in company with
his brothers, and sold their products at wholesale
and retail, at the same lime continuing the running
of the mill.
In 1870 Mr. Woodard built the brick store he
now occupies, where he has carried on business but
with various changes in the firm. In 1875 a
partnership was formed with his brothers Henry
and Warren, the firm name l)eing Woodard Hros.,
and the three manufactured furniture until 1883
when the partnershii) was dissolved by mutual con-
sent. Heiir^' Woodaril continued in the retail
furniture business and W. A. held an interest in
the Owosso Casket Factor^' eighteen months, when
that partnershii) was dissolved and he bought an
interest in the furniture factory. This business
was carried on by L. E. Warren and W. A. Wood-
ard, the other brother, Henry, having an interest
in the store with William A. When Henry died
our subject took G. V. North into the business and
at that time sold his own interest in the manu-
factory and gave his attention entirely to his other
affairs.
Mr. Woodard w.as married in 18G8 to Miss Kliza
Pierce of Cohocton, Steuben Countj', N. Y., who
was carefully reared by her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Jere Pierce. Mr. and Mrs. Woodard have three
children, named respectively, Inez E., Alfred A.
and Josiali B. Mr. Woodard has served one term
as ALayor of Owosso and he was appointed Inspect-
or of the Southern Michigan Prison at Jackson,
by Gov. Begole, for a term of six j^ears. He is a
member of Owosso Lodge, No. 81, F. and A. M.
Politically he is a stanch Democrat. Besides his
extensive business, of which an account has already
been given. He is a stockholder and Director in
the Owosso Savings Bank. In social and domestic
life be is considerate and courteous, in business
dealings honorable and straightforward, and his
reputation is excellent.
-^
fi^-^ ON. FRANK II. WAT.SON, of the law
j) Drm of Watson & Chapman of Owosso,
was born in Shiawassee County, November
14, 1857. He is a son of Stephen and
Hannah (Kenyon) Watson. The father was a na-
tive of England and was brought up in Canada to
which count: y his parents had migrated when he
was an infant. The mother of our subject is a na-
tive of Connecticut, a dnughter of John Kenyon
and of English ancestry'. In 1 851 Stei)lien Watson
and family moved to Shiawassee County and lo-
cated on a farm in Shiawassee Township where he
still resides, carrying on general farming and
stock-raising, and being one of the most successful
agriculturists in his district. Frank H. Watson is
next to the youngest in a family of six children.
His youtli and early school days were passed on
the farm and in the district school, after which he
entered Corunna High ScIk^oI and aftei complet-
ing his course there l;iught in the country for
some three years. He then took ui) the study of
254
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
law, reading in the office of Judge McCurdy of
C'oiunna, and afterwards read witli Judge A. R.
McBride of the same place. He was admitted to
the bar at Coriinna in 1881.
The young lawyer commenced his practice in
Corunna in 1883, forming a partnership with
Odell Chapman, which still continues. In 1883
he removed to Owosso, continuing however the
same connection. The firm is well and favorably
known throughout the county, and these legal gen-
tlemen have a wide acquaintance among the peo-
[)Ie. They practice in all the courts, looal, State
and Federal.
Mr. Watson was married in 1887 to Miss Ella P.
Westfall, of Corunna, a daughter of Lewis West-
fall and a native of Michigan. Her parents were
formerly from Port Jarvis, N. Y., a beautiful place
on the Hudson River. Two lovely daughters
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Donna
M. and Helen P. Mr. Watson was elected Circuit
Court Commissioner of Shiawassee County in
1884. He vvas elected to represent the second
district of Shiawassee County in the State Legisli-
ture serving during the session of 1887. He was
also appointed United States Commissioner for
the Eastern District of Michigan. He is a mem-
ber of Owosso Lodge, No. 81, F. A A. M., and is
considered one of its most prominent members.
He is regarded as a lawyer of more than ordinary-
judgment and legal acumen. He is a clear, forci-
ble and logical speaker and presents his cases with
ability to both court and jury. Politically he is
recognized as one of the strong and influential Re-
publicans in this part ()f the state.
\fOIIN M. BEARDSLEE. The name which
heads this sketch is that of one of the early
pioneers who braved the dillicullies of early
1^^// settlement and who has helped to make the
State stand so high in the Union. Henry Boards-
lee came to Bennington Township, Shiawassee Coun-
ty, June, 1839, and located on the south half of
section 31. He had taken u)) the land from the
Government in the year 18.'!',). The years that
followed between that time and his death, which
occurred November 7, 1 860, were fraught with hard
work. His wife followed him to the better land
May 24, 188C. She was born July 27, 1801.
Our subject was born in New Jersey. In com-
ing to Miciiigan in the early days the route that
was followed was very obscure. Leaving the
Grand River Road at the Nichols' farm they went
to where a family by the name of Johnson were
living, but now a Mr. Cook lives there. Thence
the}' went to Moses Pitts, thence to Samuel Pitts
and came to the end of the trail. They proceeded
a mile and a half farther, being guided by the
stars. It had become known that a new family had
come into the neighborhood and all the poopic
kin<lly offered to assist at the raising of the home
roof and sure enough, on the momentous day when
the house was to be given form, the neighbors as-
sembled from twenty miles distant and before the
night a safe and comfortable, if not elegant, habi-
tation was reared.
On the farm Mr. Beardslee reared a family of
eight children, whose names are as follows: Madi-
son S., who lives in Sciota Township; Drusilla,
now Mrs. William Claucherty, deceased; John M.;
Alanson, who lives in Whitmore, Iosco County,
this State; Peter S., who lives at the old home-
stead; Henry T., at Laingsburg; Emeline, de-
ceased, and Martha, who is now Mrs. C. L. Dean.
J. M. Beardslee was born June 3, 1830, at Hards-
ton, Sussex County, N. J. When he attained man-
hood he was married in 1854 to Miss Angelina
Ladue. He had purchased one hundred and sixty
acres which he began to improve. He now has
two hundred and twenty acres, sixty acres of which
are exceptionally well improved.
Mr. Beardslee lost his wife fourteen montlis after
marriage. He was again married January 7, 1857,
to Jane E. Dean, a sister of C. L. Dean. She also
died April 28, 1888, and he was united a third time
iu marriage to a lady who was the widow of A. W.
Bugbee. He has a family of six children: The
eldest boy, Charles Henry, is in California; May
A., who was Mrs. Jacob Boyd, is deceased; Eva Jane,
who became Mrs. George Kenny, of Sciota Town-
ship; Emma, who married El vert Place and lives
in Los Gatos, C;d.; Lanson Guy, who lives in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
257
Sciola Township, and Fred, who died June 5, 1890,
at tlie age of seventeen. Tlie only people in Ben-
ninjitoii Towiisliii) when tlie Beardslee fiiniily came
to this .State were tlic Nicliols, Te«'sl)eiry, lliitcli-
ins, Joe Skinner, Jennison, Jim Bugbee, Lem Colin,
l);!vi(l Perry, Moses and Samuel Pitts, the Howard
brotluMS and -Samuel Kellogg. Our sul>ject is a
Democrat in politics. He has a One home and holils
a high position in the community.
■•«"-'t^-*«#^?-
<« li.ELLS B. FOX, M. D. It is both pleasant
\/\j/j and instructive to trace the history of a
\/y^ man who has by native ability and force
of character made his mark in any of the learned
professions. It is especiall3- interesting to study
the career of one who has m.ade surgery his
chosen calling, .Tiid who is awake to the wonderful
improvements which have been made within a few
years in that noble branch of medical science and
who is in this respect in the front rank of his pro-
fession. It is of such an one we now write and his
portrait is also presented to our readers.
Dr. Wells B. Fox was born in Buffalo, N. Y.,
September 1, 1823. His parents, Augustus C. and
Esther (Pratt) Fox, were born in Westminster,
Vt., and both came with their parents to Buffalo
in the same year, 1803. Augustus C. Fox was an
attorney and one of the first in Buffalo, being
County- Attorney of Erie County for some years,
and enjoyint; an extensive practice. He passed his
life in that county, and died in 1854. He and
his worthy wife reared six sons, namely: Charles
James, Augustus C, Wells B., Samuel Russell,
Benjamin F., and Elias William. The eldest son
is in the hardware business in Council Bluffs, la.;
Augustus lives at Deerfield, Ivivingston County,
Mich.; Samuel is a partner in the St. Louis Novelty
Works in St. Louis, Mo.; Benjamin F. has been
for tliirt)'-fivc years a hardware merchant at Spring-
field, III. and the youngest son was for many years
with Pratt, Fox & Co., in the same line of business
at St. Louis, Mo., but ten years ago he bought the
Washington liepublican and published that paper
until bis death in the early part of the present
year (1891).
The early history' of Dr. Fox is very interesting.
When a child of eight years iie was injured and
was placed for surgical treatment in the care of
Dr. Cyrenas Chapin, of Buffalo, one of the most
eminent surgeons of the Kmi)iie State. The old
Doctor had no sons ami kept the child with him.
lie early imbibed the idea of studying medicine
and from the time he was fourteen ^cars old com-
pounded all Dr. Cha|)in's medicines and traveled
witli him all over that part of the country. Dr.
Cha|iin was a noted surgeon and taught the boy
to tie blood vessels and he was soon known as
the "artery boy." The 3'oung student studied in
Buffalo, and took his medical course first in Union
College at Sehenctady, N. Y., graduating there in
1843, and then in the medical department of the
I'liiversit^' of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia.
After graduation, the young Doctor was a|)-
poinled under Dr. John Trowbridge medical
attendant of the County Farm and Hospital of
Erie County, N. Y. He took up bis residence
near Buffalo and for two ^ears had full charge of
this work. In 184'J he came to Livingston County,
Mich., where his brother, A. C. Fox was living.
He came expecting to return East, but was induced
to remain, and soon began a general practice, such
as is incident to a frontier region in Hartland, that
county. He continued there until 1862, when he
eniered the army as a surgeon.
Gov. Wisner, who raised the Twenty-Second
Michigan Infantry, ai)pointed Dr. Fox Assistant
Surgeon in August, 18G2, Dr. A. R. McConnell,
now of Ludington, this State, being Surgeon. In
this capacity' he served until July, 18G3, when he
was made Surgeon of the Eiglith Michigan Infan-
try until the close of the war. While in the
Twenty-Second Regiment, after Morgan's raid in
Kentucky, he organized the lios[)itals at Lexington,
Ky., being detailed for this purpose until January,
18G3. He then went to Nashville, Tenn., where
he was detailed as Surgeon in charge of the Trans-
fer Hospital, then located at the /ollicoffer Hotel.
He then joined the Eighth Regiment in front
of Vicksburg, Miss., during the siege. In August
he crossed the Cuinberlaiui Mountains to East Ten-
258
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
nessee, and was present at tlie siege of Knoxville,
and at the various battles in East Tennessee, being
detailed at Knoxville, as Surgeon in charge of the
Court House Hospital. He remained here until
Gen. Burnside was relieved of the command of the
Ninth Army Corps, when the Eighth Regiment
veteranized and on the 8lb of Jauuarj- started
home to fill up their ranks.
The regiment I elurned to the Army of the Po-
tomac in the spring of I8G4, in time to take part
in the battle of the Wilderness, and Dr. Fox was
placed on the 0|)eraLing staff. First Division Ninth
Army Corps, and was placed in charge of the Field
Hospital. In September, 18G4, he was made Sur-
geon-in-Chief of the Field Hospital in front of
Potersliuig and continued in this position until he
was discharged, July 20, 1865. He was at Appo-
mattox with his hospital, and was, by invitation '
of Gen. Sheridan, a witness of the making of the
terms of peace between Grant and Lee. He did a
large amount of personal work in surgical opera-
tions during his railitai^' service.
At the close of the Civil War Dr. Fox returned
to Michigan and located at Ilartland, but in 18(;7
settled in Byron, this county, buying five hundred
acres of land near Bancroft, and moving on the
farm. In 1877 he came into the village of Ban-
croft and took an interest in its improvement,
erecting quite a number of houses which were a
material benefit to the village. He still owns his
farm but carries on an extensive practice. He is
widely' known as a surgeon and devotes most of
his attention to that branch of the healing art, often
being called to far distant points on account of
his skill in surgerj'. He is considered one of
of the leading members of the State Medical
Association.
The marriage of Dr. Fox and Miss Triphena
Skinner took place in Deerlield, Livingston County,
January 8, 1853. She died August 31, 1888. The
present Mrs. Fox who was united in marriage with
the Doctor, April 7, 1889, was born in Washtenaw
County. January 26, 1837. her maiden name being
Orcclia .Melvin. Her parents, L^-ninn and Sarah Ann
(Arnett) Melvin, were natives of New York, who
cauie to Michigan in 1836. In February of the
following year they settled in Antrim Township,
Shiawassee County-, on land adjoining the first
home of Allen Beard, who was a brother in-law of
Mr. Melvin.
By his first marriage the Doctor had two daugh-
ters— Addie Elizabeth, who now lives at Bancroft
and is the widow of Esck Olney: and Lillian Belle,
who is Mrs. Dr. Harvey. The Doctor has never
been on office seeking politician, but is one of the
leaders of the Republican parly which he helped
to organize under the trees at Jackson, Mich. He
has been an Odd Fellow since 1848 and is now
Noble Grand of Bancroft Lodge No. 112, and a
member of Brj'on Encampment, where he has filled
all the chairs repeatedly.
Dr. Fox has a conii)lete surgical record (taken
on the field) of all Jlichigan Regiments in the
Ninth Army Corps. This is of much value to the
families of all old soldiers and it shows in details
the facts relative to each wounded soldier, with
character of wouml, treatment and disposition of
the case. He stands high not only in the councils
of the Grand Army of the Republic, but also in
Ins profession, and his reputjition as a surgeon is
national in its character.
^
<^T/LVIN EVANS, a well-known citizen of
/ull Owosso, Shiawassee County, engaged in in-
specting Government lands for private
parties, is a native of New York where he
was born near Rochester in 1830. His parents
were Lester and Abigail Evans. After their mar-
riage at her home they removed to Michigan, and
made theii home in Lenawee County, in the town-
ship of Rome, near Adrian where they spent the
remainder of their days. They had seven children,
three sons and four daughters, and four of this
circle are now living. The district schools of
Rome Township, supplied the training of this boy
and he remained on the farm until he reached his
nineteenth year. The young man now went into
the woods and engaged in lumbering and also spent
some time in trapping and dressing furs. He was
in the woods altogether some nine years. For a
short time he engaged in the mercantile business
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
259
but did not find that it agreed with his health and
he sold out. lie then entered the employ of the
(ii'.ind Rapids A Indiana Railroad Companj- in
locating their lands and also in oilier parts of Mich-
igan.
For the past five years Mr. Evans has been en-
gaged in locating for a private company in the
West and also in the South traveling in Missis-
sippi, Louisiana, Texas and other Southern States.
He is much of the time in the employ of Robins
it Lacy of Grand Rapids. He is not at home much
of the time but is employed by individuals in mak-
ing estimates of the value of land and timber in
which he is considered an expert. Parlies wlio
know him generally decline to luirchase u.itil lie
has given an estimate or expressed an opinion.
Mr. Evans' marriage with Miss Sarah A. Wal-
lace, which took place Decemlier 18, 1802, at West
Haven, this count}-, was an event of supreme im-
portance in his life. This lad}' is a native of Wash-
tenaw County, Mich., where she was bora in 1844,
and she is one of eleven children in her parental
home. Ten of this circle have grown to man's and
woman's estate. The parents were George and
Abigail (Branch) Wallace, the mother being born
in Benson, Mass., March 28, 1807, and the father
in Tuwnsend, Mass., Se|)tember .'), 1808. Their
marriage took place in Lenox, May 30, 1827. They
removed to Michigan in 1838, settling in Washte-
naw County, and in 18;").') removed to Sliiavvassee
County, locating on a farm in Shiawassee Town-
ship, where they passed the remainder of their
days. The father filled a number of ollicial posi-
tions in the tovvnship, and died Sepleniber 24,
1878. He bad been bereaved of his faithful wife
on May 8, 1874.
To Mr. and Mrs. Evans have been born four
children, George T., who died al four years of age;
Wallace A. died about four years of age; Albert
B., N'erner A. L. Their beautiful farm of one
hundred and sixty-five acres lies one mile north of
the city limits, anil they have another fine farm
six miles north of the city, which conii)rises one
hundred and seventy-five acres of timbei land, hard
wood. They also have a handsome residence al
No. 1114 North Mulberry Street. They are both ac-
tive members of the First Baptist Church, and lib-
eral contributors to church work and other benev-
olent enterprises. They are intelligent and inter-
ested in public affairs, Mr. Evans being a stanch
Democrat, and Mrs. Evans a Prohibitionist.
""^^^"
IpxEWTON BALDWIN, the well-known Jus-
I J/J ^'^'^' ^^ '^''^ Peace at (Jwusso, Shiawassee
/1\^ County, is a native of the Wolverine State
and was born in Oakland Township, Oakland
County. October 22, 183.5. His parents Benedict
and Perinelia (Potter) Baldwin were both natives
of Comu'clicut. After marriage the father bought
a farm near Rochester, N. Y., at which cit}- they
were married. Mrs. Baldwin was a daughter of
Daniel Poller, of English descent.
In 1824 this couple came to Michigan and set-
tled in Oakland County on an unbroken farm, and
continued there until their death, the father pass-
ing away in 1886, and the m'.'ther in 1863. Of
their nine children, eight are now living: Newton
is the youngest of the family, and he [lassed his
earl}' school days in Oakland County. He then
attended the High School at (!rand Rapids for
some two years.
The young man now began teaching, pursuing
this calling in Oakland County for six terms, and
in 18.5.') going to Iowa vhere he taught for three
terms. In 1860 Mr. Baldwin returned to Michi-
g;ui and undertook general merchandising in
Owosso. This he carried on for twenty years, as-
sociating with him during a part of the lime his
brother Charles A. Baldwin, and at another time
.Mr. Charles C. Shattuck. For a year or two he
was out of business and then engaged for a second
timeinOwossoin the mercantile line. He finally sold
ouL and entered the i)olitical arena, and beingacan-
<lidale for County Clerk on the IJomocralic ticket
was elected. He served in this office for two years
and also held Ih'; olllce of City Clerk and City
Treasurer for six years. He was candiilate for the
olHce of Judge of the Probate Court on the Dem-
ocratic ticket, and was defeated by a small major-
ity of one hundred, Ihe county ticket in generxl
going sixteen hundred majority for the Republican
260
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
candidates. He tlien became bcok-keeper for Ar-
thur McHardy, and was afterward employed by
M. L. Stewart, the banker, as Collector and Cashier,
and with him he remained for four years. In April,
1887, he was elected Justice of the Peace for a term
of four j-ears and in the spring of 1891 was re-
elected to the same office.
The marriage of our subject in January, 1857,
united him with Miss Mary (). Bromley, of Oak-
land County, Mich., of which she is a native. Ilur
parents are Bethuel and Eliza Bromley who were
early settlers in Michigan. One of Mr. and Mrs.
Baldwin's children has been calleil to the belter
world. The other a daughter, Maude, remains to
cheer and comfort her parents.
Mr. Baldwin is a prominent member of Owosso
Lodge, No. 81, F. & A. M., and also of Owosso
Chapter No. 8!», II. A. M., and of Corunna Com-
manilery. He was elected Circuit Court Commis-
sioner in the fall of 1890. After serving two
years as County Clerk he was admitted to the bar
of Shiawassee County. His beautiful home is at
the corner of Hickory and Williams Streets.
^^ONSTANTINE GRULER. The thriving
(l\ n ^'^''^'^ "^ Fowler is the scat of some flouiish-
^^^ ing business establishments, among which
the store of Mr. G ruler is quite noticeable. A
carefully-selected stock, valued at about 18,000, is
displayed in the new building that was put U|) in
1889 by its present occupant and is the best edifice
in tlie place. Mr. G ruler has been engaged in busi-
ness here for some years, beginning his work when
the prospect for a town seemed very poor, as the
country was covered with forest, with only here
and tlie:e a cleared farm in that part now occupied
by Fowler and the surrounding cultivated fields.
Mr. Gruler has carried on a good trade in grain
and produce and in an earlier day speculated in
real estate quite extensively. He has a pleasant
home, his resilience being one of the most tasteful
in the village.
Philip Gruler, father of our subject, was born in
Wnrtemburg, Germany, in 1805, and came to
America in 1851. He located in New York Citj',
but after living there five years came out to Clin-
ton County and settled on a farm of fifty acres
which belonged to his son, our subject. He was a
builder and furniture-maker in his own country
and in New York was foreman of a piano f.actory.
He was married in Rottweil, AVurtemberg, to Mary
A. Kustor and to them were born the following chil-
dren: Constantine. Louisa, and Romaine. Louisa is
now living in Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. Gruler died
in Bengal Township in 1858 at the age of fift^--
three years; his wife [lassed away in 18G5, while on
a visit to her d.-iughter in Brooklyn.
Constantine Gruler was born in Rottweil, Wurt-
temberg. May 19, 1832, and came to this country
with his parents. In his native land he had pur-
sued the usual educational work and home life un-
til fifteen years old, when ho h.nd become an
apprentice, serving three years in a store and pay-
ing $180 to the merchant for the [irivilege of
learning the business. After the family came to
America he worked in a bakery and in a molding
shoi), doing gilding in the latter. In 1857 he came
to Clinton County and settled on his farm, and
here he was married to Caroline Schemer, a native
of Geiniany who came to America about 1856,
and lived with his stepson, Frederick Schemer, in
Clinton County. To Mr. and Mrs. Gruler nine
children were born, namely-: Louisa, now Mrs.
Cook of Fowler; Annie, Mrs. Whittaker of Pew-
amo; Frank, a grain dealer in Fowler; Emma, who
is at the head of her father's store; Fann}', who
also clerks in the store; Alfred, Amelia, Rosa and
Ernest.
About 1857 Mr. Gruler traded his Bengal Town-
ship [iroperty for eighty acres in Dallas Township
and on the latter he made his home for ten years.
He then traded for eightj' acres in Westphalia
Township and lived thereon until 1868, when he
sold it and went to Missouri, prospecting for a new
home. After a visit of two months he returned to
Michigan, satisfied to remain here, and in partner-
ship with her brother-in-law, Frederick Schemer, he
started a mercantile enterprise where Fowler has
been built up. The partnership continued about
six years and the business has been continued by
Mr. Gruler. He has deprived of the companion-
-n^
J^^ l?^/6
A-fx.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
263
(Cr
ship of his faithful wife in 1883, when slie closcil
her eyes in death, breathing her last in Fowler.
She was born in UIra, Germany, in the year 1 84 L
Mr. G ruler is a Master Mason, belonging to St.
John's Lodge, No. 10.5, and is also connected with
the Ancient Order of United AVorkmen of Fowler.
lie has alwaj's been a Democrat. He has served in
the official capacities of Township Supervisor and
Treasurer, Highwa)' Commissioner and Justice of
the peace, and at present is President of the
village of Fowler. That he has been a useful mem-
ber of society and that his fellow-citizens think
well of him is conclusively proven by the ofHciul
positions to which he has been called.
'ifOHN M. FITCH, of the firm of J. .M. Fitch
<fe Son, of Corunna, is engaged in ojjcr-
ating A planing niilljand manufactures lum-
ber, doors, sash and blinds. He is one of
the first half-dozen settlers in Shiaw.issee County,
and is a most delightful companion, pleasantly en-
tertaining friends with reminiscences of the olden
times. He was born in Bedford, JLiss., July 8,
1811. His ancestors came to America from the Isle
of Man about the year 160.0. His father and
grandfather both bore the name of Moses, and were
farmers in Bedford. The grandfather was wounded
in the Revolutionary War, and died from this
cause. His father bore the name of Jeremiah. The
father of our subject died of an accident in Bedford
in 1824. The mother was known in maidenhood
as Polly Brown, and was a daughter of Daniel B.
Brown, a citizen of Lunenburg, Mass., and a sol-
dier in the Revolutionary War. Our subject is tlic
only child of his mother, and she remained with
him uiilil her death in 1880, when she was nearing
the ninety-ninth anniversary of her birth.
Young Fitch attended the common schools and
followed farming in Bedford. In 1833 he sold his
property, and at that time executed the first deeil
ever made of the farm, as it had been in the family
for generations. He removed to Meredith, N. H..
now known as Laconia, and took an interest in a
cotton manufactory. After three years he came
West, and in the fall of 183G located in Ann Ar-
bor for one winter, coming in the si)ring to Shia-
wassee Township, Shiawassee County. He kept
public house that summer in the building that w.as
formerly- occupied by A. L. Williams, the old In-
dian trader. This, the first hotel in Shiawassee
County, was known as the Shiawassee Exchange,
and all the count3' business was done there.
Mr. Filch bought eighty acres of wild land, upon
which he built a log house and began clearing the
tinilior. Wild anim.als were plentiful, as were also
the Chippewa Indians, with whom he learned to
talk, his house being only a mile from the Reserva-
tion Ketchermaudaugeninick, of three thousand
acres. As his health failed, he went East in June,
1840, and after spending some time in New York
anil Philadelphia, went to the Isle of Cuba. Health
being restored, he returned to Michigan, farming
on rented land for five years, until he became
Sheriff in 18y3, when he removed to Corunna for
four years. After renting land in Caledonia fur
twelve years, he bought a farm in Hazclton in
18G7, and mad.e his home on it until 187."). He
ceased farming operations and engaged in ISSO in
a sawmill. He next built a planing mill at .ludd's
Corners, and in 1890 bought the mill of McLaugh-
lin Bros., and during that year moved to Corunna.
When he gets both mills well consolidated, as he
is now planning, he will have the largest planing
mill in Shiawassee County, and a coin|)lete set
of macliinerj- for manufacturing anything in his
line.
The year 1833 was the date which marked Mr.
Fitch's change from single to married life, and he
was then wedded in Bedford, Mass., to Miss Cathe-
rine Bacon, of that place. Of their three chil-
dren the eldest, George B., was a fine mechanic,
who went South and has not been heard from since
11S72; John A. is in partnership with \\\% father;
and Abbie is the wife of Mr. .lolin Andrews, who
is in the hardware business at Ovid. Our subject
has boon for nine years Supervisor of the town-
ship in which he resides, and was Justice of the
Peace for some years. Pie has filled all the town-
ship ollices and for years served in the t)fliceof the
Registrar of Deeds. He is a demitted member of
the Free and Accepted Masons, and belongs to the
•264
PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Sons of Temperance. He lias always voted with
the Democratic part^', and for years has beeu an
influential member of the party. lie and his wife
have been married almost sixty years. Both are
members of the Presbyterian Church, and higliiy
esteemed in social circles. The lithographic por-
trait of Mr. Fitch accompanies this sketch.
■ff^OHN BROWN, one of the official citizens
of St. John's, was born in County Antrim,
Ireland, December 4, 1834. His father,
Francis Brown, was a native of Ireland and
a weaver by trade. He was born in 1807, and
came to America in 1842, locating in Essex County,
N. J. In 1850 he came to Oakland County, Mich.,
and two years later removed to Clinton County,
v/here he died in 1855. He belonged to the Pres-
byterian Church in his native land.
The mother of our subject, Susannah Brown,
was born in Antrim, Ireland, and is still living to
bless her children at the age of eighty-four years.
Of her ten children, our subject is the eldest, and
lie was but seven years old when his parents came
to America. He came to Michigan with his par-
ents in 1852 when the country in these parts was
still a wilderness and very little clearing had been
done. After he had reached the age of nine or
peihni)S ten years he had an opportunity of attend-
ing the district school, but most of his education
was procured at home. While attending school he
chopped wood nights and jnornings. In those
days deer were abundant and other game was plen-
tiful and his father often killed a deer and thus
supplied the family with fresh meat which was
very rare in those days. Tiie Indians were fre-
quent callers and friendly neighbors.
The boy began to work out for neighboiiug
farmers as soon as he was old enough, and he was
thus able to earn money to pay for the first eighty
acres that his father owned in the Western home.
He also earned in this way the means to buy for
himself a farm. In 1857 he purchased his present
farm on section 27, Bengal Township, Clinton
County. This land was then an unbroken forest
I
and not an ax had been swung against its trees nor
a spade set in its virgin soil. He cut the first s*ick
and built the first house upon it and made his lininc
tliere about the j-ear 18(30.
The marriage of John Brown in 1858 with Sarah
J. Teneick was an event of great importance in tlic
life of the young mau. His intelligent and amia-
ble bride was born in Canada, near Toronto, and
had been living in Michigan for some five years,
her parents being early settlers in Bengal Town-
ship. Three children have come to bless this home,
William II., George A., and James E. The subject
of this brief sket'h is an earnest Republican and
is proud to say that he cast his first vote for John
C. Fremont. He is often solicited to fill positions
of trust and responsibility in the townsldp and has
been Supervisor for eight years. He has also acted
as Treasurer for three ^ears, and for two years has
filled the position of Drainage Commissioner. He
frequently sits as a delegate in various conven-
tions, including the Republican State Convention.
He is an earnest member of the Grange and is ever
alive to movements which will favor the best inter-
ests of the farming coraraunit}'. Both he and his
good wife are members of the United Brethi-en
Church, which organization has made him a Trustee
of church and parsonage. He began life on the
bottom round of the ladder and has climbed to
where he can see prosperity and an excellent de-
gree of success. His farm comprises one hundred
.and sixty acres and the excellent buildings which
he has placed upon it are an ornament to the
township.
farm located on section 7, Vernon Town-
siiip, was born in Orleans County, Murray
Township, N. Y., February 27, 1848. His father
was Joseph W. Paine, a native of New York and
born in Herkimer County, in 1803, where he was
reared until he reached manhood. He acquired
the trade of a carriage-maker, which be followed a
large part of his life, although ho bought and sold
grain and owned a large warehouse in Hinsburg,
PORTRAIT ANU BlOGRAl'lliCAL ALliLM.
265
N. Y., on the Erie Canal. When he came to Mieli-
igan, in 1857, he located tlirectl^' in Vernon Town-
ship, on section 7.
A little log house was on the farm when Mr.
Paine ceme there and the place was partially im-
proved, lie remained in the house that was on
the place when he first came until his death, al the
age of eight3-five years. Polilicall}-, Mr. Paine
was a Republican. Religiously, he was a member
of the Universalist Church, and socially he identi-
fied liimself at one time with the Odd Fellows.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was
Eliza Flill. She was a native of New York and
was born in Parma, Monroe County, in 1815.
She is still living and resides with W. D. Garrison.
She is a member of tlie Congregational Church.
She and her husband were married in Monroe
County and they became parents of two children,
a son and a daughter. The lady spoken of was
the second wife, Mr. Paine's first wife having lived
onl}' a few years and leaving to him but one
daughter — Imogene — who is now the widow of
Z. IJ. St. John. The widow of Mr. I'aine has as
above stated, two childien — Jeanetle, the wife of
W. D. (iarrison, whose sketch will be found on an-
other page in this Albtm, and our subject.
Our subject is the first and only son and was ten
years old when he came to Michigan with his pa-
rents. His early school days were passed in his
native place and after he came to this State he at-
tended school in a log house on section 8. He fin-
ished his schooling in the house that stands on the
corner of section 18, District No. 2. lie remained
with his father until he became of age and then
worked for him by the month until ho was mar-
ried, which event was celebrated in 1873. The
maiden name of his wife was Mary Clark. She
was an only daughter of William and Delia Clark
and was born in Detroit in 1853.
After Mr. Paine's marriage he lived with his
p.'ircnts for a period of about three years, then
located where he now resides. He is the proud
father of three children — two daughters and one
son. They are, Katie Belle, Mabel and Charles.
Mr. Paine may well be proud of his farm, which
comprises two hundred thirty-seven acres of well-
improved land, one hundred fifty acres of this
being under the plow; thirty-five acres is in
heavy timber, the rest is in pasture. He raises
many sheep, having at present three hundred and
thirty head of sheep and lambs. He also keeps a
fine stock of horses, now having eight head. He
is a general farmer and stock-raiser, making a
specialty of sliccp-raising. Last year his lambs ag-
gregated one hundred and thirty-nine. He handles
more sheep tliiui an}' other man in the county,
having an average of one hundred lambs per year
fur the last four ^ears.
In politics Mr. Paine is a Republican and hp.s
held many positions under his l)avty. He is at
present Postmaster in which office he does
efficient duty. He has one of the finest
farms in the county and as his ingenuity and
sense of order know no end, he is con-
stantly making improvements which add greatly
to the value as well as the comfort and conven-
ience of the place.
— ^ ^^ ^—
THAMES N. McBRlDE, of the firm of Dewey
& Mc Bride, publishers of the Owosso
'Times is one of the influential citizens of
Owosso. The paper was established in 1881
b}' Hon. George M. Dewey, whose biographical
sketch is found elsewhere in this volume. That
gentleman continued in the management of the
paper until 1890, at which time Mr. McBride pur-
chased a half interest in the oflice with Mr. E. O.
Dewey.
The Owosso Times is the accredited organ of
the Republican party in Shiawassee County, and is
a fine appearing sheet, quarto in size, with a seven
column page and is issued ever}- Friday. It is a
newsy sheet and its typographical excellence is a
credit to its publishers. The two large cylinder
presses and the two job presses of this office are
supplied with power by a gas engine. This estab-
lishment is also supplied with a large Bascom
folder and a thirtj'-two inch paper cutter. This
firm does the printing for the Shiwassee licjiurtir
besides carrying on a large job business.
The subject of this sketch is a native of Mercer
266
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
County, Pa., and a son of James S., and Marj'
(Offutt) McBiide. He was born December 12, 1864,
and his parents now reside in Shiawassee County.
For furtlier matters in regard to the family history
we are pleased to refer our readers to the sketch of
James 8. McBride to be found upon anoUier page
of this album.
James N. McBride graduated from the Owosso
High School in 1884, and entered the universitj- of
Michigan at Ann Arbor, taking the literary' coui'se
wliere he took his dijiloma in 1888, being awarded
also the second prize which was offered by the
American Protective Tariff League for an essay
on the subject of tariff. One of the judges, Rob-
ert P. Porter, Superintendent of eleventh Census
of the United States, was so pleased with the young
man as to offer him a position on his force. lie
appointed Mr. McBride Supervisor of tlie 'I'hird
Census District of Michigan.
Tiie young man's intelligence and interest in
education brought him before the public and two
years after his graduation he was elected .Superin-
tendent of Schools of Shiawassee County, w here he
served successfullj- for two years. He also became
a candidate for the nomination in the Republican
State Convention for the otiicc of Slate Superin
tendent of Public Instruction, and received a large
vote in the convention, standing second to the man
who was finallj' nominated. Since he took charge
of tiie Owosso Times it has plainly shown the man-
agement of a man who understands tiie newspaper
))usiness and who is pushing to the front among
the newspaper fraternity of Michigan.
LBERT T. PARRIsn is a i)r.aclicing piiy-
(@^J|1 sieian and druggist at B^'ron, .Shiawassee
ili County, and was born in Bedford, Wayne
County, this State, September 27, 1859.
He Is a son of Othniel T. and Cordelia C. (Tay-
lor) Parrish, natives of New York State. They
were married in Wa3^ne County-, this State. The
mother of the family w.as taken away at Ovid.
The father now resides in Clevelnnd, Ohio. Until
the present time he has followed farming as his
vocation. He is a man in comfortable circum-
stances, a Republican in politics and a member
of the Masonic order.
The parents of our subject had three children,
of which the one of whom we write is the only
survivor. In childhood he lived in the town of
Redford, Wayne County-. When fourteen, his par-
ents removed to Ovid, where he remained until
reaching his majority. Tlie schools of this county
are e.Kccptionall^' good and our subject made the
most of his advantages, so that when he reached
twenty years of age he was well prepared to enter
the medical department of the University of Mich-
igan at Ann Arbor. In 1881 he was graduaeed
from this institution with high honors.
The entrance of a young man upon his pro-
fessional career is a momentous occasion, and es-
pecially in the profession of medicine where there
there is so much co'upetition and so many circum-
stanees to be taken into consideration, it is neces-
sary for a 3'oung man to balance and weigh well
all advantages and disadvantages before deter-
mining where he will i)ractice. It is said that a
prophet is without honor in his own country, so
comparalivelj' few v^oung men begin their prac-
tice where the^- have grown up, and where all
their youthful escapades may serve to undervalue
their real professional ability. Dr. Parrish w.as
not an exception to the rule, and after much stutly
of the matter he located at Evart, Mich., and
there practiced until Maj-, 1884, when he went to
JNIarcellus, remaining there until October, 1887,
when he came to Byron, where he still v.onlinues
to practice. Dr. Parrish also had a large and flour-
ishing drug business, in which he was also en-
gaged at Marcellus. He is eminently a self-made
man, for he began without any material help what-
ever and entirely without means, with indefatig-
able energy he pursued his favorite idea. He
worked himself through college and with unswerv-
ing energy bent his will to securing the line and
lucrative practice which he now has.
The original of our sketch is a Mason, in which
body he lias attained to a Master degree. He
also belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees. He
is an ardent liepublican, believing fully iu that
platform with all the tenets that it implies. Sep-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
267
tember 15, 1880, Dr. Pairisli induced Miss Maria
Hathaway to cliango lier name for timl of Parrisli.
The laily is from Middlebury, Shiawassee Countj",
where she was born. She is a daughter of William
and Mary (Bearce) Hathaway. Two little ciiildrcn
are at once tlie joy and care of their fond and
proud parents. Our subject and his estimable
lady dispense a liberal and charming hospitality
from their pleasant home in Byron.
y~ILLlAM L. PAYNE, a well-known busi-
ness man of Owosso, Shiawassee County,
who is respected alike for his thorough
business qualities and his quiet, unassuming, yet
honorable character, was born in Niagara County,
N. Y., Marcli 4, 1832. His parents, Daniel and
Cliarlolte (Harger) Payne, were of Eastern birth,
tiie father being born in Massachusetts and the
mother near Saratoga, N. Y., where she first
saw the ligiit Jul}' 13, 1811. Her parents, Eber
and Mary Harger, were of English ancestry.
Our subject came West in 183G, removing witli
liis parents to Genesee County, lliis State, where
i)e became interested in lumbering and shingle
making. Daniel Payne died in 18 17, and liis wife
passed away, in Owosso, in 1881. Slie was llie
motiier of four cliildren, of wliom our sul)jrct is
the oldest, llie others being Eliza E., Edward II.
and Chanc}' .1. William L. received onlv a very
limited education in the common sciiools. lie
assisted his fatiier up to the time of the death of
that parent, which occurred when William was
but fifteen years old, and from that time he was
thrown wholly upon his own resources, working
at lumbering and mining.
The Western fever so seriously affected this
young man as to lead him, in 185'J, to cross the
continent by the overland route in company with
others, some going on horseback and o'hers with
o.\ teams, and some with horse teams. Upon reach-
ing Salt Lake City both of Mr. Payne's horses were
stolen by the Mormons, lie loadecl his effects on the
w.agons of some of his friends :uid made the rest of
the journey to California on fool. He m.ade a
halt at Placerville, where he began working in the
Pl.acer Mines, and there spent thirteen months. He
spent six 3ears at Coloma, Cal., where he met
witli fair success.
Mr. P.ayne returned to Michigan in 186.5, and
in the following spring came to Owosso. where he
went to work at harness-making with a j'ounger
brother, Chancy' J. Payne. Having spent twelve
months with him, he started in business on his
own account, and Las ever since followed the line
of harness-making and repairing. In company
with George Carpenter, he has erected a fine
brick building on West Main Street, which accom-
raoilatcs one store. He has also put up a brick
house adjoining on his own account on the same
street, and he has a pleasant residence on South
Ball Street.
Mr. Payne was married December 22, 1890, to
iMary E. Baker, of Fenton, Mich. This lady is a
native of Michigan. Mr. Payne is a Republican in
his political views, but not in any sense a politician.
He has been successful in business and has acquired
a comfortable competency.
-■■M-^-W-^'
'i^jORSUCH & WELCH are editors of the Co-
nmna. Jour II a I, n weekly five-column quarto,
J^\ that was established in 1S81 l)y .I.NMngersol.
The Journal oflice has good appliances for carrying
on jot) work and a fine business is conducted in
this dc[)artnient. The Journal is a reputable sheet,
carefully edited, neatly printed, and having a
good circulation in and near the county seat. Mr.
(iorsucli is a practical printer and all-round news-
paper man, and Ijolh editors are keen, quick-witted
anil oberving, and have the command of language
which makes their utterances re;;dable and instruc-
tive.
The senior member of the journalistic firm is a
grandson of Maj. Benjamin Gorsucli, wlio was
born in Maryland and died on his farm there. His
title came from his position during the War of
1812. The next in the direct line was D. H. (Jor-
such, a native of Maryland, who learned the trade
268
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of a tanner and currier. He traveled agreat deal,
but in 1865, made a permanent location in St.
John's, Clinton County, where he was for some
time engaged in the harness and leatlier business,
but IS now handling produce. His wife was Ann
M. Gorsuch, daughter of Jacob Gorsuch, and a na-
tive of Maryland. She died in St. John's in 1867,
leaving six children.
Elmer U. Gorsuch was the youngest of his pa-
rents' family and was born in Stryker, Ohio, March
12, 1864. He was but an infant when his parents
came from that place to Michigan and he grew to
maturity in St. John's. He was an apt scholar, and
in 1881 received his diploma, after having comi>le-
ted ihe higli school studies. lie taught a year, then
entered the office of the Clinton Counij' Independ-
ent and worked on that pajjer in various capacities
until 1887, when he bought the Corunna JtnirnaJ.
A year later E. J. Peacock was taken in as partner
but in 1890 that gentleman was bought out by F.
E. Welch and the present firm formed. Mr. Gor-
such votes the Republican ticket.
Mr. Frank Welch is the fourth of five sons born
to Benjamin and Lovina (Toby) Welch. His pa-
rents were natives of the Empire State, the fallier
born in Steuben County in 1813. He was a farmer
in his native Stale. until 1832, when he came to
Michigan and located at Troy Corners, Oakland
County. In 1837 he entered land in Burns Town-
ship, in Siiiawassee Countj-, but did not lake pos-
session of it until 1840. From that time until 1860
he was engaged in improving and operating it, and
then sold and made his home in Byron, where he
died in 1867. His wife had breathed her last on
the farm in 18.')2. Mr. Welch was one of the thir-
teen men in Burns Township wlio first advocated
the principles of abolition.
Mr. Frank Welch who is now engaged in edito-
rial work, was born May 10, 1848, and reared to the
age of fourteen on the home farm. During his boy-
hood lie attended the district school and the graded
school in P)yron. Wiien fourteen years old he
began clerking, and was engaged in trade until he
assumed the duties of County Clerk. Mr. Welch
was first elected to that position in the fall of 1880
ami was subsequently re-elected three times, hold-
ing the oflice continuously until January, 1889.
In the fall preceding he had refused to again be-
come a candidate, as the confinement was telling
upon his health. In 1888 he had been admitted to
the Michigan bar, but he has not practiced. While
living in Byron he was City Recorder, Assessor
and Trustee. He is a well-informed, energetic man
and he and his partner have good standing in so-
cial and business circles.
^5^E0RGE F. JANES. Although this gentle-
'f[ ,— n man is not actively engaged in fa.'ming, yet
^^ifjl his sym[jathies are with the agriculturists,
as he formerly gave his attention to the same work
and now has farm land that he rents out. For some
time past his liome has been in the village of Ovid,
and he is known and honored there. He has been
engaged in breeding fine horses, and has one ani-
mal tiiat is one of the finest bred in the county —
'•Col. Lewis," a handsome equine. For about a
twelvemonth Mr. Janes lived in Detroit where he
carried on the Park Dining Hall, on AVoodward
Avenue, but most of his mature years have been
spent in pursuance f>f the calling of a farmer.
The <lirect progenitors of our subject were How-
ell W. and Lucy B. (Hall) Janes, natives of New
York, and the father a farmer. The early years
of the son were therefore passed upon a farm, and
from his childhood he found work to do on the
place. His birtli occurred in Genesee County,
N. Y., April 5, 1835, and when ohl enougli he at-
tended school in the winter. As his parents lived
about three miles from tiie schoolhouse, the walk
was a long one, and the lad worked for his board
in a familj' near the school, while pursuing his
studies. His parents had removed to this State
when he was ten years old and settled in Duplain
Township, Clinton Count3^ He recalls scenes of
wildness, when few and remote were the dwellings
of tiie settlers, there was no railroad nearer than
Pontiac, and the train made such poor time that a
man could run and overtake it almost anywhere.
Mr. Janes did not leave the parental roof until
he was twenty-four years old, and then set up a
home of his own, having won the consent of Miss
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
269
Maiy E. Kingsle3' to aid liim in that purpose. The
young couple were united in marriage November
7, 1858, at the iiome of the bride's faliier, Dennis
Kingslc^-, in Waj'ne Count}', near Northville. To
Mr. and Mrs. Janes there came five children, but
tiiree were taken from them in infanc}- — Willie,
Preddieand Frank. There were left to cheer them
Alma Isabel, who was born October 8, 1862, and is
now the wife of James Crook, a f.irmer in (iratiot
County, and Orrin K., whose natal day was March
3, 1867, and who is married to Minnie I,aing of
Cass City, Tuscola County, and is Cashier of the
Cass Cit3' Bank. The mother died on the farm
Augusts!, 1873, and on May 3, 1881, Mr. Janes
wedded Mrs. Mary E. Case, nee Misner, of Ovid.
When Mr. Janes was married lie established his
home on land in Duplain Township, Clinton Coun-
ty, .'Mid there he remained until I886,h.iving in the
meantime brought it up to par in point of culti-
vation and improvement. The forest growlli was
removed by himself and other work done such as
is needed in developing new tracts. When he
left the place he went to Detroit. and in a short time
was located in the vilhge of Ovid, where he has
continued to reside. In polilics he is a Republi-
can, but his interest in affairs of a p.'irty nature is
limited to a knowledge of what is transpiring and
a [)roper disposition of his vole, and never leads
him to seek office. lie is a Mason and for the past
three 3-ears has filled the .Secretary's Chair in the
Ovid Lodge. He did his best to educate his children
and fit them for useful careers, and when projects
are advanced for the jiublic good lie is re.ady to
respond.
-#-*-B--
^^ AMUEL G. ATHERTON. The farmers
of Clinton Count\' number in their ranks
few, if any, men of wider inlellucluai cul-
ture and broader general knowledge than
.Mr. .\thcrton, whose home is in Ovid Township.
He was for a number of jears engaged in teaching
and began liis professional work while still in liis
Iceiis. lie finally began It) pay sunie attention to
farming and at length gave it his whole time as a
business. He came to Michigan in 1883 and at
once located where he is now living — on an im-
proved farm of ninety* .acres, upon which he has
since done considerable toward making it what it
is to-day. Like others of his class, he can always
see where some improvement can be made either
in repairing, enlarging or refitting the buildings,
and bringing the property under more thorough
cultivation. His estate is a well-regulated one
and from it good and abundant crops .are har-
vested.
Mr. Atlierlon is of New England i)arentage, his
father having been a native of New Hampshire
and his mother of Boston, Mass. His maternal
giandrather fought in the War of 1812. The
names of his i)arents were Alonzo D. and Sarah
(Goodrich) Alhcrton and they were living in
Cheshire County, N. H., when he was born,
January 2, 1837. His earlj- years were spent up-
on a farm but he had very good school privileges,
first attending in the neighboring district and
la*,er going to a good academy, where he fitted
himself for civil engineering wliicii he h.is followe<l
several years before coming to this state. In iiis
eighteenth year he left home and began teaching
in Orleans County and afterward went to Conada.
For four years he taught near Hamilton, for two
years near Paris and then in Watford two or three
years. These points are in the I'roviuce of On-
tario. Until he was thirty years old Mr. Atherton
did little but professional work, and he then re-
turned to Orleans County, N Y., and began to farm.
From that time he taught only occasionally, giv-
ing his attention mainly to agricultural work. He
finally decided to make Michigan his home as be-
fore mentioned. In the Province of Ontario, Can-
ada, March 29, 1862, Mr. Atherton was married to
Miss Sarah, daughter of Stephen Barrow, of Bin-
brook. While they were still living in Canada
Mr. and Mrs. Atherton rejoiced in the birth of a
daughter — Clara A. — who came to their home
January 19, 186S. She died in New York Sep-
tember 24, 1870. They have now two children
who are being well ('diicate<l, t)ne being almost
ready for graduation from the Ovid High School
and the other having already received Ids diploma.
Their names are Fred B. and Lewis O. anil the}'
270
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
were born June 22, 1869, and August 31, 1873,
respectively.
Mr. Atlierton takes considerable interest in po-
litical issues and party events and is liimself a Re-
publican. While living in New York he held
several township and count3' offices, but in this
State he has not allowed his name to go before the
people as a candidate. He and his family are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
as people of more than ordinarj' intelligence and
interest in the higher things of life, Mr. and Mrs.
Atlierton are well regarded.
"^~*^''^'"
■ii; AY M. TERBUSII. A mingling of honest
British and German blood often forms a
strain of sturdy cliaracteristics wiiich makes
the best practical business men and most
thorough and progressive citizens. In this class
we may appropriately rank Mr. Terbush,a member
of the firm of Murray & Terljush, dealers in clotli-
ing, gentlemen's furnishing goods, iiats, caps, boots
and shoes, one of the best known firms in Owosso.
Mr. Terbush was born in Oakland County, Mich.,
in the town of II0II3', December 29, 1859. He is
the only son living by the second marriage of his
father, George W. Terbush, with Sarah Middlcs-
wortli. rhe fatlier was a farmer by occupation
and a native of New York State, and of English
descent, and the latter was born in New Jersey, of
Geraian descent. The son sijent his early boy-
hood in Fenton, Genessee County, first attending
the common school and afterwards attending tlie
B!ii)tist Seminary where he was graduated in 1875.
This young man's mercantile experience began
by his clerking in a clotliing store at Fenton, for
tiie firm whieli was tlien known as Thurbor ife Mur-
ray. Here he served for one year and was then
employed by W. D. Murray, after wliich lie formed
a ])artnershii) witli Mr. Murray and in the capacity
of a member of tlie firm continued in business at
Fenton.
In 1884 Mr. Terbush came to Owosso and start-
ed the present store. He first opened a clothing
house, and finding liimself successful, added fur-
nishing goods and continued in this line until 1888,
after which lie supplemented his business by intro-
ducing a line of boots and shoes. His old partner,
Jlr. Murray, came to Owosso in May, 1889, and
joined him in this business. His large double
store, which is centrallj' located at the corner of
Washington and Main Streets, lias a large business,
and the store virtually has four fronts or places of
entrance. It is literall3' packed with goods of ex-
cellent quality, selected with taste and disciimina-
tion, and the firm is able to fit out a man or boy
from top to toe, in first class style.
In March, 1888 Mr. Terbush married Miss Car-
rie A., daughter of A. J. Patterson, proprietor of
the National Hotel at Owosso. The birth of two
cliildrcn, Ja}' M. Jr. and Rizpah Mae, are the fruits
of this union. Mr. Terbush is a member of Owos-
so Lodge, No. 81, F. and A. M., and of Owosso
Chapter, No. 89, R. A. M., and of Corunna
Comraandery, K. T. and is also one of the Kniglits
of Pythias of the Subordinate Uniform rank. In
his pleasant residence on Water Street, he and his
amiable wife are the centre of a pleasant social life
around which their neighbors gatlier and where all
enjoy a genuine hosi)itality. Politically he is a
Kepublican.
ENRY C. CASE, a well-known farmer and
^) blacksmith of Eureka, Clinton County, is a
native of Chautauqua County, N. Y., and
was born October 4, 1843. He is a son of
Samuel and Maria (Penharlow) Case. The father
was a native of New York and the mother of Con-
necticut. Until he was fourteen years old the boy
grew up in his native home and at that time mi-
grated with his parents to Clinton County, this
State, making their new home in Greenbush Town-
ship. His father was thus one of tlie early settlers
in the township and was highly honored and res-
pected by all who knew him, until his death in
September, 1889.
The brothers and sisters of our subject were
Maria, now Mrs. John Conant; Jane, the wife of
M. Sevy; Charlotte, Henry, and Ransford, who has
'.2^i^*^^^<^ ^y^.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
273
di.'cL When sixteen years old, Henry Case began
to learn the trade of a blaeksinitli, taking bis ap-
prenticeship with his fatlier wlio was also a niechaiiic.
He has fol lowed his trade throiiuji life and has a
fine repntation as a thorough workman, iiaving a
large trade, not only in Eureka but also among the
farmers through all that part of the township.
The marriage of Mr. Case in 1861 united him
with Martha Coe, of New York, where the marriage
ceremony was performed. This lady became the
mother of three children, two of whom, Frank and
Mamie, arc living. This wife was called away from
earth, and the second marriage of our subject took
place in 1883. The present Mrs. Case bore the
maiden name of Libby Jeffries. She and her husband
each own forty acres of finely cultivated land, upon
which- they are raising splendid crops. Mr. Case
is a public-spirited and enterprising man and an
earnest [iromoler of ever}' movement tending to
the improvement of the county and the elevation
of society. He is a Republican in his politics, but
is not in any sense an oflice seeker, but conscien-
tiously casts bis vote for those principles and men
in whom his juda:ment confides. He is nnl only a
superior mechanic but is possessed of the confidence
of his neighbors and his word is considered as good
as his bond. Both he and his good wife are res-
pected members of society and everj' one rejoices
in their success.
HARLK8 HOLMAN. The i)ortrait on the
opposite page represents the lineaments of
a gentleman well-known in Shiawassee;
County. Mr. Hoi man has l)een a resident here
since the spring of 1857 and has held oflice longer
than any other official the count}- has known. He
was Register of Deeds from January, 18G7, till
Januarj', 1881, having been re-elected six times.
He has been interested in business projects ami has
from his earliest residence here manifested an car-
nest zeal for the improvement of this section and
its advance in all that is best in modern civiliza-
tion. Financially speaking, he has succeeded in
the affairs of life, and in his declining years he is
unharrassed by the anxiety as to the wherewithal to
supply his needs. Better than all else, his charac-
ter as a man is one which can be spoken of as a
model for younger men to copy, and in religious
work he is one of the most active and eflBcient men
in Corunna.
The Holmans came originally from England but
the Granite State w.as the home of the family for
several generations. In Marlboro, N. H., Sullivan
Holman, father of Charles, was born in January,
1801. After he grew to manhood he went to New
York, where he was engaged in school teaching and
where he married Harriet Hall, a native of Phelps-
town and daughter of .losepli Hall, who was a Cap-
tain in the Colonial Army during the Revolution.
In 1833 Mr. Holman removed to this State and for
a time made his home in Birmingham, then went
to Clinton, Lenawee County. He was ong.aged in
the manufacture of fanning mills, but when old
age overtook him he gave up his work. He is now
living with our subject and is ninety years old.
He is a Presbyterian, devout and earnest. Mrs.
Holman died at the home of her son Charles when
seventy years old. Our subject is the first born in
the parental familvand has one sister living — Mrs.
Harriet Weston, whose home is in Alma. There
were two other children — Henry and Edward — but
the}' died young.
In Lyons, Wayne County, N. Y., April 1 1, 1830,
Charles Holman was born. He has no recollection
of a home outside this Stale, to which he was
brought in a wagon, via Canada, when scarcely
more than an infant. His boyhood was spent in
what was a sparsely settled district of Le;iawce
County and his home was a log house with a shop
in the same yard. His father was one of the first
to establish a home in that locality and the scenes
to which Mr. Holman looks back as the first that
he can recall, were of quite a primitive nature.
He attended the district school and l.-itcr spent a
year in Romeo Academy. The surnmiT.s were
given up to work on the farm, from the titnr he
was strong enough to be of service, and during the
winter he worked diligently with his books.
When eighteen years old Mr. Holman began
teaching and two winters were given to professional
274
rOKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
work. Grand Rapids was then a small place and
the only mode of travel thither was by stage and a
boat on the Grand Rivev. Tlie young man went
there and spent a summer working at the carpen-
ter's trade. In the fall he returned to Lenawee
County and for three years was a cleriv in the
store of B. J. Bid well. He then went to Macomb
County an<i for three years operated a rented farm
near Romeo. He next came to Shiawassee (Jouuty ,
and making his iiome in Owosso in the spring of
1857, be began teaming, drawing lumber between
St. Cliarles and Owosso. He teamed two j'cars
and then took a position with Fowler & Esselstyn,
wlio carried on what was known as the West India
stave business. Their establishment was the prin-
cipal one for such a [)urpose in this locality, and
Mr. Ilolman remained with them seven years. In
the fall of 186G he was elected Register of Deeds
on the Republican ticket and qualified for his office
in January following. While attending faithfully
to the duties of his position he carried on a real-
estate business, handling property in Corunna and
llie outlying districts of the county. In 1881 he
retired to private life, but the next year he was
elected Justice of the Peace and served as such
until 1890. Mr. Holroan has for several years
been one of the Superintendents of the poor of
the county.
The home of Mr. Holman is one in which the
refining influence of woman is very apparent. It
is presided over b}' an educated lady who became
his wife in Romeo, Macomb County, in 1853. She
was previously Miss Cynthia F. Holman, being a
daughter of Asa Holman, nn early settler and
prominent fanner of Macomb County. She was
educated in a ladies' seminary in Detroit and
under the lionie roof received careful instruction
in matters of domestic economy, 'i'lie iiappy
union lias been blessed by tlie birth of six children,
three of whom are still at homo. These are Net-
tie who is an invalid; Helen, a high-school girl
belonging to the class of 'a3, and Charles, Jr. The
eldest of the famil3' is Waldo, whusc home is in
Owosso and who is a traveling salesman for tiie
granite-ware firm of Maiming, Bowing >fc Co., of
New York. The second child is Farraiid, who is
cnifaii-ed in tlie jewelry business iu Owosso, and
the third is Mrs. Josephine Haney, wife of H. H.
Haney, a traveling salesman.
When Ihe Republican parly was organized Mr.
Holman identified himself with that body and has
been an unfailing supporter of its principles from
that day to this. He has been a delegate to county
and State conventions and was Chairman of the
County Republican Committee some four years.
He has long been connected with the School Board
of Corunna and is now holding the position of
Secretary, and for four years he has been Secretary
of the Pioneer Society. Following the example
antl teaching of his honored father, he is identified
with the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an
Elder. He has been Sunday-school Superintendent
and was a member of the building committee when
the present house of worship w.os put up.
<if]ACOB E. LUDWICK. The qualities that
win success have been displayed by the gen-
tleman above named, who began his battle
with life when he was just entering his teens,
and has made his way, step by step, to competence.
He is numbered among the most enterprising farm-
ers of Clinton County, and is pleasantly located on
section 29, Lebanon Township. He located here in
1868, settling on eighty acres of land, but adding
to the property in later years until his estate now
corai)rises one hundred and ninety acres. Here he
carries on general farming, and enjoys the com-
forts which belong to modern farm life. In addi-
tion to his |)roperty here he is the proprietor of a
steam laundry at Beliiing, and at one time be ovvned
an elevator in Pewamo.
The i)arents of our subject were Jacob and Cath-
erine (Keller) Ludwick, natives of Pennsylvania,
who went from that State to New York, and after
some years returned to the Keystone State, where
Mr. Ludwick died in 1839. Their children were
Josei)li. John, Betsey, George, Margaret, Jacob,
Polly and Sarah. The motlier married Mr. Mc-
Ninch, and bore him three children — Marvin, Ben-
jamin F. and Patrick H. Her second husbaiui died
and she was again married, wedding a Mr. Fisher.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
275
Her last dajs were spent in Barry Countj', this
State, where she died in 1881.
The subject of this notice was born in Genesee
County, N. v., May 28, 1834. He was eleven
years old when he left his native State and went to
Oliio to remain a j"ear, after which he came to
Miciiigan with his mother. A home was made in
Eaton County, and the lad remained wilii iiis
motiier a year, then started in life for himself. He
found work on a farm and remained in the emplo}"
of the same man five years, then went to Kalamazoo
County and worked by the month. He made his
home in that county until 1868, when he removed
to the farm he is now occupying. During the in-
tervening time he bought seventy acres in Kala-
mazoo County-, cleared a part of it, then sold it and
bought other land, and ere long was the owner of
one hundred and twenty acres that he had cleared
and broken. Since he came to Clinton County he
has continued his former habits of life, working
industriously and making his well-directed efforts
count in the progress of his worldly affairs.
The N'atioual birthdaj' in 1856 was celebrated b}-
Mr. Ludwick in an especial manner, he being on
that day united in marriage with Miss Jemima
Henion. The wedding ceremony took place in
Marshall, Calhoun Count}'. The bride was born in
Orleans County, N. Y., March 20, 1839, and was
the fourth child in a family of twelve. Her par-
ents, John and Ruth (Harr}') Henion, were born
in New Jersey and New York respectively, anil
their marriage took place in the latter .State. They
lived there until 18o4, then came to Michigan, and
for thirteen years were residents of Kal.imazoo
County. They then removed to Oceana Count}',
where the wife died in September, 1886. She was
at that time a member of the United Brethren
Church, although for years she and her husband
were Methodists. Mr. Henion is a carpenter, and
has always followed his trade, combining farm
work therewith during much of the time. His
present home is in Hart Township, Oceana County.
Our subject and his estimable wife are the par-
ents of three children, named respectively, Fred J.,
Edward and Francis E. Although Mr. Ludwick
had the opportunity of attending school less than a
year, he has much ready intelligence and has always
aimed to keep well informed and increase his knowl-
edge by those means which are available by all who
desire. He has been able to serve his fellow-men
most eflieiently as Supervisor, an office to which he
was first elected in 1875. He held the office two
years, was again elected in 1881, and with the ex-
ception of 1887, has been Supervisor to the present
time. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a Mas-
ter Mason, belonging to Hubbardston Lodge. No.
178, and is connected with Pewamo Lodge, No.
296, L O. O. F.
ORACE C. JMAIN, a much respected and
jij enterprising citizen of Owosso is the incum-
bent of the position of County Surve^'or of
Shiwassee County. This gentleman is the
worthy son of Theodore and Amanda (Putnam)
Main, both natives of New York State, and who
were the honored parents of four children, three of
whom are now living. He was born in Orleans
County, N. Y., in the town of Clarendon, Septem-
ber 28, 1834. His father was born near Rome, N.
Y., in 1803, and was the son of Thomas T. Main,
who was a native of the same locality, and of
Scotch birth.
Hor.-ice being the oldest iu his father's family
was much relied upon for assistance in work. His
school days were ))assed first in the distiict school,
and afterward at Brockport, where i;o attended the
college under the care of the Baptist Church, which
is now the State Normal .School. After leaving
h it institution he taught for some time and fanned
during vacations. He came to Shiawassee County,
Mich., in his twenty-first year, and located on the
farm in MIddlcbur}' Township, surveying mostly
during the winter. He placed substantial improve-
ments upon his farm and made sale for it, and re-
moved to Owosso in 1881, where he has since made
his home, devoting himself mainly to surveying.
He h.as been City Survoj'or since 1881. lie also
owned another farm in Fairfield Township, a fine
tract of one hundred acres, but never lived on that
farm. The depot at Carland is on his land.
On June 18, 1854, he was united for life with
276
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Miss Diantha Howe, daughter of George and Hul-
dali (FuUar) Howe, of Oswego County, N. Y. No
children have crowned this union, but this worthy
couple were not content to enjoy life alone without
doing good to sonne little one who had no parents,
and adopted a daughter, Lydia, who is now the
wife of Fred Hartshorn. Mrs. Main is an earnest
and devoted member of the Baptist C^inreh. and a
liberal contributor also to other benevolent pur-
poses.
Mr. Main has for some time filled tlie officer of
Supervisor of the First District of Owosso City,
having twice been elected to this position. He has
several times been elected to the office of County
Surveyor, and was Drainage Commissioner for some
six years. He is a member of the Owosso Lodge,
No. 81. F. <fe A. M., and of Owosso Chapter, No.
89, R. A. M. His political affiliations are with the
Republican party, and he is a prominent man in
the circles of that party. Although he resides in
Owosso, and has a handsome home there, he still
owns his farm, and takes a personal interest in its
manajjement.
">*'• (^y><^^-°*<'-
G
lEORGE H. WARRP:N, a prominent citizen
(|| f==j of Middleburj', Shiawassee County, was
*^^|i born in Ontario County, N. Y., December
21, 1827. He isa son of Willinin and Mary (Horn)
Warren. His parents were born and brought u|) in
New Jersey and moved to the vicinity of Little
Egg Harbor. His father was by occui)alion a
farmer but died when this son was but live years
old. He had previous to this sad event removed to
the State of Michigan in 1830 and settled on a new
farm three miles northeast of Ponli.ac.
After two years of widowhood Mrs. Warren
married Mr. .Joseph HMlhaway, a resident of Wash-
tenaw County, and with him young George lived
until he reached his sixteenth year. Up to that
lime he attended school most of the time, both
winter and summer, and after this .age was reached
he attended during the winter terms. Atthistime
he began life for himself, working out for farmers
from whom he received about i!7 a month. These
wages he received in the summer, and during the
winter he chored for his board and attended school,
for he was resolved to have as good an education
as lay within his grasp.
The 3'oung man came to Shiaw.ossee County in
the fall of 1847 and located where he now lives.
He had received for his services not exceeding ^11
a month all the time that he was working for others.
He and his brother, David L., came to this county
and worked together at clearing their land, of
which they each had eighty acres. They cleared
ten acres on each place during the first year and
planted it in wheat. It was indeed a proud and
happj- day for them when they harvested their first
crop, fifteen bushels to the acre, and had it threshed
by a machine from Pontiac. After having it
threshed they loaded twenty bushels into a wagon
and the roads were so bad that it took three yokes
of oxen to haul this lo.ad three miles, to the point
wliere they struck a respectable road. They now
took this wheat to Owosso and sold it at the rate
of forty-five cents a bushel. This was the first
money nialized on the farm.
The house which these young men erected for
their home was made of oak logs and as they could
get no men to help them at that time they emploj'-
ed an ox-team to roll the logs into their places
upon the building. The site of that first home is a
short distance in front of where Mr. Warren's pres
ent delighful residence noT? stands. Previous to
linilding this cabin onS' subject had returned to
Oakland County, and spent one summer working
at 813 per month, and on his return brought with
him a flock of slieep, ever3' one of which were killed
b}- the wolves during tiie following spring.
Mr. Warren had not been very long in his new
home before he felt the need of a woman's hand and
the cheer of a woman's presence to brighten the
dullness of the log cabin, and he was married March
17, 1851, to Almira Tha3er of L^'on Township,
Oakland Count\-. He tells the stor^' of his trip
after his wife. He w.alked to Oakland County to
his wedding and walked back again, driving a cow^
and was keeping house in his log cabin just one
week after his marriage. The wife was brought to
her new home in a lumber wagon by her father.
Six children came to bless and cheer this home,
A
\&-^7^ {rp^/r^^l^ ^^if;
PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRArHICAL ALBUM.
279
namely Amanda F., born December 22, 1852;
Alice, Ajjril 15, 1855; Horace A., I\Ia3' 1, 1856;
Klraer E., Novembtr 26, 1861 ; Emory D., May 16,
1869; Georsfe F., May 5, 1874. Amanda died
April 1, 1860, and Alice, May 8, 1855. Horace
Albert married for his first wife Jennie U. Welch
ami for his second, Sarah Thompson; Elmer iDji.rried
Anna Collins, of Shiavrassee County and lives in
this county; Emory D. and George arc at home
xvilh iheir parents.
Immediately after harvesting his first crop Jilr.
Warren proceeded to clear the entire eighty acres
and added to it also from time to lime until he now
has a tine place of two hundred and forty acres all
highly cultivated, lie buil'^ his new residence in
1863 and has erected several barns, adding some-
thing every year to the excellent buildings upon
his place. He has now an excellent carriage house
as well a commodious barn and his orchard is one
of the finest in the county. When he first came
here he had to go several miles to church service
at a schoolhouse and had to clear the road through
the woods to better enable him to attend these
services. He used often to carry his plow on his
shoulder sis miles to get it sharpened, and had to
work out for neighbors to raise the money to buy
what nicessaries the family could not do without.
During the first year this pioneer and his brother
David L. made 1107 by days' work besides what
they did on the farm. His wife underwent severe
hardships and often had to remain in the woods
alone while he went to the village, and sometimes
had to stay alone all night with wolves howling
about and wild bears and Indians roaming near
her. She used to spin and knit her woolen gra-
raents. Her father went to Idaho and was killed
by the Indians.
Mr. Warren's political sympathies have been
with the Republican party until within the last few
years when he became a Prohibitionist. He has
held the ofike of the Justice of Peace, Commis-
sioner of Highways and Sciiool Inspector. Ho and
his good wife are both respected and useful mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in con-
nection with which he has been .Steward, Trustee
and Superintendent of Sunday-school. He person-
ally superintended the construction of the church
and gave largely to the biiiiiiing fund. He takes
a great interest in sciiool and church matters and
has always given liberally lo all the churches.
-^-l^^.t^.
l^R. J. LORENZO SMITH, who is engaged in
)) the practice of medicine in Vernon Shi-
awassee Count}', and whose portrait is shown
on the op[)Osile page, was born in Coshocton,
Ohio, April 17, 1845. On the maternal side he is
of Irish line.age, while on the paternal side he is
descended from one of the old Virginia families.
His grandfather, George Smith, was burn in \'ir-
ginia, and owned a plantation and a number of
slaves. He was a great lover of Que horses, studied
veterinary surgery to enable him to properly care
tor them, and always had several thoroughbreds
u[)on his farm. His love of horses won him the
title of Jockey Smith. He emigrated lo Ohio in
1840 and became prominent in the conimunily in
which he made his home. When ninety-four
years of age he took a thirty-mile ride on horse-
back and losing his way wandered ar<jund for two
days before he reache(i home again. During this
time he partially lost his mind and never fully
recovered the entire use of his mental faculties.
He died at the age of ninety-six years. The ma-
ternal grandfather of our subject, John Thomp-
son, WIS a native of Ireland, and emigrated lo
America about 1803, locating in Pennsylvania.
By trade he was a glovemaker and he followed
liiat occupation until his deatii, which occurred in
18l'0.
.I'lcob Smith, the Doctor's father, was l)orn in
11S02, in Virginia, and upon the old homestead in
tli;it State was reared to manhood. At the age of
twenty he went to Washington County, Pa.,
wliire he met and married Miss Mary Thompson,
who was born in that county in 180J. They
tliirc began their domestic life, removing after
fourteen years to Coshocton County, Ohio, where
the death of Mr. Smith occurred on the home
farm, Febiuary 9, 1845. He lived an excm])hny
life and w.as one of nature's noblemen. The Pres
bylerian Church found in him a most etricient and
280
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
faithful member and worker and many had reason
to bless him for kindness and aid received at his
hand. He was a total abstainer from all intoxi-
cants and was never addicted to the use of tobacco.
Like her husband, Mrs. Smith was a consistent
member of tlie Presbyterian Church and delighted
in doing good. The poor and needy found in her
a true friend and the lessons which she instilled
into the minds of her children in youth did much
to make them honorable men and women. After
her husband's death she took upon herself the en-
tire management of their farm of ninety acres and
educated and eared for her children. She was
called to the home beyond in 18(11*. In the
family were five children — four sons and a daugh
ter, of whom two sons and the daughter are now
living. George B. is a farmer of Bowdle, S. D.;
Mary E. is the wife of Samuel K. Sayer, also of
Bowdle; Daniel T. was captain of Company I,
One Hundred Indiana Regiment, duiiug the
late war, and suffered many wounds. He re-
ceived a bayonet thrust in his chest, lost his left
arm, .1 bullet lodged in liis left siioulder-blado and
another pierced his right hand. He died from
the effects of these wounds in Millersburg, Ohio,
in 1870. John died at the age of twelve years.
The fifth and j'oungest of the family is Dr.
Smith. His father died before ho was born. In
liis native State he was reared and attended the
common schools until sixteen years of age, when
he went to Hopedale, Harrison County, where he
pursued a two-years' course of study in a Normal
school. He then went uo Pittsburgh, Pa., and
was graduated from the Iron City Commercial
College, after which he went to Nashville, Tenn.,
where he engaged in clerking for fourteen
months. Then returning to the place of his na-
tivity he taught school for two years and at the
expiration of that period began reading medicine
with Prof. Joel Pomerenc, of Millersburg, Holmes
Count}'. He was also a student for three years
in the Cleveland Medical College, now called the
Western Reserve University, and after his gradu-
ation, in 1869, opened an office in Strasburg,
Ohio, ami entered upon the practice of his pro-
fession, which he has made his life work. Since
November, 1875, he has practiced continuously in
Vernon, Mich., with the exception of one year
spent in Cedar Rapids, low.a, and two years in Lib-
erty. In 1885, howcve/, he returned to Vernon,
and at once built up a good practice, to which his
skill and ability justly entitles him.
On the 17th of March, 1870, in Strasburg, Ohio,
Dr. Smith led to the marriage altar Miss Jennie
Patterson, who was born at that place in 1847.
She died July 20, 1880, leaving two children, ason
and daughter, Lillian May, who was born in 1871,
and Hudson O., born in 1873. The latter gradu-
ated from the Vernon schools in the spring of
1891. On the 8th of May, 1887, the Doctor was
united in marriage with Florence Willhide, who
was born in 1848, in Hagarstown, Md., where their
wedding was celebrated.
Dr. Smith is a member of the Shiawassee Medi-
cal Association and of the Alumni of the Western
Reserve Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio. He
takes considerable interest in civic societies, is a
member of the Masonic Lodge of Cedar Ra[)ids,
Iowa, the Independent Order of Foresters, and is
Commander of Vernon Lodge, No. 337, K. O. T. M.
In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and has served
as President of the Village Board. In his religious
views he is a Methodist, belonging to the church
of that denomination in Vernon. The Doctor is
a leading citizen of his community and among
his professional brethren ranks high. His liberal
patronage attests his worth and his many friends
accord him their warm regard and confidence.
—•> «>^-c|> V-
,ZI B. SEVY. AVe are pleased to present to
the readers of this volume the worthy sub-
ject of this sketch and his good wife who
are among the most notewoithy of the venerable
and honored pioneers of Central Michigan. Ozi B.
Sevj' who resides on section 22, Gi-eenbush Town-
ship, Clinton County, is a native of Genesee
County, N. Y. and was born September 18, 1824.
He is a son of David and Rhoda (Baker) Sevy.
His i)aternal ancestrj^ is said to have been English.
The subject of this sketch is the ohlest in a fami-
ly of six children born to his parents, of whom
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
281
four survive, namely: Ozi B., Kdinund, who lives
in Dakota; ■loannette, who is the wife of W. F.
Davies in Greeiibush Township; and Linda, llie
wife of John Coverstone of Chicago, III. AVIicn
but fourteen years old our subject came with his
parents to Clinton County, this State, and in 1839
they made their liorae on section 23, of Ureenbusli
Township. Here thcj' settled in the woods and
David Sevy, the father of our subject, built a log
c.ibin without a single foot of sawed lumber, and
within this rude abode they set up a happy iionie
and cheerfulh' endured the hardships which abound
in pioneer life. The father died at tlie home of
our subject where he had made his home for
thirteen years, on February 28, 1880, and iti liis
death the county lost one of the bravest of her
early [lioneers, and a representative man. lie iiad
faithfully served his township as Supervisor, Just-
ice of the Peace and Ilighw.ay Commissioner, and
was a public-spirited and liberal man. His political
affiliations were with the Republican part\', in the
progress of which he felt a keen interest.
The sul)ject of this sketch was born in New York
but reared to manhood in this county amid scenes
of pioneer life, and was early inured to the priva-
tions which must come to the children of tlie early
settlers. He also suffered the deprivations in re-
gar<l to education and social privileges wiiicli were
the lot of Jlichigan's earliest citizens.
A noteworthy event in the life of Mr. Sevy was
his marriage upon Christmas Day, 181H. His bride,
Klvira A., daughter of Kiifusand Louisa Dinsmore,
was born July 7, 1830. Her [larents were natives
of Massachusetts, and the little girl came West
with them when in her si.\th year, to Ionia County,
where they became early settlers.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sev3' have been born four child-
ren; one, Linda, has passed into the other world
and the others have grown up to take their places
in the world where they are a credit to tlioir
parents and an ornament to the societ}' in which
they move. Alta A. resides in Clinton County;
Lillian A., is the wife of James Reavies and resides
at Battle Creek, where Hepry J. also makes his
home being engage<l in the jewelry business.
Our subject made a perniaticnt settlement upon
the spot where he now lives in 1853 apd has re-
sided here continuously from that d.ay to this. He
is largely a self-made man, and in the accumula-
tion of his property he has been ably assisted by
his wise and noble wife, who h.as been his efficient
helpmate and counselor through all their wedded
life. When he came to this region St. John's was
unknown and as a boy he played the drum in the
streets of this city at its first Fourth of July celebr.a-
tion in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Sevy are honored and
useful members of the Church of the Seventh D.ay
Adveutists and they are highly rcs|)ccted members
of society. He is ever active in all movements for
the promotion of education for the young, and lias
served .as School Inspector for the township. That
he is public-spirited and acts for the good of others
his neighbors will warmly testify, and that he is an
enterprising, industrious and systematic farmer the
excellent condition of his buildings, his attractive
home and his well- tilled farm attests.
I
\f?OHN ANDKRSON. Among the foremost
agriculturists of Clinton County is Mr. An-
derson, with whose name a visitor would
not long be unfamiliar. For a number of
3'ears he has been carrying on his work in Essex
Township, on section 2, where he has now a fine
farm of two hundred acres bearing modern im-
provements of a substantial nature. When he
look up his residence here, he found a tract of tim-
ber land from which he had to remove trees and
sluujps, and then prepare the soil for planting b}-
liroaking the tovigh soil and cutting deep furrows
in the "lap of Motlier Karlii." That this required
an expenditure of lime and strengtii is well under-
stood by all who till the soil and such can appre-
ciate his conduct as it deserves, and congratulate
liim on arriving at prosperity.
As the patronymic indicates the ancestors of
Anderson were Scotch, and he, himself, was born
in Ayrshire, the date of his advent being August
12, 1821. His parents were (iabriel and Sarah
(White) Anderson, both of whom were born in llie
land of Bruce and Wallace. There the son grew
to manhood and received a fair education, to which
282
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
he has [addec) general culture by reading and ob-
servation. He is fond of books and thinks over
their contents until they become a part of his mind.
He has four brothers in America: Jauies and
Gabriel in Essex Township, Thtjmas in Van Buren
County, and Robert in another part of Clinton
County. He came. to this country in 1851, taking
passage at Glasgow on a sailing vessel that reached
New York forty-six days after leaving the Scotch
port. He came at once to this State and for awhile
lived in Northfield, Wayne County, following his
trade of blacksmitliing. In 1856 he came to Clin-
on County, and settled where lie still lives, grad-
ually bringing his property to its present fine
condition.
Mr. Anderson was accompanied to America by
his wife and one child, the former a native of
Scotland and known in her maidenhood as Mar-
garet Stevens. She survived their emigration but
a few years, dying in Wayne County in 1855. Of
the four children she bore the living are John S.,
.Sarah .J., wife of David Surline, and Margaret, all
living in Nebraska. To his present wife Mr. An-
derson was married October 1), 1857, the ceremony
being performed at her home in Uwosso, .Shiawassee
County. Her maiden name was Cornelia Britlon
and she was born in Washtenaw County, tiiis State,
October 16, 1839. Her parents were Jacob and
F"inettu Britton, early settlers in Clinton Count3',
and well known to many of our readers. Of the
twelve children comprising their family the fol-
lowing survive: Ivichard; Mrs. Anderson; Mary
K.. wife of Benjamin Stevens, living in Missouri;
James, whose home is in Gratiot Count}'; Liberty,
who lives in Chicago; Ann, wife of Jeremiah Saw-
yer, in Gratiot County ; John who resides in Durand,
this State. The children of Mr. Anderson and his
present wife are: Edith, wife of W^illiam Soule;
William; Lillian, wife of W. Hicks, and Nellie B.
Not only is Mr. Anderson a reliable farmer but
in all business transactions he is to be de|)eiided
upon to do the light thing ami when a man of
public spirit is looked for his name is at once sug-
gested, ill his political views he is a Rei)ublican,
and the religious home of himself and wife is in
the Christian Church in Mai'le Rapids. He has
curved as Township Supervisor several terms and
has also been School Director of his district. In
official life he is the same honest, upright man that
he is in private life, and his efforts are alwa\'s di-
rected toward achieving the best possible results.
He and his wife are active members of society and
no where will there be found a couple more highly
respected and inthiential in their circle.
^^ IIARLES D. RICE, a representative farmer
and stock-raiser residing on section 12, Es-
sex Township, Clinton County-, was born
November 27, 1830, in Oneida County, N. Y. He
is the son of Harlow and Catherine (Devotle) Rice.
Mr. Rice was a native of Connecticut and Mrs.
Rice of New York State. The Rice famil}- in this
country is traced back as far as the year 1600,
when the ancestors of this branch came from Wales.
The ancestors on the maternal side arc of French
blood.
In 1837 the subject of this sketch emigrated with
his parents to Macomb County, this State, becom-
ing pioneers there. The mother died in that county
and the father after their removal to Clinton
.County, which, hovvevcr, was not until after Charles
reached the years of maturity. His early educa-
tion was acquired in the pioneer district schools
and upon the jiioneer farm and he had to make up
in earnestness and devotion to his studies what was
lacking in advantages.
ill 1861 Charles Rice was united in marriage in
Macomb County with Nancy J. Davison, a sister
of James K. Davison, of Essex Township, this
county, of whom a sketch appears in this Aijju.m.
Seven cliildren have come to bless the home of Mr.
and ]Mis. Rice. They are IJerber',, George, Mar-
tin, Fr.'ink, I'red, Ray and (Jtto. The last named
only has been called away from this world, it was
in 1865 when Sir. Rice came to Clinton County
and decided to settle on the land which he now
occupies. It was all woods here and he had to en-
counter genuine pioneer experiences and do genu-
ine pioneer work. Since coming to Clinton County
he has broken about three hundred acres of new
uround for other farmers besides all that he has
.'---■'•^,
/^L/Ia/Vo
'^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
285
done upon his own farm. His land consists of
eigiity acres, all of wbicU lie has gained by his own
jiush. pluck and perseverance.
Mr. Rice has served one year as Commissioner
of Highways for Essex Township, and has served
both as School Director and Moderator. When the
schoolhousc was erected he was placed upon the
building committee in which capacity he was un-
usually eftieient and gave great satisfaction to the
district. He is a Republican in his political views
and a man of public spirit and activity in regard
to all movements for the elevation of societj'. His
wife is an earnest and conscientious member of the
Christian Church. Besides general farming he has
taken much interest in raising graded Merino
sheep and a fine grade of horses for general pur-
poses.
-S^^
' NDREW J. WIGGINS, M. D. This gentle-
man was foi some years known as the
ii leading physician of St. John and indeeil
of the county, but as he is now on the
shady side of the hill of time he has given up his
work to a great extent, although he still visits
various parts of the State where he is called in con-
sultation. He has not allowed his knowledge to
decline, but has always kept well posted and still
peruses the latest medical journals and otherwise
keeps abreast of the da}' in his knowledge of the
work in which he has so long and successfully been
engaged. He has paid considerable attention to
the packing and sale of articles of medicinal value,
and some years ago built a factory for the prepar-
ation of elm bark and shipped thousands of barrels.
He gave up the work only when the supply in this
section was exhausted. He also packed roots of
Tarious kinds, placing on the market staples of
freshness and strength.
Dr. Wiggins is a son of Jacob and Charlotte
(Briggs) Wiggins, both of whom were born in the
Empire State. His father's birthplace was in
Oneida County and he was descended from an old
Eastern family. He served in the War of 1812 as a
teamster, although he was but a boy. and hauled
canuoQ balls and smaller ammunition. He after-
ward became a farmer and o[)erated one hundred
and three acres near Rome until 1836. He then
removed to Wyoming County and continued his
occupation there. He became known far and near
as '-Uncle Jake" and was one of the most influential
men in the locality. He was frequently called
upon to act as administrator of estates and guardian
of minors and was always true to the trust reposed
to him. He died at the age of fifty-four years.
His political association was with the Democratic
party. His wife was a daughter of Joseph Briggs,
a native of New England, but for years a farmer
near Rome, N. Y., where she was born. She died
at the home of a daughter In Batavia when seventy-
six years old.
The family in which Dr. Wiggins was the first-
born consi^d of nine children, five of whom grew
to maturity but three only now survive. He was
born in Rome, Oneida County, N. Y. June 17,
1828, and was eight years old when he removed
with his parents to the western part of the State.
The journey of one hundred and fifty miles was
made in the primitive fashion with a team and
wagon. The lad learned fa-mingand attended the
district school and also pursued his studies for
three winters in the Warsaw Seminary. He then
spent one year at Lima College, where his father
had a scholarship. He had always desired to stud}'
medicine and so well known was his taste that he
was called "Doc" from boyhood. He read medi-
cine at intervals from an earl}' dale, but did not
take up the study very thoroughly until he was of
age. His first preceptor was Dr. Peter Kaner, of
Warsaw, with whom he read over a year. Later
he studied under Dr. H. P. Woodward at Burns,
and in the fall of 1850 came to this Stsite and spent
the ensuing two winters in the medical department
of the University of Michigan. In August, 1852,
he returned to New York and entered Geneva
Medical College, from which he received his degree
the following spring.
The young physician located six miles from
Cohunbia City, Ind., where he practiced four years,
then opened an office in (ioshen. For a time he
was in partnership with a Dr. Wickham. Thence
he came to Jlichigan and for a little more than a
year he practiced at Chelsea, Washtenaw County,
286
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
then foiir\ears at Danville, Ingliam County. In
1861 he located at St. John anrl is now the oldest
physician here or in the county. His practice lias
extended over a large circuit of country and dur-
ing his j'ounger da3's he had all that he could do
to answer the demands made upon him. He was
for a time engaged in the drug business, in partner-
ship with a Mr. Boyd, but gave it up to attend en-
tirely to his profession. At one time he was
engaged iu the manufacture of children's sleds and
wagons, but the most impartmt work to which he
has given his attention, aside from his practice, has
been the preparation of drugs before mentioned.
In August, 1852, Dr. Wiggins w.as married to
Miss Irene Betts, the ceremony taking place at
Blissfield, Lenawee County, iSIich., and the wedding
journey being their return to New Yorlv", Mrs. Wig-
gins having been born in Palmyra, that State. It
was while living in Goshen, Ind., that he was bereft
of his companion and for more than a decade he
lived a widower. His second marriage was folemn-
ized in St. John's, in 1 872, his bride being Miss
Ilattie Mead, who was born in Lenawee County,
Mich., and is the daughter of Peter Mead, an earl}-
settler in Clinton County. The Doctor's first union
was childless, but of the second there have been
born two children — Celia M. and George F. The
dwelling in which the happy family enjo}' the
pleasures of life is one of the most expensive in the
county seat and cost more than ^10,000. It is the
onlj- house in town that is heated by steam and the
furnishing is the acme of good taste and comfort.
Dr. Wiggins has been a member of the Village
Board of Trustees and Health Officer and was
County Coroner two terms— 1882-83 and 1884-85.
When Horace Greeley was a candidate for the
Presidency, Dr. Wiggins was nominated for the
State Legislature on the Democratic ticket, without
his knowledge. He did not desire the place and
had not the time to attend to its duties, as he was
then the leading medical practitioner of the county.
It is currently reported that he would readily Irive
been elected had he not defeated the aim of his
friends by his own efforts in opposition. He is in-
terested in the social orders,belonging to the Ancient
Order of United Workmen and Knights of Honor,
is a Knight Templar and an Odd Fellow while in
New York. He is also connected with the Clinton
County Medical Society'. He carries $15,500 insur-
ance in the Western Masonic A.ssociation of Gmnd
Ra[)ids and other companies. Politically, he is a
strong Democrat. Personally he is one of those
who has ever tried to act the part of a true man and
has been successful in that aim as in professional
and financial matters.
A lithographic portrait of Dr. Wiggins accom-
panies this sketcii.
ILLS TUTTLK, M. D., a sturdy old gen-
ii tleman of active habits and an iron consti-
^^ tution, still carries on his professional
business at Corunna, Shiawasse County.
He is of the Eclectic and Botanic school, and h.as
practiced in Corunna since 1855 and is the oldesi
physician there. He was born in Hartford, Conn.,
May 27, 1819. His father. Ransom Tuttle was a
native of Connecticut and his grandfather was a
Revolutionary soldier, fighting under "Old Put."
The family was of English descent.
The father of our subject was a farmer, and in
1826 he located in Canton Township, .St. Lawrence
Count}', N. Y.,, where he carried on farming and
dairying, and remained there through the term of
bis natural life. He was a Whig in his political
views, and later a Republican. He w.as an Elder
in one Presbyterian Church for fort\'-two consecu-
tive j'ears and lived to be ninety-four years old.
The mother, who bore the maiden name of Sallie
Brooks, was a native of Connecticut, and lived to
complete eighty-two years. Of their eleven child-
ren, .seven sons and four daughters, all grew to
maturity.
Young Mills was reared in St. Lawrence County,
and took his schooling in the log schoolhouse,
which in severe winter weather was so cold that
the bo}- used to cover with snow] the johnn}' cake
he took for lunch lest it should freeze. He was
earl}' set to work and wiicn sixteen learned the
trade of a carpenter and j.)inai'. .Vfter four j'ears
of apprenticeship he began the business of con-
tracting and building, but did not continue in it
PORTUAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
2«7
long as his health was not robust. He now begun
the stud^- of medicine with l)rs. Ciaili and Baicer
as preceptors, ami practiced medicine tiiere until
1855, when he came to Corunna, wlicrc he soon
built ui)an extensive practice, whicli lias extended
over nearly every county in this State, and he has
patients from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and
Ohio. He is a specialist in all chronic diseases and
one of the oldest [)hysicians in Southern Michigan.
He uses the Electropathic treatment with great
success, and compounds his own medicines from
botanic sources. He pays all his attention to his
profession, and has the largest practice of any man
in the county, and a remarkable practice outside,
having a record of two thousand cases in Saginaw.
The marriage of Dr. Tuttle and Mary Fish, of
Madrid, took place in St. Lawrence Count}', N. Y.
Seven children crowned the union of this couple,
three deceased. Those living arc, the eldest.
George R., who resides here. He is a carpenter and
joiner and has become a master mechanic, llaltie,
now Mrs. Oaks, resides in Muskegon; Emma, the
wife of Mr. Bramun, lives in Flint, and Lewis is a
cigar manufacturer in Detroit,. The Doctor was
for four years County Coroner and at one time a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and is a true-blue Republican in his political views.
-^ggi"-
AVID S. FRENCH, Secretary of the St.
.lohn's Manufacturing Company, has as
prominent a pl.ace in business circles as
any man in the city. He has had con-
siderable to do with civic affairs here and is inllu-
ential in social orders that are among the most
prominent in the country-. In ousiness affairs he
is one of the chief olHcers as well as shareholder
and Director in the largest enterprise of its kind
in the United States, and lias the influence which
accrues from the firm foundation on which the
Manufacturing Comijan}- stands. Add to this the
resi)ectdue him as a Tnion soldier, and it is plain
to be seen why he is a conspicuous member of
society and a popular citizen.
Tracing the paternal line of descent we find that
the Frenches came from Wales to this country
several generations ago. The grandfather of our
subject was Asa French, a native of Berks County,
Pa., and an early settler in ftHami County, Ohio,
where he carried on farming. He was a S(>ldier in
the War of l!^12. The next in the direct line was
Lewis French, who was born and reared in Miami
Count}- and wiis graduated from the department of
law in Dennison University. He practiced his pro-
fession in Cincinnati during the greater part of his
life, and his death occurred in St. .Johns while on
visit to his son David in September, 1885, when he
was seventy-two years old. He w.as a member of
the Episcopal Church. His wife bore the maiden
name of ISIaria Sargent, was born in Cincinnati,
and alsn died there. Her father, David Sarirent. a
native of Pieston County, West Va., was one of
the old settlers in Cincinnati and was a prominent
manufacturer of lumber. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis
French three cliiltiren were born, but David S. is
the only one who grew to manhood.
The birtiiplace of David S. French was Lawrence-
burg, Iiid., and his natal day April 4, 1.S44. He
was reared in Cincinnati from the age of six
months and pursued his studies in the city schools,
being in the last 3-ear of the high school work when
he laid down his books to enter the arm}-. •• The
shot heard round the world " had scarcely ceased
to echo, and the enlistment of the defenders of the
Union had just begun when young French, then a
Lad of seventeen years, became a member of Com-
pany A, Second Ohio Infantry. He entered the
service in April under the three months' call and
was mustered tml during the summer, having in
the ineanliino taken part in the disastrous liatlle of
Bull Run. In the spring of 1862 he re-enlisted
and was mustered in at Piqua as a private in Com-
pany A, One Hundred Tenth Ohio Infantry. With
this regiment he took part in thirty-two battles,
and displ.aj'ed an equal patriotism and devotion to
his country in the experiences of camp and cam-
paign. He was mustered out .Inly 1, 1.S65, at
Columbus, Ohio, having the rank of First Lieu-
tenant.
For three years following the war Mr. French
was engaged in the sale of merchandise at Brook-
ston, Ind., and he then found employment in a
288
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
manufacliiring compan}' in Piqua, Ohio. Tbis
company, which was engaged in the manufacture
of lumber was in business in Piqua until January,
1871, when its headquarters was removed to St.
John's. Mr. French came hither as Secretary of
what has since been known as the St. Joiin's Manu-
facturing Company and has held that position
conlinuously. , To his ability in looking aftei that
part of the work which comes within his province
and his accurate records of the transactions of the
corporation, much of its prosperity' is undoubtedly
due.
Mr. French has a pleasant home, made attractive
b}' the housewifely skill, intelligence and amiabil-
ity of the lady who became his wife May 24, 186().
Her maiden name was Cornelia 5L Mitchell and
she is a daughter of Joseph Mitcliell, a farmer
living in Piqua. Ohio, in which city her marriage
took place. Mr. Fjench has at different times been
Village Trustee and he has also been President
four terms. lie is a Knight Temi)lar, belonging
to a Commaiidery in St. Joiin's, and is identified
with a Consistory in Detroit. The high degree
whicli he has taken, has made his name conspicu-
ous in Masonic circles and he is equally prominent
among Grand Army men. He has at vari nis times
been Commander of Charlies E. Grisson Post and
takes an active part in the movements with which
his comrades are identified, wiiether commemora-
tive or calculated to promote future welfare.
Politically he is an enthusiastic Republican.
■^flOHN H. GORMLEV. Among the agricul-
tural anil business men of Rush Township,
we are pleased to mention the name which
')J) appears at the head of this sketch. His
record also as a devoted and loyal patriot gives
him a claim upon every one who loves his coun-
try. Ills home on section 14, is a pleasant and at-
tractive one. His birth took place in Jefferson
County, N. Y., upon Christmas day, in 1830. His
jiarenis Anna and James Gormley, were born in
County Longford, Ireland, the father in 1805, and
the mother in 180y. They were united in marriage
in 1827 and came at once to America, and located
in Northern New York. They bought a farm and
continued there until 1840, when they sold out
and went to Canada, making their home not far
from Kingston, and were there until the death tif
James Gormle}' in 1862. He was a Roman Catho-
lic in his religious views.
Starting out at the age of fifteen to fight the bat-
tles of life, John Gormley learned the trade of a
carriage maker in Rochester, N. Y. He was there
five 3ears as an ai)prentice and nearly two years as
a journeyman and then spent several years in Niag-
ara Count}'. Coming to Michigan in 1882 he
bought forty-five acres of land where he now lives.
He had in 1855 been united in marriage with Jane
E. Ilosraer, daughter of Prentice and Ellen (Brown J
Ho&mer. The Ilosmer's were a Connecticut family
and there were ten children in the household to
which Jane belonged. She was born in September,
1831.
Mr. Gormley is a Republican in his political
views and cast his first vote for President Franklin
Pierce and his last for Harrison, and he has been
an earnest worker for the interests of his part}'.
While living in New York he filled the offices of
Township Clerk and Justice of the Peace for twelve
j'ears, and was also Treasurer and Highway Com-
missioner for quite a term, and served as delegate
to many conventions. Since coming to Michigan
he has also filled the responsible office of Justice
and is now on his third term in that position. He
is active in local politics and acts as delegate in
conventions.
At the first call of the Governor of New York
our subject enlisted in September, 1861, and helped
to raise one of the first companies of light artillery
in the State. He was made Sergeant in Company
M, First New York Light Artillery, and in Decem-
ber of the same year was promoted to the office of
First Sergeant of the battery. They went from
Rochester to Albau}', and from there to Washing-
ton, and during the winter were sent to Frederick
City, Md., and shortly after went down the Poto-
mac to Point of Ri.cks below Hirper's Ferry.
In F'ebruary, Sergeant Gormley was with his
battery on Maryland Heights to i)rotect men who
were making pontoon bridges ami also to guard
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
289
the army while It crossed into Virginia. The bat-
tery followe'l in tiie rear and was at Winchester in
the first battle and in several conflicts in Mie Shen-
andoah Valle3', going as far as Scranton. In May,
1862, he was in Bank's retreat, took part in the
second battle at Wincheslcr, and going to Williams-
port, Md., was there for a short time before return-
ing into the Shenandoah and Loudoun Valley.
They operated with the armj' until the battle of
Cedar Mountain, August 9 and 10, 1862, where
this division of our armj' was so badly cut up. The
battery w.ns reduced to one Second Lieutenant in
command at Cedar Mountain. The next battle in
which they took part was at. the fords of the Rap-
pahannock and thej- were in the heat of battle at
the second Bull Run. and in all the conflicts until
South Mountain and Anteitam. At the last named
place the drivers were taken from the teams to help
man the guns. Here our subject w.as struck by a
piece of a shell and for a time was rendered insen-
sible but rallied and continued with the l)attery
through the conflict.
Until the battle of Gettj'sburg our young sol-
dier continued with the army of the Potomac, but ;
in August, 1863, his batterj' and other bodies of
troops were sent to the .Southv/estern Army with
"fighting .loe Hooker." He was present at Wau-
hatchie Valley, Lookout Mountain and Missionary
Ridge, and when Sherman look coraraind in the
Southwest he was under him in all the battles in
that campaign until the capture of Atlanta. The
Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps which had
come from the Potomac under Joe Hooker were
united during the winter previous to the Atlanta
Campaign and formed the Twentielh Corps under
Hooker's command until the capture of Atlanta.
They were then put under tlie command of (Jen.
Slocuiii, and this was the corps which entered At-
lanta and held it. They went with Sherman to the
sea and were the first to occupy Savannah.
A promotion to .Second Lieutenant was given to
Mr. Gormley in May, 1863. I^eaving Savannah,
the Twentieth Corps went to South Carolina and
assisted in the capture of Charleston, and were at
Benton ville in March, 1865, and took part in that
battle. After the surrender of .lohnslon the army
went to Richmond and from there on to Washing-
ton, being present at the Grand Review. There
the army was disbanded and Lieut. Gormley was
mustered out of service in .June. 1865, at Roches-
ter.
— m^- —
^ AMKS D. KSTES, editor of the St. John's
I News was born in Bingham Town.slii|), Clin.
1
I ton County, February 19, 1818. His father.
(^J^/ George W. Estes, was a Vermonter and his
grandathor, Nathan, of New Hampshire, was a far-
mer on the shores of Lake Champlain and served
his country in the War of 1812. His father, the
great-grandfather of our subject, served in the
Revolutionary War. Later he located in Niagara
County, where he cultivated a farm for the re-
mainder of his days. The family is of l""rcnch
descent.
The father came to New York when a boy and
was reared there as a farmer. He was married to
Susan Smith in Niagara Coun'.y, and in 1845 came
to Clinton County this State traveling with a team
from Detroit. He was one of the first settlers in
Bingham Township and after clearing part of the
farm there located in St. John's. He had charge
of the first Post -office in Bingham Township and
was Supervisor for seven consecutive years. He
was a practical veterinary surgeon and made him-
self very useful in those early d.ays by his know-
ledge of the proper treatment of that noble animal,
the horse. During his residence in the town he
has engaged in the insurance business and is
County Coroner.
James Estes is Mie second in a famil3- of eight
children all but two of whom are living. He was
reared in St. John's, e<lucaled in the Union School
and when thirteen he was apprenticed as a printer
in the otlice of the St. John's Union, a Democratic
paper. Along with his work he was allowed to
lake some schooling. Iii 1869 he went to Flint,
tills State, and took the position of foreman on the
Flint Ohibe. The next year he returned to this
city and became a partner with George S. Corbit
on the Independent. After continuing with him
for twelve years he bought Mr. Corbil's interest
and was proprietor and editor of the Independent
290
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
for six years, until in 1888 he re-sold this paper to
his forme'' partner.
In 1889 the ]!^eirs was started by the .SI. John's
News Comp.'.ny and lie became its editor. This is
a five column quarto paper. ind('[)endent in politics
and has in connection with it an excellent job
olllce. Besides liis newspaper work, Mr. Kstcs is
Secretary and Treasurer of the Cooper, Boiler and
Engine Company of this cit}-. His marriage took
place in Flint in 1870. His bride, Miss Anna E.
Coonley, a native of Bloomfiold, Oakland County,
this State, is a daughter of George and Mary (Win-
slow) Coonley of New York, who were early
settlers in Oakland County.
The subject of this sketch is an ollicia! member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for twelve
3ears h.is been Superintendent of their Sunday-
school. He is well-known in the Michigan State
Press Association and is a I'roliibilionist. Besides
his other branches of business he handles real es-
tate to some extent. In former years he was a
Democrat and at one time was nominated by that
|)arty for the Legislature.
^. : )g^J#iUg< : I
StI OHN D. EVENS. The history of pioneers
is always fraught with interest to the old
and young, not only to those of their own
locality but to everyone who takes an in-
terest in the experiences of humanity. To the old
it is of interest because it brings up reminiscences
of like experiences in which the shades of differ-
ence are the spicy feature. To the young it is al-
ways a source of wonder how the men and women
of the past have struggled, endured and overcome.
They rend of hardships that seem perfectly nn-
surniounlable to them, forgetting tiuit occasion
develops latent powers and qualities hitherto
unsuspected.
John D. Evens is one of the pioneers of Michi-
gan, having been born in Royal Oak, Oakland
Ct)unty, .lunc -1, 1835. He is the second son and
third child of John 1). and Mary (Barton) Evens,
and is now well known as the genial owner of the
largest livery and sale stable in Owosso, Mich.
w
Our subject's mother was a native of Ireland and
born in the cit}' of Belfast. She was brought to
the United States when only five years of age. The
father was a native of Wales and emigrated to the
United Slates when quite young. The young peo-
ple met and married in Oakland County, Mich., and
afterward settled on a farm where they passed the
remainder of their days.
The gentleman of whom we write enjoyed the
advantages of the public schools in his native
county until he was fourteen years of age, when,
like Tom Sawyer, he determined to see something
of the world for himself. He made his living for
a time by fishing and boating. This idyllic em-
|)loyment does not prove, however, that he was
without energy and seeking onl^' to cater to his
own enjoyment, for he was much of the time en-
gaged in the vigorous work of rafting on Lake
Huron and afterward on the Wisconsin and Missis-
sippi Rivers. Those who have been in the lumber
districts of the North know the quickness of per-
ception and the vigor of muscle that is needed in
this employment. He varied his work of rafting
with that of fishing, which business he followed
successfully for a period of sixteen years which he
spent chiefly on the waters of Lake Huron. After
this he spent two years in Birmingham, Oakland
County, this State.
The business of dealing in livestock, cattle and
sheep was then beginning to assume an importance
in the Central Slates which promised to be highly
lucrative and one in which Mr. Evens felt that he
could engage with great advantage to himself.
The purchases that he made in livestock were
shipped to the Eastern markets where they were
in great demand and he soon found that he had
built up a successful and paying business. In 1868
he removed to Owosso and purchased the liver}'
stock of Sanford D. Wiley, where he continued
the business at the same stand from 1868 to 1871.
During the latter year he built the fine brick barn,
24x77 feet which he still occupies, also a frame
barn, 20x47 feet. Mr. Evens takes a pride in con-
stantly keeping on hand a fine supjily of carriages,
hacks and buggies, using for his trade from ten to
fifteen horses.
In 186;? our subject was married to Miss Susan
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
291
A. Wiley. The lady is a native of Vermont, and
is a daugiiter of Ada™ Wile}'. Mr. and Mrs.
Kveiis are the parents of two cliildren, a son and
daugliU'r: Barton G., llio son, who is in the United
States mail service and llattie I., who lives at borne.
Mr. Evens is a member of Owosso Lodge, No. 81,
F. it A. M., also uf Owosso Cliapter, No. 81), R. A.
M., and Corunna Commandery, No. 21, K. T. He
is also Treasurer of the National Union at Owosso.
As is usu.ally the case with men wiio love liorses,
Mr. Evens is a genial good fellow — liale fellow well
met with the whole comnuinit}'. He witli bis
pleasing family reside in a neat and substantial
brlek residence on Water and William .Streets. Tlio
surroundings of the home are as pleasant and at-
tractive .as money and a love for the beautiful can
make it. Politically he is a Democrat. He is now
filling the ollice of Deputy Sheriff, previous to
whieb he has served as Under Sheriff.
, ONRAD FRIKGKL, who lives on section 17,
Benuington Townsiiip, Shiawassee County,
iJ/J was born in Wurtemberg, Konigreich, Ger-
many. ISLircii 28, 18,34. His i)arcnls were .loharn
and .lulia (Ilerringer) Kriegfl. Voung Friegcl
came to tiie United States in 1853 when only nine-
teen years of age. He had tiie advantage of a
trade which wiis all tiial lie brougiit with him from
home excepting a good constitution and a deter-
mination to make a success of life in America.
After coming to Detroit be worked in a brick-yard
for live years and then moved to Dearborn where
he was ur.ited in marriage to Miss Mary Johnson.
Immediately after marrisige he began farming at
Dearborn, renting the place which he 0|)erated for
five years. In October, 186."), he came to Benning-
ton Township and bought eighty acres of land,
thirty-five of which were improved.
Longing for a sight of the old home .and familiar
faces in tlie Fatherlaml, in 18G8, our subject went
back to Germany and when he returned brought
Ills mother with him. She failed, however, to see
the attractions of America and after suffering for
some time with that mal.ady known to Germans as
"heimweh," she died six months after her arrival
here, at the age of sixty-two years. Soon after
this be lost his wife. The following year he was
married December 12, to Elizabetii Bender, who
was born in Hesse-Coburg, September 12, 1841.
l\Ir. Fricgel has added to his farm until he now
possesses one hundred and sixty acres of linely-
improved land. For a |)eriod of three years he
was a dealer in grain, but losing money in tliis l)usi-
ness, he gave it up and devoted himself to his
farming. He was elected Highway Commissioner
and held the position for two years. Our subject
is a Republican in politics having voted the straight
ticket for a good many years. By bis first wife he
had four children: Julia, now Mrs. Godfrey Haber,
oi New Haven Township; William; Mary, who
married George Hiedt, and resides in De Witt, this
Slate; and John, who works for himself .assisting
the farmers in the iieighboriiood. His children by
his second wife areGustav; Lizzie, who is at home;
Fred, attending school in Lansing; David, wlio is
at home, and Laura also at home. Gustav is study-
ing law at Corunna witli A. L. Chandler, having
taken the complete course in tiie high school of
Pcrr}'. William was for three years in California.
He also is a Republican in politics. Mr. Friegcl
has a well-arranged and attractive ten-room house
which is always merry with the fun and badinage
of bis happy family.
UILLIAM K. BROOKS. The men who
served in the late War, putting their lives
'^m in bal.'ince with the chances of warfare
and often, if lliey survived, bearing home with
them souvenirs that will last as long as they live,
deserve always in every work that is meant to com-
memorate the achievements in .\nierlcan life most
honorable mention, and their trials must elicit the
sympathy of every American who is loyal to his
couiitiy. Our subject long served in the late War
as a soldier and now enjo^'s the serenity of civil
life on bis farm that is located on section 35, V^enice
Township, Shiawassee Count}-.
Mr. Brooks is of English parentage, his father
292
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
being John Brooks, a native of England and his
mother Ann (('roff) Brooiis, also a native of Eng-
land, where they were married and afterward came
to America in 1832. At first thej' settled in New
York, but about 1836 they came to Michigan and
settled in Lapeer County on a new farm where
they remained for two years. They then returned
to New York where the father followed his trade,
wl)ich was that of a weaver. He lived in that
State until 1843 and there fully improved llirec
farms. He then moved to Macomb County, this
State, and improved a farm of eighty acres. He
ailded thirty acres to this and made some improve-
ments, finally selling it. lie then retired to the
village of New Haven, where he built a tine brick
residence. This he traded for a good farm in
Washington Townshii), Macond) County, where he
moved and remained until his death, which occur-
red in 18815. His wife died in 1857 and he again
married, his second wife surviving him; she was
the mother of three children, all of wlioin are liv-
ing. By his first marriage he was the father of
eleven children, ten of whom arc living. Four
sons served in the Civil War; one as a member of
Conijiauy h\ Tenth Michigan Infantr}', and died
at Jcffersonville, Ind., after serving over two and
one-half years.
The parents f)f the subject were members of tlic
Free-Will Baptist Cliurcli but later the father
united with tlie Methodist Episcopal Cliiuch in
which body he has held various oHicos. He gave
his children good educational advantages. 'l"he
youngest of these is thirty five years of age; the
eblest sixty. Personally our subject's fatlier was
short, of sto\it build, having a strong constitution
and a sunny, genial temperament that endeared
him to all with whom he came in contact. He was
a manly man.
Our subject was born April 27, 1811, on the
homestead in Lapeer ('ounty. He grew to man-
hood among the pioneers of that count}'. He saw
more Indians than white men and wild animals skul-
ked on the outskirts of the clearing. Deer, bear, wild
turkeys and smaller game abounded. At eighteen
years of age he went to Howell, Livingston County
to learn the blacksmith's trade. There he woiked
for a year and in the fall of 18G;$ he responded to
the call for volunteers made by the Federal Govern-
ment and joined Company A, Fifth Miciiigan In-
fantry.
Mr. Brooks' regiment was detailed to the Army
of the Potomac. He joined the regiment in
Detroit. In the winter of 1864 he went to Wash-
ington, was equipped and sent to Brandy Station
where his regiment was attached to the Red Dia-
mond Division and belonged to the Second Army
Corps under Gen. Hancock. They remained at
Brandy Station during the entire terra of service.
Mr. Brooks was also in Grant's campaign through
the Wilderness and was with the army at Peters-
l)urg, Va., also during the siege of that place and
at the celebrated mine explosion. His regiment
then followed Cen. Lee's army at Appomattox and
was present at the surrender. Tlioy then went to
Washington and camped at Arlington Heights,
taking part in the Grand Review. From this place
they went to JiOuisville, Ky., for the rest of the
term; from there they went to Detroit and were
muslorcd out of service.
Our subject look an active part in many of the
princii)al battles of the War. He was at the battle
of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor,
Petersburg anil Hatchie's Run. Dining the time
of his service he never absented himself from his
regiment for a single day. The hardest d.w of his
whole service was April 6, 1865, when he was
engaged in marching and fighting Gen. Lee's forces
wlu) were retreating. During the engagement he
was struck ou the head by a spent ball and seri-
ously wounded. At Hatchie's Run he was captured
1)3' the rebels, hut by making a desperate run for
his life, escaped. He was discharged from service
July 18, IHC), when he returned to his home on
the farm in Lapeer County.
The original of our sketch continued in Lapeer
County until 1869, when he came to Shiawassee
County and ))urchased eighty' acres on sect-
ion 34, ^'enice Township. About half of this
was improved. He made his home with a
neighboring f.amily and began the work of improve-
ment on his farm. He soon purchased another
eight}' acres, part of which w.as cultivated.
By this time Mr. Brooks was tired of single l)lcs-
sedness and attracted by the charms of Miss Julia
(2^ JP^L^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
297
Curtis, persuaded licr to become his wife, which she
(lid in 1873. She was a (Jaugliter of Lewis and
L3'dia Curtis, natives of New York State and set-
tlers in Macomb Couiit3' at an early da}' where the
father died. Her decease, however, look place in
Tuscola Count}'. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis were the
parents of live children, four of whom are still
living. Two sons served in the army. Mrs.
Hrooks was born January 8, 1845, in Macomb
County.
Our subject aud his wife are the parents of six
children, all of whom are living and the splendid
inheritance of perfect health is proved b}' the fact
that none of them have ever been sick. The family
are Fred. 15., Raymond P., William E., Margie A.,
Joseph C, Lewis C. They have received every
advantage in an educational way that the vicinity
affords. Both our subject and his wife are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which
body he is a Trustee, Steward and Class-Leader.
They both take an active part in the Sunday-scliool,
tlie gentleman having been Superintendent of the
same for several j'ears; he now lias charge of the
Bible class and Mrs. Brooks does efficient work .as a
teacher.
Mr. Brooks is a Director on the School Board.
He takes an active interest in politics, Jilliliating
with the Republican party, although he is now a
Prohibitionist. He has two hundred and fort}- acres
of fine land, two hundred fifteen being under the
plow. In 1880 he erected a residence that is a model
of comfort and convenience. It cost him ^1,.')00
without counting his own labor, the board of his
employes, etc. Upon his place are three fine barns,
the dimensions of one being 34xfiC with a good
basement, another is .■51x4() and the third 30x10
feet. These barns, as well as a fine granary, 20x28
feet in dimensions were all constructed by him.self.
Mr. Brooks has an orchanl which covers three
acres of land, .'iiid four miles of under drainage has
been put in. He actively superintends everything
pertaining to his farm and devotes himself to gcn-
enil farming. He has some fine-wool sliee|), also
thorough-bred Shropshires, the whole number of
his sheep being two hundred and thirty. His cattle
and horses are of a fine breed. He has also some
fine Poland-China and Berkshire ho^s. Mr. Brooks
had the advantage of many farmers in this locality,
for he brought into the county with him ^2,000
and a team of horses ; however, he has greatly in-
creased his worldly possessions by judicious in-
vestments and constant industry.
E^^
ylLLIAM F. SPALDING, a prominent
farmer residing on section 35, Rush Town-
„ ., shi)), Shiawassee County, and a man whose
services in the Union armj' entitle him to the re-
spect of every patriot, was born June 3, 1840,
in Niagara County, N. Y. His father, Jcdediah
Spalding, a farmer, was born in New York about
1804 and was married in 1831 to Tamerson C.
lloUcnbeck. 'I'lie mother of our subject was a
daughter of Silas HoUenbeck, a native of New
York and the father of two sons and five daughters
Tamerson, who was born about 1814, being the
eldest.
Jedediah and Tamerson Spalding became the
parents of five sons and two daughters, of whom
our subject is the third son and fifth child. When
only thirteen years old William started out to
work upon a farm, studying in the winters and
working during the summer. Having attained a
comforlnlile independence as well as a fair degree
of education in this way, he decided to establish a
home of his own, and was married .\pril 27, 1865.
ALary A. LymaM, who l;ec.'iinc his wife, was a
daughter of Alandas and Mary (Kwjng) Lyman,
New England people, who were the parents of four
daughters and one son. Mary, the second in order
of birth, was born January 21, 1841, and at an
early age acquired those graces of character which
endear her to a large circle of acquaintances.
William F. Spalding and his accomplished wife
have hail four children; Addie and Jessie are twins,
the former being the wife of Charles R. Duncan,
of Middle|)ort, N. Y., and the mother of one son,
and Jessie being Mrs. Frank W. Stiles, of Rush
Townshii); the third daughter. Bertha, is deceased;
the son, Charles i)., is at home. It w,as in 1861)
when our subject came to Michigan and purchased
eighty acres in Rush Townslii[> where he now lives.
298
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
It was all woods then but is now well cleared and
in a fine stale of cultivation. In 1884 he built a
handsome brick residence which is an ornament to
the township.
The war record of Mr. Spalding is a source of
jnst pride to his family. He enlisted Jul}- 2G, 1862,
in Company D, One Hundred Twentj'-ninth New
York Infantr\', and in December of that year the
regiment was transferred to the Eighth Heavy Ar-
tillery and stationed at Ft. Federal Hill, Baltimore.
He did garrison duty until May, 1864, when they
wire ordered to the field at Spottsylvania and
North Anna. After that he was in all the engage-
ments of tlie war in which the Army of the Poto-
mac took part. At Petersburg he was sliot twice
with minie balls, one passing through the left
groin and another striking the left arm and i)assing
through the right side, injuring his lung and lodg-
ing in his spinal column. From this injury- he has
never" entirely recovered. He was sent to Annai)-
olis into the hospital and from tliere went home on
a furlough and was in the hos|)ital at Buffalo until
1865. As a partial comjjensation for his injuries
he receives a pension of ^16 per month. Mr. .Spal-
- ding is a strong Prohibitionist in his political
views and the leader of that party in Rush Town-
ship and vicinity.
We are pleased to present elsewhere in ihis vol-
ume lithogra|)hic |)ortrails of Mr. Spalding and
his estimable wife.
ON. WILLIAM H. ROSE, a prominent
farmer and a man of great energy and push,
prominent in county politics and well liked
by all who know him, was born in Bath
Township, Clinton County, where he now resides,
July 25, 1844. His father, Silas W. Rose, a native
of Steuben Count}', N. Y., w.as born April 27,
1802, and his grandfather, also S. W. Rose, now
deceased, was a German farmei-. The father of our
subject was a mcrcliant at Bath, N. Y., and came
to Michigan in 18:!6, making the journej' first by
canal boat to Buffalo, then by boat to Detroit and
thence b}' ox-team to W.ishtenaw County, Mich.,
where he kept an hotel on the road between Detroit
and Chicago for two years.
Seth W. Rose came to Clinton County in 1836
and entered about six hundred acres of land from
the Government, when there were but five families
in the two townships of DeWitt and Bath, which
were all one then. He named this township for
his old hr)me in New York. He erected a log shanty
and being a great hunter was able to furnish veni-
son in plent}'. The howling of wolves could be
heard about his cabin at night and the friendly
Indians made frequent visits to his home. He had
to go to l^ontiac for his milling and tr.-uling and it
took just a week to make the trii), having to ford
streams and travel almost impassable roads. He
was a i)rominent man and a useful one, and laid
out man}- roads in the neighborhood. He was cut
off in the prime of lite, dying at the age of forty-
two years. In his political views he was a Demo-
crat.
riie widow of Silas Rose, Margaret (Murtle)
Rose, who was born in Steuben County, N. Y.,
December 17, 1802, is still living and in good
health, and makes her home with our subject. She
has reared to maturity nine children, namely:
Robert, Louisa, Selvina, Susan, Marilda, Silas. An-
geline, Caroline and William H. She is of German
descent. Our subject used to play with the Indian
chileireu and as he grew larger went on hunting
expeditions with them. When he could he attended
tlie log schoolhouse with open fireplace and slab
benches with pin legs, under the rate bill system.
He also received instruction from a private tutor,
John M. Easton, now residing in this township.
He has never had an}' other home than this and
has managed the home farm since he was sixteen
years old, as the older sons had gone out into
the world to seek their fortunes. He finally bought
out their shares in the homestead and made it all
his own.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Harriet
Gardner occurred October 22, 1866. This lady
was born in Steuben County, N. Y., in 1845 and
she has become the mother of one child — Nettie,
a beautiful little girl of eight years. The home
farm consists of three hundred acres of arable soil
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
299
in a fine state of cultivation. His beautiful house
was liuilt in 1877 and his latge barn erected in
1885. Here he carries on mixed farming, making
grain his principal croj), employing from one to
ten men on the farm. Being earnestly solicitous
of the welfare of the farming community he is .ic-
tive in the Grange. He is also a member of the
hunting club at Bath and goes North every fall to
hunt deer. He is identified with the Masonic order
at Lansing and has taken twelve degrees. He was
elected Representative of Clinton Count}- on the
Republican ticket in the fall of 1880 and served
two terras, and was efficient in general and local
legislation. He has held nearly ever}' township
oflfice, including that of Jiupervisor.
For fourteen years Mr. Rose followed lumbering
in Saginaw Count}' and is still interested in that
trade as he now buys timber and works it up into
lumber. He has been a successful man and attrib-
utes his success to strict attention to business and
economy. He claims there is plenty of money in
farming for any one who pays close attention to
his farm and manages it with wisdom and discre-
tion. While in the lumbc business in Saginaw
County he accumulated considerable pro|)erty.
LMOND PARTLOW. Tiiis name is fa-
'W i ^i''"'' t*^ many of our readers and to a
i> large number of commercial travelers who
^(1 had occasion to visit the town of Eagle,
Clinton County, within the past few years. Mr.
Partlow moved into the village in September,
1889, buying the Eagle Hotel, where he and his
etlicient wife are conducting a house of entertain-
ment that possesses many homelike features, duly
appreciated by those who sojourn under its roof.
Mr. Partlow has lived in E.agle Township half a
century and has seen this section of Michigan re-
deemed from a wilderness into an improved [)or-
tioii as fine as any in the State. In the work tliat
has been necessary to bring about this good result
he has borne a share from his early boyhood, and
he feels a just pride in his connection therewith.
Our subject is a son of Palmer and Eliza (San-
ders) Partlow, natives of Franklin County, Vt.,
and the Province of Quebec respectively. They
were living in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., when
their son was born, August 5, 1837, and thence
they came to Michigan in 1841. The father took
up twenty acres of wild land in Eagle Township,
and by industry and economy accumulated a fair
share of this world's goods, so that his last years
were spent in comfort. Mr. Partlow lived to the
age of seventy -six years, dying in 1885, and two
years later his widow passed aw.ay, aged seventy-
five. They were estimable people, highly respected
by their neighbors, and imbued with the spirit of
brotherly kindness and hospitality so notably
shown in early days.
Almond Partlow has but slight recollection of
any home outside the bounds of this State. As
his father was poor when he came hither, the lad
had but limited opportunities for obtainiug an
education, his only attendance being in the com-
mon school. He had his part to bear in clearing
the laud his father had secured, and habits of in-
dustry and prudence were developed in him at an
early age. His labors were for the general good
of the family until he was twenty-three years old,
when he felt justified in establishing a home of
his own and secured as his companion Miss Mary-
Blake, with whom he was united in marriage in
1860. In 1879 his happy home was entered bv
the angel of death ami the wife removed there-
from, the day of her decease being November .SO,
1879.
The children tliiis left motherless are Edward
P., Henry W., Franklin .V. and Alice E. The first-
named was born in 1862, and is now living in
Laingsburg, Sjiiaw.assee County, and engaged in
the drug business. His wife was formerly Miss
Laura Medcalfe. The second child was born in
1864, married Nellie Slatterly and lives in the vil-
lage of Eagle, where he has a dru;,' store ami is
now Postmaster. Franklin A., who was bom in
1866, is in the employ of th" Chicago <t Norih-
western Railway Company and living nt Superior
Junction, Wis.; he married Miss Delia Summers.
The only daughter of oursuliject was born in 1869.
is unmarried and still briyhtcns her father's home
by her presence there. Some lime after the death
300
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of liis first wife Mr. Partlow made a second mat-
rimonial jilliance, tlie date of the event being
April 19, 1882, and the bride Faun}', daughter of
Simon Campbell. This excellent lady was born
in the city of Detroit and possesses many fine
qualities of mind and heart.
In politics Mr. Partlow is a Republican, con-
vinced that the principles laid down by that party
are best calculated to build up the welfare of the
Republic, and ready to give an intelligent reason
for his faith whenever party matters are the topic
of conversation. Socially he belongs to Clinton
Lodge, No. 65, I. O. O. F. The religious home of
the family is in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
IIAUNCET S. WOLCOTT, a venerable
and time-honored septuagenarian and rep-
resentative pioneer of Clinton Count>', re-
siding on section 36, Essex Township, is a native
of Genesee County, N. Y., and was born February
15, 1820. He is a son of Chauncey D. and
Lydia A. (Stiles) Woleott, both natives of Con-
necticut. Oliver Woleott, a relative of his father,
was one of our Revolutionary heroes. Our subject
resided in his native county until 1829, when,
with his parents, he emigrated to Miciiigan, set-
tling in Oakland Count}'. This was in the days
when Michigan was a Territory, and his parents
were among the earlier pioneers. They made
that county their permanent iiome, and remained
there the rest of their days.
The subject of this sketch attended the pioneer
schools of his native county, and there received
the grounding in the rudiments of an education
which tended to make him what he is to-day — a
self-educated man. His father was formerly a
school teacher, and the instruction he received at
home ably supplemented the schooling which he
received in the log cabin. He came to Clinton
County in 18-13, and in the following year settled
upon the farm where he now resides in Essex
Township. He had been married March 7, 1841,
and now brought his wife to his new home. Her
maiden name was Alvertinc E. Friiik, and she was
was born in New York State May 30, 1857. Her
parents were Joshua and Martha (Jones) Frink,
the father being a native of Connecticut and the
mother of Rhode Island. Mr. Frink was a soldier
in the War of 1812, and came to Essex Township,
Clinton County, with his family about the year
1840. Mrs. Woleott has two brothers and two
sisters residing in Clinton Count}', namely: Miner
R. ; Josiah F. ; Amy, Mrs. Coomer, now a widow;
and Albina D., Mrs. Reuben Becker.
To Mr. and Mrs. Woleott have been born six
children, of whom the following are now living:
Joe] S., Dewey, John A. and Mary E., wife of C.
T. Luck. Mr. Woleott has served as Highway Com-
missioner of Essex Township for .several years and
also as Justice of the Peace for some time and No-
tary Public. He is a public-spirited citizen, and
he and his wife are looked ujjon as leading pioneers
of Clinton County. He can recall many scenes of
pioneer life and has seen great improvements in
this section. Both Mr. and Mrs. Woleott are es-
teemed and active members of society. He is a
Republican in political views and intelligently in-
terested in the success of his party.
RS. SY'LVIA (DUTCHER) JUBB was
born May 5, 1844, in Burns Township^
Shiawassee County, Mich. She lived at
home until her nia.iriage which took place
October 9, 1863. She was then united with Wil-
liam J. Jubb who was born in Cohocta, Livings-
ton County, Mich. June 29, 1836. His father,
Edward H. the son of an Englishman settled in
Michigan in the early Territorial days having come
from New York thither. Mr. Jubb's mother was
Maria Countryman, and belonged to an old Revo-
lutionary family.
Mr. Jubb learned the carpenter's trade when a
boy. After marri.age he lived for one year at Ben-
nington and then moved out on a new farm in Mid-
dlebury Township, where he remained about five
years. He engaged in merchandising in Benning-
ton in 1869, and three years later went onto a
farm which he carried on until he went to Otsego
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
301
County ill the fall of 1878. There they settled
upon .111 unbroken farm five miles northwest of
O.iyiord which has since continued to be their home.
Mr. ,)ubb had been a soldier previous to his marri-
njje iiaving enlisted in Conipau}' A, Third Michi-
Inf.antry in 18G1. He served until 1863 being
attached to the Army of the Potomac, and was
finally discharged for disability.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. .Iul)b;irc: Elliott II.,
now twenty-seven j-ears old; Amanda J., whudicd
Maj' 14, 188.5, a victim of consumption at the age
of nineteen; Seth, aged twenty-three, who is n)ar-
ried and settled near home; Dora S. twenty-one
years old and Garfield W. a boy of si.\ years. Mr.
Jubb's political views are in accordance with the
doctrines of the Republican party. Mrs. Mary
(Dtitcher) Punches, the sister of our subject who
was born October 7, 1826, in Monroe County, N. Y.
has onlj' one son, Fayette P., who lives with his
mother at Bennington, where slie has devoted the
last ten years to the care of her mother, as she has
herself been a widow jince 18GC.
OSHUA RAPALKE. Among the venerable
residents of Ovid Township, Clinton
County, we are pleased to present the name
which appears at the head of this sketcli.
This gentleman has long been a resident of the
place which be still calls home, for he came here
when there was no such place as Ovid and not even
a building in St. John's. He was born in Yates
County, N. Y., Milo Township. July 12, J821.
His father, Ezra Rapalee, was a native of that
county, and his mother, who bore the maiden
of Marjorie Longcor, was born in Orange County.
He lived at home with his father, who carried
on a farm, until he reached his majority, after
which he began life for himself bj' working a
part of his father's place. This he carried on for
a number of years before coming to Michigan.
Mr. Rapalee contracts', a union for life with a
lady of his native county, Hannah Lewis, of Star-
key, a daughter of Joseph C. Lewis, a farmer
and blacksmith of considerable repute in Yates
County. Their wedding day w.is October 1,
1842. Two children onl}' came to bless their
home — Viola Ma3', who was born May G, 1851,
and Rinda, May 26, 1853. Both of these ladies
have established homes of their own in Clinton
County. \'iola is now the wife of Emmet Bur-
gess, who follows different occupations, and Rinda
married J. V. Fulkerson, who is a trader.
The migration of the family to IMii'higan look
place in 1855, and they made their home at once
upon the land in Ovid Township which is still
their home. This section was in p, wild condi-
tion and Mr. Rapalee can tell wonderful stories
of his encounters with wild game, especially with
deer. He often shot them, and at times had great
ditliculty in getting home witli his booty, as the
wolves would surround him and fight for the
venison which he w.as carrying lujme to his famil}-.
He sliDt almost every kind of game. an<l was a
great huntsman and fisher and has kept up his prac-
tice in these customs dear to the pioneer's heart.
He tells of the pigeons being so thick as to darken
the sun, and of the gieat abuntlance of wild elk,
moose, deer, bears and turkeys, which hist were as
plentiful as domestic fowls are now in Southern
Michigan. He has often caught as many as from
three hundred to nine hundred pigeons in one net.
When Mr. Rapalee came to Michigan he settled on
the land where he now resides, and clearing otT
eighty acres set out fruit trees and planted crops.
He has on his place an apple tree which he planted
that vrar, which now measures more than a foot in
diameter, although it was a mere switch when
planle<l. He lived in .'in old board house, which
he has still on one i)art of his farm, and has re-
sided on this place about twenty-five years. He
did his marketing and trading in Detroit, having
to travel to and from that point, which was one
hundred miles distant, and having to haul his
wheit to that city. The sinok}' period is a time
which is within his remembrance, when the woods
at the North were on lire, and for si.v days he
could not see the sun nor the light of day and
could not distinguish a man at the distance of
five feet.
Our subject has been farming ever since be
■ came to this State, but of late years he only su-
302
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
perintends the work and liires otlieis to do the
heav}' labor. He still h&s the first eighty acres
whicli he took when lie came here. He is a re-
markalilc man in one respect among the restless
multitudes of our American people, as he lias
never moved but twice in his life. He fully
illustrates the old adage that " a rolling stone
gathers no moss," for his prosperity has steadily
increased with the lapse of years since he made
his beautiful homo in this spot.
I
'■ ' °^
-^
■li^^ ATHANIEL LAPHAM is one of tiiose men
I I/I ^''Oi having worked hard in tiie earlier
[1\ .i^ \'ears now enjoy ease and prosperity in
good homes, unharrased by turmoils and cares of
active life. He was for some years engaged in ag-
ricultural pursuits and since 1867 his home has
been in Clinton County, and since 1888 he has
been living in St. John's. When he came to the
county he located in the woods, buying eighty acres
of forest land on section 1, Bingham Township.
He began his work in pioneer style, removed the
forest growth, broke the soil and brought the place
up to par, and added to the properly until the
farm embraced one hundred and ten acres. He
has also a farm of one hundred and ten acres in
IMarshall, N. Y., and in St. John's he has three lots
and two houses. Abundant worldly goods are his,
gained bj' close application to the work he hail in
hand and good judgment in expenditures and in-
vestments.
Going back in the ancestral line a few genera-
tions we find that Mr. Lapliam's paternal ancestors
came from Wales. His great-grandfather. John,
wae born in Rhode Island and died in New York.
The next in the direct line was Nathaniel, a native
of Rhode Island, who settled in Oneida County,
N. Y., as earlj' as 1804. He was a soldier in tlie
War of 1812. His son Joseph was born on the
New York f.arm and became a farmer and stock-
buyer in his native county. He was a very suc-
cessful man and owned from three hundred to four
hundred acres at one time. He is still living, aged
eighty -seven years. Politically he is a Republican,
His wife was Mary Mix, a native of the same sec-
tion as himself and daughter of Daniel Mix, a
farmer and stockman who was numbered among the
early settlers in that county. She died when
seventy-flve years old, leaving two children, of
whom our subject is the fifth in order of birtli.
She belonged to the Universalist Church.
Mr. Lapham of this sketch was born in Oneida
County, N. Y., in 183'J, and remained there until
he was seventeen 3'ears old. During bis boyhood
and youth he studied in the common schools and
attended Deansville Academ3- two winters. lu
1856 he went to Wisconsin and for one season wa.s
engaged in a mill in the pineries. He then went
back to his native State and remained two years,
and early in the 'tJOs made a trip to California.
He took the ocean loute, sailing on the '•Baltic" to
Panama and on the "Golden Age" up the Pa-
cific Coast. He made his way to and for three
months worked in the silver mines. The Indians
in that locality became troublesome and life was
too dangerous there for those who had any regard
for themselves, so Mr. Lapham returned to Cali-
foinia. He found employment on a ranch two
rniles from Sacramento and worked tliere about
two 3 ears, after which lie returned home via Pan-
ama.
In 1864 Mr. Lapham made a second trip to Cali-
fornia and rented a ranch near Sacramento, on the
river of that name. He carried it on a year, and
then, being debilitated by chills and fever, he was
obliged to give up his work, and he returned East
via Cape Horn on the clipper ship "Hornet" in
command of Capt. Mitchell, of New York. He
bought land near his birthplace and engaged in
farming, but a few years later removed to this
State and took up his work here. For some time
before he retired from active life he was the largest
cultivator of hops in Clinton Countj-, and he de-
voted four acres and a half of ground to the vines.
Altogether his work in hop- raising extended
over a period of fourteen jears. When he was in
a countr}- infested by Indians he got along well
with the red men and was never molested b^' them.
In Paris, Oneida County, N. Y., in 1860, Mr.
Lapham was married to Miss Gertrude E. Austin, a
native of Winfield. Otsego County. Mutual hap-
rORTRAlT AND BIOGRAinilCAL ALBUM.
303
piness has followed in the train of llie woddins; cer-
eraoiiy anil the joys of Mr. and Mrs. Lai)liaui have
been enchanced by the presence in tlieir home of
four children. The fiist-born, George E., occupies
the homestead; Frank K. is liviny; in iNew York;
Mary J., formerly a teacher and now the wife of
W. Williams, lives in liingham Township; Flora
E. remains with her parents. Mr. Lai)ham is a
famous hunter and each year visits the north woods
where for thirty-two seasons he has bagged much
game. During his hunting trips he has sometimes
had close conflicts with wild animals and ho has
killetl six bears. He is of a jovial, pleasant dispo-
sition— one of those whom to know is to like —
and few men prove more companionable and en-
tertaining than he. He has a wide fund of observ-
ation and experience from which to draw interest-
ing stories and instructive incidents, and be is also
respected for the energy he has displayed in the
work of life and for his good citizenship. Politi-
cally he is a Republican.
-mm
J^.ILLIAM H. McLEOD is the proi)rielor of a
thriving business establishment in Ovid,
where dry goods, notions, shoes ;ind ba-
zaar goods arc sold and in which a flourishing
trade is carried on. Mr. McLeod has been en-
gaged in mercantile pursuits for some time i)ast,
sometimes with a partner and again alone, and in
diffeicnt towns in this pari of Michigan, lie has
an interest in farm lauds and has become e.Ktensivoly
engaged in fruiL culluro. Mr. INIcLcod and wife
have two farms in Ovid Township which Ihcy have
been operating for some years; they own a nice
property in .Shei)ardsville and our suljject owns the
atore in vvhich he does buijiness. He has one farm
of eighty acres which he himself cleared a.iil upon
which he made all the improvements.
Lenawee County claims Mr. McLeod as one of
her sons, as he was born in Tecumseli April 17.
1853. His father, Jnmes McLeod, emigrated to
America from Edinburg, Scotland. He was a Baj)-
tist minister and a farmer. His wife, mother of
our subject, was Emeline Whittemore, a native of
N'ew York City. When our subject was in his
third year they removed to Laingsburg, Shiawas-
see County, and since that time he of whom we
write has made his home in Shiawassee and Clinton
Counties. Young McLeod had liut limited advan-
tages for gaining an education, his attendance be-
ing confined to the district schools during the
winter months and even this being given up when
he was seventeen.
Young McLeod b«gan his career in life at the
age of twelve years as a vender of pop-corn on the
train and five years later he became clerk for E.
G. Bement, at Laingsburg. At the age of twenty
he and P. C. Hassett entered upon the sale of gen-
eral merchandise at Shepardsville and the Arm cini-
tinued in business al)out six years, during which
time they opened a branch store at Duplain. In
the spring of 1880 the partucrsliip was dissolved,
J\lr. McLeod taking the stock at Shepardsville,
where he carried on the business alone some six
years. He then took in as a partner Mr. .John
Walker, but in 1887 bought out that gentleman.
He and a brother had previously opened a store
at Laingsburg and he now moved the stock to Ovid
and also bought out C. IL Hunter and continued
the business at the same stand. Close attention to
the affairs he had in hand, careful consideration of
the wants of the people, combined with courtesy
and square dealing have resulted in placing Mr.
.McLeod in good circumstances and giving him an
ixiellent standing as a business man.
.Mr. McLeod has a pleasant residence where crea-
ture comforts arc provided under the oversight of
llie lady who became his wife November 8,
1S77. Slie is a native of Macomb and bore the
maiden name of Cele.stia llaiie. Aiound the fam-
ily fireside there gathers a bright ami interesting
gioup, consisting of the f*)ur children boni to .Mr.
Mild Mrs. McLeod. They are Alton ]).. born No-
vember 4, 1879; George E., September 1. KhhI;
Lena E.. December 21, 1884; and Fhueiice, ■lanii-
ary 8, 18«7.
Mr. McLeod takes .an intelligent interest in poli-
tical issues and public movements, but h.'is never
sought official honors, preferring to give his ntteii-
lion wholly to his business affairs and his family
304
PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
He votes the Republican ticket. He is a man of
domestic tastes, actively interested in the mental
progress of his children and giving them everj' en-
couragement to develop tlic powers of their minds.
He lias the close sympathy of their mother and
both parents are careful to guide their little family
in courteous ways and good principles.
■vTOEL BENSINGER. Among the residents
of Michigan who came here from other
States, we find none who are better [ireparcd
to develop the country on sound business
principles and practical lines than the emigrants
from Ohio. They are almost without excepti(ui
representatives of families of intelligence and ster-
ling worth and bring to their new homes elements
of success. Among them we are pleased to name
the prosperous farmer, stock-raiser and lumber
dealer whose name heads this paragraph. He was
born in Medina County, Ohio, August 17, 1855,
and is the son of William an<l Mary (Bensinger)
Bensinger, natives of Schuylkill County, Pa. The
father was born September 9, IHIH, and the
mother's natal day was December 12, 1831. On
the mother's side the ancestry was of German blood
and the father was of English decent.
The lirst of the family who ever came to America
was George Bensinger, who emigrated to the New
World in 1710, locating in Schuylkill County, Pa.,
where the family made its home for generations.
His son George was the father of Moses Bensinger,
the grandfather of our subject. Moses removed
to Medina County, Ohio, at a very early date.
The War of the Rebellion deeply interested the
family as, like a large proportion of the citizens of
Ohio, they were strongly loyal to the old flag.
The fallier of our subject served for one year in
the One Hundred and Eighty -seventh Ohio In-
fantry and the Government has recognized his
claims to remembrance by granting him a pension
of 18 per month. His eldest son, Edward, served
llirough the entire war, being in the army for six
3'cars. After his enlistment he responded to the
roll-call without a failure during the first three
months, but was then taken prisoner and languislied
in Southern prisons for more than a year. As soon
as he was free and once more able to control his
movements he re-enlisted. He was only fourteen
years old when he first entered the army and was
in every Southern State and was much in the West,
going as far as Pike's Peak. It was 1866 before
he returned home to his family.
William Bensinger was the first of his family to
locate in Michigan, as he came to Allegan County
in 1858, but did not remain there long, returning
to Ohio in 1861. After the war he again moved
to Michigan, locating permanently in 1866 on sec-
tion 25, in Dnplain Township, wjiere he still owns
lift}- acres of land adjoining the farm of his son
Joel. All of liis five children are living in Michi-
gan and he feels that this is indeed the [)hice for
him to spend his declining years.
Our subject received but a limited education, as
the nearest school was two and a half miles from
his home. He began doing for liimself when he
was about nineteen years of age. He has traveled
considerably and spent five j'ears in the pineries,
where he obtained his thorough knowledge of saw-
ing. Mr. Estey, the manufacturer at Owosso, says
that Mr. Bensinger cuts the best lumber of any
sawyer in Onio, Indiana or Michigan. This gen-
tleman is in a position to know, as he is buying
continually from all parts of these States, and he
willingly pays Mr. Bensinger from $5 to 18 more
per thousand than he does other millers.
The marriage of our subject to Miss Lizzie Dynes
took place September 28, 1882. Her parents, Oli-
ver and Elizabeth (Waring) Dynes, are natives of
County Down, Ireland, and both have now passed
from earth. They came to Michigan when she
was a little girl and throughout her youth they en-
deavored to give her the best possible advantages
and she is now a well-educated and accomplished
woman. Five children have come to share the af-
fection and solicitude of Mr. and Mrs. Bensinger;
namely: Edward, born May 14, 1883; William Ol-
iver, June 7, 1884; Joel Emerson, January 14,
1886; Orrin Lee, October 12, 1887; Gertie L., Octo-
ber 13, 1889. Our subject owns one hundred acres
of land, all of which he has gained by his own
efforts. Eighty acres are in (^iratiot County and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHJCAL ALBUM.
307
twenty acres constitute the home farm, upon which
he lias good huihlings. He is an earnest Republi-
can in liis political views, but has steadfastly de-
clined all offers of public office, as he desires to
devote himself entirolv to liis agricultural pursuits.
A view of Mr. Bensinger's homestead accompan-
ies this sketch.
DSON SWAUTIIOUT, an extensive slock-
1—1 raiser, is the owner of the finest farm in
Sciota To<vnshlp, his home being situated
on section 5. He was born in Victor Township,
Clinton County, Mich.. .lanuary 20, 1857, and is
a son of Thomas L. and Mary (Parker) Swarthout.
His pnreut-s were both natives of Ovid, N. Y., and
witli their respective families came to Michigan in
1837, settling in Victor Township, Clinton County.
The paternal grandparents removed to Ovid Town-
siiip, that county, a few years later and named the
village and town of Ovid. They were among the
first settlers in that section, where the}' spent the
remainder of their lives. The maternal grand-
father resided in Victor, Clinton County, until his
death, but his wife still survives him.
The parents of our subject are now making
their home in Victor Township, Clinton County.
Thomas L. Swarthout has made farming his life
o':cu|)!ition and in the legitimate channels of busi-
ness has acquired a good property. In politics he
is a supporter of the Republican party and has held
a number of town ollices. Both he and his wife
have been members of the Methodist Church since
childhood and are earnest, consistent Christian
people who iiave the respect of all who know
them. In their family arc only two children —
Edson and Nora, the latter the wife of C. K.
AVarner, of Falkton, S. Dak.
In the usual manner of farmer lads Edson
Swarthout was reared to manhood. His boyhood
days were spent amid play and work, and his
early education acquired in the district schools
was supplemented by study in the schools of
Ovid. He remained under the parental roof until
twenty-three ye.irs of age, when he left home and
began life for himself. As a helpmate on life's
journe}' he chose Miss Frances Adell W.irren,
and their wedding was celebrated on the 9Lh of
November, 1879, in Middlebury, the native town
of Mrs. Swarthout. Her parents were David and
Mary (Ingersol) Warren.
The young couple began their domestic life
upon the farm where thej' still reside, and which
was the property of Mr. Swarthout a year or two
previous to his marri.age. A view of this estate
will be found elsewhere in this volume, and, as
before stated, no liner farm can be found in Sciota
Toivnship. It comprises two hundred acres of
valuable land, and with the exception of about
twenty- five acres the entire amount is under a high
state of cultivation. The home is a fine two-story
frame residence with a lawn in front, and beauti-
ful shade trees protect it from the heat of sum-
mer. Ample shelter is provitled for the stock in
three large barns, the dimensions of whirh :uc
36x70, 24xG4 and 35x74 feet.
Mr. Swarthout raises excellent grades of stock,
making a specialty of sheep, of whicii he has a line
herd. His pleasant home, good buildings, the
the latest improved machinery and the well-tilled
fields all indicate the owner to be a man of prac-
tical and progressive ideas who thoroughly- under-
stands his business, and is therefore meeting with
excellent success. The enterprise and perseverance
which has characteiizod liis life have won him
prosperity, and his fair dealing lias secured him
the confidence of all. l'oliticall3' he is a Repub-
lican, but has never taken any prominent part in
pul)lic affairs. He and his wife are mcnil)crs of
the Methodist Church, give liberal)^- lo its sup-
port and in the social circles of the community
tliej- rank high.
-M-
-5- —
ORON A. DAYTON, one of the young
farmers who are doing so much to still
^ further heighten the standard of agricult-
ural work in Clinton Count}', is located on section
28, Watertown Township. He owns ninety-
six acres of fine land and also operates fortj'
acres belonging to his mother. Mr. Dayton is a
308
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
native of this county having been born in 1864
and his life lias been spent Liere amid scenes with
which he is familiar. His grandfather, Sumuel
Dayton, came hitlicr from Ohio in the territorial
days and built the fine large dwelling on the turn-
pike in Watertown Township that is now occupied
by the mother of our subject.
The parents of Loron Dayton were born in Ohio,
but came to this Slate 3'e vrs ago. The father, Otis,
died in 17G7, leaving his son fatherless when but
three years old. The widow, Eosanna (Sheets)
Dayton, married Horace Wixon, who is now de-
ceased and she is living on the Dayton homestead.
Loron lived with his mother and stepfather until
he was of age and at their hands received good
training and a district school education. Deciding
to follow the occupation of a farmer, he soon began
to find his place among men and he has a firm
financial standing.
In March, 1888, an event of unusual interest to
Mr. Dayton took place, it being the ceremony by
which he gained the hand of Miss E.sther Chaplin-
This lady is the daughter of William Chaplin who
resides in Watertown Township, and she is a well-
informed, capable woman, fitted to bear a part in
the affairs of life as wife, mother and friend. She
has one son born April 9, 1889. Mr. Dayton be-
lieves m the |)rinciples of Democracy and supports
the policy of that party by his vote whenever the
ballot box is open. He does not push himself for-
ward as a candidate having sufficient to employ his
talents in the work he has undertaken, and the
pleasures of domestic and social life affording him
relief from his toil.
I ARL STINSO^' II ALL. The history of the
family of Hall, which is of English origin, is
as old as that of the State of Vermont, to
wliich they were Colonists in the earliest |)eriod of
its settlement. Benjamin Hall, who was the grand-
father of Earl S. Hall, was born February 20, 1770,
and died at AVayland, Steuben County, N. Y., in
1851. He settled at Rochester, N. Y., wl'.en his
son William, the father of our subject, was about
ten years old. William married Malinda Stinson
b}' whom he became the father of six children —
George L., of Owosso Township; Edward M., of
Grand Rapids; P>arl S., our subject; William M.,
who was killed at the battle of the Wilderness,
May 5, 18G4, 4it the age of twenty -six years; Caro-
line who became the wife of Charles Stinson, and
died at Owosso, at the age of twenty-four years;
and Angeline A., who married Ira Rush, of Owosso
Township, ami died in 1888, at the age of sixty-
three. William Hall died at Rochester in 1838,
j and in 1842 the widow and family removed to Shi-
awassee Count}', where her brother, Ira Stinson,
then resided he having settled here four ^-ears pre-
viously.
When he of whom we write was a lad of liut six-
teen years of age he with his mother removed from
their farm, three or four miles west of Owosso, and
went to make their home with his sister, Mrs. Rush.
The lad began to feel that the responsibilities of the
family rested upon his shoulders and that he must
begin to be a provider for the wants of his mother,
so he began work by the month, earning 14, but
kept at it faithfull}' until he became a man grown,
and even until his twenty-sixth year was reached
when he became the owner of sixty-five acres of
land. This was the nucleus of his present large and
finely improved farm. He at once began to cut
out the timber and erect a house on the spot where
his present commodious dwelling stands.
The energetic young man was soon joine<l in
wedlock, October 1, 1857, to Miss Angelina S. Fox,
a daughter of Crawford and Samantha (Dawson)
Fox, of Bennington Township. Mrs. Hall's father
was a native of an old historic town of New York,
his father being Nathaniel Fox. Mrs. Hall's mother
is still living and for seven years has made her
home with her daughter. She was born at Utica,
N. Y., her father being John Dawson, a native of
Connecticut. Her mother's maiden name was
Thankful Warren, who was born in Boston, Mass.
After the marriage of Mrs. Hall's parents they set-
tled at Redfor<l, Midi., fifty-four years ago, and a
few years later removed to Livingston County, -
where tlie husband died in 1855. The widow sub-
sequently mairied Peter Vroman of Middlebury
Township, who died August 19, 18.s5. The widow
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
309
is a hiile and vigorous lady who, altiiouj;ii four-
score years of age yet has an acute mind and tena-
cious niemor}-. coupled with a strong constitution.
She has fair prospects of still having a long lease
upon life.
Our subject. Earl Stinson Hall, responded to the
call of his country when it was in need of men with
strong and liravc hearts to defend the cause of lib-
erty and right. He enlisted October, 1863, in
Company B, Eleventh Michigan Cavalry' and was
soon made Sergeant, in which ca|)acit3' he distin-
guished himself in the struggle through Kentucky,
Tennessee, N'irginia, North and South Carolina. He
was always with Ids rommand and ever ready for
service, eager to be at the front and yet magnani-
mous to tlie foe.
'riic com|)any in which oui sul)ject enlisted did
not [larlicipale in an^' of the desperate battles of
that period, but were engaged in a large number of
skirmisiies and muior engagements, frequently suf-
fering severe loss of men. Toward the close of
hostilities the company was consolidated with the
Kightii Michigan Cavahy and from this he was
mustered out in October, 1805. Since Mr. Hall
left the army he has pursued farming which has
occupied his entire time and attention. Jvo one
can boast of a more desirable home. It is sur-
rounded with all the comforts of life, and he is
ha|)p3- in the con]panj' of a most estimal)le wife,
conscious of a lifework honestly done and duly
faithfully performed. The farm boasts many fine
improvements, not less than $.3,000 having been
expended on it.
Mr. Hall is an example to the community, in
liiat his life presents no blemish or spot that need
to have a veil cast over it. The husband and wife
whose lives have been so congenial within them-
selves are [iroud of an interesting family-. Tbey
are 'Willie E., Lewis C, these two composing the
firm of Hall Bros., grocers; Bertie C. a teacher of
some years' experience, and one considered as
standing at the head of his profession. He is also
the present efticient Township Clerk, besides being
active in church and educational work. One daugh-
ter, Myrtle, the mother's darling, is an amiable
and sweet girl of sixteen 3'ears, now a student at
the High School of Owosso. She is also so profi-
cient in music as to call forth the i)raisc of the
lovers of music in the community.
Mr. Hall is a Republican in politics though rec-
ognizing merit in other parties, and believing it
fight to support the best men irresi)ective of |)nrty
in local matters. He is considered by his towns-
people as a level-headed man on all subjects, and
is frequently honored bj' res|)onsible positions of
trust. Me is liberal in his religious ideas while
Mrs. Hall belongs to the Methodist persuasion.
=7 •El
HARLES SKICKLE, M. I). One of the en-
ergetic young physicians of Bancroft wiio
' has already attained some pronunence. is the
gentleman whose name heads our sketch. Dr.
Shickle was born in I'lymouth, Waj'ne County, this
State, February 1, 1.SC5. His parents were Wi|li:im
and Mary A. (Thomas) Shickle. The family are old
residents of Wayne County, his father having died
April 20, 1890. He was the owner of a farm of
two hundred and forty acres which he hail made
a model of its kind. He was a n.ative of Norfolk,
England, and had been self sustaining from the age
of five jears. He came to the United States about
1860. He w.as married in Greenwich, Kent Coun-
ty, England. The gold fever early attracted him
to Australia where he worked as a miner for some
years and then engaged in market gardening near
Melbourne. Ho came to Shiawassee County in
1867, where he lived a retired life in Fairfield
Township until last year when his deaih occurred.
Dr. Shickle was two years old when his parents
came to Shiawassee County and remained there
until be was twent^'-two. During his childhood
he attended school at Ovid, after which be entered
the olBce with Doctor J. II. Travis of Elsie. In
1887 he entered Ann Arbor medical department
and was graduated with his class, June 27, 1890.
He was one of a class of ninety-four young men and
women who started out to alleviate the pain an<l suf-
fering of mankind. Immediately after his gradua-
tion he began to practice at Bancroft where he has
since been. Dr. Shickle is still a single man. Po-
litically he is a Democrat.
310
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
For so young a man, he has a complete profession-
al libraiy. He boasts a fine microscope anfl has a
large number of good pathological specimens and
nearly ever}^ specimen of the normal tissues of the
body. The Doctor has already displayed so much
energy in the pursuit of his profession for which
he has an ardent love that his friends predict for
him a brilliant future. Certainly there is no pro-
fession in wliicli a man has a wider scope than in
tlmt of medicine and in these days where every
man is a specialist, there are chances of attaining
fame never before offered.
^
E^^
ENRY M. BURNES is a farmer and resides
on section 19, Riley Townshii), where he
has one hundred and sixtj' acres of fine
land, all improved and with excellent build-
ings upon it. He is a son of James M. and Nancy
(Smith) Burnes. The father was a native of Mon-
roe County, N. Y., and the mother was born in
Pennsylvania. The parents of Mr. Burnes came
to Michigan before their marriage, and after that
interesting event, located in Ingham County, where
the subject of this sketch was born. His natal day
was November 3, 1847.
Henry Burnes was rcare<l u|)on a farn, and at-
tended the district schools of his townshi[), work-
ing for his father until August, 1864, when,
although being less than seventeen jears of age, he
decided to enter the arm}', and enlisted in Com-
pany F, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry. He
joined the regiment at Atlanta, Ga., and after the
siege of that city the regiment was sent to join the
force of Gen. Thomas at Nashville, Tenn. In the
spring of 186.5 the regiment was transferred to
Washington D. C , was then sent by boat to New-
bern, N. C, thence to Raleigh, and there joined
Gen. Sherman's array on its march through llie
Carolinas. It was placed on detached duty at
Salisbury, N. C, where the regiment was finally
discharged.
Our young liero was sick in the iiospital at the
time of the discharge of his regiment, but was fin-
ally mustered out and discharged at Detroit in Sep-
tember, 1865. After his return to Michigan he
worked on the farm until November 25, 1 866, when
he received in marriage the hand of Miss Mary
Stone, a daughter of Solomon B. Stone, who was a
native of New York, but had removed to Lake
County. Ohio, previous to her birth July 29, 1847.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Burnes has been
blessed with three children: Rosetta was born Octo-
ber 13, 1867; she is married to Frank Henson, and
they reside with her parents. Burton was born
August 21, 1869; and Adelbert, September 12,
1873. The last two are single and make their home
with their parents. The father of Mrs. Burnes is
still living in Riley Township. Mr. Burnes is a
member of the Josei)h Mason Post, G. A. R., of
Wacousta, ami is a raeml)erof the Grange, No. 456,
at South Riley, and is a Democrat in politics, tak-
ing an active interest in political questions. He
has filled the olFice of Highway Commissioner and
some other township offices of minor importance.
G
,^^EORGE BIGFORD. Among those who
became pioneers of Michigan in their very
early years is the thorough and prosperous
farmer and stock-raiser whose name we have given
in this column. He resides on section 36, Duplain
Townsiiip, Clinton County, and has his post-office
address at Ovid. He was born in Genesee
County, N. Y., his natal daj' having been June 18,
1853. He was also of New York parentage, his
father, John, and his mother, Amrelt (Stevens)
Bigford, being born in that State, where the father
died when George was still a little boj'.
The widow of John Bigford came to Michigan
with her sons when George was only four years old,
and made her home in Owosso. Near here the boy
was raised upon a farm and received a fair common-
school education. He had one brother, Edgar, who
lives in Lansing. Having grown to manhood and
having now attained a mastery of the work of
life upon which he had resolved to enter, the young
man decided to establish a home of liis own, and
chose for himself a life partner. 'Jhe wedding
PORTRAI'l AND BlOGliAPHlCAL ALBLM.
311
day of George Bigford aud Melissa Woodworth
was Christmas Day, 1874. This lady is a native of
Michigan, having been born in Owosso Township,
Shiawassee County, May 11, 1855. Iler [jarcnts,
William and Silvia A. (Audrus) Woodwortii, were
born in New York, and had removed to Michigan
some years previous to the birth of their daughter.
After living in Washtenaw County for about eight
years the young married couple removed to their
present home, where Mr. Bigford purch.asod eighty
acres of rich and fertile soil, which was valued at
*63 per acre.
Three bright and interesting chikhcn were sent
to share the parental love and solicituile of Mr.
and Mrs. Bigford. The oldest, Wilbur, was born
while the}' were living in Washtenaw County,
January 30, 1876. Frank, tlie second, came to
thera October 15, 1877, and Maggie on March 28,
1880. Mr. Bigford is deeply interested in political
movements, but takes no active part exceiit to cast
his vote for the Republican candidates. His sturdy
character, strict integrity and untiring industry he
no doubt received from his Scottish ancestiy, as
his father was born in that land.
1^%^-^
'S^LIJAII FLESHMAN, a prosperous and
|fe) influential farmer residing on section 1,
/*' — ^ Essex Township, Clinton County, is a
native of Stark County, Ohio, where he was born
February 2, 1838. His parents, Peter and Mary
(Wolf) Fleshman, were natives of Pennsylvania
and he is their eldest son. With his parents he
journeyed West in his eighth year and came to
Michigan, thus becoming one of the pioneers of
Macomb County. There he was reared to man-
hood upon a farm and in the district schools, hav-
ing scanty op|)ortunities for education but tho-
roughly improving his advantages and being stim-
ulated therein by the desire of both parents and
teacher that he should become an intelligent man.
Mr. Fleshman was married in Detroit, Mich., to
Bridget Mc(Jraw, a native of Ireland. He came
to Clinton County in the spring of 186G and first
located near Maple Rapids, where he settled in tlie
woods and cleared ui) sixty acres of ^n eiglity-acre
farm. It was in 1878 when he removed to the
farm where he now resides, and which has been his
home from that day to this. His fine property is
all the result of his unaided efforts and he had no
one to start him in life.
Our subject is earnestly desirous for the uplift-
ing of the agricultural community, both socially
and industrially, and is identified with the Ancient
Order of United Workmen. In his political views
he is a Democrat and is worthy of and receives the
respect of all who know iiim. Both lie and his
wife are honored in social life and liave a large
circle of friends.
"if]OHN NOURSE. Among the farmers of
Watertown Township, Clinton Countj% none
are more worthy of representation in a work
of this kind than the gentleman whose name
heads 1 his sketch. lie resides on section 21, of
Watertown Township, where he has eighty acres in
that section and forty acres on section 27. When
we consider this large tract of fine land and learn
that he started out in life without a dollar in the
world, we can but give great credit to his indus-
try', economy ard enterprise. He is the son of
Thomas and Hannah (Ta3lor) Nourse, natives of
Norfolk, England, where he was born June 20,
1828. He worked for his father until he was six-
teen years old, and then for himself until -of age,
and b}' this time had saved money enough to pay
his passage to America. In company with his
young friend, George Gall, he came to this coun-
try. They went directly to Lockport, N. Y., and
when they reached there he had not a cent left, but
his friend Gall had one dime, and tlie latter gen-
erously decided to share this small sum with his
friend over a social mug of beer, and thus to start
together on the sami! level.
The young man now hired out on a dair^- farm,
and worked at various places for four years. He
then had l)y his economy saved enough money to
invest in a small tract of land, and he and his friend
came to MichiKan together in 1810. While living
312
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
at Lock port. N. Y., he had fonnerl an acquaintance
with the father of Josh Billings, who was also an
Knglisliinan, and who befriended hira at different
times. After he came to Michigan he placed $300
in the hands of Willard King to invest for him. In
1853 he was united in marriage with Hannah Gall,
the sister of his early friend. She lived onl)- two
years after their marriage. In 1856 he was happily
married to his present wife, Mary Loomis, a daugh-
ter of J. A. Loomis, a native of New York State
who came to Michigan in 1843, and is now living
in Watertown Township at the advanced age of
seventy-nine years. Mrs. Nourse was born in New
York State, November 16, 1838.
The union of John Nourse and Mary Loomis has
resulted in a family of four children: Cornelia D.,
born Ma^^ 30, 1856, is now married to Samuel Day-
ton, and lives at Delta; George T., born Septem-
ber 1, 1857, married Cora B. Felton, and resides on
section 27 of this township; AVilliam E., born Feb-
ruary 6, 1866, is single, and is at home with his
parents; Kttie, born September 20, 1873, is also at
home. Mr. Nourse has assisted his children nobly
and when starting out in life for himself, he has en-
abled tliem each to get a farm. Besides all that he
has given them, he has accumulated one hundred
and twenty acres, and has given to his children sev-
eral thousand dollars. This prosperity is indeed
marvelous when one takes into consideration that
lie can neither read nor write. His political belief
is in accord with the utterances of the Democratic
party, and he cast his vote in its favor.
LNEY P. DeWITT. The city of St. John's
is the seat of many important business
enterprises and thriving establishments
where the st^aples are sold. The gentleman above
named is the proprietor of one of the large grocery
stores here and is interested in u wholesale house
in Grand Rapids and other enterprises in St.
Jolin's. He carries a full line of staple and fancy
groceries and provisions and does a flourishing
trade, which is the more creditable as he began his
work with a small capital. The house in Grand
Rapids with which he is connected, was organized
in 1890 and incorporated under the laws of the
State under the title of the Lemon & Wheeler
Companj', for the wholesaling of groceries. Mr.
DeWitt is a stockholder in the St. John's National
Bank and Clinton County Savings Bank and is the
owner of some vnluable real-estate.
The Empire Slate claims Mr. DeWitt as one of
her sons, although from an early age he has lived
in Michigan. His paternal grandfather, William
DeWitt, was born in New York, on the Hudson
River and married a New Jersey lady. He was a
blacksmith by trade. He made an early settle-
ment in Wayne County, N. Y., and in 1866 came
to Clinton County, this State, and died in DeWitt
Township when sixty-nine years old. His son
John M., who was born in Wayne County, N. Y.,
grew to manhood there and removed thence to
Onondaga County. He was a saddler and harness-
maker and carried on a harness shop and for some
time had the stage route to S3'racuse. In 1863 he
came to this State and for a year carried on the
harness business in Oakland County, at Davisburg.
He then came to DeWitt Township, Clinton Countj',
and after working at his trade for a time turned
his attention to farming. He owned five tracts of
land. He is now living in St. John's and has given
up active work. His wife, whose maiden name
w'.iS Eliza J. Griffin, was born in Onondaga Count}',
N. Y., near Amber. She is the daughter of Ileman
Griffin, an Eastern man who fought in the War of
1812. Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt have three children,
O. P. being the eldest. The second is Ada, now
Mrs. M. B. Pincomb, of Big Rapids, and the third
is William, a jeweler in Hammond, Ind.
The subject of this notice was born January 24,
1858, in Navarino, Onondaga County, N. Y., and
was about si-v yeai's old when his parents came
West. He attended the common and high schools
in DeWitt, Clinton County, and when he was
eighteen years old began teaching. Between terms
he attended the Commercial College inLausing and
completed the business course and received a
diploma. He then became clerk in the general
mercantile establishment in the capital and wltliin
three years had worked his way to a forcmanship.
In May, 1881, he came to St. John's and started in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
313
tlie grocery trade as a member of the firm of
DeWitt & Pineorab. The connection was contin-
uc(l eigliteen months when the business was closed
up and llie partnersliip diss(ilve<l. Six months
later Mr. DeWilt bought the slock of Nelson (iris-
wold .111(1 re-eng.iged in business, carrying on his
work alone. The clerks whom he employs are
obliging and trustworthy .and in every respect
his place of business is worthy the visits of the
people.
In Riley, Clinton County, November 18,1880,
Mr. DeWitt was married to Miss Hattie E. Jones,
a native of that place and daughter of Nathan
Jones, one of the early settlers of the county.
That gentleman w.as formerly' engaged in farming
but is now living in the county seat.
Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt are the happy i)arenls of
•one child — Lee A. Mr. DeWitt is one of the
Board of Trustees of St. John's. lie is a Knight
Temi)lar, identified with the home commander}-.
He has no church connections but conlriljutcs to
the support of the different societies, having a gen-
eral belief in their good effect upon society'. lie has
no political aspirations and no party connection,
being strictly independent in the use of the elective
franchise. The character an<l ability of the man
outweighs in his mind an^- question of party
polic}'. In social and domestic life Mr. DeWill is
considerate and agreeable and in business affairs he
is honorable and trustworthy.
ZKKIEL J. COOK. One of the men who
has dared and done so much in the interest
of the County of Shiawassee is the gentle-
man whose name heads this sketch and who at
present lives on section 7, Owosso Township, lie
was born on the ohl homestead on section 1, Ben-
nington Township, October 13, 183!). His parents
were Ezekiel and Barbara Ann (Hodge; Cook, the
former a native of Rhode Island. His grandfather
was Seth Cook, also of Rhode Island. Mr. Cook's
mother was horn in Pennsylvania and married in
Oakland County.
Our subject's father came from Oakland t'ounly
in the fall of 1837, when lie secured a qua.ter-
section of land upon which he lived until his wife's
death, January 20, 1874. Her natal day w.as
November 28, 1808. Our subject's father died
March 12, 1881, his birth having t.aken place De-
cember 1 G, 1 71)8. Previous to his marriage willi
the Lady aliovo named I\Ir. Cook was united Nt)veni-
ber 14, 1822, to Drusilla Castle, who was born
November 16, 1801, and died September 9, 1833,
in Oakland Count}-. His marriage with our sub-
ject's mother took place February 20, 1834, in
Oakland County. He had settled in this county
just before his first marriage, coming hither from
Rochester, N. Y.
I\Ir. Cook had several children by his first wife.
The}' are Chancy C. who died in Saginaw Count}', in
1888; Elizabeth D., married Edward Curliss and
lived in Owosso, having departed this life in A|iril,
1889; Drusilla, widow of Walter (Jammon of
Sacramento County, C.al. The second family of
children are as follows: Seth is a citizen of the
township; Anna, who became Mrs. Hugh Cooper,
at present resides in Riley County, Kan.; Ezekiel;
Albert J. is a professor of entomology, at the State
Agricultural College of Lansing.
The gentleman of whom we write liveil on the
farm until his wife's death and there continued
with Ezekiel, Jr., until his own death. In politics
Mr. Cook was a follower of the Republican \)\at-
form. He was connected with the Baptist Church
of which he had been a leader for many years,
having assisted in the organization of the Majilc
River Baptist Church. For j'ears he took a prom-
inent position in the locality in which he lived and
was recognized by all as a man to be depended
upon in any case of emergency. He was progres-
sive in all things and st)ught to introduce into his
agricultural life any feature that would lead lo im-
provement. He was the first man to introduce
Durham stock into the county and he only bred the
finest bloodeil animals. He took an active part in
the Agricultural Association and encouraged hia
fellow farmers lo ever strive for a better display.
At the lime of his death he owned four hundred
acres of land.
t)ur subject's son and namesake, Ezekiel, re
mained at home until he became of age. He attended
314
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
the Agricultural College for two years, having
taught at the age of twent}' and after his majority
having continued in educational work for five con-
secutive winters, working on Ihe farm in the sum-
mer. By popular vote he was made County
Superintendent of Schools and as such has ilis-
charged the duties incident to the position most
satisfactorily for three years. He resigned, how-
ever, before the expiration of his term on account
of his mother's death. He has since lived on the
farm. On June 14, 1866, he was united in mar-
riage to Miss Anna Benjamin, who was born in
Oakland County February 10, 1843. Her parents
were Miles and Anna (Norman) Benjamin, the
former a native of Syracuse, N. Y., the latter of
Connecticut. Ezekiel Cook, Jr., is the father of a
fine family: Charles B., born June 17, 1867; Clay-
ton T., born April 1 1,1871 ; will graduate in the class
of 1891 at the Agricultural College at Lansing,
Eddy J., born May 20, 1874, died at the age of
four months. The eldest son was graduated in the
class of 1888 at the Agricultural College and be-
came an assistant in the department of entomology.
-g^'.
-S)^^
s/y
■^OHN W. OUTCALT, the present Supervisor
of Olive Township, Clinton County, owns
and occupies a tract of two hundred and
forty acres. He was born in LaGrange
County, Ind., February 2, 1840, and is the eldest
of three children born to William and Mary A.
(Richard) Outcalt. His father was born in Portage
County, Ohio, April 10, 1813, and in 1836 went to
Indiana, where he had previously bought land. The
country in which he located was sparseh' settled
and much of the land was undeveloped. He cleared
and improved a farm, living upon it until 1854,
when he came to Clinton County and bought a
partly improved tract in Olive Township. Here
lie died in 1869. He was Highway Commissioner
of Olive Township nine years. The patronymic
indicates the German extraction of the family aud
in the Eastern States the first American home was
made. Mrs. Outcalt died in tiie Buckeye State.
Our subject had but limited educational privi-
leges, his attendance being confined to the district
school and mostly prior to entering his teens. The
time that he spent in the schoolroom after that age
was used to good advantage, as after being at work
for a time he better appreciated educational priv-
ileges. When about thirteen j'ears old he became
a driver for a dealer in Wolcottville, hauling grain
from that place to Ft. Wayne and bringing goods
back. He was about fourteen when his father
came to this State, and after the family was settled
he spent some farther time in school here. He be-
gan the battle of life for himself in 1866, when he
purchased eighty acres of wild land in Fairfield
Township, Shiawassee County. He built a log
house in the woods and made that his home three
years, while laboring hard to improve his property.
The ill-health of the father caused him to return
to the homestead, the care of which was relinquished *
to him. Here he has remained, carr}'ing ou his
work with zeal and energy.
In the fall of 1863 Mr. Outcalt became a sol-
dier, enlisting in Compan}' I, Twenty-seventh
Michigan Infanlr}'. Under the command of Col.
A. B. Wood, he took up the duties of a defender
of the Union. The heaviest engagements in which
he took part were the battles of the Wilderness,
Cold Harbor, Grove Church and the fight on the
Weldon Railroad south of Petersbuig, but on
many other fields he displayed equal devotion to
his country. At Weldon Railroad he was struck
by a rifle ball which shattered one of the bones in
his right leg below the knee, so that several pieces
were taken out. He lay in Ilarwood Hospital at
Washington for some time. His wound was re-
ceived June 18, 1864, at which time he held the
rank of Corporal but was acting as Lieutenant.
He was discharged April 18, 1865, and resumed
the peaceful occupation of farming.
In 1866 Mr. Outcalt was married to Miss Betsej'
Gage, with whom he lived happily until 1884, when
she was called from time to etcrnit3'. She was a
native of Rose Township, Oakland Count}'. In
1886 Mr. Outcalt contracted a second matrimonial
alliance, wedding Miss Roxie Merrihew, a native
of the township in wiiich they are now living, and
a well-respected, capable lady. She is a member
in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal
"f^
1
C t
nj
£^a^
V,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
317
Church. Mr. Outcalt has been Highway Commis-
sioner six years and Township Treasurer one year.
In both capacities he acted for the good of those
wlio gave him tlieir suffrages, and as Supervisor
he is now disciiarging his otlicial duties in a crcil-
itablc manlier.
,,.., LLEN BEARD, a prominent and wealthy
3/uli farmer whose fine farm and elegant resi-
lli dcnce are an ornanienl to the comnuuiity,
was the first settler in Antrim Township,
Shiawassee County. A native of Ontario County,
N. Y., he was born January- 11, 1810. His father,
Joshua, was born February 8, 178C, near llagers-
town, Md., and when fifteen years old removed
from that State to New York with his parents. He
lived and died in Yates County, completing his
life work March 21, 1864. He was a prominent
man and connected with the Baptist Church, being
a liberal contributor and an earnest worker in the
same, as was also his wife, Martha (Blake) Beard,
who was born in August, 1700, in Saratoga, X. Y.,
and died in 1852. Nine of Mieir eleven children
grew to maturity, and five are now living. The
grandfather of our subject, Adam Beard, was of
German descent and came from Baltimore soon
after the Revolutionary War.
Our subject, wlio was the eldest of the family,
was reared upon the farm and educated in the dis-
trict schools, after which he took two terms in an
academj' at Penn Yan, the count}' seat of Y'ates
County, which was formed from parts of Ontario
and Steuben Counties, N. Y. In the 3earl832,
being then in his twenty-second year, ho took a
trip down the Alleghany River to Pittsburg, and
thence down the Ohio to Cincinnati, visiting friends
in Ohio and prospecting through the country. He
returned home by w.iy of Lake Erie. In 1833 he
rented a farm for one year and in November,
1834, he started with a team of horses for Ohio,
and arriving in what is now Willoughby, re-
mained until April, 183G, when he set out for
Michigan.
Arriving in the Wolverine State, our subject
left his family at Lodi, in Washtenaw Count}',
while he came on prospecting into Shiawassee
County. He linally selected his present farm, and
going to the land oflice in Detroit, filed his appli-
cation, and in time received his deeds, signed by
President Xan Buren. Building his log shautj'
and bringing on his faniil\-, he became the lone
white settler of Antrim Township, and the only
one for miles aiound. He had to cut his way
through the woods, felling trees and wading or
bridging good-sized streams. Deer, bears, wolves,
and other wild animals abounded. Indians were
abundant and used often to come to him to ex-
change venison for tlour. He was familiarly ac-
quainted with many of the red men. He cleared
a small spot and turned the first furrow in the
townsiiip, which he afterward helped to oi'ganize,
for other families soon followed him and it became
necessary to have an organization. As soon .as he
had raised products from his new farm, he went to
Detroit to market what he did not need for the
faTuily. He has cleared and improved some three
hundred acres of land.
Hannah Arnot was the maiden name of the lady
who became Mrs. Beard in 1H32. She was born in
Ontario Count}', N. Y., September 2, 1810, and
died August 26, 1843. Four children graced this
marriage: Martha, the wife of (leorge 'I'ylei', who
lives in Morris; Byron, a prominent farmer in the
township; Charles F., who was a member of the
Twenty-third Michigan Infantry and was killed in
the engagement at Camjibeirs Station during the
late war; and Mary E., who is also deceased. The
second marri.agc of Jlr. Beard occurred in 1848,
when he was united with Charlotte Thompson, of
New York, who is still living. She became the
mother of eight children, namely: Allen, deceased;
.loshua, Walter, Elnora; .lohn, a fanner in the vi-
cinity; Abraham L., who is the jiresent incumbent
of the ollice of County Clerk; Sarepta, the wife
of George Honniker; and George, a farmer.
Mr. Heard cast his first Presidential vote for
Andrew Jackson and when Lincoln was a candi-
date he voted for him, but he has since cast his
ballot with the Democratic party. He has filled
for a series of years the offices of Postmaster and
.lustice of the Pe.ace. He had at one time a tract
318
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of land comprising about nine hundred acres, but
having made generous provision for liis children,
he has now about three or four huiulied acres left.
This is all the result of his undaunted industry
and enterprise, as wiieu he came to Michigan he
had only his Icaui and wagon. He has raised Dur-
ham cattle and takes an interest in line wool sheep
and has dealt considerably in lands, having owned
in all probability three thousand acres. He is one
of the original members of the Pioneer Society,
and although now on the shady side of life is the
active raaiiager of his own farm.
The many friends of Air. Beard will be pleased
to notice his portrait on anoiher page.
— 5-+#=^^=i-!-l—
VwJ OHN W. POLLARD, M. D. The publish-
I ers of this Aluum would fail in their pur-
j pose of representing the notable members
I of the various comnuitiities, were they to
omit mention of Dr. Pollard, who is one of the
most prominent medical men of St. John's, Clinton
Conty. For one so young he has .acquired a repu-
tation extremely creditable to his ability as shown
in the practical work which he has done, particu-
larly in those departments of which he makes a
specialty. While versed in general medical knowl-
edge, he pays particular attention to diseases of
women and children and to those of the eye, nose
and throat. It was his desire from boyhood to
become a physician and surgeon, and he made
excellent preparation, first grounding himself well
in Knglish branches such as are useful to every
man, and then entering one of the best medical
schools in the country .and taking a Ihorongh
course of training there.
Before giving the principal facts in tlic life of
Dr. I'oUard it may be well to speak of those from
whom he derived his being, as by so doing we will
I'ain an insight into his natural abilities. His pa-
ternal grandfather was born in Kngland and after
emigrating settled in North Carolina, where he
followed an agricultural life. He was a soldier in
the War of 1812. George Pollard, father of the
Doctor, was born and reared in North Carolina and
when a young man went to Kentucky and married
there. His wife was Eliza Hoanl, who was born
near the Mammoth Cave and was a daughter of
Stillman Hoard, a A'irginian, who after living in
Kentucky some 3'ears went to Missouri and died
there. Mr. Pollard removed to Illinois and was
one of the early settlers in Douglas County, loca-
ting on new land and finally becoming the owner of
two hundred a)id eighty acres in Oakland Town-
ship. In his boyhood he had become a millwright
and worked at his trade for some years after his
removal to the Mississippi Valley-. He was a first-
class mechanic and had a great deal of work to do.
He was a prominent and oHicial member of the
Christian Church and was one of the most highly
respected citizens. He died in 1881.
Tlie family of the couple above mentioned con-
sisted of seven children ami .lohn W. is next to
the youngest. He was born .July 8, 1S60, in Illinois,
and reared on the farm, spending what time he
couM in study and when nineteen years old begin-
ning to leauli. He was a graduate of the Tuscola
High School and immediately after finishing the
course there began professional work, and for three
years and a half was a Principal, first in Hines-
borough and next in Ogden. At the same time he
took up the study of medicine under the guidance
of Dr. J. P. McOeeof Tuscola, and in 1883 he en-
tered l\ush Medical College in Chicago. He worked
his own wa3' through school, and two years after
going to Rush was graduated with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. He opened an office in Nor-
wich, Kan., and remained thereuntil 1888, when he
came to St. John's and married Mrs. Athelia Nel-
son, daughter of J. Stitt and widow of C. C. Nelson
a merchant here. This lad}' was born in Canada.
Her wedded life was brief, as she died of la grippe,
January 14, 1890.
The fall after his marriage Dr. Pollard entered
the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery
and the next year left that institution, having had
the same degree which he had gained at Rush
conferred upon him. He at once began practice
in St. John's where he has a constantly increasing
number of calls and already the demands upon his
time are greater than is usually the case after so
short a residence. He has a thorough understand-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
319
ing of his profession, and is one of those ambitious
young men, who are not content without frequent
and earnest efforts to keep up wilb the limes and
advance in mental growtli. In 1891 lie took a
polyclinical degree in Chicago, iiaving investigated
different lines of surgical work and better fitted
himself for carrying on business its an oculist,
aurist and laryngolocist, etc. While he was living
in Kansas ho was surgeon on the Santa Fc Railroad.
On March 29, 1891, Dr. Pollard contracted a
second matrimonial alliance, the ceremony taking
place in St. John's. The bride was Miss Elinor
Caldwell, daughter of the late Roland Caldwell,
who was born in Canada near Hamilton and is a
graduate of Hamilton University. She is a lady of
unusual culture and refinement, with fine tastes and
an intense love for tiie beautiful. Her home is or-
derly and tastefully- adorned, and her social quali-
ties and noble character secure the warm friendship
of those who become acquainted with her; she is a
member of the Episcopal Church.
Dr. Pollard is interested in social orders and is
identified with several lodges in'St. John's — those of
the Odd Fellows, Knights of Honor and United
Workmen. He is a member of the Clinton County
and State Medical Societies and makes good use of
the current periodicals devoted to physics and
surgery, as well as ever^' opportunity which comes
in his way of consultation with other practitioners.
His political support is given to the Democratic
party. The attention of the reader is invited to a
lilliogra|)hic portrait of the Doctor presented on
another page of tlii.s volume.
IRAM DAVIS, deceased, a well-to-do far-
mer of Rush Township, Shiawassee County,
whose furm is on section 14, was born in
_ Delaware County, N. Y., November 9, 1813.
He was the son of a New York farmer, Samuel Davis
who was born in 1780, and who married, in 1802,
Sarah ISerry, a native of New York, born 'n Feb-
ruary 1786. Samuel Davis had a common school
education and purchased a farm in Delaware Coun-
ty his native Slate. Five daughlurs and .seven sons
constitute the family which came to bless him and his
good wife. He was a soldier in the War of 1812
and in 1856 he came to Miciiigan and located in
Shiawassee County. Less than a decade cumprised
the life of himself and wife in the new home as he
was bereaved of that companion Decembers, 1863
and he followed her lo their eternal home, January
19, of the next year. They were both earnest and
devoted members of the Presbjterian Church.
Iliram Davis upon reaching his majority began
life ill the good old fashioned way b}- taking to
himself a helpmate in the person of Elizabeth M.
Harder, a daughter of Nicholas P. anil Margaret
(Snyder) Harder. Dr. and Mrs. Harder were na-
tives of Columbia County, N.Y., and llie parents of
six children, three sons and three daughters, of
whom Elizabeth is the eldest, being born August 1,
1814. In 1S37 the Davis family came by way of
Buffalo to Detroit and thence to Shiawassee Coun-
ty, Mich., and settled on eighty acres of land, one
linlf mile west of what is now Bennington Station.
Mr. Davis was the first man to drive a team from
Benningum to Owosso, having to cut a road upon
which to travel. The trip from Pontiac to Ben-
nington at that time t^iok five days.
Mr. and Mrs. Davis lived in Bennington till 1843
when they removed to Vernon and in 1850 made
their home in St. Charles, Saginaw County, but re-
turned to Shiawassee Countj' in 1854 and in 187G
came from Shiawassee Township to Rush Township,
and bought one hundred and seventy-five acres of
land on section 14. It was then nearlj' all wild
land but is now wcll-imprnvcd and in fine condi-
tion.
Mr. Davis died here in 1882. He was a Repub-
lican in his [)olitical views and was Township Treas-
urer in Clieseiiing, Saginaw County. Nine children
were born lo him and his good wife, two sons and
seven daughters, namely: Sarah, who became the
wife of Freeman Lylle of St. Charles; .laneC, wife
of Fordyce Potter of Durand, Mich.; Samuel A. I.,
who died June 11, 1855; Delia M. wife of Stephen
Nonon and lives on the old farm in Rush Townshii)
with her husband and one son Marcus \'.; Mary A.,
wife of Edwin Ilosmer of Brady, .Saginaw Count}-;
Janett, wife of Ilarver Johnson of Ingersoll. Mid-
land County; Emily E., wife of L. P. Smedle}' of
320
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Durand; Nicholas, who is married and living in
Spottsylvania County, Va., and Luella, wife of Ira
Johnson of Rush Township. Mrs. Davis lives on
the farm and has one hundred and sixty aeres of
fine land. She is a devoted and useful memher of
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Henderson.
I
'LLIOTT Y. SMITH, the local freight and
passenger agent at Owosso, Shiawassee
I County for the Micliigan Central llailroail,
is a native of New York, being horn July 5, 1844,
in Walerlown, Jefferson County. Ho is tiie fourth
in a family of seven children of Martin and Mi-
nerva (Spaulding) Smith, the father being a native
of New York, born near Lake Champlain, and a
son of Jonathan Smith, a native of ScoUand who
came to the Ignited States when a young man, mak-
ing his home in Saratoga County, N. Y. The
mother of our subject is the daughter of Jared
Spaulding who was a cloth dyer by trade. His
death occurred in the State of New York at the age
of fifty-eight years. Martin Smith was a carriage-
maker by trade and later in life followed farming,
spending a inunljer of years in Genesee County,
Mich., and dying in 1872 in his fifty-fifth year
from injuries received by being thrown in front of
a reaper and being badly cut. His wife is still liv-
ing in Littleton, Iowa.
The school days of our subject passed in New
York State, and he also attended the Pleasant
Grove Seminary in Iowa. In 1802 lie responded
to the call for more troops and enlisted in Com-
pany C, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, where he
was then living, as his father removed to that
Slate when tlie boy was about twelve years old.
His Colonel was James I. Gilbert. The regiment
was sent to Minnesota to quell the Indian troubles,
after which they were ordered to Tennessee and t.lie
far South and took part in the battles of Corinth,
luka, Chickamauga, Vicksburg, Meridian, Pleasant
Hill, Tupelo, Old Tower Creek, Old Lake, and
other conflicts. He was wounded at Pleasant Hill
and also at Nashville, and was mustered out of
service in August, 18G5 having serve<l three years.
Returning to Iowa, Mr. Smith engaged in farm-
ing and continued thus employed until 1870, when
he went to work in the lumbering industry for two
years in the North Woods. After this he came to
Owosso, Mich., in 1872, and began railroading,
being first employed as baggageman for the Michi-
gan Central Railroad in Owosso. In a short time
he was assigned to the station at Owosso Junction
as joint agent in charge of the offices of the Mich-
igan Central and Detroit (irand Haven and Mil-
waukee Railroads. In November 1888, he took
charge of tiic i)assenger and freight business in
Owosso for the Michigan Central Railroad.
The marriage of Elliott Smith and Miss Hattie
Sliatto of Flushing, Mich., took |)lace in Septem-
ber, 1872. Mrs. Smith is a native of Ohio and her
birthplace was Youngstown. She is a daugiiter of
John Shatto who dicil in the service of his country
during the Civil War. Mr. Smith has for four
years been the Alderman from the Fourth AVard.
He is a Representative member of the Grand Army
of the Republic, and is Post Commander of
Quackenbush Post, No. 205. He is a member of
the Board of Education and acts as its Secretary.
At his pleasant residence at No. 52.5 West Main
Street, a wliole hearted hospitality is extended by
Mr. Smitli and las amiable wife.
LBERT PIERSON, a well-known citizen
of Eureka, Clinton County, is a native of
I (B Essex County N. J., where he was born
1^ October 13, 1817. His parents, Silas and
Phebe (Davis) Pierson, were natives of New Jer-
sey^ of which State the Pierson family is one of the
old and well known families. The maternal grand-
father, Joseph Davis, was a soldier^in the Revolu-
tionary War and did effective service through that
period of contlict.
Of seven children born to Silas and Phebe Pier-
son, the following have lived to manliood: Oliver,
Albert, Harriet, Silas, Walter, and Charlotte.
These boys grew ui) in their native county, and
their father being a carpenter and joiner, tiicy
learned much is his line of work. When about
w -
PORTRAFT A-SD BJOGRAIMIICAL ALBUM.
323
oijjlite<'ii years old, Albert bcsjan learninji; the li.ir-
ness-niaking Iraile and served an apprentieesliii) at
this for nearly three years. After having reached
his majority he removed with his parents to the re-
gion whieh is now included in Morrow County,
Ohio, and resided there for several years.
It was in Ohio that the yonng man met and mar-
ried his lirst wife, Lucy .1. Linseott, who became
Mrs. I'ierson in 1841, and and died in 1888. His
m.arriage with his present wife took i>iace December
19, 1890. Before her marriage with him she was
the widow of John Fesler, late of Eaton County,
Jlich. This lady who bore the maiden name of
Ellen (iale, is a native of Canada, being born near
London, Ontario, January 13, 1844. Her father
was Captain Charles Gale who sailed on the Great
Lakes. He is a native of Chicago, III., r.nd is said
to be the oldest white man now living, who was
born in that great city. He now lives in Ontario.
Her mother was a native of Pennsylvania of Ger-
man descent. When two years old Mrs. Pierson
moved with her parents to Cleveland, Ohio, and
there grew to womanhood. She married John Fes-
ler in Gratiot County, this State, November 30,
185!). and by him became llie mother of eight
children, six of whom are now living, namely:
Charles, Lena, Ida, Nellie, Gussie and Etta.
Mr. Pierson came to Michigan in 1833, and lo-
cated in Gratiot County, in Washington Township,
in the unl)roki'n woods. Ho busied himself in clear-
ing t!u' land I'ud cultivating it. He was one of the
first settlers and built the second log iiouse in his
towushi|i. He look his land from the (iovernnient
paying ^1.25 per acre, lie Miiilerwe'it the usual
hardships of pioneer life and heliied to turn tiu;
wilderness into a prosperous farming community,
lie moved lo luireka in March, 1886, and has since
resided in that village. Hesidcs what he (jwns
here he has eighty acres of lan<l in (iratiot County.
l'>olh iMr. and Mrs. Pierson are earnest and etlic-
ient nuimbeis of the Christian Church and are ac-
tive factors in all social ent"ri)rises. He is public-
spirited and enterprising, and interested in botli
national and local political movements, being a
Uepid)lican in his views formerly but now works
and acts with tiie Prohibition party, having lost all
faith in the old parties. The parents of Mrs. Pier-
son reared a family of nine children and no death
occurred in the family, until September, 1889, when
one of the sons died. Of their six daughters all
but one married men by the Christian name of
John and four of them are now widows. The fa-
ther is now seventy-four years old and the mother
sixt^'-six and tlu'y celebrated their Golden Wedd
ing April 7, 1891.
i^-V-
^^
ON. GEORGE M. DEWEY. Among the
men who have helped to mold |)ublic opin-
ion, both as educators an<l through the pub-
'(^' lie press, we are pleased lo present the
])<jr(rait and give a sketch of the life of the gentle-
man whose name introduces these paragraphs.
This citizen of Owosso and former editor of the
Owosso Times, was liorn in Lebanon, Grafton
County, N. H., Febnuiry 11, 1832, and is a son of
Granville and Harriet B. (Freeman) Dewey, both
natives of the same phici', where their son Grst saw
the light. The mother was born in the same room
which afterward was the birthplace of her son.
The grandfather of our subject was .Martin Dewey
and the great-grandfatlier Elijah Dewey, who set-
tled in Lebanon ai a very early day, was of Eng-
lish i)arentage.
The mother of George M. Dewey was a direct
descendant of the Plymouth Pilgrims and in the
direct line of that branch of the Standish family
which settled in Connecticut. (irauviile, the
father of our subject, was a soldier In the War <i(
1812 and was a farmer by occupation, residing on
the old homestead which had been handed down
for generations, from father to son. His dc.itli oc-
curred January 27, 1840.
The subject of this sketch puisued his earl\
studies with great assiduity and when still quite
young went to Lowi II. Mass., for further educa-
tional advantages and was graduatcti from llie
high school there in IHK;. After this he was era-
ployed by CliarU's E. Smith im an astronomic d
ex|)edition in South America, wiiich consumed
about eighteen months. Returning to Lowill he
undertook teaching, which profession he pursui'd
324
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
for over three years in the East, after which he
came West in 1852 and taught for some time.
Tlic f»-ood repoits made by travelers of tlie fer-
tile land and fine cJimate of Michigan attracted Mr.
Dewey hither in 1854, and coming to Berrien
County, he taught for a year. Here he made so
enviable a reputation among instructors as to re-
ceive the appointment of Deputy Superintendent
of Public Instruction at Lansing. Tliis position
he filled for eighteen montlis and then tendered his
resignation, having decided to enter ujion a differ-
ent branch of work.
The newspaper business [jroved attractive to the
young man and he undertook the management of
the Niles EiKjuin^r, which he carried on for nine
years successfully. Afterward lie purchased tlie
Hep lib lien II Bdiincr at Ilnslings, liarry County, and
edited it for fifteen years. In 1881 he came to
Owosso and bought the Owosso Times, which he
afterward incorijorated as a slock company and
held iiis connection with this paper until l.SilO.
Mr. Dewey has been connected witii |nil)lic af-
fairs to a considerable extent ever since coming
into Uie State and through Ihe medium of the press
exerted a wide political influence. He 1ms also un-
usual ability as a stump si)eak(!rand has often taken
the stump lioth in Micliigan and other Stales for
the causes of temperance and the Rei)ublican i>arty.
EIc slumped the States of New York, New Hamp-
shire, Illinois and New Jersey, making speeches for
temperance and in defense of Republican princi-
ples. He has made from one to two thousand
speeches during his public career. He was Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of
Micliigan in 1888-89. In 1886 he became a mem-
ber of the Grand Council of the Royal Templars
of Temperance. In 187-2 the Sixteenth District
of Michigan honored itself by electing this gentle-
man Stale Senator and he served in the sesnons of
1873-74. He was one of the delegates who or-
ganized the Republican party "un<ler the oaks" at
Jackson, Mich., July C, 1854.
Mr. Dewey's marriage. May 28, 1857, with Miss
Emma Bingham, of Niles, was a union which has
resulted in a life of great domestic happiness.
This lady is a native of Ohio, born in Malioning
County, that Stale, and a daughter of the late
Judge Lemuel Bingham, of Niles, who was a native
of Connecticut. To Mr. and INIrs. Dewey have
been granted six children, all but one of whom
have grown to years which are proving their inher-
itance of the bright intellectual traits and admira-
ble social qualities of their parents: Hattie, the
eldest, is deceased; Edmund O. is now one of the
editors of the Shiawassee Times, the leading Re-
publican paper of this section; Henry B. is a grad-
uate of the Stale University and now Superintend-
ent of the Schools of Shiawassee Count}'; Emma
G. is Assistant Principal in the Owosso High
School and was a student in Wellesley College,
Mass.; George M., Jr., is a cadet in the United
Stales ftlilitary Academy at West Point; while
Mary Hannah is still a student in the Owosso pub-
lic schools. The |ile.isanl family residence on Park
and Oliver Streets is a center of true social life and
hospitality.
— -i^m —
AUTIN D. COMSTOCK. So niaiiy of
New York's sons are found in the Western
Slates who have made a success in mercan.
tile life that its representatives are always
expected to be men of prominence and position.
Tiie gentleman of whom we write was lien at On-
ondaga County, N. Y., September IG, 1845. He
is a son of Orange and Rhoda (Dunlap) Comstock.
who were natives of the same Slate and county
that our subject was born in.
Our subject's father died in the county in which
he lived for so many years in New York in the
spring of 1858. He had been a farmer all his life
and his efforts in agriculture bad been rewarded,
so that at the time of his decease lie left his family
in verj' comfortable circumstances. Although he
was quite a prominent Whig, he had no ambition,
whatever, to hold office. He was a son of Jude
and Patty Comstock, natives of New York and as
the name would indicate, they were of Scotch-
Irish extraction. Our subject's mother married for
her second husband John Lowry, who was then
living at Lodi Plains, Washtenaw County, this
Stale. They moved to Shiawassee County, Mich.,
in 1826 and settled in Burns Township, where
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALP.U.Ai
325
Mr. Lowry died. Mrs. Lowry was again mar-
ried, this time to Porter Sbernuui of Livingston
Coimly. wIk) is also deceased. Slic now resides in
HancToft, tliis Slate at tiie age of I'ixty-uiglit ^ears,
is t!ie only surviving parent of six children, viz:
ftLirtin, George, Martha, Maitin I)., Eugene ami
Adella. The lady had no children \>y her seconi)
and t' ird marriages.
Our suhject was reared in his native town and
county on his fatlier's farm and received the ad-
vantages of a good common-school education. In
the si)ring of 18(51 he came to Loili Plains, Wash-
tenaw County, this .State, and there lived until
September, 18G2, when he joined the army as Cor-
poral in Company IL Twentieth Michigan Iiifan-
try\ then commanded by Colonel Williams, of Lans-
ing. His regiment joined the Ninth Army Curp:;
under General Buriiside and their first engagement
was at South Mountain. The next conflict in which
Mr. Coinstock particii)ated was at Antielam, fol-
lowed by that of Warrenton -Junction, after which
time they continued lighting and skirmishing along
the line until they readied Fredericksburg, where
they were in time for the engagement. Prom
Fredericksburg they went to Fortress Monroe and
from there came back to 'I'ennessee and joined the
Army of the Tennessee.
The siege of Vicksburg and that of Knoxville
under the presiding genius of the immortal (Jrant,
was an experience that our subject had in conini'.ni
with many of the brave men who dared to (int
their lives in balance with the chances of war. He
W!i8 also in tlie battle of the Wilderness and from
that time on his company was engaged in lighting
and skirmishing until Lee's surrender, in A|)ril,
18G'). The war record of our subject is a long one
and a most honorable one, in that he was engaged
in some of tin; most decisive battles of llu" late wa;.
He was mustered out and received his final (lis
charge at .lackson, Mich., in June, 18(j.^. Duiing
the three years in which he served in the Army he
was never wounded or taken prisoner.
After the war Mr. Comstock came to IJurns
Township, Shiawassee County, where he purdiased
one hundred and sixty acres of wdd land on sec-
tion 25. It bad no improvements, whatever, and
the work of chiaring, building, planting aiiil reap-
ing were before him, but with energy he set about
accomplishing the hard task of making the wiUler-
ness bloom and blossom as the rose and now owns
one of the Quest farms in the county.
He lived on this farm until the spring of 1883,
when lie came to Hyron and lived about eighteen
mouths. He then moved to Bancroft, where he
lived until 1885, but finding the bold of old asso-
ciations and friends strong upon him, he returned
to liyroii where he has since resided. He followed
the stock business, buying and selling for the mct-
roi)olitan market for about fifteen years. He also
engaged in the hardware business in Hyron in the
fall of 1887. His beautiful farm in the near neigli-
liorhood claims much of his time and attention.
Like most of our successful business men .Mr.
Comstock had small pio[)erty to begin life on, but
this was rioubtless not a disadvantage to him. He
is a Ui'publican in polities, but has never held of-
fice. Like most of the old soldiers, he is a Grand
Army man and belongs to I). G. Koyce Post, No.
117, at Byron. In the fall of 186G Miss Helen
Runyan of Vernon Township, Shiawassee County,
became Mrs. Martin Comstock. Her native Slate
is New York, Oneida County, and she is a daughter
of John and Margaret (Van Lou) Runyan. Three
children came to bless the home of our sub-
ject and his wife. Tliej- are Lilly, Orange and Guy
E., of whom Guy K.. is the only surviving child.
^-IK^-
mi
^w'EROME W. TlKNKR.a prominent attorpey
of Owosso, is a native of the (ireen Moun-
tain Slate, ii.xviiig been born in Sheldon,
/ FranUlir County, .lanuary 25, 183G. He is
the only son of the Hon. .losiah Turner, an emi-
nent lawyer of Alichigau. ami was for over a ipiar-
ter of a century Judge of i.his Judicial Circuit.
As a leading Repiihlicin he has always been pidiii-
incnt in the ranks (if his parly. He is now I'liitcd
Slates Consul at Amherslburg, Canada. He was
born in X'ermoiit in 1811 and was a grandson of
Josiah Turner, whose ancestors were of English de-
scent. The mother, Eveline Ellsworth, also a
native of the same State and of Enylish de.scinl,
326
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
was born iu 1817 and was a daughter of Dr. Wil-
liam Ellsworth.
Jerome W. Turner removed with his [wrents
from Vermont to Howell, Livingston County, Mich.,
when a little child of three years and grew to
manhood in this State, taking his early education
in the village schools and later attending Nortii-
ville Academy in Wayne County. He took a
course also at the academy of Lodi, Mich., and then
entered the State University in 1853, graduating in
the literary department in 1857. He read law with
Judge F. C. Whipple in 1857 and was admitted to
the bar before the close of that 3 ear. Mr. Turner
associated himself with Judge Wlii[iple but some-
what later removed to Sliiawassec County and in
1860 located at Owosso, which lie has made his
permanent home.
In 1857 our subject was united in marriage with
Martha F. Gregory, of Howell, Mich., a daughter
of the Rev. E. E. ( iregory. Mrs. Turner is a native
of Michigan, born in Saline, Washtenaw Count}'
and a lady of rich and varied accomplishments. To
their seven sons and one daughter these parents
have given a superior education and three of the
sons have followed the father in entering the pro-
fession of law. They are named as follows: Jerome
E., Willard J., Charles G., Edward E., Horace B.,
Ellsworth P., Milo P., Eveline J., wife of W. E.
Decker.
Mr. Turner was elected State Senator for the
district composed of the counties of Shiawassee and
Livingston and was re-elected by a good majorit}-.
He was <lelegate to the Democratic National Con-
vention at Cincinnati which nominated Hancock,
and also to tlie one at Chicago when Cleveland was
nominated. He was Post Office Inspector during
Cleveland's Administration for the Sixth Inspection
District, headcpiarters at Chicago. The district
comiirised six States with Illinois about the center.
He was elected Ma^-or of the city of Owosso in
187'J. He was also appointed, in 1864, First As-
sistant Paymaster in the United States Army, for
two years, with headquarters at Louisville, Ky.
Both he and his wife are members of the Congre-
gational Church, lu 1863 he was appointed Adju-
tant of the Thirtieth Michigan Infantry, which was
stationed on the Canadian borders, at Ft. Gr.atiot,
Mich. The services which this distinguished gen-
tleman has rendered in his official life entitle him
to the admiration and honor which he receives and
makes him what he must ever remain, one of the
most highly respected members of society in
Owosso.
UGUSTUS BAIN. Among the intelligent
fanners of Shiawassee County this gentle-
man has a place which he has gained by
industrious, intelligent efforts and an up-
life. His home is on section 35, Owosso
Township, and he and his estimable wife are realiz-
ing as great enjo^'ment as often falls to the lot of
humanity. They have an abundance of worldly
goods, and are not harrassed by pecuniar}' vexa-
tions, but are able to enjoj' every reasonable [ileas-
sure, and rejoice in the association of family anil
friends.
Mr. Bain was born in Cohnnbia County, N. Y.,
March 17, 18^7, and is the seventh child of Peter
P. and Mary (Millei) Bain. His father was the
son of Peter McBain, a Scotchman, whose succes-
sors droi)pcd the prefix and retained onl}' the final
syllable of their patronymic. Both parents were
born in the Empire State, and when Augustus was
ten years old removed from their earlier home to
Yates County, whe''e they spent the remainder of
their lives. Their .lOme was on a farm until less
than a decade before the husb.and died, after which
date he was established in the grocer}' trade in Penn
Yan. Our subject, when in his twenty-first year,
was married to Miss Elizabeth Freeman, a native
of Y'ates County, who shared his fortunes until
Ma}' 8, 1887, when she closed her eyes in death.
In Laingsburg, this State, July 28, 1889, Mr. Bain
contracted a second matrimonial alliance, wedding
IMrs. Laura Mack, whose maiden name was Laura
M. Place. She was born in Steuben County, N.Y.,
September 7, 1832, her parents being Joseph and
Mary (Freeman) Place, natives of New York, but
of English descent. Mr. Place was born in the
metropolis in 1799, and his father, who was a
native of Elngland, was interested in ocean vessels.
Joseph was a teacher and was following his profes-
:gSii=aa^ife*J:;^^«5a*aStflaga*ii!Wi^
RESIDCNGE OF THOMAS M ARVlt^l j 5EC. 9.,M IDDLEBURY TP. , SH I AWA5SEE C0.,M1CH.
RESIDEMCE or AUGUSTUS B Al N , 5EC. 35. ,0 WOS50 TR,5HIAWAS5£f. CU.,MICH,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUiM.
:}2;t
sion ill Sleuhen County, when he married Mary
Freeman, who was a sister of .lohn Freeman, faliier
of the first Mrs. Bain. He became the father of
twelve children, of whom Laura was the fourth iu
order of birth. Two others of the family are now
living — Carrie, wife of Charles Lackton of Detroit,
and Mary Ellen, wife of the Rev. Robert Siuiftoe,
of Paw Paw, 111. In April, 1853, the Places came
to this .State, locating in Bennington Township,
Shiawassee County. There Mrs. Place died.
March 22, 1879. Mr. Place survive<l until No-
vember 8, 1883, when he passed away in his eighty-
third year. For seven years prior to his decease he
had been blind.
The daughter, Laura, was married iu Steuben
County, N. Y., to Albert (Jillett, a native of the
same county, and lived in the Kmpire Slate until
18(j'.); when they settled neai- lu'r father in Shia-
wassee County. Ml-. Gillett was a merchant,
but as his wife preferred country life, he gave up
iiis business and turned his attention lo farming.
His health failed in 1870, he having ovcr-cxerted
himself at the Centennial K.\i)osilion, and in 1881
111! removed to Owosso, where lie died November
27, 1883. His children arc Kniina, who died in
1879, and who was tlic wife of .hidsun Uowd;
Flora Dell, wife of Washington Bush, living in
Perry, this Slate; Mary I)., who married Ruscoe
Challin and lives in Bennington Township; Henr}'
A., a resident of Illinois; Carrie E., who died in
infancy; Minnie, now Mrs. .ludson Smith, occupy-
ing the homestead in Benningloi! Township;
Laura E., an attractive and intelligent young
lady living with her mother, and engaged in teach-
ing music.
June 22, 1885, the widow was married in San
.Jose, Cal., whither she had gone with her daLigliter,
to Peter W. Mack, wlio was born in Canm'a, .Sep-
tember 19, 1832. He had settled on a farm in
Shiawassee Count}-, in 1861, and lost his first wife,
Jane McRea, in (Jctober, 1883. After their mar-
riage, Mr. and Mrs. Mack lived in Owosso for ii
short time, but soon went to California, intending
to remain there, but in August, 1886, they re-
turned to Michigan and bouglit the pleasant home
now owned by tiie survivor. Iti October of the
same j'ear Jlr. Mack bought the farm upon which
she is now living, and resided upon it until death
again severed the conjugal tie, and January 28,
1888, Mr. Mack breathed his last. Mr. Mack had
three children by his first wife — lames, Frank and
Georgie (Mrs. Wilbur Pier[)ont), ail living in
Owosso Township — and when his estate was settled
his widow did not claim her dowci-, feeling that, as
she had been his comiianion for but a few years,
she would be depriving his children of their rights
b}' so doing. Instead she bought the interest of
each child and so retained possession of the estate
upon which she is now living with iier third hus-
band, Mr. Bain.
ISfr. Bain votes the Democratic ticket, but is not
pronounced in his political views. He is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Church, p.nd Mrs. Bain is a
Baptist. They are whole-souled, genial people,
fairl>- representing the more intelligent class of
rural residents, and in their later years arc realiz-
ing as much enjoyment as life can furnish to con-
genial spirits who minister to each. other's ha|)piuess
and together dis()ense hospitality to their friends
and acquaintances. Mr. Bain fraternizes with the
brethren of the s^-mbolic square and compass, and
has traveled the Ijuruing sands w-hen it became
necessary to shade his eyes from the eastern bril-
liancy' of the sun.
The attention of the reader is invited to a view
of the pleasant homestead of Mr. and Mrs. Buin.
-'-> -o^-^v^vl^-ofo <*•»-
sillOMAS MAUVlN,a well-known farmer of
Middlel)ury Township, Shiawassee County.
^^p^ was born in Oakland Township, Oakland
County, Mich., March 29, 1847. His parents,
Abraui and Margaret IL (Bolsbj') Marvin, were
natives of New York and New .Fersey respect-
ively, and his father's occupation was that of a
farmer. I'pon the farm of Lis parents our subject
passed his early life in Oakland County, till he ar-
rived at the age of twenty. He had two sisters
and two brothers; his brother (ieorge now resides
in Ovid Township, and his brother William in the
township of Fail-field, Shiawassee County.
The advantages olTered Thom.as Marvin for an
330
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
education were moderately good, and be attended
the best common sclmols in the county during tlie
winters until he reached the age of twenty years.
On May 10, 18G7, he came to Shiawassee County
and located with his father on section 9, clearing a
po'tion of that land.
lll)on reaciiing the age of twenty-one the young
man worked out for one summer, and then worked
for ills broUier George. During the next year his
fatiicr died, and he and his brother William took
the home [ilace, and carried it on for several years,
after which they divided it and Thomas took sixty
acres of the homestead, to which lie has since added
until now he has a line farm of eighty acres. Wiien
he took this land it was all cleared of timber, but
all other improvements he has himself placed upon
it. An event of great importance in the life of Mr.
Mravin took place March 14, 1872. This was bis
marriage to Lydia Bell, of Addison Township,
Oakland County. One child, liddie E., was born in
November, 1S7G.
Mr. Marvin devotes liimself entirely to farming
and raises only ordinary grades of stock. He
makes his princijial crop in wheat and raises it ex-
tensively. In politics he is a Republican, and he
has held the oflices of Constable and Path master.
lie is now engaged \v putting np windmills, i)umps
and all kinds of apparatus in connection with
windmills. He is earnestly interested in educa-
tional movements and desires the best schools for
the youth of the township. He aims 'o give his
own son a broad and liberal education.
On anotiier page of this volume appears a view
of the rural abode of Mr. Marvin, which is one of
the most pleasant homes in the townshii).
^:^E0RC4E SCHUYLER CORBIT, editor and
ill (— - proprietor of the Clinton Independent^ of
\^y5( St. Johns, was i)orn in Pekin, Niagara
County', N. Y., August 2i3, 1839. A full account
of his anceslr}' is given in the biography of his
l)rotiier, .lohn II. Corbit, which will be found else-
where in this book. He is the youngest of six
children of the parental family and was reared in
his native town until he reached the age of thir-
teen 3'ears, being but seven years old when his
mother died. He had onl}' limited school advan-
tages on account of poor health. At the age of
thirteen he went to Tonawanda, N. \'.,and viihout
any money or assistance started out for liimself.
His first work was in packing shingles. Later he
went to live with a Mr. J. C. Gibson, of Iluffalo,
who was in the commission business, but who lived
in Tonawanda. He then apprenticed himself to a
printer, the proprietor of the Niagara River I'l'lnt,
which was published at Tonawamla. This was ed-
ited by Mr. S. S. Packard, who was connected with
Bryant & Stratton's chain of commercial colleges,
and later [jublisher of Packard's Afunthly. in New
York. After remaining there four or five years
he went to Buffalo and attended Bryant & Strat-
ton's Commercial College for one winter.
In the spring of 1857 this young man came to
St. John's, and began clerking for his brother and
also working on the paper, the North Side Demo-
crat. A year later he went to Owasso and helped
to establish the Owasso American, at Owasso, with
Mr. John N. Ligersol, who had purchased the
plant. In 1859 he went to Princeton, HI., to work
on a paper. The next year he assisted in taking
the I'liited States Census in Bureau County, that
State, and in 18C0 he visited Chicago and worked
on the Daily Herald and on the Home and School
Journal. Li the fall of 1861 he returned to St.
John's and clerked for his brother in a hardware
store. He may be properly styled one of the early
and successful pioneers of St. John's.
Mr. Corbit was not prepared to i)urcliase a paper
of his own and with J. H. Stephenson, purchased
the Independent. But this gentleman did not re-
main long with him a\id soon sold out his interest
to our .subject who managed it alone. He began
with a six-column folio and has improved H every
year while he has owned it. lie has coiiliniied to
edit his pa()er from 18GG to the present date with
the exceiition of six years, during which he was
traveling as a representative of the Detroit Free
Press, in Michigan and in tlu^ Western and Sontli-
crn States, spending much of his time in the laller
with "M. Quad," the world-renowned huraoiist,
who is now employeil on the New York World at
FOitTKAIT AND BIOGKAPHICAL ALBUM.
.■531
1200 per wcuk. Wlicn lie iindertouk lliat work hu
disposed, as he sujiposcd, of iLc Independent, but
as it fell back into his hands he once more gave it
new life and restored it to its former part}' useful-
ness.
The Independent is now ;i six-column qiiufto and
is outspoken in its declarations of Democratic
principles. It is the oflicial county paper and has
in connection with it a good job ofiice. It occupies
a fine brick building which belongs to Mr. Corbit,
and which is known iu the city as the ''Independent
Block. '
Mr. Corbit built for his own residence a ccm-
modions and attractive brick dwelling, at the head
of u principal avenue and in a most delightful part
of the city, where he and his wife reside. His
marriage took place in Shcplicrdsville and his bride
bore the maiden name of Cynthia A. Shepherd. She
is the eldest daughter of H. M. Shepherd and was
born and educated in Ohio. Mr. Corbit is well
known throughout the State, and is often iilaced
upon the district and county Democratic commit-
tee, where he is now serving as Secretary. His wife
is an earnest :'nd ellicient member of the F^piscopal
Church. Our subject may well feel a justifiable
pride in his success in following the plans of his
early life. He has been energetic, faithful, hence
successful in his every business undertaking.
%s> ON. STEARNS F. SMIl'll, Mayor of the
|l City of Owosso, was born near Cleveland,
Ohio, .September 18, 1835. In 1853 he
came with his [)arents, F^lijah T. and Caro-
line Smith, to Perry, Shiawassee County, Mich. In
1855 he returned to Oliio, where he remained until
the spring of 1859, when he emigrated to the Pa-
cific Coast where he remained until December,
1866, and then returned to Perry, resiiling there,
at Saginaw, and in Willinmston, Ingham County,
until 1878 when he removed to Owosso.
Mr. Smith was married to Ellen F. Scofield,
daugliter of Stephen and Louisa .Scofield, of l>ocke,
Ingham County, in 1867. Thej' have two children
— Mrs. Fred Edwards, of Owosso, and Grace, un-
married. Mr. Smith is a |>rominent lawyer, act-
ively engaged in the practice of his profession.
During his residence in Owosso he has held the
office of Supervisor, City Attorney and .Mnyor of
Owosso; also the ollice of Prosecuting Attorney of
Shiawassee.
lUAM A.\F01iD. A cons(ncuous poaiiion
among the business men of Owosso is held
by the gentleman whose name appears at
the head of this paragraph, who by years of
well-directed cflFort both in commercial pursuits
and in agriculture has earned a well deserved lep-
utation as a thorough and progressive man.
Mr. Axford is a dealer in dry good.s, groceries
and provisions, and also handles baled iiay, wood
and carries on a meat market. He was born in
the Dominion of Canada February 1, I8J5, and is
the third son of William and Sarah (Giflford) Ax-
ford. The father was a native of New Jersey and
the mother of Canada and she was snatched from
her home by death when this son was a. prattling
boy of four ^-ears old. The father was a ftirmer
and pursued this business until 1864 when he re-
moved to Owosso, where he resided until his death
in 1886. Hiram passed his early scin^ol days in
Canada and aflerwarti in .Micliigai', but w.as not
long in school as he soon went to work on the
farm.
After coming to Owosso, our subject was vari-
ously engaged for two years. He then operated a
meat market in West Owosso, liaving for his |)art-
ner, John Turnbell. Two years later he sold out
his interest, but soon decided to resume that woik
and bought out Mr. Turnbell, continuing in the
business at the old stand. In 1887 he put in .a
stock of groceries in an adjoining room, and suii-
sequentl}' added a stock of dry goods. He was so
successful in his business that he decided to still
further enlarge it, as he found that he had that rare
quality of a 3'oung business man, which enable<!
him to divide his allcntion among varied forms of
trade. He therefore opened up a wood^'ard. while
at the same time lie continued with both his meat
332
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
market aud store. Over this business he lias had
personal supervision a-id at the same time i\arries
on his neat htlle farm of forty acres.
The marriage of our sul)ject with Miss Marj-
J. Necdhani of Owosso, took place in 1872. This
lady was born in Ontario, Canada, and came to
Micliigan with her father, Tliomas Necdliam, when
she was an infant. Three sons and two daughters
come to cheer the home of this intelligent and ami-
able couple. They are, William C, Gertie died
when ten months old, Freddie T., John N., .Tulia
iM. and Kiltie Bell.
Various ofUces of local responsibility liave been
assigned to Mr. Axford by his fellow-citizens. He
has been Alderman for the Fourth Ward and mcm-
bor of liie Water Hoard. He has been a conserva-
tive in politics, lie is identified with the Owosso
Lodge No. SI, F. A A. M., also of Owosso Chapter,
No. 89, R. A. M. His plensant home on Main
Street West, .adjoins his three store buildings; all
his hanilsomo proiieily has been gained by his own
efiorts, as he began with little more than his own
push, iiluck aud perseverance.
HAULKS S. WILLIA.MS. Among the many
pri>s[)erous agriculturists who are making
i^' Clinton County the seat of their labors
none .are more deserving of representation in a bi-
ogiaphical album than the one aljove named. The
fact that he is the owner of a line tract of land on
section l,l>ingham Township, is but one of the
reasons, the most important being found in his hav-
ing begun the battle of life empty-handed and
having reached his present substantial and honor-
able place by persevering industry, good manage-
ment and honorable dealing. His farm comprises
two Imudreil and ten acres, nearly all of which
was pl.aced under imiirovemenl by himself, and it
sl;inds as one of the well-regulated pieces of prop-
ert)- in this neighborhood.
The direct progenitors of Mr. Williams were
.lohu and Mary (Le Ban) Williams, natives of
Pennsylvania who removed to Niagara County,
N. Y.,inl811. There the mi>ther died in 184G
and the father in 1881, the latter aged seventy-six
years. He was a farmer from his boj'hood and
was a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. His family consisted of four chihlren,
three of whom survive to this writing (!>!!) 1 ).
Charles was born in Northampton County, l*:i.,
March 19, 1833, and was some eight 3'ears <^ld
when taken to New York. He was reared on a
farm and first attended the district schools; lie
then gave a few terms to study in the Loc!<i)oit
(N. V.) High School and later spent several terms
at Wilson Academy'. He alwa3's stood at the head
of his cl.asscs and in the acadcm}- his progress w.as
very rapid.
Ikfore he completed his higher studies, young
Williams had begun teaching and bad given sev-
eral terms to pedagogical work at from ^16 to ¥22
per montli. He did not take up farming as his
business in life until 1860 and five years later he came
West and located in the township that is now Ids
home. He bought some land on section 1, and
began his work here in the woods. Improvements
were made as circumstances would allow, and the
estate increased byjudicit)us investments until it
became the fair and fruitful expanse now to be
seen. In 18G1 Mr. Williams decided that his duty
lay amid the smoke of battle, and enlisting, lie
was assigned to the Twenty-sixlli New York Bat-
tery. At Scanish Fort he was under fire for four-
teen days and at Ft. ]?l:ikely he stood a long siege
of similar liazard. lie was discharged in July,
18G.'), and relumed home vvitli his health impaired
by exposure and hardship. He has recently been
awarded a small pension.
At the bride's home in Pekin, Niagara County,
N. Y., September 21, 1860, Mr. Williams was
united in marriage with Miss Marj- J. Kelsie. The
marriage has been blest by the birth of three clilld-
ren, but only one is now living. This is William
A., a prosperous young farmer who is located on a
l)art of the homestead and who formerly taught
school. Mr. Williams held local oflices in his
native State, but has not tidieu part in public af-
fairs here. He was but twenty one years old when
he was elided Township Sclioul Sujierintendonl,
and the honor conferred upon him at that e.arly age
"rave conclusive evidence of the interest he was
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL ALBUM.
.•?:^:?
understood to have in educational affairs and his
mental ability and strengtii of cliaractir. He lias
ever manifested a desire for the pulilic weal,
whether in the line of material matters or those of
the higher nature. In politics he is a Democrat.
He anil his cstimaljlc wife are the center of a pleas-
ant and intelligent circle by which they are re-
garded highly.
LCrrr R. WAUNOIJ, one of the most
prominent men in Fairfield Township, Shia-
wassee Count}-, and a citizen who has been
active!}' interested in the development of the com-
munity in every line of progress, resides on section
15, where he has fift}' acres of rich and arable land
which he has finely improv/>d. Here he catries on
general farming and stock-raising, in which he was
very successful. He was born in Herkimer County,
N. v., M.ay 20, 1828, and is the son of Oliver and
Avis (Warren) Warner, both natives of the Empire
State.
Ill 18;!S, two J ears before removing to Michigan,
our subject's father came to \'an Huren County, and
entered land upon which he afterward lived. The
subject of tills sketch is the oldest in a family of
four who lived to years of maturity, two only of
whom arc still living. One brother, Delos, died
September, 1879, leaving one ciiild. The sister
Catherine married Mr. Richmond and makes her
home in Van Huren Count}-, this State, while Oliver
the youngest brother was a soldier in the Third
Michigan Cavalry and belonged to the company
commanded by Capt. iNIencher. He was killed in
the siege of Atlanta and left a wife and one child.
Mr. Warnor has been three times married; his
first wife w.as I.ucinda Carr anil she was the mother
of three children: Orlie, who married Loren Austin,
a printer at Klsie; Ava, who married Mr. Haker
and lives in Vnn Huren County; and Arthur, who
is married and also lives in Van Huren County. His
second marriage united him with Harriet Gifford
and she also had three children. The eldest, Oli-
ver, lives in Texas; Ina makes her home in Oakland
County. Mich.; and Hcrnice lives at Grand Rapids.
The present Mrs. Warnor, whose maiden name \v:is
Rebecca L. Scott, was born .Inly Ifi, 18:i9 and was
unileil with Mr. Warnor in iinrriagc April 1 I, IcS.sO.
No children have crowned this marriage.
When our subject first came to Michigan in
1867 he bought fifty acres of fine land, which he
has ()laced uiuler cullivation and has made it liy
undaunted industry and perseverance, one of the
best farms in the county. He has had to work hard
for all he owns but is proud to s.ay that he owes no
man a dollar. His early education was limited but
by a thorough course of reading he has made him-
self a man of intelligence. His political views
have attached him to the Democratic party and he
cast his first Presidential vote for Franklin Pierce.
He has served one term as Highway Commissioner
.•unl is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding
his membership in Elsie and having been connected
with tiic order for some eighteen years.
— •^■> •>N^- <■ '• —
LEASON J. YOUNG.S. The fine farm of
two hundred and three acres, located on sec-
^^^i|l tions i and .T, Venice Township, Shiawas-
see County, is owned by one of the early pioneers
of the State. His early years were fraught with
anxiety and a struggle for the commonest necessi-
ties of life, brt he has attained a flattering degree
of success in the face of many discour.agements.
His [larents were natives of New York State. His
father, David Youngs, was born in 1801. His
mother was Harriet (Gleason) Youngs. They w-crc
married in their native State. David Youngs was
a blacksmith by trade, altlK)Ugli he later became a
farmer.
In 1834 the family of Mr. Youngs came to this
State and settled in Washtenaw County, wliere tliey
remained for one year. They then went to Hart-
lanil Township, Livingston County, and located
u[)on eighty acres of new lanil. Had their time
not been occupied with the routine duties of fann-
ing, they must have found it unbearably lonesome,
for their second nearest neighbor lived ata distance
of four miles. Tlicir first dwelling w.as a log
shanty, and llierc was but little time to beautify it.
334
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
The oiil}' flowers that blossomed about the place
were those that sprang naturally from the sod, but
these with their sunny little faces cheered many
lonely hours of the wife. David Youngs died in
1865, and the mother died iu 1885, at the age of
seventy-seven years; they were members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, which body the^' had
helped to organize in the township. In politics
Mr. Youngs was a Democrat, and he iiold several
local positions under his party, having been Asses-
sor for a number of years. He also discharged
satisfactorily' the duties of Highway Commissioner.
David Youngs and his wife were the parents of
seven children, four of whom are now living, our
subject being the only one now in Shiawassee
Count}'. He was the second one of the family, and
born in Niagara County, N. Y., May 26, 1828. He
attended the pioneer school in the county, and was
early taught vigilance in his dealings with the In-
dians. Tl)erc were many wild animals in the woods
and when powder and shot were plentiful, better
sport could not be desired than the hunting there
found.
The original of this sketch started out in life for
himself at the age of nineteen years. He was
l)rought u\> as a farmer and has ever continued in
that calling. When he began work for himself he
had nothing. He worked out by the month, re-
maining fiye years in one place. In 1852 he came
to Shiawassee County, and worked in the Valley'
sawn)ills for three j'ears, after which heseltled upon
one hundred and sixtj' acres of land where he now
lives. It was then all wild land and the work of
clearing and improving must have seemed to him
a tremendous task.
In 185C. Mr. Youngs was united in marriage to
Miss Laura Priest, a daughter of George W. and
•Judith Ann (Luther) Priest, for whose history see
sketch of (ieorge W. Priest in this Ai-itUM. Mrs.
Youngs was born October 4, 1840, in Washtenaw
Counly, this State, and was only three months of
age when her family removed to ^'enice Township.
Here slic attended the district school, went to sing-
ing-school, and was the belle of many a corn-husk-
ing and a|)ple roasting.
The young couple settled upon tlie farn) where
they now live, and were the proud possessors of
the onl}- frame house between Lytle's Corners and
Flushing. They have since added to the house,
and now it is a commodious and comfortable place,
charmingly located, and having many natural ad-
vantages. The farm has also been added to until
it now comprises two hundred and three acres, one
hundred and forty of which are under cultivation.
Mr. Youngs has ever been the active proprietor,
and all the improvements now to be found on the
place have been made by himself.
After marriage our subject had but ^100 in
mone^', and the comfortable fortune which he now
enjoys be has earned by his own efforts, with the
exception of ^500. The}- are the parents of two
children, Frances A. and Bertha E. Frances is the
wife of Edward Carr, and lives in Coruuna; Bertha
married Charles Crowe, and lives at Judd's Cor-
ners. Our subject and his wife have reared three
children besiiles their own. The first, Mary Emery,
lived with Mrs. Youngs for fourteen j-ears, when
she married Charles W. Shipman; they are the par-
ents of four children. The second adopted child,
Ethan Frederick Youngs, lived with them nineteen
years; he took to wife Frances Baird, and now
lives in Shiawassee Townsliip. The third child was
George W. Maj-o. and he was one of the family for
nine years. All of these children received a good
education. In tenderly' caring for these homeless
children, Mr. and Mrs. Youngs have fulfilled the
Divine command, and will surel}"^ rea[) a blessing.
Our subject has been a member of the School
Board in this district for a number of jears. He
has always taken an interest in politics, casting his
vote with the Democratic party. For two years he
was Townsliip Treasurer, and has held the office of
Justice of the Peace for twelve 3-eai's. He dis-
charged satisfactorily for six years the duties of
Highway- Commissioner. He is a temperate man
in his habits, and the confidence that is reposed in
him by his neighbors and intimate friends, is shown
by his having been appointed several times as ex-
ecutor of estates for others.
During the Civil War Mr. Youngs was the first
man drafted in Shiawassee Counly, but feeling that
the responsibilities of home would not permit his
leaving, he furnished two men as substitutes, one
for nine months and the other serving three years.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
335
These substitutes cost liim 1730. He carries on
geueial fanning, feeling secure tliat if one crop
fails another will bring up the sliortage. He has
some fuU-blooil Merino slieep, and owns some fine
Jersey cows.
♦S^^'
l|.=7r'UEDKRICK A. STOW. This gentleman
^ '-' is numbered among the substantial farmers
of Clinton County, !;aving by dint of en-
ergy and prudent management become the pos-
sessor of a fine tra'^t of land numbering two hun-
dred and eighty- acres. The comfortable farmhouse
in which he abides is situated on section 10, Dallas
Townshiji, where Mr. Stow first bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land. He Game hither in
March, 1H70, an<l since that time has been carry-
ing on his enterprise with increasing success He
cleared and broke one hundred and sixty acres
of the himl lie now owns, and has made various
improvements, so that the place is now well regu-
lated in every respect, with a line of substantial
buildings, good fences, thriving orchards and adorn-
ments suited to '.he suiroundings.
The Stow f:'.mily is traced back to the old Bay
State, wlience the grandfatlier of our subject re-
moved to New York many ^ears ago. He after-
ward came to this State and was among the pio-
neers of Washtenaw County, where he died of
cholera during the '30s. His son, Aianson, who is
next in the direct line, was born in New York
October 12, 1803, and lived in lliat Stale until
1835. He then came to IMicliigan and settled on
a farm in Washtenaw County, liut later removed
to Jackson County, where he died June 2, 1851.
He endured the privatiojis of [)ioneer life in Wash-
tenaw County, where the liowling of wolves was
often heaul and deer frequently seen l)y those
who stood in the vanguard of civilization. lie
cleared and broke mueii land and necessarily lab-
ored long and hard. He always voted the Demo-
cratic ticket. an<l he and his wife belonged to the
Methodist Cliurch. Mrs. Stow, whose maiden name
was Catherine F. Bennett, w.as born in Seneca
County, N. Y. Her father, James Bennett, was born
in Dublin, Iielind, but her motlier was a native of
Pennsylvania. Mrs. Stow died August 14, 1850.
They were the parents of four sons ami two
ilaughters, as follows: James B., onr subject, .Sarah
E., Henrietta, George and Aslifield, only two of
whom are now living. George resides in Colorado.
Frederick Stow, tlic sul)ject of this notice, was
born in Seneca County, N. Y., April 13, 1832,
and w.as a child of about three years old when he
caim to Michigan. His school privileges were
limited by circumstances to a short attendance
each year in the pioneer schools, but he had a
good home training, and like many another born
and reared in that day and age, developed a
read}' intelligence that counterbalaneed the de-
ficiencies in schooling. He remained at liome
until he h.ad arrived at man's estate, and then
for about two years worked bj- the month at farm-
ing. He tiien went to Grand Rapids, where he
was living wiien tlie war began, and he felt that
his duly as a patriot called ui)on him to lake his
place in the array.
In 18G1 Mr. Stow enlisted and was mustered in
as a |)rivale in Compauv B, Third Michigan In-
fantry. June 10 he rose to the rank of Second
Lieutenant, January 1 following was commis-
sioned First LiculenanI, au<l October 25 became
Captain. He served until March 28. 1863. when
he was lionor.abl}' discharged. Among the fields
on which lie fought were Blackburn's Ford, Bull
Hun, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Savage Station,
(Jreend.ile, White Oak Swamp. Malvern Hill, the
second Bull Run, Chanlilly and l''redericksbnrg.
As all old soldieis and liislorians remember, these
contlicis followed closely' one upon another and
liie intervals were fre(iuentl\' spent in hard marches
and little rest was afforded l\w troops who took
part. Besides the battles mculioned, Capt. Stow
was jiresenl during the siege of Yorklown in 18(;2.
January 2G, 1803, Capt. Stow was tnnrried to
Henrietta, daughter of P'ranklin and .Mruia (Welch)
Chubb. Her father, a native of Massaeliusetls,
came to this Slate early in the '30s, and in 1831
established a home in Ionia County. He was mar-
ried in Ann Arbor, his wife being a native of
New York, anil their daughter, Antoinette, was
the (irst while female child born in Ionia County.
Their other cliildren are Hector, Henry, lleiiii-
336
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ettn, James .iiid Lorettc. IMr. Chubb was aa old-
line Whig. He W.1S .Justice of the Peace a number
of years and when he died, in 1859, Ionia County
lost one of lier principal and honored i>ioneers.
Mr. Stow and iiis wife have two sons — George F.
and Artliur F. Tlic cider was graduated from
tlie Agricultural College in Lansing, in 1888, and
llie younger is now studying there.
After his discharge from tlic army Mr. Stow
engaged in the sale of merchandise in Grand
Rapids and followed a commercial life until 18G9.
He then made liis home in Lj'ons Township, Ionia
County, a year, after wiiicli he came to Clinton
County and has remained on his farm. Being in-
terested in the advancement of agriculturists, both
materially and mentally, he is connected witli the
Grange. lie belongs to R. G. Hutchison Post,
No. 129, G. A. R., in Fowler. He is convinced
that the Rei)iiblican platfoi'm embo<lies tlie truest
political principles, and lie votes to support it.
His religious liome is in tlie Presbyterian Cliurch,
and he is a well-rcspcctcd member of society.
> . ^^*^c-i ■?»*?<«^"^>>v«- —
v
ILLIAM DETWILER. To any one who
is interested in the commercial prosperity
of Henderson, Shiawassee County, a sketch
of its prominent business men will be of value.
Tlie gentleman of whom we write is the principal
merchant and grain dealer of this village and his
career is full of instruction, especially to the j'oung
who would learn how to attain success in life. He
is a Pennsylvanian liy birth, being born in Bucks
County, June 18, 1819. His father, John Dctwilei,
w.as a well-known farmer in Montgomery County,
that Slate. He received the education which was
then available for all young Pennsylvanians, and
upon reacliing his majority took to himself a wife
in the person of Anna Detwiler.
Jacob and Elizabeth ( Hoinsickcr) Detwiler, ilie
parents of Mrs. John Detwiler, had a family of
four children, and their daiigliter Anna became the
mother of sixteen children, which were equally
divided between sons and daugliters. She and her
worMi3' husband passed their last years in Bucks
County, Pa., wliere they lie side by side in their
last rest.
A common-school education was ?dl tliat was
granted to tlie subject of tliis sketch but he gained
practical knowledge upon the farm where he
worked until he was eighteen j'ears old, and there
also learned economy, perseverance and industry,
which have lioen golden lessons to liim. When he
left the farm he learned the trade of a miller and
worked at it for four years in Pennsylvania and
followed that business for ten years in Wayne
County, Ohio. Wlien lie had reached a point wliere
he felt liiuiself independent and able to support a
family lie took to liiinsclf a wife, being married in
184G to Elizabeth Wellhouse, daugliler of George
and Elizabeth (Nyswanger) Wellhouse. Her fa-
ther was a German and her mother a native of
Maryland and she was one of a family of ten chil-
dren.
The first home of the young couple was in
Wayne County, Ohio, where Mr. Detwiler w.as in
the milling business for ten 3'ears and on a farm
for twenty years, having two hundred and four-
teen acres in Chippewa Township. In 1874 Ihc^-
came to Rush Township, buying one hundred and
twenty acres on section 14. Later he sold that
and bought land in tlie village, and in 1888 pur-
chased one hundred and thirteen acres on section
24. Seven bright and interesting children have
blessed this liome, namely: Caroline, who became
tlie wife of G. D. Palmer, of Medina County, Oliio,
and passed from earth in Henderson, Mich., July
31,1881. Ella, who became the wife of Hugo
Prycr, of Cleveland, Ohio, and died in May, 1874;
Leota who became the wife of Dr. J. II. Bare, of
Saginaw, Midi. ; George who lives in Henderson;
John, Harvey and Walter who have all passed
awiiy from earlli.
The Methodist E|)iscopal Church is the lield of
the religious labors of Mr. and Mrs. Detwiler, and
the latter is especially useful in church work, being
a teacher in the Sunday-school and active in every
good work. They are liberal contributors to
church puriioses and helpful in many waj's. Mr.
Detwiler allies himself with the Republican party
'^^.o^') J^^iy^^-e^^^d #^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
339
and is pleased to rerauinber that his first vote for a
President was for William Henry Harrison and his
last vote for the illustrious grandson of that in-
cumbent of the Presidential chair. George Det-
wiler is in business with his father and tiiey arc
handling grain of all kinds as well as farm produce,
tlicir store being the laigest and most important
in the village.
<il IfelLLIAM HAVENS, M. D. The Havens
\/jJ// family is one of those in which an exccp-
\!/¥j tionally close sympathy exists between
husband and wife, extending even into business
relations, both being students of the same profes-
sion and successful practitioners. The firm, which
is composed of Dr. William Havens and his esti-
mable wife, is one that is well known in and about
St. John's, as that city has been their home for a
score of years. They are doing a fine business,
and both arc looked up to with admiring respect
liy those whose friends they have brought back
from the gates of death or to whom pcisonally
they have lu'ought relief from pain and a rcnc^wcd
lease of life.
Dr. Havens was born in Hetliany, Genesee
County, N. V., January 1, Its;? I, and is the eldest
and only surviving child in a faniilj' of seven. He
was a wc.'ik, puny child until he was about nine
years old, when he began to gain in strength, and
when fourteen he was as rugged as most boys of
his years. I'p to that age his home was in Beth-
any, and he first studied in the district school,
and then in the seminary. He also aided in the
ilry-goods store which his father was carrying on.
In 1845 his parents came to Lansing, and within a
few weeks were located on a farm, which the father
developed from its primitive condition to one of
fair appearance and great productiveness. The lad
aided in the efforts which were necessary to accom-
plish this purpose, ami made his home under the
parental roof until he was twenty-four years old.
He had previously studied medicine, lieginning when
nineteen with Di-. McClure, of Lansing, who was
his preceptor for more than a year. He then at-
tended medical school there, luit did not enter
upon the practice of liis chosen profession until
some years later.
In Lansing in 1855 Mr. Havens was married to
Miss Mary P. Baker, a native of Ohio, and they
established their home in Tomjjkins Township,
.lackson County on a farm. For a year our sub-
iect operated a tract of two hundred and twenty-
five acres, of which he was the owner, but lie could
not be satisfied with farm life, and so he resunied
the stud}' of therapeutics. He pursued his work
in Lansing with Drs. Baily <t Olds, and in 18G8
entered Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago,
from which he was graduated in 1871 with the de-
gree of Doctor of Medicine. The next year he
received the same degree from the Michigan State
Homeopathic ISIedical College, and in the cai)ital
he began his medical work. He practiced some
before he com|)lctcd the course of study, as is often
the case with those who wish to make practical ap-
plication of their in.struction in order to better
l)rep3re themselves for the finishing courses of lec-
tures.
In 1871 Dr. Havens located in St. John's imme-
diately after his graduation from the Chicago Col-
lege, and his work has only been interrupted by his
.additional course in Lansing and the visits he has
paid to other parts of the country-. He h.as made
a specialty of heart disease. Mrs. Havens is also a
graduate of the Michigan State Homeopathic Medi-
cal College, and her own special calls are numer-
ous. They have three chihlren — Mary E., George
C. and Lillian 1)., and the son is also a physician.
He was graduated from Hahnemann College in
Chicago, and the Commercial College at Lansing,
and is ))racticing in Fowler, this Slate.
Dr. Havens has real estate in Lansing and a
pleasant residence property in St. John's. He is
also interested in Colorado lands, iiarticularly at
Aspen, and is quite in love with ihe CciUennial
State. He visited that section in 1890. He is a
Mason, connected with l)oth the lilue Lodge and
the Chapter, and belongs to the State Homeopathic
Medical Society. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Mrs. Havens is an Episcopalian. The fine charac-
ters and abounding intelligence of both give them
340
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
an added hold upon the people, and their names
are among those of the most honored residents in
the city. A lithographic portrait of Dr. Havens
appears on another page.
<iY/OHN N. HARDER is the son of Nicholas P.
Harder, M. D., deceased. The latter, one of
the early physicians of Shiaw.issee County,
leftas an inheritance to his family a reputa-
tion of which his progeny' maj' well be proud. He
was famed far and near for e.'icelleut judgment, pro-
fessional skill an.l progressive and practical ideas.
Dr. Fox testifies that he preferred to pr.actice with
Dr. Harder rather than with any other of the early
physicians. He was a brainy man, a great student
and was active in looking up new methods of dress-
ing wounds and treating disease. He was a student
of Kinderhook Institute anil received his license to
practice from the -State of New York. He was
considered a man of advanced ideas for his oppor
tunities.
Nicholas P. Harder, the first Doctor in this county,
settled in the township of Siiiawassee in 1837, arriv-
ing here October 11, from Sullivan County, N. Y.,
whence he had been one month on the way coming
by wagon. He traveled tiirough Canada with his
family which consisted of his wife and her baby,
Nicholas P. Jr., then two or three years old, his
wife's two sons by a previous marriage, Moses P.
and Jose[)h L. Gardner, then lads of seventeen and
fourteen years respectively and his own four child-
ren by his first marriage, .John Nelson, aged seven-
teen, Henry, aged fourteen; Hannah, aged fifteen
and Adeline a girl of ten years.
Dr. N. P. Hardcr's first wife was Margaret
Snyder, who had died when our subject was
fourteen years old. The second wife bore the
m liden name of Sallie Purvis and at the time of her
marriage with Dr. Harder, was tiie widow of Jos-
eph Gardner. One child was born after the re-
moval of the family to Michigan, Norman A. who
lives on the old homestead. Tlie Harders are of
Holland descent and belong to one of Uk; old
Knickerbocker families of New York. The old
Doctor died December 8, 186.'5, at the age of
seventy-seven j-ears. His wife survived him some
twenty-three years, and passed away at the age of
eighty-seven in 1887.
The father of our subject began to practice medi-
cine when he was about twenty-three years old,
and he had a broad palrQnage and was the famil}'
physician of manj- of the first families of this and
adjoining countries. He accumulated a line es-
tate of three hundred and eighty-five acres in one
body. He was a man of fine physique and stood
six feet in his stockings, weighing one hundred and
eigiit>- [Mjunds. He was Supervisor for fifteen years
in New York and also in Shiaw.assee County, where
he was County Treasurer for a number of years.
While in this otflce he resided in Corunna but
afterward returned to his farm. He had an ex-
tensive ride and often slept on his horse and many
times iiad to find his way through the woods by
blazed trees. Politically he was an old-line Whig
and then a Republican and attended to his practice
up to almost the da}' of his death which was occa-
sioned by an attack of pneumonia.
The subject of this sketch was born June 17,
1^20, in Columbia County, N. Y., and was
seven years old when the family removed to Sulli-
van County and seventeen 3'ears old when they
emigrated to Michigan. In 1853 he went to Cali-
I fornia, starting January 24 and crossing the Isth-
I mus, ijeing gone two years and seven months. He
had a true love for agricultural pursuits and has car-
ried on farming all his life. He wiis not married
until about thirty years old, his first marriage tsk-
1 ing place June 9, 1850, when he was united with
j Miss Martha L. Seymour, who died December IG,
' 1863, just after he had been bereaved of his
father.
The second marriage of John N. Harder oc-
curred February 21, 1865, his bride being Eliza
A. Austin who died March 22, of the next
year. On February 13, 1868, John N. Harder was
united in marriage with Julia Loomis, of Shiawas-
see Township, the widow of T. C. Loomis. His
children are: Sidney, who died when two years old,
was the eldest; Addie, Mrs. I. W. Loomis, of Oceana
County and Eva, who died at the age of seven years,
twins; Grace, Mrs. Edward Banner, of Shiawassee;
POUTIiAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
341
John N., who lives at Durand, and Kate, Mrs. .7.
E. Gundeman, who lives in Sliiw:is.ssee Town-
ship, are twins; Fred IL, who died in infane3'.
Tliese are all the children of his first wife. The
second wife had one daughter, Kliza M. who died
when three years old, and the third wife left an
infant Frank M. who is now Iwent^'-one years old.
and a carpenter b}- trade. He was .assist.int teacher
in the High School at Bancroft in 1890 and 1891.
Mr. Harder is a prominent member of the Order
of Odd Fellows, and has passe<l all the chairs and
is highly honored Ijj' his comrades. The maiden
name of Mrs. Harder was Julia A. Card and she
was a daughter of Joseph and Electa ( Wilminiiton)
Card, who came from Madison Counly, N. Y. to
Michigan in 184C, when this daughter was twelve
jearsold. Her father w.as a shoemaker bj' trade
and died when Julia was fifteen years old, and his
wife passed awa)' in 187G. Julia was born in 1834,
on September 16 and when seventeen j'cars old
married Trumbull C. Loorais. She had three chil-
dren by this marriage, Ida, Mrs. Frank Rcmer of
Oceana County; Will.who lives in Jackson County;
and Fred who died in infancy.
Our subject is a strong adherent of tlic Repub-
lican principles and doctrine.
^
E^
EV. R. D. STEARNS. This name is a fa-
miliar one in St. John's, Clinton County,
as the figure of him who bears it is fre-
^'^' Qiiently met going about in pursuance of
the high and holy duties devolving upon a servant
of the Lord and a shepherd over one of His flocks.
Mr. Stearns is the Rector of the Episcopal Churcli
and devotes himself zealously to the work in which
he is deeply interested, giving all his time to the
promotion of the interests of the Church. Not
only does he enter with his whole heart into those
matters which add to the attractiveness and power
of the church services, but he is equally zealous
regarding the societies and other avenues by which
the cause of Christianity can be promoted. He is
a fluent speaker, ple.asing in his a<ldress u|)on all
occasions, and is a scholarly and studious man.
In the veins of Mr. Stearns there flows a double
strain of Revolutionary blood, t)oth his grandfath-
ers having fought for release from British op-
pression. His paternal gran<lfatlier, wlio was the
son of an emigrant from Scotland, died in Massa-
chusetts. In I'ittsfield, that State, Isaac H. Stearns,
father of the lector, was born, but after growing
to manhood lie located in Pawlet, \t. He subse-
quently removed to New York, making his home
in Otsego anil then in Oswego County. He was
engaged 'n the manufacture of woolen goods and
on three occasions had his bu-iiness establishment
destroyed by fire. He. however, lecovered from
the effects of these calamities, acquired a compe-
tence and retired from active life during middle
age. He inherited the s|iirit of his father and
fought in the War of 1812. He died in Oswego,
in Oswego County, N. Y., during the '60s, when
sixt3'-four years old. He was a consistent mem-
ber of the I'.aplist Church, and his wife, who also
died in the Empire State, was a Methodist. Mrs.
Stearns bore the maiden name of Lois Doaiie and
was born in Powlct, Vt. The parental family con-
sisted of nine sons and daughters and the name of
R. D. was f<iurtii oii tiie faniil\' roll.
The Rev. Mr Stearns was born in Edmonston,
Otsego County, N. Y., February 18, 1821, and
was but six months old when his parents removed
to Pulaski, Oswego County. He attended the
common schools and then took a preparatory
course in Mexico and Belleville. When nineteen
years old he became a stuticnt in Union Col-
lege at Schenectady, matriculating in the jun-
ior class of the classical course. He was grad-
uated two years later and spent the ensuing
three years in an Episcopal Theological Sem-
inary in New York. At the conclusion of his
course of study there he was ordained by Bishop
De Lancy, the ordination services taking place at
Grace Church, New York City, in 1841. The
first parish over which Mr. Stearns had charge was
that of St. John's Church in Sackett's Harbor,
where he was rector four years. Two thirds of
his congregation belonged to the arnij' and navy
and among them were such men as Gens. Grant
and. Hunt, and Capt. Sawyer, of the navy. With
Grant he was on (luite intimate terms, and he re-
342
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
calls many an occasion on -which thej- were togeth-
er enjoj'ing a delightful time.
From Sackett's Harbor the Rev. Mr. Stearns
went to Medhia, Orleans County, where he was
rector of St. John's Cluirch for nineteen years.
Thence he removed to Boonton, N. J., where he
labored five years, during which period the parson-
age was l)uilt. He ne.\t spent eight years in White
AVater Wis., following which he was the rector in
St. Louis, this State. Here he was located four
j'cars and brouglit to completion, a !iilO,000 church,
lie rcxt came to St. .lolin's, Jlich., in 1885 and
here he has continued the record of former years,
bringing up liie standard of ciiurch membership and
work, and increasing tiie value of church property
by good iniiirovements. The rectory which lie has
l)ut up is an ornament to the [ilace and the church
property is well located and valuable. In fact it
is the finest in the county seat and one in which
people, whetiier members of tiie society or not, take
pleasnre and pride.
In his aims and labors the Rev. Mr. Stearns has
tlie wise and hiving sympathy of liis wife, who dis-
plays an eqnnl activity witli himself in religious
work. She lias been organist and an active mem-
ber in the ladies' societies, ami active in every so-
cial effort in whi'h tlie churcli can take a part.
She was known in iier maidenhood as Miss Eliza-
beth Cooke, and became Mrs. Sterns at Water-
town, N. Y., September 23, 1850. She was born
at the r>rooklyn Navy Yard, N. Y., her father be-
ing a suigeon in tlie United States Navy. Dr. An-
drew B. Cooke went through the war of 1812, and
was Fleet Surgeon on the Mediterranean when
taken sick and bro'igiit home to die. He had
sailed around the world three times. Mrs. Stearns
was educated at Mrs. Willard's Seminary in Troy,
N. Y., and acquired a degree of culture that in-
cluded the best qualities of her nature in its force,
and gave iier especial Illness for the jjosition to
whieli she was called v;lien she became a wife.
Of children horn to her four passed the age of
chililliood, but one only now survives. William
R. dieil in Medina, N. Y., and Emily B., in Boon-
ton, N. .1., when fifteen years old. Charles W.
breathed his last in Elgin, 111., in ISSI), when twen-
ty six 3'c:us of age; lie was then engaged with tiie
Elgin Watch Company. Edward A., the third
child, is a resident of South Omaha, Neb., and be-
longs to the reportorial staff of the Stockyards
Journal. The Rev. Mr. Stearns was connected
with a Masonic lodge at Boonton, N. J. and is
still identified with the Royal Arcanum, He exer-
cises the right of suffrage with the Republican Re-
pul)lican i)arty and is as firm a believer in its prin-
ciples as one could hope to see. His efficiency as
a minister is due to some extent to iiis personal
qualities, which gain the friendship of those to
whom he becomes known and attract to his servi-
ces those who otherwise might not enter the
ciiurch.
TIS L. RICE, a well-known farmer and
stock-raiser of Essex Township, Clinton
County, and a native of Macomb County,
this State, was born August 22, 1839. He is a son
of llarlow and Catherine Rice, the former being a
native of Connecticut and the latter of New York
State arid botii early settlers in Macomb County, to
vvliicli they came in the '30s. Our subject was
reared to manhood in iiis native county and has
been a life long farmer. He received the advan-
tages of a common-school education and enjoyed
the instruction of earnest and <levoted teachers,
whose inlluence made him an extensive reader and
stimulated him to self improvement through life,
but the curriculum of those |)ioiieer schools was
not broad and his course was cutshort I)}' the neces-
sary demands of a pioneer life.
Mr. Rice was in 1871, united in marriage with
Mary Sligiit, who is a daughter of George and
Helen Slight, natives of England. They came to
this State in the year 1853, and live in Travis
City. Mrs. Rice was born September 2, 1848 and
became the mother of four children, namely:
Lewis, Clayton, Mabel and Ethel. It was in 1865
when he icmoved with his family from Macomb
County, to Clinton County, and finally settled on
the farm where he now resides. He m.ade his home
in the unbroken forest, building a log cabin, meas-
uring some 14x2() feet, before bringing on his fam-
ily. They lived in this rude dwelling for many
JIJUA^
rORTRAlT AND BIOGRAl'llICAL ALBUM.
345
years until in 1888 lie erected the liaiulsomc resi-
dence whicli is llie crowning beauty of liis farm.
Mr. Rice owns sixty acres of laml and lias il all
under good cultivation. His prosperity i.s tlic re-
sult of his own industry and enterprise, coupled
with sterling integrity and worth, lie lias done
much pioneer work here and has received many
hard knocks in his struggle with the rude forces of
nature. He earnestly desires the promotion of all
efforts for the elevation of the social and industrial
(condition of the farming coranuinity. lie h.as
served as Assessor in his district for three years,
and is a Republican in his iiolitical views. Hotli he
and his worthy wife are earnest and active mem-
bers of the Congregational Church, in whici'. he
has served as Treasurer, and is now Trustee, lie
enjoys the confidence of the business community-
and is regarded as one of the most trustworthy
citizens in his township.
-m-
)ENJAMIN M. SHEl'ARD, an enterprising
and prosperous farmer of Clinton County,
V^)]tl ''■''° ^ good piece of land in Ovid Townslii|ii
where many conveniences may be seen.
He was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., Novem-
ber 24, 1816, and in both lines of descent is of old
families of the Empire State. His i)areiits were
Samuel and Eunice (l)akc) She|)ard. who gave
their sons and daughters as good an education as
opportunity permitted and taught them many
tilings not found in text books but necessai-}- U>
prosperity and happiness. Our sul)ject remained
on the paternal acres until after he was of age, and
learned how to carr3' on a farm and develop the
resources of the land.
When he had attained to his niajorit\ young
Sliepard began tiie work of an agriculturist in his
own behalf, his location being in Erie County, Pa.
He was about tweiUy five years old when he went
to Ohio, and established himself in Seneca County
in whica he owned his first farm. There he re-
sided ten years, cariying on his chosen work and
also speculating some. When the period mentioned
had elapsed, he returned to I'ennsyivania and
bought his father's homestead, .ind from that time
uiilil nigh a score of years had passed he made
the old place his home. He tliou soM out and
came to this State, choosing Clinton County as
Ihe seat of his future laliors. He settled uiion a
partially improved farm iii Oviil Township and
finished the work of placing the quarter section
under cultivation. Fioni I8(!l to 1880 he lived
111)011 that land, then removeil to the tract he now
occupies.
During more than thirty years the cares and
hopes of Mr. Shepard were shared by a trne-hearted
companion and she bore lier part in the toils and
pleasures as well. She had borne the name of
Matilda Stilwcll, was a native of the Keystone
State and b.'came his wife .laiiuary 1, 18:38. Her
death occurred at She()ardville, August 17, 1871,
and she left eight children, whose record is as fol-
lows: Ijenjainiii E., born September 18, 1839;
Cyntha A.. November 17, 1811; Samuel C., De-
cember 5, 1844; Matilda, October 13. 1846; Helen,
October 11, 1848; Barton, August 30, 1851;.Ianics
B., March 12, 1851; and Ida .lane, October 31,
1800. Two of these — Samuel and .lames are now
engaged in business in Denver, Col., and Benja-
min died in Lincoln, Nebraska, in February, 188P.
The piesent wife of Mr. Shepard was united to
liiiii ill marriage January 6, 1878, at which time
she was known as Mrs. Elizabeth (Jates. Her for-
mer home was in the same townshii) in which she
resides. She is an estimable woman and is cai)ably
managing the domestic machinery of her home
anil surrounding her family and friends with good
cheer.
William Shepard, brother of our subject, came
to Clinton County before the latter and around
his farm a little town sprang u|) that is called
Shepardsville. lie of whom we write has never
sought ollice, caring littl'? for the plaudits of the
crowd and feeling that Hie respo'isililities would
far outweigh the pleasures. He keeps himself in-
formed regarding political and other issues, V(iti s
the Democratic ticket and takes special interest in
educational matters. He has held some school
offices, and gives his support to the Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which he ami !iis wife are
Ijienibers. He is a lirni believer in the power ot
346
PORTRAIT AND BIOGR-APHICAL ALBUM.
Christian principles and thinks the good of the
people is subserved by religious souietics even
though they are not of liis denomination.
A litliogr.aphic portrait of Mr. Shepard a|)iiear3
on another page of this volume.
■^ AMES GOFF is a farmer, residing at Byron,
Mich. He was born in Argentine, Genesee
County, this St.ate, February ;!. 1847, and
is a son of George and Azuba (Stevens)
Goff. The former was l)orn in East Broomfield,
Mass., in 1810, where he remained willi liis parents
until ten or twelve years of age when tlie family
removed to Caiiandaigua, Ontario County, N. V.,
at which place our subject lived until early in the
'30s, when lie took up land from the Government
in Argentine Township, Genesee County. Here he
lived uutil 1872, when he removed to Byron, tliis
State, and there he resided for the remainder of liis
life; he died May 7, 18'JO. He was a farmer, and
when in early life he came to Michigan, the coun-
try was a wilderness. There were few roads even
to point out the path of civilization. He took ui)
a large tract of land originally, but retained only
two hundred and forty acres wliicli he cleaied ami
improved. Like most of the emigrants from tlie
East, Mr. Goff came to Michigan with only limited
means and made here what he had. At his deatli
he had attained a very comfortable competency.
The father of our subject was a strong Republi-
can in politics, although he was an ardent upliolder
of his party, he never held any office. He was a
consistent and conscientious member of the Chris-
tian Cliurch. The paternal grandparents of our
subject were James and Martha (Case) Goff, who
were natives of New England. They died in On-
tario County, N. Y. Our subject's motlier was
born in Chemung Township, Chemung County, N.
Y., March 5, 1821, and was the daughter of Brins-
ley and P^lizabetii (Hunt) Stevens, both of wliom
were natives of New York. They removed to On-
tario County, N. Y.. and in 1837 came to Mieiii-
o-an settling in Argentine, (ienesee County, where
tliey spent the remainder of their lives. The fatlier
was a soldier in the War of 1812; he was also a
farmer all his life.
Our subject's parents have had six children,
namel}' : Marvin, Martha E., James, George, Cora
and Isabelle. The eldest and youngest are de-
ceased. James Goff was raised in Argentine Town-
ship, Genesee County, on his father's farm and re-
ceived his education from the district scliools in
the neighborhood, finishing at Fenlon, Midi. Af-
terward he attended school at Ovid and at Byron.
His life thus far was spent on the farm and until the
fall of 1889 he was content to remain where he was
brouglit up until he removed to the village of By-
ron, where he is iiow living witii ids mother.
Mr. Goff's farm comprises eight}' acres on section
18, Argentine Tovvnsliip, and on it he takes great
delight in raising a very high grade of slock. Like
so many others in Michigan, in 1861 when tliere
was a call for volunteers, Mr. Goff was among the
first to respond. He joined the army as a private
in ComfiMny I, Eighth Michigan Cavalry, and
served willi the Army of tlic Cumberland until tlie
close of tlie war. He was mustered out at Nash-
ville, Tenn., in September, 1865, and received his
final disciiarge at Jackson, Mich., in Octolier, 1865.
In July, 1864, he was promoted to First Duty Ser-
geant, and served in tiiat capacity uutil the close
of the war. He was in tlie battles of Burnside's
campaign in East Tennessee, and his regiment
joined Sherman's arm^- immediatel}' after the Re-
saca (Ga.) fight. They remained in the Georgia
campaign, and proceede<l down the State as far as
Atlanta, participating in the battles of Kenesaw
Mountain and in the siege of Atlanta and the
Stoneinan raid. After the battle of Atlanta his
regiment was sent back to Tennessee, where it
joined tlie army under Gen. Thomas, and partici-
pated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville.
During his service in the arm}- he did not miss
dut)' for a single day, and never sought to be ex-
cused. He escaped the hardships of a prisoner's
life, but was at one time five days and nights in the
woods getting aw.ay from the rebels.
Mv. Goff is an ardent Republican in politics, and
although he has served his party well, he has never
sought emolument in the w.ay of appointment to
office. He is a Grand Army man, belonging to liie
I'OKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
347
D.G. Royce Post, No. 117 at Byion^and is a mem-
ber of tlie I'liion \'eteran's I'liiuu. He believes in
llie proU'i-tlon of the farmer, and Is a stroiifj ineiii-
ber of Uie Fanners' Alliance. October \G. 1872,
Mr. OolT married Miss Fanny Monroe, of liyron.
She v.as a native of New York .Stale, born October
2, 1817, and was a dan<rhler of Henry and Eliza-
beth (Palley) Monroe. The gentleman whose name
lieads our list, and his wife, have had two children
whose names are Howard and Daisy. Their ages
are respectively (ifteen and nine years. Mrs. (ioff
died March 10, 1891. She was for many years a
member in good standing of the Methodist Church.
ylLLIAM C. PATRICK. This gentlemai
is the fortunate owner of a line farm con
sisting of two hundred and thirty one acre
gentleman
uon-
rty one acres
on sections 5 and 8, Eagle Township, and among the
agriculturists of Clinton County he occupies an
honorable position both by reason of his ability
and character. He has done well in life (inancially
speaking and has been useful in his day and gener-
ntion by setting a good example and by the exer-
cise of valor as a defender of the I'nion. He spent
several of the best^ears of his earl^' manhood in the
Fnion Army and no duty was too hard and no
danger too hazardous for him to endure i.i his
country's behalf. The farm he now occupies he
has called home since his boyhood and he has Iht re-
fore become widelj' known in this part of the State.
The parents of our suijjeet, Jolin and Eliza (Cole-
man) Patrick, as well as their son, were born in
N<irlhami)lon, England, and came to America hi
1853. They settled in Livingston County,, N. Y.,
but after living there four years came to this Stale
and took possession of land now included in the
son's farm. William was liorn January 17, 18 11,
and received i)ut a common-school e(iMealion,s|)enil-
ing the intervals of study in work for his father.
He was twenty years old when he determined to
enter the army and give the strengtii of his j'oung
manhood to the I'nion cause. lb' enlisted in Sep-
tember, 18GI, in Company E, One Hundred and
Fourth New York Infantry, and was sent to the
Army of the Potomac. When the troops were
organized into corps he was attached to the First
Arm3- Corps. The first engagement iii which the
regiment took part was at Cedar Mountain, Va., in
the summer of 1862. This w:is followed by a light
at Rappahannock Station and this in turn by one at
Thoroughfare Gap, where they were sent to inter-
cept Lee. Here the [hn\)n troops were repulsed
and not long afterward tliey took part on the famed
field of Bull Run.
In September, 18t;2, Mr. Patrick and his com-
rades fought at Autietam, where the regiment lost
heavily. After the victory there they went south
to the Rappahannock and took |)art in Burnside's
campaign, fighting at Fredericksburg and elsewhere.
They al.so fought under Gen. Hooker at Chancel-
lors ville in the siiring of 18(i3, arriving there in
time to sui)port the Eleventh Corps, that h.ad been
stampeded. They were detailed on picket duty and
covererl the retreat next d.ay. When Lee invaded
Maryland and Pennsylvania in June, 18C3, their
corps was in the advance following him, and reached
Gettysburg in time to make the first attack.
Among the killed at that point was the gallant
Gen. Reynolds and but thirty-five of the regiment
were left to answer roll call, all the others being
killed, wounded or missing. Mr. I'atrick was badly
wounded in the hip during the first day's fight and
being in a serious condition was left on the field,
while others who were but slightly wounded were
carried along by the rebels in their .etreat. After
the soldiers had passed he was taken to a field hos-
l)ital where he remained three months and was then
sent to Philadelphia. In that city he remained
nine months, when he w.as discharged on account
of wounds received while in the service. For over
four years he carried the ball in his bod}'. From
the date of his discharge he drew a pension of 18
per month and this has recently been increased to
After his discharge Mr. Patrick returned to his
old home and located on section 8, of the same
township. In the course of time he returner! to the
section on which he had spent his youth and where
he has continued to make his home, .\mong the
members of his household is his agerl father, nnw
348
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
seventy-five years o!rl. In charge of the domestic
affairs is liis devoted wife to whom lie was marrieil
November 28, 1868. She bore the maiden name of
Rebecca Morris and is a daiigiiter of William Mor-
ris, a native of England, where she also was born
June 12, 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick are the happy
parents of five living children and they sorrow for
the death of a son Meade, who died vvlien three and
a half years old. Their surviving children are John
J., AVilliam, Charles, Henry C. and Rose May.
In his use of the elective franciiisc Mr. Patrick
supports candidates named on the Republican
ticket, as he firmly believes the priiicii)les they are
pledged to support are best calculated for the needs
of the nation. He and his wife belong to the
United Brethren Church in Portland and earnesti}'
endeavor to carry the jjrinciples of Christianity
into the actions of every day life.
UTHER RYON, who is engaged in general
farming and stock-raising on section 4, 8ci-
^ ota Townslii|), Shiawassee County, was born
in Kendall, Orleans County, N. Y., April 1, 183;),
and is a representative of one of the early families
of this count}'. His parents, Daniel and Mahala
(Stanhoi)e) Ryon, came to Michigan in 1845, and
settled in Calhoun County, where they made their
home until 1856. In that year, they took up their
residence upon section 34, in the town of Middle-
bury, where they are still living. In his 3'ouuger
j'ears, Mr. Ryon learned the cooper's tr.ade, which
he followed in the East, but on coming to Michi-
gan, he embarked in farming, which he has since
made his life work. At tlie time of his arrival here,
the land was all wild, not a furrow having been
turned. He built a log cabin, 16x20 feel after
clearing a small patch of timl)er away and wiien
his family were established therein, he turned his
attention to the development of the land, making
an excellent farm. In |)olitics, Mr. Ryon is a Dem-
ocrat. In the family are seven children, all of
whom are living — Willard W., Luther, Sarah L.,
John J., Austin, Nancy D., and Charles.
Since his seventh year, Luther Ryon has been a
citizen of Michigan. He was reared in Calhoun
County, and received a ver}' limited education as
his famil}' was then in poor circumstances, and his
services were needed at home vipon the farm. He
remained under the parental roof until twenty
J'ears of age, when lie left home and began to work
by the month as a farm hand. He came to this
county with his parents in 1855, and after working
for others for a yenv or more, he and his brother
Willard purchased eighty acres of land, the farm on
which he now makes his home, then a wild and un-
improved tract. After a time he bought out his
brother's interest and bj' hard labor, untiring en-
ergy and perseverance has developed one of the
best farms in this locality. His outbuildings are
models of convenience, his machinery is of the lat-
est imjiroved styles, and his well-tilled fields pre-
sent a most pleasing appearance. la connection
with general farming, he engages quite extensivelj'
in stock-raising, and has some fine specimens of
blooded thoroughbred cattle, including Short-horns
and other breeds. He also has a fine imported
horse, Duke of Hamilton, valued at 12,000.
On the Oth of October, 1863, Mr. Ryon was
united in marriage with Miss Cornelia A. Balcom,
of Sciota Township, who was born in New York,
September 5, 1841, and was a daughter of Charles
and Caroline (Hills) Balcom. By their union one
child was born, a daughter. Bertha A. The death
of Mrs. Ryon occurred May 5, 1890, and was deeply
regretted by man}' warm friends. She was a mem-
ber of the Methodist Church, as is also the daugh-
ter.
In politics, Mr. Ryon is independent, having
allied himself with no party, but holding himself
free to support whoever he pleases regardless of
party alliliatioiis. He has held a number of town-
ship ollices, the duties of which he discharged with
promptness and fidelity, and is a member of the
Patrons of Industry. He also holds membership
with the Methodist Church, and is an active
workei- in its interests. To every enterprise or
movement calculated to upbuild or benefit the
community lie gives his support and is accounted
one of the leading and valued citizens of the town-
ship. He owns one of the finest farms and most
beautiful homes in the vicinity which is the result
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
^:,\
of his own efforts, and lie may trnlj' be called a
sclf-inadc man.
Tlie allenlion of tlic reader is invited to a view
of the fine homestead of Mr. Ryon and also to his
portrait presented in uonneeliun with this brief
biographical notice.
<| felLLIAM F. HALL. In Ovid Township,
\rJ// Clinton County, is a pleasant far n of
^(^ eighty-five acres, owned and occu|)icd by
the gentleni.in above named. Wlieu Sir. Hall
came hither in the fall of 1864 he found the tract
covered witli iieavy limber, and in clearing and
devcloi)iiig his pro|)erty ho did nuich pioneer work'.
He removed the trees from forty acres and made
all the imi)rovements now to be seen upon his
estate. He has a good house, barn and sheds and
a small but thrifty orchard, and his fields are in a
high state of cultivation.
Mr. Hall was born in Wayne County, N. Y.,
September 1, 1832, his parents being .lacob K. :\nd
Huldah (Wood) Hall. They removed to Michigan
in 1835, settling in Macomb County, where the
father cut a way into the woods and cleared up a
large farm, hewing out his home from the foi'est.
He had two hundred and twenty* acres, a [larl of
which he placed under cultivation before his
decease, wliich occurred when his son William was
about twelve years old. The mother of our sub-
ject had breathed her last some six years before,
leaving seven children, of wiiom lie was the
youngest.
The lad received such an education as farmers
generally give their sons, but after the deatii of iiis
father he had his own career to carve out. He
worked in Macomb County until he w.as of age,
then went to Oakland County and for some time
worked in the store of his brotiier, John C, in I'on
tiac. In that city he began his wedded life and
he remained there some two years after his tnar-
riage. He then came to the farm he now occu-
pies, where he and his wife have gathered about
them many comforts and conveniences. During
the year made famous by the great Chicago (ire
and the destruction of forests in the Northwest, he
had to light against the devouring clement which
occasioned the farmers in this section much anxiety.
April 5, 1861, Mr. Hall and Miss Ruth Wood-
ard of Macomb County were united in marriage.
They have had three children, whose record is as
follows: Jenny K., who was born March 18, 1802.
married George 1'. Casler, a farmer of Middlebur}'
Township; Hattie, born January 19, 18G6, is the
wife of George \'incent and their home is in Oviil;
(ieorge J., who was born October 25, 1868, mar-
ried Kdith Allen and resides with his parents. Mr.
Hall has never held oflice except one connected with
eJucational affairs, in which he has ever been much
interested. For about nine years he has been a
School Director and his interest in good schools is
well known to his neighbors and ac(|uaiiilances.
He is one of those who believe that llie regu-
lation, or rallier the proljil>ition of the manulacture
and sale of liquor, is aii act for which all lovers of
their country should work and he li:is enlercl the
ranks of the rroliiliitiou part}'. He is a well res-
pected member of the community, carries on his
farm intelligently anil with earnestness, and in
social and domestic life, is kindly and considerate.
^p^EORGK EASLEU. We are alw.ays ghul to
*[ (— , welrome to Ameiica natives of (Jermany,
^^^^ for they represent one of the best classes C)f
people that have so greatly helped to develop the
resources of our country, (ieorge Easier, the
owner of the farm located on section 17, \'ernon
Township, was born in Elsus, Germany, June 18,
1830. His father was Frederick Easier, also a
native of Germany, and was a grain and fruit buyer
in that country. He came to America about 1838,
going direct to Sullield Township, I'ortage County,
Ohio, and located on a twenty- live acre faun.
Here he bent his energies to work out the Herman
idea of agricultural improvement, which means t<)
make land produce three times as much to the acre
as does the ordinary American.
The father died in Ohio at the age of about sixty-
two years. He was a member of the Lutheran
352
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAFHICAL ALBUM.
Chiucli. Oar subject's motliei's maiden name was
Lena Wagner, also a native of Germany. She
lived to be about fifty years of age and was also a
strict member of the Lutheran Cluircli. Our sub-
ject was tlie second child of tlie family and about
eight years old when he canio to America with his
parents. He started out in life for himself at the
age of fourteen years, working by the mouth on
adjoining farms. He then went to Aitron/Ohio,
where he entered a hotel in order to learn the trade
of a pastrj' cook. He worked there for one month
for $i, tiience went to Pittsburg, Pa., where he
learned to make rope. He remained with the
master for six years, having bound himself for that
length of time. At the expiration of this time he
went to Louisville, Ky., where he remained one
summer, working at his trade, that of rope making.
A visit to his home was made about this time and
then he returned to Pittsburg, Pa., where he staid
for one month. Thence in the spring of 1851 he
went to St. Louis, Mo., there working at his trade
for one sumuKr. He removed to Lexington, Mo.,
and remained one winter and then, attracted by the
gold iraze in California, he took his way Westward.
He was one of one imndred and sixteen men wlio
drove sixteen hundred and sixtyQve head of cattle
and two hundred head of mules across the plains.
Arrived in California, he took up mining •-vhicli he
followed for two years, during which time he was
more fortunate than man3-, in that he was able to
take away willi him -i!;5.000. With this he i)urchased
a farm in Summit County, Ohio. The i)lace com-
prised one iiundred acres and was well improved.
Having acquired a home, Mr. Easier needed a
wife to brighten and make homelike the |)lace and
he was united in marriage to a lady whose maiden
name was Catherine Henr}-. She was a native of
(icrmany. Mr. an<l jNlrs. Easier became the parents
of three children, one daughter and two sons.
Sarah A., the daughter, is book-keeper in a dry-
goods store at Jsorth l>r;uich, Lapeer County,
Mich.; George W., resides on the farm with his
father and manages the [jlace; Edward resides in
Vernon Township, his farm immediately joining
that of our subject on the soutii. In 18G9 our
sulijcct lost his first wife and his second union was
with Martha Ewell, a native of Port.agc, Ohio; she
was born May 22, 1841, and was the sixth child of
Lorenzo Ewell. She has presented her husband
with one child — Fred L., who resides at home.
In 1875 the original of our sketch sohl out his
farm in Ohio and came directly to ^'erIlon Town-
ship, Shiawassee County, this Slate, and purchased
the place where he now lives. He owns one hun-
dred and sixty acres of well-improved land and has
a dwelling, pleasant and comfortable, which cost
him ¥5,000. It is a two-story frame wiih a |)leas-
ant outlook and beautifully tinishcd inside in hard-
wood. Mr. Easier prides himself that his house is
exceptionally well built and that there is not a
board in it which has a knothole as large as a
silver quarter. He pai<l ftjr his farm and suili im-
provements as it has upon it at that time, ¥10,000
and has since refused ^yo per acre for ihe [)lace.
He has expended $1,000 in laying tile on the farm
and each year adds to the perfection of the drain-
age. He is a Democrat in principle, allliough he
is indei)endent in that he votes for whom he
considers the best man. Mr. Easier is a self-made
man, is modest and un.assuming and thoroughly
well liked in the community-. He has made of his
farm in ^'ernon Township one of the finest in the
count}' and it is a place of which indeed the Slate
may be proud.
-^^
W
ILLIAM SIMPSON is a furniture dealer
and undertaker of Laingsburg. Of the
'"^ many worthy citizens which New York has
furnished to Shiawassee County none are more
deserving of representalion in this volume than the
gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was
born in Diana, .Teft'erson County, of the Empire
Slate, .luly 10, 1814, and is a son of George W. and
Susan (Coats) Sim[ison. The father was a native
of New Hampshire and when a young man removcil
to New York, where he met and married M\ss
Coats. He was a man of some means who follo"' d
farming as his chosen oecuiwtion, but his last d:ixs
were spent in .Mexandria, X. Y'. In poliiic<lu'
was a su|>porler of the Whig party and in religious
belief was a member of the Methodist Church,
PORTllAir AND HIOGUAPHICAL ALBUM.
353
while Iiis wife held membership with the B-iptist
Church. In their family were seven chililren:
George W., Mary J., William, Irvin, Priiclla and
two who died in infancy'. Irvin was a member of
the Eighteenth New Yorlv Cavalry and died of
sickness at Brazier City, La.
In the usual manner of farmer lads the subject
of this sketch was reared to nianliood and in the
district schools of his native Stale he acquired his
education. He began life for himself at the age of
sixteen years, at which time he went to Clinton
County, Mich., where he worked as a farm hand by
the month for two years. At the expiration of
that time he once more returneii to his old home in
the State of his nativity and on the 2yth of Decem-
ber, 1861, offered his services to his country and
joined the boys in blue of Comi)any E, Xinely-
foui'th New York Infantry. He served willi the
Army of the Potomac for three years and partici-
pated in a number of important engagements, in-
cluding the battles of Bull Uiin, Antietam, Freder-
icksburg, Getty sl)urg, the battles of the Wilderness
and many others of less importance. lie was very
fortunate in that he was never woiuiiled, but at the
battle of Gettysbuig he was taken |)risoner. How-
ever, he was soon (Kiroled ami with his regiment
continued until the tiiree years of his enhstment
had expired, when at City Point he received his
discharge, December 29, 180)1.
After being mustered out of the service, Mr.
Sinii)son returned to New York and remained at
home upon liis father's farm until October, 180.5,
when again he took up his residence in Clinton
County, Mich. He purchased a farm in \'ictor
Townsliip, but after a few months sold his land and
began working by the month, conliuuing that
course of action until tlie s))ringof 1871. He then
came to Laingsburg and started his present busi-
ness. The following year he was united in mar-
riage witii Miss Frances Le Bar, daughter of Dan-
iel anrl Mary (Lewis) Le Bar, and a native of
Mason, Ingham County, Mich. Tlieir union was
graced by one child, Zella. The motlier departed
this life in 187 I and on the 20th of May, 1875, Mr.
Simpson was united in marriage with Miss Georgie
Teachout, of Laingsbnrg. She was born in Massa-
chusetts and her i)arenls, John and Lydia (Springer)
Teachout, were also natives of the Bay State.
Three children have been born of the second mar-
riage: Ray E., Roy P. and Herbert L., all of whom
are still at home with their parents.
On coming to Laingsburg Mr. Simpson em-
barked in mercantile pursuits and has since carried
on the furniture and undertaking business. His
store is one of the llRCst and most conii)lele in the
town and from llie beginning his trade has con-
stantly increased until now he has an excellent pat-
ronage. Thereby he has gained a handsome com-
petence, and in addition to that which he has in his
business he has money loaned. On attaining his
majority INIr. Simpson identified himself with the
Republican party but is now a Prohibitionist. So-
cially he is a Master Mason, has taken the Scarlet
Degree of the Odd Fellows and is also a member
of Henry Deming Post, No. 192, (i. A. U., of
Laingsburg. He is not oidy ■! npresenlative busi-
ness man but is also a valued citizen of the com-
munity who niaiiit'esls a commendable interest in
all that pertains to the upbuilding and welfare of
the town and county.
^^HAULES E. PHELPS, Supervisor of liath
[11 ^1 Townsliii), Shiawassee Count}', was liorn
^^/February 15, 1841. His father, EdwinL. ^
Phelps, a native of X'ermont, worked in a furnace
in'lus'iiative Slate, and alto after coining to Michi-
gan during the early da3's of the '30s. After
operating a furnace at Birmingham, Oakland
County, Mich., for a few years, he came in 1838 to
Clinton County, giving up his furnace business on
account of his health. He and his brother, both
single men, kept "bachelors' iiall" for three or four
years. He assisted in surveying out the site for
the State Capitol at Lansing. He never hunted
much, but was on friendly terms willi the Indians,
but his brother Ozias was a great huntsman. There
were onlj' three or four settlers there anywhere
near their home.
After improving the eighty acres in wliicli he
and his brother held joint ownership, our subject
bought eighty acres where he now resides. At one
354
PORTRAIT AMD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
lime he owned one Irundrert and twenty acres of
land. He used to so to Dexter, Waslitenaw
County, to trade, and later to Cuninna. He was a
Kepiiblican in politics, and for .some time the High-
way Commissioner, and helped to lay out many of
the roads in tliis township. His death occurred
when lie was about sixty years old, in 1873.
The motlier of our subject bore the maiden
name of Susan Rose. She was a native of New
York, and became the mother of eight children,
four of whom grew to maturit}', namely: Charles
E., Eraeline, who died at eighteen, Ozias and
Amos. Tne mother of these children was a con-
sistent member of the Free Will Baptist Cliurch,
and died in 1863.
The childhood of our subject was spent in the
woods playing with the Indian children, going to
school in tlie log sclioolhouse, and helping upon
the farm. Many a drove of deer has he seen brows-
ing in the woods near his father's home. He be-
gan for himself when only twenty-two years of age,
although he had left home somewhat earlier, as he
enlisted in the army, February 15, 1863, becoming
a private in the Fifteenth Michigan Infantry, Com-
pany K. He participated in the siege of Vicks"
burg and the batile at Jackson, Miss. He was also
present at Lookout Mountain, but did not engage
in the lighting. He was mustered out of service
at Detroit in February, 18G4, after which lie en-
gaged in farming.
The futlier of our subject gave his son forty
acres of line farming land, and to this he has
added so that he now has eighty-eight acres.
Having a home, he now bethought himself of tak-
ing a wife, and on April 26, 186C, he married Anna
Markham, a native of Cattaraugus County, N. Y.,
where she was born July 6, 1848. Her parents,
Seth and Nancy (Briggs) Markham, both natives of
New York State, and farmers, settled in Lorain
County, Ohio, where they carried on a farm for
ten years, and in 1861 came to .Shiawassee County,
and settled in Woodhnll Township. He died in
1868, and she in 1881. Eight of their eleven
children grew to maturity. Both of them were
earnest and active members of the United l?rethren
Church.
To Mr. .anil Mrs. Phelps have been born four
children, who are by name, Minnie Adelaide, Rob-
ert Seth, Alton J. and Roscoe C. Both parents are
identified with tlie Free Baptist Church, uliich is
situated one-half mile south of their residciu-c.
Mr. Phel|)s is a man very generally known
throughout this section of Shiawassee County, .ind
being well liked and much above the aver:im: in
intelligence, has been (ilaced in such oflices of trust
as he was willing to undertake. He has lici'n
.Justice of the Peace for one term, Towi ship
Treasurer for four years, and is now serving a
second term as .Supervisor. As a Republican and
an old soldier, he is an ardent member of the
Grand Army of the Hepulilic, and being earnestly
desirous of the welfare of the farming comiiiiinilv,
he is an active member of the Farmers' Alliani;e.
He h.as also been a delegate to the count}' conven-
tion of tlie Republican [larty, and is a memljcr of
Lodge No. 121, I. O. 0. F. at Bath. His wife, who
is a true heliiniatc in every cajiaeit}- of life, is most
highly esteemed and admired by those who have
known her longest.
ON. KDWIN A. TODD. This honored cit-
\ zen of Owosso is one of the comparatively
few men now living who are thoroughly
conversant, by actual e.xiierience, with the
scenes through which this section of the country
has passed since it was an almost untrodden wihkr-
ness. He was born in Poutiac, Oakland County,
Mich., on the 16th of January, 1828, and dur-
ing his infancy his parents removed to Flint, where
they were the first white settlers. There the son
spent his boyhood and youth, his chief playmates
being Indian boys and girls. When old enough lo
wield an ax and guide a plow he begin lo lake his
part in the work of development and crossed the
country vvitli articles in which his father was carry-
ing on trade, t'.. us becoming thoroughly aequainted
with the scenery and sible to note every change in
the appearance of the hands uf Central Michigan.
In order lo belter undersland the traits devel-
oped in ou\ subject, we will make a brief mention
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
355
of the career of his parents. His father, John
Todd, was born in Batavia, N. Y., and came to
what was then a vast territor}' in 1817. He made his
home in Pontiac, Mich., liicn a smell village, where
he wooed and married Miss P0II3' M. Smith. This
lady was born in Fleming County, N. Y., near Au-
burn, and was a dauu^hter of Abram Smith and of
Kuijlish ancestry. The Todds tra^e their lineage
to Scotland. After some years Mr. Todd settled
on a farm in Oakland County, but in 18;50 removed
to Flint. That jilace was only a trading post and
Mr. Todd laid out the first wagon road or trail to
Saginaw and built the first bridge across the Cass
River. He was an Indian trader, exchanging vari-
ous articles for furs, pelts and such other things as
tiio red men had to dispose of. He had manj'
thrilling adventures with tiic Indians, butgenerally
got along with them peaceably. He remained at
Flint until late in life, then rcTnoved to Owosso,
whcio In; died at the venerable age of ninety years.
Mrs. Todd al.so died Irmv, her age being sixty-nine
years. She was a woman of great force of charac-
ter and will-powor, as she had need to bo to spend
her lime <m tiic frontier and make a true home in
the midst of untoward sunoundings.
Besides llie subject of tiiis biograiiliical sketch
the cliildrcii of .lolin and Polly Todd were May L.,
Juli.''. I. und Albert S., all living except Julia. He
of whom we write went onto a farm in (Jencsee
County when seventeen years old and remained
there until he was of age. He then joined the
great army that was beginning to head for the Pa-
cific Coast, where gold lia<l been discovered a short
time licforo, and starling from the States in IfSll),
he reached California the following year, via the
Isthmus of Panama. IJe engaged in mining, in
which he proved successful and during the five
years spent on the Coast am.'issed considerriblc
wealth. During the latter part of the lime he was
interi'i-ted in water-works connecled with placer-
mining. When the five years had elapsed Mr.
Todd returned to Michigan and invested his money
in various ways. In 1 !S')o he came to Owosso and
built the second sawmill and the first run by steam,
being in partnership with David Oould, his brother-
in-law. The old mill is still standing and lia.s re-
cently bfcn occupied as monument works by Rollin
Pond. Mr. Todd retained his interest in the mill
about three years, after which he sold out, having
other a£fairs to which he preferred to give his at-
tention.
From the beginning of the construction of the
Amboy, Lansing & Traverse Bay, now the Jack-
son, Lansing it .Southern Railroad, until 187.'5 Mr.
Todd was connected with that cnteri)rise. That
year he formed one of the firm of Nason Gould ife
Co., whose headquarters were in Chcssening, Sag-
inaw Countj-, and the connection continued about
four years, when it was dissolved, as the timber on
lands held by it was exhausted. In 1878 Mr.
Todd entered upon another |ieriod of mining, go-
ing to Leadvillo, Colo., where he remained about
three years, operating very successfully-. In 1886
ho visited Mexico and invested in silver mining
property, his first venture being iji Zacatecas.
Thence he went to the .State of .lelisso on the Pa-
cific Co.ast, where .again he became [irolitably inter-
ested in silver mining. From that point he went
to Aguaeallientes and again engigcd in mining
He returned to Owosso afler an absence of about
two j'ears and has not since been actively engaged
in business save in looking after his investments
and in work connected wllh the Tolclo & Ann Ar-
bor Railroad, of wlii('h he is a Director. He has
considerable city propei'ty, including tlii'ee substan-
tial dwellings, from which he receives a good rental.
In March, 1855, Mr. Todd was married to Miss
Martha Johnson, a native of New York, who came
to this Slate with her [):ireuts when a young lady of
eighteen years. Her agreeable manners, refine-
ment and line ch.aracter have ende;ued her to many,
and in her own home she is respected and belove<l
bj' those to whom she has been devoted for years.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Todd arc four in num-
ber: William A., the eldest, is engaged in the
insurance business in Tennessee; Kdwin A., Jr.,
has charge of the Claini.s Departmcrit for the To-
ledo, Ann Arbor it Northern Railway; Fred A. is'
assistant physician at Toledo, Ohio, in the asylum
for the insane; Frances K. is the wife of James H.
Wheeler, cashier of the Oklahoma City Bank, in
Oklahoma Territory.
The first connection of Mr. Todd with the muni-
cipal aft'airs of Owosso began in 1871, when he was
356
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
elected Mayor. He was again chosen to take his
place at the head of the government in 18'J0 and
once more did what he could in an official capacity
to promote the interests of the town in wliich he
had chosen to reside. The first Presidential vote
of Mr. Todd was cast for Franklin Pierce anfl he
has always been a Democrat. During the war he
was numbered with the class known as War Demo-
crats, taking a strong stand on the side of the
Union. He joined the Masonic lodge at Flint and
is a raemljer of the Odd Fellows lodge of this citj',
and one of tlie oldest Odd Fellows in the State;
and his religious home is in the Episcopal Church,
of wl)ich liis wife is also a member. Mr. Todd lias
been a Vestryman for many years. He is genial
and entertaining and stands higli as a citizen and a
in;\n.
,:^gg' -— SHF^ „ . , ^^=-,
'fw^OHN KING, a well-known and [trosperous
resilient of section 13, Ilazclton Township,
Sliiawassee County, is tlie son of John King,
; a native of County Longford, Ireland, of
which county his raotlier also (whose maiden name
was liridget Murtaugh) was a native. They were
married at llieir old home and came to America
in 1846, landing at New York Citj". Here they
remained for three j'ears, and in 1849 came to
Michigan anil scetlled in Flint Township, Genesee
Count}', on an unbroken farm covered willi oak
openings. Upon this they remained for four years
and cleared some twenty-five acres of the land.
Selling tlieir first Western farm, the parents of
our subject removed to Hazleton Township in
1853, and settled on section 13, which was all
wild land. Before reaching their home they were
obliged to cut the road through the woods for a
mile and a half. Here they finally acquired a
handsome property of four hundred and eighty
acres. They encountered many hardsiiips in tiieir
early life in the West as they were unused to
sucii experiences. It was so solid a forest that it
was with difficulty that they found their way from
jjoint to [loint, even by the help of blazed trees.
Thcrt were but few families then in the town-
ship and only nine voters were registered that
spring. The farm was greatlj' improved during
the lifetime of the father, who passed away in
1871, at the age of sixty -six. His worthy com-
panion outlived him ten j'ears and attained the
age of eighty-one. They were the parents of six
children, who grew to maturity.
Joseph King, one of the sons of these parents,
was a soldier in the Twentj'-third Michigan Infan-
try during the War of the Rebellion, and being
taken i)ri.soncr at Knoxville, underwent the hard-
ships at Andeisouville for eighteen months, but he
lived through them and with eleven other com-
rades escaped and returned to the Union army.
He was relegated to his own regiment and returned
to Detroit, waiting to be mustered out. He was
taken sick the night after reaching Detroit, and
died there. He was a man of great populariuy,
not only among his comrades in arms, but also
with the citizens of Flint, where he made his
home.
The subject of this sketch was born upon the
Green Isle of Erin April 17, 1836, in the Parish
of Cloonglish, County Longford, and was nearly
eleven years old when he came to America. He
was well educated in his native countj', and at-
tended the Grammar School in New York City.
He was fourteen j'ears old when he came to Mich-
igan and almost eighteen when he made his home
in Shiawassee County. Until after he was twenty-
two years old he remained at home helping his
parents upon the farm, and he then worked out
by the month for a few years. His father had
been unfortunate in contracting debts and he as-
sisted him in lifting them. His father gave him
a one-tiiiid interest in the undivided three hun-
dred acres which constituted the farm, and when
they were finallj- divided he received the one
hundred acres lying west of the remainder of the
tract.
In 1860 John King had some chopping done
upon his land and built a little frame house, 16x24
feet, and November 17 of the same j'ear he be-
gan keeping bachelor's hall in this new home. A
yoke of oxen was the team with which he assisted
himself in his arduous labors. The young man
found that man was not made to live alone and
November 19, 1861, betook unto himself a wife
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
357
in tlic person of Bridget E., a daughter of Pat-
riciv Trainor. an old settler in Flint. Slie was
born November 1, 1814, in Ireland, and lived
only five years after marriage, dying December
(!, 18GG. .Siie was the mother of two diildren,
both of whom were snatched from her arms by
death: .loseijh Patrick was born October 15, 1862,
an<l died September 1, 18GC; and Annie, born
July 21, 18(5 1, died December 28, 186.5. The
mother and both children died within twelve
months of each other. This left the little home
indeed indeed desolate.
The second marriage of .John King took place
August 5, 18G7, his bride being Briilget Dele-
liaiily, daughter of Patrick and Bridget (McNa-
mara) Delehanty, natives of County Claie, Ireland.
Mr. and Mrs. Delehanty camo to .\merica in 1850,
and after s|iending a year in New York City came
West, spending four years at Cleveland. In 185(1
he came to Michigan, settling in (Saines Town-
shii), denesee Count}", upon a farm. Mr. Dele-
hanty was a man of intelligence and woith, and
for some time was section foreman on the railroad,
lie died March IS, 1801, having reached the age
of seventy-eight years, and his widow, who is
now eighty-four, still survives him. They were
the parents of ten cliildren, six of whom arc now
living.
Mrs. King was born Sei)teml)er 5, I8IG, in
County Clare, Ireland, ami she has become tiie
mother of fourteen childr(!n, eleven of whom are
now living. I'hej- are named: .losei)hine, born
April 30, 18G8; Francis J, born June 17, 1869;
Hannah, .lanuary, 20, 1871 (deceased); Mary, born
January 2, 1873 (deceased); Ambrose, born March
11, 1874; Cecilia, October 17, 1875; Ellen, .Inly
1, 1877; an infant unnamed (deceased); John Al-
bin, born January 3, 1880; Ann Lilly, May 25,
1882; Elizabeth, November 7, 1883; Agnes, De-
cember 12. 1885; Esther, July 13, 18H7; and
Stephen A., March 7, 181)0.
The farm has been greatly improved since Mr.
King went upon it. and now he has one hundred
and twenty acres. The original one hundred Is
the finest farm and assessed the highest in the
town.slii|). In 18H5 he built his resilience at a cost
of over ^1,000, liesides his own labor and haul-
ing. The front part is 18x28 feet and nineteen
feet high, and is built of brick with a cellar wall
under the whole house. This wall is seven and
one-half feet higli and two feet thick. The cellar
has a cemented floor and is thoroughly under-
drained. The front wing has the dimensions of
18x28 feet and the rear wing of 18x30 feet. 11 is
the handsomest house in the township and is as
well built and attr.active as any in the county,
being finished in graining. It contains thirteen
rooms, convenienti}' iirranged and lighted, with all
improvements. Mr. King does not enjoy good
health as he has suffered with si)asmodic astlim.i
ever since 1863. Both he and his wife; are devout
members of the Catholic Church.
To his cliildren Mr. King has granted a good
education and the younger ones are many of them
attending school. Josephine h.as held a teacher's
eertificate since she reached the age of sixteen
jears. She is a graduate of the Fenton Normal
School and lias taught for five years, being con-
siilered a very successful young woman in her
profession. Our subject is active in school mat-
ters and a member of the School Board. He is a
Democrat in his [)ollti'jal views, but is indepen<l-
ent to a considerable degree, and in local elections
votes for the man rather than for the party. He
has been Higliw.ay Commissioner for three years
and for five years in succession lillcd the ollice of
Township Treasurer, and filled it well. He re-
ceived the unqualifioil support of his fellow-citi-
zens although this is a strongly- Kepuhlican Town-
ship. He also serves as Clerk of township elections
and is a member of the Board of Review.
. «. gJ9-
■ r-^'a-
^^
■SjOHN H. CLEMENTS. The subject of this
! sketch, living in De Witt Tf)wnship, ( linton
County, belongs to a well-known famil}',
(|2^/ which has for many j'ears been noteworthy
for its intelligence, Christian char.acter and patriot-
ism. He himself is a man of unusual business
ability which he has proved by his success in life.
He was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., September
4, 1821, and his father, Henry Clements, of Cerman
358
rORTKAIT AJSiD BIOGRArHICAL ALBUM.
descent, was boin in New York Slate in 1801 and
carried on farming in Dutcliess and Cliaiitaiiqua
Counties in tlial State. He came to White Oak
Townsliip, Ingiiam County, Mieli., June 1, 1836,
traveling iiy lake to Detroit, and thence by team.
He took up from the (iovernment seven hundred
and twenty acres of land and was among the first
to penetrate the forests of White Oak Township,
where he estahlished his new home. He was three
miles from his nearest neighbor, twenty-five miles
from n grist mill, eleven miles from a sawmill, six
miles from a tavern and four miles from a religious
meeting which was held in a log scboolhouse.
Wheal w.'is then v.'orlh nine shillings per bushel,
corn sevenly-livc cents and (lour ^7 pei- barrel.
riic Indians were very numerous tlien and Henry
Clements was on friendly terms with lliem. The
country also was full of deer and game. He was
an unusually hard worker and altcnded closely lo
business anil thus developed a great [jortion of his
large faini. At his death in ISIil he had reached
the age of sixly-lhree years. He was a AN'liig lirst
and then aUcpubliean in politics and was an active
member of the Methodist Church and a man of
many good (pialilies of mind and heart.
'I'he wife of Henry Clements was Catheiine Da-
mon, a native of New York State, of Holland de-
scent. She was a kin.d, Christian mother and reared
with great care and wisdom her ten children, live
sons and live danghleis. Four of her sons served
in the army during the war of the rebellion and
one of them mn'er returned as he died in service.
She was a consistent and earnest member of the
Metliddist, Church and died at the age of firty-nine
years.
The subject of this sketch was but fourteen years
old w'len he came to Michigan with his parents in
1H;?(!. Up lo lids time he had received his educa-
tion in the district schools of Chantauciua County,
N. Y. lie bad an unusually strong liking for
hunting and he spent much of his time until he
reache(l maturity in hunting deer ajid other wild
game. I'robably f<'w young uicn at that lime
killed as many deer as he. He bellied lo curry
the chain to survc}- the present site of the city of
Lansing.
In 1MI« Mr. Clements took up his lesidence in
Lansing and engaged in the general merchandise
business. Here we must record the only financial
failure of his life, as he did not succeed here, and
had to close his business in 1850 at a great loss. In
December of that j-ear he went to California by
water and there engaged in mining. He was suffi-
ciently successful to be able to send money home
to his wife from time to lime with which she hon-
orably i)aid the debts which liis misfortune had
brought u|ioii him.
He returned October 2, 18.'')2 and resided in
Lansing until l.SOG when he bought the farm where
he now lives which then comprised two humlred
and forty acres of the finest land iu Clinton C'ounly.
He has since parteil with a part of this land lo his
children. It is safe to say that there is not another
two hundred and forty acres of land in the county
so well situated, so level and so rich as this tract,
lying as il (Iocs between the swamp land and the
upland. At the time of purchase the |)roperty was
much run down, but he has itn|)roved il and built
a large fianic barn and a frame residence. This
however he has now supplanted with a palatial
white lirick residence which he erected in 1883. 1 1
is siluate(l upon a well shaded lawn and is one of
the finest places in the township.
This gentleman o.vns an extensive holel at the
sumnu'r resort of Iniliau River in CHieboygan
County, Mich., where he and his good wife spend
the summers, while they wintnr on the farm. He
is independent in politics. The lady who became
his wife in 1813 was known in her maidenhood as
Mary Nenell and is one <.)f the finest of wonjen.
She was born at Morrisonville, Madison Count}',
N. v., .luue 20, 1S22. Her father, Aaron Newell,
was a native of Connecticut and oiierated a mill in
New York State. He came lo Michigan in 1843
and settled on a farm in Ingham County, an<l died
the following year. His wile, Mary (Tidd) Newell,
was born in Massachuset,ts. .She was a Irne-hcarted
and kindly woman, a member of the Presbyterian
Church and of iMiglish descent. One of the six
children whom she reared to maturity died in the
service of his country during Ilia War of the Re-
bellion. She i)assed away from ea'-lh in 1864.
Mr. and Mrs. Clements have had six children,
namely: Mclvina, who died iu her fifth year; Helen,
'/^^iiyy^^i^-
^^^2>?'-^&<z^.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
361
Mrs. Church ; Newell; Dora, who died wlieii twenty-
nine years oltl; DeLoss, who (lied ivlien two years
old and Charles. This family both in the past
generation and tiie present stands among the most
hii;;lily esteemed and most popular in the county
and they have helped in a thousand ways to make
the neighborhood in which they live what it is con-
sidered to-da_v, one of the most intelligent and
cultured countrj- districis in Southern Michigan.
•■J-#"
FATHER HENRY C. KOENIG. This gen-
I
^1 tleman is a well-known figure on the streets
of St. .Tolin's and in the neighboring town
of Portland, and to him is due to a large degree
tiie present condition of St. Josepli's Calholic
Church ill St. John's. lie took up his work when
the affairs of the church were in a bad condition,
ttie congregation having run down in number and
finances, and a debt hanging over it that it seemed
scarcely possible to lift. He was worked his way
gaining tiic confidence of his people, and encour-
aging tiiem in their efforts, and li.is succeeded in
clearing the charge of indebtedness, improving the
church and parsonage and placing the affairs on a
basis that promises well for the future. In the
twenty-three years that have elapsed since the
church was established, thirteen men have labored
here and no one has staid so long as Father
Koenig.
Tiie father of our subject was Adam Koenig, a
farmer and garde-ier in Saxony. He came to
America in 1873 and located in Detroit, where he
still lives retired from active life. He is a son of
Lawrence Koenig, who also a farmer and was quite
wealthy. The mother of our subject bore the
maiden name of Catherine Kuhn, and she too is a
native of Saxony, where her father, (Jeorge Kulin,
was engaged as a tailor and a farmer. Her chil-
dren were seven in number, six sons and one daugh-
ter, as follows: Nicholas L., Henry C, (the second
in order of birth) Barnard J., Theresa M., Charles,
William and August W. Our subject was born in
Saxony (Jctober 11, 1858, reared in the village of
Pfaffschwende, and attended the parochial school.
He accompanied his parents to America, sailing
from Bremen and after a storm3' voyage of seven-
teen d.ays landed in New York. Soon after the
family was settled in Detroit he fcjund employment
and for two years was variously occupied, and
during the time took up the studj- of languages.
His father in the meantime spent some months on
a farm in Macomb County, and while making his
home there the lad combined work and stud}-.
When nineteen years old young Koenig entered
St. Jerome's College, at Berlin, Ontario, and re-
mained there until he had completed a four years'
classical course. He was graduated June 2y, 1882,
and received a valuable modal for his jiroficiency
in mental philosophy, in which he had the best
record of any student in the institution for many
years. At the wish of Bishop Borgess he then en-
tered Sandwich College, and continued his studies
there a twelvemonth. He next went to St. Mary's
Theological Seminar3', at Baltimore. Md., but was
not able to remain there for the entire course, as
the climate did not agree with him, and the con-
finement of such protracted studies also aflfetted his
health. He was oblige<l to give up his studies after
a gear's attendance and came home nearer dead
than alive. When able to resume his work he did so
and his theological training was coui|)leted in St.
Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, from which he was
graduated in 1886.
The riles of ordination wore held by Bishop C.
H. Borgess at Sandwich, Canada, June 16,1886,
and after a vacation of two weeks Father Koenig
was at his post in St. John's. The outlook was
very discouraging and so little did he seem able to
accomplish I hat he was ready to abandon his work,
and went to Detroit hoping to be given a different
field or to receive some encouragement regarding
his work. A visit with the Bishop cleared his men-
tal sky, and having the support and counsel of that
gentleman, he entereil upon his labors with renewed
zeal, and at length saw the result. In addition to
the charge in St. John's he has been the i)astor of
'^t. Patrick's Church in Portland. He believes in
honest}' in politics and religion, and in his work
for the young, advocates giving each child a fair
education, and at the same time teaching iiim in
362
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
early life to help his parents, and so St himself for
work in future years. Fatlier Koenig, with his lib-
eral education and genial nature, is a royally enter-
taining companion and he has many warm friends,
while bj' his people he is looked up to as one from
whom they receive the best of counsel and care.
In connection with his biographical notice, a
lithographic portrait of Father Koenig is presented
to our readers.
-^^
"^^=^1^
^SSn HARLES L. moon, son of an early settler
j^(^-^.^ in Clinton County, who resides just south
^i^' of the village of DeWilt, was born in DeWitt
Township, August 22, 1841. His father, Henry
Moon, was born about forty miles from London,
England, in 180C, and came to America with two
of his brothers when he was about twenty years
old. He staid for a short time in Canada with two
other brothers who had |)reviously come over, and
then came on to Michigan, making his home in Sa-
lem Township,Washtenaw County, in 1833. There
he worked by the month for four3'ears, and in 1837
came to this county, and took one hundred and
sixty acres from the Government in the south part
of the township. He built a log cabin with pun-
cheon ll'jor in the midst of the dense woods, and
had to cut a track througli tiie forest in order to
get his ox-team to the new home. He was obliged
to go to Detroit to get any milling done, and his
most numerous neighbors and most frequent call-
ers were Indians, deer, bears and wolves. He was
on friendly terms with the red men, and as he
lived on an Indian trail saw much of them. They
would come to DeWitt to get whiskey, and on
their way home at night, wildly intoxicated, would
keep him awake for many hours by their war whoops
and shrieks.
In the spring of 1850, Mr. Henry Muun went to
California by the overland route, being four
months on the way. He engaged in raining, and
was gone some three and a half years, and accumu-
lated some money while there. After his return to
Michigan he lived here until his death at the age
of seventy-nine years. He was a Democrat in his
political views and cast his vote for that party.
He married Susan Frazier, of Washtenaw County,
who lived to the age of sixty-nine years. She was
a member of the Baptist Church, and reared to
maturity six of her seven children.
Tiie log schoolhouse where our subject attended
school was of a very rude |)attern. It had no
chimney and the fire was built in a corner of the
room, and a hole was left in the roof for the escape
of the smoke. He remained at home until he
reached the age of twenty-seven years, and bought
a small place of eighteen acres. He has been
School Inspector of the township, and is a Prohi-
bitionist in his political views, believing thereb}'
he will advance the cause of temperance and
morality. Mr. Moon was married to Miss Mary
Vincent, March 8, 1871. Four children have been
born to them — Flory, Harr^-, Bertie and Ro^' — all
livinof.
•^^^
E^
ELVIN W. DRAKE. Brave and patri-
otic service in defence of our Nation's
(lag, has set the seal of nobility upon many
a man who is now a quiet agriculturist of
Rush Townsliii), Shiawassee County. Among them
we find iMr. Drake, who resides on section 20, and
is a native of this State having been born in Oak-
land County, F'ebruary 9, 1844.
Walter Drake who became the father of our sul)-
ject, was a native of the old Bay State, and born
May 20, 1808. Twenty years after he made
a beginning in life for himself by working on
the farm, and in 1829 he went to work on the
Ohio and Chesapeake Canal in ^'irginia, but re-
turned to New England and in 1830 came West.
He was engaged in fishing and sailing in Detroit
until 1831, when he went to Oakland County, and
purchased a farm of one hundred anil twenty acres
in Southlield Township.
The famil}- of Elisha and lluldah (West) Hunter
came from Rhode Island to Oakland County about
the year 1820, bringing with them three sons and
three daughters. Their daughter, Adeline, the
youngest, born December 27, 1808, became in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
36S
1831 the wife of Walter Drake, and in time the
mother of our subject. Mr. Drake resided in
Oakland until 1844, when he was appointed by the
Government to go to Grand Traverse as instructor
to the Indians in farming. Three years later he re-
turned to Oakland and remained there until l^tSO,
when he spent five j'ears in Genesee Count}- and
five years in Owosso and then came to Rush Town-
ship and bought one hundred and sixty acres on
sections 20 and 28.
Our subject is the youngest of two sons and two
daughters. His mother died in 1881, and his
father, who was a sturdy old Jaukson Democrat,
still lives with him. M. W. Drake has a good
common-school education. His marriage took
place upon Christmas Da^-, 1875. The lady who
thus celebrated with him this sacred holiday bore
the maiden name. of Ada L. bleaker. Her parents
were Joshua and Marj' (Nelson) Meaker, who had
three children. Her father had had three children
by a previous marri.age, and came to Michigan in
1838. He was the son of Eli Meaker, of New
York, and his father also bore the name of Joshua.
The family lived near Binglianipton, N. Y. The
grandfather of our subject, on his father's side, was
Larnard Drake, a farmer and stonemason of Mas-
sachusetts, whose nativity was about June 5, 178.'!.
He was married in 1802 to Susannah Phillips, who
was born September 5, 1783. They were the
worthy parents of nine children, and removed to
Michigan where Larnard Drake died in Oakland
County, March 21, 18G3.
Mrs. Drake was born October 15, 1817, and she
became the mother of six children: Kva J., Ir-
ving L., Lula E., Mary A., Walter J. and Herbert
E. During the Civil War Mr. Drake had been a
soldier in the Union army, having enlisted in Com-
pany C, Twent3'-tliird Michigan Infantry, in Au-
gust, 1862. He was ordered from .Saginaw to
Louisville, Ky., and from there went on to Frank-
fort, New Market and Bowling Green, and finally
wintered in that place. In 18G2 he was in the hos-
pital when his regiment left Bowling Green, but
joined them at Cave City, K}'., when they were in
pursuit of John Morgan's band of raiders. They
reached Paris, Ky., in time to save the railroad
bridge from the Confederates, and thence went
to East Tennessee over the mountain range. They
were in that portion of the State from October,
1803, until the beginning of the Georgia cam-
|)aign. They marched "with Sherman to a point
below Atlanta, and then returned and were engaged
with Hood's army for some time. They followed
him to Clifton, Tenn., and then marched to Wash-
ington. The}' were stationed for awhile at Smith-
land, near Ft. Fisher, and afterward at Wilmington
and Raleigh, and were in all the conflicts of that
campaign, being in twenty-seven battles in all dur-
ing their time of service.
Air. Drake is a prominent and popular Prohibi-
tionist and was a candidate for Sheriff at a time
when he ran two hundred votes ahead of his ticket.
He is County President of the Patrons of Industry
and has filled that office ever since its organization
in the county. With his wife and two eldest chil-
dren he is an earnest and devout member of the
Methodist F;piscoi)al f/hurch, where they find a
broad field of labor and influence.
'Sr^i EV. HENRY KIN(i, JR., who resides in
|L<*I Henderson, is an Englishman b}' birth,
Jm\i being born in Loudon, September 13,
^^; 1834. His father, Henry King, Sr., was a
wholesale tobacconist who was born in 1811. His
educ.'ition was that of an ordinarj' Englishman and
in 1818 he came to Canada and made his home
there, settling in Kingsville. Ontario. His good
wife, Susannah W. Smith, was also a Londoner and
some two years younger than himself. They were
the parents of four daughters and two sons, and
lived together in great hap|)iness until 1877, when
the wife passed from earth. They wore promi-
nently identified with the Wesleyan Church, in
which Mr. King was a leader and an active worker.
He has ever been deeply interested in Canadian
politics and was a stanch and loyal supporter of
Sir John McDonald.
Upon reaching his majoritj' j'oung Henry King
undertook the profession of a teacher and some
four years later removed to the United States,
making his home at Memphis, Mich. Here he took
364
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM,
up the work of the ininistiy, taking charge of the
Baptist Churc'li in tLiat place for some two years.
Previous to i;is coming to tlic States he hail taken
to himself a wife in the person of the second
(laughter of Henry and Rachel (Wilkinson) Ful-
mer, who was born in March. 1837. The wedding
day of Henry King and Jane Fulmer was August
31, 1856. i\Ir. Fulmer was born in 1812 and his
wife in 1813 and they were both natives of Ontario,
Canada, and became the parents of a large family
numbering seven sons and six daughters. He
liassod from earth in 1870 but his good wife makes
her home with her daughter .lane.
After preaching for some time in connection
with the Baptist t'hurch tlie Ucv. Jlr. King felt
drawn to connect himself with tlie Methodist
Kpiscopal body which he did in 1884 and four
years later he became the pastor of that chnrcli at
Henderson. To Mr. and Mrs. King has been
granted a fine family of ten childien, all but one of
whom arc still living and a numl)cr of them arc
already' filling positions of usefulness and respon-
sibllit}'. They arc namely: Amelia R., wife of S.
ConUlin, of Oakland County; Kmil_y S., wife of
Albert Grow, of Saginaw, Mich.; Theodosia;
Fannie; Hattie, Mrs. Kdnin IMorris; Aurelius:
Jennie; Hcnr}- A., died August 28, 1871; Addie,
and Ellsworth.
The suliject of this sketch was a Republican in
bis political views and vote until 1888 when he be-
came a Prohibitionist and he has ever been a
worker for the i>olitical principles which he has
espoused. lie has been idcntilied with tin- order
of Odd Fellows for some twenty-live ^ears and has
held the (jllice of Vice Grand and Noble (irand in
the Lodge at Rochester, Mich. He was also Repre-
sentative of the Grand Lodge in ISSO and was
Chaplain of that body in 1887.
The story of Ihelifc of the Rev. Mr. King would
be quite incomplete were we to omit therefrom a
record of his military service. In 1801 he enlisted
in Company G, Third Michigan Infantry and was
First Sergeant therein. The regiment was at once
ordered to Decatur, Ala., and their (irst engagement
was at Murfreesboro. He was at ()ne time quite ill
and had to be in the hospital for three months. He
remained in the service until the dose of the war.
and has ever felt an earnest interest in the Grand
Armj^ of the Re|)ublic, being commander of the
T. C. Crane Post, No. 128, of Henderson, a position
which he h.as filled for three j'ears, and is now
Aide-de-Camp on the National Staff with the rank
of Colonel by appointment of the Commander-in-
Chief.
-^^
-h
F. BREWER. This progressive townsman
v^) and energetic farmer living on section 15,
Hazelton Township, Shiawassee County, is
the son of one of the pioneer settlers of the .State
and himself knows what it is to clear as well as cul-
tivate a new farm. His parents were Archibald
C. and Parthena (Pettit) Brewer, natives of New
York State. The father was a i)ainter b^- trade,
although he later became a farmer. Thej- were
married in New York State and there resided
until they came to Michig.an in 1846. They landed
at Detroit and first settled in Genesee County on
a farm which the father had partially improved a
year previous.
The first home of the Brewer famil\- after mov-
ing to this State was a little log house, and after
th(y had paid for moving their goods and the
erecting of their home thej' had exactly seventj'-
livc cents in money and a team of horses with
which they had come to their new home from
Detroit. The country- about was thinly settled.
Mr. Brewer, Sr. bent his energies to improving
this farm and then trailed it for eighty acres of
wild laud in Flint Ttuvnship, same county. He
divided the farm and gave the sul)ject of this
sketch forty acres and together they began improv-
ing and cultivating. Our sid)ject's mother died
Maj' ;?, 1866, having attained the age of sixty-six
3ears. The father, who was born April 25, 1801,
departed this life in 1880. They were the [jarenta
of seven children, four of whom are now living.
They were members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and in politics Mr. Brewer w.as a strong
Rei)ublicau.
He of whom we write was born September 21,
1831, in Livingston County, N. Y., and w.as fifteen
years of age when his parents came to Michigan.
M . L . K 1 h4 G
PORTRArr AND BIOGRAl'HICAl. ALBUM.
367
Previous to tliis time he hfid received h good com-
mon school ediie.itlon an<l afterward it was tlioiight
that ho was old eiioiigh and r-npaljle of takiriir his
l)art in the development of the new farm, for wliich
lie proved himself to liave siilliciont business capa-
city, for he conducted his father's liusincss and
managed the work of the farm until he was twenty-
one j-ears of age. He has alw.ays been a farmer
and has alw.ays studied to nialce his farm yield as
much as nature will allow.
Being provided with a home, he invited Miss
INIary Jane Palmer to preside over the domestic
realm. She was a daughter of Amos and Lydia
(Curtis) Palmer, who were both natives of New
York, being there married, after which they
removed to Wyoming Couiity, Pa., living on a
farm. Her father died in 1813, after settlin;; in
Genessee County, this State, in 1842. He ha<l
located on a raw farm and was the fathe" of seven
children, three of whom are now living. Mrs.
Brewer's parents were members of the Free Will
Baptist Church. She was born September 5, 1837,
in Wyoming County. Pa., and was only five years
of age when her i)arents came to Michigan. Hei-e
she received a district school education.
After marriage our subject settled on liis forty
acres in 1860, after which thc}^ removed lo his
present farm of eighty acres, about twenly-five
acres of wiiich at the lime was under cultivation.
There was originally a small log house and a log
barn upon the place. Tlie farm now coinpri.ees
eighty acres, sixty-live of it being under culti-
vation.
Our subject and his estimable wife .are the
parents of six children, four of whom are nc.w
living. They arc: Elva P., Alice .)., Arlliui- .1.
and Herman A. Those deeeased aie Knima ].. and
Oscar F. The eldest child was born Febrnary 3,
1855; Emma L. was liorii October 27, l.s;')i!. and
became the wife of .lolin WaUvoith; she was the
mother of four children and died January 23,
1889. Alice J. was born October II, IH.'iH; she
became the wife of Alexander Frasier; sIk; has
four children and her home is in this township.
Oscar was born March 2, 18G2. and died the same
month. Arthur .1. was born June 22. 1803; he
wa-s married to -Sarah A. Porterfield and lives at
Sevart's Creek; he is the father of thie^- children.
Herman A. was born .September 12, 18()a,and lives
at home. The family are members and efficient
workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of
wliich denomination Mr. Brewer h.as been Superin-
tendent of the Sund.ay -school. He is a member of
the Masonic order and has been a member of the
School Board and Poslni'ister of Hazellon Post-
office eight years. Politically he prefers the
Republican partj% under which he has been elected
Township Clerk and Treasurer. He serve<l for
seven]] j'ears"as Township Supervisor. He is an
advocate of temperance and is much interested in
the Pi'oliibition movement. His delicate health
has always been a di.iwback to him in the work
that lie has planned.
jk/i ARCUS L. KING. The owner of llic f;iiin
III Iv '"'^"'■^*^ ^" sectKjn 27. Venice Townslii|),
i' w Shiawassee County, is thegeu'leman whose
* name is seen at the he.ad of this sketch, and
whose portrait appears on the opposite page. He is
of good parentage, his father being Ansel King, a
native of New York, a fainier by calling and a
soldier in the War of 1812. His mothe: was
Pha-be (Willis) King, also a native of New York
where she was married and resided until their com-
ing to Michigan, in 1827.
On lirst coming into the State Ansel King settle<l
with his family on a farm in Macomb Counly
where they were pioneers. He [uirchased the land
directly from tlie (iovernment and it was as wild
as it could wi'll be. The human beinirs lli:it llu^y
most frequently saw were the Indians, and wild
animals prowled around their very door. On lo-
cating their tract Ihey were obliged to tear (ii)wn
four Indian wigwams to get a site for their lo"
cabin. They weie in very straightened circum-
stances when they came to this State; the lather
supported his family by plying his trade, which
was that of a shoemaker, and went about the lo-
cality to "whip the cat."
The farm was elearerl an<l many improvements
were made before the death i>f our subject's father,
368
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
which occurred in 1846, tlic mother following liim
in 1854. They were tlie parents of eight cliildren,
two of the ciglit now surviving. In religious
matters they held the view of the optomistic Uni-
versalists. In polities the father was a Democrat,
and was appointed to fill several local iiosilions,
being a member of the School Board, Highway
Commissioner and Supervisor. IIo gave his chil-
dren as good educational advantages as circum-
stances would penult. In his day he was a very
hard-working man and wiiat he ac()uircd was accu-
mulated by unrtagging effort.
Our sidijecl's father had a hical ri'putation of
being the greatest ciiopper in tiic region of Seneca
Lake, N. Y. He accomplished Herculean tasks in
felling the nionarclis of the forest, but his cham-
pionship was declared iu a contest, which took
place at one time. The prize offered was $"25, and
Ansel King won the money by felling more trees
than his opponent.
Mr. King was born March 25, 1827, in Seneca
County, N. \'., and was only six months of age
when his parents brought him to this State. He
grew np in the wilderness and his intimates were
the squirrels, rabbits and i)li(is, which in later yoai's
he declared his power over by killing anil pieparing
for the larder. He at first had no schooling and
there were but few advantages in that direction
during his early life. He began for himself at the
age of sixteen j'cars since which time he has alwa3s
been a farmer.
When Mr. King first started out in life he hired
out by the day ov month on a farm. Thus he con-
tinued for a few years and then worked his nu)ther's
farm after the death of his father. In 1850 he
persuaded Sarah Ellen Ilerrick, a native of New
York, to unite her fate with his. Her natal year
was 1835. He continued to work for other pei^ple
until he came to Shiawasse County, in 18G.'i, when
he settled upon the farm which he at [Hesent occu-
pies. At that time it bore but few imitrovements
and their home was for some time a log house, but
gradually he erected all necessary and conveident
buildings anil added other improvements. He now
has eighty acres, seventy of these being under cul-
tivation, and he carries on the work of his farm
himself. Mrs. King passed away from this life De-
cember 6, 1890. She was a most excellent woman
and possessed of all the virtues that belong to the
model wife, mother and neighbor. She was a de-
scendant of a good family and was a worthy repre-
sentative. Although she is passed away her good
works yet live in the memory of those who knew
her and we might justly say of her in the words
of Ilerrick, "None knew her but to love her; none
name<t her but to praise."
Mr. King and his wife were the parents of five
children, three of whom are still living: Laura,
the wife of Samuel Shumaker, lives in Grand
Rapids, this State, and is the mother of three
bright children; Ansel took to wife Nettie lUonnt,
and lives at Flint, thej' have two children; Cora
May is the only one of the children at home.
In 1862 Mr. King responded to the call of his
country for volunteers and enlisted in Company 15,
Twenty -second Michigan Infantry. He went to
Kentucky under (Jen. Rosecrans and was taken
sick at Lexington. There he was left in the hos-
pital where he nearly died. He was then sent to
Louisville, Ky., for a time, thence to Detroit where
he was honorablj' discharged in June, 1863, on ac-
count of disability. He has never fully recovered
from the eff<!Cts of the sickness contracted in the
army anci is drawing a pension from the Tnited
States Government. Our subject believes in per-
fect justice to his fellow-men first of all and tries
to live in accordance with the Golden Rule. He
takes an interest in politics, casting his vote with
the Democratic parly. He is a temperate man and
always has been, advocating temperance principles
among the youth of the community where he
lives.
v|? OHN BROOKS, among the business men of
! Owosso, is notable as a sterling and ener-
getic man who well deserves especial notice.
He is the manager of the ficni of K. M.
Brooks, dealer in coal, lime, cement, and seeds.
They also handle grain of various kinds and also
farm produce. Mr. Brooks is a native of Michi-
gan, having been born in Oakland County, near
Pontiac, August 31, 1836. His worthy parents.
PORTRAIT ANO HfOilRAPIIICAL ALBUM.
361)
Daniel and Kliza ( Harris) IJrooks. wore botii liorn
near Ovid in Seneca County, N. Y.. nmi llieii-
natal year is tiie same — 1807. They were married
in Seneca County in 1831, tliey locatcil in Oak-
land Count}', Mich., whence after a shurt sojourn
they returned to New York liul after reniaii;in>j
there a short time removed West again, making
their home in Sangamon County, 111.
Miehiiran again claimed the attention of Daniel
and Kliza IJrooks, who returned to Oakland Coun-
ty and subsequently located in Shiawassee County,
half a mile west of the city of Owosso, where they
remained until about the time of the death of the
father, which occurred in 188.0. His wife is
still living and is the daughter of Geoi'ge Harris
of German descent. As the IJrooks faniil}- is of
Scotch-Irish descent our subject combines the sterl-
ing <]ualities of those three hardy and industrious
nations.
John Brooks took his common-school education
in Oakland County, and began his career upon a
farm quite early, continuing to follow his agrlcuh
al pursuits untd he reaclie<l his twenty-fifth year.
In 18()1 he enliste<I in the service of his country
in Company I), First Miciiigan Cavalry, under the
command of Col. Broadlio.ad. This body of troops
was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and was
detiiiled for duty in that part of the countr}'. Mr.
Brooks w.as discharged on a surgeon's certificate
on account of wounds an<l disability, in Octcjber,
18G2, having served for fourteen months.
Returning to Owosso, Mich., he entered u[)on
the business of handling stock and keeping a nn-at
market, which he carried on for some tliree years.
In 1865 he embarked in the mercantile business
in Bay Cit}', and remaining there for four years.
He then sold out and returned to Owosso ami
slarteil in the grocery and [)roduce business whnh
he has followed up U> the present time. The lirm
handles all kinds of grain and h.-us erected an ele
vator on the track of the Michigan Central
Railroad, whose capacity is about live thousand
bushels. They also run a woodyard in connection
with the other business and haii<lle tile and ground
feed, also all kinds of coal.
Miss Electa M. Burnett of Bay City, became the
wife of John Brooks, May 14, 1807. This lady is
a native of Maine, and a daughter of Albert Bur-
nett. Her eldest child, Frank K., is already a part-
ner with his father in the business and Alice B..
who is at home with her mother, is the congenial
companion and delight of her parents. She with
iier mother has made the beautiful home on Cedar
Street a pleasant social resort for all their neigh-
bors and friends. Mr. Brooks is the owner of two
good brick business houses which are a credit to
the town. His jjolitical views lead him to afliliate
with the Republican party and his public spirit and
enterprise make him a friend to every movement
which will redoun<l to the credit of the city. This
family is pleased to point with honor to one of
their ancestors, (ien. David Brooks, whose histori-
cal record is a subject of just pride.
^RANK F. IIOYKR, I). D. S., a popular
llr^J» ''cntisl of Owosso, Shiawassee County,
Ij^ Mich., is like many of the best citizens of
tills section, a native of the iOmpirn State, being
born in Royalton, Niagara County, N. Y., April
15, 1857. His parents, Benjamin and Malinda
(Dyseninger) lloyei-. were for 3-ears residents of
New York and tiie mother was a native of that
State, iier mother being a native of Pennsylvania
and her father of Germany. Tlie father of our
subject was also of German birtii and came to lliis
country many years ago. He followed tiu' calling
of agriculture throughout life and is still living ami
with his worthy wife now resides at Shclliy. Orleans
County, X. V.
Of the live cliihlren of l!iis intelligent foiiple
four are sons and one a daughter and the Dicior
is the third in order of birth. He prep.ared for
college at Medina, N. Y. and llien eiitend the
riiiversity of MichlgJin at Ann .\rbor, taking his
diploma in the? dcp.artment of dentistry in !««().
He then opened an olHce and coininenecd his
practice at Corunn.a. In 1888 he movecl to Owosso
where he established hi-jiself in business, having
his olllce supplied with all the latest and best ap-
pliances known to the profession.
The young dentist in 18!I0 took a step of gn'ai
370
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL ALBUM.
importance to his happiness and future prosperity.
It was his union in marriage witli Mallie Mitchell
tlie accomplished daughter of the late James
Mitchell of Ann Arbor. Dr. Hover is a member
of Corunua Lodge F. A A. M. and of Corunna
Chapter R. A. M. and also of Corunna Com-
mander}', No. 21 K. T. Me is an ardent Re-
publican in his political views and is deeply interest-
ed in tlie prosperity of his party. The happy home
of this pleasant young couple is at 4.'3.5 East Oliver
Street.
■«-s-
^^UGUST H. AMO.S, JR., a farmer residing
(©yLlI on section 13, Rush Township, Shiawassee
/// 14) County, was born in Germany, Marcli 27,
<^ 1853. His father, who bore the same
name, was born in 1810 and was a farmer in Macni-
sheim, Wurtemberg, German^'. He was ediaated
in the common schools of that Empire and started
out for himself when he reached the age of twenty-
one. About the year 1838 he married Louise
Seiglow, who was born in 1812, in the same place
as himself. Thcj- came to America in 18.)3 and
after passing one year in Buffalo came to (ienesec
County, Mich., remaining there until 1860 at which
time they came to New Haven Township, Shiawas-
see County and from there to Rush Township,
where they bought forty acres on section 34. He
remained there until his death. He was an earnest
andetticient member of the Methodist Church.
Our subject had the usual common school edu-
cation and started out for himself when only
thirteen years old. He worked on farms for about
two years and then went into the lumber woods
where he labored for seven years. In 1872 he
bought one hundred and twenty acres, going into
this enterprise in connection with two brothers.
In 1874 they built a house upon their farm and
two years later one of the brothers sold out his
interest to the other two.
The marriage of August Amos, Jr., to Emma
Horn, was solemnized in 1876. Mrs. Amos is a
daughter of Solomon and Mary Jane (Bowers)
Horn. Mr. and Mrs. Horn were from Ashland
County, Ohio and had nine children, four sons and
five daugliters, of whom Emma is the fifth child
and third daughter, having been born January 20,
1830.
The house where Mr. and Mrs. Amos now make
their home was built by them in 1882 and in 1884
the}' removed to Owosso, where Mr. Amos was in
the employ of D. M. Estey. in the furniture busi-
ness. Two and one-half years later he returned to
the farm, but still owns some property in Owosso.
The home farm contains sevent} -five acres and it
is all in fine shape. Mrs. Amos is an earnest and
active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and her husband is a supporter of it though not a
member. He is earnestly interested in the welfare
of the farming community and belongs to the
Patrons of Industry. He is a Democrat in his
political views and has been unusually successful
in business.
The attention of the render is invited to a view
of the ])leasant homestead of Mr. Amos, presented
in connection with this biographical notice. The
cosy residence and commodious barn are among the
finest in the community, while the many improve-
ments apparent on the place make it an ornament
to the township.
Gi
,^^^EORGE E. KITTLE. One of the most
pleasant rural homes in Clinton County,
is pleasantly situated on section 26, Water-
town Township, and comprises one hundred and
sixty acres of fertile land. I'nder the skilled man-
agement of Mr. Kittle the earth is made to yield
bountiful harvests, and thrift is apparent in every
detail of the farm work. The place is the property
of Alexander B. Kittle, father of our subject, who
resides with him. The various cereals are raised
here, while a large barn, one of the best in the
neighborhood, is used to store the products of the
estate. The family residence is a two-story frame
structure, with neat porticoes, and a large lawn. On
one side a neat driveway leads past the dwelling,
while on the other, beautiful trees throw a pleasant
shadow on the green gr.ass.
The paternal grandparents of Mr. Kittle were
&>atA.a-cMt..r .
^■■M^^^
RLSIulNCL ur bEORoL E . KITTLE, SEC. 2S., WAT EK TOWN TR , CLl NTON CO ,MICH ,
RESIDENCE OF AUGUST H . AMOS , SEC. I3.,RU5H TR , SHIAWASSEE CU.,MlCH.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
373
Dow and Mary (Becker) Kittle, natives <if tlie Slate
of New York. The former who was a iiiiller by
trade, was drDwiicd, and his son. Alexander U., was
thus left fatherless and early thrown upon his own
resources. When ten years old lie was liireil out
at farm work, and after working on a farm three
years, learned the trade of a tailor, at which he
served an apprenticeship of seven years. lie then
started out in life for himself, and for nearly forty
years worked at his trade. His birth occurred
September 26, 1812, and he was accordingly in his
early manhood when he was ninrrie<L Octolier 8,
1835, to Mary Ann Barringer. This estimable
lady was born December 10, 1813, in Dutchess
Count}^, N. Y., and was the daughter of .I.acob W.
Barringer.
Six chililren were born to the iiaronts of our
subject, and the following is a brief record of
them: William Dow was born May G, 1828, mar-
ried Nora McC'ollough, and now lives in ludianai)0-
lis, Ind.; Mary Jane, who was born April 20, 1840,
married E. L. Wright, and to them were born two
children: William IL, who is married and has a
daughter, Nellie N.; Nellie M.; Sarah C'., born
August 31, 1843, is the wife of William Warner
and resides in Cleveland, Ohio; Julia V.. lioru
March 20, 184C, married Artemus Baldwin, who
served as a Captain in the Civil War and was acci-
dentally killed through the discharge of a gun. To
them was born a daughter, Jessie; Eleanor, born
April 12, 1849, is the wife of ('apt. Stephen Chil-
ton, resides in Lansing, and is the mother of two
children Georgie K., and Ilattic D.
in 1-853 the father of this family came to Michi-
gan, and after making some pre|)aralions for the
reception of his family, sent for his wife and chil-
dren, who made the journey in safety. The trip
was a tedious and dillicull one, .as the}' were com-
pelled to cross the Detroit River on the ice aud
endure other hardships incident to travel in those
earlier years, (leorge E., the subject of this sketch
is the 3'oungest in his father's household, and was
born July 22, 1851. He passed the days of his
boyhood and youth in aiding his father at home,
and gaining such an education as was possible in
the common schools of the district.
Upon reaching man's estate our subject estab-
lished domestic ties of liis own, and was married
to FAxza. Barber, a native of Ihe Buckeye Slate.
The union was blest by the liirth of three children,
viz: (;erty, born October 28, 1«81; Robert I).,
December 13, 1883, and Alexander 1'... July 31,
188S. Mr. Killle is a [)i-ouiiiienl member of the
Farmers' Alliance and his good wife is a C()nsisle!it
member of tiie Methodist Episcopal C'liurch. Al-
fred Mosher, who helped to cle.ir the present f:irm
of the heavy timber and inii)rove the same, still
remains a member of the family circle.
A view of Mr. Kit'-lc's homestead appears on an-
other page of this volume.
-o»o-^;>><\J^-o«o~
<^NDREW J. PATTERSON was i)orn at
S^/i-M Ladd's Corners, Monroe County, N. Y.,
11 May 31, 1833. His father, Robert Patter-
son, was a native of Pennsylvai'iH. having
been born in Little York and died in 188.J at the
age of seventy -eight. F'or manj' years he conducted
a popular hotel. Our sulijcct's mother was Ann
Eddy; she was also born at Little York, Pa., from
which she removed to Monroe County, N. Y.,
where for many years her i)aients kept an hotel al
Ladd's Corners, on the Ridge Road. In 1844 Mr.
Patterson's father removed to the West with his
family and located at Lapeer, this Staie, where he
kept an hotel for a year. He also owned two farms
on one of which his decease took place. He filled
the office of Township Treasurer, also Comity
Treasurer.
Of the seven children that were llu^ result of the
union of our subject's parents Andrew ,1. was the
sixth. He was eleven years of age when his par-
ents came to the West and twenty-three when they
removed to Lapeer. His childhood years until he
reached the age of fourteen were occupied in the
usual devotion to his studies, when he entered a
printing office in order to learn that business. He
worked up in the trade until he became partner
of the firm which published the Lapeer Democrat.
After selling out his share in the i)aper he went to
Saginaw where he was employed on the Saginaw
Enterprise. Continuing there but a short time he
374
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
returned to Lapeer where he remained a twelve-
month and in the spring of 1855 he went to Brocl<-
port, N. Y. Here he remained one summer, dur-
ing which he took the important step of uniting
himself in marriage to Miss Nancy A. Grcswold,
of ]5rockport.
Returning to Lapeer with his liride Mr. Patterson
spent the following winter and spring in work on
the local paper, when an opening was found in To-
ledo, Ohio, for his talent. Here he did most accept-
able work on the Toledo Blade So many young
men are attracted to Chicago that it is not surpris-
ing that our subject should hope to find a good
field in whicii to work and he was successful in
getting on the Chicago Times under Storey. He
remained on this paper until August, 1856, wiieii
he returned to Saginaw and resumed work on the
Enterprise. He returned to that place at the re-
quest of the proprietor of tliat paper in order to
set up in type llie tax list of four counties for that
journal.
On the completion of this undertaking our sub-
ject came to Owasso, Siiiawassee County, in tliefall
of 1856. He was employed by E. Gould who was
publishing the Owasso American where he remained
for two years. .Tune 19, 1861, he enlisted in Com-
pany H, Fiftii Michigan Infantry, Col. Terry com-
manciing the regiment, which was assigned to duty
on the Potomac. He was discharged in 1862 on
account of disabilities. Returning to Owosso he
began the publication of wlmt was known as tiie
Corunna Journal, which he continued until its
sale to Mr. Ingersoll. He remained in Owosso
until llie fall of the year 1863, when he went
to work in tlie ofUco of Lyon Hanchott on the
Owosso Press, and was foreman of the paper until
June, 1864. At this time he was commissioned
Captain of Company E, of tlie Twenty-ninth In-
fantry and was assigned to tlie Army of the Cum-
berland, remaining with the regiment until it was
mustered out in September, 1865, when he re-
turned home after the war and cng.iged in general
merchandising for six years. In April, 1871, he
became proprietor of the National Hotel. Shortly
after he purchased the property, rebuilding and
adding to the original house until it is hardl}'
recognizable. He carried on the hoti'l unlil Maj',
1891, when he leased the property. Everything that
he has undertaken has been successful. He has
built three good brick business houses for which
he finds a ready rent. He still owns the ciiiire
property. He has four children, three so;is :ind
one daughter. His eldest sou is Charles . I. ; Lhe
next is Arthur D; the daughter, Carrie A ,is now
the wife of J. Turbush, a merchant of Owosso;
Frederick R. is still at home.
Mr. Patterson was City Clerk for eleven years
in Owosso and Alderman for the Fourth Ward for
two years, Marshal one year and Mayor one year.
He is a member of Owosso Lodge No. 81, F. A A. M.,
Charter member of Lodge No. 89, R. A. .M., also
First Commander of (Juackenbusk Post No. 205,
G. A. R. Politically, he has always been a Dora-
ocrat.
-W^'
!t/_^ ON. JAMES M.GOODELL is well known
) even outside of his public position as a prom-
inent attorney and old settler of Corunna.
He is a man of delightful social qualities
and broad and liberal public spirit, and is most high-
ly respected by the communitj'. He was born al Le-
Roj', N. Y., and is the son of George W. Goodell,
who was born June 10, 1815, in Sudbury, Rutland
Count3', Vt. The grandfather. .Tacob, was a native
of Massachusetts who came with his paients to
Vermont when a young man. His father was also
named Jacob, and lie took part in the Revolution-
ary War from beginning to end, from Bunker Hill
to the Siege of Yorktown, being most of the time
an aid to Gen. W.ashington. He was in almost
everj' prominent engagement and lived till 1828,
when his days ended in Vermont. The (iuoclell
family is of Fjiiglish descent and the name was
formerly spelled Goodail.
The grandfather of our subject was a iiu'rclianl,
farmer and manufacturer of lumber before the VV:ir
of 1812. He and several others invested their all
in lunilier, which they rafted to Quebec just bcfo:e
the dc'hiration of war. It was seized by the Ivig-
lish Goveriuueut and these unfortunate specu!.ilo:s
were thus leduced to [loverty. Mr. Goodell then fil-
tered the army and look part in the battle of Plaits-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
37
burg. He remained in Vermont until his death in
1820. When George Goodell was eighteen years old
he left Rutland County, Vt., and came to Hochester,
N. Y., where he engaged in farming and mechani-
cal work. He then went to Le R03' and engaged
in collecting and work in that line. He studied
medicine at Bergen and became a physician but did
not practice. In 1855 lie came to Michigan an.l
made his home in Corunna.
About a 3'ear and a half after coming to Corunna,
Mr. George Goodell was elected Register of Deeds of
.Shiawassee Count}'. For two 3'ears, beginning in
1856, he was in the drug business, from which he re-
tired and busietl himself in the insurance and real-es-
tate business. He died in 1885 December ID. He was
in his political views, first a Whig then a Repub-
lican and in 1878 became a Grecnbacker. His wife
Celinda D. Chase, was born in Addison County,
Vt., and married the father of our subject in Troy,
N. Y., October 1, 1839. Her father, Abner Cli.ase,
was a C^uaker farmer of ^'ermont. This estimable
and intelligent lady died in Corunna, December 20,
1882. She was highly esteemed in her church re-
lations, being a member of the Baptist Church, and
was mourned alike by her associates and her family-
Four of her children lived to years of m.'iturit}-,
the oldest one being our subject who was born
October 1, 1841.
When thirteen j-ears of age, James Goodell came
to Michigan traveling by rail to I'ontiac, and
thence by stage to Corunna. Attending school in
that village for some time he took a clerkship vvilh
his father in the Register's r.flice. .luly 8, 18G1,
being then in his twentieth 3'ear, he began the study
of law with McCurd}' & Raynale, and was admitted
to the bar of Michigan at Corunna, September 8,
1863, and began the practice of law right here
where he has made his record from that day to
this. In the fall of 1861 both he and his preceptor
Mr. Ra^'nale, were nominated for the oflice of
County Prosecuting Attorney and Mr. Goodell was
elected. He held the office for two years and after
an interim of two years he was re-elected to another
term. This second time, curiously enough, he was
oppose<l to and defeated his other olii preceptor.
Judge McCurdy.
In 1866, Mr. Raynale and the young lawyer
were again candidates for office; this time for Cir-
cuit Court Commissioner,and, .again Mr. Goodell led
the van. In 1872 Mr. Goodell was nominated for
the State Senate in the Eighteenth District, which
comprises Shiawassee and Livingston Counties.
He was duly elected on the Ri'i)ublican ticket and
served during the session of 1873 and the extra
session of 1871, which was called togetlier to con-
sider proposed amendments to Ihe Constitution.
He w.as at that time the youngest member of the
Senate. He made a good record in his senatorial
oflice and nx-eived the deserved confidence of his
fellow-senators, being placed on several $|)ccial
committees and serving .as Chairman of one.
Mr. (ioddell was for eight years consecutively
the Supervisor of the Third Ward in Corunna, and
occupied this ollice for ten years and all without
once soliciting the position. He was appointed by
the board of Supervisors on the committee which
was to investigate ami assist the [)roseculing at-
torney in the matter of the county in<k'btedness,
which amounted to *10,()00. Thoy reduced this
amount some |!15,000. During tiie |)rogress of
this case Mr. tSoodell raised the ([uestion of com-
pound interest and carric<1 it to the Supreme Court.
This question has never before been raised between
the county and State. He was Mayor of Corunna
for one term.
James M. Goodell and Helen F. Hosmer were
married in Corunna, Septembers, 1865. This lady
w.as a native of Watertown, Wis., and a daughter
of George S. Hosmer, a farmer near tliDt city.
They have six eliildrpii living, in wiioni they take
a justifiable pride. Tlie eldest daughter, Gertrude
K.,i8 studying vocal music at the Detroit (.'onserv-
atory of Music. She h.as remarkable vocal powers
and her professor esteems her voice as one of the
finest in the State. She married William Ihibbell,
of Ypsilanti, June 25, 18!)1. The next daughter,
Kate C, is an artist here and n member of the firm
of Rhodes & Goodell. George A., was an artist in
the best gallery in Detroit. He died August
4, 1891. He was also a student of music. The
four younger children, EU>isa F., (ienevieve A.,
Maud C, and James M., Jr. arc all members of the
High .School in Corunna and all musically inclined,
wiiU'h talent thev inliorit from their mother. Mr.
I
376
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Goodell is klentified with the Indcpenrlent Order
of Odd Kellows and the Royal Arch Masons, al-
though not actively engaged in the work of the
lodge. He is a charter member of the Ancient Or-
der of United Workmen. He is interested in pul)-
lic affairs bnt not identilicd with either political
party. His wife is an honored raembei of the Epis-
copal Church of Corunna.
"^OHN I'AINTER, whose home is situated on
section 34, Venice Township, Shiawassee
County, is a son of John and Sallie (Charl-
ton) Painter, the former a native of West-
moreland County, Pa., and the latter a Virginian.
They were married in Pennsylvania and made
their home there until their death. They were
the parents of twelve children, six of whom are
now living. The mother dieil in 1872 and the
father in 1881.
Our subject had his birth in Stark County, Ohio,
June 24, 1824, and grew to manhood in Pennsyl-
vania. During his 3'outh and carl^' manhood he
helped his father on the farm, and did not begin
work for himself until his marriage which occurred
September 11, 18G0. His wife bore the maiden
name of Sarah Anna Tompkins and is a daughter
of Gridley and Lydia (Harding) Tompkins. Mr.
Gridley was a native of New York and his wife
was born in Pennsylvania. They were married
in his native State, but after a residence of a few
years there they removed to Pennsylvania, where
he died in 1857. She then came to Michigan and
is now the wife of John B. Baxter and lives in this
township, being now seventy-six years of age.
Mrs. Painter is the onl}' one of her two children
by the first marriage now living, and was born
September 21, 1840, in New York State.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Painter settled on
a farm of their own in Pennsylvania and migrated
in 1869 to the Wolverine State, settling upon
eightj' acres of land where thej- now live. It was
then in heavy timber and entirely unbroken but
had upon it a log house. Sixty acres of this has
now been cleared and it was done by the patient
work of Mr. Painter and his sons. All the im-
[trovements which now appear they have put upon
the farm. Last 3'ear they finished the resilience at
a cost of $1,000 and carrj' on mixed farming.
Five children of this household have been called
hence and the four now living are James M. D.,
born January 9, 18G7; Jesse F., December 22,
1869; Elisha Elton, May 15, 1879; Lydia, born
January 13, 1862, now the wife of Eugene Simp-
son and the mother of three children, residing
at Clayton, Mich. To all of them have been given
a good district school education and they are earn-
est and active nsembers of the Methodist Episco|)al
Church. Tlie father is a Democrat in politics but
the sons are Republican. The3' were in poor cir-
cumstances when thoy began life, but have brought
themselves a comfortable fortune by hard work
and econoni)'. They have been hardworking peo-
l)le and are not now in robust health, but have a
good farm, well cleared, ami it is all the result of
their own labor. Four of Mr. Painter's hrothers
served in the army during the Civil War.
-S»!^>*^laS»
>tf*«f->»^«^
CS.\ HARLES S. GRACE, a man prominent both
^^ in agricultural and iiolitical circles, who re
y^J sides on section 18, Rush Township, Sliia.
wassee County, had his nativity in Albany', N. Y.,
May 31,1831. His father, William Grace, a na-
tive of Newfoundland, born about the year 1769,
went into the Revolutionary Army when a bo3' of
twelve years. He was a dealer in stone, and later
in life took part in the War of 1812. Lucy Far-
querson became his bride in 1816. This lad^' was
a member of a noble family of Seotlnnd, being a
daughter of Lord Lewis Farnuerson.
William .and Lucy Grace had eleven children,
nine daughters and two sons, of whom our subject
is the youngest. William was largely engaged in
sending stone, wood and building material to
Albany by way of F^rle Canal. His wife had
property left her by her father, Lord F'arquers<in
who had become a wholesale tobacconist at Schen-
ectady, N. Y., after coming to this country. Lord
Farquerson returned to Scotland before his death,
PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPUlCAL ALBUM,
377
and Mrs. Grace employed Capt. Walton, Squire
Cole and Squire Bogart to look after the property
in Schenectady. At the time of her death, in 1832,
she left directions for the disposition of her prop-
erly. She gave papers showing her ownership of
the property to Charles Smith, a Catholic priest of
Alban\-, N. Y. B3' neglect in some way the prop-
erty was never turned over to the heirs, and no ac-
count was made of it. Our subject was then a
balic, and was placed in an orphan asylum, but was
taken from that institution by his aunt, J-ucy
Fitzgerald, of New York.
Charles Grace, when but a small boy, was sent to
Sandusk}', Ohio, to live with his sister, Margaret
(Grace) MeCarly. lie remained tiiere until 1847,
when he started out for himself, and in IHai; came
to Saginaw, Mich., and bought eiglity acres llierc.
After making a trip to Chicago and Wisconsin he
returned tf) Ohio and in ISCl enlisted in Company
D, Kifty-fourth Ohio Zouaves.
Our N'oung soklier went lii.sl to Caini) Dennison,
Ohio, then lo Paducah, Ky., and on to Kt. Don-
elson and Sliiloii. On May G, 18C2, lie was shot
in the right thigh, and was sent to Cairo, 111., and
then to Cincinnati, Ohio, to the hospital. In 18G3
he rejoined the regiment at Mem[)liis, and went on
to Vicksbiirg, but returning lo Memphis was sent
to Tuscumbia, ^ la. Being unable lo |)roceed with
Sherman in his march to the sea he w.as sent back
to Cincinnati, Ohio, and was discharged in IHfit
at Columbus, Oiiio.
Ueturning to Michigan Mr. Giace traded his
farm in Saginaw County for a farm of one hundred
acres in Rush Township, .Shiawassee County, and has
since bought and sold farms in Shiawassee County,
and at one time owned twelve hundred acres. In
1871 he married Mary K. Curtis, of Hush Township,
a daughter of William and Eliza (Slocum) Curtis.
Thty had four .sous and tliree daughters, of whom
Mary E. is the second child and oldest daughter,
being born in 18.52.
Into the delightful home of Mr. and Mrs.
Grace have come six children, their offspring being
equally divided between sons and daughters. The
daughters are: Anna, Carrie E. and Eliza, and the
sons, Charles A., Lewis W. and Frank I,. Mr.
Grace is a consistent and earnest member of the
Christian Church and is a prominent member of
the Grand Army of the Republic, being the
Speaker of the T. C. Crane Post, No. 128, of Hen-
derson. His political views have led him to
alliliate with the R('iiul)lican parly, in which he is
an earnest worker and often appears as delegate at
countj' conventions.
NSLEY A. HUNT. In every town and in
every neighborhood there arc one or more
I* men who aie looked upon as leaders in the
community and whose Inllucnce, both
strong and broail, carries weight in every enter-
[)rise and in every movement. Happy is it for a
coiiimtiuity when these leaders are wise, and regard
r:ilher the good of Iheir feilow-mcn tlian their own
augrandi/.ement. Among such leaders we lind the
subject of this sketch. He is a farmer, residing on
section 1;') of Walertown Tt)wnsliip, Clinton
County, where he has eighty-three acres of One
land. His farm is stocked with a choice selection
of horses and cattle, also a Hock of as fine registered
Merino sheep and as well-bred as any in the State
of Michigan, and uimui it may be found an attiact-
ive ancl commodious farm house and excellent
farm buildings, such as are needed for the success-
ful carrying on of agriculture.
Our subject is the son of Nelson and Mary (Con-
rad) Hunt, both natives of New York, who came
to Oakland County, Mich., in 183C. There the
subject of this sketch was born, his natal day hav-
ing been June 3, 183!l. He received his practical
training on the home farm and received a district
school education to which was added one term at
ihe DeWitt High School. He worked for his
father until twenty-two years of age, and was of
great assistance upon the farm.
The event in his life which had most inlluence in
securing his happiness and his prosperity .as well,
was his marriage, August 21, 1861, to Plnube O.
Cronkile. This lad}- is a daughter of Samuel W.
and Berthier Cronkite, natives of New York, who
came to Michigan at an early d.'iy. This marriage
has been a very happy one and has been crowned
378
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
by the birth of three chil(ken, Lettie E., who is
married to Walter Saxton and makes her liome in
Watertown Township, and M. L. and F. A., who
are botli single and reside at home.
In political matters Mr. Hunt is a Republican
and has been honored by his party by being placed
in a number of official positions. He has been
Township Clerk for three years and is at present
the Supervisor of Watertown Township, which
office he has iield for five terms. He is a meniber
of Waeousta Lodge, No. 259, A. F. & A. M., in
which he has served as Senior Deacou and is now
Junior AVarden. He is also a member of the Pa-
trons of Husbandry and is ever alive to the inter-
ests of the farming comnuinily. The father of our
subject is of German extraction. He resides on
section 15, where he has a fine farm, but is not
able to be verj- active in its cultivation, as he is in
feeble health.
-^-*.-
ESSE E. STONE, who began life for him-
self with no capital except twenty-five
cents and his own enterprise, earnestness
and energy, has won for himself a |)lace in
the respect of his fellow citizens of Duplain Town-
shi|), Clinton County, as vveil as a rei)utation as
one of the brave veterans of the late Civil War. He
was born in the townshij) where he now resides,
July 13, 1842, and is a son of Elijah .1. and Laura
A. ( Watkins) Stone. His father was born at Corn-
well, Vt., and his mother first saw the light in
Batavia, N. Y.
The early home was ui)on a farm and the boy
was faithfully instructed in the duties of farm life
by his father. The famil}' removed to INIichigan,
making the new home in Calhoun County in 1835,
but came to Clinton County in February, 1841.
Here Ihe father lived until June 21), 18iS7 when he
was called from earih. His son cherishes as a
worthy memento of this parent the commission as
second Lieutenant of Infantry which was given his
father 1)\ the Governor of Michigan in 1839.
The subject of this brief sketch had few advant-
ages for education and was able to attend even the |
common schools only a part of the year. He went
to school in the winter but assisted upon the farm
during the summer, and our subject attended two
term of select school. He remained with his
parents till he reached his majority but made his
own living from the time he was seventeen years
old. He began life with twenty-five cents and the
suit of clothes which his parents had provided for
him and went to Livingston County where he
worked out upon a farm, receiving in exchange
for his labor the small wages which were then paid
to a farm hand.
A patriotic desire to serve the countrj' of his
birth led him into the army, and he enlisted in the
fall of 1863 in Company I, Tenth Michigan
Cavalry, Col. Thaddeus Foote, commanding. This
regiment was sent to Lexington, K^'. and became
a part of the Arm}' of the Cumberland. They
took part in no famous battles but saw smoke many
times in skirmishes and their most severe experi-
ence as soldiers was in the hardships which attend-
ed their manner of life. Our young hero served
in the army until the close of the War and was
mustered out of service at Memphis, Tenn., on
November 11, 1865.
Returning to Clinton County, Mich., Mr. Stone
resumed farm labor. His marriage took place
about a year later as he was united with Nettie
E. A'antine of Corunna, Mich., November 29, 1866.
Three children crowned this union, namely, Nellie
E. born May 4, 1869, Marcus E., April 30, 1873,
(died in infancy), and Frank E., born March 12,
1876. Both his children are at home with their
parents. Mr. Stone began at the Colony work-
ing land on shares. The Colon}' was founded by
a company of men from Rochester, N. Y. He
lived there for two years an<l then went to Olive
Township, where he bought a farm and carried it on
for two years. He then found a purchaser for that'
property and in November, 1870, made his home in
Duplain Township, where he has since resided.
The fine place of one hundred and twenty acres
where our subject now lives has about one hundred
acres under cultivation. A fine orchard marks the
enterprise of this gentleman as do other substan-
tial iin[)rovemcnts, including a large barn and other
buildings which mark the hand of a prosperous and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
379
systematic farmer. In politics he is a Republican
but has never sought office any kind, preferring the
quiet avocations of farm life U> tlie public arena.
He is a breeder of I'oland-Cliiiia hogs and Merino
sheep, of which he has an excellent flock, and in
which he lakes a great interest. He gives his til-
tentiou largely- to raising wheat, oats and corn, and
has a good trade in celery during the season when
that vegetable is in the market. He is deeply in-
terested in the promotion of good r.chools as well
as other movements for the best welfare of the
community.
— *!4^^-
ON. NEWTON H. BAKER, who was born
in Wayne County, N. Y., on the 25lh of
July, 1833, is a prominent and honored
citizen of St. John's. His father came
from New York to Michigan early in tiie '50s but
his family did not remove West until after the war.
He made his home in Detroit most of the time and
spent a season in Minnesota. He was a member of
the Baptist Ciiurch for many years and died in
1888 at Lansing. While living in New York he
tilled various offices of trust and while there fol-
lowed farming as his avocation and also owned at
one time four sawmills, two being run by steam and
two being watcrmills. He was quite an extensive
manufacturer of lumber. His wife, I'luebe Foster,
a native of New York, is still living at the very
ailvanced age of four-score years and six. fShc has
been a communicant in the Baptist Church for
many years and trained her eight children in the
faith and practice of the Christian religion. Only
six of them are now living.
Mr. Baker, our subject, was brought up on a
farm, and attended the district school when a child.
When a little older he had the privilege of attend-
ing during the winter and was busy upon the farm
during the farming season. He remaineil at homo
several years after becoming of age and fulktwcd
the nursery' business a number of years before
coming to Michigan. It was in 1RC7 when he made
his home iii Bengal Townshi)), Clinton County,
Mich., where he purchased laud on section 21.
This was all an unbroken forest and he had a heavy
task before him of subduing the wilderness and
putting the land into a condition for agriculture.
After making a clearing he built a frame house
and established his home.
In 1803 Mr. Baker took to himself a wife in the
person of Miss Emily Carlton, of New York. Two
children have rosulle<l from this union: Belle mar-
ried William Kearney who was killed by a train of
cars in Battle Creek, November 22, 1890; they
have one child — Ralph N. Minnie is still at home.
Mr. Baker is fully identified with the Democratic
party in his political views and is a representative
man among the members of that part}-. The first
offices which he was called to fill were those of Su-
pervisor and Justice of the Peace. He was sent as
a Representative to the Michigan iState Legislature,
serving from 1877 to 1879. While there he was
placed upon the Committees of Horticulture, Agri-
culture, and Religious and Benevolent Societies.
He has been identified with the Masonic order since
1863 and is a useful member of the Ancient Order
of I'nited Workman, an<l was a charter member of
the Bengal Grange. His one hundred acres of arable
land has been put out in its present fine condition
by his own hand. He started with limited means
and has been prospered to an unusual degree and
his elegant home and fine barn, and the orderly
and systematic condition of everything upon his
farm attest to his good management and excellence
as a farmer.
OIIN J. REISER. Among the prominent
citizens of Clinton Count}' v/lio are to be
represented in this Album is Mr. Reiser^
'M formerly County Clerk. In his public ca-
pacity he discharged his duties in an ellicient man-
ner and gave general satisfaction, and as a private
citizen he is well known and poiudar, particularly
among farmers and old soldiers, as his life has
brought him in close contact with them. He is the
owner and occupant of a well-improved farm on
section 10, Greenbush Township, consisting of one
380
PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
bundled and ninety acres of land which under his
management is the source of an excellent income.
This farm has been his iiome since 1872, at which
lime he came from the State of Ohio. He is a na-
tive of the Buckeye State, having been born in
Tuscarawas Count}', October 24, 1841.
Mr. Keisor, as his name indicates, is of German
ancestry and it is found upon inquiry that his
great-grandparents in both lines were emigrants
from the Fatherland. His direct progenitors were
Joseph and Susannah (llarman) Keiser, the one a
native of Stark and the other of Harrison County,
Oliio. They reared a faniilj- of six children, John
J. being the eldest son; there is one daughter older
than he. His brothers and sisters are: Lydia, wife
of J. J. Strouso, living in Greenbush Township;
Noah, a resident of Fulton County, Ohio; S.amuel,
whose home is Gratiot County, tliis Stale; Jacob, a
resilient of Greenbush Township, anil Susannah,wife
of F'innklin (!ontor, living in Tuscarawas County,
Ohio. John was reared to manhood in his county
and from his boyhood lias been eng.aged in farm-
ing, llis education w.as obtained in the public
schools and he added to tlie advantages they af-
forded by reading and (icrsonal observation, thus
keeping well up with tlie times in his knowledge
of general topics.
August 14, 1802, Mr. Keisor enlisted in Com-
pany E. One Hundred and 'J'wenty -sixth Ohio In-
anlry, and became an integral part of the Army of
the Potomac. He served under different generals
and look part in a nuinbcr of the most important
battle.'--, of ilie war, together with a large number of
skirmishes and the usual marches and camp duties.
In the list of battles are Martinsburg, Harper's
Ferry, Locust Grove, the Wilderness, Spottsylva-
nia. Cold Harbor, Wincliester, Fisher's Hill and
Cedar Creek. At tlie last named Mr. Keiser was
wounded, but not seriously. He was lionorably
disrliaiged July 2, ISC'), as Orderly Sergeant and
relurning to his native Stale laid aside the arms
and aceoiitreinents of a soldier and took up again
the implements of a farmer.
During the month of October, 1866, ISIr. Keiaer
was married to Miss Sarah A. Biddlc, daughter of
George and Mahalah Biddle, both of whom are
deceased. Tlie children born of this union are:
Edward, a graduate of Tpsilanti Normal School
and now engaged in teaching; Clara, wife of
Charles Houk, living in Mason County; Addison
A., who is reading law with Messrs. Norton ife
Brunson, attorneys in St. John's; and Almeda and
Elda who are at home.
In politics Mr. Keiser is a Republican. Besides
serving as Count}' Clerk two years, 1881-82, he
has been Township Supervisor four terras. Justice
of the Peace seven years and Township School
Inspector several years. He resigned his position
as Justice to accejit the county clerkship. He is
connected with the Masonic order at Eureka and is
a member of .1. Wagner Post, No. 217, G. A. R.,
in the same town. His religious home is in the
Evangelical Association in that village, and he is
found taking a part in various enterprises which
will benefit the community and adil to the pros-
perity of the people of this section. He hiis a
beautiful home and the worldly goods he has accu-
mulated by inthistry and economy suttice to place
him far a!)ovo want.
.§!.-
C-*-]^
^1 rSTIN E. RICHARDS, a prominent law-
yer who was recently elected to the jiosi-
i lion of Circuit Court Commissioner of
Shiawassee County, is a native of that
county, having been born in New Haven Town-
ship, April 14, 1801, just about the the time when
the first gun was fired at Ft. Sumter. His father,
William, was born in Nottinghamshire, F^nglan-'
; and came with his parents to America when a lit.
! lad of six years, making the journey in 1832. The
family loc.ited on a farm in Saline, Washtenaw
I County, Mich., and engaged in farming. The
grandfather had been a jeweler and watch-makei
in England and tlic father had learned the cooper's
tr.-ide. He s|h'1iI some time in Saginaw County,
and then located in Maple Grove and resided there
I for a couple of years before coming to New Haven
Township in Shiawassee County. Here he bought
uncultivated land and proceeded to improve it. In
1865 he removed to Burns Township and pur-
chased au improved farm of four hundred acres.
EMORY B. VOORHEES
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
383
He was a prosperous man and carried on a l>arrcl
factory in Washtenaw County and at the same
time speculated in lands. He lived to be only fortj'-
five years old, iiis death taking place in 1871. He
was a pillar in tlie church, being active as Class-
Leader in the Methodist Episcopal connection. His
|)olitical affiliations wore first with the Whigs and
afterward with the Republicans.
The mother of our subject w.as Maria, daughter
of Abraliam Sraitli, both natives of Livingston
County, N. Y. The grandfather was an early set-
tler in Washtenaw County, where he carried on
farming, although lie had been a wagon-maker in
New York. He died in .S.aginaw County where he
iiad been living for some years. His wife also died
in that county. The brother and sister of our
subject are Frank, a farmer in Burns Township,
this county, and Klma, now Mrs. C. K. Brewster,
of Grand Traverse Count}-.
After attending the district schools in Burns
Township young Richards studied in the Byron
graded schools and then attended the Corunna High
School. When eighteen years old he took charge
of the lioine farm and operated three hundred
.acres, one liuudred of whicli were his own. He had
an earnest desire to study law and before he was
twenty-one years old began its stud}' evenings,
making good progress, allhough he was working
hard tlirough the da}'. He took instruction frou)
Judge McCurdy, and in 1884 rented out his farm
and locating in the village of Byron began the
practice of law, being admitted to the Michigan
bar at Corunna in December, 1887. The fall of
18!)0 saw him raised by the votes of his fellow-
citizens to the position of Circuit Court Commis-
sioner and on New Year's Day 1891, he took
charge of the duties of that ofBce, in connection
with which he also carries on a general [)ractice.
Our subject was married at Byron, May 24, 1888,
to Miss Inez Gibbs, a native of Cahokia, III., who
had spent her girlhood in Michigan. One child
has blessed this union — Hugh McCurdy. In 1885
Mr. Richards had become Supervisor of the town-
ship, and in 1890 he w.as made Chairman of the
CouHty Board, and was Justice of the Peace there-
for four years, being elected to that oflice when only
twenty-one years old. He is greatly interested in
the question of an old debt, a State claim, which
has been for years hanging over the township. He
is identified with the Masonic order, having at-
tained the degree of Knight Templar. He is not a
|)art} man but is inde|icndent in his political ideas.
Iiis wife holds an honored and responsible position
as an active member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
E
MOKV B. VOOUHKKS, now engaged in bus
iness in Ovid, is the only Democratic can.
didate for the State Legislature who has
ever seemed tiio siiffr.ages of tlie people of this dis-
trict. He was sent to the ca[)ital in 1885 and made
a good record as a law-maker, thus adding to the
reputation he .-ilieady enjoyed as one who was ca-
pable of working well for the puljlic. In various
minor offices he has demonstrated his ability and
good judgment ami in business circles he is sjioken
of as a man of honor and tact. In August, 1889,
he removed to the village near which he had pre-
viously l>een carrying on a farm and opened up in
tr.ade as a dealer in furniture, musical instruments
and undertaker's goods. Wliile giving close atten-
tion to his business, he oversees the farm and de-
rives a satisfactory income from his land, while his
latter enterprise is growing in a most pleasing way.
Mr. ^'oorhees belongs tfi a family well known in
Clinton County, liis parents having located iiere in
1840. His father, John \'oorhces, was born in New
York and married Caroline Jennings, a native of
Connecticut. He located in Washtenaw County,
this .State, during its early settlement and came
thence to Clinton County and made his home in
Ovid Township. Here our subject was born, Octo-
\h:v 22. 1853. He was reared on the homestead,
which is located three miles south of the town of
Ovid, and his educational advantages were limited
to the common schools, his studies being completed
ill the high school of the town in which he now
lives. When of age he began his life work on the
homestead and remained there, as before stated,
until quite recently. He still carries on there the
breeding of Hainbletonian horses and keeps a good
384
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL ALBUM.
stock of cattle, sheep and hogs. The highest price
that ii:is been paid in this county for a home-bred
horse was prohablj received liy iiim for a Harable-
tonlan three-year-old, which brouglit $1,000.
During- the year 1889 he sold $2,200 worth of
horses bred on his estate.
For the comforts with which his home is abund-
antly supplied and the happiness of his domestic
life Mr. Yoorhccs is indebted to a lady of fine char-
acter, intelligence and skill wlio was formerl}'
known as Miss S. Ella Slocura. She became his
wife October 22, 1879, and their home is bright-
ened by the presence of four children: Mabel E.,
born November 19, 1880; ]\Iary C, February 26,
1886; Grace D., February 28, 1888; and Ruth S.,
May 19, 1801. The little girls are being carefully
instructed, not only in matters of the intellect but
in graces of character .and bearing, and their in-
cre.a.se in knowledge and true politeness gratifies
their parents greatly. Mrs. Voorhees is a daugh-
ter of Oeorge W. Slocum, a farmer of Middlebur^-
Township, Shiawassee County.
In 1884 Mr. Voorhees was Supervisor of Ovid
Township and at various times he occupied other
stations. He was President of the village one
term anti has aided in advancing the cause of edu-
cation by his connection with school offices. For
ten years he was Secretary of the Ovid Union Fair
Association, during which period it prospered and
the Fairs proved a success. Husband and wife be-
long to the INIethodist-Episcopal Church and are
highly esteemed for their fine characters, cultured
minds and social natures.
In connection witli this brief biographical notice
a lithographic portrait of Mr. Voorhees is presented
to our readers.
ARVEYW. CARRINGTON, a prominent
and progressive citizen of Greenbiish Town-
ship, Clinton County, and one of the brave
(^) veterans of the Civil War, is a native of
Medina County. Ohio, where he was born Septem-
ber 10, 1H38. lie is a son of Elisha and Charlotte
Carringlon and his grandfather, Fletcher, on his
mother's side, was a soldier in the War of 1812.
When only seven years old he was sadly bereaved
by the death of both his parents, and thus he was
early thrown upon his own resources. He then went
to live with his grandfather, Fletcher, where he re-
mained until the death of that old gentleman when
our subject was about fifteen years old, and he was
thus indeed thrown upon the world. His educa-
tional advantages were naturallj' quite limited and
he has had to educate himself by reading, since he
attained to manhood. After the death of his
grandfather he beg.an to learn the blacksmith's
trade and after following it a j'^ar and a half took
ui) the business of a traveling salesman for awhile.
The needs of our country in her time of distress
appealed strongly to this homeless j'oung man who
indeed had no one to leave behind him, and he en-
listed in May, 1861, in Corapanj' C, Twenty-third
Ohio Infantry-, under Colonel, afterward Presi-
dent Hayes and under the generalship of Rose-
crnns. He was also at one time in Gen. McClel-
land's command. He fought in the battles of
South Mountain, Md., and at Antietam and in
other minor engagements. His honorable discharge
was granted him -Inly 3, 1864, after which he re-
turneil to Ohio, making his headquarters at Berea
and going out as salesman for a wooden ware and
grindstone company and worked for them a num-
ber of years.
It was 1866 when Mr. Carrington came to Mich-
igan and made his home in St. John's and while
there was on and oflf the road at various times. He
was married in ISef) to Mary (i. Becbe. She be-
came the mother of two children and both mother
and children have passed from earth. His second
marriage was contracted with Rose B. Sharpneck
and to her were given three children, Mabel R.,
Minnie A. and Paul.
For several j'ears our subject eng.aged in the
mercantile business at St. John's, handling dry
goods almost exdusivel}'. The firm bore the
title of W. P.iindy it Co. He removed to his
farm in (iriH'iibnsh Township in the sjjring of
1886 and here he owns eighty acres of
land. He sympathizes with the Republican
party in its views of public policy and casts
his vote in its interest. He is public spirited and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHJCAL ALBUM.
385
wide-awake to promote the interests of the town-
ship. Wiiile living at St. John's he served two
terms as a nieiiiberof the Town Council. He is a
member of the Masonic order and is connected
with man}' social movements which look to the
betterment of society.
■— ». ♦:|3"C§> V—
OL. GEORGE COLT, one of the prominent
businessmen of Owosso, Siiiawasscc C'onnt)',
I' Mich., is a native of Piltsficld, Berksl)ire
County, Mass., where he was born May, 10, 1807.
His father, James D., was also a native of Mass-
achusetts and lived to the ripe old ase of ninetj--
four years. His father, James 1). Colt was of En-
glish descent. The mother of our subject, Sarah
(Root) Colt, a native of Massachusetts, was a
daughter of Ezekiel Root and died on the farm on
which she was born.
Our subject is one of seven children in his
parental honii^ and liis boyhood was p.issed in I'itts-
field, Mass. After attending a course of instruc-
tion in the Pittsfield Academj' he went South in
1828 and hecanio a planter in Florida and later
went to Cuba in the winter of 183C where he pur-
chased a coffee plantation which be managed suc-
cessfully for seven years. Returning to Florida he
engaged in cutting timber for the Government for
shipbuilding after which he went to New York City
and took up the manuf.-icture of chcniicals.
Five years later in September, 185.3, Mr. Colt
removed to Jlichigan and located for a time in
Shiawassee Township, where he carried on a flour-
ing-niill and a sawmill, until his llouring-niill
burned. After this disaster he rebuilt antj after a
short time sold out this business and removed to
Owosso in 1875 where he has lived a somewhat re-
tired life, although he gives himself partial occupa-
tion by conducting afire insurance business.
Col. Colt has been twice married. His first
matrimonial alliance was solemnized in 1834. By
this marriage with Leonora, daughter of Judge
Phillip Fatio, of Florida, he had I5ve children, four
of whom are living, namely, Fatio an attorney at
Bay Citj"; Leonora widow of Rev. .1. W. Capen, of
Binghamton, N. Y. Julia F., the wife of Oliver
Bronson, of New York and Louisa who is unmar-
ried. His second wife was Elizabeth S. Kimball a
native of Ohio and daughter of Moses Kimball
Esq., of Normal, Ohio. By tliis marriage there are
two children, Georgia and Henry Dutlon.
The subject of this sketch has held the office of
City Treasurer and City Clerk. He is a stanch
Democrat, easting his first Presidential vote for
Gen. Jackson, and w.as appointed Collector of the
Port at St. Marks by Van Buren, but refused to
accept the position. Both he and his excellent wife
are devout members of the Ei)iscopal Church.
They have a beautiful residence on Water Street
where they dispense hospitality to their numerous
friends. >Vhile in the South he engaged in the
Seminole War and was in command of a force
of soldiers. Wiiile living in the South he received
the title of Colonel whicli friends still enjoy
bestowing upon him.
-^-^-^-
j^RSON G. SUGDEN who owns the farm
on section 21, Sliiawasscu Township, Shia-
V.\ Jll ^^•{,ssec County, w.as born in Commerce, Oak-
land County, this State, August 22, 1848. His
parents were George and Anna (Reeves) Sudden.
The former was born in Hartford, Conn, and the
latter in New York and died when her son was but
four 3-ears old. The parents were married in Oak-
land County, this State. In 1856 George Sugdcn,
the father of our subject, settled in Siiiawassee
County and took for his second wife Mary A. Price,
who died two months before him. His death oc-
curring in March, 18G5. Of the two cliildrpii
which came to this family- our subject is the elder.
t'l):ules died in December, 1877. Before his death
he lived on the old homestead. He left a widow
who married again, her name now being Mrs. Al-
fred Jackson. The father settled on the farm
which his son at present occupies, in 1850.
It then comprised eighty acres of hnd, forty of
which were improved. The father was Supervisor
of the township for several terms and filled this
position at the time of his death. Our subject and
386
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
>c
his lirother lived on the farm from the time of their
f.itlier's death until that of Charles occurred. For
a time our subject's grandfather. Thomas Sugden,
made his home witli Orson's famil}'. for two or
three years.
The original of our sketch w.ns married at the age
of twenty-one 3'ears to Miss Cornelia Aber, of Sciota
Townsliip. Her death occurred February 15, 1882.
He was married a second time, October 10, 1883,
to Miss Lena D. Hendee, a sister of Mrs. W. II.
Phelps. She was born in Vernon, Shiawassee
Couuty, February 22, 1862. Two cliildren grace
the liome of our subject. Tiie}' are Claude AV.
wlio w.as horn ,Jul>- 27, 1877, and Edward Er.al,
born October 1, 1881).
Our suliject is a Kepublican in politics. He
served for two years as Township Treasurer, his
term closing April, 1801. His farm comprises one
hundred acres upon whicii are Iniildings in very
good condition. His dwelling is comfortal)le and
commodious and i)ears many evidences of taste
and culture. He lias one barn upon liis i)!ace the
dimensions of wiiich are 38xG0 feet and another
18x64 feet. His farm is well irrigated and drained.
His barn and slock sheds arc su|)i)lied with water
from a reservoir which is fllled by a wind engine.
Tlie attention tliat Mr. Sugden has paid to the sur-
roundings of liis house show tliat he is a lover of
order and progress and that he also appreciates the
value whicli appearances lend to a home.
^^ NSON B. CIHPMAN, one of the first act-
'Wl I ""' settlers of Owosso, Shiawassee Count3',
I It and tlie oldest living settler now in the
<^ city, was born in Addison County-, Vt., at
the foot of the Green Mountains December 27,
1812. His father, William Chipman, a native of
Vermont, was a son of Jesse Cliipifian, a soldier in
the Revolutionary War, who was with Gen. Mont-
gomery at the fall of (Quebec. The ancestors of
this family were of English stock.
The motlier of our subject bore the maiden name
of Ada Miner, and was a daughter of Richard
Miner; they were both natives of Connecticut, and
descendants of the old Puritan stock. They were
tlie parents of a large family of cliililren, only two
of whom arc now living: Isaac A., and our subject.
Anson B. Chipman passed his boyhood and spent
his j'outh with his father at Malone, N. Y. He
attended school mostly in Malone, and worked
also with his fatlier in making spinning wlieels. In
1 832 he came to M ichigan and spent the summer, and
in the fall returned home. In the spring of 1833,
he returned with a team to Michigan and towed a
boat through the Welland Canal.
In 1837 Anson B. Cliii)man removed to Shiawas-
see County, this State, locating in the woods. Here
he started a shop and set up a lathe turning a few
years after assisted by his father. In 1838 he en-
tered into the iiotcl business which was the first in
Owosso, located on the corner of Washington and
Main Streets; it was subsequently burned and was
on tlie site of Saulbury's block. He kept no liquors
and carried on the business for three years. In
1847 he removed to his present farm which com-
[Hises some hundred and twenty acres, a jiart of
which was covered with hcavj' timber of the best
maple and oak trees. He now turned his aUention
to farming, and after thoroughly clearing his farm
platted a portion of it which was adjacent to the
city and south of the countj- road, and sold out teu
acres of his land in lots, which at the present time
are well covered with liomes.
Mr. Chipman has been twice married. Ills first
wife to whom he was wedded in 1835, was Miss
Mary Shattuck, near Ypsilanti. She died in 1839.
His second marriage took place in 1841, when he
was united with Miss Mary Pratt of Yi)silanti. She
was a iiativc of Oneida Countj', N. Y., and is the
fourth child of Samuel and Lucy (Hitchcock)
Pratt. Five children have been granted to this
worthy coujile, Adah and George deceased; Rich-
ard E.; Linuic, deceased, and Emma the wife of
John S. Iloyt. Politically our subject is a stanch
Democrat, and he cast his first Presidential vote for
Andrew Jackson. In 1848 he was County Judge,
and has filled a number of offices, Mayor of the city
and Supervisor of the townsliij), also Town Clerk
and Township Treasurer, being now Superinten-
dent of the Poor which responsible otlico he has
held for thirty-seven years. He h.as also been Jus-
PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL ALUUM.
:?S7
tice of the Peace for fourteen yenrs. lias been No-
tary l*ul)lic' forty years, was iMaji)r in the Mililia.
Itotli lie and liis noble wife arc earnest and etiicient
members of the Congregational Church. lie is a
nienibor of Owosso Lodge, No. HI, V. & A. M.,
also of the Owosso Chapter No. 89, U. A. M.. in
whicli ho held the oflico of High Priest, and was for
many years a prominent memher of tiie Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Pellows, and in this orgrvniza-
tion passed all of the cliaiis. His pleasant home
stands at the corner of West Main and Cliipman
Streets, which latter avenue is named for lliis hon-
ored citizen.
S^^-
<Sl Ik^ALTKK K. SKV.MOI R, deceased. This
\r\j// worth}' man, a former resident of New
V^Y' Haven Township, Shiawiissee County, was
born in New York, February 17, 1813. lie took
advantage of a com raon -school education and be-
gan at an early age to support liimself and liefore
he reache<l liis majority came west to try iiis for-
tunes in a new country. He came to Livingston
Count\' in 1832, and after working there for a few
years reniove<l about 183G to Shiawassee County,
buying a farm of eighty acres, some three miles
n(utli of Corunna. lie cleared twenty acres and
was tlicre rdioul f(jur years.
In 1837 Mr. Seymour was joined in marriage
with Nanc;y Ann Finley, a daughter of Lewis and
Luc}- (Rice) Finley, natives of New York, wlio
carae to Michigan in 1835, and settled wliere
Owosso now stands, building the (irst house upon
that section. He bouj^ht one hundred and sixty
acres and lived there for several 3'ears, but after-
ward iiurchased the whole of section 18, in New
Haven Township, and removed to New Haven
about the year 18M and remained there until his
death which occurred four >ears later.
Mr. and Mrs, Finley were (he parents of eleven
children, of whom Nancy Ann was the second in
order of birth, her natal day being .Inly 6, 1817.
The first shelter which Mr. Finley erected for him-
self upon his n<'w iiomc was a very unique and
primitive structure. He drove stakes into the
ground, and taking to pieces a wagon box he cov-
ered this enclosure and hung blankets around the
sides and here he lived for a week, while he built
his log house on the banks of the Shiawassee River,
on the land which is now known as the Ingersol
farm. This log house wliich was the lirsl built in
that section, had the roof of bark from the bass-
wood, and the lloor was of split logs. A trip of
sixty miles to Pontiac w;is necessary to reach a
mill or a market. Mrs. Finley who was an earnest
and conscientious incniher of the Kaptist Church,
died in New Haven in 1877. Her husband held
some local ollices and was an earnest and active
Democrat.
Mr. and Mrs. Seymour settled on their farm on
secfion 18, New Haven Township on a tract of
eighty acres which hail been given to the lad}' by
her father. I'hey luid a little log house 18x20 feet
with just enough cleared for the house :"nd yard,
ami their nearest neighbors were two miles distant.
They cleared off the timber and cultivated the
land, and in 1850 added to it by [lurchasing tw«'n-
ty-four acres cm the same section, Mr. Seymour
was an adherent of the Democratic party, and fen-
several years tilled the olKce of Highway Commis-
sioner. Seven children were granted to them,
namely: Aaron Lewis who is in California; Lucy
L.; ]Mary L. ; Edward L., and George Richard,
deceased; William Walter, and Sophia A. Mr.
Seymour died in the prime of life in 18G5. flis
widow lives in a modest home upon a sightly hill
overlooking the Shiaw.assee River and ihe village
of West Haven, and she is alike beloved and re-
s|)ected b}' a large circle of friends and acquaint-
ances.
OHAULKS M, MKIJKILL, of the law lirm <.f
Fedewa & Merrill, is one of the most prom-
inent attorneys in Ihe county. He was
born in Chatham, Medina County, Ohio, and is a
son of Floyd Merrill, a native of St, Fiawrenee
County, N, Y, The grandfatber, Hichard, was a
New Hampshire man of no little iu)te. being a class
mate of Daniel Webster at Dartmouth College and
a civil engineer and land surveyor of ability.
While in business at New Yoik Cil v he was sent l>v
388
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAFHICAL ALBUM.
a syndicate to St. Louis to survey lands. He made
his home later in St. Lawrence (Jonnt^', N. Y.
where he was a successful farmer and owned a fine
jjropertj' about twenty- miles from the city of Og-
densburg.
The father of our subject was reared in New
York and was there married. In 1814 he removed
to Oliio where he was successful in managing a fine
farm. In 1867 he sold tliis property and journeyed
to Clinton County, this State l)^' team. He pur-
chased a farm adjoining the village of St. John's
and made his home witliin tlie village, while he
carried on the farm. He had eighty acres of im-
proved land which is now owned b^' his son. He
was a strong Republican in his political views and
in (^hio filled the position of Township Trustee.
His wife, Margaret Campbell, a native of New
York City, was a daughter of James Cam[)bell,
whose father was a Scotchman and became an
Orangeman. He was closely' allied to the noble
family whicli represents the Campbell clan. He
spent his days in New York City after coming to
this country and his son the grandfather of our
subject came West and located in Michigan.
Of the four children of the parental family' our
subject was the third, being born January 25, 185'i.
His early training was given him in the district
schools and on the farm in Medina Count}-, Ohio.
It was in 18G7 when he came to this count}'. He
attended the Union School at St. John's until com-
pelled by necessity to suspend his studies. When
eighteen years old he went to Lenawee County and
engaged in surveying on the railroad for the
Chicago and Canada Southern Railroad.
In 1874 the 3'oung surveyor adopted the law as
his chosen profession and entered that department
of the University of Jlichigan. After a two years
course he graduated in 1876 in the Centennial Class
with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He located
at St. John's nnd practiced for a short time with O.
L. Spaulding. He then went in with Anthony
Cook for two years. After practicing alone for
awhile he entered into p.artnership with Mr. Fed-
ewa, January 1, 18'J1. In 1880 he served as
Supervisor of the township for two years, and has
acted as Justice of tlic Peace for eight years. Being
elected Prosecuting Attorney he entered upon his
duties January 1, 1887, and being re-elected the
following year he continued in that office till the
beginning of 1891. He has a most excellent law
practice in this city and is also somewhat interested
in real-estate, owning about eighty acres in Bing-
ham Township
This gentleman took upon himself the responsi-
bilities of married life in 1880, being then united
at St. John's with Aliss Laura J. Joslen, a native of
Stueben County, Ind., and daughter of Dr. O. C.
Joslen, a prominent physician and early settler
there. Dr. Joslen died in St. John's in 1886. Five
beautiful children have come to bless this hai)p3'
and congenial union, namely: Oliver; Charles M.,
Jr.; Robert J.; Margaret J. and Treva. Mr. Mer-
rill was for two years Village Trustee. He is a
true blue Republican and is often made a delegate
to count}' and State conventions. He is identified
with several of the social orders, being a Knight
Temjilar, and Odd Fellow, a member of the Ancient
Order of United Workmen, of which he is a charter
member here. He is the local re[)rescntative of
the Odd Fellows in the Grand Lodge. The firm
of Fedewa & Merrill is as well-known through the
county as any firm of attorneys, and our subject
conipares well in character, culture and refinement
with any of the citizens of Clinton County.
GEORGE WARNER, JR., a well-known and
respected farmer, residing on section 19,
^^jjl New Haven Township, was born in Witten-
berg, Germany, in May, 1843. His father, George
Warner, Sr., received the usual education of a
German boy, and pursued the avocation of a
farmer. He was also a native of Wittenberg, and
was born in 1801. In 1823 he was joined in mar-
riage with Frcdericka Rummel, who was born in
the same place in 1807. Our subject is the fifth
child in their little group of three daughters and
three sons.
George Warner, Sr., came to America in 1845,
and settled in Auglaize County, Ohio, where he
bought a farm of forty acres, upon which he re-
PORTRAIT AND BlOGKArillCAL ALBUM.
ssu
niained until his dealh in 18r)2. His wife survived
iiiiii for several years and passed away in 1804.
He was a Democrat in his political belief, um\ ho
and his worthy companion were devout Lutherans
in relij^ion. Very meager opportunities of educa-
tion were furnished Ut their sou (icorge. as it was
early necessary for him to undertake Ids own sup-
port.
The young man purchased some tov.u property
in Wapakoneta, Oliio, in 1802. He had learned
the trade of cal»inet,-making, and purciiased a half
interest in a shop at Purrysburg. In 1870 lie came
to New Haven, Micii., and worked for about two
years, and then going to Saginaw became eniplo3'('d
in the car shops there, aud later came to where he
now lives and bought one hundred and twi'uty acres
on section lU.
The lady whom Mr. Warner chose for nis com-
panion tlirough life was Clara Hart, a daughter of
Lewis and Cordelia (Seymour) Hart, who were
among the very earliest settlers of New Haven
and ranked high among the pioneers of Shiaw."ssec
County. Lewis Hart was born in 1810, and C'or-
delia Seymour in 1821. They were both natives
of New York and came to Michigan when they
were children, reaching the Wolverine Slate about
the year 1S30. To both of them was given a
good common school education, and they were
united in marriage February 21, 1841. They had
nine children, four sons and live daughters, and
tlu-ir famdy became one of the most inllueutial in
Shiawassee Count}'. Their daughter Clara was
born September 17, 1854, and became the wife of
George Warner in 1874. Mis. Warner's father
was alternately- Supervisor and Treasurer of Niw
Haven Township for a number of years. Her
father died Ai)ril .'), 1808, but her mother sm -
vivcd until November 1, 1880. When they lirst
came to New Haven their nearest neighbor "as
three miles distant. They lia<l to go to I'ontiac to
mill, and on one occasion their ox-teani became so
badly mired that they were obliged to leave one
ox ill the mud until the next morning when they
returneil to extricate it. In those days the bears
would come to the pen and carr}- off their hogs.
To Mr, anil .Mis. Warner have been granted six
oright and promising children. They are by name
Clayton, Kittle, Walliiita, Dora, Iva aud Donald.
The ()arents are b(jili members of the order of the
Patrons of Lutustry, and Mrs. Warner has been
the President of that society at West Haven. She
is a woman of more than ordinary ability, having
a fine mind and a coninianding presence. Mr.
Warner is a Democrat in his political views, but
does not care for odice, preferring to confine his
activities to the culture of his farm, in which he is
tiul}' successful.
ARON HUFF. The sons of pioneers take
■I an earnest and just pride in recalling the
li) ex()eriences of their parents when they
,^^ first came to the new West. The hard-
ships and trials then patienll}' and bravely encount-
ered, the dillicullies overcame and the grand suc-
cess achieved helped to mold, not only the character
of the parents but to stamp upon the children an
iiiHiress wliic^h can never wear away. Tiiey are
more earnest, more true-hearteil and more per-
serving because of what theii- [larents have under-
gone.
The father of .\aroii Huff, was one of these pion-
eers. His name was .lohn iM. HulT and he was
born in Seneca County, N. Y. in the Township of
Ovid in 171)4. He took part in the War of 1812
,as a fifer and came to iMichigan in 188;), locating
iilion section t\vent3'-thrce, ^'ernoll Township, Sliia-
wasaee County, not far fiom where his son now
lives. There were no iin[)rovemeiits at all on the
place and he cut logs to make his own home, and
put the pl.ace in good condition for agriculture.
This earnest pioneer was a Whig in politics, and
held the ollice of Justice of the Peace for four
years. He was a constant and active member of
the Presbyterian Church and acted :is Deacon In
that bod}' while living in New ^'oik. His fathei,
Nichols HulT a native of New .Ii'rsey, is al.so a
patriot and bore to his last days a wound received
in the right knee during the Revolutionary War.
He lived to be over ninety years of age. The
family is originally from Holland.
Tile mother of our subject bore the inaiilen name
390
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of Sarah Sutplien and was born in New Jersey. June
15,1790. She lived until July 8, 1858. She was
married to the father of onr subject in Seneca
County, N. Y.. July 9, 1812. They were the par-
ents of ten children, four of whom still survive.
Aaron Huff was boir. in Ovid Township, Seneca
Count}' N. Y., March 6, 1821, and there remained
until he reached the age of eighteen years, taking
his schooling in his new home. He assisted his
f.ather on tlie farm and came at tlie age of eighteen
with his parents to Michigan and did genuine
yeoman work in clearing tlic forest and subduing
the soil.
The first marriage of Aaron Huff took place
September (J, 1848, his wife being Phcebe Wyckoff,
whose mother died when Pli(L'l)e was two years
old. She was a native of the same township as him-
self where slie was born in January, 1828. One
daugliter blessed this union, Marion Elizabctli, who
is married to .Samuel Say re and lives in Alcona
County. Mrs. Huff herself died April 24, 1851, at
the age of twenty-three years. Our subject mar-
ried a second time February 8, 1852, taking to wife
Elizabeth Cole, a. native of Pennsylvania, who was
born in Ilari-ison Townshii), Potter Count}', this
State, August 2;i, 1832. She came vvilh her par-
ents, Joseph and Elizaheth (Wickes) Cole to
Michigan when an infant of only one year. Mr.
and Mrs. Cole were natives of New York who came
to Michigan in the old Territorial d.'iys and made
their first home in Kensington Township, Oakland
County, thence removing to Livingston County,
where the mother now resides, having reached the
age of eiglit3'-five years. The father died at the
age of seventy-eight.
Mr. and Mrs. Huff are the parents of five chil-
dren, three daughters and two sons, namely:
Phojbe M., the wife of Thomas Peck; Charlie
married llattie B. Dell; Minnie, the wife of Alex-
ander Peck; Alida, the wife of Leander Peck; and
Rolla. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Peck have three
daughters — Cora, Hazel and Nellie.. Charlie Huff
has one daugliter Merlie. Mr. and Mis. Alexander
Peck have one son and one daughter ; Roy and
Lclah. Mr. and Mrs. Leander Peck have one son
and one daughter — Eddie .S. and Ivah.
The subject of this sketch located where he now
resides when he first came to Michigan and found
upon the place a log house. He at once went to
work to clear away the forest trees and set out or-
chards, putting up fences and necessary outbuild-
ings. He had at one time one hundred and ten
acres but has sold about thirty acres of this and
has his farm mostlj' under cultivation. He has
always been a Republican in his views but now
votes the Prohibition ticket. Mrs. Huff belonged
to a family of eight children, four sons and four
daughters, all but one of whom are still living.
Mr. Huff has retired mostly from active work and
allows his son Rolla who resides with him to carry
on the farm.
I Si^^.ORMAN COWLES, a representative agri-
I /// ci'lt-f'st of Essex Township, Clinton Coun-
\)^,jlL) t}', was born February 10, 1835, in Macomb
County, Mich. He is the son of Chester and Eliza
(Curliss) Cowles, both of whom were natives of
New York. His paternal great-grandfather was one
1 of the Revolutionarj' heroes in whose record his
I descendants take great pride. Chester Cowles was
an early settler of Macomb County, this State, to
which jjlace he came in the territorial daj's, taking
up land from the (iovernment in 1832.
Our subject received iiis early education in the
district schools of the pioneer times, which,
although they did not offer great advantages, may
yet be favorably compared with the schools of to-
day in the earnestness of both teacher and pupils.
He has l)eeu a life long reader and has given him-
self a supplementary education, which fitted him
for usefulness and enabled him to attain a position
of influence in the community.
In 1853 j'oung Cowles made a trip to California,
going by way of Nicaragua and being thirtj'-onc
days in reaching his destination. There he en-
gaged in gold mining and was fairly successful.
After one year and a half in the mines, he returned
to Michigan, m.aking tiie trip by w.ay of Panama.
Since his return he has devoted himself entirely to
farming. His marriage with Emily Rice took place
April 18, 18G0. This intelligent and amiable ladj'
was born in Macomb County, this State, April 28,
rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
■di)d
1834, and is a daiiglilcr of Jolin and Mar^' Robin-
son Rice, natives of Maine. Her parents emi-
grated to Macomb County, this State, in the old
Territorial days, settling in the woods and buying
land from the Government in 1833, during Jack-
son's administration. There they resided during
the remainder of their days.
To Mr. and Mrs Cowles have been bo'ii five
beautiful and interesting children, wlio have all
lived to years of maturity. The}' are: Carrie,
(Mrs. Joseph Bleraaster) Charles, Burt, Austin and
Ralph. In the spring of 1882 our subject removed
with his family from Macomb County to Clinton
County, making his new home in Essex Township
where he now resides. He owns a fine farm of two
hundred and fifteen acres of excellent land, well im-
proveil and liigidy cultivated, and in a word, one
of the best farms in Clinton. lie is a public spir-
ited citizen and actively promotes all efforts for the
elevation of the social and industrial condition of
the farming community. His judgment endorses
the principles of the Re[)ublican pari}' and he is a
member of the Farmers' Cliib of Essex County,
which he now is serving as President. He is prom-
inently identified witli the Ancient Order of United
Workmen at Maj)le Rapids, and Mrs. Covvks is nn
active and ellicient member of the Congregational
Church. Both are honored members of society
and do much to elcvat« its standard and enccnirage
all good works. On another page of this volume
appears a lithographic view of the comfortable res-
idence of Mr. Cowles, with its rural surroundings.
ORRIS OSBURN. Prominent in commer-
and well known among business
ight financier and a thorough
* manager, is the gentleman whose name
heads this paragraph. He is a man of rpiiet man-
ner and considerable reserve, but a clear thinker
and prompt to act. He has accumulated an excel-
lent property, and is a thorongli business man. He
was born in Meadville, Pa., on January 31, 1838,
and is the eldest son of John and Jane (Morris)
OsDurn. He passed his school days in his native
liome, attending first the ward schools and after-
ward the academy. He then entered his father's
store, thus gaining useful exi)eriencc in mercantile
affairs.
In 1850 the subject vi this sketch came to Pon-
tiac, Mich., and spent the winter, after which he
came to Owosso, and, buying a small store, put in
a stock of goods. Soon after his coming here his
father joined him, and he went into company with
him and a younger brother. They also took an
interest in pine timber lands in Saginaw County
running three sawmills under the firm name of
Gould, Osburn & Co. The firm did a large busi-
ness in the wa^- of manufacturing lumber and con-
tinued ;n existence until 1877, when the Osburns
sold out their interest lo other [)arties and made
Owosso their permanent home, .nt the same time re-
taining their interest in the mercantile establisii-
ment at that place.
Mr. Morris Osburn helped to organize the First
National Bank at Owosso, and was made Vice-Presi-
dent, a position which he held for twculy years,
after which the charter of tiie institution ran out
and it was changed to a i)rivale bank. He was
also one of the principal men in incorporating the
Owosso Woolen Mills, and also the Secretary of
the company of French, Osburn & Knill, which
continued in existence until the mills burned.
They were, however, immediately rebuilt, but
burned a second time, and were again rebuilt, but
the business w.as closed up in 1871.
Mr. Osburn continued to hold his interest in tiie
firm of Osburn & Sons until 1884, when he sold
out and turned his attention to general farming
and stock-raising. His fine farm of two lumdred
and forty acres is well improved and Hnel\ stocked
with sheep and cattle and a good grade of draft
horses.
The great event of Mr. Osburn's life was his
marriage, in 18G0, to Miss Mary Gould, a daughter
of the late Hon. Amos Gould. This lady was born
in New York State, near Auburn, and her union
with our subject h.as been blessed by the birth of
three sons — Harr}- G., who is a resident of Ciiicago,
.and Morris and Joe, who are still at home. Mr.
Osburn has been Sui)er visor at large in Shiawassee
County, and is now strving his second term in that
394
rORTKAlT AJSD BIOGRAi'lilCAL ALBUM.
office, lie is also Rccretai'y of the Water Board,
and his political conviclions are in accordance with
the Republican party. His attractive and hand-
some residence at No. 418 Oliver Street is pleas-
antly situated and is the center of a genial social
life.
"lIlOSEl'H IIANKKY, a prominent farmer and
stock raiser, residing on section 3, Green-
bush Township, Clinton County, is a native
of Bavaria, German}', where he was born
Sei)tember 22, 1834. John and Pauline Ilankey,
his parents, gave him a fair education in his native
language and in the branches which arc taught in
the Goverment schools of that country. In his
early manhood he spent some time in a blacksmith
and machine shop.
The young man emigrated to America in 1851,
taking passage at Havre, France, in a sail vessel,
which, after an ocean voyage of forty-two days,
landed him in New York City. He went on at
once to Rochester in that State, and there worked
in a blacksmith and machine shop for about two
years, and then came to Wayne County, N. Y.,
where he engaged as a farm hand for a number of
years. While living there he was married to Caro-
line Spat, a native of Germany.
Nine children have been granted to Mr. and Mrs.
Kankey. They are: Mary, now the wife of
David Gilson; Catherine, William, ,Iohn, Eliza-
beth, Charles, Franklin, Edward and Anna. Mr.
Ilankey came to Clinton, Mich., in the fall of 1859,
and settled on his present farm in Greenbush
Township. He has one hundred and sixty acres in
his home farm, besides one hundreil and twenty in
another tract iu CJratiot County. He has greatly
improved his land, having done a vast amount of
pioneer work upon it, and has brought to its pres-
ent high state of cultivation. He began with ver^'
little, and has by his own exi'rtions attained to his
present state of prosperity.
Mr. Ilankey is fairly well informed in the Eng-
lish language, and matters of public interest, hav-
ing exerted himself to this end ever since coming
to this country, and, being public spirited, he has
desired to understand oui national institutions,
and has allied himself politically with the Rei)ub-
lican party. He is an active promoter of all move-
ments looking to the welfare of the community
and general [)rosperity. lie is one of the leading
and representative tierman-Anierican ciiizeris in
Greenbush Township, and his excellent character
and success in life give him a strong influence
with his fellow-countrymen. He has given consid-
erable attention to the laising of fine stock, having
upon his farm some fine specimens of llolstein
cattle and horses of fine breeds. His beautiful
home and broad and fertile farm with its well-kept
barns and outbuildings attest not only to his pros-
perity, but also to his industry and good manage-
ment. He is well and favorably known for his
honesty and industrious habits, and commands the
confidence of the business community.
GEORGE H. SOWLE. It is a pleasure to
record the successes of those who have ap-
plied themselves diligently to an honorable
calling, and this pleasure is increased when the sub-
ject represents a family worthy of respect and use-
ful in its part of the world. For these reasons we
are glad to be able to present to our readers some
account of the scenes that have transpired in the
life of the gentleman whose name introduces these
paragrai)hs, and who is now :i thriving farmer of
Essex Townshii), Clinton County. Although for
some years (last the years have been gliding by un-
marked 1)3' any strange event, he has not been
without a share in the (hmgcrous and thrilling ex-
periences of which human existence' is capable.
Our subject is the son of a ()ioneer of 1831, his
father having located in Clinton County at I hat
time and having been one of the first to secuie
Government land in Esse.x Township. He came
here on foot from Lenawee County, and selected u
location in a part that was the home of ui.-iny
Indians .-nid the haunt of deer, wolves and luar;^.
It was in the center of the township, although no
organiz'ili'in had yet been made and uo roads laid
POIITUAIT AND UIOGUArUlCAL ALBUM.
395
out. Prior lu coining liere Jiinios Sowli' li.i'.l been
workinjj in Lenawee and oilier coiinlies in tlie
viciuilv of Detroit, and he hail put up the lirst
flouring mill in the City of the Straits, one run by
water power. He was born in Dutcliess County, N.
Y., in 180G, and cainc to Detroit a few months be-
fore lie became of age. I'litil he came to Clinton
he worked at bis trade, that of a carpenter, but
after selecting a location here he cleared and im-
proved a farm and devoted himself i)rincip:illy to
agricultural work. In 1884 he removed to section
L5, where he spent the few years that remained to
him of earth life. He died in KSiS.S in his eighty-
third year.
James Sowle belonged to a mililary companj'
and was a regular attendant at the exercises of
training day. He was the first Highway Commis-
sioner elected in Essex Township and laid out the
first roads. He served at various times as Super-
visor, Treasurer and Clerk, and stood high in the
eslimalion of everyone vviio know hi(n. He was a
counselor and friend of the red men, who often
called upon him for advice in the settlement of
tlieir diflicullies. His home was open to all tiavel-
ers or ihose who intended to settle in this or neigh-
boring counties, and all were made welcome under
his roof. He was a member of the Iiai)tist Church,
and for many years held the oUice of Dcaoon. His
first wife, the mother of onr subject, bore the
maiden name of J^ucy Nestle, was born in New
York and was the mother of nine children, but two
of whom survive. She breathed her last in 1848
and Mr. Sowle subsequently made a second mar-
riage, which was blessed by the l)irlh of live chil-
dren.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town-
ship that is now his home, December 25, 184 1, and
was reared on the old Sowle homestead. His first
attendance at school was in a lijg shanty si.v miles
from home, on the site of what is now known as
Uichard D. Caruss Corners. His second school
was in a part of his father's dwelling, and after a
time a district was organized and a log schoolhouse
built. There were but four or five white children
in the district, the others being Lulians. Like
other lads in farm settlements, he could attend
school only in the winter months, the other seasons
being given up to work on the farm. When the
Civil War broke out young .Sowle had not passed
through his teens, but he was desirous of taking up
arras and aiding in the maintenance of the Repub-
lic, and in August, 18G2, carried out his wish and
enlisted in the Fifth Michigan Cavalr3', Col.
Copeland commanding. During the next few
months he participated in many skirmishes, being
present in every engagement in which his regiment
took i)art. He had the fortune to be i)resent at
several of the most noted battles of the war, in-
cluding Winchester, Cedar Creek, Petersburg,
Trevilian Station and the three days' fight at
Gettysburg. He was one of seventy -one men de-
tailed as escort to Gen. Hooker on his way to An-
tietara.
At Ilartwood Church, in Virginia, July -I'.K 18G3,
Mr. Sowle was taken prisoner, being captured by
Stuart's Cavalry, while out foraging. He was
taken to Fitz Hugh Lee's headquarters, at Freder-
icksburg, thence sent to Libliy |)rison, and three
weeks later removed to IJelle Isle, where he was
paroled December 27. After being duly exclianged
he rejoined his regiment at City Point, and sul)se-
quenlly, while engageii in the Shenandoah Valley,
was again captured by the rebels, this time being
one of twenty-two prisoners secured by Mosby's
guerrillas. Not long after, the twenty-two prison-
ors were drawn up in line under Ihe direction of
the notorious guerrilla chieftain, and slips of paper
having been placed in -.i liat, they were obliged to
draw therefrom, those wht) secured pieces marked
with a cross being doomed to death. Seven were
to be hung in retaliation for the hanging of rebels,
and this was the means taken to determine which
should have that fate. Mr. Sowle was the first to
draw and his ticket had the fatal cross upon it.
When the drawing was completed the seven
doomed men were plafxnl in single file, with a r(>i)e
tied to the left arm of each and fastened to the
saddle of one of the seventeen mounted rebels
who accompanied ihein to a point sevenleen miles
distant, where they were to meet their fale. Col.
Mosby had decide<l to go as near Winclieslcr as
possible and leave the haiu'ed men where the
Union forces would lind llieiii and read the notice
which would slate his reasons for the deed. At
396
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
stated intervfils during tlie march a bait was made
for a slight rest and scouts would Ije sent for-
ward to see if the wa}- was clear. During these
brief periods the doomed men could communi-
cate with each other in a wliispcr and the more
daring ones endeavored to i)hui an escape. Some
of the part3' were so excited and bewildered that
they were unable to muster ccnirago to make an
attempt, but Mr. Sowlc, who was at the head of
the little column, was quite cool, and determined
not to be hung, pieferring to be shot if he must
die.
As the doomed party was approaching a strii)
of woods and he felt sure that the execution
would not long be delayed, they were ordered to
turn to the right and as they did so passed into
a deep gully, tlie bottom of which was covered
with dry leaves. Mr. Sowle had iscertained that
the rope could easily be loosened from Ids arm
and in the noise made b^- the rustling of the
leaves his slight movement in freeing Ids arm
was unnoted and he droijped down on the ground.
He was unobserved even by his less fortunate
comrades, and lay Hat on the ground while the
guerrillas passed by. The last hor.senian had
scarcely passed when the Lieutenant ordered a
halt and sent his scouts out to find a suitable
place in which to carr}' out his fiendish purpose.
Mr. Sowle dared not move, but lay, with his heart
beating fast, during a period that seemed an age,
before the order was given to march. The scouts
returned and reported everything in readiness,
and as the parly moved forward he moved in the
opposite direction. It was quite dark, the moon
having disappeared behind a cloud, and in his
flight he ran against a stone wall and was
knocked almost senseless. He lay for a moment
in the bunch of briars and heard the order given
to halt and the oaths uttered by the rebels when
they discovered that the seventh man was nussing.
In a moment Mr. Sowle had run farther back
and climbing a tree he remained concealed in the
branches until nearly noon the next day, when
he made his way safely into the Union lines.
Three of his unfortunate comrades were hung and
the other three decided to stand up and be shot.
As liie revolvers were drawn upon them one of
the doomed men struck his foe and made a bold
attempt to csca[)e. Several shots were fired after
him, but none took effect. The other twci were
shot and left for dead, but one recovered.
Having i<assed tiirough this experience in safety,
Mr. Sowle continued his valiant service until llie
close of the war and parlicii)ated in the Grand
Review at Washington, after whicli he was dis-
charged and returned home. In the peaceful call-
ing of a farmi^r he has been very successful and he
now has a fine esJate of two hundred acres, bearing
good improvements and furnishing large crops, A
No. 1 in quality. The possession of this estate is
the more creditable to Mr. Sowle as he had but
limited means with which to liegin his life woik,
and he has risen to a position among the i)rosi>er-
ous dwellers in the township by tlie exercise of
sterling qualities and careful habits. His home is
made cozy and attractive by the taste and skill of
the lady who became his wife on June 1, 18G6.
She bore the maiden name of Alice Bentley, and
is a native of New York. Tlipy have three children,
named, respectively, I.yron M., Cortie IJ. and Or-
ville D.
Mr. Sowle is a Democrat in politics, and, socially,
is connected with the Masonic order. Grange, Pa-
trons of Industry, Ancient C)rder of United Work-
men and Grand Army of the Republic. He has
served as Highway Commissioner several years and
has been an acceptable public servant. He and
his wife are esteemed as among the useful and
agreeable members of society and their prosperity
is rejoiced in by their friends.
^
E^^
MBROSE AUSTIN, who is widely known
'g/Lill :is a successful farmer and l)i'idge builder,
(i resides on section 7 of Ilazelton Township,
Shiawassee County', Mich., and is a native
of Tompkins County, N. Y., his natal day being
February 12, 1821. His father Sylvester Austin
was a farmer and also a tanner and currier, and
was born in the old Bay Slate, M.ay 18, 1785. lie
received the rudiments of a common school educa-
tion and after he had learned trade of a tanner and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
307
eiirrier worked at that until the year 1816, when
he purchased one hundred acres in Tompiiins
County, N. Y., seventy acres of wiiidi was wild
land. He cleared forty-five acres of it and lived
upon it until iiis demise in July, 1852.
The mollier of our subject, who was united in
marriage witli Sylvester Austin in 1809, was Sarah
North, a daughter of Orcsimus and Jane (Mary-
hugii) North, natives of New York and i)arents of
eight children, of whom Sarah was second in order
of birth, her natal day being .lanuary 6, 1791.
Sylvester and Sarah Austin made their first home
in Ulster County, N. Y. Nine daughters and one
son came to cheer their home, of whom Ambrose
is the fifth in order of birtli. Tlie parents were
earnest and consistent members of the ]5ai)tist
Churcii and Mr. Austin voted the Democratic
ticket but had no aspirations for office. Mrs.
Austin was called from earth in 1851 and her be-
reaved husband followed her in July the ensuing
year.
Ambrose Austin received the ordinary advant-
ages of the common school and grew up to man-
hood upon the farm. At the age of twenty-four
he bought a farm of eighty acres in Tioga County,
N. Y.. and having cleared some of tlio land pro-
ceede<l to improve it, and lived upcin it upun 1849
when he bought eighty acres nmre ."ind devoted
himself to getting out large quanlilies of wood,
furnishing ties for the Delaware, LacNawaniia and
Western Railro.ad. Mr. Austin remembers that
road when it was a strap-railroad and employed
horses .is its motive power. Tliis was in the year
1833 and the first steam engine was put u[)()n thi.s
road aliout the year 1840.
In 1852 our subject sold his farm of one hund-
red ami si.\ty acres and removing to Tompkins
County, pnrclia.sed his father's old honu'stcad of
hundred acres, lie had been happily joined in
marriage in 1814 to Sarah Hamilton, a daughter
of Charles Hamilton, a farmer of Tompkins Count}'.
Sarah was born in I.S23 and the fifth child in a
family of two sons and five daughters. She be-
came tiie mother of four sons.
Benjamin Austin the oldest son of Ambrose and
Sarah was born in Tompkins Counly, N. Y. in 1H15
and became a sohlier in the Union Army. He en-
listed and went to Virginia in liSC;), and remained
until the close of the war, guarding the Salt Woi^s
near Charleston, W. Va. After the close of the
war be attended E.astman's Business College at
Poughkcepsie, N. Y. He then came to Michigan
.and lived with his father until June, 1875 when
he was killed by the kick of a horse, ^'incent the
second son was born in 1847 and died in infancy.
Marcellus who was boro in 1849 is married and
lives in Iowa. Roland was born in 1851 and died
in Pennsylvania in 1885. The mother of these
sons died in New York in 1853.
After the death of his wife Ambrose Austin sold
his farm and went to Canada and vvas there till
1866 when he came to Oakland County, Mich.,
and in 1867 bought a farm in Hazelton, Shiawassee
County, and moved on to it in 1K68. He cleared
ahotitone half of the si.vty-five acres and then sold
t'le land and (lurchascd where he now lives. His
second marriage occui'red in 1KG4 when he was
hai)[)ily united with !\Iatil<l;i Batliece of Canada,
where she was born in IS.JS. By this wife, Amb-
rose Austin had three daughters and one son.
namely: Enieline, wife of George Brown, of Flint;
M.ay, Mrs. Walter Shuttlewortii, of Corunna; anil
Cora and .lay who are at home with their parents.
The Republican parly claims tin; warm allegiance
of our subject and he has several limes been elected
to the office of Highway Commissioner. His e.\-
poiiences in the Innibor regions of New York au<l
Canada form an iiilcrosting part of the rccoiil of
his life, and his relation of them is both thrilling
and instructive.
mi
OHN HICKS, of St. John's, is one of the
most successful men in business in Clinton
County. In proportion to his early start
in life he is probably the most successful,
and by the report of the Assessor onl_v one man in
the counly outstrips him in weallli. He is a shrewd
and able business man, very enterprising an<l of
utmsual intellectual force, and his public spirit has
led him to do m.any things for the city of his
choice. He is the oldest merchant in Clinton
398
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
County, being engaged in the diy-goods and gio-
ceiy Inisir.ess, and is also President of St. Jolin's
National I'anli.
John Ilieiis was born in Kingston, West Ontario,
Canada, July 7, 1824. His father, Samuel, w.is
born in New Jersey, and w.is tlie son of John
Hicks, Sr., an Englishman, who was a sea cap-
tain and made voyages to the East Indies, and
finally located in New Jersey, where he remained
the rest of his life. Samuel Hicks was also a
sailor and was for years a captain on the lakes.
He was engaged in the War of 1812. While on
the lakes he had his headquarters in Toronto, and
for years had the contract of carrying the mail
between that city and Kingston. He afterward
made liis home in St. Joseph and ran a boat be-
tween liiat point and Chicago. During the Mc-
Kenzie Rebellion he was implicated with the
patriots and found it nece.ssarj' to leave Canada,
lie made his home first in Detroit and afterward
in St. Joseph, Mich.
Samuel Hick's wife, Eunice Bailey, was a native
of Connecticut and belonged to a New England
faujily. She, with her brother, removed to Water-
town, N. Y., in the early days, and he became a
prominent business man there. Here she married
Samuel Hicks. Her days closed in St. Lawrence
County, N. Y. She brought up her four children
to tl'.c faith of the Presbyterian Church. Her
eldest, Andrus, died in St. Lawrence County;
Louisa, now Mrs. l>rooks, resides in Cleveland.
Ohio; and Marinda M., now Mrs. Clow, resides at
New Weshniiistcr, British Columbia. '
The youngest child, our subject, was reared in
Canada. He supplemented his district school edu-
cation by attendance at Whitney Academy. Here
he began work, first on the farm and afterward as
clerk. In Ihc fall of 1849 he traveled bj' stage to
Toronto, fmni there by boat to Queenstown and
Chippewa, and after visiting Buffalo went to De-
troit. He finally located at DcWitt, this Slate,
whcie his uncle, David Sturgis. had a general
store and grist and saw mill, and was at that time
the most prominent man in the counlj'. For a
year the youni: man kept his uncle's books, and
then, going into partnership with him, bought a
slock of goods and entered into the general mer-
cliandise business. After about three j'ears of
this partnership our subject bought out Mr. Stur-
gis' interest, and that gentleman established a store
in St. John's while Mr. Hicks continued the busi-
ness at DeWitt. It used to take a week to bring
goods by team from Detroit, and he was obliged to
carry on business according to a sort of barter
system, taking almost everytiiing imaginable in
excliange.
In the fall of 1856 Mr. Hicks disposed of his
business in DeWitt, and coming to St. John's, re-
sumed partnership with his uncle. Two years later
he bought out I\Ir. Sturgis' interest and continued
alone in general merchandising. About the j'ear
1858 he began buying grain here and shipped
the first grain that went from here in bags and
barrels. In 1860 he built a warehouse and en-
tered more cxtensivelj' into the grain business,
which he has since carried on continuously. He is
the oldest grain merchant in the count}- and has
all the modern improvements in his elevator, hav-
ing the largest fans for cleaning his wheat and
ship))ing more grain than any other man in St.
John's. He is also engaged in the wool business
to some extent, and has dealt in lands and
lumber. He formerly managed two stores in Gra-
tiot Count}', one .at Bridgeville and one at Pom-
pei. For six or seven years he was heavily en-
g.aged in buying staves for the Detroit market,
' whence the}' were shipped to Europe. For a num-
ber of years he also carried on r. fine farm of one
hundred and sixlj- acres in Essex Township, Clin-
' ton County.
The subject of this sketch has been elficient in
building operations. He was Chairman of the
Building Committee that erected the Court House
and jail, and was its most efficient member, and
was also on a similar committee for the construc-
tion of the schoolhouse. He has erected two brick
buildings, and he and Mr. R. M. Steel together
built the tlirec-slory brick block which is known
by their name. These gentlemen were engaged in
manufacturing brick and had a yard in St. John's
for many yea'S. For several years he was proprie-
tor and manager of the St. Joseph Foundry and
Agricultural M'orks. Mr. Hicks came to Clinton
County with only $1,000, and by strict integrity,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
300
the exercise of good judgment, perseverance in
carrying out liis plans and by strict attention to
(letniis lio Ins made a success of everylbing lie
has undertaken.
Mr. Ilicks was one of the organizers of St.
John's National Bank, is and has been its Presi-
dent since its organization, and one of its largest
stockholders. He is also one of the organizers
and a director of the Savings Bank. He is in the
dry -goods and carpet liusiness, and his fine stock
occupies two floors in liis extensive store. He has
large real-estate interests in Clinton, Gratiot and
Isabella Counties, Mich. lie h.as also an interest
in Florida lands and in an extensive ranch in Ne-
braska.
The marriage of Mr. Hicks with Eliza .A. Hus-
ton took place in 1855. This lady is a daughter
of Mattliew Huston an<l gran<ldaughter of Tiioinas
Huston, both wealthy hmdowners in County An-
trim, Ireland. When the family first came to this
country, in 1818, they located in \''crmont and
after awhile went to Burlington. Mrs. Hick's
father had a flourishing shoe factory in Siielburne,
Vt., but met with reverses through signing papers
for a friend. He came to Michigan in 1848, and
finall}' made his home in Gratiot County, where he
tiled in 185G, being highly respected. Mrs. Hus-
ton was a \'ermont lad}', Arabellc Pierce by name,
whose father, Luther, was born in ConncclicMt.
She still resides with our subject, and although
eighty-three years of age she possesses a clear
mind and active faculties.
Mrs. Ilicks was one of five children and w.ts
born in Shelburne October 13, 1833. After at-
tending common-school, she received her higher
education at a ladies' seminar}'. Mr. and Mrs.
Hicks have three children. Their eldest, Ida E.,
is now Mrs. Rawson, of Seville, Fla. ; John C. is
witli bis father in business; and Jennie M. is at
home with her parents. They have all had the
best educational advantages which could l)e af-
forded them, as the intelligence of their parents
ami their warm devotion to family interests have
led ihem to tlii.s wise course. The beautiful resi-
dence wliifch ^Ir. Hicks erected at a cost of over
115,000 occupies the most beautiful location in
town. He has been for a number of years on the
"Village Board, and was active in organizing the
First Methodist E|)iscoprd Church here, being
Ciiairman of the committee and a Trustee. His
wife is a devoted member of this church and very
.active in the ladies' societies. Mr. Hicks has been
Chairman of the Democratic County Committee.
-^
i^^ELSON FARLEY, one of the most prosper-
ous farmers of Rush Township, Shiawassee
County, resides on section 7, where he and
his companionable and excellent wife are enjoying
the comfort v/hich past years of industry and en-
terprise have earned for them. Mr. Farley
was born in Hamilton, Canada, in 1834. His
father, David Farley, a blacksmith, was born in
County Cork, Ireland, in 1790, and came to Can-
ada .nnd bought property in Hamilton. He was
married about the year 1832 to Ann Persons, a
daugiiter of John and Elizabetli (Denain) Persons.
They had two sons and two daughters of whom
Ann was the youngest. David and Ann had one
son, our subject. David Farley died in 1837 iuid
his widow afterward married D.ivid McManners, a
farmer and a neighbor of tiieirs, by whom she had
two children.
When our subject was seventeen years old he
started in life for himself at the business of head
sawyer, coming to Michigan in 1858 he worked
for several years in various localities and in 1861
took up a homestead of eighty acres on section 7,
Rush Township. This land w.as nearly all .swamp
or marsh land and is what was known then as the
Ber.ver Meadows as it bad lieavcr dams in it and
formed the head w<iteis of the south branch of
the Bail River.
In 18U1 Nelson Farley took to wife Orilla Lina-
bury, a daughter of John and Cynthia( Alfrce)Lin-
abury. They were from Pennsylvania and had
twelve children, of whom Orilla was the eleventh
child and fourth daughter, being born .lune G,
1844. Mr. and Mrs. Farley have had one daugh-
ter— Ida May, who was born in June, 181)2, and
died January 17. 1880. This loss was a heart-
breaking one '.o lior parents, who have never ceased
to mourn for lu^r.
400
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
When a young man, Mr. Farley had earned and
accumulated $1,000 which he had invested, but it
was swept away in the financial crash which fol-
lowed the close of the Crimean War. He then
started out ayain for himself, and working eighteen
days in the harvest field, earned ^"J, which consti-
tuted the capital with which he came to Michigan.
Game was verj' plentiful in those days and he
killed many v. deer. He was one of the best shots
in the country and has not by any means lost his
interest in sport nor his skill. He goes each fall to
the North AVoods and hunts in the region of Rifle
River. AuSablo and AuCirass. Upon manj- of his
expeditions his wife accompanied him, as she too
enjoys the pleasures of wild life and the delights of
the chase. Ills fine farm is in a high state of culti-
vation and shows the hand of a careful fanner.
He is a Prohibitionist in his iiolitical views and is
ever on tiie side of pure morals and a business-
like way of dealing with public questions.
\1/()SI-;P1I SCinVElKERT. "A good name is
rather to be chosen than great riches," and
the gcnlienian of whom we write has chosen
the better |)art, for thougii modest and re-
tiring by nature, so honest and u|)right is he in his
dealings with his fellow-men, that his name is the
synonym for integrity and honor, lie owns a fine
farm on section 2G, lUirns Township, Shiaw.assee
County, and was born in AVurtemburg, Germany,
September 17, 1837. He is the son of Joseph and
Dora Schweikert, who were natives of Germany,
where they lived and died.
Our subject is the second of a family of three
ehildieii born to his parents. He was reared in
Germany, where he received his education and such
practical instruction as the German system requires
for its children. He learned the wagonmaker's
trade in his native land, whore he worked at it for
some years. In 1855 he came to America, and as
with many foreigners of sui)erior intelligence, was
specially attracted to a university town, lie located
at Ann Arbor, where he worked at his trade for
one year. The next few years were spent by him
in service upon farr/is near Ann Arbor. He con-
tinued in this way until the breaking out of the
war, when his zeal was fired by the danger in which
he felt his ado|)ted land was placed. He deter-
mined to be one to fight for the liberty of the mil-
lions of dark-skinned people of this land, and joined
the army as a private in Company C, First Battal-
ion Fifteen United States Infantr3'. He served
with this regiment for three 3'ears, and was with
the Army of the Cumberland in the Fourteenth
Arm}' Corjjs, First Brigade and Second Division.
He was in many of the principal engagements.
A man who has been through such experiences
as the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Ky.,
Stone River, Chickamauga, has a story that can be
transcended in interest by but few events in any
liistory whatsoever. The gentleman of whom we
write was a participant in all these, and was .also in
all the battles of the Georgia campaign, even the
taking of Atlanta. His term of service expired in
Atlanta, and he was there honorably discharged,
after which he returned to Michigan. He will ever
wear an honorable badge of his army service in a
wound resulting from a gun-shot at the battle of
Stone River. He escaped the bitter experience of
being taken prisoner, but contracted rheumatism
while in the arm}-, that he has suffered more or less
from ever since. His honorable service is recog-
nized by the Government by the payment of a pen-
son of $12 per month.
After the war Mr. Schweikert purchased eiglity
acres of land in Burns Township, where he now
lives, having since added thirty acres to the origi-
nal purchase. He has done most of the improve-
ment on this place, and now has a fine farm with
well-appointed buildings. Our subject has accumu-
lated all that he possesses by his own efforts. Since
the war he has given all his attention to farming.
In i)olitics he is an adherent of the Democratic
platform, thinking that its [jrinciples of personal
rights nearest approach the freedom of whicli we
boast. He is a member of the G. A. R., D. G.
Royce Post, No. 117, of Byron, and enjoys recount-
ing with his comrades the varied experiences of the
years spent in the South.
After coming to .\merica it is most natural that
he should be infatuated by the charms of hisfellovv
v^u^^j' <:yi^z.c^^
>5^^^^^^^-^i-^ ^^^^^:2^^^^5-^'^_
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
403
country-woman, whom he persuaded to help him
in brightening and making elieerful liis home and
heartli, and in Febniarj' 18, 1865, he was married
to Miss Margaret Banmilier, of Lodi, AVashtenaw
County, this Stale. Tlie gentleman of whom we
write and his estimable wife iiave had four chil-
dren, viz: Mary, Clara, Charlie and Fred, all of
whom are living. The husband and wifeaie mem-
bers of the Kvangelical Association.
•-s>^»«-^tif»
>«5<^•<©e-•
'KPHENIAII SEXTON, a well-known resi-
dent of Price, Clinton County, was born in
' Clarke County, Ohio, May 23, 1 839. He was
reared on a farm and took what education he could
get in the log schoolliouses, which were not very
elegantly furnished with slab seats. When a lad of
onl}' seven years he removed to Oakland County,
Midi., anil began woi'king out when only twelve
years old at the wages of ^'2 per month. He con-
tinued thus enii)k\yed fur a year and then went to
live witii another man for two years. Wiien the
war broke out liis patriotism w.as fired and lie en-
listed in the army, September 2, KSGl.
Our young soldier was a [irivate in Cora()any B,
Second Michigan Infantry, under Col. 1. B. Rich-
ardson. He took part in the battles of Yorktown,
Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Charles City Crossing,
Malvern Hills, the Second Bull Run, Fredericks-
burg, \'icksburg, Jackson, Lenore Station, Camp-
bell Station and the siege of Knoxvilie. When his
time of service expired he re-enlisted and saw ac-
tive service in tiie Wilderness, at Spotts^lvania
Courthouse and al! through that campaign, winter-
iuir at Petersburg. He was struck lliree times l)ut
not badl}' injured and though lie suffered from
sunstroke was never away from liis regiment. He
was honorably discharge<l .at Detroit in August,
18Go.
After the war Mr. Sexton returned to Michigan
and worked at the blacksmith's trade in White
Lake, Oaklaml County-. In 18G7 he came to Clin-
ton. County and bougiil land on section 13, Olive
Township. It was all new land and not even a
stick had been cut on this sectimi l)ut he has
cleared his farm and thoroughly improved it, until
it is now one of the finest in this part of the count}'.
The marriage of Zepheniah Sexton to Mary J.
Dotj- took place in 1867, in Rose Township, Oak-
land County. Mrs. Sexton had one child, Carrie,
and died in 1870. Our subject's second marriage
was celebrated on Christmas Day, 1872, and he was
then united with Sarah E. Maun, who died No-
vember 17, 1877. She was the mother of two chil-
dren, both of whom have died. His third mar-
riage took pl.ace in February, 1881 and his bride
was Annie Neal, who died in 1886. The one child
to whom she gave birth has also died.
Mr. Sexton is proud to say that his [lolitical
record dates from his casting his first vote for
Abraham Lincoln and he has always remained con-
nected with the Republican (larty. He lias filled
several local townshiii offices and is .lustice of the
Peace an<l has also been for some time Highway
Commissioner. He is active as a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic. Tlie iirich' of his
farm of one hundred and sixty acres is in his fine
stock. He makes a specially of draft horses and
for a few years back has also bred Percherons, but
now pa^s more attention to Clydesdale stock. He
has one fine imported horse, -'Silver," No. 8990,
who was two years old on May 111. He is a mag-
nificent specimen of the horse and is much admired
by all lovers of that noble animal.
On another page of this volume appears a litho-
graphic portrait of Mr. Sexloii.
LI.lAll B. WELCH is a prominent grocery-
■i] man at Byron, and was horn in Troy, Oak-
laml County, this State, November 10, 1810.
He is a son of Benjamin .•ml Luciua (Tobey)
Welch, natives of York Stale. The father came to
Michigan in 1826, when onl^' about thirteen 3'ears
of age. He remained in Detroit for several 3'ears,
making his home with Maj. Kersley. then Land
Commissioner. Later he went lo Tro}' Township,
Oakland County, where ho worked on a farm and
drove a team. About this time he met the laily
who afterward became his wife, and with her he
404
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
contiiiuefl to live in said count}- until 1838, when
he settled on a farm in the township of Burns,
Shiawassee County, which he had taken up from
the Government in 183G. This farm comprised
eighty acres of wild land and it is the same that is
now owned by Robert Fox and is the east iialf of
the southeast quarter of section three. Burns
Township.
Mr. Welch lived on the place above meutioned
two years, when he moved to Lapeer County.
Here he ran a mill for a year or so and then in
1812 moved back to his farm in Shiawassee
County, where he lived until 1865, when he sold
the place and moved to Byron, in which town he
and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, he
passing away in 1867, at the age of fifty -six j-ears;
his wife died in 185'2. He was a farmer all his life-
time and one of the men who are such indefatig-
able workers that they will not S|)areself and conse-
quentlj^ broke down his health by hard work. He
secured a comfortable competence and thus passed
away with his mind at ease about the future of his
family. Like most Northern men, he was a strong
Aliolitionist. He was never an office-seeker, but
held some township offices. He was not an edu-
cated man, but was intelligent and well read. He
was a member of the Free aid Accepted Masons
and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. The couple had five children, named re-
spectively, Elijah B.. Edgar, Dennis, Frank and
Charles. Charles and Dennis are deceased and our
subject is the eldest child.
The gentleman of wliom we write was reared in
Burns, Sliiawassee County, on the paternal farm and
has spent the whole ef his life in the same township.
He enjoyed the advantages of a common-school
education and in the intervals of his school life he
assisted his father with the farm work. At the age
of sixteen years, lie began clerking in Byron and
followed that nntil 1867, when he engaged in busi-
ness for himself at Byron and has ever since been
in the mercantile business at this place. He started
in life without any aid whatever and has made all
that he now possesses b^' his own earnest eflforts.
In politics Mr. AVelcli is independent, believing
that the best man for an office is he who is best
fitted for it, irrespective of pirt^'. He has been
elected to some township offices. He is a Free and
Accepted Mason, in which body he has attained to
the Third degree. He belongs to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the
Knights of the Maccabees.
April 15, 1867, our subject was united in mar-
riage to Miss Jennie Bradley of Byron, this State,
who w.as born in Wisconsin. She was a daughter
of Reuben and Sarah (McQueen) Bradle3^ v/ho are
natives of Nevv York State. Mr. and Mrs. Welch
have had three children who are named respect-
ively, Ethelyn, Herbert and Ray B. The two eldest
cliildren are deceased, and Mr. Welch and his wife
liave adopted a daughter who is eighteen years of
age, to whom they have given the name of Edith
and whom tliey cherish as one of their own.
^pNDREW .1. EWELL is one of the most
[@Oi enterprising and progressive farmers of
i) Clinton Count}', and resides on section
20, of Eagle Township, where he has,
a beautiful farm of one hundred and seventy-three
acres of improved land, which has upon it good
buildings and is in a high state of cultivation. He
is the son of Philander and Lydia A. (Wells)
Ewell, nitivesof New York, (further reference will
be found in the Oakland Count}' History,) who
came to the Territory of Michigan in 1829, and
settled in Shelby, Macomb Count}', where the sub-
ject of this sketch was born on the Ith of August,
1837. From that date to this he has been a resident
of Michigan. He had the advantages of l)ut a
very limited education in his earlier days, but
when almost a young man he attended the academy
at Disco, Mich. He worked for his father upon
the farm until ho reached tlie age of twenty-two
years.
The 23d of .lanuary, 1859, was a great day in tlie
life of this young man, as he then wedded the one
whom he liad won as his bride, Roxana .1. Hover,
the accomplislied daughter of David and Eliza
(Zachari.as) Hover, natives of the .States of New
York and Maryland respectively. This l.ady was
born in Niagara County, N. Y. on the 5th of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
405
Juno, 1838. Her gniiulfntlier was one of llie men
who manufactured guns for tlie Revolutionary sol-
diers, and she recollects hearing him often relate
incidents of the struggle for independence. He
died at tlie age of sixty- six years and her father
died at the age of sixtj'-two, her mother living until
she was sixty-six. Uc- parents came to Michigan
in 1858 and located in Macomb County.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Ewell has been
blessed witli three children, two of whom are living.
Clark E., who was born June 27, 18G0, resides in
Alinneapolis, Minn., and is engaged as book-keeper
in the Pillsbury Mills. He took a coerse of stu<ly
at the C'ommercial college at Minneapolis. The
second son, George B. MeCellan, born December
14, 1S(;4. attended the High School at Portland,
Mich., and makes liis home with his parents.
In politics Mr. Ewell is a Jeffersonian Democrat
and takes quite an interest in the principles and
policy of his party. He is a member of the Lodge
of the Free and Accepted Masons at Grand Ledge.
Mrs. Powell is an efficient member of the Bai)tist
Church of I'ortland. She is a woman of more than
ordinary aliility and understanding of finance.
She owns in her own riglit a line tract of land and
is an able and wise counselor to her husband in all
their business affairs. Our subject makes a speci-
altj' of raising Short horn cattle and usually raises
about fifty head of sheep and is raising mostly
wlieat and stock.
MMI U. BOSS. This gentleman is carr^--
ing on a successful business enter|)rise in
(S) the village of Fowler, Clinton County,
^fl having an interest in a flouring mill for-
merly owned by Mr. Bliss. He bought a half-in-
terest in the plant in the fall of 1887, after having
worked there about a twelvemonth. Prior to that
time he had spent a number of years on a farm in
Riley Township, of which he is still the owner.
■\Vheu he came to this State in 1849 he bought a
tract of eighty acres and a few years later had it
cleared and under cultivation. The entire acreage
was covered witli forest trees when lie took posses-
sion and wolves could often be heard howling
around his rude dwelling. Deer were plentiful and
bears quite numerous, and Lidians roamed through
the forest wilds. Mr. Boss added to the extent of
his farm and now has one hundred and twenty
acres, on which is a complete line of good buildings
[)ut up liy himself.
Mr. and Mrs. Davitl Boss, grandparents of our
subject, reared two sons and one daughter and died
in Xew York. Tlieir son Hiram was born in
Dutchess County, wliich was the place of his grand-
father's birth and when a 3'oung man went to Sara-
toga County. There be married Sarah A. Rodg-
ers and reared a famil}', named respectively: Sarah
J., A. Roger. Francis M., Joshua B., Mary, John
H., Augusta and Nelson R. The parents died in
Saratoga County. The father hail always followed
the trade of a jjainter. He was a Master Mason
and Blrs. Boss belonged to the Episcopal Church.
The gentleman whose name introduces these par-
agraphs was born in Milton, Saratoga County, N.
Y., November 23, 1827, and when fourteen years
old began to learn the painter's trade with his
father. Prior to that time he had pursued his stud-
ies in the common .school. When of age he began
working for himself, taking a position in an ax fac-
tor^', wliere he painted tools. In 1 849 he came
XYcit and for a few years lived upon his land in
Clinton County, then spent eighteen months in his
uative State and returned to the farm to remain
until some time after the death of his wife, which
occurred in April, ISS/i. His companion, to whom
he was married in Ballston Spa, N. Y., bore the
maiden name of Sarah S. Pratt and to them the fol-
lowing children were born: Edwin H., Henry G.
and Rufus D. The eldest is now in California and
the youngest in Washington, D. C, while the sec-
ond is living on his father's farm in Riley Town-
ship.
Mr. Boss spent a season alone on the farm after
he was bereft of his companion and then returned
again to his native State. In April, 1858, he was
married there to Mrs. Catherine Sherman, nee Wood-
ard, and that year came back to his farm, u|)on which
he resided until early in 1887. The present Mrs.
Boss was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., October 8, 1832,
and by her marriage to Mr. Sherman she had four
406
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
children, named respectively: Ervin, Georgiana,
Harrison and Ida. Georgiana is deceased. The
sous are living in St. .Jolin's and Ida in Fowler.
The parents of Mrs. Boss, David and Mary (Hall)
Woodard, were born in Connecticut and Wayne
County, N. Y., respectively. The mother is still
living in the section in wiiicii she w.as born but the
father is deceased; he was a carpenter by trade.
In New York Mr. Boss was initiated into tlie
Odd Fellows' order, but he lias no connection with
the lodges in this State. For a number of years he
served as Justice of tlie Peace in Riley Township
and he has also been Townsiiip Clerk and Super-
visor. His political allegiance has always been
given to the Democratic party. He is an honora-
ble business man and au intelligent and reliable
citizen.
3S^Jiil*ie
ENJAMIN F. IIAMIL, is a retired farmer
and resides on section 33, Kiley Townslii|),
Clinton Countj', where he has a fine brick
residence on a tract of forty acres of land ;
he also owns eight)'-four acres on section 4, AVater-
town Township, the same county. He is the son
of Isaac and Bethiah (Barrett) Hamil, natives of
Boston, who, after tiieir marriage came to Monroe
County, N. Y., where their son Benjamin was' born
near Rochester. His natal day was September IJ,
1821.
This boy was reared upon the farm and when
fifteen \-cars of age removed witli his parents to
Ashtabula County, Ohio. But sorrow now came
to them in the death of the father, a year after ar-
riving in Ohio. They resided there three years
longer and then the widowed mother brought iier
children to Oakland County-, Jlich. The subject
of this sketch attended the academy while they lived
at Ashtul)ula and after the3' moved to Jlichigan he
hired out on a farm at ^12 a month and worked for
one man three years. This kind employer was
Noah P. Morse. Wiiile working for him our sub-
ject attended to all his financial alTairsand acted as
foreman directing tiie general conduct of the
work.
New Year's Day, 1812, was the wedding da}' of
our subject. Amanda C. Johnson, the woman
whose hand he had won and who has to this day
been his helpmate and companion, is a daughter
of Russell II. Johnson, a native of Monroe County,
N. Y., where she was born, July 30, 1824. This
union has been blessed by the birth of four chil-
dren, but bereavement h.as sorely stricken the house-
hold and only one of these beloved children re-
mains to the parents. William was born September
3, 1843, and died Se|)tember 27, 1855; Sarah was
born May 7, 184G, and married Benjamin F. King,
January 10, 1871 ; they reside in Watertown Town-
ship. Silas was born October 5, 1849, and died
May 3, 1853; Charles R. was born March 8, 1858,
and died of quick consumption, September 2, 1882.
In the siiring of 184(5, Mr. Hamil moved to
Clinton County, and located on section 4, of Water-
town Township, on a piece of Government land.
When he arrived here two shillings constituted his
wealth and he was even so unfortunate as to break
his ax while cutting timber to earn the money to
bring him to Clinton County, but by his industry
and perseverance he has been quite successful in
and life and now having one hundred twenty-four
acres in fine condition, well stocked and thoroughly
furnished with good buildings, he is living a retired
life in Comfort and prosperity. Politically ho be-
lieves in the principles of the Rci)ublican party and
has frequently bee'i called upon to fill offices of pub-
lic trust in his township. He and his wife are mem-
bers of the Congregational Church and are active
and earnest in church work.
€-*-^
"*s:
LARK WIIELAN. The subject of this
sketch was born in Clarkston, Monroe
%J[^ County, N. Y., February 18, 1820. His
parents were Herbert and Sylvia (Pratt) Whelan,
both natives of New York. The gentleman of
whom we write is the eldest of four children of
whom only one, a sister, is living. This sister,
Julia, the widow of Eli Knight, is still living in
Lenawee County, Mich. Our subjects mother
having died when he was only eighi years of age
he was adoiited by a man named Trumbull Gran-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
407
ger of ^lonroe County, willi whom lie retnovcd to
Oliio at the as^e of thirteen and a<;ain at the age of
fifteen to St. Clair County, Mich.
Our subject started out in life for himself when
seventeen years of age, although he made his home
with his foster parents uinil he was twenty-one.
When twenty yenrs of age he began boating on
the Ohio Canal, wliich course he pursued for two
summers, -\ft.er the manner of young men he took
to himself a wife in November, 184."). The lady
to whom he was married was Miss Laura R. Aiken.
He purch.ised fifty acres of land, pa3'ing !^I 73 on
it at the time and procured a j'oke of o.xen. He
then located in North Lorain County, New OI)er-
lin, Ohio. In two years he sold it but bought it
back soon afterward, he making a verbal contract
to work three miles back in the woods for a remun-
eration of ^i'lOO a year and his board, his wife
agreeing to take charge of the house. The man
for whom he worked was Relph Campbell of Ober-
lin. At odd times he succeeded in erecting a house
on his own farm, but being solicited to return to
Campbell, went back again to him for a year. Mr.
Campbell purch.ased a mill and our subject was as-
sociateil with him in running the same until 1851,
when the death of the proprietor occured. After
ceasing to work for Mr. Campbell Mr. Wlielan re-
sumed the imi)roveinent of his own farm He re-
mained here, however, but a short time, soon going
to Obcrlin in order to give his boys educational ad-
vantages He remained three years in Obcrlin,
until about the close of the war. While at this
place he was eng.aged in work for the college, tak-
ing cluirgc of a gang of men and continued there
until l.SOG when he came to Shiawassee County.
On the coming of Mr. Wlielan into the county
he (lurcliased one hundred and si.xty acres of land
for which he paid *oO per acre. Since the origi-
nal purchase lie has added two hundred and eight
and three-fourth acres to his farm. He gives his
attention to general farming. Mr. Whelan's fam-
ily consists of Francis M., Charhjs A., Iioth resid-
ing near their father, who has given them their
start in life, and Clark W^helan. The family have
brought up a little girl whose name is Martha Gar-
rett. She wns treated with the greatest tenderness
and affection and when she reached womanhood
married the Rev. John McLean, of Vernon. They
also adopted a boy five years of age from the Or-
phan Society of New York. His name is John J.
Jeffries, but he has always gone by the name of his
ado()ted parents. He is a talented musician and
gives great pleasure to all who have the privilege
of hearing him perform on the piano. He still
makes his home with the Whelan family who also
have a young girl, now aged seventeen, and whose
name is Emma Wright. She has made her home
with the family- for the past eight years. Mrs.
Whelan is a Baptist in belief and is connected
with that church. Mr. Wliclan's success in life is
perhaps largely- owing to the fact that he has never
1 ad any desire to go beyond his means, always be-
lieving in paying as he goes.
¥
-"♦••■®^'<^-
ILLIAM N. STRONti ranks among the
^Jll energetic and leading farmers of the town-
*^7>^ ship in which lie lives and is cvurying on
his work in a manner wliieli shows liiin to be pos-
sessed of good judgment. His hdinc is on section
18, Watertown Township, and his land embraces
one hundred and sixteen acres bordering on Lo(»k-
ing Glass River. Ho was born in Monroe County,
N. Y., September 23, 1824, ami was reare<l on a
farm and has always been engaged in agricultural
work. He received a common-school education in
llic home district and gave his strength of body
and mind to aiding in the general work of the fam-
ily until he was of age. His parents were F.zra B.
and Eleanor (Lane) Strong, natives of \ermont
and New York respectively.
In his early manhood .Mr. Strong won for his
wife Miss Myaiula Cutting, to whom he was joined
in wedlock in the Empire State, October 2.5, 1847.
In 18.55 the young (Miiiple removed to this Sl:ile
and here the wife died in 1MI)3, leaving four chil
dren motherless. The eldest is Ambrosia, who e
natal day was in .lanuary, 1851; she is now the
wife of Asa Uurfee and lives in the State of Wash-
ington; the second is Rosina. who was born April
7, 1853. and married .losiah .Mien, their lome be-
ing in Eagle Township; l''.linur. the third child.
408
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
was born August 24, 1856, and is the wife of Robert
Shaw, of Watertown Township; David, the only
son, was born in August, 1858, and lived to be
but four }-ears old.
During the year 1864 Mr. Strong was married to
Marintlia Shadduckand she isadaughter of Andrew
and Sarah (French) Shadduclc, natives of New York
and pioneers of Clinton County, Mich., to which
they came in 1838. Their daughter was born in
Eagle Township, April 17, 1844. Mr. and Mrs.
Strong are the parents of two cliildren: William
E., born November 30, 1868; and Hattie, January
1, 1871. The daughter attended Albion College
and is proflcient in music.
Believing in the worth of the principles and pol-
icy of the Democratic party, Mr. Strong is an un-
failing supporter of the tickets presented by it.
The famil}' hold membership in the Melliodist Epis-
copal Church in AVacousta. Their standing in
society is assured and their interest in what is up-
lifting is known to all with wliom they associate.
■> '^^' < '"
JOHN H. FEDEWA, an attorney-at-law and
ex-Prosecuting Attorne3-, is one of the best-
known men In Clinton County. He is well
known in State and county conventions, be-
ing now a member of the Demociatic State Cen-
tral Committee. Previous to 1886 there had been
a fusion of the Democratic and Greenback ranks in
the Sixth Congressional District, but in tlie fall of
that year these two parties could not agree upon a
candidate, and eacli put up a nominee. Mr. Fe-
dewa was one of the members of the Democratic
delegation who sought to make peace between the
two factions, believing liiat it was the honorable
tiling at that time to give the Greenbackers the
candidate, as it was tiieir turn, but the larger num-
ber of the convention did not agree to this and
would not submit to it. A joint convention was
afterward held with a view of adjusting this diffi-
culty and again joining forces. Mr. Fodewa was
the choice of tlie Democrats as their candidate for
Congress, and the Greenbackers, appreciating his
honorable treatment of them, promised to support
him, but at the time of the election the past lack of
harmony' broke up the agreement and the two par-
ties did not cast a heavy vote together, and un-
fortunately he failed of election.
This gentleman is a native of Clinton County,
having been born in Dallas Township, May 8, 1849.
His father, Morris, was a native of Germanj', born
in Prussia near the River Rhine. After his mar-
riage in that countr}- he emigrated to America in
1842, sailing from Havre to New York, a voyage
of fifty-three days. He then took passage by canal
and lake to Detroit, coming to Dallas Townsliip,
where he entered laud near Wtstphalia and began
to improve a farm. He was among the first settlers
here and made his home in a log house, set in a
little clearing. He afterward removed to West-
phalia Township where he spent bis last days, pass-
ing awa^' at the age of sixty-nine years, Aiuil 2,
1882. His wife Mar}- M. Pung, was also a native
of Germany and she also died in Westphalia, March
5, 1888. Of their twelve children ten grew to
maturity and eight are now living.
When eleven years old the subject of this sketch
came to Westphalia wiili his parents. He acquired
his education at the districts and on the farm, and
when seventeen years old he engaged in the car-
penter's trade at Westphalia. For three years he
worked at his trade in the summer and went to the
St. John's High School in the winter. When twenty
years old he engaged in teaching for a short time.
In the fall of 1870 he entered the department of
the law of the University of Michigan, and took
his diploma in 1872 with the degree of Bachelor of
Law. He began his practice in Westphalia and in
1874 had so far gained the confidence and es-
teem of the community by his excellent profes-
sional work that he received the nomination by the
Democratic party for Prosecuting Attorney of
Clinton County and was elected at tlie following
election. After two 3'ears' service in this office he
returned to West|)lialia where he engaged as an at-
tornej' and in the real-estate business. His first
term as Prosecuting Attorney was from 1875 to
1877. He afterward seived two years, from 1879
to 1881, and four years, from 1883 to 1887, making
in all eight years in this responsible office.
Professional duties do not occupy all this geu-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
40!)
tleman's attention, as he finds time to deal quite
larjjcly in real estate. His maniage lock place in
Westphalia in 1876. The lady whom he niadi;
his wife was Lizzie Petsch, eldosl daiiylitei' of
Mathias and Anna I\I. Petsch. Mr. I'l'lssli dieil
March 10, ISKij. Mrs. IVtbch resides at Si. .lolm's.
Five children liave gathered ahout the liearlii-
stone of Mr. and Mrs. Fedewa, of whom Mamie M.,
•John M. and Annie E. are still with their parents,
Tiie eldest two, Paula M. and Artiiur P., died of
diphtheria, the latter the 14th, anil the former the
15th of February, 1883, leaving their bereaved
parents in sore atliiclion. Tins trial renders even
dear to these affectionate i)arents the ciiildren wiio
remain to them.
.Mr. Fedewa is a Democrat in politics. In 1388
he was made a member of the Democratic State
Central Coinniittee, and in the fall of I8i)0 became
a member of the executive committe of this organ-
ization.
-scSfe'S-
I FORGE C. HAVENS, M. D. Tlie thriving
(^-, village of Fowler is the home of this young
iiij) i)hysician, who after carrying (>n a thorough
course of study and making preiiaration for special
branches of me<lici'.l work, has been giving his time
to practice, in which he has proved very successful.
lie is ason of William and Mary P. (Baker) Havens,
to whose biographical sketch the reader is referred.
From them b^' inheritance he has a predisposition
for medical research, and to their training is due
the sound foundation of therapeutical knowledge
which underlies his mental litness for his work.
Dr. Havens was born in Lansing, December 21,
1857, and pursued his literary studies there, and
in 1875 was graduated from the commercial col-
lege. He then took up his medical studies with his
parents, both of whom were in pr.actice, and aftci-
suitable reading entereil the medical department of
the State I'liiversity in Ann Arbor. He studied
there during the season of 1879-80, and the ne.xt
year took a course of lectures at Hahnemann Med-
ical College at Chicago, and received his diploma
from that institution in the spring of 1881. He
took a special course on diseases of the eye and
car in order to be thoroughly prei»aied to treat
those im|>ortant numbers. He likewise made special
study of obstetrics and diseases of women and
holds certificates from Charles H. Vilas, M. D.,and
J. Leavitt, M. D. The lirst year of his practice
was in Laingsburg and he then located in Muske-
gon, where he remained eight years, zealously at-
tending to his professional duties and also carrying
on a drug slcjre. In 1888 he came to Fowler,
where he has likewise had a successful practice.
At the residence of .lolin Wesley Ilerrick in
ftluskegon. May 13, 1888, Dr. Havens was united
in marriage to Miss Ftlie Ilerrick, daughter of the
host. The bride is the eldest in a family consisting
of one son and two daughlers and is a native of
the I>uckey(! Slate, born November It, 1865. She
is a well-bred and edncated lady, with a s\mpathiz-
ing naturi! and social qualities. Her father went
from the Buckeye Stale to Iowa, but after a sojourn
of a year removed to Muskegon, this State, where
he has remained and lives a retired life. To Dr.
and Mrs. Havens a daughter was born October 18,
1886.
In his political views and adherence Dr. Havens
is a Democrat. He is Health Ollicer, both of Dallas
Township and the village of Fowler, and is a member
of North Muskegon Knights of .Maccabees. He car-
ries a $2,500 policy in the Home Life Insurance Com-
pany of New York. He is following worthily in
the footste|)S of his parents and adding to the lustre
of the name he bears, with a good reputation
among his fellow-professionals and high standing
with the people.
£-i'I'i-S'--
<^;LBERT HARLOW. The subject of this
sketch is the fortunate owner of one of the
!i best farms in \V'atcrlown Township, con-
taining one hundred and ten acres, wU im-
proveil and furnished with fine buildin<;s. He is the
son of Abner and Cynthfa (Conanl) Harlow, natives
of the State of Vermont, where Albert was born
.luly 11, 1820. His parents removed to the State
of New York when he was only about Hve years of
age. Here he was reared on a farm, and had very
410
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
■^,-s-*-
^*'^^:i^^;f?5<^-
little opportunity to obtain an education, but con-
tinued wori<ing for his father until he was twenty-
one 3'ears of age.
Upon the 23d of November, 1852, he won the
hanil of the lady who so graciously presides over
Lis household. Her maiden name was Catherine
Mapes, and she was a daughter of Peter and Mar^-
(Earl) Mapes. Her father was a native of Canada,
but moved into the Slate of Michigan. She was
born in Canada, January 2.5, 1833. This marriage
has been blessed wi^h five cliildren, all of whom are
living: Minnie was born Noveniher 24, 1853, and
is married to Myron Clary, and resides in Water-
town Townsliip; Edith D., burn March 10, 1S5G, is
marrieil to Delbert Forward, and has her home in
the same townsliip; Florence, born March 23, 1861,
is the wife of Frani< Clary, and resides in Northern
Michigan; Nellie, born October 23, 1865, is mar-
ried to Edwin Stanton, and resides in Clinton
County; Bertie, born February 11, 1868, resides
with his parents, and assists in conducting the farm.
In his political views Mr. Harlow is a consist';nt j
and i)''onounced Prohibitionist, and is ever wide-
awake to the necessity of action for the moral and
social improvement of the community. Tlie fam-
ilies are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He came to Michigan and located on his
farm in 1854, and has made great im|)rovorae:its
upon it, and erected all the buildings which now
adorn it.
^I^^RANKLIN ALBERT WElDiMAN. On the
IL^»| whole wide earth there is nothing more
/lli nearly approaching the desire of God's own
heart than a family where love reigns supreme,
where tlie reins of domestic government are held
in hands guided by intelligence, judgment and pro-
gression, where there is a constant growing upward
in little tilings as in great. The family biography
of Franklin A. Weidman, who lives on section 27,
Owosso Townshi|), reminds one of Browning's
question, "Why stay we here on earth unless to
grow.?"
Fr.anklin A. Weidman was born in AA'ayland,
Steuben County, N. Y., September 22, 1849. His
father was William M. Weidman, horn in Mauch
Chunk, Pa., February 13, 1820, and Ids father,
gramlfather of our subject, was Jacob Weidman,
also of Pennsylvania. Franklin's mother was Lj'-
dia (Clements) Weidman, of North Sparta, Livings-
ton County, N. Y. Both parents now live in
Owosso. The father was from Scotland.
Our subject is the youngest of four children:
Marj', now Mrs. Lorenzo Densmore, is living in
Owosso; Emma, who is the wife of L. E. Wood-
ward, and a resident of Owosso; George, who died
in his twelfth yeai ; and Frank. It is natural that
the youngest son should be cherished as Jacob did
Benjamin, and he was kept at home until 1869;
when iu his twentieth year he came to Owosso,
where his brother-in-law, Mr. Woodward was then
living. Unwilling to be idle, he worked for his
brother in-law for seven j'ears, at the expiration of
which time his father came to Jlichigan and se-
cured eighty acres of land on secliou 34, Owosso
Township, for his son.
The children of to-day scarcel3' know what it is
to go into a wild country where carpenter's tools
arc neither many nor good, and hew dowu with
one's own hands the trees which must build the
habitation for the family, clear the stumps from
the ground, plant tjie corn and wheat liiat must
furnish the bread for the following year, prepare
their own meat, and in fact be unto themselves
sufficient for all their needs. Evidentl}- Mr. Weid-
man was working with a purpose. Bright e3es and
loving glances doubtless lingered in his memory,
for in two years he returned to New York and pre-
vailed upon Miss Isabella G. Drake to give up a
life of single blessedness and begin the journey
with him. Tliey were married at Danville, Liv-
ingston County, N. Y., October 21, 1871. The
lady was a native of Danville, her birth occurring
October 11, 1849, her father being Isaac, also a
native of Danville, and her mother, Eliza, a native
of France.
Mrs. Weidman, who is an unusually intelligent
woman, was educated at Danville Seminary, where
she began to teach at the early age of seventeen.
She maintained her position in the faculty of the
sciiool for eight j'cars, giving particular attention
to music, of which she was a teacher, and which
RESIDENCE or GEORGE W. BOWERS ,5EC, 25,, DUPLAI N TR, CLINTON CO.,MICI-!
RLblDliiLLOF TRArJK VVL I D M AIM , o LL. 2 7. , 0 W U o oU T t ■
. . ^ wU, . [li 1 Cl 1
I
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
■U3
slie still continues to toacti. Several children carac
to grace and hrigliteii llie faniilj' hearth. They are
William A., wiio is ni'ieleen years of age; (leorge,
who died in his ninth j'oar; Edward D., who is fif-
teen years of age; Mabel, who died in infancy' ; and
Nellie, who is a seven-year-old fairy. The eldest
son at present makes his home with his grandpar-
ents in Owosso, where he is taking a business course
in college.
Mr. Wcidman's advantages for an education were
meagre, but since his marriage, assisted and en-
couraged by his wife, he has studied indetatigably,
and as a result has become one of the advanced !
men, with broad ideas and lilieral princi|)les. Every
business enterprise which he has undertaken has
prospered, and his farm is one of tiie most desir-
able in Shiawassee. It contains four humlred and
thirty-seven acres of tiie best soil in the township,
and is all under a high state of cultivation.
How tile daily drudgery of life can be mitigated
b}' an intelligent application of simi)le scientific
princiiiies to tlie commonest means of labor! Few
farms in Michigan can boast of such admirable
arrangement as that of Mr. Weidman. His com-
modious and beautiful home, a view of which ap-
pears on another page, has all the latest imjjrove-
ments both in a sanitary direction and for the
comfort of farm life. He has just com [ileted a barn
40x90 feet, with stable-room for twenty head of
horses, r.nd a fine carriage-room, one end of which
is arranged for an ice-house and cold storage. II is
cow stable is -lOxfiO feet, with cement lloor. He
has ample granaries, hog houses and other suitable
buildings. Water is supplied for use in the house
and alwut the farm by tanks from a I'eservoir over
the kitchen, which is filled by an Eclipse wind
engine. The reservoir is tilled from an inexhaust-
able well of purest water. He has applied this
force to his wood saws, feed grinders and stalk cut-
ters, and in his swine department he uses a patent
steam cooker, antl finds that the sensible applica-
tion of all these modern improvements pays in more
and better returns. He makes a specialty of grow-
ing and training for fancy driving a number of ex-
cellent bred horses, and keeps constantly on han<l
a few choice roailstcrs.
Mr. Weidman is one of the workers of the countv .
earnestly interested in cverj'thing that will im-
prove, not only his own and family's condition,
but that of his fellow-beings. He is interested
especially in the educational interests of the county,
and is an earnest advocate of anj' means that will
make more progressive the children that are com-
ing up. Mr. and Mrs. Weidman are not connected
with any church. He is a stanch Democrat in poli-
ties.
'i^^'
^P?)E0K(;E W. bovvers, one of the most
jll (— , po|)ular residents of Dui)lain Township,
^^iijl Clinton County, makes his home on section
25, and is there carrying on the business of general
farming and stock-raising. His native place is
Chenango County-, N. Y., where he was born Feb-
ruary C, 1833. Ilis youthful days were passed in
the usual manner of fanner boys and he grew up to
engage in the duties of agriculture. His father was
Gilbert lioweis and his mother Delilah (Hancock)
Bowers, a distant relative of Gen. Hancock. Both
parents were natives of Connecticut.
Our suliject was given by bis parents a fair
opportunil}' to secure an education, and atleniicd
the common schools, exce[>t during the busy
season of f;irm labor when he was neeiled to assist
his father. He made a determined effort foi self
improvement and was thus able to extract much
benefit from his school life, which, allliough nut
presenting a broad curriculum of studies, gave
thorough and valuable drill in the elenienls of
education.
A domestic life of true happiness and prosperity
began Ai)ril 2!), IKCl, t)y the marriage of our sub-
ject and Miss .luliet Levee, daughter of Charles and
Polly (Bramen) Levee, both natives of Connecticut.
One child, their much loved daughter, Almeda
came to brighten their home until they gave her in
marriage to Myron Goodrich. She was born unto
them May 13, 1862. and is now the mother of one
beautiful child, George, who was born November
30, 1888.
George W. Bowers resided in New York until
1871, when he removed to the home which he now
occupies. Here he owns some eighty acres of ex-
414
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
cellent land, which is considered worth fully $65
per acre. Two valuable adjuncts of his farm are
tlie ever flowing springs and the Inexhaustible
gravel bed, both of which add to its attractiveness.
In 1890, seven liuman skeletons were discovered
deposited in this gravel bed and it is supposed that
they were murdered and recklessly thrown into tlie
pit and covered from sight. Six of these skeletons
had double teeth all around, showing that tliey
were all of one family.
A sister of Mr. Dowers, now Mrs. Belden, is
living in Micliigan, and makes her iiome in Liv-
ingston County. Allhougli our subject is a Demo-
crat he has been elected at two different times as
Road Commissioner in a township which is strongly
Republican. His election w.as evidently not a parly
movement but it attests the appreciation of the
citizens of the township of his ability and efficiency.
His efforts have been deservedly crowned witli
success, and through the exercise of good judg-
ment and industry he has gained a prominent
position among his fellow-citizens. A view of his
residence, barn, and rural surroundings is presented
elsewhere in this volume.
^OUWE B. YNTEMA, A. M., Superintend-
ent of St. John's public schools, with
which he has been connected since 1877,
was born in Vriesland, Ottawa County,
Mich., May 31, 1851. His father, II. O. Yntema,
was a native of Vriesland, in the Netherlands, and
the grandfather, Otto, was a farmer there and died
while still a young man. The father was reared in
the old country and there he married and adopted
farming as his vocation in life.
In 1847 the young man sailed with his wife and
family from Amsterdam, landing In New York and
going directly west to Chicago. From that city
he came into Michigan, sto|)ping first at Holland
and afterward going up the Black River on a flat-
boat. He finally settled about ten miles from the
lake, being the first one to locate In what was after-
ward Vriesland, iu the township of Zealand, where
he and his were eight miles from any other
family. He blazed the trees to mark his way, and
entered land, taking one hundred and sixty acres,
began in true pioneer style, with a log cabin for a
home. He added to his possessions from lime to
time and at one time owned three hundred and
twenty acres, and became so prosperous as to be
able to loan money for the necessities of his iieigli-
bors.
Mr. Yntema was a Justice of the Peace and be-
came one of the first trustees of Hope Collfgo, at
Holland. He was a well-read man and possessed
an excellent fund of Information. He was a char-
ter member of the Reformed Church, in which lie
served .is Elder, and was well known thruugliout
the county-. He was a stanch Republican and ex-
erted a strong influence in favor of education and
religion wherever lie was known. His wife bore
the maiden name of Clara N'an Deikooij. She was
a native of the same town across the sea as her
husband, and her father, Douwe Van Derkooij,
was a farmer in Holland, and died there.
The mother of our subject passed away from
earth in 1873, having been the mother of nine
children, four of whom are living. Prof. Yntema
was the youngest of his father's family, and, being
reared on the farm, took training in the i)ractical
work of agriculture and what schooling he could
secure in the district schools of that day. These he
improvec) so well as to be able to enter Hope Col-
lege Preparatory Deiiartmeut wlien sixteen years
old. After four years of study there he taught for
one year and then entered the Freshman class of
the college, taking his diploma with the Centennial
class of '76, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
He received one of the principal honors of the
class, being appointed to deliver the Latin saluta-
tory. He continued his studies after graduating,
and three years later, in 1879, took the degree of
Master of Arts, and delivered the Master's oration.
In the fall of 187G he entered the senior class of
the Michigan State Normal School, at Ypsilaiili,
taking his diploma the next spring. In the fall of
that year he began teaching in St. John's, as the
Principal of the High School, in which position he
continued until he was elected Superintendent of
i the city schools. Ho has a special taste for luathe-
4
PORTRAIT ANO BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
415
matics, and t«acbes that branch of learning and the
sciences, besides superintending the school sj'Stem
of the city.
The subject of this sketch h:is accuiiiulnled some
real estate and owns land in Kent and Ottawa
Counties, inchiding twenty acres adjoining the city
of Grand Ra[)ids. His beautiful home was de-
signed by himself and bears the marks, both inter-
nally and externally, of a refined taste and broad
culture. Here he and his lovely and elHcient wife
exercise a gracious hospitality. They were mar-
ried in St. John's, December 27, 1888. Tlic lady's
maiden name was Mary K. liOomis, and she is a
a daughter of Leonard Loomis, a native of Loraine
County. Ohio, wliose father, .lonathan, belonging
to a New England family, was burn in New York
and died in Ohio. Both were farmers. The father
enlisted in the Forty- second (Jliio \'olunteers,wliich
was raised at the Berean College. He eidisted as a
private and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In the battle of Champion Hills, IMiss., he was
wounded in the arm and taken prisoner, but was
held only a few days. He served for three years
and at the close of the war came to Kent County,
whither his mother had come before him. He lo-
cated at Byron and engaged in farming and teach-
ing until 1866, when he came to Greenbush Town-
ship, Clinton County', where he is now engaged in
agriculture. He is an active member of the Meth-
odist Hlpiscopal Church, a Justice of tiio Peace, and
was Supervisor of Greenbush Townsliip.
The mother of Mrs. Ynlema was Elizabeth Ab-
bott, a native of Kent County, this State. Her
father, Luther, was born in Connecticut, whence
be came at an early dale to be a pioneer in Kent
County. There he resided until the day of his
death. His daughter, Elizabeth, the mother-in-law
of our subject, died April 11, 1880. Mrs. Vntema
was the first child of these parents and was born in
Greenbush Township, Clinton County, where she
was reared and educated. She completed her
schooling by a three-years' course in the St. John's
High .School, where she took her diphjma in 1884.
She then eng.aged in teaching, wiiicli ))rofession she
pursued until her marriage.
One lovely child, Ilessel E.. brightens the lionie
of this intelligent and delightful couple. The
father is an earnest and devoted member of the
Reformed Church, and the mother of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church, and both are active in church
and Sunday-school work, but they do not reserve
their religion forSuntiay alone, for the loveliness of
their Christian character is evident in every way,
and receives the just appreciation of their neis^h-
bors. Mr. Vntema is highly' intelligent and well-
read and a member of the Michigan Teachers' As-
sociation. He is also President of the County
Teacher's Association, and a true-blue Republican
in his iK)litics.
ON. CHARLES H. COSSll'l, Ur. well-
known and popidar Postmaster of Owosso,
\-^^ was born in Oconomowoc, Waukesha County,
Wis., July 10, 1848. His parents were Asa
L. and Mercy A. (Siiearman; Cossitt, the former
of whom was born in New York, May 9, 181 3, and
the latter in Rhode Islanil. From the Empire
State Mr. Cossitt removed to Wisconsin, and in
1854 came to Michigan, and during tlie remainder
of his life was numbered among the resi<lcnts of
Shiawassee County. He died in Owosso in 1890,
some years after the mother of our sid)ject had been
borne to the t()nib. Tlieir family consisted of si.v
children, l>ut two brothers and a sister arc all who
now survive.
The gentleman whose name introduces these para-
graphs, is the second son in the parental family.
He received his education in this State, being but
a small boy when his parents removed hither. His
Studies were pursued chiefly in Lansing, and after
finishing his course of instruction he learned the
trade of a machinist. He inherited nieclianical skill
and as his father was a wagonmaker he had early
in life gained some knowledge of the use of tools.
He became a lirst-class machinist, and for a time
was interested in the furnace business. He was one
of the partners of t!ie firm of Howell it Co., owners
of the .Shiawassee Iron Works, locuted in Owosso,
and with his associates endured a considerable loss
wiien the establishment was burned in 188."). When
but sixteen years old, Mr. Cossitt eulisted in the
416
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Union Ai'n\v, and for seventeen months he was
connected with the Sixth Michigan Cavalry, com-
manded 'uy Col. J. H. Kidd. lie went into the
service in 1864, and was assigned to the Armj- of
the Potomac, but subseqvienlly transferred to the
West, and he received his discharge in the spring
of 1866.
For some )'ears past Mr. Cossitt Las been in pub-
lie life, and has not been interested in business
other than as a stockholder or silent partner. In
1881-82 he served as Mayor of Owosso, and in 1884
he was elected to represent the county in the Legis-
lature of the State. He was again elected Citj' Treas-
urer in 1887-88. He was appointed Postmaster bj'
President Cleveland January 31, 1888, and is filling
the position with satisfaction. He has been Vice-
President and President of theOwosso Savings So-
ciety, and he has often occupied Chairs in the
Masonic order, beingconnccted with Owosso Lodge,
No. 81, F. & A. M., and Owosso Chapter, No. 89,
R. A. M.
Mr. Cossitt was married July 30, 1870, to Al-
mira Fairman. She is a native of Ontario, and a
daugiiter of Nelson Fairman, who came to Owosso
a number of years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Cossitt have
one child, a son, Henry, wiio assists his father in
discharging the duties of Postmaster. He is recog-
nized .as one of the prominent and influential Dem-
ocrats in this part of tiie .State.
-^^
E^^
URT LYMAN, a prominent young citizen
N and farmer located on section 21, was born
in Corunna, Januarj- 24, 1861. His father,
P. S. Lyman, was a native of Massachusetts,
and the grandfather, Libert}' L3'man, a native of
the same State, brought iiis family to Shiawassee
County and settled in Sliiawnssoe Townslii|) near
Bancroft, wiiere he located upon Government land.
For further information in regard to the ancestry
of this family, the reader will please see sketch of
Kdson Lyman on another page in this volume.
Liberty Lyman proceeded to cut down the for-
est and made his home in a log house upon the laml
adjoining the old Exchange Place. Detroit was
the nearest market town, and a trip for provisions
to that point was a serious matter. The father of
our subject was a j'oung man when he came to
Michigan and was married in Ann Arbor. He was
an original genius and very notable as a prnclio:d
mechanic and engineer, being employed at the
woolen mills at Ann Arbor. In 1844 he biought
on machinery and started a woolen mill which was
known as the Corunna Woolen Factory, and built
a brick house the same year in which the family re-
sided. He was very successful in the woolen mill
business, and a man of popularity and public spirit
and soon drifted into politics. He was President
of Corunna, and became first Town Clerk; w:is also
County 'I'reasurer, which ollice he held two terms,
and died on the 23d of August, 1868. He had
been an earnest Abolitionist, and was a stanch ad-
herent of the Republican party.
Mary Ilicks, the wife of P. S. Lyman, was a na-
tive of Vermont; they were married July 11,
1844. Her father, Sumner Hicks, was an early set-
tler of Ann Arbor, where he was engaged in manu-
facturing. His daughter, now seventy years of age,
is still an active and earnest member of the Meth-
dist Episcopal Church in Corunna. Of her seven
sons our subject is the youngest, and only one of
liis brothers survived childhood, Orendo, who died
in 1876, at the age of twenty-one j-ears.
Burt L\'man took a course in the High School
after attending the lowergrades of the publicschool,
and in 1883, when twent^'-two years old, took charge
of the farm upon which he has made most of the im-
provements. It is all now in tillable shape, except
ten acres of oak timber which are yet uncleared.
His crops are largely grain and potatoes. He is
ver^' successful with grain, as his laud is produc-
tive, and in a splendid state of cultivation. He
shi|)s by car-load and jiuts his products promptly
upon the market.
The twenty-second birthday of our subject was
celebrated most royally hy making it the weihling
day. He was then united in Corunna with Miss
Estella Ball, daughter of Dr. A. R. Ball. This lady
was born June t), 1862, in Marshall, Mich. She
lived for eight yeais in (irand Ledge, and after-
ward in Mason. After graduating at Corunna
High Scho<jl. she taught for one year. She is a
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
417
lady of high intelligence and lovely Christian char-
acter, being an earnest and active member of the
Methodist Episcopal Chiircli. Her tliree cliildren
were named Edcssn, Editii and I'liny. Edith died
on the 21st of July, 18'J1. Mr. Lyman is a Repub-
lican of very decided views, and is [iioiuiiicnt in
county and Stale conventions. For two years lie
has served as Alderman of the Second Ward, and
is for las years one of the most [)roniinent men in
the town.
J' OIIN LAMHIE, an honored pioneer of Essex
Township, Clinton Countj', is the lie.ad of a
family we arc [tleased to represent in this
Album, as its members are valued in societj'
and have been a great aid in elevating the section,
materially and morally. With many progressive
ideas and energetic spirits they are always at the
front in whatever tbej"^ undertalie, and secure the
respect of others and inlluence them in many ways.
The home of Mr. Lanibie is on section 11, and his
estate consists of eiglitj' acres of land that is care-
fully and intelligently tilled and made to produce
abundantly of grains and otiier croi)S. It has been
secured by close economy, industry and persever-
ance, when there was need, and since prosperity
dawncHi upon Mr. Lambie he still remains thrifty
and diligent. He was obliged to borrow money to
get from New York to Michigan and when he began
his v;ork here he was H in debt. This was soon
liquidated and he kept up Ids efforts until he stood
on a firm basis .is to means.
'l"hc natal day of Mr. J>ambie was February 1."?,
1817, and his birthplace Ayrshire, Scotland. He
is a son of James and Margaret l^ambie, who had
not sullicient worldly goods to give him more
than a common-school education but could instill
into his mind Arm principles and teach him good
habits. Early in the 'yOs, she decided to emigrate
lo the New World where he believed be could find
better opportunities for advancement and do more
for his family. He took passage at (ilasgow on a
sail vessel from which he disembarked al New
York tliirty-scven days after leaving port. He
came on to Wayne Couniy, this Stale, but in a
short time removed to Oakland County where he
remained several years. In 1862 became to Clin-
ton County and settled on his present farm, then
in the woods and covered with hcav^- timber. This
was removed and arrangements made for the com-
fort and convenience of the family and the [iroijcr
care of stock and crops.
Mr. Lambie was married in his native land to
Miss Mary Sellers a true-hearted, eflicient woman.
To her there wore born nine sons and daughters,
the following surviving: Jane, wife of Gabriel
Anderson; James; Margaret, wife of Frank Rogers;
Mary who married George Davison; John, Alex-
ander and Robert. The deceased are Matthew and
William. Having been bereft of his companion
Mr. Lan)bic at length married Mrs. Nancy Paul,
who is now deceased. He is identified with the
Congregational church and in every movement
that will be for the i)ublic good he is likely to be
found connected. For several yeais he has served
as School Moderator and he is known to be deeply
interested in educational matters.
James Lambie son of our subject, who now
lives witii the father on tiie homestead, was born
in Ayrshire, Scotland, April 30, 1843. He came to
this count!-}' with his |)arents and attained to
manhood in this State, amid somewhat primitive
scenes. The love of liberl}' that characterizes the
race from which he sprang, led him to t.ake up arms
in defence of the American (lag when the Union
was in danger, and October !), 18G1, saw his name
enrolled in Company G, Third Michigan Cavalry.
Before he left the Slate he was transferred to the
Third Michigan Light Artillery, in which he
served until January 1, 18C4, when lie became a
veteran and continued his soblierly work until the
dose of the war. lie was at different times in the
the forces under Gens. Pojie and Sherman and
fought in many battles, some of them of more
than ordinary note. The list includes Cornith,
Farmiiigtoi), luka, Lumkin Mills, Tallahatchie,
Town* Creek, Resaca, Dallas, Big Shanty. Keuesaw
Mountain, Nickajack Creek, Decatur, S. Edislo
River, Chcraw, Fayetleville. and Benton ville .is well
as the sieges of Atlanta and Savannah. He to(>k
part in the march to the sea and its varied incidents
418
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
and privations, and was present wben Joe Johns-
ton surrondercd to Gen. Slierman. IIo also parti-
cipated ill till- Grand Review at AVasbinjjton, and
sliaietl in llie plaudits of the vast crowd wlio wel-
come<i the retiirninj; victors, while remembering
with deep grief of tliose who bad fallen.
At .S. Kdisto Mr. T-ambie w.as wounded and for
a time was laid uy. He was liunorably disebarged
at Detroit, June 28, 1865, and he is now connected
Willi the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging
to a post in Maple Hajiids. He has taken ujitbe work
of a fariiicr with zeal and has a good name among
his class. He owns eighty acres in Lebanon Town-
ship. He was marricil February 21, 18C7. to Edna
Clarke who departctl this life in May, 1870, leav-
ing a daughter. Kdna M, May 18, 1880, he was
.igaiii married, his bride being Mrs. Loreda Dowd,
widow of T. G. Dowd of Gratiot County. This
union has resulted in the birth of a daughter, Har-
riet. Mrs. Lambie belongs to the Ladies' Relief
Corps at Maple Rapids, and is a consistent member
of the Christian Church.
„, LFRKI) 15. CRANK. Among the brave
LJi defenders of our couiilry who are en-
// (I) titled to high honor for their war lecord
we are pleased to note many residents of
Rush Township. S!iiawn>see County, and none with
more praise than Mr. Crane, who received a medal
of honor (the Kearney Cross) for si>ecial bravery at
Chancclli>rsville. llis regiment was the heaviest
loser in bailie, for the number of men (^three hun-
dred and lifteen) in the regiment, of any in the
entire service of the I'nion. In the first battle
after Grant took charge they lost two hundred and
tweilty-one, and seventy live fell at Spottsylvania.
Our subject was born in Seneca County. N. Y.,
May U, 1841. and is the sou of Thomas C. Crane,
a farmer and minisler of the Gospel who w.as born
in New Jersey in July, 1S2I. The Rev. Mr. T'rane
had a common-school education and taught for
several years, and was married when nineteen years
old to Miss Mary A. Sensaby, the daughter of
Alfred Sensaby, of New York, she being the eldest
of two children. Ten children blessed the home of
Thomas and Mary Crane, the eldest being our sub-
ject.
The family removed to Indiana in 1842 and from
there to Van Buren County, Jlich., and then to
Cass County. The father spent four years in Cal-
ifornia, going there in 1855 and then came to Shia-
wassee County and bought eighty acres in Rush
Township on section 35, and remained there as long
as he lived. He, as well as his son, belonged to
the I'nion army as he enlisted the first year of the
war in Company K, Fourteenth Michigan Infantry.
He was at luka. Miss., and in several other en-
counters, and was killed in the siege of Nashville
in 1862. His widow lives in New Haven, Mich.
The military career of our subject began in 1861
when he joined ^\>nipai)y H. Fifth Michigan In-
fantry. During his service he was in the following
b.attles, Ihc charge of Munson's Hill at Washington,
J). C. Pohic Creek, Siege of Yorklown, Williams-
burg, F'air Oaks, Richmond, Charles City Cross-
roads, Malvern Hill. Harrison's Landing, the second
Manassas, Chanlilly, South Mountain. Anliotam,
Fredericksburg, Chancellorville, Gettysburg, and
Mine Run. He then went with Grant to the Wil-
derness and Sjiotlsylvania, and at that latter con-
llict was in the regiment that led the charge and
one of the first men inside the works. He also saw
the smoke of battle at North Anna, Nye River,
Cold Harbor, and the charge of Petersburg on the
18th of June. On the 22d he was captured at the
battle of Weldons Railroad, being at that lime in
command of the picket line. He was run through
the face with a bayonet and his skull cracked and
was taken to Libby Prison. From there be w.ss
sent to Belle Isle, then to Danville and and Ander-
sonville, Milan, Savananah. Florence, Castle Thun-
der and Richmond, where he finally- received his
release. He rejoined his regiment at Petersburg
in 18(>.') and was there when the city surrendered,
being discharged Julj' 4, 1865.
In 1866 Mr. Crane was married to Louise M.
Hanford, daughter of James and Catherine (Pat-
terson) Hanford, residents of Wisconsin. This
marriage resulted in the birth of ten children,
namely: Edith. Schuyler C; Clara B., deceased;
Gordon T., Frank Leslie; John Sherman; Freil C,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
419
Charles Foster, Robert Lincoln iincl Nellie M. The
eldest daughter is now Mrs. George Van C'uren, of
Rush Township. Tiie first (nirchase of our subject
was eight}' acres of the old farm wliicli he took in
1 865. He sold it in 1870 and bouglit two hundred
acres the following year, eighty of which he dis-
posed of in 1880.
Mr. Crane is identified witii the order of Odd
Fellows and has held all the offices in liic lodge,
being now a Depulj' Grand INIastcr of Emanuel
Lodge No. 15.3, at llendcison. lie is also apiom-
inent member of liie T. C. Crane Post G. A. R.,of
the same ])lace, No. 128. He is a Free and Ac-
cepte<l Mason at Owo.sso and a well-known member
of the Union Veteran Union of Corunnn. He is an
ardent Republican and says that he loves to vf)te
as he shot during the war. He is an active worker
in the parly niid has been sent as delegate to
(ounty. congressional and State conventions. lie
has lilk'd numerous local offices, sudi as School
Inspector, Towuship Clerk, Township Treasurer
and Supervisor, having filled the last nnuicd office
for thirteen years in succession. For two j'ears he
was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and has
been solicited to rc|)rescnt his district in the Legis-
lature but dccJiiuMi tlie nomination. His splendid
record in the war is something of wliich he may
justly feel proud, and his good farm provides him
for him the comforts which he so richly deserves.
His political intlucncc is strong and ever worthily
exercised.
<jt^nWARl) HOISINGTON, a well-known cit-
|fel izen of Shiawassee Township, Shiawassee
/t — ^ Count}', was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., May
17, 1852. He was the only son of a famil}- of
three, his parents being Karl and Betsy Ann
( Miller") Iloisingtou. His sisters are Mary, Mrs.
Sidney Johnstone, of Marion, Mich., and Alice,
Mrs. Earl West, of Newberg. When two and one-
half years oM Edward Iloisingtou removed with
his parents to .Salem and five years later to Ver-
non where they lived until 1861, but returned to
Ypsilanti for tlirec years, remaining there until
after the close of the war, when they removed to
Newberg. After five years there the family re-
moved to Sliiawasse Township, wliere the father
working at the cooper trade, which the boy learned
when fifteen 3-ears old.
Our subject worked at the trade with his father
until the last ten years and made a successful busi-
ness of it, employing about six hands in addition
to their own labor. About the ^ear 1871 they
took possession of the farm but still continued to
work at their tra<l(' till tliirteen years ago, when he
built a home, and adding forty-one acres to the
farm gave himself more to general farming.
Edward was married July 23, 1876. to Miss Mel-
vina A. Chapman, who was born October 7, 1856.
This lady is the daughter of Horace Henry Chap-
man an<l Amanda M. Wells, and h.as one sister,
Arabella, now wife of William Galloway, of Wood-
hull Township. Mr. Chapman was a native of
Connecticut and the mother a native of New York.
They were ear!}' settlers in Michigan and were
m.arricd at Ypsilanti. Mr. Chapman came to Bay
City when that |)lacc was first startiul, and helped
materially in building it up, as he was a carpenter
by trade. lie came from Bay City to Shiawassee
in 1861 and on account of impaired health, devoted
himself mostly to farm work. His wife died May
7, 1871, .aged forty-six, and his death occurred
August 22, 1882 .at the age of sixty-eight. Ed-
ward and Melvina Iloisingtou have three sons,
Lewis, born December 15, 1877, Reuben, born
March II, 18H0 and Ray, March 21. 1885. Polit-
ically he is a Democrat an<l socially is a member of
the Masonic fraternity.
This sketch of our subject would be incomplete
without further notice of the life of his worthy
father. Earl Iloisingtou, w.as born in Greece, Gen-
esee County, N. Y., April 17, 1825. His father.
Rial Hoisington, was born in \'erraont, and his
grandfather, Vespacian, was a native of England,
coming to America when only five years old, and
making his home in Vermon. He entered the Rev-
olutionary army when only fifteen years old and
served for six years. He afterwards made his
home in Western New Y'ork, and finally came to
Michigan and settled in .Salem, W.ashtenaw County,
where he died about the year 1836. His son Rial
came to Micliigan in 1827, making his home in
420
PORTRAIT AND F.IOGRAPHJCAL ALBUM.
Plymouth, Wayne County, and afterwards in Sa-
lem, to which he came about the year 1832. Rial
Hoisington married Almira Cleveland, who is the
grandmother of our suhject. He died in Canada
about fifteen years ago, and his wife passed awaj'
when Earl was twelve years. After this sad event
the father of our suljject returned to Wnshtenaw
County and worked at the carpenter's trade for
some two years, and traveled as a journeNinan
through the State of New York for four years. In
1848 he returned to Michigan, and located at
Ypsilanti where he was married, March 11, 1849,
to Miss Betsey Ann Miller, who was born in 1828,
near Cayuga Lake, N. Y. In politi:;s he was an
old line "Whig but afterwards became a Democrat;
and was a Mason for twenty years, and was formerly
an Odd B'ellow.
tW^F
/ILLIAM GEORGE HUNTER, a prominent
and respected resident of the Township of
Ovid, was born in Canada on October 25,
1841). His parents, George and Harriet (Coombs)
Hunter, were both natives of England, and his
father followed the occupation of a farmer although
he had been educated for the ministry. Our sub-
ject passed his early life, until he reached his ma-
jority, with his parents, receiving a common school
education. In the meanwhile he had come with
them to this country as they emigrated to this
St.ato when lie was nine years of age, locating in
Ovid Township, in the fall of 1858. He tells inter-
esting stories of those early days when this country
was all under heavj' timber. He says that his
father's first work was to clear away trees enough
to furnish land upon which to plant a crop, and in
due time ho removed all the trees and slumps,
biinging from the wilderness an arable and highl}'
cultivated farm.
After our suljjcct reached the age of twenty-one
years he began farming in this township for a liveli-
hood, and was soon able to purchase a fine tract of
land and I'.as always owned his own farm. In the
year 1870 he decided to lake to himself a wife and
to begin a home upon his farm. He was married
November 8th, to Mary Bradshaw, of Ovid Town-
ship. This accomplished and intelligent lady is
the daughter of Stephen Bradshaw, and has seven
children, namely: Graham, born August 16, 1872;
Nora, January 28, 1874; Minnie, March 24, 1876;
(iarfiold, June 15, 1880; Pearl, June 24, 1882;
Cecd, February 8, 1885; Helen, May 2G, 1889.
These children are all living and are still at home
wilh their [larcnts forming an agreeable and happy
family circle. Their father has made his home on
this same place ever since he became of age, and he
has placed upon it all the ini|irovem9nts which now
make it so fine and productive a farm.
Mr. Hunter joined the army during the progress
of the Civil War, enlisting in November, 1864,
in Comi)any K, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry. He
was placed on detached service and was sent through
many of Mie Southern States. He w.as finally hon-
orably discharged in June 1865, at Jackson, Mich.
His political views lead him to afHliate wilh the
Republican party and he has held and is now hold-
ing the ollice of Justice of the Peace in this town-
ship. He has also held the oflicc of School Director.
He takes great interest in educational matters and
is giving his family a thorougli and liberal educa-
tion. He is one of the prominent members of the
Grand Army of the Republic and has been Post
Commander of George A. Winans Post, No. 104,
at Ovid.
^.
^^
\l)AY V. RETAN, a well-known .and influen-
citizen of OvicI, Clinton County, was born
December 19, 1851, at Commerce, Oakland
County, this State, twelve miles west of
Poutiac. His father, Henry K. Retan, was. born in
Sussex County, N. J., and his motlier Catherine A.
Voorhies, was a native of Pcapack, N. J. His
great-grandfather was of Dutch birth and his great-
grandmother was from France.
Our subject resided in Oaklanil County with his
parents for about eleven j'cars. His father was ijy
occupation a merchant and in his later years en-
gaged in the hotel business. Wlicn the boy was
about eleven years old the family removed to
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
423
Owosso, and after one 3'ear's residence there, made
their home in Ovid. He received but a common-
school education, attending oni^- at intervals. He
was in poor health in his j-ounger days, .ind on this
account was unable to attend school consecutively.
Since his father's removal to Ovid in 1863, he has
made this place his home.
AVhen this young man was eighteen ^-ears old he
served as an apprentice to the tinsmith trade in
Ovid for two years, but his health forbade contin-
uing in tiiis line of work, and he liierefore ab.an-
doaed it entirely.* Ilis marriage, November 14,
1S76 united him hajipily with Alice Powers, of
Eureka, Mich. This lad^- is a daughter of John
and Mahala Powers. Mr. Powers is a farmer by
occu|)ation. They have one child Guerd H., who
was born May 4, 1881.
When young Relan became of age, he went to
work for his father in the hotel at Ovid, and con-
tinued in this way for about five years, until in
1880 he purchased his father's business and has
from that day continued tlie hotel under the name
of the Retan House. He has also added to the
hotel building and for the past fifteen years he has
carried on, in connection with the hotel business a
livery stable. He conducted a farm in Ovid Town-
shi[) for about two years and was very successful
in the business, a.°. he has been in ever}^ relation
which he has sustained in life. He also conducted
an hotel in Ithica, in jjartnership with D. T. Cov-
ert, for a period of three 3'ears.
jW^^ARRISON OUTWATER. A beautiful (Mm
lYfj)) on section 5, Eagle Township, Clinton
/^^^ County, is the home of this gentleman and
(^) his interesting family, the tract consisting
of one hundred acres well improved and remuner-
ative. Like many another prosperous farmer of
Clinton County, he is an old soldier and receives
the respect and gratitude of those who love their
country and rejoice in its present prosperity', recog-
nizing that to those who fought during the Civil
War this state of affairs is due. He is a native of
the Empire State, born in Niagara County, June
15, 1840, and is a son of Nicholas and Sally (Smith)
Outwater, who were born in New Jersey*, went to
New York in their youth, and in the latter State
began their wedded life.
Our subject was reared on a farm and made his
home under the parental roof until lie was of age.
He attended the district school when a bo3- and spent
some time in Wilson (N. Y.) Academy, adding to
his knowledge of lower branches much information
regarding higher studies. In 1860 his parents re-
moved to Ionia County, this State, and after they
were settled there the young man taught two terms
of school. Feeling impelled to enter the arm}' he
returned to his native State in August, 1HC2, and
was enrolled in Company M, First New York Bat-
tery, and was attached to the Arm}- of the Potomac.
His services were given to that great body until
the fall of 1863 and during the period he took
part in the battle of Chancellorsville and was then
sent to follow Gen. Lee. The battery reached
Gettysburg on the first day of the fight and it was
the fortune of Mr. Outwater to see the bod}' of
the lamented Gen. Reynolds soon after his death.
The battery was stationed on the south of the
village and from his elevated position he could see
the entire movements of the rebel army on the
third daj', during the heavy artillery duel in which
over four hundred pieces were participating. After
Lee's retreat the battery followed to the Potomac
and when the rebel forces crossed was drawn south-
e.ast to protect Washington. In the fall the battery
was transferred to Sherman's Army and from that
time on followed his fortunes through the famous
march to the sea «nd the return through the Caro-
linas, and then took part in the Grand Review at
Washington, June, 1865. The stor}' of Sherman's
campaign in the Southeast has been told again and
again, and every reader can fill in the picture of
our subject's adventures during the long, weary,
and yet happy weeks. After his discharge Mr.
Outwater returned to the home of his parents in
this State and ere long was established in a happy
home of his own.
The marriage rites between Mr. Outwater and
Miss Finanda Rohm was solemnized in .September,
1865. The Angel of Death entered their home in
February 1880, removing the good wife. In August,
424
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
1881 , Mr. Outwater was married to his present com-
panion, Miss Catherine A. Petlit, of Jaclison. This
union has been blest by the birth of four children,
named respectively: Harry M., Olive E., E. Olney
and Stank^y S. It is the intention of Mr. Outwater
to retire from farm life and lo take possession of a
residence property in Portland, Ionia Count}', that
he now owns.
Politically Mr. Outwater is a stalwart Republican.
He belongs to John McGeary Post, No. 132, G. A.
R., and Lodge No. 60, A. O. U. W. He has been
Highway' Commissioner of Elagle Township, and
School Moderator for the past six years. He is a
member of the Baptist Chnrcli in Portland, has
held the office of Deacon for many years, and is
an earnest, humble Cinistian and ardent Sunday-
school worker. In the Sunday-school field he has
become one of the most prominent workers in the
State and is now Superintendent of the denomina-
tional district work which covers Montcalm and
Ionia Counties.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Outwater is pre-
sented elsewhere in this volume.
'-'>-^^^^^^^^^^^
■•-c-S-
1 ZEKIEL SALISBURY is one of the goodly
number of men to whom wordly goods have
accrued in sufficient quantity to enable them
to spend their declining years without work. He
occupies a large brick residence in Ovvosso, where
creature comforts abound, and is surroun<led liy an
affectionate family and a congenial circle of friends.
He was born in Johnstown, Montgomery Count}', N.
v., January 2, 1812. His father was also born in
the Empire State, while his mother was a native of
Dublin, Ireland. Matthew Salisbury, grandfather
of Ezekiel, was a Revolutionary soldier of Welsh
and Englisli lineage. John and Mary Ann (Mead)
Salisbury were the parents of three daughters and
four sons, but three of their family only are now
living, of whom E/.ekiel is among the latter. The
father died in his native State in the year 1838.
The mother came West and died in Bennington
Township, Shiawassee County, in 1848.
The fourth child in the family above mentioned
was Ezekiel, who passed his boyhood in his native
county and received a common-school education.
When sixteen years old he went to Uticaaud began
to learn the blacksmith's trade, at which he served
an apprenticeship of four years. He then returned
to his native place and engaged in business as a
blacksmith, carrying on a shop there until 1836,
when he made the journey to this State. He bought
three hundred and twenty acres of land in Water-
ford and White Lake Townships, Oakland County,
and for several years carried on farming and black-
smithing. He then traded some of his property for
land in Shiaw.ossee Count}' and removed to Ben-
nington Township. Here he continued the two
lines of life in which he had been formel}' engaged,
doing blacksmithing for the settlers over a circuit
of twenty or thirty miles and managing a farm of
four hundred and eight}- acres. In 1866 he shut
up his shop, sold his tools and giving his farm to
his two sons, removed to Owosso, where he has
since lived, looking .after his interests in a general
way, but doing no hard physical work.
In May, 1832, Mr. Salisbury was married to
Miss Martha P. Stedman, only daughter of Fisher
and Rebecca Stedman, natives of Vermont and New
York respectively. The bride was born in Wash-
ington County, N. Y., in 1815, and is still sharing
her husband's for'.unes and taking part with him in
social duties and pleasures. There were born to
them eiglit children — Nathaniel, who died in in-
fancy; Sarah E., who became the wife of Edgar
Harry man; May J., who married Charles Harry-
man; Eugene P., deceased; George S., deceased;
Martha A., wife of B. R. Brewer, now living in
Ovvosso; John F., a resident of Owosso; and David
R., a boot and shoe dealer in the same place. Mr.
and Mrs. Salisbury have eight grandchildren and
one great-grandchild.
Mr. Salisbury was a stockholder and director in
the First National Bank and retained his interest
until within a few years of the affairs of the Bank
being wound up. He then became connected with
the Second National Bank and was its Vice-Presi-
dent until 1 S90, when it was ciianged to the Owosso
Savings Bank and he became Vice-President of the
new institution. He has four good store buildings
which he rents, and his worldly possessions are in-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
425
creased by various mortgages and notes which he
holds. The first Presidential ballot cast by Mr.
Salisbury was for Andrew Jackson and during the
war he was a strong War Democrat. He was
Justice of the Peace of Bennington Township four
years and was Supervisor of the Grst District of
Owosso for five years. He and liis wife belong to
the Congregational Cluircli and are numbered
among its most highly esteemed members.
,OBERT S. CLARK. No more successful
dealer can be found among the young men
of St. John's than Mr. Clark, who is apart-
^^ner in the firm of Clark (fe Ilulse, who carry
clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods. He
has already acquired a competence and the promise
of his future is more than ordinarily bright. His
success has been reached liy close application to his
business and by that strict honesty which is the
best policy in business and adds greatly to the
strength of one's character and the regard in whicli
he is held by his fellow-men. Mr. Clark inherits
from his father tlie persistency which is a typical
English trait and from him he also derives tact and
good judgment in business mt.tters. Add to this
the fact that in liis youtli he was given training in
mercantile matters, and it is easy to see wlij' he lias
succeeded better than other men of his years.
Tlic father, Robert Clark, was 1)orn in Yorkshire,
and came to America when seventeen j'cars old.
Making his waj' to Ypsilanti, this State, he learned
tiic blacksmith's tra<le, and after working at it there
went to Ionia and labored for some time. He
bought one hundred and sixty acres of heavily
timbered land and later started the first lilack-
smith shop at Eureka, Clinton County'. He also
opened a store, which his wife attended while he
was engaged in the shop. One of the first nurser-
ies in the county was also started b^' him and in
each of these enterprises he proved successful. He
finally gave up all and then entered upon the sale
of general merchandise on a large scale. He in-
creased his stock and facilities until he had three
stores and merchandise worth $20,000. In 1885
he sold out and retired from trade. He has some
interest in agricultural matters, owned three hun-
dred and fifty acres of land and improved a large
tract. He built a gristmill which he still manages.
He 15 the largest tax payer in Greenbush Township,
and is the most successful man Eureka has known.
He is a leading member of the Evangelical Clinrch.
His faithful wife, of whose companionship he was
bereft in 1881, was born in Knox County, Ohio
and bore the maiden name of Susan Brubaker. Her
parents are numbered among the early settlers in
Clinton County, Mich. The family included our
subject and three sisters: Mrs. Nellie Hulse of St.
Johns; Mrs. Gettie Davies and Miss Anna M. of
Eureka.
The natal day of Robert S. Clark was May 16,
1860, and his birthplace Eureka. He attended the
district school and when quite small began to as-
sist in the store, and thus in very earlj"^ years
learned something of mercantile life. AVhen fif-
teen he was placed in charge of a hardware store,
and did the necessary work until he was eighteen,
after which he kept the books of the establishment.
When of age he assumed a third interest in the
entire business, the firm becoming R. Clark & Co.
Sid)sequently father and son bought out Mr. Eagle,
and R. Clark ifc Son carried on the business. This
partnership lasted until 1885, when they sold out.
AVhen he became a partner in tlie business, our
subject had 1^1,000 given him by his father, as a
birthday present when he became of age. The
third inteiest in the establishment was worth Jit.-
3.33. He paid in the *1,000 note and gave his own
note for the balance at ten per cent interest, and he
paid up the liability he had assumed within five
years.
In 1884 the stock invoiced at*20,G34 and it was
then that our subject I)ecanie an equal partner with
his father. After the dissolution of partnership in
1885 he came to St. John's and started in the cloth-
ing business in partnership with Jesse Sullivan.
During 1886 he sold his interest and in a short
time opened a grocery store, but soon sold it and
relnrneil to the clothing trade. He carries a large
and carefully selected stock, and he and his partner
are constantly working up their business. Young
426
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Clark had no indebtedness to his father when he
dissolved with him. and so began in St. John's un-
incumbered by past obligations. He has a farm of
eighty acres in Greenbush Township, which is well
improved and brings in a good sum when rented.
In Knox County, Ohio, in 1883, Mr. Clark was
united in marriage with Miss Neva Shipley, a native
of that place and daughter of George Shipley, a
well-to-do farmer and prominent citizen; she was
educated at Adah, Ohio, and she is not only well
educated in the literary sense but she is a profi-
cient musician and taught music in Eureka prior to
her marriage. She is a member of tlie Methodist
Episcopal Church and is a highly respected mem-
ber of society. She is the mother of two children,
Robert G. and Gracie.
Mr. Clark was so unfortunate as to lose one of
his lower limbs from a somewhat peculiar cause.
During the winter of 1890-91, his foot was affected
by the tightness of the elastic in his shoe, which
rubbed and gnawed, and having taken cold a ser-
ious comi)lication set in. The sore spread and be-
came gangrenous, and it was found necessary to
perform an amputation. Dr. Gillam performed
the operation .Tanuarj' 25, 1801, and within five
weeks Mr. Clark was able to be up, and with his
artificial member he gets around so briskly that
few would know tiiat he has been deprived of a
part of his bod}-. In politics Mr. Clark is a thor-
ough-going Republican. He is a Mason, enrolled
in Eureka Lodge, No. 318. He is a very popular
young man, with an excellent reputation both in
business and social circles.
•^s.
"=^^
IZRA B. NICHOL.S. A stranger traveling
through Watertown Township, Clinton
1^ — ^ County, would be impressed by the number
of fine farms and beautiful farm-houses that dot its
expanse. One of the best tracts of land in tlie
county is that owned by the gentleman above
named, consisting of eighty acres on section 35.
Although not so large as some, the place is so well
sup[)lied with conveniences for man and beast, and
the soil is so evidently cared for according to the
most approved methods, that none can fail to call
it beautiful. It has long been the home of Mr.
Nichols, and indeed his memory pictures bat few
scenes unconnected witli the immediate locality, as
he came hither when but six years old.
Grandfather Nichols and his son Jason, father of
our subject, were natives of the Empire State and
came together to Michigan in 1835. They located
in what is known as the Canadian Settlement in
Eaton Count}', and there the younger man set up
a home of his own a few ^-ears later, wedding Abi-
gail Billings, a worth}' woman who aided and en-
couraged him in every laudable undertaking.
November 4, 1840, thej' were made glad by the
birth of a son whom they called Ezra B. During
the childhood of the lad the father bought land in
Clinton Count}' originally entered by his wife's
father, and removing thereto liveil upon it until
his. death September 20, 1883. He was well-nigh
seventy years old, having been born in 1815. Be-
sides our subject, Jason and Abigail Nichols had
three children, all living.
Our subject had but a district school education
but this was sufficient for all practical purposes
and was a good groundwork for the knowledge
that can only be gained by experience and person-
al observation. Since beginning the battle of life
Mr. Nichols has made use of the i)apers and other
avenues of information and is well informed re-
garding events of general interest and practical
topics. He was fortunate in winning for his wife
a lady who sympathizes with him in every noble
thought and intent and has the ability to aid him
in many ways. She was formerly Miss Sarah E.
Barnard and is the daughter of the Rev. Daniel
Barnard of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She
was born in the Empire .State and her marriage to
Mr. Nichols was solemnized March 26, 1865.
The record of the children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Nichols is as follows: Arthur C, born June 3, 1867;
Nellie E., M.-i.ch ;», 1861); Lou B., October 23,
1875. Nellie was educated in Lansing an<l her
younger sister is now pursuing a course of study
there. Mr. Nichols is now Justice of the Peace
and in former days he was Deputy .Sheriff of
Clinton Count}-. Politically he is a Democrat,
firm in the faith, and convinced that his party ia
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
427
wortli3' of tlie support of every lover of his
country. Socially lie is a uieinbor of the Masonic
order, enrolled in I^odge No. 33, F. & A. M. in
Lansiuff. Mr. Nichols is a man of <;ood character
an(i energy and couiniands the re.spcct of his ac-
quaintances.
<S)AMKS HAMILTON. The finest photo-
graph gallery in Clinton County is Hamil-
ton's Studio at St. .Tohn's. The reputation
of the work turned out from this gallery is
equal if not superior to that of any other town in
Central Michigan, not even oxcei)ting the Capital.
Mr. Hamilton has perfect appointments, and uses
a new paper, mauufactureil by himself, wiiich he
calls the Aristo. By its use he secures clearer and
more lasting impressions and the finish does not
fade as did that of the old time photographs. ISIr.
Hamilton carries a line of frames suitable lor such
pictures as he turns out, having every facility for
making the large portraits wiiich are so popular.
Mr. ILamilton belongs to that honorable class
known as the Scotch-Irish, his ancestors having
gone from Scotland to Ireland and made that their
home during two or three generations. His father,
.John Hamilton, was boin in the Emerald Isle and
accompanied his parents to America when six
years old. They niaile their home at Ogdensburg,
N. Y., and the grandfather of our subject died the
next year. The family removed to Canaila and
.John, though only a little boy, began to do for
himself. He worked on a farm, later became a
clerk and finally engaged in the sale of general
merchandise at Markdale. He was successful as a
merchant i.nd became the owner of seveial farms.
He was living a retired life when he died, May 21,
1890, and was tht^n sixt)'-nine years and ten months
old. He was a member of the Conservative party
and was an active and earnest communicant of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. The wife of John
Hamilton and mother of our subject was Pliebe
Walker, a native of Canada who is still living in
Markdale. She too is of Irish parentage.
The natal day of .James Hamilton was August
14, 1857 and his birthplace Markdale in the pro-
vince of Ontario. He attended the common
schools and did not begin the art of photography
until 1880, when he learned the process. Soon
afterward he bought a gallery which he carried on
for three j'cars, then changed his location to Coll-
ingwood, where he remained ayear. He then sold
out, and in January, 18.S7, came to this State and
established himself in business In Albion. After
sojourning there eighteen months he went to
Springfield, Mo., and operated as a member of the
firm of Hamilton & Bushman. The business
connection was dissolved in 1889 and coming to
St. Johns our subject benight the two galleries that
were then in operation here. He carried on both
until the fall of 1890, then sold one and gave his
attention entirely to the work done in what has be-
come so well-known as Hamilton's Studio.
Mr. Hamilton has a pleasant home which is made
cosy and attractive by the eflforts of liis wife,
f(^rmerly Miss Isabella Kenny. She was born near
Collingwoo<l, Canada, and married tliere, Sept-
ember 13, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are the
happy parent-s of a little son, .John .1. Tiie polit-
ical allegiance of Mr. Hamilton is given to the
principles tif Democracy, but he takes no further
interest in party matters than to read of what is
going on and cast his ballot at the pio|)er time.
He is a pleasant and well-informed gentleman.
^ MITII F. WARNER who h.as held the po-
sition of Supervisor of WoodhuU Town-
ship, Shiawassee County, was born in Che-
nango County, N. Y., January 25, 1835.
His father, Smith B. Warner was a native of Wash-
ington County, N. Y., and was born in December,
1800 and his grandfather James was as far as is
known a native of Massachusetts. The family in
America originated with three brothers who came
from Wales in Colonial days and settled at Martha's
\'ineyard lslan<l off the coast of Massachusetts.
The grandfather, James Warner, was a surveyor
and farmer and earlj- removed to New York Slate
where he was reared and died having reached a good
428
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
old age. The father also was a farmer and fol-
lowed surveying to some extent. lie also owned
and operated a grist-mill, a carding machine and a
scj'the factor}'. He came to Michigan in 1844,
journeying across the lake to Detroit and from
there by team to this county. He traded mill and
farm property in New York for a large tract of
land here which was then an unbroken wilderness.
Here he made his home in a log house, which was
situated on the Indian trail. He was no hunter
but had dealings with the Indians who were very
numerous. He drew wheat to Detroit for sale and
was from seven to eight days on a trip.
Hannah (.Smith) Warner, the mother of our sub-
ject was born in Cheshire, Conn., in 1804. She
reared three of her four children, namely: Mary J.,
Prudence W. and Smith F. She was a member of
the Baptist Church and a woman of earnest Christ-
ian character. She survived her husband for many
years as he passed awa}' in 1846 and she lived un-
til 1864. Her father, John Smith, was a native of
Connecticut who settled in New York State. He
had four brothers in the Revolutionary War; two
were killed, one was wounded and one was taken
captive on a British Man-of-War and after dark,
jumped overboai'd and swimming ashore managed
to escape. John Smith mairied Hannah Bunnell,
who was of English descent and they had four
daughters. He lived to almost complete his one
hundred years.
The subject of this sketch came to Shiawassee
County with his parents in 1844. He attended the
pioneer schools here walking three miles to liis first
school-house which was a log shanty with a flat
roof, walls eight feet high, having a large stone
fire-i)lace and slab benches with pin legs. The
school was managed under the rate bill s^-stem.
He took one term in the schools of Corunna and at
one time they had school in his father's house,
children coming to it from four or five miles dis-
tant. In those days he saw many more Intlians
than whites. Young John Okanius, son of the
Chief of the tribe, used to stay all night at the house
and brought the boys presents. The wolves both-
ered the sheep and it was with dirticulty that they
could be protected. He was fond of hunting and
used occasionally to drop a deer which helped to
supply the family with fresh meat. He began for
himself at twenty years of age by making a trip to
California across the plains, riding eight hundred
and fifty miles on horseback to Council Bluffs and
going by wagon the rest of the way. He spent four
j'cars in Eldorado County, Cal., and was success-
ful in mining.
After his return from the West, Mr. Warner
took the farm where he now resides and also had
part of the homestead. lie has made most of the
improvements which now appear upon it. He was
married in December, 1860, to Miss Sarah A. Bough-
ton who was born in Westphalia, Clinton County,
Mich. Eleven children have been granted lo them,
six of whom are now living. They were named An-
drew J.; Frances C, Mrs. Osborn; Jennie E. ; Seth
L.; Arthur F. and Annie M. The mother of these
children is an earnest and devoted member of the
Methodist Church and has brought iq) her children
in the principles of her religion.
The subject of this sketch has one hundred and
sixty acres of land upon which he carries on mixed
farming. He is a Democrat in his political views
and as has been before said has long been the
chosen Supervisor of the townsliip. He was also
Clerk of the township for nine years. He hel|)ed
to survey many of the roads in this vicinity and
as an intelligent farmer is a member of the Grange
and ever active to promote the interest of the agri-
cultural community. During the war he helped to
raise a company of men for the army.
■ji^^RANCIS W. REDFERN. The record of this
ILi^ citizen of Clinton County is of interest, not
It) only to his acquaintances, but to others, as
it shows him lo have beeu a valiant soldier, an
honorable official and a trustworthy citizen. It is
impossible in a volume like this to trace his career
tiirough ever}' detail, but it is the purpose of the
biographical writer to present the important inci-
dents and to make such a note of his characteris-
tics as will enable the reader to fill in the outline
and complete the picture. Since 1875 he has been
located on section 28, Essex Township, on a fine
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
429
farm of one liuiidrcd and lliiity acres, wiiicli is one
of llie most valuable pieces of property in the
vicinity.
Mr. Redfern was born in Toronto, Canada, July
20, IS 1 2, Ills parents beintj Matthew and llannali
(Hine) Redfern, who imigrated from England in
1838. Wiien the lad was about four years old
they went to Monroe County, N. Y., where they
made their home some seven y-ears. Thence they
came to this Slate, locating in Calhoun Count3',
where our subject remained until after the break-
ing out of the Civil A^'ar. He received his prelim-
inary' education in the public schools of New York
and Marshall, Micii., and in 1859, having com-
pleted the High School course, entered the Michigan
Agricultural College at Lansing. Before he bad
completed the course of study there, he and sixty
other students enlisted in the service of the Repub-
lic. Young Redfern was enrolled February 11,
1862, and was attached to the Engineers' Corps
under Gen. Fremont.
For a time our subject was on duty at St. Louis,
Mo., and when Gen. Fremont was sui)erseded the
Engineers' Corps was disbanded, and he returned
to Michigan. He then enlisted in the navy, and
was sent to join the North Atlantic Squadron, and
for a short time was on the boat "North Carolina,"
a receiving ship. Thence he was transferred to
the gunboat '"I'eterhoff," on which he served about
four months. She was finally sunk at Wilmington,
having collided with another boat, but no lives
were lost by reason of the disaster — a remarkable
fact, as the "Peterhoff" was but three minutes in
going down. Mr. Redfern subsequently' served on
the gunboat "Union" in Farragul's fleet and took
part in the naval engagements at Pensacola, St.
Mark's and Mobile.
Mr. Redfern went up the Mississippi as far as New
Orleans, reaching that place after the fighting on
the river was nearly- done, and has little of inter-
est to recall of that stream. He was discharged
February 14, 1864, and at once enlisted again,
joining the First Michigan Cavalry. He remained
with that regiment until the close of the war and
had the i)leasure of being in Custer's command
and forming a part of Shcrldan'.s forces during the
campaign in the Shenandoah \'allcy and the raids
around Richmond. He was at Apparaattox when
(ien. Ja'c surrendered and was one of the party
sent in search of Booth after President Lincoln was
shot. He look i)art in the Grand Review at Wasii-
ington and was then sent to tiic plains, where he
had a taste of Indian warfare prior to liis final <lis-
charge December 14, 18G5.
When he could no longer serve his country as a
soldier Mr. lledfern returned to this State, and ex-
changed the weapons with whii'h he had boon
fighting for those with which to subdue antagonis-
tic elements in the physical world. In the peace-
ful walks of life he has displaytd the same devo-
tion to piinciplc which animated him as a soldier
and he has gained that which is belter than silver
or gold — a good name aiiong men. For some
years he has had the companionship and close sym-
pathy of a noble woman who became his wife Sep-
tember .'50, 18GC, i)rior to which tijnc she was known
as Miss Eunice M. Sherman. She is a native of
the Empire State, and is one of these who while
making her home and family the objects of her
chief care, is kindly and useful among her neigh-
bors. Five children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Redfern but only four live to cheer them by
their love, their names being Frank, Chahner, Alice
and Win field S.
The political afliliation of Mr. Redfern is with
the Republican party, and in 18',)U he was a candi-
date for Representative from Clinton County, but
was defeated by L. W. Baldwin, of Fowler. He
served as (!rain Comn)issiontr one term and as.Ius-
tice of the I'eace one term in Essex Township, ami
some years .ngo, while living in Muskegon County,
was School Inspector of Montague Township two
terms. In the spring of 1891 he was elected Town-
shi|) .Supervisor for a period of one year and lie is
now discharging the duties of that position in a
capable manner. He is a member of Billy Begole
Post, No. 127, G. A. R., at Maple Rapids, wasCom-
niander one year and at the expiration of his term
was presented with a beautiful ollicer's sword as a
memento of his elTicient service. He is also con-
nected with Essex Grange, No. 439, at M.'>ple Rap-
ids and was Master three years. He was Master of
Clinton County Pomona (! range two years, and
h.is been a member of the Executive Committee of
430
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
the Michigan State Grange six years. He is also
identified with tiie Masonic order. He and liis
wife liold membership in the Cliristian C'hurcli
at Maple Rapids. The hospitality of tlieif home
is extended with a lavish hand, and few indeed
are the homes where better entertainment is af-
forded both as regards creature comforts or intel-
lectual pleasures.
oThs -is^t^^'
\]L^ ON. RICHARD B. CARUSS. The Caruss
1 farm is a landmark in Clinton Count}', and
its owner is one of those to whom the pres-
ent advanced condition of this section is
due. In the strength of his early manhood he be-
gan the toils necessary to bring a tract of undevel-
oped land under cultivation, and he is happy to
say that from the proverty of those days he has
arisen to a position of financial solidity that makes
it unnecessarj' for him to work hard when he is old.
He located upon his present farm in 1862, and has
since taken a leading part in the political and pub-
lic affairs of Essex Township.
A native of the State of New York, our subject
was born February 3, 1827, in what is now known
as Wyoming County. His parents, H. C. S. and
Temperance (Bishop) Caruss, were natives respect-
ively of New York State and New Hampshire.
His paternal ancestors were English and on his
mother's side he is of Scotch blood. His maternal
grandfather, Noah Bishop, was a Revolutionary
soldier and also served in the War of 1812. Our
subject accompanied his parents to Michigan in
1833 and was reared to manhood in Oakland County
amid primitive surroundings. There his father and
mother experienced the trials and pleasures of pio-
neer life and there they remained until called frcim
earth; he in 1878 and she in 1839.
Mr. Caruss received the advantages of a dis-
trict school education, and the intelligence of his
parents and the earnestness of his teachers inspired
him with a desire to know both men and books.
He therefore resolved to avail himself of ever}'
opportunity of self-improvement, and by a per-
sistent course of reading he has attained to the in-
telligence which is his marked characteristic to-day.
His principal study has been veterinary surgery, in
which he is particularly well informed.
The marriage of Mr. Caruss September 21, 1851
united him happily with Mar}' A. Wolcott, daugh-
ter of Chauncey and L}dia (Stiles; Wolcott. By
this union there were born three children, all of
whom have grown to maturity and are doing well.
They are: Luana, wife of Charles Fowbel; Carrie,
a college graduate, who is a teacher and noted elo-
cutionist; and Temperance is at home. The vari-
ous members of the family are highly esteemed in
social circles and enjoy their comfortable home on
section 25. Mr. Caruss has done much pioneer
work and now owns one hundred and eighty-six
acres of fine and productive land. A view of his
estate with its principal buildings is presented in
connection with this biographical notice. He has
attained his present prosperity by the exercise of
energy and enterprise, and has always been aided
by the active management of his wife.
Mr. Caruss sympathized with our Government
in its struggle during the Civil War and enlisted
at the first call for troops in April, 18G1, becom-
ing a member of Company D, Second Michigan
Infantry. This regiment was made a part of the
Army of the Potom.ac and took part in the fol-
lowing battles: the first engagement at Rull Run,
Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, siege of Yorktown, and
Charles City Crossroads. At the latter place he
was the victim of a sunstroke and at Williamsburg
received a flesh wound. On account of these in-
juries he receives a monthly pension of $24. After
participating in the above mentioned battles, be-
sides in less important engagements too numerous
to mention, he received his honorable discharge
August 7, 18G2, being brought home on a bed
from Harrison's Landing, Va. He was confined to
his house and bed for over a year after reaching
home.
In his political views Mr. Caruss is a Republi-
can and a le.a<ler in his party. For two years he
was Supervisor of Essex Township, and in 1880 he
was elected to the Michigan Slate Legislature where
he served during the final session of 1881 and the
^^^^^^^^S^^^f^iS^Si^:;?^:/':':^'-: ■^.
RESIDENCE or R B C AR U SS , SEC. 2 5. , E55EX TR, CLINTON CO., MICH .
TENANT HOUSE - JCC. 35
RESIDENCE OF JAMES R. VAN DYN E , SECEG , M I DDLEBU RY TP,5H IAWAS5LE CO.,M ICH
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAIMIJCAL ALIUiM.
433
special session of 1882. A public-spirited man, he
is an active promoter of ever3' movement for the
elevation of society and the iiuhistrial progress of
the count}'. Socially he is idcnlilied with llie
Masonic order al St. .Toim's. Beside general fann-
ing, lie is also engaged in stock-raising, and is a
noted breeder of Scotcii Galloway cattle and
American Merino sheep, and is heginning to culti-
vate Percherons. Both he and his estimable wife
are honored members of society' and have the g(K)d
will of the community.
#>^
\l? AMKS R. VAN DYNE, a well-known farmer
of Middlebury Townshi|>, Shiawassee Coun-
ty, was born in Novi, Oakland Count}',
Mich., April 12, 1836. lie is a son of
Abram and Harriet Van Dyne, both natives of
New York, his mother having been born in Mon-
roe County and his father in Seneca County, llis
father was bj' occupation a farmer and came to
Michigan when Detroit was a small village of only
? few houses, ile went at once to Oakland County
and settled twenty miles south of Pontiac. He
was able to give to his son no advantages except
those of the district school, which he could attend
only in winter after he was nine years, for, being a
pioneer, the father did not realize much cash and
hence had ditlicultj' in making payment of the rate
bill.
Our subject lived at home with his parents until
he reached his majorit}' and for the next two years
made a strenuous effort to earn money and acquired
1300 which he invested in a tract of land in Tus-
cola County, Mich. But when he came to exam-
ine this land he found that it was only a swamp.
He therefo"e began life again at the age of twenty-
three years empty-handed. He perscveringly and
undauntedl}' worked at whatever he could get to
do, cheerfully accepting the wages which were
offered him, often working for fifty cents a daj'.
He thus continued until he reached the age of
thirty years. He lived in Oakland County, work-
ing on shares and saving what he could, until he
was able to buy eighty acres of land, paying tl50
down on it.
Mr. \'an Dyne came to .Shiawa.ssec County in
186(; and located on the farm where he now resides.
He hired considerable work done on his estate and
during sheep shearing time devoted himself largely
to that work, at which he was an expert. He
sheared sheep at ten cents a head and could make
as much as |8 [ler day. He has been known to cut
five acres of wheat with a cradle in a day and dur-
ing one season cut eighty acres of oats and wheat.
His enter|)rise and energy surmounted all didicul-
ties and he never failed to make a dollar at any-
thing to which he could turn his hand. He addcii
little by little to his possessions until now he has a
grand farm of four hundred and eighty acres, to
which he has licen constantlj' adding, both in extent
and improvement. He has an elegant residence
••uid nine large barns and one in the course of con-
struction. A view of his residence with some of
the outbuildings appears on another i)age, together
with a view of his tenant house on section 35.
The marriage of our subject took place September
24, 1S67, his bride being Amna M. Herrick of
Middlebury Township. Seven children have blessed
their home, namely: Albert E., now twent\'-two
years old; Agnes B., a young lady of nineteen
years; Luc}' A., who, although only eighteen years
old. was married on February 11, 1891, to Alonzo
II. Moten of Middlebury; Ella B., sixteen years
old, Ilattie E., thirteen,. lames Edward, eleven, and
Anna, seven years old. Ella is now a pupil in the
Union schools at Ovid.
Mr. Van Dyne is intelligent on political ques-
tions and a Republican in his views. He is now
filling his second term as Township Treasurer and
has been Commissioner of Highways. He has
never sought ollice and these positions of trust
have been urged upon him by those who believe in
his integrity and ability. Both he and his noble
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and for the last fort}' years he has been in
the choir. He and all his family lake a great
interest in music and are exceedingly helpfid in
this department of church work, not only in the
vocal but in the instrumental part of the service.
He gives liberally to other churches besides his
434
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
own and is a publicspirilefl raan in every respect.
He takes more than an ordinary interest in educa-
tional affairs and has given his sons and daughters
good opportunities for self-improvement.
YLVESTER CARTKR. Among the most
public-spirited citizens of Duplain Town-
ship, Clinton County, we are pleased to
aiention Mr. Carter, whose pleasant home
is situated upon section 25, where upon eighty
acres of rich and arable soil he is carrying on the
calling of a farmer and stock-raiser. He was born
in New Hampshire, September 4, 1815, and is there-
fore now in his declining years, but is still active
and energetic.
Our subject is a son of Jude and Abigail (Pierce)
Carter, and when he was a little child of three
years liis people removed to Broome County, N.Y.,
where ho grew up, attending the district school
winters as he grew old enough, and laboring upon
the farm in the summers. Upon reaching the age
of twenty-one j'ears, he decided to come to Michi-
gan, and in 1837 he located in Oakland County,
and in Duplain Township in 1839.
Mr. Carter has been twice married. His first
wife was Rosetta P. Hale. She lived but a little
over a year after their marriage, and died witiiout
leaving any children. His second marriage oc-
curred INIay 28, 1850, and he then took to wife
Miss Maria Drake, a daughter of Nathan and Han-
nah (Hix) Drake. Bj' this union five children
were granted to Mr. Carter, and they are bj' name:
8»rah L. married John F. Kelley and lives in St.
John's; William H., who lives in Fairfield Town-
shi|> with his wife and three children ; ISIinton S.,
who lives at home; Hannah A., who was snatched
1)3' death from the arms of her parents when she
was only four years and seven months old; and
Sylvia, who still reside." under the parental roof.
The first tract of land which was purchased b}'
our subject when he came to Michigan consisted of
'orty acres. This he afterward sold and bought
ihe farm where he now resides. He remembers
with pleasure casting his Presidential vote for Will-
iam Henry Harrison in 1840, and he was gratified
to be able to vote for the grandson of that Presi-
dent. He is an ardent Republican, but has never
been a seeker for office. He brought his father
here from New York to pass his declining years,
and he is buried at the Colony- burying ground.
Mrs. Carter was born June 18, 1822, iu New
York. Her mother spent her last days in this
household, and is now lying at rest in the burying
ground at Elsie. Mr. Carter is a man who devotes
consideral)lc time to reading, and thus keeps him-
self in touch with the most important movements
of the day. He is alwaj's depended upon to assist
in promoting any movement which tends to ele-
vate the morals of the community or to furtlier its
true prosperity. He offered to each of hiscliildren
an opportunit}- for a thorough and liberal educa-
tion, and to those who chose this he gave the best
advantages. In addition to farming and stock-
raising, he has devoted himself to some extent to
the dairying industry. His life work and his steady
perseverance in industry and integrity are happy
lessons to all the young who desire the truest suc-
cess in life. It is to be hoped that his posterity
will emulate his example in their lives.
0^*^,TIS FULLER is one of the most popular
I men of St. John's and every one rejoices in
' his prosperity. He is an ex editor of the
liepublican, and is Deputy Collector of Internal
Revenue for the First District, appointed by Col-
lector Stone. He was born in (icnesee County,
N. Y. at Ellia, July 14, 1853. His father, James
Fuller was born in Bristol, N. H. and both parents
belonged to old New England families of Englit'li
and Scotch-Irish descent who came to this country
about 1640 and later took part in the Revolutioi--
ary War. The granilfather came to Genesee
Count}', N. Y., in tlie earl}' days, and taught school
for some years. He engaged in farming in I'.llia
Township. The father was a Captain in the .'^late
Militia.
In 1857 the father of our subject located on a
JfORTliAlT AND liJOGliAPIilCAL ALBUM,
435
farm in In<>hain Cuunt}-, owning one liiindied and
eighty-four acres of finely improyeilland. He acted
for several years as Supervisor of Vcvay Township
and died in 1884. He was a Republican in liis poli-
tical views. The mother, Mary Page, was born in
Bristol, X. H., and was a daughter of John Page,
a New f^nglaiid teacher of eminence who imrsncd
his profession throughout life. He was the son of
a Revolutionary soldier. The mother was well-
educated and taught school before her marriage.
Nine of the children of this intelligent and
worthy familj' grew to maturity, our subject being
next to the youngest. lie attended a private
school, the Fuller Academy, which was kept by his
sister, where he studied the higher hranclies and
the languages. At the age of nineteen years he
began teaching in the district schools, carrying
this on for three winters, holding a first grade cer-
tificate. This high grade he took before he was
twenty-one years old.
The young man now took up editorial work :uid
in 187G became a partner in the i)r()prielorship and
editorial work of the Ingham County News at
Mason. After being a partner of W. F. Conell
for si.x months he bought out that gentleni.tn's in-
terest and managed it alone until 1880, when he
sold it. In January, 1881, he came to St. John's
and purchased the Hepublican becoming its sole
editor and proprietor. This he carried on until
July, 1889, enlarging it from a nine column folio
to a six column quarto and building up a good job
office, making the business double what it was
when he took it. He put in a steam power press
and made other imi)rovemcnts. He finally sold out
the business to C. C. Vaughan.
The sale of the paper was the result of Mr.
Fuller's appointment, June 20, 188!), to the position
of Deputy Revenue Collector of the first district,
Sixth Division. This includes the counties of
Gratiot, Clinton, Ingham and Jackson, Clare and
Isabella. He is an investor in various broad inter-
ests, being President of the Pulaski Heights Land
Company, of Little Rock, Ark. This com|)any
owns a subdivision of Little Rock with a capital
stock of $1.50,000. He is also one of the directors of
the Ludington and St. John's State Bank and owns
stock in the Carson City Stale Bank. He also owns
an interest in pine lands in .Mississii>[ii. He is
.School Assessor in St. John's and socially belongs
to the Knights Templar, to the Ancient Onler of
United AVorkmen and to the order of Chosen
Friends. He is a notable man among the news-
paper men of the State, being well known in the
State and National Editorial Association and be-
ing upon the executive committee of the latter in
I88'J. At the time of the trip which this associa-
tion took to Colorado, Texas .and Mexico he ac-
companied them. He has for a long while been a
frequent delegate to the Republican State Conven-
tion and for years has been the Treasurer of the
County Republican Coinmitlee and is also on the
State Committee. He belonged to the Village
Board of Trustees for two years and was President
pro tern during most of that time. He was the
Republican candidate for State .Senator in 1884,
but owing to the fusion at that time between
Democrats and Greenljackcrs he was defcatccL
hM W. WILLOUOHBV. A man who has
such a keen appreciation of the value of
education and culture as to overcome early
" lack of training and school himself in book
lore, will prize this privilege for his children and
will give them as their richest heritage an oppor-
tunity for a liberal education. Such a man is the
one whose name stands at the head of this para-
graph, and his children to whom he has given a
university education will never cease to thank him
for this opportunity.
Mr. Willoughb^-'s fine farm is located on sectiuu
36, Rush Township, Shiawassee Countj', and there
he carries on general farming .ind stock-raising.
Seneca County, Ohio, is his native place and there
he was born February 28, 1839. His father, T. B.
Willoughby, a farmer and lawyer, was born in
Virginia in 1806. He had the advantages of the
common school ard was also a hard student by
himself, and trained himself in .ill kinds of busi-
ness. His father, Robert Willoughby, a native of
Kastern Maryland, had the appointment of Indian
agent, and was located near Pittsburg, Pa. His
436
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
mother Anna Barnes, was the mother of three
(laughters and two sons, of wlioin T. B. was the
fourth in order of birtli. Robert was a soldier in
the War of 1812 and a prominent man in the Ma-
sonic order. Both Le and his good wife lie at rest
in Seneca County, Ohio.
At the age of twenty-one T. B. Willoughby lo-
cated land in Ohio, and clearing awa}' the trees
made it his home. His marriage took place about
the year 1824 in Harrison County, Ohio, where he
was united with Diana Caldwell, daughter of .Sam-
uel Caldwell, a native of Connecticut who came to
Ohio in an early day. Diana was born about 1809
and was the eldest of a family of two sons and
four daughters.
About the year 1832 the young couple removed
to Seneca County, and bought a farm of eighty
acres in Venice Townsliip and some fourteen years
later removed to Wyandotte County. He was a
man of more than ordinary caliber and worked
eainesll}' for whatever principles either religious
or political his convictions pointed out. He was a
member of the Protestant Methodist Church and
an officer in the same and he was a Democrat in
politics. He filled honorably and efficiently the
offices of Justice of the Peace and Constable. Both
lie and his wife passed away while residing in Wy-
andotte County, she being taken from his side in
1865 and he following iier in 1868.
The subject of this sketch grew up under some-
wliai disadvantageous circumstances and had scant
opportunities for schooling but being a thorough
student through his natural inclinations and his
father's example, studied by himself. April I'J,
1861 he married Esther E. Gilbert, daughter of
Heber H. and Ann (Collins) Gilbert, natives of
New England and the parents of two sons and five
daughters, Esther being l)orn May 31, 1841.
Mrs. Willoughby is a lady of more than ordinary
ability and of liberal education, being a graduate
of tlie medical department of Ann Arbor. At one
time she filled the position of Matron of the gen-
eral hospital in that cit^'. Their five children are:
Juan M., who died when a little over a year old;
Paul G., who attended the Owasso High School
until he was about seventeen years old then entered
the Agricultural College at Lansing, but ill health
forced him to quit school, aud since he has been
engaged in breeding and driving horses; Ruth A.;
Victor R., and Levi Pliilii) Ray. The only daugh-
ter is a graduate of the literary department of the
University and is teaching the languages at L;iPurte,
liid. A'iclor is a junior in the High School at Ann
Arbor and Levi is at school in tiie same institu-
tion.
Mr. Willoughby knows a fine animal when he
sees it and is well versed in trotting and roadster
horses, both of which he raises. He has some reg-
istered stock and several high graded animals,
keeping at present some seventeen good horses. He
is a prominent member of the Patrons of Hus-
bandry' and the Patrons of Industry and has held
State offices in each. He is a Grand Ann}' man
aud is independent in politics. His popularity with
his neighbors is quite independent of his political
views and lie has held the following offices: Justice
of the Peace, Superintendent of Schools and Drain-
age Commissioner.
As we have before said, this gentleman's mar-
riage took place April 19, 1861, and on April 20,
he enlisted in Company G, Fifteenth Ohio Infantry,
and was sent at once ro Columbus. From there
he went to Zanesville and on May 25 reached
Grafton, W. Va. Thence he went to Cheat Moun-
tain Gap and was there when Gen. Garnet was
killed at Carricks' Ford. He went from there to
Red House and then to Oakland, Va., where he was
at the time of the battle of Bull Run. From there
he was ordered to Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio,
and mustered out of service in August at Upper
Sandusky. This peiiod of service had not satisfied
his desire to serve his country and on the 17tli of
August 1862 he enlisted in Company F, One Hun-
dred and Twenty-third Infantry, which was organ-
ized at Monroeville, Ohio. His company was under
the command of Capt. Curtis Berry, First Lieute-
nant A. Robins and Second Lieutenant James Gil-
Ian. The regimental officers were Col. William T.
Wilson, Lieut.-Col. Hunter, and Maj. Norton.
At the time of enlistment our subject was made
Orderly Sergeant of his conii)any, and receive<l
orders to go by way of Parkersburg to Clarks-
burg, W. Va. His first engagement was at Win-
chester, and he was there promoted to the office of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
437
Second Lieutenant. During the first fight. June
13, 1863 at Winchester, twent^'-three officers of his
regiment were captured some of whom never re-
turned to the regiment. A number of the oflicers
captured at this time were of that party who dug
out of Libby Prison in 1863, and ver^- few of
tliem ever did active duty in the regiment again.
Lieut. Willoughby often had charge of a large
number of men and his experience iiad fitted him
for command and in June 1863, being sick with a
fever, he was captured in hospital. He was sent to
Richmond and paroled and being forwarded to
Annapolis was put in tiie Marine Hospital, and
there was exchanged in September but was retained
by the officer in charge of Camp Parole and detailed
as distributing officer. Remaining there until
November or December, he reported for duty at
Martinsburg, Xa. Thence lie went to New Mariiet
and was under Gen. Siegel's command and from
there went to Piedmont where he was under Gen.
Hunter and afterward was with Gen. Crooks at
Stanton. Going to Lynchburg, Va., they were
forced back across the mountain to Parkcrsburg
and Harper's Ferry. There tiiey crossed the river
to Snicker's Ferry in the Blue Ridge Mountains,
where our subject was siiot tUrougii tlic thigli on
Jul^' 18. He went to Baltimore and was there
granted a leave of absence and went iiome to Ohio.
After a siiort visit home the young Lieutenant
rejoined his regiment November 6, 1863 and taking
charge of his company at Cedar Cn-ek, W. Va.,
.althougli yet suffering from Iiis wound he went
from there to Opequon Creek. From there he
went by way of Washington to tiie James River,
making Hatchic's Run, near Petersburg, his ol)jec-
tive point. He had charge of tlie first skirmishJine
that captured the works at Hatchic's Run. He
then went to Burkville Junction to head off the
retreating rebels and readied tliere on tlie night of
April .5. On tiie 6th lie was ordered to High
Bridge and was tliere surrounded and ca|)tured
after his ammunition was spent, bj- the cavalrj' of
Fitz Hugh Lee. A special order from the Adju-
tant-General's oHicc finally effected their exchange,
so that the^' might be mustered out, when their
term of service expired.
At the close of the war Lieut. Willoughby de-
cided to make his home in Michigan and came
directly to Owosso, but two years later remove<l to
Rush Township and purchased eighty acres of rich
and productive land and five jcars later bought
forty acres more on section 36. It was then an
unbroken forest but it is now well cleared and is in
a productive condilion. He h.as never recovered
entirely as to health from the effects of arm}' life,
and he is gninled a pension b}- the Government.
He generally hires a man to do the farm work and
paj's his individual attention more fully to his
slock, making a specialty of fine horses.
-^
(| IfelLLIAM JOHNSON. The Last century
\/iJi/ '"^ been characterized by such gigantic
W^ strides in the evolution of the arts and
sciences that are applied to the commonest as well
as the most complex features of daily life that the
latter part of the century seems as different from
the fore part as though epochs had elapsed between
them. A man or woman whose life has s|)aiined
a large part of the century cannot but have been
sha[>ed more or less by the current of events that
has gone to make this the most wonderful age in
the world's history. Our subject, William John-
son has attained patriarchal years and can recount
events that have occurred during his lifetime that
would have made the heroes of old blush for the
comparative modest}' of their works and achieve-
ments.
William .lohnson was born in Sodus, Wayne
County, N. Y., about one mile from Lake (Ontario,
October 9, 1812, the date that is so memorable to
Americans as that of the struggle in which Amer-
ica irrevocably assorted her independence and
claimed her rights. Our subject's father, Ichabod
.Johnson, was a native of Vermont, while his
mother wliuse maiden name was Polly Farnham,
was also born in Vermont. The father died when
William was six mon'hs old and the mother after-
ward married Thom.as Boyd, who -.vas connecteil
with the eng.agement of Sodus Point. The orig-
inal of our sketch was raised on the farm until his
ste()father's death at which time he w.as fourteen.
438
PORTKAIT A^'D BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
After this sad event our subject remained three or
four years with his mother, aiding in the work of
the farm. When seventeen ^-ears okl he went witli
his brother to Oswego. Here lie remained two
years and then returned to Sodus which continued
to be his home until 1835, wlien lie came to Micli-
igan.
October 8, 1835, the young man left home be-
hind him and started out for what was then the
wild West. He came to .Shiawassee, Sliiawassee
County, this State, where lie remained until his
marriage, which event was celebiated February, 5,
18-10. His wife's maiden name was Diantha
Wright, a daughter of Ephraim Wright of Shia-
wassee, who came to that place in the spring of
183() from Ohio. Our subject made his living for
a time by working for Hosea Baker. About this
time he went to Xew York State where he re-
mained for six months. On his coming to this
State he bought eighty acres of Mr. Baker, paying
for the land by giving him his team with which
he had come West and six months work. He was
compelled to do what work he could find and
could devote but little time to the improvement
of his purchase. An eugagement to put a roof on
the Newburg Mill which had at that time been just
begun, required much of his time. July 31, 1840,
he moved onto his farm which at that time had a
log iiouse and he continued to live in the place for
fifty-one years.
Mr. Johnson managed to pick up the carpenter's
trade and contracted to build a great many houses
and barns. The contract of building the Shiawas-
see IVHIls was given to him in 1863. In 1852 Mr.
Johnson was in Minnesota where he assisted in
building a mill at Minncajjolis and worked at his
trade in St. Paul. During the winter of 1835-36
while working for Hosea Baker, he was twice sent
to Pontiac to mill and each time met with a se-
rious mishap. There were then no bridges and the
streams had to be forded. The first aceideut
s))oken of occurred as he was on the return trip
from Byron. Finding the river frozen over he
had to ride one horse over at a time breaking the
ice with an ax, |)icking his waj' carefully across
the stream on his horses' back. Then unloading
the wagon, before he could pursue liis way he was
obliged to repeat the operation time after time to
get all across the river. Our subject was present
at the first township meeting held in the spring of
1836. It was at the house of Hosea Baker of
Newburg, sixteen votes being cast. Mr. Johnson
has never since missed a township election. In
politics Mr. Johnson is a Republican, having
voted in 1840 for William H. Harrison and during
the last campaign for his grandson.
Mr. Johnson's wife died after about fourteen
years of wedded life having been the mother of
five children. He w.as afterward married in Febru-
ury, 1856, to Mrs. Amanda Van Nolier, whose
maiden name was Bristol. They were married at
Coruniia by the Rev. Mr. Arnold, the Presiding
Elder of the Methodist Episcopal Church. After
being his helpmate for twenty-eight years she
died, July 22. 1887. Mr. Johnson had no chil-
dren by his second wife. The first family arc as
follows: George W., who lives in Clinton County;
Lydia Ann who is Mrs. E. A. Campbell and resid-
ing in Lamoure County, N. Dak.; Henry who died
at tlie age^of fourteen; Huldah, Maria and Rilej' C.
Huldah married Reuben Lafler and died at about
thirtj' years of age. Riley C. was born May 19,
1850, and was married August 17, 1876, to Mi-
randa Monroe, of Clinton Count}'.
Our subject is a stanch, straightforward old
gentleman. He has alwa3-s been an active man,
used to hard work and even j-et is vigorous and
energetic. He has been for man}- j'cars a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
jICHARDC. DAVIES, of the firm of Davies
/( & Adams, has been engaged in his present
!ms ^ enterprise but a short time, and the business
of the firm is in its infancj'. They occupy
two floors of a building eighty feet deep and have
the largest stock of vehicles and harness in St.
John's. Mr. Davies himself is an old settler of
the county and has been intimately connected with
the business life of this section, as an employe of
his brothers, W. T. k R. E. Davies. He is in in-
dependent circumstances and able to establish a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
439
business on a firm financial basis, and with his
experience ami acumen is likely to make a success
of his new piojoct.
Tlie birthplace of Mr. Davies was Sandgutc,
County Kent, England, and liis natal day January
14, 184L His father, Robert Davies, was a native
of Wales, i)ut from his young manhood was a sol-
dier in the English army and after acting as a mil-
itary servant of the Crown twcnt^'-one years lie
was retired as a pensioner and recived a Govern-
ment appointment. He had charge of the militar}'
canal and road in County Sussex, and died there
when about threescore and ten years old. During
his army life he took part in the war of liie allied
forces against Napoleon under the leailership of tiic
renowned Gen. Wellington, and fought in Spain,
Portugal and France, and likewise served in Cana-
da; he held the rank of a Sergeant. He was a
member of the Ciiurch of England. Ilis wife,
formerl3' Mary A. Thomas, was born in Kent and
spent her last years with her children in America,
dj'ing in Clinton County in 1873. Their children
are William T., a manufacturer of fanning-mills in
Greenbush; Robert E., a partner in the same busi-
ness; Richard C, subject of tliis notice; Mrs. Eliza-
beth S. Adams, of St. John's; and Mrs. Mary A.
Goddard, deceased, who died in Greenbush.
The subject of this biographical sketch was
reared to the age of nineteen years in his native
land. The years were mainly' spent in Count)-
Sussex, at Winchelsea on the coast of the P^nglish
Channel, where he had the advantage of good
common and private schools. lie began to acquire
the painter's trade when fifteen years old and con-
tined his work while he remained in England. His
father died in 18.09 and the next spring Richard
with his motiier and sisters came to America. His
brothers had already become established in busi-
ness in this State, having entered upon the manu-
facture of fanning mills in Greenbush in 1855.
The younger members of the family, with the
mother, took passage at Southampton in July, 1800,
landed at New York and spent a month in the Em-
pire State. They then came West and our subject
located in Greenbush and became salesman and
collector for his brothers, traveling in the northern
part of the State. He continued his work in tlie
fanning-mill business until December, 1890, when
he entered into partnership with R. T. Davies, and
established his present business. His partner died
about Christmas, 1890, and Mr. Adams became in-
terested in the business in January, 1891. Of Mr.
Davies' present partner mention is made on another
p.ige in this volume.
In Greenbush Township in 18G5, Mr. Davies was
united in marriage with Miss Serena F. Smith, a
native of St. Leonard's, County Sussex, England.
She has proved her efliciency in domestic and social
life, and is an esteemed member of the Methodist
E|)isc()pal Church. For two years Mr. Davies was
Treasurer and Collector of Greenbush Townshi|),
but with this e.xceplion his time has been given
exclusively to his business affairs and such duties
as all loyal citizens owe. He votes the Rci)ublican
ticket with unfailing regulai'ily.
■*-^
RTHUR S. THOMA.S, the genial proprie-
tor of the Junction House at Durand, was
born in Canada, July 23, 1853. His fa-
1^ tlier was George Thomas, a native of
London, England, and born March 25, 1812. He
engaged in clearing vessels, and came to Detroit in
1839 ; the same year he proceeded to Canada, where
he was engaged in buying and selling wheat in
Montreal. From that place he went to London,
Canada, where he became manager of the Bank of
Montreal. He was then sent to Chatham in order
to start a branch of tlie Bank of Montreal. Besides
being engaged in banking in that place he became
interested in real estate, in which he was a dealer
until 1859. At that time he went to Detroit,
where he wtis engaged in the gri)cery business.
The father of our subject after leaving the
grocery business, entered the Auditor's ollice where
he remained until ISG'.l. lie then i)urchascd an in-
terest in the railro.ad dining-room at Owosso, of
which he secured entire control in 1871, when he
built the present ilining-rooms at Owosso. Since
1871 he has continued in the same business, it
being just twenty years since he began the business
in this location. His elTorts to pleiuse the public
440
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAFHICAL ALBUM.
and provide comfortable aecomniodations have
proved successful, and be is much liked by the
traveling fraternity, and indeed by all who meet
him in a social or business ■may.
Not confining his attention solely to catering to
the public, Mr. Thomas has built five substantial
brick stores in Owosso on Main street near the
corner of Washington. These buildings were com-
pleted in 1886 and are commodious and admirably
adapted to their purposes. Mr. Thomas removed
from the corner of Main and Washington Streets
one of the oldest frame houses in the city, erecting
in its place the handsome three-story brick block
which now adorns the city. Our subject has made
three additions to the city of Owosso near the
Junction. He deals largely in real estate, having
sold on contract many lots at $50 to $500 each
witli small payments down and satisfactory monthly
payments. He has a fine farm of over one hundred
and fifty acres of good land that is highlj' culti-
vated, well drained and has two good dwellings.
In 1890 he sold five acres to the Catholic Church
for a cemetery. He is a man of broad interests but
his .attention is more strongly hold by news at large
than by that of local circles.
In politics Mr. Thomas is independent, voting
always for the man whom he believes best fitted
for the office. He is a Mason, socially, having
been Master of the lodge at Chatham, Canada, three
successive terms. Since coming to the T'nited
States he has not united with any lodge. In re-
ligion he is an adherent of the Episcopal Church
and very devoted to his church work. He was
Senior Warden for twenty-two years, ever since
coming to Owosso, and was in the vestr}' of St.
Paul's Cliurch of Detroit.
Tiie mother of our subject, Eliza M. (Gibbs)
Thomas, is a native of Canada and of English an-
cestry. Siie died in 1854 the motlier of five chil-
dren, four sons and one daughter, all living but
one, who died in infancy. Henr^' is a master me-
chanic of tlie Detroit, IJ.ay City & Alpena Railroad
and resides in Taw.as City; Alfred T. is in the
grocery and dry-goods business in Owosso; Eliza
M., the oldest child, resides in Detroit; our subject
is the youngest member of the family. His first
scliool days were passed in the old Capitol school
of Detroit and he finished his education in the
Bishop's school in the same city. He remained with
his father, assisting in his business until 1887, when
the father purchased the place which the son now
operates. He was manager of this until the spring
of 1891, when he purchased the place of his father.
He also owns fifteen lots adjoining the properly
and has twenty-five acres outside the corporate
limits of the place.
The Junction House which Mr. Thom.as so suc-
cessfully conducts has twenty-four rooms. He has
another house east of the railroad which he uses for
sample rooms and in cas6 there is an overflow from
the main hotel. The hotel has in connection a lunch
counter. Twenty years of the life of our subject
have been passed in the hotel business, and he lias
filled every position incident to the care of such an
house, even to cooking. He was married in July,
1886, to Isabelle Kerr, a native of Ireland. Tliej'
are the parents of one son — Heniy A.
In addition to other varied inteicsts Mr. Thomas
has invested in the Loan Association. Socially he
is a member of the Masonic order. He belongs to
Blue Lodge, No. 81, of Owosso, Chapter No. 89,
also of Owosso, Corunna Comraandery, K. T., No.
21, and the Detroit Consistory. Politically he has
not allied himself with any political party, but votes
for whom he believes best qualified to discharge the
duties of the position in question.
RANKLIN FORWARD. There is prob.a-
1^-; bl}- no man in Clinton County, wliosework
is more apparent and more prominent tlian
that of the gentleman whose name heads this
sketch. The more than forty buildings which ho
as a carpenter and contractor lias erected in Clin-
ton County, may truly be considered .as monuments
to perpetuate the character of the individual. For
his enterprise, his thoroughness and his integrity
are marked b^' the excellent character of the work
which he has done, and the architectural value of
these buildings.
Mr. Forward is now devoting his time mostly to
farming and resides on section 16, of Watertown
'\ r
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
443
Township, where he has a beautiful farm of over
one hundred acres. It is well improved and in a
high state of cultivation and has upon it two sets
of excellent farm buildings. He is the son of
George and Sarah (C'ager) Forward, natives of
Sussex Countj', England, who came to America in
1833. They were married two 3ears previous to
their coming to this country and upon arriving in
America located in Cayuga County, N. Y., where
thi.s son was born August 11, 1836. Our subject
was reared upon his father's farm in New York and
assisted him in the duties of agriculture until he
readied his majoril}', after which he learned the
trade of a carpenter and joiner.
In October, 1860, Franklin Forward was married
to Harriet Stalker, and two cliildren blessed this
marriage. Charles E. born October 22, 1862, is
now married to Ailie GoodscU. He resides on the
farm and assists his father in carrying it on.
Clara was born August 28, 1869. She is single and
resides at home. The mother of Mrs. Forward is
sfill living and has a home with her son Franklin.
She is now eighty- two years of age, but is in pos-
session of all her mental faculties. She was the
mother of thirteen children and nine of them are
still living. Franklin has been very successful in
life and has accumulated a good share of this
world's goods. In politics he is a Democrat but
cannot be called in any sense a politician. The
family belong to the liajitist Ciiurch of Waucousta
in wliich they arc active and eflicierit members.
-i-^f=^^=€+-H-
ORNELIUS GROVE. In noting the pres-
ent prosperity of Clinton County it is well
to remember that it was once a great tract
of undeveloped land, and that those who brought it
to its present condition underwent much toil and
in many cases sufTered privations unknown to men
of the present d.iy. The subject of this biographi-
cal sketch, although he did not come here in pio-
neer times, yet hewed out his farm from the forest,
taking possession of one hundred an<l sixty acres
of woodland in Lebanon Township. He now has a
beautiful and remunerative piece of property
where order prevails and good management is
shown in all the details of farm work. Numerous
and substantial buildings stand on this tract and the
comforts of home abound in the pleasant residence.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was
Wendell Grove, who was born in Lancaster Count3-,
Pa., and was married to Miss Coon, a nol)le Christ-
ian woman. When the \Vestern Reserve was being
opened up he went thither and was one of the first
settlers in what became Mahoning County, Ohio.
He not only cleared and improved land, being a
thorough far.'ner, but in the early daj-s he manufac-
tured wooden plows and was a famous hunter and
tanner of skins. He reared a large family, among
whom was a son Andrew, born in Ohio, April 4,
1804.
This gentleman remained in Mahoning County
until he was of age then went to Trumbull County,
which was his home during the rest of his life.
When he began laboring for his own maintenance he
worked on the farm by the mouth and he also did
carpentry. He was a Major of the county militia,
held various township olHces and was a prominent
resident of Trumbull County. He died January
12, 1887, when in his eighty-third year. His wife
preceded him to the tomb, passing away Novem-
ber 3, 1885, aged scvent^'-seven years. Airs. Grove
bore the maiden name of Catherine Palm and was
married October 31, 1826. The children born to
them were David A., Maria, Jacob, Jonathan, Cor-
nelius, Milo, Shannon, .laspcr \'., Almira and War-
ren.
Cornelius Grove was born November 10.1836,
in Trumbull County, Ohio, and made his home with
his parents until his marriage. He had good school
privileges anil made the best use of his o|)portuni-
ties, becoming well grounded in all the subjects
that he studied. The settlers on the Western Re-
serve were noted for their desire for good schools
and young Grove after taking the lower course,
attended an .academy at Warren and one in his
township — Lordstowu. He adopted the profession
of teaching and followed it for a number of years,
for a time being an assistant in the academy. He
paid some attention to farming and building, hav-
ing learned the carpenter's trade from his father.
In 186!), a few months after his marriage, he came
444
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
to this Stale and made his home where he has since
lived — on section 32, Lebanon Township.
The lady whom Mr. Orove won for his wife was
known in her maidenhood as Miss Udulci L. Stull,
and was a native of the same county as himself,
born in Liberty Township, January 2, 1846. She
had tlie misfortune to lose her mother by death
during her early childhood and she was reared by
her grandmother, Mrs. Caroline Stull, who was
born under the shadow of the historical Charter
Oak. She was educated in the schools of the county,
bccime a teacher and did excellent professional
work for five years. She ha<l two sisters older and
one 3'ounger than herself, their names being Mary
C, Elizabeth F., AdraA. Her father was Valentine
Stull, a native of Geauga County, Ohio, born March
31, 1818. He was married when of age to Miss
Mary M. Boyd, who died in 1849. He subsequently
married Mary A. Goist and this union was blest by
the birth of the following children: Amanda J.,
Valentine R. and Eliza A. Mr. Stull was a farmer
and carpenter and was engaged in meicantile pur-
suits to some extent; he was a Captain in the Ohio
militia. He lived in Trumbull County some years,
then in Mahoning County and finally came to Gra-
tiot Count3-, this State, where he died October 5,
1887.
The hapiiy home of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Grove is
brightened by the presence of three children — P.
Birdie, Selbie D. and Wellyn P. — and they have
buried three whose names were Ola M., Ina L. and
Catherine M. Birdie and Selbie are teaching in
the home and adjoining townships during the in-
tervals of study and will be graduated from the
Pcwamo School in 1891. AVellyn is ably assisting
his father on the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Grove have
been Spiritualists for many years. In politics Mr.
Grove is a Greenbacker. He has never asi>ired to
political honors hut has preferred the life of an
independent farmer. He has held office in various
farmers' clubs, has been President of the Central
Fair Association at Hubbardston and President of
the Michigan Buckeyes. While living in his na-
tive State he held the rank of ISIajor in the Second
Regiment of Trumbull County militia.
Mr. Grove has written many able articles for
papers, treating of various topics, including relig-
ion, finance and education. He has contributed to
the county papers, the Lyons Ilemhl, Pomeroy's
Dfmncrat, the Advanced Thought, and several other
papers. He has written a very able production on
free newspapers to promote knowledge in the gen-
eral public, which should be read by everyone
who favors a higher and more thorough educa-
tional system. The Grove family is one that is
well known in the communit}' as taking a great
interest in mental progress and mattcis that lead to
a higher standard of thought and culture; and its
various members arc given their due meed of re-
spect by their many acquaintances.
The attention of the reader is invited to a litho-
graphic portrait of Mr. Grove, presented in con-
nection with this biographical sketch.
LFRED G. GUNNISON. Among the
most prominent and highlj' respected citi-
zens of DeWitt Township, Clinton County,
(^J^ we find Mr. Gunnison and his wife, who
are highly educated and influential in all directions
which tend to the upbuilding of the social, educa-
tional and .agricultural interests of the township.
This gentleman was born in Green Oak, Livingston
County, Mich., June 18, 1835. His father, Elihu
Gunnison, was a native of Newbur}', N. H., where
he w.as born August 28, 1803. He was reared
upon a farm in New England and early imbibed
the love for education and intelligence which
marks those old New England families. He clerked
for a time in a store and removed when a young
man to Lansingburg, N. Y., and there learned the
trade of comb-making.
Eliliu Gunnison came to Michigan in 1829, mak-
ing most of the journey on foot and making his
first home at Superior, Washtenaw Count}', where
he opened and operated a store for a short lime.
His marriage with Ruth Ann Pryer, who w.as born
in Batavia, N. Y., Ma}' 15, 1815, was an event of
great importance and the beginning of a life of un-
usual domestic happiness. This union was solem-
nized in Washtenaw Count}', March 11, 1833, and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
445
resulted in the birth of eigiit fhikiren, seven of
whom grew to maturit}' and bore the following
names: Alfred G., James H., Arsanius B., Hannah
E., Joseph W., Ann L. and Nancy. The mother
of these children is still living in Lansing with her
daughter, Nanej' Livonia (Mrs. Willard).
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Elihu Gunnison
made their first home in Green Oak, Livingston
Count}', :ind after a few years he came to Clinton
County, and in November, 1835, bought of the
Government one hundred and sixty acres of land
on section 14, DeWitt Township. In February
following he removed his family with an ox-team
and sled to the new home, crossing the streams on
the ice, and made his final settlement on the Look-
ing-glass River, in Victor Township. During their
three years of residence at that point tiiej' had very
few white neighbors, but the Indians were numer-
ous and friendly, and they were glad to trade with
him and sharpen their knives on his grindstone. It
was a three-days' journey to take grain to mill at
Pontiac. Wild animals were abundant and he had
great difficulty in [irotecting his sbcei) from the
wolves.
In the spring of 1839 Mr. Gunnison removed his
family to the spot which he Iiad first picked out.
He built a log house and ini|)roved the wild land
with the help of his boys, and lived there until his
death, September 23, 1877, with the exception of
one year, 18.50, when he lived at Lansing and
rented out his farm. His intention in going to
Lansing was to educate liis children, but he found
that the rental of his farm was not suflicient to
support his famil}' in the city, so he returned to iiis
liomc.
The subject of this sketch came into this county
when only six monliis old, !uid attended the rate-
bill .school in a log sciiool-house of the most primi-
tive kind, taking his writing lessons with quill pen
at the wide writing desk on the wall. The father's
determination to give his children wlint he consid-
ered the great desideratum, an education, was not
to be balked by the failure to continue his residence
at Lansing. Alfred and James, after the year at
Lansing, went to school at Leoni, in Jackson
County, for six months and at the State Normal
School, at V[)silanti, for two years, going on foot
to and from that point, and boarding themselves
while there. In 1857 and 1858 Alfred attended
the Agricultural College at Lansing.
Alfred fiunnison and Amanda Thomas became
man and wife March 21,1871. This lady is finely
educated and accomplished and is an old school-
teacher, having taught eleven terms in New York
State and some after coming to Michigan. It was
while on a visit here that she consented tt) teach
and at the same time met our subject, whom she
afterward married. She was born in Hrutus Town-
ship, Cayuga County, N. Y., August 14, 1845, and
is the daughter of John and Desire (Pierce)
Tiiomas, natives of New York State. Mr. Gunni-
son also taught previous to his marriage, in Delhi
in Eaton County, and in Oakland County. This
intelligent couple are the parents of three daugh-
ters, namely: Bessie, now teaching school in Ben-
gal Township, Clinton County, and (Jertrude and
Lena, at home.
Our subject settled on his [)resenl farm in 1863
and has one hundred and twentj' acres in all, upon
whicii he conducts mixed farming. His house is
delightfully shaded by large forest trees. He w.as
formerly a Democrat, but is now a prominent Pro-
hibitionist. In 18G4 he was elected Supervisor of
the township, and has also served as School In-
spector, School Superintendent and Superintendent
of the County Poor. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gunni-
son are very prominent members of the Sons of
Temperance in both county and State organiza-
tions, and they contributed generously of their
means for the erection of a fine brick building
having a Sons of Temperance hall in the basement
and a church-room above. This building, which
cost $3,000, belongs joiuti}- to the Methodist ICpis-
copal Church and the Sons of Temperance. Mrs.
Gunnison has served as Grand Worthy Patriarch
in the State organization of this order. They are
both also prominent and active in the (Jrange and
Farmers' Alliance, Mr. Gunnison being Vice-I'resi-
dent of the County- Cirange and bis wife Secretary.
He was for two years Chaplain of the County
Grange. Mrs. Gunnison has been Lecturer of the
Grange and is now Lecturer of the Alliance. She
also takes part in the Literary Pioneer Soeietj' and
is correspondent for two iiewspai)ers. On account
446
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of their superior literary abilitj- they are put to the
front in every undertaking and their service is
given so freely and cordially as to make them ex-
ceedingly popular.
'=-'T^
j^^REDERICK SCHEMER. For about twenty
f^Sf years this gentleman has been carrj'ing on a
'li, successful moicantile trade in Fuwler, Clin-
ton County, during a part of the time having been in
partnership with Mr. Gruler, who is mentioned on
another page in this Album. Mr. Schemer is one
of the best informed of tiie German-American citi-
zens in this locality and is an excellent representa-
tive of the belter class of foreigners, who prove
such trustworth3' citizens and add so much to the
prosperity of the sections in which they locate.
His father, Frederic M. Schemer, was born in
Bavaria, German}-, and when a young man went
to Ulm, Wurtemburg, where he spent the rest of his
life. He was married there to A. M. Schmidt,
who, after his decease became the wife of Dr.
Fisher, a native of Ulm. Mr. Sciiemer was the
father of two children, Frederick and Caroline, and
they have a half sister, Fredericka Fisher. Mr.
Schemer was a trader in furs and a manufacturer
of fur goods, but his principal business was in
liandling raw skins. He died in 1840. The mother
of our subject breathed her last in Fowler in 1888,
at the advanced age of eight^^ j'ears.
The subject of this biographical sketch was born
in Ulm, Germany, September 9, 1829, and was given
excellent educational privileges. In the Real
school he studied French as well as his mother
tongue, and also the natural sciences. He served
a three years' apprenticeship in the furrier's trade
and worked at that business while living in his na-
tive land. As a matter of course, he was a member
of the German standing army. In 1855 he de-
cided to emigrate to the United States, and cross-
ing the Atlantic he made his home in Piiiladelpliia
for a year, then spent the same length of time in
New York City, following his trade at each place.
Ho then came to this State und took possession of
a farm in Bengal Township, Clinton County. Dur-
ing the ensuing twelve j'ears he gave his attention
to agricultural work, clearing a large number of
acres and breaking the soil on a quarter section, on
which he raised good crops.
We next find Mr. Schemer locating in Fowler
and engaging in mercantile business in partnership
with M. C. Gruler. After a few j'ears the partner-
ship was dissolved and each of the gentlemen con-
tinued in business, occupying separate and distinct
rooms. Mr. Schemer has been quite successful, and
has a fine tract of land, comprising about two hun-
dred acres. He is aided in his store by his son
Ernest. He has two children deceased, Albert who
died at the age of eleven years and Emilie who
died at the age of four years. His wife was known
in iier maidenhood .is Miss Romana Gruler and
their marriage rites were solemnized at her home in
Bengal Township in 1856. She is a daughter of
Philip Gruler, of whom mention is made elsewhere
in this work. Mr. Schemer has been School In-
si)CLlor and a member of the Village Council, and
he is now one of the Board of Trustees. Since he
became a citizen of the United States he has always
cast a Democratic ballot.
-•^^^
HARLES E. SHATTUCK, a prominent
business man of Owosso, is a native of
New York State, having been born in Mad-
ison County, in the Township of Lenox, October
12, 1.S34. His intelligent and worthy parents,
Roland and Evalyn (Wimple) Shatluck, were na-
tives, the former of Massachusetts and the latter of
New York. His ancestry was of English blood
and hers of Holland extraction, she being the
(laughter of Myndert Wimple. The father of our
subject was called away from \iU'. when the son
was quite young. His mother was first married
to Myndert (iuackenbush, by whom she had three
sons — Col. Quackenbush of East Lansing is her
eldest son. Her second marriage resulted in three
cliildren, two daughters and our subject. Charles
removed with his mother to Owosso, Shiawassee
County, in 1818, when he was about fourteen
years old. He first came to Michigan in 1843,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
447
and spent five 3'eai-s at Ann Arbor. He clerked
in Dr. Barns' general store in Owosso for about
three years. He then went to Port Huron, Mich.,
anil clerked for twelve months. Returning to
Owosso he built .1 liousi' and carried on a gi^n-
eral store for about three j'cars — then pur-
cliased the Owosso American Printing Press,
whicli he edited and managed successfully foi' a
time, selling out his press eighteen months later.
He next purchased a grocery stock which he
handled for three years and then went north in
com|)any with his half brotlier Tessee H. <^uacken-
bush, and bought two hundred acres of pine laud
anil engaged in cutting logs and hewing the same
into lumber. He had seventeen hundred and
fifty thousand feet on the dock at Saginaw at the
time of the breaking out of the war and in selling
it lost several thousand dollars but w.as able to
retain liis home at Owosso. He then started in a
general store which he carried on during the war
and finally disposed of it by sale. For two years
he filled the office of Internal Revenue Assessor.
He then served as clerk and collector in M. L.
.Stuart's Bank, and while thus engaged became in-
terested in the sale of sewing machines. He sub-
sequently added organs to his stock and employed
men to sell them through tlie country, building up
a large business and establishing local salesmen
whom he supplied on commission. Having quite
a wholesale trade he added pianos to his business
and has continued in this line for nearly a quar-
ter of a century, putting in a full stock of musical
instruments and sheet music.
Mr. Shattuck is now building a double three-
story busiijcss house on Washington Street which
he will furnish during the summer and to which he
will move his splendid stock of goods. It will
have the finest front of any business house between
Detroit and (irand Kapids. His marriage, which
occurred September 21, I8G0, was the most im
porlatit event in his life in its influence upon his
liap|)incss and future prosperity. Abbie C. Palm-
er of Saginaw, a native of Vermont, and a daugh-
ter of Michael Paln.er. then became his wife, and
her helpfulness and infience were beyond compu-
tation for the welfare of her husband. She died
here December 7, 188y, leaving three children,
Jesse C, Minnie A., and Edith. The son is a
graduate of the University of Michigan in the class
of 1887. After graduation he became superin-
tendent of the schools of St. Clair, Mich., for
three years and in 1890 returned to Owosso jind
was President of the Owosso Business Men's Asso-
ciation one term which was organized in 1887.
He is also a member of the Michigan Sewing Ma-
chine and Organ Company which was incorpor-
.".tcd in 1887, of which he is President. The eld-
est daughter Minnie is the wife of O. W. Stebbins,
now of Montgomery, Ala., and Edith took a
course of study at Alma College, Alma, Mich., and
is now at home.
The subject of this sketch was elected Super-
visor several terms of the second district of Owosso
and is also president of the organization in this
city of the Building and Loan Association of
Bloomington, III., He is prominently identified
with the Masonic order and is a Knight Templar.
His political views lead him to atliliate with the
Democratic party in the local councils of which
his judgment is respected. His handsome brick
residence on Exchange Street is delightfully sit-
uated and surrounded by extensive lawns.
ALVIN FLINT who lives on section 31,
Caledonia Township, was born February 3,
'^' 1836, in Four Corners, Shenango County,
N. Y. Mis father was Horace B. Flint, a native of
New York and a farmer and tr.adesmau. Before
coming to Michigan he was in the clothing busi-
ness and at one time had been a carpenter and
joiner. Our subject's mother was Hannah (Hart-
well) Flint, also a native of New York in which
State the parents were married and there remained
until 1833, when they moved to Ohio and settled
in Crawford County.
In 1836 the parents of our subject came to Shi.i-
wassee County and settled in Perry Township, but
after one year they built them a home in Antrim
Township. He, however, had the distinction of
building the first log house in Perry Township.
At that time the country was full of Indians, wolves.
448
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
wildcats, deer and bears were more plentiful than
tbe commonest necessities of life of to-day. lie
had means enough to tiring his family here and get
a yoke of oxen and a cow. The family came by
the overland route fi-om Ohio with an ox-tearn,
first to Ann Arbor and tlien to this county. They
lived in Perrj' and Antrim Townships for eighteen
years, improving and putting in tine condition a
farm which he finally sold, and in Marcii, 1854,
he moved to the farm where our subject now re-
sides. At the time of purchasing it was partially
improved. The family remained here until the
time of death, the mother passing away March 26,
1864, and the father Marcli 1, 1867. They were
the parents of six cliildren, two of whoin are now
living — Orlando, wlio lives in Perry Township and
our subject.
The ])arents are both members of the Baptist
("hurch of wiiich body the father was a Deacon for
many 3'ears, also holding the position as Clerk and
contributing of his means most generously' for the
support of the same. He alwaj's took an active
part in local politics. In early life he was a Dem-
ocrat but in his later years he became a supporter
of the Republican party. He Jield many local po-
sitions in the township, having been .Supervisor of
Antrim Township, also Treasurer, Justice of the
Peace and the first Overseer of the poor in the
county. He was also a member of the School
Board in which he was particularly interested.
Mr. Flint amassed a very comfortable fortune be-
fore his death, having alwa>'S been a hard worker,
very economical and a good trader.
Our subject, Calvin Flint, was ten years of age
when his parents came to Michigan. He attended
the first schools built in Antrim and Perry Town-
ships. At the early age of eleven he began to real-
ize the earnest side of life, for at that time he be-
gan chopping and splitting rails. From that on
he swung the ax until within a few years ago. He
began for himself when twenty -three years of age.
Mr. Flint was in partnership with his father until
the death of the latter and was laigely instrumental
in his financial success.
In 1860 he entered matrimonial life, taking as a
partner of his joys and sorrows Elmira D. Waugli ,
fi daughter of Nelson and Polly (Cook) AVaugh
both natives of New York State. The lady's father
was a farmer, having come to Michigan at a very
early date. Soon after he married his wife and re-
sided in Oakland County until in 1837, when they
removed to Shiawassee County and settled in Ben-
nington Township where thej- took up a farm from
the Government and where they lived until the
death of the father. The mother died in 1887 and
the father in 1890. They were the parents of
eight children, seven of whom are now living.
Mr. Waugh and his wife were members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in which he was a
Class-Leader. In politics he was originally a Dem-
ocrat, but late in life became a follower of the Re-
publican party. He was appointed first Highway
Commissioner of Bennington Township. Mrs.
Flint was born May 26, 1840, in Bennington
Township, where she grew to womanhood. She re-
ceived a good distiict-school education of which
she appreciated the importance enough to lake ad-
vantage of every opportunity to advance in cul-
ture and refinement. She became a teacher, in
which she was engaged for one year.
When married, our subject settled upon his own
farm where he has remained ever since. He has
one hundred an<l thirty-four and one-half acres,
ninety of which are under the plow. At the time
of his purchasing here the greater part of the tract
was heavily timbered. He has cut out about twen-
ty-five acres of this, still having a very fine wood-
land left. In 1861 he built him a comfortable and
cozy residence at a cost of ^1 ,000. During the years
that have passed he has made many changes and
additions to his placi;. He still carries on mixed farm-
ing which in the end he considers most profitable.
Our subject and his wife are the parents of two
children. The eldest, Charles L., died in child-
hood; MyrtieMaj' is the wife of F. B. Richardson
and lives in Owosso; they have no children. Mr.
and Mrs. Flint are members of the Baptist Church
in which he has always been very active, having
held the positions of Clerk and Deacon for many
years. They have also been strong supporters of
educational measures that promise improvement
in that direction. Their daughter, Mrs. Richard-
son, is a graduate of the Owosso High .School and
is also efficieiit in musie and art.
rORTKAlT AND BIOGRAPHIcAL AJ.BUM.
449
Our subject has taken an active interest in pol-
itics. He lias been Overseer of the township for
twenty- five years. For eighteen 3'ears he lias held
the princi|)lcs of temperance paramount to any otlicr
orilinai-3' issue. He is now a member of tlie Roy-
al Templars in whicli he carries.'a policy^of !t;2,000.
On first coming to the State, Mi. Flint's
father worked in Owosso for a season at the
carpenter's trade and erected the first grist-mill
ever built in that place. He traveled from there
to Antrim, a distance of twelve miles through the
woods, packing his food and necessary clothing on
his back. The efforts of such men .is Mr. Flint
have made our State what it now is.
--^
-^^
OIIN S. HARDER was born in Cliafham,
Columbia County, N. Y., August Xh. 1822.
His parents were Charles ;>nd Marin (Sny-
jj/y der) Harder, members of good old IVIohawk-
Dutch families. The father died at the age of
fifty-two years in Cayuga County, N. Y., in 184.S.
The gentleman of whom we write was the younger
of two brothers, the elder being .Tacob S. TTnrder.
now a minister of the IVfetliodi-it Episcopal Church.
He resides at N.ashville, this State. Oiii- subject's
mother died when tho lad was eight years old and
his father not long afterward married Eva SnvdT.
a sister of his first wife. .She and the boys came
to Michigan in 18 II. buying eighty acres of land
on section 1.5. .lae^ob. who was twenty six at the
time of his arrival in the State, began to feacli<
having acquired a fair education at Cazenovia
Academy. For seventeen years the family contin-
ued living in this way. until Jacob entered the min-
istry, joining the IMichigan Conference. In 18.''il
he settled in Portland. He has been here but one
year since joining the conference, at which time he
taught in the home school. The stepmother who
took the place of an own mother to the children,
died in 1864.
The gentleman of whom we write continued to
reside on the farm, adding to it until it numliered
two hundred acres. Here he resided until the fall
of 1880, when he gave up his farm and went to
Grayling, Crawford County, this Slate, where he
remained for ten years, being pru[)rietor of a hotel
in that place. The failure of iiis health while on
the farm caused him to make the change. While in
Grayling he difl much to build up the town, he
himself erecting a number of houses which he made
accessible to the poorer class of people by selling
on the monthly installment plan, he having intro-
duced the idea in that place. For three years lie
was the Superintendent of tiie County Poor.
In February, 1891, he (lecided to come back to
the old homestead and purchftsed the Potter place
in the village of Newburg. He still owns eighty
acres of the old farm. In 18,56 he w.as elected
Township Clerk, which position he filled for two
years. From 18.59 to 1862 he was Highway Com-
missioner and in 1869 and 1870 Township Treas-
urer. He has always been prominent in church
work, having taken a distinctive place among the
organizers of the Methodist-Episcopal Church, and
for twenty years he h.as been .Suiierintendent of the
Sunday-school of that denomination.
Mr. Harder was married in 1851 to Miss Eliza-
beth Loomis. a daughter of Erastus and Caroline
(Lonshury) Loomis, who settled in an early day
on the farm now occujiied by W. H. Phelps. His
rleatli occurred in December, 1877, he being at that
time in the eiglitietli year of his age. His wife sur-
vived him but a short time. Mrs. Harder is one of
three children and the only one living. Her elde.st
hrotiicr. Trumbull, took a prominent part in the
Michigan Volunteers in the war. He belonged i<\
a company of the First Michigan Cavalrv and
' served until ho:'orablv discharged. The father,
mother and otiier brother died within a year of
each other.
Our subject ard his estimable wife .ire the |>ar-
ents of four cliiblren who are named respeetivelv:
Imogene. now Mrs. O. J. Smith, deceased in 18J»fi;
Charles W.. a painter by trade at Grayling: Cnr-
rie, now Mrs. Forbes Ferguson, of Shiawassee: and
Alice, who is IMrs. William Hanson, of Newburg:
George C. Harder is a member of their family and
though not a son by birth was adopted at the age
of eleven weeks, now having attained sixteen
years. He is regarded in ever^- sense as a member
pf the familjr and as much love and tenderness is
450
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
lavished upon him as upon the other children. He
is a student at the liigli school at Bancroft. He is
a bright boj' and his friends anticipate that he will
have a brilliant career in the world.
Mr. Harder was brought up a Democrat, but
since 1856, when he voted for Fremont, has stood
by tiie Republican party. He is a straight temper-
ance man although not in favor of the third party.
He has been a member of tiie Methodist Episcopal
Church since sixteen years of age and has been in-
strumental in building up that body wherever he
has lived. Mr. Harder has returned to Newburg
with the intention of spending the remainder of his
life with his friends.
\T'AMES A. HUBBARD. It is a pleasure to
record the successes of one who enters upon
his life work with a determination to suc-
ceed, and who for a long period of j^ears is
classed among the good citizens in any locality'.
We are glad to speak of Mr. Hubbard, whose name
i>: not unknown to our readers, as he has long
been idtinlified v/ilh the agriculturists of Bingham
Township, Clinton County. He lias a fine farm
of one hundred and sixty acres on section 3, ex-
tending to within half a mile of the corporation
line of St. John's. The tract was brought to its
])resent condition by his person.al efforts and the
old log house which was his first dwelling here lias
been replaced by a handsome frame house. Mr.
Hubbard began his life work with limited means
and has passed through the varied experiences
while accumulating property.
The first of the Hubbard family to come to
America emigrated from England during Colonial
days and made his home in Massachusetts. There
John Hubbard, the next in tlic direct line, was
born, and thence lie vvent to Washington County,
N. Y. His death, however, took place in Genesee
County some j'ear.s after the Revolution, dur-
ing which he had fought bravely. His son,
Jonathan, was born in Washington County, N. V.,
May 14, 1789, and died July 9, 1870, at the
ripe age of eighty-one 3'ears. When the War
of 1812 began he organized a company and went
into the service as its Captain. He was an almost
life-long member of the Presbyterian Church. He
married Alice Archer, a n.ative of New York,
who was born May 17, 1787, and died April 15,
18G4, in her seventy-fourth j'ear. She was con-
nected with the same church as her husband. To
them came nine children, three of whom are now
living, one being the subject of this biographicil
notice.
The natal day of James A. Hubbard was Octo-
ber 9, 1816, and his birthplace Salem Township,
Washington County, N. Y. He was reared on a
farm and received a common-school education,
having to work hard and paj- for schooling as the
free-school system was not then in vogue. He
made his home with his parents until 1845, when
he came to Michigan and spent the winter in Liv-
ingston County-. About 1837 his brother had
entered land in Clinton County and the spring
after his arrival in the State our subject came to
look at his purchase. He found a wilderness with
but few scattered clearings and concluded not to
make his home on the property but lo go to the
mining regions of Lake Sujjerior, which were just
being opened uj). He entered the employ of a
mining com|)any, known as the Isle Royal Com-
pany, on Isle Royal, as overseer oi a large force
of men, and remained there three years. He then
went to the South Shore and spent five years as
overseer at the Bohemian mine. He gained quite
a knowledge of mining during these periods and
won the confidence of his employers, who found
him trustworthy and faithful to their interests.
In 1854 Mr. Hubbard learned that a railroad was
laid oui near his Clinton Countj' land, and think-
ing that the property might be worth something
he decided to look after it. On his arrival here
he found the railroad in process of construction
and a public house being erected where St. John's
now stands. There were many primitive condi-
tions existing here, however, deer being plentiful
and small game abundant. He set himself to work
to clear a tract on which to make his home, and
soon had ten acres free from timber and adorned
with a log house, which landmark is still standing.
He continued his work upon the place, determin-
w
1^ ^1
111
tssii
a:ai£gik&;^g^agS^^
m^i.-S&^»d^i^^^L
s^^jsfa^:-
fJLWS PRINTING HOUSL. J. C. STONE, PROPR. LAINGSBURG MICH.
RESIDENCE OF JAMES HU BBARD.SEC. 3.,bl NGH AM TR, CLINTON Cu.,lvliOf-i
PORTRAIT AND UIOGRAPIUCAL ALUUM.
453
ing to make liis pennancnt home liere. His suc-
cess has been already iiienlioned. In 1862 lie
secured an efficient helpmate in the person of Miss
Charlotte Dawson, a native of Niajjara Count}',
N. Y. Their marriage has been blest by the birth
of two sons — Martin D., who was born Ainil 11,
1868; and John, who die<l in infancy. Mr. Hub-
bard is a Democrat and has been a delcj^ate to
county conventions, but is not an office-seeker,
preferring to devote his time to his personal affairs
and the duties which every citizen owes to him-
self as well as his country.
A lithographic view of the fine homestead of
Mr. Hubbard appears on another page of this
work.
JOHN C. STONE, editor and proprietor of
the Laingsburg jVe/'s. has the honor of be-
ing a native of Michigan. He was born in
Jackson, February 28, 1813, and is the eld-
est of four children whose parents are Amasa and
Minerva (Munger) Stone, natives of New York.
The father was a wagon maker by trade and in
connection with that occupation followed farming.
He was three times married, his first wife being
Nancj' Kendig, of the Empire Slate. For his sec-
ond wife he married Minerva Munger, and with
his family in 1836 emigrated Westward, settling in
Jackson Count}', JHch., where they spent the re-
mainder of their lives. He became one of the first
surveyors of Jackson County, and was a highly
respected citizen of the community. In politics he
was a supporter of the Democratic party. The
family of Amasa and Minerva Stone numbered
four children — John C, Marco D., Vitelli D. and
Catherine M. After the death of his second wife
Mr. Stone wedded Sylvia Howard, their union be-
ing celebrated in Jacksou County, and unto them
was born a daughter, Amanda.
John C. Sione was reared to manhood in the city
of Jackson, Mich., and received his education in
the common schools. He learned the cabinet mak-
er's trade which he followed until 1863, when at
the age of twenty years, he joined the army as a
private on the I'Jth of December, and was assigned
to Comp.any O, First Michigan Engineers' and Me-
chanics' Regiment. He served with liio Army of
the Cumberland under Gen. Sherman until the
close of the war whei; the country no longer needed
his services, he was iionoraldy <iischarged .at Jack-
son, Mich., November I, 186.J. He participated
in llie battles of Atlanta and Savannah, Ga., Col-
umbia, S. C, and Raleigh, N. C, and was very for-
tunate in his army experience in so far that he was
never wounded or taken prisoner.
When the war was over l\Ir. Stone retuined to
his home and once more resumed the dress of a
civilian, entering upon business for liiniself. He
established a job (irinting ollice at what is now
Lake Odessa, Ionia County, Mich., where he re-
mained for aliout three years, when in 1877, he
came to Laingsburg and established the Laings-
burg News which he has since published. It is an
independent paper, favoring Prohibition, and is
devoted to the interests of the community. Mr.
Stone has met with excellent success in this under-
taking. The Xetrs now has a circulation of a thous-
and copies among the best class of people and is
well deserving of the liberal patronage it receives.
On February 4, 1868, Mr. Stone led to the mar-
riage altar Miss May Doty, daugliter of William
and Rachel (Matthews) Doty. The lady is a na-
tive of the Empire Stale, but at Hie time of her
marriage was living in Ionia County , Mich. Tliev
have a i)leasant home in Laingsburg and are sur-
rounded by many friends, being widely and favor-
ably known throughout the communily. Mr.
Stone is connecteil with several civic societies, be-
ing a Third Degree Mason, a member of the Odd
Fellows' Lodge, and Henry Deming Post, Xo. 192,
G. A. R. He is also connected with the Good
Templars Society and embodies the temperance
principles which he has long advocated in his polit-
ical sentiments, being a sup|)orter of the Prohibi-
tion |)arly. His fellow-townsmen have honored
him with a number of village and township uflices,
the duties of which have ever been faithfully dis-
charged in a quiet, yet efficient manner. We see
in Mr. Stone a self-made man, one who has risen
from a lowly position by his own exertions. Al-
though he had no capital when he started out in
life, he is now at the head of a good business and
454
i'OKTKAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
is the owner of the building wiiicli lie occupies —
a substantial tlii-ec-stoiy brick, one of the largest
blocks in town and represented b}' a view else-
where in this volume. His public and private
career have alike won him the respect of those with
whom be has come in contact.
^^EORGE W. NAY. Among the prominent
III' citizens of Clinton County, selected for a
^^^ place in this Aluu.m, we take pleasure in
representing the worthy subject of this sketch,
whose home is in St. John's. His valuable saw-
mill phvuts is located on section 15, Grcenbush
Township. The main saw is a sixty inch one, the
top saw measures thirty inches, and they are of
t>yracuse, N. Y., make. The engine also, which is
of fifty horse power, is from the Syracuse engine
works. The mill turns out some ten thousand feet
in a day's work of tea hours. Ten men are em-
ployed in the mill when it is running at its full
capacity.
The subject of this sketch is sole proi)rietor of
the mill, and also owns eighty acres of the adjoin-
ing land. He is a native of New Hampshire,
where he was born in Hillsboro County, April 6,
1831. He is a son of James and Jane (Farns-
worth) Nay, both natives of the old Granite State.
His paternal ancestors were Scotch, and his mother
was from English and Irish stock, lie is the eld-
est son in his father's family, and grew up in his
nat've State, where he received both the coramDU-
school and aca<lemic education, attending at the
academy at Pelerboro, N. H.
Upon reaching the age of eighteen, the young
man began to serve an apprenticeship of three
years at the machinists' trade, and afterward fol-
lowed this trade as a journeyman many years, be-
coming finally locomotive engi.ieer on the New
I'^ork Central Railroad, running from Rochester to
Buffalo and Niagara Ealls, and followed this call-
ing a number of years.
L A noteworthy event in the life of our subject
was bis marriage, June 25, ISGS. to Mary E. Corn-
will, daughter of Daniel and Fannie 1'. Cornwell.
By this union there was born one daughter, Marian
v., who is at home with her parents. Mr. Nay
first came to Clinton County, in the si)ring of
1882, but did not bring his family to reside here
until 18y0. He is, therefore, a comparatively re
cent addition to the social and business life of St.
John's, but has already gained a high standing in
both departments of life.
The subject of this sketch is a Republican in
his political views and affiliations, and a miu of
broad intelligence in regard to the movements and
policy of his party. He is well-read in regard to
both its history and the character of the men who
prominently represent it. He is a public-spirited
man, and is depended upon as one of the active
promoters of every movement which is, in his
judgment designed to elevate the community and
redound to the prosperity of the city. He began
at the bottom of the ladder, and has reached his
present prosperity' through his own efforts. He
has been more than ordinarily successful in life and
commands to a marked extent the confidence of the
business community.
\|7 EiMlEL K. NICHOLS, a well-known and
I (?§) *-'""^''^"'' Sujjervisor of the First District of
jll_^ Owosso, Shiawassee County, Mich., was
born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., June 24,
1844. He is a son of H. H. and Harriet I.
(I'arker) Nichols, both iiativos of New York
State. The father was a tanner and currier by
trade and followed that vocation for raan\- _\ears
in Gowanda, N. Y. The grandfather, Caleb
Nichols, was a soldier in tiie War of 1812, and
was of Scotch descent. Nine of the twelve chil-
dren of the father's family lived to years of ma-
turity.
The early boyhood (Ia3's and school life of i>ur
subject were spent in his native county. He came
to Michigan when thirteen years old to visit his
uncle and made his home among strangers and
worked at farm work until he reached the age of
eighteen years, spending his winters mostly in
school at C)xford, Oakland County.
PORTRAir AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
455
Tlie young msiii had tlie liearl of a patriot and
i-es|)onded promptly to bis country's call in ber
bour of peril. He enlisted in tlie Seventb Mich-
igan Infantry under the command of Ira R. Gros-
vcnor, and bis regiment was attached to llie Army
of the Potomac and was sent at once to join tbe
army in front of Yorktown. lie was taken i^ick
witb swamp fever and bad to lie in the hospital.
This sickness resulted in bis discharge on a sur-
geon's certificate.
Afer he had recovered bis health Mr. Nichols re-
cnlisted in the First Michigan Sharp Shooters and
was sent to join tbe Army of the Potomac. At
the battle of the Wilderness be went in as .Sergeant
and carae out in command of his company, the
CaiiUlin iiaving been killed. He took part in the
encounters at Spotts^ Ivania and Petersburg, bis
regiment being the first to raise tbe flag over
Petersburg. He was then sent to look after pris-
oners, seven hundred of whom he transferred to
tbe authorities at Petersburg, and when be was
discharged in August, 1865, at .Jackson, he ranked
as First Lieutenant commanding Compan}- K.
Returning to the paths of peace, Lieut. Nichols
entered into business on bis own account, choos-
ing tbe marble trade and locating in Ortonville,
Oakland County. Here he continued for two
years, and then removed to St. John's, where be
was burned out, after two years' run of business,
and lost nearly all that he bad. In 1872 be went
to Vassar, Tusc(jla County, and established him-
self in tbe marble business, continuing for ten
years, when, on account of failing health, he sold
out, and coming to Owosso, entered tbe employ
of L. E. Woodard, of the Casket Works, being
given the position of sbip|)ing clerk, which he
still holds.
The spring after bis return from the war Lieut.
Nichols decided to establisii a home of bis own
and chose a partner for life's joys and sorrows.
He was married April 19, 18GG,to Miss Sarah Smith,
of Brandon, Oakland County, a daughter of Jas-
per and Cordelia Smith, natives of New Jersey
and of Dutch descent. Three children have blessed
this happy union: Cora, wife of J. Robins, .Jr., of
Owosso; Alice G., at home; and Arthur .).. who
has charge of the hardware department of the
Owosso Casket Works. Mr. Nichols served as
Deputy Sheriff four years in Oakland County,
and in the same office two 3'ears in Tuscola
County. In the spring of 1891 he was elected
Supervisor of the First District of tbe City of
Owooso. He is a member of Austin Lodge, No.
18, F. & A. M., and a prominent memlier of
C^uackenbusb I'ost, No. 205, G. A. R., in which he
holds the office of Past Commander. In politics
be is a stanch Rei)ul)licaii anil resides at No. 522,
River Street, an attractive and delightful home in
which true hospitality abounds.
pSs HARLES COWAN.
_ This name will be rec-
iJ( ^ ognized by many of our readers as that of
\^' a business man of Ovid, Clinton Count}-.
He is senior member of the lirm of Cowan & Pearl
and conducts tbe business in which their means are
invested, that of the sale of gentlemen's clothing
and furnishing goods, and tbe handling of wool,
which they buy every year. The firm was organ-
ized about a decade since but Mr. Cowan has been
connected with the affairs of Ovid for a, much
longer period. He came here in 1861, and with
the exception of ten years spent in the service of
the American K.xpress Company, and while in the
army be lias been in business here.
Mr. Cowan was born in Oaklaiul County, August
9, 1847, and his educational .advantages were con-
fined to the country schools in the winter months
and two terms at the Pontiac High School. He
left home when thirteen years old, determined to
make his own way in the world, and when butsi.x-
teen enlisted in Company D, First Michigan Cav-
alry, and was sent to Virginia where be w.as on de-
tached duty and that of Provost Marshal. Thence
he was sent across the plains and discharged at
Leavenworth, Kan., in 18G4. Rv;turning to his
native State he found employment with tbe Ex-
press Company and was agent at Monroe three
years and messenger seven years. He went out
witb the first express car sent from Detroit on the
Detroit, Lansing cfe Northern Railroad. While
agent at Monroe he also conducted a drug busi-
456
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ncss there, which he sold out when he came back
to Ovid. Here lie started in the business he is now
following. He was Secretar}' and Treasurer of the
Schofield Buggj' C'ompauy prior to 1890.
The parents of Mr. Cowan are N. B. and Louisa
(Stone) Cowan, natives re?pectively of Massac-liiis-
etts and New York. They are now living in Ovid,
enjoying good health and an unusual degree of
physical strength, although both are quite aged,
the father being eighty-one and the mother seven-
ty-four years old. Our subject has three brothers
and two sisters — Albertus, Oscar, Elmer, Mrs.
Charles Farmer, and Mrs. Jerome Winslow.
The family of Mr. Cowan consists of a wife and
four children. He was married April 19, 1871, to
Addie Longcor, of Ovid, and their children are
Frank H., A. Monroe, C. Howard and Harry V.
Mr. Cowan is a Democrat, is a member of the
County Committee and is Chairman of the Town
Committee and takes quite an active part in carry-
ing on political vvork. He has been Village Treas-
urer and for several years has been connected with
the Milage Council. He luis been a member of
the School Board eight years and is a member of
the Soldiers" Relief Coniniissiun of Clinton County.
He lakes an active interest in Llie promotion of ed-
ucational matters anil in all public enterprises which
promise to increase liie prosperity and advance the
welfare of the people by whom he is respected as
he deserves.
AVID G. BAXTER. Among the promi-
nent citizens of Clinton County consider-
able mention belongs to Mr. Baxter, who
during liis long residence in this county,
has acquired a reputation for integrity and perse-
verance and wherever known is highly respected.
In his youth he was orphaned b^' the death of his
father and mother, and was therefore early thrown
upon his own resources. To such men as he
America owes her high standing among other older
countries, and to the efforts which such citizens
as he have made, Clinton Countj- may justly attri-
bute the development of her limitless resources.
Mr. Baxter owns and operates a well-improved
farm of fifty acres on section 12, Dallas Township,
and this has been the scene of his labors for many
years. He has a commodious residence with sub-
stantial outbuildings, an ara|)le supply of farm
machiner3' and all the other apiiliances for prose-
cuting his calling in a profitable and succel^sful
manner. He makes of farming an art and a
science, and by reading and observation keeps him-
self thoroughly posted as to the best methods
employed in connection therewith. Before locat-
ing ijcrmanenlly in this State he visited the South,
looking for a good place to settle, but a careful
investigation convinced him that Michigan offered
better opportunities for acquiring independence
than an}' other State in the Union.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Baxter, whose
given name was John, was a native of Scotland,
and in an early day settled in Connecticut, where
he passed the remaining years of his life. He was
a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His family
comprised three sons and one daughter, who
attained manhood and womanhood, and among
these was John Baxter, Jr., who was born in Con-
necticut ami at an early da^- came to New York
State, where he died. The mother of our subject
bore the maiden name of Martha M. Babcock and
was a daughter of John Babcock, a native of New
York. Unto John Baxter, Jr., and his good wife
were born eight children, named as follows: Abbie
H., Delaud H., Lydia, Elijah, Almeda, David G.,
Amy E. and Charlotte M.
The father of our subject was a prominent man
in the community where he passed the greater part
of his life. He was a lumberman and brickniaker
and finally engaged in farming pursuits. He
served in the War of 1812. For forty years he
was a Deacon in the Baptist Church, of which his
wife was also a member, and he filled various
township offices satisfactorily. His death in IH.IO
was a loss to the coininunit^', to the development
of which he had been so devoted. David G., of
this sketch, was born February 8, 1838, in Rens-
saelaer County, N. Y., and resided in his native
State until he was twenty years old. After the
death of his parents he made his home witii a
brother until, in 1858, he came to Clinton County,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
457
and settled on a forty-acre fnrm in Lebanon
Township.
After residing on that farm fourteen years our
snbjet'l removed to (Iratiot County, wliere he lived
on a farm he purchased there for one and one-half
years, and then traded it for the estate he now
owns. February 8, 18C'2, was a very important
date In the life of Mr. Baxter, for he was then
united in marriage with Ellen L. Strickland, the
wedding ceremony being solemnized in Clinton
County. The bride was the daughter of Peter
Strickland, a native of Pennsylvania, whence he
removed to Ohio. In Lorain Count^', that State,
he married Wealthy Pollock, daughter of Elijah'
Pollock, and the^- became the parents of eight
ciiildren, as follows: F'annie M., Lydia M., Samuel
D., Prudence J., William J., Ellen L., Charles C.
and Andrew J.
In 1849 Mr. Strickland came to Michigan, set-
tling on a farm in Bengal Township, and thence
removing to Dallas Township and later to Lebanon,
where he died. He was a life long farmer and
owned forty acres at the time of his death, although
he had been the owner of one hundred acres at one
time. A pioneer settler, he witnessed many
changes in the community wiiere he settled; when
he first located there it was two miles to the near-
est neighbor, and hogs could not be kept on
account of the wolves. Mr. Strickland was a
hunter and killed many deer as well as much small
game.
The happy wedded life of our subject and his
wife has been lilessed to liicm by the birth of the
following children: Krancis J., William R., Ettie
M., Cora B., Joel I)., Lydia M. and Jolin G., all of
whom are living. Ettic M. is now Mrs. Myers and
resides in Fowler. William R. is lu Nortlicrn
Michigan, while the other children are under the
parental roof. Mr. Baxter is a member of llie
A. O. U. W., No. 19, at Fowler; he is also a mem-
ber of the Farmers' Alliance and the Patrons of
Industry. Politically' he has always been a standi
Republican, but has never aspired to ottice, and
although elected to minor oflices has refused to
accci)t.
Three brothers of Mrs. Baxter were soldiers in
the liilon army during the Civil War; the eldest,
Samuel D., was twenty-eight years old when he
enlisted, while the youngest, Charles C, was only
eighteen. William J. was killed at James Island,
Samuel died at Hilton Head, S. ('. and Charles at
Bowling Green, Ky. The grandfather of Mrs.
liaxter, Elijah Pollock, was a soldier in the Revo-
lutionary War. A noble woman, Mrs. Baxter h.as
stood side by side with her husband in moral
endeavors and her quiet dignit}' is felt in every
circle that she enters. She is a consistent member
of the Methodist Church.
^^^^^"
^^ EORGE W. PARKS. It has been but a few
II ,^— , j'cars since this well-to-do farmer and prom-
^^J) inent citizen of Dallas Township, Clinton
County, was called to his long rest. He passed
away November 1. 1889, at the age of fifty- five
years, leaving a widow and eleven children. He
was one who had not only done much agricultural
work, aiding in clearing land and fitting it for
cultivation, but had been connected with social
orders and local affairs, and had made many friends
by the way in which he had conducted himself.
One of his distinguishing characteristics was his
fondness for books and few men actively cng.aged
in farming read more than, if as much as he. He
was well read in the law and was the better able to
discharge the duties of Justice of the Peace, which
otrice lie held for thirty-four years.
The grandfather of our subject Is David Parks, a
venerable man who h.as reached the age of ninety-
nine years ami is the oldest person living in Dallas
Townshii). He was born near All)any, N. Y.,
October 16, 1792, and is one of five sons and three
daughters Iiorn to Smith Parks, a Revolutionary
foldier. David Parks lived in his native State
unlil he had grown to manhood and was married
there to Catherine Coon. During the early scttle-
i ment of Oakland County, this State, he came
hither, then went to Ohio, but after some years re-
turned to Michigan and located in Clinton County.
After the death of his wife he went to Nebraska,
thence to Iowa, and finally returned to Clinton
County. He made a second marriage, wedding
458
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Mrs. Demis Holmes, ((ceBigelow. There were nine
children born to liis first wife and one to his second.
Mr. Parks was Justice of the Peace for a number
of j'ears and was also Township Clerk and Super-
visor. He possessed much natural ability and was
well read in the law.
The eldest son of David Parks was Samuel H.,
who was born in JNIadison County, N. Y., October
14, 1812, and accompanied his parents to Allegany
County when about nine jears old. He came to
this State with them in 1833 and Oakland Count}'
was his home nearly a decade. He then came to
Clinton County, where he has since lived. When
he came hither he settled on eighty acres of land
belonging to Mr. Hays and after a time bought
eighty acres on which he lived four years. Atone
time he owned considerable real-estate, but he sold
much of it and divided a part among his children.
He has cleared and broken a large number of acres
and he and his wife have worked very hard, as
they were among the pioneers and lived in a part
of the countrj' where neighbors were remote and
wild animals abounded. He followed farming
until he retired and he and his wife are now living
in Fowler. Their respective ages are seventy-nine
and seventy-six years. To them have been born
the following children : George, Orin, Rilej', Sid-
ney, Edwin, Albert and Mariette. Edwin died
while in the Union Array.
The wife of Samuel Parks bore the maiden name
of Zelplia Butler and their wedding took place in
Allegan}' County, N. Y., January 3, 1832. The
bride was a daughter of John and Betsey (Brown)
Butler, natives of New Y'ork City and Chenango
County respectively. Their other children were
Finetta, Minnie, William, George, Sarah, Maria and
Haltie. Mr. Butler had been married before and
his first wife bore him two sons, Richard and John.
Mr. Butler was a tailor by trade. He removed
from New York City to Delaware County and
lived there until his daughter Zelpha was four
years of age. He then reraorcd to Steuben County,
where he died at the age of forty-nine years. His
wife died when thirty-nine years old.
George W. Parks, subject of this sketch, was
born in Novi Township, Oakland County, in 1834,
and was nine years old when his parents came to
Clinton County. Reared on a farm, he adopted
the occupation in which his father and grandfather
were engaged, and after owning several farms
settled on that now held by his widow, in 1881.
March 23, 1862, he was united in marriage with
Lois Mansfield, daughter of Miles and Samantha
(Eddy) Mansfield. The bride's father was born in
Vermont in 1803 and in his early life went to New
York where be spent a number of years. There he
was married to a daughter of Abraham Eddy, a
native of Massachusetts, and after a time came to
Michigan. Mr. Mansfield cleared eight farms in
this State. He died June 16, 1879, but his wife is
still living in Newaygo County and has now
attained to the age of eighty -three years. The
daughter who became the wife of our subject was
thoroughly instrucleil in domestic matters, received
a good education and has the characteristics which
render her a useful member of the community.
Her children are Rosa, Edna, Archie, Perry, Clar-
ence— Addison, Ida and Eidith are deceased — F'loyd,
Maggie and Beryl.
The late Mr. Parks devoted some time to teach-
ing during his early years, but spent his life prin-
cipally in farming. During the late war he was
drafted and furnished a substitute. He was a
Master Mason, enrolled in St. John's Lodge, and
was a member of the Society of Chosen Friends at
Fowler. He was also a member of the Grange. He
w:is at one time Township Clerk, and was School
Inspector several years and belonged to the Board
of Heallli.
^
^
aHARLES F. CURRIER. New England has
perhaps not so many representatives in the
'' Western States as have other sections of the
country, because] of loyalty to their native States,
but when they do break the ties that bind them to
home, they are always found to be among the most
substantial members of the community in which
tliey settle. Our subject, who is of New England
origin, owns a fine farm on section 4, Caledonia
Township, Shiawassee County. The family to
which he belongs occupies a prominent position in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
459
the old Bay State. His mother was Alinira A.
(Smart) Currier, a native of Maine wliose famil}'
■were from Massachusetts. His father was also
from a New England family. Tlicy were married
in New York.
From New York Mr. Currier's |)arents went to
Ohio in 18;J2, where tiio father was engaged in work-
ing farms on shares. Wliether this was profitable
or not does not appear, but in 1850 lie removed to
this Slate and settled in Caledonia Township on
section 4. The tr.act that he had selected for his
new liome was entirely unbroken. The father's
health was poor and the prospect seemed tlark foi the
family. In 1868 the father died, and May 16, 1890,
the mother followed him. They were the parents
of eleven children, seven of whom are now living.
Both the parents of our subject were members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in this Slate
th(! father officiated as a local preacher. He was
much interested in schools and was active in poli-
tics, at 6rst casting his vote with the Whigs, and
later with the Republicans. He was an ardent
advocate of temperance and even at an earl}' day
when temperance was not so popular as it now is,
he did much toward inculcating its principles in
the youth of the county.
Our subject was the fourth child, and was born
July 1, 1831, in New York. He was an infant
when his parents moved to Ohio, and when they
came to this Slate he had reached young manhood.
He had received all the education that a district
school afforded. In the intervals of school life he
helped bis father on the farm. He remained at
home until twenty-one years of age, from which
time he worked out on a farm by the month for
the space of two years. He then S[)ent four years
in the pineries in Northern Michigan, after which
he located ny>on his present farm, which is jiart of
the original farm of his father. Here he has lived
ever since.
Charles Currier was married July .3, 1858, his
wife's nan)e being Annette B. Lemunyon, a daugh-
ter of Horace and Permelia (Wilcox) Lemunyon,
natives of New York. Her father's natal day was
(October 13, 1810, her mother's June 22, 1814.
They were ."narried in New York and came to this
State in 1851. They first settled in Shiawassee
Township where they remained for two years, then
went to New Haven Township, taking up land on
section 32, where they settled upon a new farm. The
tract was lieavily timbered and the work of im-
provement necccssarily slow, but it is now finely
cultivated. Mrs. Currier's mother died December 3,
185'J, her father, December 24, 1S80. Nine chil-
dren gladdened their hearthstone, but three passed
awaj' in childhood. The father was a leading
member of the IMelhodist Episcopal Church. Mrs.
Currier was born November 28, 1841, in Ontario
County, N. Y. There she was reared and received
her education in the district school. After her
marriage with our subject thej- settled upon their
present farm, their first home being in a shanty.
Before bringing his wife to their new home Mr.
Currier had eighteen acres under cultivation. He
now owns sixtj' acres, of which fift^^ are under cul-
tivation. His residence is a very pleasant one,
whicli was built two years ago at a cost of *1,500.
He has also erected other buildings upon the place,
having large and commodious barns and sheds for
stock. He is engaged in mixed farming and when
the seasons do not favor one croj), he turns bis at-
tention to making tlic most of another. He has a
fine orchard which he himself set out and which by
great care and attention produces a large harvest.
Our subject and his wife are the parents of six
children, three of whom are now living. They
are: Alice A., who was born June 10, 1861 ; she is
the wife of Edward (iailoway and lives in New
Haven Township, her home being gladdened with
one child — Nina A.; Horace Edward, born April
24, 1867, is as yet unmarried and lives at home;
Mina A., born June 24, 1871, resides with her pa-
rents. The children have had the advantages of a
common-sctiool education. Mr. Currier was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for
twelve years, and Class-Le.ader for a number of
3-ears. The family are members of the Free Meth-
odist Cliurch, of whicli rlenomination our subject
was a Steward for a period of ten years. He has
also been a Class-Leader for twelve years, and Su-
perintendent of the Sunday* -school for a long time.
He is also a leader of the Bible class. He has
been elected to a position on the local School Board,
taking more or less interest in politics, at first cast-
460
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ing his vote with the Democratic partj' and later
favoriiif; the Republican platform, and is now a
strong Prohibitionist. Mr. Currier and his wife
are both workers in tlie temperance cause.
Tlie early experience of our subject is not un-
lilie that of many anollier pioneer settler. They
were not overstocked with money when they came
to this Slate, and have known what it is to do with-
out filthy lucre for n whole year at a time. At an
early d.ay farmers used to drive into Corunna with
a part of a loail of apples and sell them out at a
penny apiece.
ARTIN SMITH, Under Sheriff of Clinton
Count3', opened an establishment for the
manufacture of wagons in St. John's in
1870, and lias been almost continuously en-
gaged in th.at work since that time. The same year
he began the manufacture of carriages and from
time to time enlarged the works until he was car-
rying on tlie most complete wagon manufactorj' in
the place. He employed a good force of men and
the Smith buggies and wagons were sold on the
road, the number disi)Osed of each year running
up into the hundreds. In the fall of 1890 Mr.
Smith closed down the works and gave up manu-
facturing, continuing only his blacksmith and re-
pair shop. A sliort time afterward he was appointed
Under Sheriff and now occupies his lime in official
work, having taken charge of almost every duty
belonging to the Sheriff.
Mr. Smith is a native of Bavaria, German}', born
at Speir, March 19, 1850. He comes of an old.
German family and the name was in the old coun-
try spelled Schmitt. His father, Joseph Schmitt,
was horn m 1800, owned a small farm and carried
on agricultural work until he emigrated. He spent
six years as a sohlier and it was on account of his
feeling regarding tlie military laws of the Kiu|)ire
that he decided to leave his native land. lie
thought the system opiiressive and did not wish iiis
sons to endure the hardsliips he hail passed through
and with two who would soon be subject to mili-
tary duty he crossed the Atlantic in 1854. He lo-
cated at Detroit and engaged in huckstering,
following the business successfully until his death
in 1870. He was joined by his wife and four
younger children in 1857. Mrs. Smith was a na-
tive of Bavaria, and bore the maiden naoje of
Elizabeth Bernatz;slie died in Detroit March 8,
1861. Mr. Smith was a member of the Roman
Catholic Cliurcli.
Martin Smith was the youngest of seven children
and was seven years old when he accompanied his
mother to America. He vividl}' recalls tlie voyage,
which was long and stormy. The partj- sailed
from Havre un Good Frida}-, and did noi, land in
New York until the middle of June. Coming on
to Detroit, the lad had limited school privileges
until he was eleven years old, pursuing his studies
in the parochial school. He then began to assist
his fatlier liy driving a huckster's wagon over a
circuit of some twenty miles, and during the next
three jears made more money than his parent. He
was then apprenticed to a wagonmaker and served
until he was sixteen, when he began journey work
at ^2.25 per da}'. He was in the employ of Hugh
Johnson until February, 1867, when he went to
New York and entered the coach manufactory of
Dunn Bros. In 1869 he made a cliange to Roch-
ester and entered the employ of James Cunning-
ham & Son, well-known carri.age-inakers, but after
working for them some nine months returned to
Detroit. In a few months he had opened wagon
works in St. John's and three years later |)ut up a
blacksmith's shop, and from that time increased his
business as circumstances warranted. He became
the owner of real estate and now has several resi-
dences and a store on Main Street. He is truly a
self-made man and the competence he has secured
is an indisputable proof of his energy and business
ability.
Jii Roclicsler, N. Y., in July, 1 86«, Jlr. Smith
was married to JMiss Catherine Lechner. This lady
was born in Bavaria in 1851, and is a daughter of
Laurence and Barbara (Schmuck) Lechner. Her
parents emigrated when she was about four j-ears
old and settled in Eric, Pa. When the Civil War
began her father was one of the first to answer the
call for volunteers, and lie went out with a Penn-
s^'lvania regiment. After the short enlistment, he
O^l^L^^l/
^;^/^^' (f z^^^-^c/V^c^
r ^^^^^
PORTRAIT AND BIOaRAPHlCAL ALBUM.
468
re-entered tlie service as a cavalryiiian and having
received a severe sabic wound was discharged on
account of pliysical disability. He recovered suHi-
ciently to enter the navy and remained in tlial
brand] of the service until the close of the war.
He is still living in Erie but his wife died several
3ears since. The religion of the family is that of
the Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Smith is an excellent housekeeper and a (!(■-
voted wife and mother. Her union witli our sub-
ject has been blest by the birth of six children, all
of whom are at home except the first-born; he is
now attending the Tniversit^- of Michigan in the
department of law. He was graduated from the
High School in St. .John's in 1889. The names of
the sons and daughters are William A., Jose|)h P.,
Lina IL, Minnie (I., Mary and Tru'^y. Mrs. Smith
is a communicant of the Catholic Church. Mr.
Smitii votes the Democratic ticket. He is a well
disposed, social and energetic man, straightforward
and courageous in the discharge of his official
duties and well liked by his acquaintances.
IDWARD BROWN. This well-known resi-
dent of St. John's, Clinton County, has
I' — ^ dealt more extensively in farm lands than
any other man in the county, an<l has in addition
been interested in other projects of a business na-
ture, in some of which he still has a share. He owns
lands not only in this but in other counties, the
largest holding elsewhere being in Wexford, Sagi-
naw and Henzie Counties. He is now extensively
engaged in the grain and produce trade and occu-
pies a fine farm of two hundred acres in and ad-
joining the city limits. It has been well improved
and is supi>lied with adecpiate buildings, including
two residences. It is well adapted for stock rais-
ing and excellent arrangements have been made for
the care of stock as well as for the cultivation of
crops. The place is well watered, wind power
being used to convey the liquiil from |)oint to
point wherever it is required. Mr. Brown keeps
from twenty to thirt3' cows and su|)plies the cheese
factory with a large quantity of milk. He was one
of the founders of that institution and has been its
Treasurer since it was opened. In August, 1889,
he bought the Brown Brothers' elevator, where a
thriving grain trade is carried on.
Mr. Brown was born ui County Antrim, Ireland,
near the city of Lisburn, November 18, 1844, but
is of English slock. His great grandfather was in
the English army and having been sent to Ireland
during one of the wars, he made his home in
County Antrim and there liis descendants lived for
years. The grandfather of our subject was a weaver,
and to his trade and the business of farming his
son, Francis, father of Edward, was reared. In
1846 Francis Brown emigrateti, sailing from Liver-
pool to New York, and being six weeks on the
ocean. He settled in New .lersey, near .lersej' Cit3-,
and engaged in farming and the dairy business. In
the spring of 1851 he came to this State and for a
year or more farmed in Oakland County. He then
came to Clinton County, and bought eighty acres
of wild land in Bengal Townshij), paying ^2.50
per acre. There was no settler within ten miles of
bis place on the west, and there were no bridges
and but very poor roads, scarcel3' more than tracks
over which to travel. His sup|)lies were secured
at Lansing, where he weui with an ox-team, camp-
ing out on the way, as it took two or three days
to make the round trip. His table w.as supplied
with venison and other game, and he manufactured
black salts, which was legal tender and exchanged
for groceries.
Mr. Brown hewed out a farm, adding to his acre-
age until the estate consisted of two hundred and
forty acres, all of which was placed under good
improvement. His eldest son, .John, worked in
Oakland County-, for ^12 a month to get money
with which to pay for the first eighty acres. He is
now Supervisor of Bengal Township. 'I'he father
died on his farm May 30, 188;}, and the mother,
who is now eighty-five years old, lives with some
of her children on the homestead. Mr. Brown was
a Presbyterian, but as there was no church of that
denomination in the neighborhood, he worshiped
in others. Mrs. Brown, whose maiden name was
464
rORTKAIT AMD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Susannah Corkin, was born in Countj' Antrim,
Ireland, in June, 1806, and came of the old Scotch
Presbyterian stock. Her i)arents were Robert and
Lucj' Corkin, the hitter of whom was born in Scot-
land. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Brown con •
sisted of nine children, Edward being tlie sixth in
order of birth and the youngest of those born in
Ireland.
Our subject vvas early set to work on the farm
and while his father and older brothers worked
out, he had much of the clearing and breaking of
ground to do. When but a small lad he chopped
trees like a hero and became an expert ox-driver,
as the ground was broken by means of those ani-
mals. He had no school [jrivileges until he was
thirteen 3'ears old, and then began his studies in the
primitive log school house. A better building and
better opportunities came in later years, and while
still carrying on tiie farm he went to winter school
until he became fairly well educated. He remained
under the parental roof until he was thirty years
old, although when of age he bought eighty acres
adjoining tiie homestead, and undertook its im-
provement. He subsequently purchased an im-
proved farm of eighty acres which he operated for
some j'cars, and finally became the owner of vari-
ous tracts, amounting to over live hundred acres.
In 1872 Mr. Brown went to Europe, enjoying a
pleasant voyage from NevT York to Glasgow on
the steamer "India." He visited the home of his
mother's people in Scotland, his own birthplace in
the Emerald Isle, and then spent some time in
England, France and Germany. Early in 1873 he
returned on the steamer "California," sailing from
Glasgow and on iliis occasion experiencing what
a storm brings to an ocean traveler. After his re-
turn he began dealing in farm lands, buying and
selling unimproved propcily until over three thou-
sand acres had passed through his hands. Of im-
proved farm lands he has handled tracts in Gratiot,
Ionia, Montcalm, Saginaw, Midlanil and otlier
counties, and in this and Gratiot Counties alone
lie has owned some five hundred farms. At the
same time he has carried on agricultural work,
operating some five hundred acres of land. Besides
operating in this State Mr. Brown has dealt in pine
and oak lands in Arkansas, principally in Cleve-
land, Desha and Pulaski Counties. In 1889 he es-
tablished his home where he is now living.
Mr. Brown has various financial interests besides
his ownership of about fouiteen hundred acres of
land in this county and real-estate elsewhere. He
and J. Corbet own the St. John's Hotel and he is
associated with Robert Young in the ownersliip of
three stores, and with his brother in that of one
and has two others of his own, he is a share-holder
in a company that owns most of Durand, Siiiawas-
sec Count}', and is President of the Durand Laud
Company, which was organized in July, 1888. He
is also a stock-holder and Director in the State
Bank, and was Cashier from 1887 until October,
1889, when he resigned as he had not time to at-
tend to his duties. He is also a Director and large
shareholder in the Cooper Boiler & Engine Com
pany, which manufactures engines in which gaso-
line, cosl or wood can be consumed.
Notwithstanding his extensive business interests
Mr. Brown finds time to discharge some public
duties and join in some social schemes. In 1883
he was elected County Treasurer and re-elected
two years later, serving continuously until Janu-
ary, 1887. He has held some township offices since
he was of age and at various times has been Treas-
urer, Clerk and Supervisor. He held the last-named
office in Bengal Township, until bis removal. He
has been Notarj- Public for j'ears, is a momber of
the School Board, and was one of the Committee
on designs for the building when the present build-
ing was put up. He was nominated for tiie Legis-
lature in 1870, and run two hundred ahead of his
ticket in the western half of the county and came
within tiiirty votes of election. His name was
placed before the people on the Republican ticket
with which party he was identified until the Green-
back movement. He is now independent in poli-
tics. He has been sent as delegate to various
conventions c>f each party, and for several years
was Chairman of the Greenback Count}- Central
Committee.
Mr. Brown was married in Bingham in January.
1876, to Miss Ella Conn. This lady was born in
the Green Mountain State but has lived in Michi-
gan since she was a year old. Of tlie happy union
there has been born two chikh-en, Bulab ami Ralph
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
465
the latter, deceased. The family attend and support
the Methodist Episcopal C'hurcli. Jlr. Brown is
connected with the Ancient Order of United Work-
men. His portrait is presented in connection with
this brief biographical notice.
ERKY HADSALL was born in Exeter
Township, Luzerne County, Pa.. March 1,
1837. He is a son of Edward and .lane
(Diamond) Hadsall. His parents were
natives of the same State and county in which tlieir
son was born. They came to Michigan in Septem-
ber, 18jG, and settled in Colioctah, Livingston
Count}', on a farm, where they are both residing.
The father of the family has attained more than
the prescribed tlirce-score and ten years and at the
age of suvcnly-eight is still able lo oversee and
conduct much of the work of ids farm. Agricul-
ture has been a life business with him and he still
owns the small farm on which he resides.
Edward Hadsall is one of the many who suffered
most bittcrl}' from the horrors of the laic war.
During the war he was taken prisoner by the Con-
federates and was held two months at Danville,
and from there he was sent to Libby Prison, where
the few months in which be en<lured the short ra-
tions, abuse, filth and vermin almost terminated his
life. However, he was more fortunate than man}'
of his comrades, who (lerisiied so miserably in that
dread Southern prison, and w.as exchanged. Onlj'
those who have had friends that the}' believed lost
to them, returned as it were, from the dead, can
understand the joy of such a home-coming as that
of Mr. Hadsall after his bitter Southern experience.
He was never able to do a good day's work after
his discharge. He was an ardent Republican in
politics, but never had any ambition to hold otlice.
The parents of our subject had a family of nine
children, of whom Perry was the third. He
was reared in his native town and county on the
farm, where he remained until September, 18G5,
when he came to Michigan and located in Byron,
taking up the business of milling, which he fol-
lowed for a year. He then turn(;d his attention to
working at the carpenter's and builder's trade,
which business he pursued for about nine years and
then built his present sawmill, to which he has
ever since given his time and attention. With his
milling business he also combines that of the insur-
ance business, being agent for the Oakland, Gen-
esee and Shiawassee Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany. Mr. Hadsall started in life without any
means whatever and has jjroved his executive abil-
ity b}- amassing more than a competency in his
chosen branches of work. He is a Republican in
politics, having cast his lirst vote for Abraham
Lincoln.
The esteem in whicii Mr. Hadsall is held in the
township in which he resides is evidenced b}' the
numerous ollices which have been conferred upon
him by the vote of the peoi)le. He has attained
the third degree in the Masonic order and has been
honored by all the odices in the lodge.
In the fall of )850, in the bright sunny days of
October Mr. Hadsall was married to Miss Emily
Bailey of Exeter Township, Luzerne County, Pa.,
who became the head of his house and home. The
lady was born in Goshen, Orange County, N. Y.,
March 7, 18;59,and was a daughter of Samuel and
Permelia (Blain) Bailey. The gentleman of whom
we write and his estimable wife are the parents of
one child, Permelia J., now the wife of Dr. B. S.
Knai)p, of Owosso. They have been blessed with
two children — Carl and Hazel, both of whom are
living.
'f^sm-
ROBERT E. DA VIES. This name will be
J^ recognized by many of our readers a.s that
>* of one of the firm of W. T. <fe R. E. Da-
^^ vies, proprietors of the Green bush Fan-
ning-mill Factory, whicli turns out hundreds of
those useful articles each j'ear. Tlic works are lo-
cated on section 15, Greenbush Township, fitted
with adequate machinery, and during the year
1801 the output is expected to be at least four
hundred. Mr. Davies is also well known as one of
the officials of Clinton County, now serving in the
capacity of Clerk of Giecnbnsh Township. He
has held the ollice continuously since 1863, and
466
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
prior to that time had acted one year, in 1861.
Besides his extensive manufacturing interest Mr.
Davies lias a half ownership of over four hundred
acres of land. He resides in an attractive dwelling,
which is furnished in keeping with his means and
and the good taste of the famil}', and enjo.ys the
manj' comforts of a prosperous rural resident.
The parents of our subject were Robert and
Marj' A. (Thomas) Davies, the one a native of
"Wales, and the other of County Kent, England.
His father was a valiant soldier in the British army,
fought during the Peninsular War in Spain, took
part in the battle of Waterloo, and was stationed
in France three years after that famous engage-
ment. The son of whom we write was born in
Counly Sussex, England, October 5, 1830, and was
reared in his native land to his twentietli year.
His education was mainly acquired in the national
schools, but after he emigrated to America, he did
some studying in the Empire State, attending a
school in Lyons. In 1849 he crossed the Atlantic,
taking passage at Liverpool on the American clip-
per ship ''DeWilt Clinton," and after an ocean
voyage of thirty days landing at New York City.
Thence he went to Lyons, wliere he served an ap-
prenticeship of three years in a fanning-mill fac-
tory. He remained there nearly two years after he
learned his trade, then in the fall of 1854 came to
Michigan.
Mr. Davies stopped at Grand Rapids, and spent
a year working as a journeyman, then located in
Clinton Count}', and with his brother William T.
embarked in business. The brother had come to
America in 18r)l, and learned the trade in L3ons,
N. Y., and the two undertook the manufacture of
fanning-mills and milk safes. For three years thej'
rented a shop, then having acquired some capital,
they bought land and put up a building, some
20x30 feet in size, to which the}- have added at
various times until the factory has .assumed its
present large proportions. Their fanning-mills
have acquired a wide reputation, extending over
the State, and thoGreenbush Fanning-mill Factory
ranks among the leading industries of the kind in
Central Micliigan. The factory is supplied with
such machinery as will facilitate the labor and re-
duce the cost of production, so that the mills can
be sold at reasonable rates, an<l much ability has
been manifested by the proprietors in carrying on
their project and building up their tr.ade.
For a number of j-ears Mr. Davies had the sym-
pathy and encour.igement of a devoted wife,
whose maiden name was Alice Thomas. She was
a daughter of Slieai and Hannah Thomas, was well
able to discharge the duties devolving upon a
housekeeper and mother, and possessed a fine
Christian cliar.acter. She was identified with the
Methodist Episcopal Church, in the faith of which
she died March 17, 1889. She was the mother of
four children, named respectivelj', Robert T., Nel-
lie, Edith M. and James R. The first-born is de-
ceased. The older daughter is the wife of Lewis
AV. Marshall.
Mr. Davies is a Methodist, and has been Steward
in the church. Politically he is a Republican. He
has been jtre-eminently successful in life, and his
career affords an example of what may be accom-
plished by a young man of determined spirit and
good natural ability, without financial aid from
others. He is courteous, obliging and hospitable,
keeps abreast of the times in his knowledge of
general topics, and takes a deep interest in the
progress of mankind, both ne.ar his home and in
remoter regions. He is one of the most inlluen-
tial men of the locality, and one in whom his ac-
quaintances have implicit confidence.
<JI )»ILLIAM WRIGHT. Shiawassee County
\ r\jl is noted for its fine farms, and i'S|)ccially
W^J for the comfort in which its agriculturists
live. Almost universally they have spacioii!^, com-
modious homes, in which the comfort and conve-
niences that seem so necessary to modern life are
to be found. The farm of William Wright, located
on section 17, Owosso Township, is not an excep-
tion. Its owner came to Michigan in 1876, having
been born in Frontenac, Canada, in 1842, the 29111
of November. He was the j'oungest of a family
of eight. His father was John Alexander Wright,
a native of Ireland, who settled in Canada in 1839.
His mother's maiden name was Alice Dunn.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
467
Our subject's father purchased the farm wliioh
liail previously bc'loi)<>e(l to William Mason, ami
which contained eighty acres, and to which he
afterward added ei;,dity acres more. This farm
boasts of all the latest iini)rovements in agricul-
tural implements. Mr.Wright is engaged in hand-
ling farm machinery, among which are the Peerless
binders and mowers and the Butler wind-engine,
and he owns the Van Wagoner patent fence, for
which he has the agency in Rush, Midtllebury,
Owosso and Bennington townships, lie is also en-
gaged in manufacturing and erecting a fine wire
feuce for the gas works in Owosso.
In 1870 Mr. Wright was married to Miss Rhoda
Ann Orsen. who was born in Frontenac County,
Canada. Their family consists of George U., A.
Torrence, J. Howard, Edmund G. and Sadie Pearl.
George lias attended the ISt. John's High School
and the Industrial College, at Owosso, and expects
to engage in mercantile business. Torrence is a
student at the Oakside School at Owosso, where he
is preparing to take upon himself the work of a
teacher. He also intends evenlually to take up the
study of law. Our subject was formerly a Repub-
lican, but since the formation of the Prohibition
party he has transferred its allegiance to it. Mr.
Wright has a fine farm that is very well im-
proved. It is well drained, and the purest water is
accessible from every part of the farm, conveyed
thither by pipes that lead from a reservoir filled b^-
a wind engine.
]^^ ANIEL B. CHASE, a reitresentative farmer
' residing on section 2'.), Essex Township,
P
Clinton County, is a native of New York,
being born in Albany County, .Iiine 30, IS12. His
father, Joseph J. Chase was born in Rhode Island
in 1T80 and came to New York when young, and
followed farming. He died about the year 1804
and left behind him the respect and esteem of all
who knew him for his honest and earnest Christain
character. The grandfather, .Joshua, was the son
of another Joshua. William Chase was the first of
the family in America, coming with the fieet which
brought Gov. Wintliio|) and his colony to America
in 1C30. He died in 1659 and his two sous,
Thomas and Aquilla, were among the first settlers
of Hampton, N. H.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Mary Snyder, and was a native of Albany
County, N. Y. She died about the year 185.5. Of
her nine children three are living, two daughters
and one son, our subject. He was reared on the
farm and had very little education in his boyhood,
although his father was possessed of a good educa-
tion and was a teacher. Most of his school days
were passed in Cayuga County, N. Y., where he
went to school in the log school-house. When he
was twenty-one years old he hired out to work on
a farm at ^11 a month. The following spring be
decided to go West, and taking a canal boat at Pt.
Byron for Buffalo and thence a steamer to Detroit,
he reached that jwjiiit and journeyed on foot to
Chicago, reaching that place in 1831. He worked
for a short time in a brick yard and then on a farm
at Naperville, twenty-five miles west of Chicago,
receiving ^12 a month. He did not remain there
long but spent part of the year at Ottawa. In the
spring of 1835 he walked eighty miles to Chicago
to attend an auction of Government land, ftnd bid
o£f a quarter-section which lay along the Illinois
River. At the same time he purchased a lot in
.loliet for forty dollars which he kept for twenty
years and sold for S^GOO, the same lot four years
later bringing ^10,000. He soon disposed of his
quarter-section of land to friends and returned
East to Cayuga County, N. Y. on foot. He travel-
e<l to Michigan City lifty-two miles the first day.
The young man now undertook the management
of his father's farm on shares and afterwaid
bought twenty-seven acres which was sold at slicr-
ilT's sale, and three months later disposed of this
land for twice what it cost him. The following
fall he returned West and began work in the pin-
cry in Allegan County, at >^'2Q per month. After
si)ending part of the winter here he walked U> Chi-
cago and from there to Soutli|)ort, Wisconsin. After
a short time there betook up a claim. The follow-
ing spring he [)urchased six yoke of oxen and with
another man undertook breaking |)rhiric for neigh-
bors. For three years be kept bachelor's hall. He
468
PORTRAIT AND BIOORAFHICAL ALBUM.
fenced his half section and exchans<-efl it for a small
farm in New York, wiiere lie now settled down to
farming.
In 1862 Mr. Chase exchanged his New York
farm for part of what he now owns on section 29,
Essex Township, Clinton County, Mich. The
eighty acres which he now owns, was pretty well
improved and he secured about eighty .acres more.
His marriage took place in 1837 and he was then
united with Catherine Switzer of New York. She
died November 8, 1;863, having been the mother
of nine children. Those now living are, Munson,
Catherine (Mrs. George Bush,) Nancy (Mrs.
Horace Skinner), Charles H., editor of the Gratiot
County Journal, and Adelbert, who is also
connected with tliat paper. To all of his children,
Mr. Chase gave an excellent education. His second
marriage took place July 7, ISSO. His wife was
Mrs. Melissa Swarlhout who had been twice
married before uniting her fortunes with those of
our subject. Her first husband was James Kollcy,
a native of New York who lived in Michigan.
Her second husband was Charles Swarthout who
died soon after their marriage. She is the daughter
of Ralzmond and Sallie (Jason) Griffin, natives of
Connecticut and New York respectively. Mrs.
Chase is the mother of four children, all by her
first husband and all of whom are married and
gone from home.
Mr. Chase was reared a Democrat and became a
Republican about the time of the organization of
that party. He has belonged to the Methodist
Episcopal Ciiiirch for fifty years and Mrs. Chase
is an efficient member of the Baptist Churcli. He
has one hundred and sixty acres of land all well
improved, and has placed upon it a fine large house
and a good barn, and has in a word an elegant
farm which is an ornament to the township. In
1886 he rented his farm for three j'ears and made
his home in Palo, Ionia County, after which he re-
turned to the farm. He has had considerable
dealings in lands both buying and selling.
Ralzmond Griffin, tlie father of Mrs. Chase w.as
the third son of Lomcr (Jriffln, and was born in
Barkiianistead, Conn., February 22, 1803, and
died May 1, 1888. His father was a native of
Granby, Conn., where he was born April 22, 1759,
and died at Lodi, Ohio, in 1880, at the extreme
age of one hundred and twenty-one years. Before
his death he had seen grandchildren, great-grand-
children and great-great-grandchildren. The moth-
er of Mrs. Chase died in 1884 at the age of eighty-
two years. She was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and her husband was a Con-
gregationalist. Five of their seven children are
still living. Our subject has held the ofl5ce of
Highway Commissioner, .School Inspector and As-
sessor. The offices were held in New York.
'S^{^-
* iw ■ •
B. HOLMES, a well-known and leading
business man of Dur.and, Shiawassee Count}',
was born in the same township, Vernon, Jan-
uary 18, 1850. Here he has grown to manhood
and has made such a record throughout as to have
gained the esteem of his neighbors. His father,
Edward Holmes, a native of New York, was born
in 1810 and after being reared in his native place,
came to Michigan in 1847, and coming direct to
Vernon Township, locited on a farm in section 19.
This he improved and remained on it as long as he
lived and passed away from earth in 1881. He
was a Democrat in his political views and was
identified with the Masonic order, being a Royal
Arch ISIason.
Nancy Kinney was the maiden name of her who
became the mother of our subject and she was born
in New York, in which Stale also she married Ed-
ward Holmes. Nine children came to gather
aiound their fircsiile and they had the joy of seeing
them all grow to manhood and womanhood and fill
positions of usefulness in life.
Mr. Holmes is the third son and fourth child of
his parents and his first and only schooling was re-
ceived in Vernon Township. He remained with
his parents until twenly -one years of age and after
working by the day in a sawmill for three years,
spent seven years clerking in the general store of
L. D. Goss, first at Vernon, then at Perry and
afterward at Morris. His first independent busi-
ness venture was made at Morris, where he put in
a stock of groceries, and carried on business for
PORTRAIT AND BJOGEAPHICAL ALBUM.
469
throe years. He Uien sold out in Aiiril, 1887, ancl
the year followinsj; located at the stand where he
now does business. The same year be built the
brick store which he occupies and has increascil his
stock by the addition of dry goods, hats, ca|)s,
boots and shoes.
Mr. Holiness' union in marriage witii .lulia Tyler,
took place on New Year's Day, 1871*, and has
brought him a happy home and one son, Carl T.
wlio was born in 1880. Mrs. Holmes is a native of
the Wolverine State, and was born in 1856. Her
education and training were received at Perry.
Tliis gentleman's political views are somewhat in-
dcpcndcnt in their nature and he voles for the man
vvliom he considers the best possible incumbent for
thii oHice to be filled. He is identified with the
Masonic order and belongs to tlic North Newberg
Lodge at Durand. Corunna Chapter No. 33, and
Corunna Commandry No. 21. He is a liberal con-
tributor to every cause which he considers worthy
and is wideawake to the interests of the community.
-o*o.-^^<,^^-o*a^
^ II. I'OWEU, a prominent young liusiness
'' man of St. John's, is Cashier of the State
Rank of that city. He is a native of the
county, having been born on his father's farm one
mile south of Eureka, August 18, 1863. His
father, the late J. E. Power, was born in Perry
County, Pa., near Pliiladelphia. He learned the
trade of a millwright at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and
worked there until about 1850. He then came to
Clinton County, this State, and took up three hun-
dred and twenty acres in (ireenbush Township.
He was among the first settlers there atid bis claim
was in the thick woods, where he literally hewed
out a farm. He did not entirely abandon his trade,
but gave his principal attention to farming until
his death, in 1885. He was Township Supervisor
fifteen years. He was married in Mt.N'ernon, Oliio, to
Mahalu Hrown, who survives him and is now living
in St. John's. She was born in Knox County, Ohio,
her father being Asa Brown, a farmer there. She
is a most estimable woman and has been a devoted
mother to her eight children, of whom D. H. is
the youngest. She is a niemlicr in good standing
of tlic Christian Church.
Tiie gentleman whose name introduces these
paragraphs spent his early years on a farm and [jur-
sueii his studies in the district school until he was
fifteen years old. He then attended the high
school at Ovid and having eoniiileted the course of
study was graduated in 1883. Tlic fall of the next
year he entered the State Normal School at Ypsil-
anli and after diligent study for twelve months was
graduated from the English class. He had already
begun teaching, |)utting in his time at professional
work in the intervals of attendence at school, his
first term iiaving been begun when he was nineteen
years old. After leaving the Normal school, ht had
charge of the grammar de[)artmcnt in the Ovid
school one year, and he then became a salesman
for the Dickerson Publishing Company of Detroit.
For two years Mr. L'ower worked for that com-
pany throughout the Southern and >Vestern States
and in the prosecution of the duties of general
agent, he visited twelve of the sisters of the He-
public. In January, 1887, he became connected
with the State Bank of St. John's, as discount and
collection clerk. His faithfulness and accuracy
and his evident fitness for bauking led to promo-
tion and in a short time he was book-keeper for the
institution. He then became Teller and Assistant
Cashier and for a year — the Cashier being absent —
he transacted all the business pertaining to that po-
sition. In October, 1889, when Mr. Brown re-
signed, he was chosen to success him. Mr. Power
is o.ie of the stockholders in the bank, and his
financial ability and reputation for thoroughness
and honesty arc potent factors in the success of the
institution.
At the bride's home in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1880,
Mr. Power was united in marriage with Miss Clara
La Montine, daughter of Thomas La Montine, a
prominent railioad employe in the Forest City.
She was born there, had liie advantage of excellent
schooling and good associations, and is well calcu-
lated to make a iiapi)y home and attract to it a
pleasant circle of actpiaintances, Mr. and Mrs.
Power have one child. Mr. l'ower is a Knight
Templar, belonging to a eoinmandery in St. John's.
He is a member of the Michigan Banker's Associa-
470
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
tion, and politically is a Republican. Active,
quick-witled, well educated and well informed, be
is an excellent business man, readily perceiving
what will be for the advantage of the institution, in
which he is engaged and the town in which he
lives. He has pleasing social qualities and is a pop-
ular member of society.
---s-*-
^^-^^Vt^^^T^^^-
y ALTER WRIGHT, who has resided in
Antrim Townsliip, Shiawassee County, for
forty years, is a native of Coxsaekie,
Greene County, N. Y., born September 4, 1824.
His father, .lames, came to Livingston County,
Mich., in 183G, and entered a half section of land
which he cleared and improved. He came across
Canada with two yoke of oxen .ind a team of
horses. His life ended at Howell, Livingston
County, this State, about 1872, at the ripe old ag'c
of eighty-four j'ears. He was a man of prominence
and influence and lias held various local offices in-
cluding that of Justice of the Peace. He was also
a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
The grandfather, William Wright, of New York,
was a Revolutionary soldier, coming out of that
struggle as Orderly Sergeant, and drew a pension
until his death in 1838. The mother of our subject
bore the maiden name of Cynthia Clark and w.as a
native of Connecticut. She died in 1851, leaving
to her children the fragrant memory of a beautiful
Christian life. She was a devoted member of the
ISIelhodist Episcopal Church and a faithful mother
of twelve children, eight of whom still live.
The sul)ject of this brief sketch was reared upon
the farm and received his education in the district
schools. He was twelve years old when his parents
removed to Michigan, old enough to be a keen ob-
server of the various phases of pioneer life and
well remembers this country when deer, bears,
wolves and other vvild game were plentiful. He
was not a stranger to the red man for he used to
"dicker" with him frequently, exchanging "nappa-
nee" (flour) for buckskins and other commodities.
Young Wright helped his father, who was a car-
penter, to build the first frame schoolhouse in his
district. He afterward worked at the trade consid-
erably and has built agood many barns and sheds
for his neighbors. He remained at home until of age
when he struck out for himself, working a year or
so at coopering, a trade at which he became quite
an expert.
Antrim Township became the home of our sub-
ject in the fall of 1848, and purch.ased the farm on
section 21, where he now resides. Some few .acres
had been cleared of trees but were onl^' partially
improved, lie entered into partnership about this
time with a brother and built and operated a saw-
mill. In 1851 he went to California to seek his
fortune, journeying via the Isthmus and spending
four years in the Sunset .State. He mined to some
extent and was also connected with a company
which operated a sawmill. After working at these
and other employments he returned in 1855 to his
former home, where he had retained his interest.
Here he resumed farming and continued to clear
and improve the hand.
After his trial of Western life Mr. Wright de-
cided that it would be best to inaugurate a home
of his own, and he was married in 1858 to Miss
Hannah Miller, a native of Macomb County, Mich.,
by whom he has had five children, namely: Alice
at home; Mira, tlie wife of .Jonathan McCaig, a
farmer in this township; John L. and Millie who
are at home, and one child who died in infancy.
He was reared a AVhig but became a Republican
and more recently a Prohibitionist. For twenty-
two years he filled the offlee of Justice of the
Peace, was Treasurer for four years and School
Inspector for quite a term. He belongs to the order
of Ocid Fellows.
One of the strongest formative influences in the
life of Walter Wright and his family h.as been the
religious atmosphere which has ever pervaded their
home. Being descended from godly parents, the
Christian religion has ever been their inspiration,
guide and strength. They are connected with the
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Wright
has been a merabe'- for over fifty years, and where
he has been prominently identified in an official
capacity and as a zealous worker for all its good
objects. He has ever been a liberal contributor
PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
473
to benevolent and otlier wortliy causes and sjavc
liberally toward the erection of a handsome cliuicii
in his neigh l)orliood. His character and tlie true
l)rinciples by which he lias ever been sruided com-
niend the relii,'ioii in which he believes to all wiio
know him. He began the battle of life without
means but has attained to a handsome properly of
one hundred and forty acres of rich and arable
land in a high state of cultivation.
A view of this estate is shown on another page
of this work.
vILLIAM riXLKV \AN J.IEW. The gen-
/// lleman whose name he.ids our sketch and
who owns a farm on section 16, Henning-
ton Townshi|), was born in Monroe Courity, N. V.,
October 2, 1824. His parents were .lohn and
Uosina ( \'an T:issel) \'an Liew, of New Jersey.
'I'hey are both descendants of old Knickerbocker
families. In ISGS Mr. Van Liew came to Michi-
gan and for four 3'ears lived at Franklin, Lenawee
County. In Ma}', 1872, he came to Shiawassee
County and .secured liis present farm, a part of
which is one of the earliest settled places in tiie
county, liaving been secured by the Coif family in
1830 from the Government. The original settlers
were oblige<l to cut out their own roadway through
the forest for two miles from the (irand River road.
Mr. Van Liew is a man of taste and judgment
and his home, which is a very handsome ))Iace,
bears evidence to his culture and refinement. His
beautiful residence, a view of which is presented on
another page, would grace the fashionable thorough-
fares of any of the large cities and tiie interior ar-
rangement and finish compare favorably with the
much more pretentious residences on Euclid or
Madison Avenues. The house was erected in 1887
from plans prepared by a professional architect,
and the interior finish is in natural oak and walnut.
The latter bears a tinge of color and tone of rich-
ness found only in the choice lumber seasoned by
time. The walnut used is taken from the boards used
as the chamber floor in the first house constructed
by the pioneer Mr. Coif over half a century ago,
.and aside from its richness of tone, it for this rea-
son has a value, because of its historical associa-
tion. \\:iter is supplied by an automaiic wind en-
gine, which forces it into a reservoir over the
kitchen, whence it p.asse.s through large pipes to the
large barn and cattle sheds. Commanding :is it
docs a view of the surrounding fields and spri'ad-
ing countr}', the hoini^ is a delightful one and a de-
sirable place for a man to live a retired life, realiz-
ing the comforts and benefits of the real home.
Mr. Van Liew was married in Wayne County,
N. v., October 10, 1850, to Miss Louisa Ilollen-
beck, who was born at Upper Lisle, Broome County,
N. Y., being the daughter of .Silas W. and Anna
Catherine (Coburn) Ilollenbeck. One son, Henry
Beech Van Liew, born August 8, 18,54, is the or)ly
child. He was married April 13, 1887, to Sarah
Wilcox, who was born December 16, 1858. They
have two children, l'"clicia Louisa, born May lo,
1888, and .Vrtluir Ma.\, born January 12, 1890.
The son of our subject, Henry B. Van Liew, is the
Township Clerk and is looked upon as one of the
active, progressive young men of the neighbor-
hood. At present he has charge of the farm, which
consists of one hundred and fori y-five acres.
Mr. \'an Liew's I'ainil}- is as pleasant as only cul-
ture and refinement added to naturally amiableaud
delightful qualities can make one, and their ac-
(juaintance may be considered not only agreeable
but beneficial to those with whom they come in
contact.
<«l IfelLLIAM M. MESLER. This gentleman
\/yJ// is a representative farmer, whose home is
^NS^ in Essex Township, Clinton County, on a
tract of land consisting of one hundred acres,
where he has made a good home by industry, and
judicious management. He is a native of the Em-
pire .State, having been born in Orleans County,
August 27, 1838, and is one of the nine children
born to Absalom and Sarah (Wyman) Meslcr. His
father was a native of New Jersey and his mother
was born in Vermont. The other surviving mem-
bers of the parental household are Candace, wife
474
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of Nelson Thompson, whose home is in Niagara
County, N. Y. ; Charles V., a captain of the Union
Army; William M.; Augusta, who lives in the Em-
pire Stale; Samuel; Mary, wife of Samuel Barton;
Sarah and Merrill.
When our subject was an infant less than two
years old bis parents removed to Niagara County,
N. Y., where they remained and where he grew to
manhood. He received a fundamental education
in the schools of the time, and having been in-
clined to read, he has supplemented the knowledge
obtained in his youth by much information re-
garding topics of general interest and the history
that is making. In 1866 he came to this State and
for a time his home was in Lenawee County.
Thence he removed to his present location in 1868,
taking possession of a tract of woodland, on which
he had much hard work to do in subduing the
rude forces of nature and making it what he
wished.
July 1 1, 1868, Mr. Mesler was married to Miss
Elizabeth Miller, a native of Lenawee County, and
daughter of Mattison Miller, an early settler there.
Five children have come to bless the happy home,
their respective names being Wallace, Ada, La-
vcrne, Sarali and Ernest. They are being care-
fully reared and prepared for useful and honorable
stations in society, and the older ones are already
assuming their places as worthy children of
respected parents.
October 15, 1861, Mr. Mesler enlisted in Com-
pany B, One Hundred Fifth New York Infantrj-,
which was consolidated with the Ninety-Fourth
Infantry in March 1863. He became an integral
part of the arn.y operating on the James, and was
with the celebrated First Corps. He fought in the
battles of Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Chancellor-
ville. Mine Run, the Wilderness, and otiiers of
minor importance, and was honorably disc^harged
in November, 1861. By reason of disability in-
( ured while in the service of his country he is in
receipt of a pension of ¥22 per month. With his
comrades of a Grand Army Post at Maple Rapids
he lives over again the scenes of his array life, and
from them and others he hears much that is of
interest, regarding the work done in other parts of
the South. He is a Republican in politics. Mr.
Mesler has been Treasurer of the School Board in
bis district, and has in various ways been con-
nected with the best interests of the people by
whom he is respected and among whom he has
many warm friends.
]|(^_^ EBER W. HILL, who resides on section 6,
ji De AVitt Township, was boin in Watertown
'^y^ Township, Clinton Countj', November 25,
t^l) 1840. His father, Stei)hen, was born in
Maine, in 180',), and the grandfather, Enoch, was a
native of England, and made his home for years
upon the island of Newfoundland, whence he came
later to Maine. He there followed lumbering and
farming and owned a finely- impi'oved farm. Me
reared twelve or thirteen children and died in old
age.
The father of our subject learned the trade of a
sawyer in Maine and followed it there. He came
to Michigan while yet a single man in 1836, and
located at Plymouth, Wayne County, where he
worked on a farm and taught school. After re-
maining there two years he came to Clinton County,
in 1838, and settled tirst in Wateitown Township,
taking up one hundred and sixtj' acres of (iovern-
ment land at $1.25 per .acre. He brought with
him enough flour to last until after harvest, and
jet he saw some hard times. He raised some wheat
on shares in Wajne County and from that got
enough flour to last for several years. He jour-
neyed there on foot to harvest his wheat.
Mr. Hill was united in marriage in IMyuiouth,
AVaj'ne County, this State, to Miss Olive Gooch>
and built a log cabin on his claim, where he
was surrounded by friendlj' Indians and wild game
in great abundance. He was no huntsman but
bought meat from the Indians. He was a hard
worker, a Republican in politics and Justice of the
Peace for years, besides holding other minor of-
flces, ami died iu 1886. 'i'lie mother of our sub-
ject was born in .Maine in 1816, and came to Mich-
igan with her parents through Canada by team in
1834. She is still living in Watertown Township.
Of her eight children live grew to maturity. Lucj'
PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
475
(Mrs. Utley), ITeber \V. ; Bartlette who died in the
Wnr; Elre\' 15.; Leo C; Amos; Frank; and .lessie
who died wlien youno;. Their niotlier's parents,
Benjamin and Lucy (Boyington) Gooch, were
natives of Maine where Mr. Gooch engaged in
lumbering, beinj^ also a merchant. He had a cargo
of lumber destroyed by the English during the
AVarof 1812, wliich broke him up in business. He
came West about 18;) 4 and lived first in Waj-ne
and then in Kent County' and died in Grand
Rapids, wlien eighty-seven 3'ears of age. He w.is
a Democrat in politics. The mother of Mrs. Hill
was drowned in the Erie Canal on their way West.
She was walking across the dock of the can.Tl boat
at night in the lain and accidentally stoppe<l off
into the water. He afterward twice marrii'd.
The subject of this skctcii was born in Water-
town Township. Clinton Count)% and reared ui)on
the farm. He walked three miles to his lirst school,
which was a lug house furnished witli slab seats
and writing desks around the wall. <^uill [lens
were then in use, the rate bill system was in vogue,
and the teacher boarded around. When twenty
years of .age, our subject hired out liy the month,
on the w.ages of ^15, and after three years, he took
his savings and went into the lumber business which
he followed for eight years.
In 1864 Mr. Hill settled on a small farm in Kent
County, while luniberiiig there, and ran a grocery
for a year and a half at (4 rand Rapids. He after-
wards went into the furniture and undertaking
business at White Hall, Muskegon County, but after
four years sold out his business and bought the
farm where lie now resides. He afterward return-
ed for three years to While Hall and engaged in
wagon-making, after wliich he returned to his pres-
ent home in 1878.
Ilebert W. Hill married Florence I'tlej' in IHIM.
This lady was born in DeWilt Township this
county, May 21, 1848. .She is the mother of six
children: Kiltie B., Bessie A.; Cnrmalila, (Jrace
M.; one who died in infancy and Kandolph. The
three eldest daughters are teaching school. Mrs.
Hill is a member of the Uaptist Chiireh and Mr.
Hill has been connected with the Methodist Epis-
copal Church for fifteen years. For many years
he was a Republican and later an Independent and
is now a stanch Prohibitionist. While living in
Kent County, he held many of the iiiinor township
oflices and was an Ald'.'rinan at While Hall, lie has
a fine farm of eighty-two acres which he is carry-
ing on and he also runs a milk wagon, gathering
up milk for the condenser at Lansing.
OBERT CHARLES SHEP.VRl). It has been
our i)leasing task to ohronicle the history
'v\\\ of the maternal side of our subject's family
■lunder the biographical sketch of Mrs. Lucy
Doanc. In ancestry the family might successfully
vie with any of the New York "Four Hundred" or
the F. F. V.'s of Virginia. Robert Charles Siicpard
was born April 21, IS.iS in Owosso Township and
is the cider of two sons, the younger being Samuel
Manley Shepiird, who was born August 2G, 18(;i,
and died of consuinplioii March 1, 1887, at the age
of twenty -two years and six months.
This is one of the oldest families of Central
Michigan, they having settled in Owosso 'i'ownsliip
in 1841. Capt. Chauncy Franklin Shepard de-
ceased, the father of our subject, was horn Septem-
ber 21, 1829, in Ni.agara County, N, V., where his
parents Samuel and Miss Ann Park were married.
He was inanied June 1, 1853. to Amanda K. (iiiil-
fonl, daughter of Franklin Paul and Samantha
(Manley) Guilford, who was born February 6, 1831,
and died .Tune 13, 1883. Capt. Sli(>pard w.as prom-
inently connceled with the educalloiial interests of
the county, having been te.acher for upwards of ten
years and mucii of that time Principal of the Hen-
derson graded school. The young couple imme-
diately made their home on the farm adjoining the
present farm of F. M. Shepard, his half-brother,
upon which they resided until after his return from
the array.
Capt. Shepard was at one time quite prominently
connected with strong financial men in the devel-
opment of oil properties in Canada, but his venture
in this direction, as has been the history almost
universally with oil operators, proved the opposite
of satisfactory and he severed his connection with
that company to engage in farming, securing the
476
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
homestead at present occupied by liis son, in 18G7.
Capt. Sliepard's military career is a prominent one
and few men did more to raise troops and further
the cause to which he was devotedly attaeiied. He
had strong- convictions and having engaged in the
cause of union and liberty he considered no sacri-
fice too great and his whole effort and service was
to uiihold and support the war.
The father of our subject was fii'st enlisted in
Company D, First Michigan Cavalry' under Capt.
Josiah Park of Ovid and was stationed at Detroit.
The following year he enlisted one hundred and
twelve soldiers in Shiawassee County for Company
B, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and his merit and etti-
ciency were recognized by the old war Governor,
Austin Blair, who issued his commission as Lieu-
tenant of that command under Ca|)t. Mix. After
going with his company to the front he was taken
sick and when he was siiffleiently recovered to
travel, was discharged and returned home. Recu-
perating sufficiently, he again assisted in recruiting
soldiers for Company F, of the Tentii Michigan
Cavalry and this lime enlisted one hundred and
twelve men. He received his commission October
24, 1HG3, making him Captain of the company.
Capt. Siiepard ilistingulshed himself on many
occasions during the bloody period when the South
revolted against the Nortii. One notalde occasion
w.as at -Slrawberry Plains where he commanded two
hundred and seventy-five men who were attacked
August 24, 1864, by a force of six thousand rebels
with nine pieces of artiller}'; after a sharp fight the
enemy was driven back and the fort and railroad
bridge saved from destruction. The Captain was
an otticer of commanding appearance and a skilled
swordsman, having received the unusual instruc-
tion in America, in the art of fencing from his
father who had enjoyed tiie advantage of excellent
military training.
The gentleman of whom we write received in
consideration of his eminent services recognition by
some of the bravest officers in the war. Grant was
pleased to honor him particularly and he was fav-
orably mentioned in various commander's reports
and finally rewarded a liberal pension. His ability
as a commander was appreciated by his fellow-
townsmen who ever after the war insisted on his
acting as Marshal upon occasions of public parade
and civic displays where a cool head and clear
brair. were needed. Politically he was a Democrat
of the Democrats and did all in his power to in-
crease the strength of his party's ballot. Wliile
his party was in a minority in the county he was
recognized by men of all political complexions :is
an honest, able and honorable man and one who
would grace any position to which the will of the
peoi)le might call him. His decease occurred Feb-
ruary 18, 18;t(), after a lingering illness covering
tile last fifteen years of his life, duiing most of
which time he was confined to his house.
No one of the [)ioneers of Shiawassee County
is remembered by more people with a more len-
der regard than Cai)t. Shepard and when cycles of
time will have rolled around he will still be num-
bered among the benefactors of ihe county and one
of Michigan's most honorable sons. Our subject
was married October 23, 1877, at Ellington, Chau-
tauqua County, N. Y., to Miss Emily Stevens, who
was born there May 7, 1850, being the daughter
of Cyrus and Fleveline (Manlcy) Stevens. He,
like his father, lauglil for a short lime and has
ever been idcnlitied with educational interests,
being Director of his district. He is a I'rohibitioii-
ist in politics and votes vvilh that party. Two
bright children have resulted from the union of
Mr. and Mrs. Shepard — Blanche Fleveline, who was
born .September 14, 1880, and Merle Frank, born
August 25, 1882.
(41 &ESLEY E. WARNER. The field of news-
\/\/// ]"^V^^' work opens to men uf mental power
W^ '"i"'' business tact an opportunity differing
widely from that of any other line. There are cer-
tain peculiarities in this work that have come to
be classed distinctly and if hard to define they are
easy to distinguish. The man who succeeds in ed-
iting a good and paying paper in a small town dis-
plays qualities that entitle him to high considera-
tion and such are found filling a prominent place
in society, and a re looked to for the supiioit of all
I worthy enterprises. In the town of Maple Rapids
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
477
such a position is held by the subject of tliis sketch,
who is proprietor and editor of the Maple Rapids
Dispatch.
Before noting tlic principal facts in tiie life of
Mr. Warner some mcnliun of liis parents will not
y be amiss. His father is (^harlcs J^YlIaiinerj^ who
was born in Vermont, April 6, 1830, went from
the Green Mountain Slate to New York and thence
to Lorain County, Ohio. In the fall of 1855 he
came to this State and located in Lebanon Town-
shii), Clinton Count}-, where he still lives. He has
cleared and improved a farm and carries on agri-
cultural work although he is a cooper by trade.
His wife was taken from him b}' death September
IG. I8'.I0. She was born in Cattaraugus County,
N. Y., .lanuary 21, 1820, and boi-e the maiden
name of Angelinc J. .Jackson. Siie was a teacher
of good repute, and the first term taught in Round
School-house in Lebanon Township was l>y her
and ill a log shanty. She was a wfniian of deep
religious feeling and upright life, but was not ac-
tively connected with any church at the time of
her death. Six children were born to this couple
and four of the nunibcr are now living.
The son of whom we write was born in Lorain
County, ()lii(/. October II, 1M.').'5. He was there-
fore an infant wlieu he came to this State and his
recollections and associations are entirely with
Clinton County and the surrounding territory.
He WPS reared on a farm and obtained his educa-
tion principally in tiie district school, the temple
of learning in which he studied being generally a
a log one. He spent about one j'car .as a student
in the Ionia High School. Having a bright mind
and an earnest desire for knowledge he applied
himself diligently and became thoroughly acquaint-
ed with the studies tliat he pursued. In Novem-
ber, 1872, he began leaching and he has a record
of twenty-three terms of pedagogical work. He
sjjenl a year and a half in iK)rmal work. In lo-
calities where he taught he is remembered with
gratitude and respect, and those whom lie led up
the hill of science recall wilh ever increasing thank-
fulness the efforts he made to aid them over llie
hard places and increase their love of learning.
In .Inly. 1S85, Mr. Warner purchased the Maple
Rapids Dispatch and the first issue under his man-
.igement was on the 1 7th of that moth. The paper
was founded b}- Orrin and E. I). St. Clair in 1878
and was conducted by them about three years. It
then passed into the hands of K. R. Reed, who suc-
ceeded by Mr. Warner. It is a five column quarto,
neatly and well printed, carefully edited, and under
the management of its present proprietor has lieen
materially improved. The political banner under
which it is issued is an inde])endcnt one, Mr. War-
ner lii.Tiself being independent in his use of the
elective franchise and belicing that as a neutral
his paper will be more valuable and successful than
otherwise. The editor is frank in his utterances
regarding corrii|)tion or improper use of political
power, and fearless in speaking of other matters in
which the people are or should bo interested.
Presiding over the pleasant home of our subject
is the lady who became his wife September I, 1883.
Prior to that date she was known as Miss Celia
H. Burnett, being a daughter (if Alfred and Susan
(Utier) Burnett, natives of New York and now
residents of Gratiot Couiity, tiiis State. iMrs. War-
ner was born in Hartland, Livingston County ; this
State, recicved a good education and is an .agree-
able and estimable lady. She and her husband be-
long to the Christian Church. Mr. Warner has
been Secretary' of the Odd Fellows Lodge for six
years and is connected both with the Encanipmeiit
an<l Rebecca degree. He w.as School Inspector of
Lebanon Township one year and has acceptably
filled the position of A'illage Clerk.
4^^f^-
\T8AAC F. CRESSMAN is an intelligent and
|{ worthy farmer residing in Bingham Township,
/ji near St. John's. He was liorii March 23, 1839
and is a son of Abram J. Cressnian, a native of
Pennsylvania who is still living in Xortliamp'on
Count}-, that State, at the age of sevenl3'-six years.
His forefathers settled in Pennsylvania in the j'ear
16 12, coming from Bremen, (lermanj'. The grand-
father of our subject. .lohn Cressnian, served in the
War of 1812, and w.as the son of a Revolutionary
hero. The father of our subject has held several
township otficcs, and has for many years been a
478
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
prominent member of the Lutlieran Church. His
occupation is that of a millwright. His wife, Lydia
Frulshey, a native of Pennsylvania, died in 1854
leaving eight children.
Isaac Cressman is the eldest of his father's chil-
dren. His brother John is a graduate of Pennsyl-
vania College at Gett^-sburg, and is a Lutheran
minister at Kutztown In that State. Edmond is a
graduate of the Kutztown Normal College, and
also of the Philadelphia Seminar^', and Oberlin
College. He is a Congregational minister at .Steel
City, Neb. Pimauuel is a graduate of the High
School at Easton, Pa., and also of the .Jefferson
Medical College at Philadelphia. After complet-
ing his course there he took a full course in the
TlicologiCal department of tlie seminary at Phila-
delphia and is in the Lutheran ministry in Erie
Countj', Pa. Augustine graduated at Oberlin
College and is a Congregational minister at Walioo,
Neb. Martin was educated at the Easton High
School and after teaching for several years became
a merchant in Luzerne County, Pa. Melinda now
Mrs. Knoll lives at Bethlehem, Pa.
Our subject was brought u[) on the farm and
when fourteen years old entered the boarding-
school at Easton, Pa. After graduating there he
attended three years at the AUentown Seminary.
He there prepared to enter the Sophmore Class in
the Pennsylvania College at Gett3'sburg, but owing
to the breaking out of the war his plans were
changed. He offered his services in the Union
Army in 18C1, but was rejected on account of poor
health. In the fall of 1801 he came West and
located at Pontiac, Mich., and taught at Auburn
for two years. In 1863 he came to St. .John's where
he purchased land in Bengal Township which he
sold two j'ears later and with the proceeds pur-
chased the farm on which he now resides. He
taught school also for some eight years. Not a
stick of limber had been cut on his present farm
when he bought it and he has cleared and improved
it and put it in a fine condition. It contains three
hundred and sixty acres.
Mr. Cressman was married in 18G1 to Marj' E.
Colby, a native of Pontiac, Oakland Count3', this
Slate, who died in 1872 leaving three chil-
dren, Isaac, Nellie and Frank. His second mar-
riage took place in 1873 when he was united with
Teressa Lanee, who was born in Wayne County,
Ohio. Her seven children are named, John, Ed-
ward, Emanuel, Melinda, Ralph. Ethel and Clyde.
The gentleman of who we write is a .stanch Re-
publican in his convictions although he does not
take an active part in political movements. He is
school inspector and has been a member of the
Board of Review, serving also for two terms as
Drainage Commissioner in which latter capacity he
has laid a great many ditches and always did his
own surve3ing. He is identified with a number
of the social orders, belonging to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Masons and the Knights
Templar. He has taken the Ninety-fifth Degree
of the Memphis Masonic Rite. He is Piesident of
the Patrons of Industry of the Subordinate associa-
tion since its organization, and also President of tlie
count}' association, also Reijresentative of the Sixtii
Congressional District of Michigan of the Patrons
of Industry for North America. He has been con-
nected with the Lutheran Church for many years
and his wife is an earnest and conscientious member
of the Presbyterian Church. He represented the
Mutual Life Insurance Conipau_v of lioston for five
years, from 1867 to 1873, having his headquarters
at Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio. He began
life with no means and has attained to a good degree
of prosperity.
-^m-
1^, ANIEL Z. JONES, deceased. This former
resident of Rush Township, Shiawassee
Count}-, had his nativity in Steuben County,
N. Y., in 1813. His lather, Andrew Jones, was a
farmer and miller, born in New York about the
year 1765. He owned considerable property in
New Y'ork and operated a gristmill for several
3'ears. He was a consistent Christian and a mem-
ber of the Methodist Church and died about the
year 1856. His wife, Polly Blanchard, was a
daughter of Mr. Blaneliard, n Cai)tain in the War
of 1812.
Andrew and Polly Jones had lourtecn children.
Their household was equally divided between sous
and daughters, and Daniel was the seventh son
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
479
and thiiteenth child. He received an ordinary
conimon-scltool education and when lie started out
ill life for himself beiran wori<ing a rented farm,
after winch he went to Wisconsin in 1 Sol, but four
3ears later returned as far as Michigan and lo-
cated in Hudson, where he was until 1870, then
came to Hush Township, Shiawassee Count}-, and
bought forty acres of land on section 9. Tliis tract
was then all wild land and it had to be cleared up
and improved, svliich was done by the brave pio-
neer. He died here February' 22, 1889. His re-
ligious belief was in accordance with the doctrines
and worship of the Methodist Episcopal Church
anil he was a Republican in politics.
Daniel Jones was married, in 1844, to Caroline
Dodge, a daughter of Simeon and Sarah (Parks)
Dodge. Simeon Dodge was a carpenter, who came
from Canada to Ohio, settling in I'ainesville in
18.'?l, and remaining there some live or six years.
Caroline was born on New Year's Day, 182C, and
she w.as the second of their six children.
To Daniel and Caroline Jones were born six
children, namely: Mary, Henry, Gilbert, Ella, Ar-
villa and Augusta. IMary is the wife of Americus
Gowen, of Hudson, Mich., and has a f.nmily of
three sons and three daughters; Henry is marrii'd
and lives near his mother and works her farm, and
has two sons and three daughters; (Gilbert died in
18(il; Ella, now Mrs. Andrew Goodwin, of Rush
Township, has one son and four daughters; Ar-
vlUa, the wife of George Hale, of Rush Town-
ship, has four sons and two (laughters; Augusta
is Mrs. Sylvester Cook and has had 1 wo daugh-
ters, one of whom passed awa}^ in 18'J0.
Mrs. Jones is an earnest and devoted member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church in Henderson,
and has been a professing (Jliristian since 185.").
She gave her departed husband eflicicnt aid mi
building up the new home, and when he was clear-
ing the land and burning the underbrush she was
often at his side working as hard as he. When
they first came here much of the land was cov-
ered with water, but cultivation has established a
good drainage and she now has forty acres of fine
land in a good state of culture.
Mr. Jones was an ardent supporter of the admin-
istration during the Civil War and showed his
faith by his works, enlisting in September, 1861,
in Company I, Ninth Michigan Light Artillery.
The regiment was sent to Detroit, and while there
encamped he was thrt)wn from a horse and so
badly injured as to be unfit for service and was
sent home. When he was better he returned to
Detroit, but was discharged as being unable to
perform duty in active service.
A substitute for his father in military service
was provided in the person of Henry Jones, the
second child of Daniel. This young man was born
in Ohio, August 3, 1847, and in 18G4 he enlisted
in Company B, Fourth Michigan Infantry. He
was sent to Detroit to be mustered into service,
and was at once ordered South. He went first to
Bull's Gap, Tcnn., then to New Orleans, after that
to Powder Horn, Green Lake, San Antonio and
Galveston, Tex., and was mustered out in April,
1865. This young man was not married until
ten years after his reUirn from the war, when he
took to wife Mary Haines, a daughter of Richard
and Luc3' (lloyt) Haines, who was born in 1859.
Henry and Mary have five children, namely: Fred,
Carrie, Daniel, Violet and Anna.
-i-
^^-
\i—^ ENRY MANKEY, one of fhe most pros-
)|) perous (Jernian American citizens in North
Rile}', has a farm in Bengal Township,
Clinton Count}', where his elegant and
commodious brick house and large red barns
attract the attention of every [jasser-by and are
the evidences among others of the liand of a skill-
ful and prudent farmer. He wasliornin Germany
M.aj' 18, 1840, and after taking the school advant-
ages which arc given every German child, and
being thoroughl}' instructed in agriculture, he
remained at home and worked on the farm until he
reached the age of eighteen years.
Young Mankey decided to come to America in
1850, and set sail for this country on a vessel
which was six weeks and three daj's upon the
■ocean. He landed in New York and made his w;iy
directl}' to this State, settling at Fowler. Clinton
County. Here he found work in various places
480
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
and in due time selected a farm for himself, pur-
cliasing fortj' acres just one mile east of Fowler.
Here he lived for several years and in 1880 came
to Riley Township, where he has since made his
home.
Mr. Mankey in 1880 purchased a farm on sec-
tion 33, Bengal Township, and there made his
home. He had enlisted in the army in 1863 in
the Tenth Michigan Cavalry, Company G, under
Colonel Crobridge. He was a young man work-
ing for an Ionia County farmer when the call was
made for troops and he entered the army against
the advice and protests of his employer. But he
had an honest German notion of duty to country
and a training for military life which he felt might
be of use in this time of distress. He served until
the close of the war and was in a number of battles,
being taken prisoner at Thorn Hill, East Tennessee.
He lay in Southern prisons at Danville, Richmond
and other points for live months and all who saw
him believed that he could never live to return
home as he was so emaciated from starvation.
The marriage of our subject look place in 18G8.
He then took to wife Josephine Demisladt, of Ger-
many. They were blessed with four children,
Kred, Will, Frank and P]m ma. In 1880 our sub-
ject came to Riley Township, this county, and
m.ade his home where he now lives. He is a Dem-
ocrat in his political views and a German Luth-
eran in religion. He came to this county without
a penny and now has four hundred acres of fine
land in a splendid condition and u|)on this farm
he raises all kinds of stock.
-^^
E^^*
||/_^ ENRY (). IIOVEY,a well known and highly
respected farmer residing ou Section 14,
■^ Vernon Township, Shiawassee County, was
born October 25, 1832, in Manawaj' Town-
siiip. Portage County, Ohio. Horace Hovey, his
father, was a native of Massachusetts, and a farmer
by occupation. He grew to mr.nhood in his native
town and was married to Miss Betsey Caulkins, a
native of the same State as himself. Immediately
after marriage he moved to Ohio, and located in
Portage County. There in Manaway Township he
cleared away the forest and built a log house.
After living in it for a number of j'ears he erected
a two-story frame building, which stands there yet.
Horace Hovey removed to Michigan about the
year ] 842 and coming directly to Shiawassee County,
located on section 20, of Vernon Township.
Here he improved the farm and remained as long
as he lived, dying at the age of eight3'-three. He
had been bereaved of his wife some 3'ears previous
to his own demise, when she had reached the age
of seventh-two jears. Twelve children, nine daugh-
ters and three sons made up their household.
Our subject is the eighth child and second son
and was about ten years olil when he came to Mich-
igan. Here he began attending school and im-
proved as well as possible, the scant opportunities
for education which were his. He remained with
his father until he reached the age of thirty-one
years, assisting upon the farm. He was married
December 4, 1804, to Henrietta, the daughter of
Lewis and Electa (Rosraan) Lockwood, who was
born in Shiawassee County, March 8, 1849. She had
been orphaned by the death of her parents when
she was only three years old and was brought up
by the Rev. H. II. Carson, a Methodist Episcopal
minister residing at Owosso.
Immediately after marriage the 3'oung couple
made their home upon the farm where he now re-
sides. Very little had been done to subdue this
land and prepare it for cultivation. It was all
woods and the little log house was the only build-
ing upon the place, while through the forest roamed
deer and bears and all kinds of wild animals.
Three children, two daughters and a son, have
come to bless their home, namely, Cora BI., Eben
and Chloe M. The two latter are at tiome and
Cora is the wife of John Mikan, residing'at Durand.
All the improvements upon the farm have been
put in by Mr. Hovey, and he has one hundred
acres in a fine state of cultivation. He has also
eighty acres on section 20, of the sam.e town-
ship. His beautiful house, a two story frame
building was erected in 1884, at a cost of $1,500,
and he has a new barn, built in 1890, which cost
him 1500. His other barn was put up in 1870.
Mr. Hovej' has always been a hard-working man,
^<z^y
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
483
and be has gained all that he has by hard work and
persistent enterprise. He is doing a general farm-
ing business and has cleared many acres of heavy
timber. He indeed, dearly loves the woods and
feels more at home in the forest than in any other
place. He is a' true lover of nature, and rejoices
in believing that the groves were "God's first
temples."
PRKDERICK ALCHIN. Sliiawassee County
is noted for the richness of its soil, and for
the many farms that are scarcely exceedecl
in production an<l the value of their improvements
by that of any other section of our fair land, and
Mr. Alchin is represented in this volume as the
fortunate owner of a large farm in Middlebury
Township, that compares favorably with any in
this localil}-. He is now living retired in Ovid,
where he is surrounded by the comforts which he
has accumulated through years of laborious and
untiring efforts. His estate comprises one hundred
aTid tliirty acres, pleasantly located on section 2;"),
and is embellislied with first-class improvemenis,
that have greatly increased its value. \ |)ortrail
of Mr. Alchin is presented on the opposite page in
connection with the following brief outline of liis
life.
In Kent County, England, for many years lived
Richard and Ann M. (Cossom) Alchin, the former
of whom was by occupation a manufacturer of
shoes and boots. There in the little village of
West Mailing, on July 20, 1836, Frederick Alchin
was born. There also he passed his youth, glean-
ing a good education in the common .schools of the
vicinity. At the age of fourteen years he accom-
panied his parents to America, locating in Pitts-
fiehl, W.'islitenaw County, Mich., and there engag-
ing in farming. Mis school studies were perma-
nently interrupted by emigrating to America, as
after that time he attended school only three
months altogether.
When our subject was seventeen years old, he
left home and engaged in farm work until the
breaking out of the Civil War. He then enlisted.
September 20, 1861, in Company D, Fourth Michi-
gan Infantry, under Col. Woodbury. With the
other members of his com|)any he was sent to
Virginia, where he participated in active service as
a part of the Armj' of the Potomac under Mc
Clellan. Prior to the battle of Harrison's land-
ing he lost all be had, including his blanket, and
during the fierce storm of several da3's' duration,
he lay in the open field without anything to
protect him from the elements. He was also un-
able to secure suitable rations, and finally the con-
stant exposure undermined his licalth. He was
sent first to Craney Hospital in Virginia, whence
after remaining about four months, he was trans-
ferred to the general hospital in Hampton, ^'a.
After prolonged treatment and much suffering he
was transferred to the Invalid Corps.
Upon recovering sufficiently our subject was
appointed Wardmaster of Ward 3, in the above
mentioned hospital, and was afterward put in the
Veteran Reserve Corps, of which he was made
Fifth .Sergeant, Company K, Fifteenth Regiment.
On September 21, 1864, he was honorably dis-
charged, and returning to New York, was there
married on October 2, of the same 3'ear, to Miss
Mary Z. VanAuker, of Steuben County. Mr. and
INIrs. Alchin are the parents of three children, viz:
Frank S., l)orn August 13, 1 865 ; Ernest C, March
16, 1867, and Mary A., July 20, 1870. The old-
est and youngest are married and reside in Shiaw-
assee County.
In the spring of 1867 Mr. Alchin came West to
Shiawassee County, locating on section 2.'J, Middle-
bury Township, and commencing at once to clear
the farm. The surrounding country was covered
with a forest growth and roads had not yet been
opened. Undaunted by obstacles, he continued
steadily at the work of improvement and finally
made his farm one of the most desirable estates in
tlie county, providing it with conveniently ar-
ranged buililings and the best machinery for cariy-
ing on agriculture. In the fall of 1880 he pur-
chased a residence in Ovid, and in that hospitable
home he and his estimable wife frequently enter-
tain their many friends.
Mr. Alchin takes a deep interest in politics, be-
ing anxious that pro[)er men should he elected to
484
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
office and voting the Republican ticket. He fias
served his fellow-citizens acceijlabl^' as Drain Com-
inissiuner and Justice of the Peace, and has always
exerted a wholesome influence in this community
with whose interests his own have been bound for
a period of nearly a quarter of a century. He was
at one time a member of the Ovid Agriculture
Association, and as might be expected, is a pro-
minent member of the Grand Army of the Re-
public of which he is chaplain. He well deserves
the success which has crowned his efforts. After
long years spent in .agricultural pursuits he has re-
tired from the more arduous labors of life and is
passing his declining years in a peaceful enjoyment
of the comfoi Is of life, surrounded b3' friends whom
he has gained by his u|)riglit character, and blessed
by the love of children whom he has reared to
honorable manhood and womanhood.
^^EORGE C. WILKINSON. Of the many
ill ,_-, pioneers who have settled in this State and
^^iJ! have changed the contour of the country
from that of a wilderness to an agricultural land
almost rivaling that of England, with its green
meadows, verdant forests and fertile ground, is
George C. Wilkinson who owns the farm upon
which he resides on section 7, Venice Township,
Shiawassee County. lie has passed through all the
phases of pioneer life, knowing its hardships, its
acl vantages and pleasures.
His father, Charles W. Wilkinson, before being
cast by the westward wave of emigration in this
State, was a resident of Jefferson Count}-, N. Y.,
where he was born. He was a farmer in New York
and his grandfather on the paternal side wtis Abra-
ham Wilkinson, a native of New Jersc}-. Our sub-
ject's mother is Eliza (Clark J Wilkinson, a native
of Ovid, N. Y., and born in 1 81 4. Her father was
Jesse Clark, a native of Cumberland, R. I., where
he was born October 18, 1784. He was a volun-
teer in the War of 1812, in which he did good
service. He had the advantage of possessing a
trade, which was that of a cabinet-maker, although
later in life he became a farmer. His wife's maiden
name was Lucinda Sayles, a native of Smith fleld.
R. I., and born February 1, 1788. They met and
were mairied in New York and resided at Romu-
lus. Then in 1834 they removed to this State,
settling in Commerce Township, Oakland County,
where he purch.ased a farm and spent the remainder
of his life in improving the same. Mr. Clark died
in 18G.3and his v/ife in 1875. They were the pa-
rents of eleven children, four of whom are now liv-
ing.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson
took pl.ace November 2, 1836, and the next Jan-
uary the}' settled on the old farm in Commerce
Township. The .young couple soon removed to
Shiawassee Count}-, and settled in what is now
Vernon Township. Their first home was a little
log house in the midst of the woods and there were
very few neighbors near. He cleared off a little
space on this farm and sowed wheat. There he
staid for two years and in 1840 removed to Venice
Township settling on the farm where our subject
now resides. At first there were no roads and no
neighbors nearer than a quarter of a mile, but plenty
of Indians and wild animals and their watchfulness
to prevent the encroachments of these varied the
monotony of their lives.
There was but little money in circulation at that
time among the pioneeers and they had to live on
the products of their own farm. The first crop of
wheat llial the father of our subject raised found no
market and the nearest mill was at Pontine which
was at such a distance as to m.nke it out of the ques-
tion to be carried there. They finally traded off the
wheat at the little village which was then called the
New Corners, at fifty cents per bushel. They them-
selves could not enjoy the luxury of living on
bread made from white flour and their ordinary
fooil was .lohnny-cakc. They traded with the In-
dians for venison and so great were tlieir dealings
with the iiriniilive owners of the land tiiat Mrs.
Wilkinson became familiar with the Indian lan-
guage.
Our subject's parents first settled on eighty
acres. Mr. Wilkinson was incapacitated for work
twenty years previous to his death, being a great
sufferer from asthma, which he had from nine years
of age until his death. Physically, he was the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
485
strongest man in the township anil so genial and
open-hearted that he was popnlar with everyone in
this section.
In the spring of 1859 the fatlier of the original
of our sketch went overland to California, the
journey outward taking him six months. When
be reached the Golden State he worked at teaming
in Sacramento in which employment he continued
for over four years. He returned by the way of
the Isthmus of Panama. Some of his winters were
spent in the pineries of Northern Jlichigan, hop-
ing that the spicy atmosphere in the pine region
would alleviate liis suffering. He died January 10,
1883, at the age of sixlj'-nine 3'ears, nine months
and nine days.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson were members of the
Baptist Church. Vov many 3'ears he held the posi-
tion of Justice of the Peace and in 1870 was ap-
pointed Census Enumerator. He also held the of-
fices of Supervisor and Treasurer, having the honor
of being the Orst Supervisor of Venice Township.
As ever^' man must to whom the welfare of the
country is anything at all, Mr. Wilkinson took con-
siderable interest in politics. Originally he was a
Whig, but later cast his vote with the Republican
party. lie w.is a well-read man, intelligent an<l al-
w.aj's abreast with the times. They were the p.a-
rents of four children, all living. The^' are Mary,
George, Sarah and Elvira. Although Mrs. Wilkin-
son has been a hard-worker all her life she still en-
joys good health and her friends hope that she will
be spared to them for many years. She resides on
the old farm. Her son George was born June 13,
1840, and was the first white male child born In
Venice Township. During his childhood there
were not many educational advantages in the
township and he did not receive much schooling
other than that acquired at home. At the age of
twelve years, however, he could use the plow as
well as a man and during the trip of his fatlier to
California he took the entire charge of the farm,
managing it with much judgment and discretion.
He has added to the home place until it now num-
bered one hundred and sixty acres, one hundred
and thirty being under the plow.
Our subject built the residence his mother now
lives in and also bis own. Since the death of his
father he has added many buildings to the place.
He engages in mixed farming and is much inter-
ested in stock-raising, owning some thorough-bred
Percheron horses and some good Durham cows.
His sheep have a local reputation for the fine wool
that thc^- produce.
In 1866 George 0. Wilkinson was married to
Angeline Lewis, daughter of Henry and Annie
(Miles) Lewis, who came to Michigan from Can-
ada in 1860 and settled in Hazelton Township.
Mr. Lewis cleared and improved a farm in that
towiishi|). There his wife died and he was mar-
ried a second time, still living on the old home-
stead. By the first marriage he had five children,
four now living. Mvs. Wilkinson was born April
4, 1839, in Canada. She and her husband are the
parents of two children — Ada, who is twentj'-threo
years of age and Charles H., seventeen years old.
They have received a good common school educa-
tion. Mrs. Wilkinson is a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church. Mr. AVilkinson has ever
taken an interest in local politics and is a Hepub-
lican. He was candidate for Supervisor .■».t the last
election but was defeated. Their daughter. Miss
Ada, has much ability in a musical direction in
which art siie gives instruction.
E^^
AMES J. PEACOCK, United States Pension
Attorne}', and a prominent citizen of Cor-
unna, Shiawassee County, where he is Su-
pervisor of the Third Ward, was born in
Waj-ne County, N. Y., near West Walworth, Feb-
ruary 26, 1844. His father, Horace, was a native
of the same county- as hin)self, and his grancifather
was from Yorkshire, England, where be was edu-
cated, and whence he came to America and located
on a farm in Walworth Township, ile died at the
very advanced age of ninety-seven years at Canan-
daigua, N. Y. having been a much loved and
highly respected member of the Societj- of Friends.
The father of our subject, who was a contractor
and builder, came to ftlichigan in 1855 with his
family, and making his home in Corunna, under-
took building in connection with farming. Later
486
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
lie built an evaporator which the family still owns.
lie flied suddenly of apoplexy in 1887, at the age
of sixty-eight years, having been well-known as an
earnest and efficient meuiber of the Baptist Church,
lie was in the Alderinanie oftiee for nine years.
His wife wiio bore the maiden name of Angeline
Button, was born in Oswego County, X. Y., and
and is now living in Corunna. Of her eight chil-
dren, her Ave sons are living, and tlie three daugh-
ters have been called away from earth.
The subject of this sketch was eleven years old
when he came to Jlichigan, and after attending the
Union schools of Corunna, he learned (he trade of
a carpenter, beginning it at twelve ^ears of age.
When onl^' eighteen ^ears old he felt the call of
duty to go to the defence of his Nation's flag, and
enlisted August 9, 1862, in Companj' H, Twenty-
third Michigan Infantrj'. lie was mustered in at
Saginaw as a private soldier and took |)art in the
engagements of Paris, K}'.; Huff's Ferr^-, Tenn.;
Leonora; Campbell Station, Tenn.; siege of Knox-
ville, and spent the winters of 1863 and 1864 in
Eastern Tennessee. He joined Sherman's army at
Red Clay, Ga., and went to Rockj' Faced Ridge;
at Resaca he received a wound twice from balls
in the calf of the left leg, and was placed in the
field hospital. He was afterward transferred to
Chattanooga, thence to Nashville, and thon to
Hospital No. 7, at Louisville. This proved a very
serious affair as gangrene set in and required heroic
treatment for its removal. He w.as eleven weeks
on his bed, and had thirty-six applications of
bromine to remove the gangrene. After this he
was transferred to St. Mary's hospital at Detroit,
and was mustered out of service December 17,
1864, as he was incapacitated for further service.
In the spring of 1865 he engaged in work with
his father, and remained with him for some years,
and later took up the business of contracting and
building wi>ich he carried on for some j'ears until
the old trouble again laid him one side, and with
broken health he felt it incumbent upon him to
take up some lighter work. He became interested
in the evaporating business, and built an evapora-
tor in Corunna, which he managed for some ^ears.
In 1888 Mr. Peacock became United States Pen-
sion Attorne}', and the same year passed an ex-
amination before the State Judge, and vvas admitted
to the bar as a necessary preparation for the busi-
ness of this office. lie is Supervisor of the Third
Ward, and served as Alderman for two years. His
marriage with Luc>- A. Mann took place in 1868, at
Corunna. His wife was born in Jefferson, Greene
County, Pa., and became the mother of three chil-
dren: Horace F., who is a printer in the office of
the Journal; Frank, wliodied in 1885; and Arthur,
who is still at home with his parents. Mr. Pea-
cock is a prominent member of the Grand Army
of the Republic, and Commander of the H. F. Wal-
lace Post, No. 160. He is the first Colonel of
Corunna Commandery No. 5, National Union Vet-
erans Union, Department of Michigan. He was on
the staff of Dillon, Commander in Chief of Ihiion
Veteran Union, as Colonel in the National Encamp-
ment of this order. As a Republican he is often
seen as delegate at the county and State conven-
tions, and is a member of both county- and cit3'
committee. He was the census taker for Corunna
in 1890. He finds his religious home in the Bap-
tist Church, and is a Trustee of that organization
in Corunna as well as the active and efficient Su-
l)erintendeut of their 8unda3--school.
EDWIN PENNELL, the Sheriff of Clinton
County and a resident of St. John's, is as
popular a man as there is in the county. He
was born in Ridgeway, Orleans County, N. Y.,
April 25, 1853. His father, Orrln G. was born in
Truxton, Cortland County-, N. Y., and removed to
Orleans County when only four 3^ears of .age. The
grandfather. Dr. Ezra Pennell. was a native of
M.assachusetts and a practicing physician in Cort-
land County and afterward in Ridge wa}'. Ho w.as
well known through all that region and his saddle
bags were a familiar sight on many a country* road.
The great-grandfather, Capt. Abram, was a Rev-
olutionary hero and his company was a notable one
in the battle of Bunker Hill. He was a prominent
man in every way. The family is of Scotch de-
scent.
The father of our subject was reared in Orleans
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
487
County, from the time lie was four j^ears of age.
lie was educated at Yates Aeadeiny, wliere he
graduated and soon engaged in teaching, mingling
this with liis vocation as a fnrnicr. Li 1H(!1 lie
located in Superior 'rowiiship, Washtenaw County-,
this .State and bitught a farm, purchasing at |i4.")
:;nd selling Inter at ^75 per acre. This land was
midway between Ann Arlior and Vpsilanti. lie
parted with it in 18G9 and located in DcWitt,
Clinton County, where he liouglit four hundred
and thirty-five acres of land and engaged in general
fanning upon au improved farm. He served for
two years as Supervisor and in 1885 was made
.State .Senator from Clinton and Ingham Counties
on the Democratic ticket. He still resides in
I)e^Vilt having reache<l the ago of sixty-nine years.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Lorana Davis. She was born in New York. The
maternal grandfather, Levi Davis, was a soldier
in the War of 1812. He afterward engaged in the
nursery business in New York locating at Ridge-
way, where he died. The mother of our subject
died in January, 1888. She had three children,
namely: (ialusha who was for four years the Sheriff
of thi.s county and served as United Slates Mar-
shal for Eastern Michigan for the same length of
time. He was for eight years Cashier in St. John's
National Bank and is now in (Jrcgon. The second
son is our subject, and Mark remains on the old
farm.
Edwin Pennell w:\s reared in New York on the
old llidge Uoad until he reached the age of eight
years. He then came to Michigan anti attended
district schools in Washtenaw County and took
one year in the rnion School at Ann Arbor. He
remained at home on the farm of which he took
charge until his marriage, which occurred in
DcWitt. The lady who became his wife bore the
maiden name of Frances Averill and was a native
of New York. The young man now took one-half
of the old farm into his possession. He has one
Imndred and sixtj'-seven acres of fine land all im-
proved with good buildings, upon which he carries
on general farming and raises Short-horn cattle and
fine roadsters. He has been one of the judges of
premiums at the State Fairs.
January 1, 1891, he was elected Sheriff of Clinton
County, and entered upon the discharge of the
duties of his office, locating at St. John's. His
second marriage took place November 28. 1889
with Miss Lillian Kelsey, who was born in Ionia
County, this Stale, and is a daughter of E. P.
Kelsey, an early settler and prominent farmer, who
has a fine farm of six hundred acres well stocked.
One child, Nina, was the result of the first marriage.
Our subject is identified with the Knights Templar
and with the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal
Arth Masons and the Commander}-. He is often
a delegate to county and State conventions of the
Democratic iJarty, and has not only the confidence
of his party but the good will of the community
in general, being a man of genial nature and
liberal views. His fine physique and pleasant face,
alwaj-s attract attention and commands respect.
His excellent and amiable wife is a devoted mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church. He was five years
Supervisor of De Wilt Township, prior to his
election to his present oUicc of Sheriff'.
^^
"^'AMES CORTRIGHT, a prominent farmer
and a man of exceptional intelligence, re-
siding upon a beautiful f.'irm in section 28.
DeWill Township, was born in Ontario,
County, N. Y., on New Year's Day, 1839. Ills fa-
ther, Oliadiah, and his grandfather,. lames Cortright,
were natives of New York and German}- respec
lively. The grandfather came from the old coun-
try to New York, where he remained until his death.
Tlie father of our subject was reared upon a farm
and at various limes undertook to buy a farm but
on account of defects in title he each lime aban-
doned the project. He came to Michigan in 1856
and settled at Plymouth, Oakland County. After
a year there he removed to Ingham County and
bdught two hundred acres on contract, but failing
to make payments lost this land. For a short time
(irevious to his death he made his home with our
subject and passed away at the age of seventy-two
years. His political adiliations were with the
Democratic party.
The mother of our subject, Mary Slodilard,* na-
488
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.'
tive of Conuecticiit, reared to manhood and woman-
hood seven of her nine children, namelj- ; Amanda,
Mrs. Hadden; Lovina, Mrs. Carraer; Lovisa, Mrs.
Croper; Cordelia, Mrs. McStay; Mary, Mrs. Curby ;
Betsey, Mrs. Higdou; James and George. The lat-
ter died in the service of his country during the
war. Tiieir mother was a Methodist and brought
them up to revere the principles of Christianity.
She was of English descent and made her home in
her later years with our subject, dying at the age
of seventy-two.
Young James Cortright was reared on a farm
and educated in the district schools, beginning life
for himself by working out for neighbors when he
was twenty years old. Like many another }'oulli
he felt the call for duty when his country's honor
was in danger and enlisted September 28, 1861
in Company F, First, Michigan Engineers and Me-
chanics, being mustered in at Marshall Mich.
He was sent to Louisville, Ky., thence to Lebanon
and marching to Somerset on the Cumberland Ri-
ver participated in the battle of Mill Spring. The
chief work of hisregiment consisted of constructing
bridges, stockades, lailroads and boats. He was in
battle at Lavergne, Tenn., and at the siege of Cor-
inth. He was also engaged in several skirmishes
with bushwackers at Tillon, Ga., and other places.
He had tj'phoid fever while at Somerset, Kj'., and
was in the hospital nearly all the winter of 1 862. He
was on a train at Tullahoma, Tenn., one night when
the bushwackers had torn u|) tiie track ahead of
them. He was on the tender when tiie engine Hew
the track, striking the bank. The engineer and fire-
man jumped and ran away leaving Mr. Cortright
and his captain alone. Cortright found that his
captain was badly injured, ns one leg was severely
crushed, ))ut he removed the debris which was upon
him and made him more comfortable. The rebels
came within Iwent3' feet of them but f;\iled to dis-
cover them. Oursubject received his final discharge
in December 1864 and although he has done valu-
able service for his coiintrj' he has never applied
for a pension.
I'pon returning home in the fall of* 1865 this
young man bought ninety acres of the farm upon
which he now lives, only five or six acres of which
had been cleared, and there was no building upon
it except a small barn. He at once set about pre-
paring a home and the same season set up house-
keeping, as he had been married on May 4 of that
year to Nancy Livermore, who was born August
10, 1836 in New York State. They never had any
children but have brought up two and cared for
them as their own. Mary M. they took at the age
of twelve years and William J., the son of an uncle,
they took when only one year and a half old.
Upon his fine farm of one hundred and thirty
acres Mr. Cortright carries on mixed farming. He
built the pleasant home in which he resides, in
1876, and his commodious barn in 1883. He is a
Republican in his political affiliations and has
served as Highway Commissioner. He is a member
of the Masonic order at DeWitt and a member of
the Grange, in which he served as Master one year.
When in the army he was considered an unusually
good drill sergeant and conducted most of the
drilling in his own company. He was also detailed
at Elk River, Tenn., to drill the first regiment of
Tennessee colored troops.
ICHARD C. HAMILTON, who resides on
section 20, Shiawassee Township, was born
.V in Oswego County, N. Y., June 3, 1847.
His parents were James and Fanny (Miner)
Hamilton, natives of New York. The father was
of Scotch and the mother of Welsh descent. His
father died when the son was but three years old
and at the age of six his mother and six children
came to Michigan, locating in Corunna in 1853.
Until lie was eight years old he attended school,
when his mother was married to Selden Phelp»,
who was a widower with six children. They re-
moved to the present farm and there remained un-
til our subject was sixteen j'ears of age. During
this time he had but small educational advantages,
his mother being able to spare him only two or
three months during the winter from the work in-
cident to a farm.
In 1863 our subject enlisted in the Civil War,
which was at that time desolating so many homes.
August 27 he joined Company F, Tenth Michigan
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
489
Cavalry, of which a Mr. Shcphetd was Captain.
He was mustered in at Grand Rapids and immedi-
ately sent to Camp Nelson. He soon afterward
participated in the battle of Nashville, but was
principally eng.aged in guerrilla warfare. He was
at Lookout Mountain, detailed to do scouting and
orderly duties. He was not attached to any staff
but was intrusted with many important missions,
such as carrying dispatches to the commanding
Generals. He was wounded in one of the guerrilla
fights in Kentuck}-, receiving a ball in his foot, also
buckshot in his mouth, which knocked out two of
his teeth and lodged in his lip. He hy in the hos-
pital at Burnside Point, Kj'., where he was for
some time in the convalescent camp. This wound
so incapacitated him for action that he was not af-
terward on duty. He was honorably discharged
under general order in March, 1865, at Indianapolis,
at which place he did prison guard duty for seven
months. He was transferred to Com|)any I, Fifth
Veteran Reserve Cori)S, in December, 1864.
Mr. Hamilton reached home the latter part of
November and he remained on the farm that win-
ter, during which he attended school. The next
year he entered a lumber camp and was foreman
for two lumber cora|)anies for six years and in 1877
engaged on his own account in lumbering, which
he continued for several seasons. During the time
that he was thus engaged he made his home at Sag-
inaw. In 1877 he went to California, where he has
resided until the beginning of 1891, but during
that time he has returned lo the iiome place at five
different times. While in California lie located in
Colusa County, where he was engaged in farming,
speculating soniewli.at in land. He bought his
present farm of his stepfather six years ago, but
has made his home upon it mily recently. His
stepfather died in 1881; his mother still lives at
Milwaukee, Wis., and has attained the age of
eighty-two years. She lives with one of her
daughters.
Our subject was married in Colusa County, Cal.,
March 17, 1880, to a young lady whose maiden name
was Susan A. Hcmstreet. She died March 20, 1887.
On his secon<l marriage he was united, Ai)ril 18,
1889, to Miss Maggie Downing, of Downville, Cal.
He has never had any children. In politics Mr.
Hamilton casts his vole with the Republican party.
He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, being a member of the Princeton Lodge in
Colusa County, Cal., in which he took an active
part, having held all the chairs that it was in the
power of the lodge to confer. He was a delegate
to the Grand Lodge in 1889 and has been out
with numerous encampments. He has taken an ac-
tive part in politics and three times he has car-
ried the strongest Democratic Precinct in Colusa
County, which is the strongest Democratic county
of the State.
The gentleman of whom we write has acquired
a comfortable fortune and has determined for the
remainder of life to take it as it comes. He has
traveled extensivel}', having visited every State in
the Union, and is a ver}' delightful companion,
being perfectly conversant with all the topics of
the day and entirely devoid of local prejudice.
His farm consists of eighty acres of finely improved
land. Upon it is a corafurlable and attractive dwel-
ling and good barns and outhouses in the best of
condition. Mr. Hamilton, however, is too fond of
traveling to tie himself down to one place and is
very willing to dispose of his home.
■^OHN U. MILLER, a raiser of small fruits
and garden vegetables atOwosso, Shiawassee
County, was born at Crawfordsville, Ind.,
January 20, 18 lit. He is a son of Ira and
Hannah (lIutTuiau) Alillcr, who made their first
home after marriage in Crawfordsville, and con-
i tinned to reside •here until 185-1, when they re-
moved to Ohio, where Ihey spent a year, then
came to Ingham County, IMich., locating upon a
farm and residing there for a number of years.
In 1877 they removed to the city of Owosso
where they now reside.
.lohn U. Miller is second in a family of six
children and his school days were passed in Ing-
ham County. When fifteen years old he began an
apprenticeship to the carpenter's and builder's
trade. After learning the trade he started uiHin
his own account, and followed this business up to
490
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
1886. At that time he purchased seventeen acres
of choice land in the northern part of the city and
began raising small fruits of all kinds. He h.is
very fine varieties of berries, both strawberries
and raspberries, and lie finds a ready sale for his
crop in the city. Besides berries and other small
fruits he raises a considerable amount of garden
vegetables, for which he also finds a ready market.
He has a good substantial residence, an excellent
barn and neat outbuildings, and his surroundings
arc in every way desirable.
The lady who, October 8, 1874, became the
helpmate of Mr. Miller was Miss Clara, daugh-
ter of Josei»h and Laura (Ormsb\') Manning,
of Owosso. rier parents were natives of New
Hampshire and ^■ermont respectively, and her
widowed mother is still living. Three children
have come to bless this happy home — Hugh, Edna
and Flossie. Mr. Miller is a member of Owosso
Lodge, No. 81, F. & A. M., and of Owosso Chap-
ter, No. 89, R. A. M. Mr. Miller takes an active
part in church and Sunda3'-school work, being a
member of the Baptist Church, where he serves as
Clerk, and having taught in the .Sunday-school a
number of years. In all this work he has had the
earnest sympathy and co-operation of his good
wife. Politically he is a Prohibitionist.
-E^
m
WILLIAM WALLACE MOORE w.as born
in Lewis County, N. Y., April 10, 1834.
^^ For many years before his death, which
occurred April 11, 1885, he operated his farm on
section 10, Vernon Township. His parents were
Samuel and Lucia (.Shaler) ^loore. He was reared
on a farm until he reached his fourteenth year, when
he was thrown on his own resources. He began
his career by clerking in a store, where he re-
mained one or two 3'cars. He then went to New
York City, expecting to get a position, but failing
in that he shipped as cabin boy on a sailing vessel
and lived the life of a seafaring man for nine years.
At first his work was before the mast but he finally
became Steward, in which position he received fair
remuneration — 175 and $100 per month.
During Mr. Moore's life on the waters he visited
a great many foreign lands, having been to Aus-
tralia, China, Van Dieman's Land and having once
circumnavigated the globe. During the period of
nine years in which he was a sailor he kept up no
correspondence with his family and naturally felt
anxious to know of their welfare. He went home
to see his mother and then came on to Michigan,
where his brother, Oscar C, was living. On his
brother's solicitation he remained here, locating on
eighty acres belonging to his mother. In 1860 he
began to clear and improve the farm, continuing
the work for two 3'ears. Then feeling that his
country needed him he returned to New Y'ork and
again entered upon the life of a sailor, joining the
the navj" at New York. His boat was detailed to
dut^' on the Mississippi River. He served thus
for two 3'ears, during which time he was sent to
Mexico, where he had the yellow fever. Not full3-
recovering from this illness, he was discharged and
returned to Michignn.
.Soon after coming back to this Stale Mr. Moore
was united in marriage with Julia M. Lemon, the
date being October 23, 1867. The lad3- was born in
Tro3', Oakland Count3', August 22, 1842. Our
subject lived on his farm until his death, which
resulted from exposure while making maple sugar.
In person Mr. Moore was small of stature, genial
and open-hearted. He was well educated, having
attended the Lawville Academ3' in New York,
which school was presided over by I'rof. Mayhew.
After settling in this State Mr. Moore was ever
active in educational matters and also in politics.
He was a Democrat but never aspired to office.
He served as Justice of the Peace for about three
years. At the time of his death he owned a fine
farm of one hunred and sixt3' acres, one hundred
and twent3'-five of which were cleared and well
improved.
Mr. and Mrs. Moore had several children whose
names are as follows: Louis Wallace, twenty -two
years of age; Lester, who died in his third 3'ear;
Lucia, who died at thirteen months; Leou Law-
rence, Darwin Clinton, Henry Bush and Frank
Arthur. Louis is at present in charge of the farm.
He has great musical abilit3-, performing well on
I the violin, guitar and organ ; he has paid a great
RESIDENCF. OF RALPH S WARTH OUT , SEC. I T. , 5Cl OTA TR, SHI A A'ASSEL CO.,.V, ICH .
REoi.jLliLi .(
i
iS^.5-
PORTRAIT AND BlOGllArHICAL ALIJUM.
493
deal of alleiition to liis imisical studies and lias
been the leader of the orchestra at Vernon for
some time. His love for music was inlieritcil from
Ills father, who was a fine violinist. There was a
break of three ^ears in the family life in this State
which they spent in New York at the home of an
uncle of Mr. Moore. This wms seven years pre-
vious to Mr. Moore's death. Our subject was not
connected with any church body. Mrs. Moore is
a Methodist. The brother of Mr. RIoore who was
the means of settling in this Slate is Oscar Carlos
Moore, who has led a varied life, and finall}- set-
tled on a farm in Shiawassee Count}'. He was
married July G, 18.J2, at Martinsl)urg, N. V., to
Mary A. Hills, wiio was born there November 20,
1832. He has a fine family, wIkj arP all more or
less musical. Tlie youngest daughter, Miuuie L.,
is a teacher in the high school at Coruiina, and siio
and iier brollier iiave unusual talent in music.
A view of the pleasant home occupieil by Mrs.
Moore and her interesting family is presented on
another i)age of this volume.
-^*>-
■^-^ih^^^^^^^^f^^--<-'
IVALPH SWARTHOl'T, a resident farmer of
Sciota Townsiiip, living on section 17, is an
honored pioneer of Shiawassc Count}'. From
an early day in its history he has been iden-
tified with its upbuilding and devclo[)ment and es-
pecially with its agricultural interests. Few have
longer been residents of the community than he
and for this reason if for no other would he be
deserving of reiiresentation in this volume.
Mr. Swarthout was born in Ovid, Seneca County,
N. Y., February '.), 1825, and is a son of William
and IJetsey (Willits) Sw.arthout. His father was a
native of tlie Empire .State but his mother was
born in Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Michi-
gan in 1837. locating first in \'ictor, Clinton
County, but after two years they removed to what
is now Oviil Township, giving the name of Ovid
to t'lie town and village. There William .Swarthout
spent the remainder of his life engaged in farming,
which occupation he h.ad also followed in the Fast.
On his arrival in Michigan he entered large tracts
of land from the Government and his first home
in the West was a log cabin, the dimensions of
which were 18x24 feet. This structure had a shake
roof, a puncheon fioor, a firei)lace eight feet long
ami the chimney was maile of day and slicks. He
cleared between four and five hundred acres of
land, transforming it from its |)rimitive state into
rich and fertile fields. Hi' became quite wealthy
and at one time owned a number of large and valu-
able farms but these he divided among his seven
sons, namely: Isaac, Layton. Ral|ili, Hugh, Lons-
biirv. Anthony and William. One son died while
j'oung. liis name was .lolin. In politics Mr. Sw;"rth-
out was first a Wliig and afterwards a Republican
but he never sought or desired [lublic office. He
and his wife were members of the Methodist
Cliuicli and were tyiilcal |)ionecis, hospitable, warm-
hearted and true.
Our subject w;is the third son of the family. The
first twelve years of his lif(^ were si)eiit in his na-
tive State and he then accoinp.'uiied liis |)arents to
Michigan, since which tinic he has resided in this
locality. He was reared amid the wibl scenes of
frontier life and received only such educational
advantages as the district schools afforded. He has
aided in clearing many an acre of land and with
the family shared in the usual experiences of the
pitmeer. When the (ountry was new and unsettled
wild game of all kinds was plentiful and at least
five hundred deer have fell before Mr. Swarthout's
unerring rifle. He has also killecl as many as
twent3'-two bears as well as much smaller game.
The Indians were still frequent visitors of the
settlement and so limited was the work of cultiva-
tion and imi)rovcinent at that day that a traveler
now viewing the country would not recognize in
Shiawassee County the same locality which he then
visited. Forty-three years have come and gone
since Mr. .Swarthout settled upon his present farm.
He entered the land from the Oovernment and still
has in his possession the deed signed by President
.lames K. Polk. His farm now corai)rises ninety-
three acres, he having given much of his land to
his children, thus diminishing his own possessions.
Fvery improvement placed upon it is the work of
his own hands It is situated on the line between
(!linton and Shiawassee Counties, only two miles
494
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
north of Laingsbnrg and is one of the finest farms
in this vicinity. A view of the residence and
pleasant surroundings appears in connection with
this biographical notice.
Mrs. iSwartlioiit was in her maidenliood Miss
Catiierine Tyler. She is a native of Connecticut
and a daughter of David F. and Susan (Darrow)
Tyler, who were also natives of that State. They
came to Michigan about 1838, and for two or three
years resided in Oaivland, after which they came to
this county, locating in Owasso. Later they re-
moved to Pei-ry Township, where the deatli of Mr.
Tyler occurred. His wife still survives him and
is now living in California. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Swarthout have been born six children and all are
j'et jiving: George W., Bettie, Layton, Hattie,
Thompson and Charles.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Swaithout are members of
the Methodist Cliureh. They have been connected
with that organization for more tlian thirty-five
years, are lilieral contributors to its support and
are active worker-s in its interests. In i)olitics he is
a Republican witli prohibition sentiments and so-
cially he is a member of tlie Farmers' Alliance. He
deserves great credit for ills success in life, all of
which is due to his own efforts. Mr. Swartliout
has not only the honor of having witnessed the en-
tire growth of the county but has been an active
partictipant in the same. To the early settlers we
owe a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid
for lliey did for the county wiial no other could
do — laid the foundation for its future prosperity
and greatness.
/p^OODLUPE CASTNEU. A worthy place
jf I ,_-, among the farmers of Dallas Township,
^^j) Clinton County, is held by the gentleman
above named, whose pleasant home is on section 16.
He occupies a well-developed farm of eighty acres,
to wiiich ho fell heir on the decease of his father,
and he also has a house and lot in the village of
Fowler. He was reared amid the surroundings of
farm life, and ea;ly learned to plow and sow, to
reap and mow, and carry on the whole routine of
agricultural work. His training has stood him in
good stead, and he carries on his own farm with in-
telligence, reaping satisfactory results.
Both the father and grandfather of our subject
bore the name of Andrew, and they were natives
of German}'. The younger married Mary E. Cast-
ner, and late in the '40s emigrated from his native
land, and made his home in Canada. After living
there some twelve years, he came to this State and
located in Dallas Township on a farm of forty
acres. He subsequently added eighty acres, and
had a well regulated estate when he laid down the
cares of life. He passed away January 14, 1888,
some years after his wife liad entered into rest, her
death Laving taken i>lace in 1854. The mother of
Mr. Castner kept house for him mauv years after
his wife died, and passed away in 1874. The re-
ligious faith of both husband and wife was that
expressed in the creed of tiie Lutheran Church.
Their sous and daughters were Louisa, Dora, Good-
loi)e, Joseph, Mary and Alexander; all boru in the
Is'ew Worlil excei)t the eldest.
Goodlope Castner was born September 4, 1849,
in Canada, and was about six years old when be-
reft of his mother's care, but so well was her [jlace
supplied 1)3' his grandmother, that he felt her loss
comparatively little. He studied and worked un-
der his father's guidance, and in the district schools
until he was of age, then married and set up a
home of his own. His wife bore the maiden name
of Barbara Martin, and is a daughter of Anthony
Martin, who came from Germany to the United
Stales, during the early development of this State,
and settled in the township of Westphalia, Clinton
County. He removed thence to Dallas Township,
and now lives in Fowler, but still owns forty acres
of land. Mr. and Mrs. Castner have had four chil-
dren— Mary, Joseph, Florence and Alvera. Mary
is now Mrs. Sutton, and her home is in Fowler;
she has a daughter, Florence. Josepii died when
about three months old; and Florence at the age
of six months; Alvera is yet with her parents, and
they are also cheered by tlie presence at their fire-
side of an adopted son, Albert Ibeek, a lad now
eleven 3cnrs old.
Mr. Castner is not a i)olitician. but votes with
the Democratic party, to the principles of which he
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
195
lias always given his adherence. He is a reliable
citizen, a good neighbor, and an honest man, wliose
friends arc many and sincere. Mrs. Castncr is a
communicant of tiie Roman Catholic Church, and
has as many friends as her husband wliercvcr slie
is known.
<^ AMES J. WARREN, one of tiie well-known
citizens of Greenbusii Townsliip, Clinton
County, residing on section 19, was born
August 6, 1839, in Orleans County, N. Y.
He is a son of Seth and Catlieriiie (.loiinston) War-
ren, both natives of New York. His maternal
grandfather was an F^nglishman, and butchering was
his business, supplying meat to the American army
during the Revolutionary War. Our subject re-
mained in his native State until 185G, when he re-
moved with ids parents to Michigan, and resided
for several years in Shiawassee County. Both par-
ents died in that county, his father spending his
last days in Owosso.
After attending the common school in his native
State and taking practical training upon the farm,
young Warren attended school one winter after
coming to Michigan, but after that had to depend
entirely upon his own ambition to obtain opi)or-
tunities for improvement. His marriage which
took place on New Year's Day, 1863, united him
with a lady of English birth and parentage, Eliza-
beth S. Warren, who was born in Surrey County',
England, April 9, 1838. Her parents were Henry
and Harriet (Ridzbridger) Warren. In 1819 she
emigrated witii her parents to America, taking pass-
age at Southampton in a sailing-vessel, and after a
sea voyage of four weeks, landed In Quebec. This
was said to be the shortest trip across the Atlantic
ever made by a sailing-vessel. This family now
decided to come to the States, and made their home
in Rochester for a short time. There the father
engaged in the nursery business and subsequently
in farming.
The parents of Mrs. Warren had eleven children,
nine of whom are now living. They are by name:
George R., living in Shiawassee County, this State;
William H., in California; Eliza, wife of John
Burger, of Monroe County, N. Y.; the wife of our
subject; Tiiomas, in Barry Count^s this State;
Henr^', in Newaygo Count}-; Alfred, in New York;
Nancy, wife of W. Burr, living in Chicago, III.
Our subject and his wife have one adopted daugh-
ter, Lottie A., who is the wife of Walter H. Eaines.
In December, 1863, Mr. and Mrs. Warren settled
on their present farm In a log house about 18x24
feet in size. The farm consisted of about fifteen
acres which had been partially cleared, and the re-
mainder being heavily timbered. He cleared It all
off and cultivated the farm, putting it in the ex-
cellent condition in which it appears to-day.
In the spring of 1891 this gentleman was elected
Justice of the Peace, and he is now serving on his
tliird term of School Director for his district. Both
he and his intelligent wife are elHcient members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he also
serves as Steward. They are highl}' honored mem-
bers of society, and are ranked among the repre-
sentative pioneers of Greenbusii Township. He is
identified with the Masonic order, and is a Repub-
lican in politics. He had gradually added to his
farm by purchase until he now has one hundred
and forty acres, and the log house Is re|)laccd by a
handsome and commodious residence. When he
first made his home upon his [)resent farm, there
were two miles of solid woods between his farm
and St. John's, the latter being then a small vil-
lage.
HARLES HENNING. Upon a promi-
nence overlooking the Looking (ilass River
'/) one of the smoothest streams in Michigan
stands a handsome and attractive brick residence.
Between the house and barn is a fine spting of
cold water, which is always flowing and furnishes
water for both house and stock. Two large, rc<l
barns and the usual outhouses to be found upon a
well-conducted farm, stand farther back from the
road all being locaterl upon one of the finest farms
In Clinton County. In this house resides the family
of Charles A. Henning, a hard-working, happy and
ttontented old gentleman of German birth. The
496
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
farm is one mile west of the village of DeWitt and
is located in DeWilt Township.
Mr. Ilenning was born in Prussia September "27,
1843. His father, Ernest,'was a farmer who worked
rented land in the old country' and came to Amer-
ica in 1854. He was traveling from Ai)ril 22 until
July 14, coming from Germany to .Sandusky, Ohio.
He made his settlement in Erie County, Ohio, and
owned eighteen acres there, remaining there for
twelve years. He then bought one hundred and
twenty-six acres in Sandusky County and settled
on it in 1866. He was killed when sixty -two
ye.nrs of age by a kick in the side from a spirited
horse. He was a member of the Germau Method-
ist Church, which he joined immediatel}' after
coming to America, and in which he took a great
interest. He had been a Lutheran in the old coun-
try. He earnestly espoused the doctrines of the
Republican party and cast his vote for its progess.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Charlotte Trune. She was born in I'russia,
Germany and became the mother of two children
— John, who died at forty-seven years of age, and
our subject. She was a member of the German
Metliodijit Church and died at sixty-eight years of
age in San<lusky County, Ohio.
Our subject was eleven 3'ears old when he came '
to this connt.y with his parents, and had attended
the (ierman pulilic schools from the time he was
six years old. For two years he went to school in
Venice, Ohio, and then he and his brotlicr went to
work with the father on a farm. There was a heavy
debt to be pai<l on this lanil, wliieh the father
could never have cancelled himself, but the boys
loyallj' stood by him and gave him the bene-
lil of their labors until the debt was cleared. The
father had C)nly ^80 when he landed in Amer-
ica and had no resources except those which lay in
his strong right hand. In 1876 Charles Henning [
came to Michigan and bought a farm in DeWitt
T<."nship. This tract of land was valued at ^iU,-
0(10 .uid lie went in debt *7,000 for it. But again
he w<iil;ed and cleared this debt of his own as he
lia<l (bme for his father.
In 1H76 Mr. Henning married Henrietta Molden-
haur, who was born in German}', in 1852, and came
to America when only two years old. She has had
five children, namely: .lohn, Daniel, Rineheart,
Franklin and George K.,vvhicli latter died at the age
of eleven months. Both parents are devout members
of the German Methodist Church and have been
from very early life. He is a Republican in his
political views and a man of intelligence and very
|)opular in the neighborhood.
If? OYAL W.HILL. The title of Honorable
Jl (j^ was earned by this gentleman while acting
J — ^ . .as a Representative in the session that began
in 1886, but his friends consider that it belonged
to him before that time by right of his conduct as
a man and the labors he h.ad performed in his
chosen profession, in departments of public trust
and iu private life, lie is now a resident of the
town of F^agle, Clinton Count}', where he has long
been living, but whence he expects to move in a
short time to take u|) his residence in the State of
Washington. His intention is deeply regretted by
his friends and neighbors, although they admit his
right to take ail vantage of better prospects else-
where.
Mr. Hill is the son of Reuben and Martha (Mil-
ler) Hill, natives of Essex Count}-, N. Y., where he
also was born, the date of the event being July 9,
1843. The parents came to Clinton Count}' In
1854 and established their home in Eagle Town-
ship. The father died A[)ril 21, 1889, at a vener-
able age, his natal day having been March 19,
1806. The mother, who was born August 11, 1811,
is still living, her home being in the town of Eagle.
The son had very meagre educational privileges
and may be said to have begun his studies, outside
the home, when twenty years old, at which time
he entered the Portland Union School. Ho after-
ward taught ciglit winters and i)uvsued the study
of the law. entering the Legal Department of the
University of Miciiigan in 1878. The ensuing
year he was admitted to the Clinton County bar
and in 1885 he was licensed to practice in the
United Slates Courts.
The official life of the Hon. Mr. Hill began in
1869 when he was elected Township C'lerk. The
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
497
next year he served as School Inspector and in
1873 lie became Justice of the Peace. lie also filled
the position of Supervisor of Easjh Townsliii) for
sis years. In 1884 lie made a splendid run for the
position of Prosecuting Attornej' and ran one
hundred and sevenly-tliree votes ahead of the
number received by Blaine. The opposing candi-
date was John H. Fcdewa. probably the most prom-
inent Democrat in the county. In 1880 Mr. Hill
was elected to the Legislature (m the Republican
ticket and in his new position he was as faithful to
the interests of his consliluonts as he had been in
minor ones, and as anxious to promote law and
order as when acting on behalf of the State against
criminals.
June 15, 1870, J\Ir. IIIU was happily mairleil to
Marj' A. Draveiistatt. The union has been blcssccl
by the birth of one son, Irving K., whose natal d.ay
was November 7, 1S71. Thic young man has at-
tended the State Agricultural College oi>e year and
has taught two terms. lie is now studying tt^leg-
raphy. The family, parents and son, belong to the
Methodist Episco|>al Cluireh and ail are higlily es-
teemed by llieir neiglibois. Mr. Jlill is a member
of I'ortland Lodge K. A A. M. and Clinton l^odge
No. G5, I. O. O. F., and holds the ollice of I'ast
Noble Grand in the latter.
-S-^^•=^<^=#^-^—
^^ IIAULKS 15. NKWSOM. Among the rincly-
(|( improved farms of Clinton County is that
^^y belonging to the gentleman above named,
which consists of one hundred and forty-two acres
on section 33, Kagle Township. In tiie life of the
owner of this estate the spirit of enterprise and
habits of indusVry and Ihiift have been manifested,
resulting in the accumulation of a goodly share of
worldly possessions, and the example set by Mr.
Ncwsom may well be emulated l)y 3'ouths who are
beginning their career.
Mr. Newsom is a native of Yorkshire, Kngland,
born March Ifi, 1841. When he was a lad of some
four years his parents, Uol)ert and Hannah (Kirk)
Newsom, emigrated and established their home in
Livingston County, N. V. Tliere they resided
until 1856, when they tame to Clinton County,
Mich., and bought eighty acres of timber land on
section 19, Eagle Tovviishi|). The}' had been there
but a few months when in 1857, both died and the
family was broken up. Charles was thrown on his
own resources with but slight knowledge on which
to build his hopes of the future. He had attended
the district schools during the winter months only,
but was determined to obtain a better education,
and therefore, his first effort was to save money for
that purpose. He hired out on a farm, hoarded
liis resources carefully and in the winter of 1860-()1,
attended school at Ypsilanti. The next fall he
went to the Lake Superior copper region and re-
mained there until August, 18G2, when he res-
ponded to a call for volunteers ami went to the
aid of his adoiiled counirj-.
As a idivate in Company A. Twenty-seventh
Michigan Infantry, Mr. Newsom went to the front.
The regiment became a part of the Ninth Army
Corps, under the conimaud of (ieii, Scholicld, and
participated in all the battles of the Army of the
Cumberland, until after the fall of Vicksburg.
The regiment was then marched across Kentucky
into Tennessee and took part in the siege (»f Knox-
villo and the battles of Blue Springs, Sliausbuig,
Blaine and various others under (icii. Burnsiile.
Thcj' went into winter (juarters in 18()3-GI at
Blaine Crossroads and wiieu the spring campaign
began were attached to the Army of the I'otom.ac.
The boys took part in tlie b;iities of the Wilderness
and many other engagements up to the time of the
surrender of Gen. Lee at .Appomattox. Mr. New-
som was struck with a piece of shell in the right
thigh and disabled from further service in the liehl
and was taken to the hospital where he remained
about a year, the wound having been received
June 17, 18G4. He was then cllscharged on a cer-
tificate of physical disability and h:is since been in
receipt of a pension of JiI2 per month.
After his discharge, My. Newsom returned to
Clinton County and when he had sulliciently re-
covered, hired out by tiie month anrl labored thus
until 1871. By industry and economy he had
saved money enough to buy a farm of one hundred
and three acres. He made the last payment on
this property before his marriage, which took place
498
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
January 4, 1872. His bride was Elsie Doty, daugh-
ter of the Hon. Philo Doty, a Clinton County
pioneer, who is widel}' and favorably known for
liis worli in developing the resources of the county
and promoting the public welfare by his actions in
the legislative halls. Mr. and Mrs. Newsom have
one daughter, Fae H., born May 2, 1882. She is
being carefully instructed by her mother in the
courtesies of life, and domestic accomplishments,
such as her age will allow, and is receiving a good
education. Mr. Newsom is a member of Earl
Halbert Post, No. 108, G. A. R., at Grand Lodge.
He always votes the Republican ticket. He and his
wife dispense the hospitality of their pleasant home
in a cordial spirit and their friends are numerous.
— > -^-^ ^—
^\ ARTIN V. RUSSELL, a prominent farmer
" iV residing in Durand, Shiawassee County, was
w born in New York, December 26,1836. His
father, Peter,was born in Rensselaer Coun-
ty, N. Y., in 1806, and was a cooper in his younger
days, removing from his native place to Ohio after
he became a man. He remained In Ohio for three
years and came toWichigan in 1840, making his home
in T^'rone Township, Livingston County ,on a farm.
Not a tree had been chopped, nor stick touched
when he took possession of the land. He cut tim-
ber enough to clear a spot for a home, and used
the logs thus hewed for building his log house. He
cleared the place and made it his permanent home,
and now at the age of eighty-five he is still resid-
ing there. He is a Democrat in politics and a pub-
lic-spirited man, and has been placed by his fellow-
citizens in offices of trust. He was for some time
Justice of the Peace and also Treasurer of the
township, and is indentified with the Masonic
order.
Elmira Rowlan, who became Mrs. Russell, and
the mother of our subject, was born in New Y'ork
in 1807, and Is still living. She brought lo her
good husband six children, four of whom are now
living, our subject being the fourth in order of
birth. He was a little one, only three years old,
when he journeyed with his parents to Michigan,
and here has passed all of his life which is within
the range of Itis memory. Here he had his first
schooling, attending the log schoolhouse, and sit-
ting on the slab seats which had uo back except as
the children made out to lean against the wall.
He remained with his father until he reached the
age of twenty-six years.
The marriage of Mr. Russell and Clarissa A.
Griswold was solemnized February 15, 1863. This
lady was born in Livingston County ,Mich., Novem-
ber 16, 1840, and is the only daughter of Frederick
and Hannah (Johnson) Griswold. Three years
after their marriage the young couple left the home
of Peter Russell and located In Shiawassee Count}'.
They settled in Vernon Township, on section 15,
March 26,1 867. He built the house that now stands
upon the place in 1877 at a cost of *2,000. He
lived there twenty-one years, and in March, 1888,
removed to the village of Durand, where he has
seventy-six acres inside the corporation, but he
does not engage in active farming nor in business
to any considerable extent. He is a Democrat in
his political convictions and has served as Presi-
dent of the village board since 1877. He is con-
nected witii the Masonic order being a member of
Blue Lodge, No. 161, at Durand, and also of the
North Newburg Lodge. No children have come
to bless this home. Mr. Durand is highly esteemed
and his opinion has great weight with his fellow,
citizens, who look to him for counsel in many mat-
ters which i)ortain to the welfare and prosperity of
both village and township,
<#^-
DELBERT TINKER, one of the most
prominent residents of Hazelton Township,
Shiawassee County, whose farm is located
on section 17, was born In Ontario County,
in 1850. His father, Dr. Malachi Tinker,
was born In Henrietta, N. Y., in 1819, and received
his education in the academy there and at Geneva
College, where he graduated in 1840. After a
practice of two or three years he located at I'ort
Gibson, and was at the latter place for fifteen years
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
499
before cominw to Michigan. He arrived at Ypsi-
lanti in 1859, and in 1862 came to Hazcllon and
procured one hundred and sixtj' acres on section
17. Tills was liien an unlirolicn forest and lie had to
cut Ills road into it from tlie West. lie carried on his
professional worlc and hired men to clear the farm
Dr. Tinlier liad been married in 1841, Ills wife 1)6-
ing Harriet Culver, daughter of Cornelius Culver.
The Culver family consisted of four sons and four
daughters, of whom Harriet was the second child,
being born in 1820. Dr. and Mrs. Tinker became
tiie parents of one daughter and three sons, of
whom Adelbert was the second born. Dr. Tinker
was called from earth in October, 1887. He was
a sturdy Whig and later in life a Republican, but
for a number of years previous to his death lie was
a Democrat. The grandfather of our subject,
James Tinker, was a pioneer of New York State,
having gone to Monroe County in 1812. He was
a native of Connecticut, whence he emigrated,
the journey being made in twenty days by driving
a j'okc of oxen. He died in 1856 at the advanced
age of cighty-fhree.
Tlie subject of this sketch received the usual
opportunities of a common-school education, and
he improved them to such good advantage as to
be able to teach while still quite young. He re-
mained with his parents, but began for himself
when eighteen years old. In 1876 he bought forty
acres near the father on the same section, and be-
gan to clear it, but sold it in 1888. He now has
one hundred and sixtj- acres of arable and produc-
tive land. His marriage, in 1874, was an event of
great importance in the life of the young man, his
bride l)eing Lorana, a daughter of Joseph II. Bush
of Hazleton. He was a native of New York, and
had three children, one son and two daughters, of
whom Lorana is the second born, her natal day be-
ing in 1853. To Mr.and Mrs. Tinker have been born
one son, Malachi Joseph, born in 1881, and one
daughter, Blanche Mabel, who died when two years
and three months of age.
Mr. Tinker is identified with the Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons in which he has been Secre-
tary and Junior Warden, and where he is now
Master. His political views lead liini to alliliate
with the Democratic party. His handsome brick
residence, the first one built in Ilazelton Township,
is attractive and commodious and is the center of
a delightful social life. In addition to his general
farming he has added the care of a dairy, in which
he is successful.
-^^-^^^i^SiJ^^t^^V*^
-V"
KANK M. SPAlLDINf; is one of the most
S) conspicuous figures among the younger
business men of St. John's, Clinton Coun-
ty. He is a member of the firm of Nixon & Co.,
which carries on the most extensive hardware trade
in the city. He was born in this city November 4,
18Gl,aud had the misfortune to lose his mother
when he was scarcely old enough to recognize her
care. His father going to the war, he was tender-
ly cared for by his paternal grandparents until he
was eight or nine years old, when he entered the
St. John's High School. When eighteen years
old he went to learn the hardware business at S.agi-
naw, entering the establishment of ex-Governor
Jerome, and working his way to marking clerk in
six years. In 1885 he began business for himself
in that city, as a partner in the firm of Stock,
Spaulding & Stock. The connection lasted until
1888, when our subject disposed of liis interest in
the luisiness and returned to St. John's.
Here Mr. Spaulding went to the Whipple Har-
row Comiiany as secretar}- and treasurer, but after
a year, sold his interest and bought into the firm
of Nixon & Co., taking the place of F. A. Travis.
He is also interested with his father in a farm of
four hundred and eighty acres in Bingham Town-
ship, of which he has the nianageuient. It is a
well-improved tract of land on which fine crops
are harvested and high grades of stock raise<l. Mr.
S[)aiilding displays a creditable amount of energy
in the prosecution of business affairs but does not
give his mind entirely to the improvement of his
finances. On the contrary he indulges to aconsid-
erable extent, in social pleasures, and is one of the
most prominent and active supporters of the Kpis-
co\y.i\ Church. He is a vestryman, and brings to
the consultations of the Board, a mind that is keen,
a heart that is true and a hand that is liberal. He
500
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
is connected with tiie Masonic order and is a Re-
publican.
At tlie bride's house, in Saginaw, in September,
1889, Mr. Spiiiihlino: was mai'ried to Mis.s Eva
Hogau, whose father, George Ho<(an, is a manufac-
turer of mill saws. Mrs. Spaulding was born in
Pittsburg, Pa., but finished her education in the
Saginaw High School and was engaged in teaching
there. She takes pride in continuing tiie culture
of her mind, and in making herself useful in soci-
ety, but her home is ber first care. She dispenses
hospitality most graciously and supplements the
genip.lit}' of her husband by her own interest in her
companions and her sympathy in their projects.
She belongs to the Episcopal Cliurch and is an act-
ive member of the Ladies' Aid Society. Husband
and wife are prominent and well respected, and by
those to whom they are best known, they are re-
garded with a deeper feelina:.
FRANCIS MARION SHEPARD. The gen-
tleman, whose biographical sketch it is our
/li, pleasant privilege to give here, was born in
Niagara County, N. Y., October 14, 1810. His
father, Samuel Shepard, who was born in 1800, died
February 24, 18GG. He was a native of Vei'monl,
and at seven years of age with iiis parents removed
to Monroe County, N. Y., sixteen miles west of
Rociiestcr. This was in the year 1807. Our sub-
ject's grandfather vvas Samuel Shepard. The fam-
ily is probably- from Wales, having come to this
country long before the Revolution. Samuel
Shepaid was drafted in 1812. Our subject's uncle
took his father's place in the army at the tender
age of eighteen. The old gentleman lived until
his ninety-first year, and frecpiently si)oke before
his death of having passed the present site of Roch-
ester, N. Y., before there was a house there, at the
time frequently wondering if it would not be a good
place to locate.
Otu- subject's mother was Anna A. Park, born
in what is now Chemung County, but at that time
Tioga County, January 22, 1812. She was a
daugliter of Robert and Sally Ann Paik, who were
second cousins and both natives of New Jersey.
His grandfather was born in Ireland, and the
mother's side was from Wales. Samuel Shepard,
the father of our subject, was one of seven chil-
dren, only one of whom is now living — Mrs. Theri
Guthrie, of Ashtabula County, Ohio. Samuel
Shepard was united to Miss Hannah Park, a half-
sister of Ann Park, when a j'oung man, and settled
on a new farm in Monroe County, N. Y. Having
lost his wife in a few years, he married the lad3' who
is now his widow in 1839, in Niagara Count}-, N. Y.,
and in 1841 came to Michigan, where he lived one
year. In the village of Owosso was the site they
selected for their home, purchasing the farm upon
which our subject now lives.
The family of Shepards were among the very
first settlers in the township, there being only the
families of Ezra Mason, Apollos Dewey, Reuben
Griggs and Abram Wilkinson. Three children
survived to remind him of his union with his first
wife. The first, Artemesia, who died in Owosso;
Chauncey Franklin, father of Robert Shepard, of
Owosso Township, died in 1890; an<l Charles Rob-
ert, who left home before he was of age, going to
California, where he died in 1859, at the age of
twent3--one years. Only two children resulted
from his second marriage — Francis M., and Han-
nah, who is the wife of George T. Mason.
At tiie age of seventy-nine our subject's mother,
Mrs. .Shepard, is still blest with a good memory
and a clear, strong brain. She still takes delight
in recouiiting in touching and interesting stjle the
hnrdships attending ujion frontier life, and trans-
ports her listener back, as it were, almost into
another age. She is quite hale and bears her
nearly eiglitj' years of care and the burdens of life
as though it were but half tliat length of time.
For half a cenlur}' she has assisted in the develop-
ment of Shiawassee County, and lime was when no
one was more deservedly popular than she, and no
hand more willing to aid the needy or comfort the
sorrowing. The few years that inay3et be allotted
her will be passed in peace, surrounded by the com-
forts that are the result of lier own earl}' effort and
struggle, and cheerfully attended by loving chil-
dren and grandchildren. But a few years more
and the few survivors of those early experiences
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
iod
of frontier life will be called bouie to meet again
ill tiiat beautiful land when the strugfi;les anil as-
pirations of long years are past.
Our subject, F. M. Sbepard, at the age of twenty-
seven took unto himself as wife Miss Maria Adelia
DeWitt, December 31, 1868. The lady is a native
of New Jersej-, where she was born at Holt, War-
ren Cwunty. February "22, 1851. She is a daugii-
ter of Walter C. and Margaret (Middlesworth) l)e
Witt. Her father is still living in Shiawassee
Count}-, Middlebury Township.
In 1805 Mr. Shepard attended one term of tiie
Agricultural College at Lansing, where he brought
away man}' ideas that have been to him of great
intrinsic value. He now pays particular attention
to the breeding of Gallowaj' cattle, having eight
head of registered cattle and a number of grades.
He is also breeding Shropshire sheep, roadster
horses and the Napoleon branch of HAmbletouians-
He is at present Supervisor, and has been Township
Clerk for seven years, and has held every township
office but that of treasurer. Naturally his interest
is paramountly awakened by all agricultural mat-
ters. Although his father was a Democrat, ho is a
Republican, having cast his first vote for Lincoln.
Mr. Shepar<l is not an adherent of any creed or
sect, believing rather in the religion of humanity.
He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and has filled all the chairs therein. His
home has been made cheer}- by the advent of five
children. The eldest, Marcia A., is now Mrs.
Bert Launslcin, of Owosso Township; Philip T.,
Bertha V., Marion and Margaret, who all live at
home.
.. : -j^^^^^M^i : ■
AVIS DPTCHKR. Those who have re
sided in Michigan for a half-century or
more have witnessed many changes. Where
once deep silence reigned on a spot so lone
and wild, now fertile realms are tilled and populous
towns have sprung into existence; where once the
warrior lit the pile and bound the captive, now
happy children play in fearless gayety. Mr.
Dutcher, whose portrait is presented on the oppo-
site page, is a native-born citizen of this great State
and has for years been closely identified with the
j)rogress of Shiawassee County. His pleasant home-
stead is located on section 4, Henningloii Town-
ship, adjoining the village of Bennington. He was
born in Salem, AVaslitenaw County. Fcbruarj' 16,
1831, and his earliest recollections are of primitive
scenes and the iiardships of pioneer life.
The parents of Mr. Dutcher were both natives
of New York State; the father, who bore the name
of John, was born in Cherry Valley, Otsego Count}-,
December 1, 1797, and the mother, whose name in
maidenhood was Philolhey Coif, was born in Gor-
hani, Ontario County, September 26, 1805. The
maternal gi-andfather of our subject, William Coif,
settled in Bennington Township in 1838, and made
his home during the last years of his life with Mr.
Dutcher, but died at the home of Mrs. Sylvia
Jubb,in Middiebuiy Townshij). in his eighty-second
year. His sons Jeremiah and Hiram Coif still re-
side in tiie township of Bennington. The ceremony
wliich united in the holy bonds of wedlock John
Dutcher and Philothey Coif was solemnized Au-
gust 23, 1823, in Monroe County, N. Y., and seven
years after this important event the young couple
removed to Michigan in June, 1830. The father
passed from earth March 26, 185'J, mourned by a
large circle of friends.
Our subject was one of live children, namely;
Johiel wlio died in infancy; Mary, the widow of
Henry Punches, who lives in Middlebury Town-
ship; Davis of this sketch; Seth, who died of chronic
(liarrh(ca during the war, and Sylvia now Mrs. Wil-
liam J. Jubb living near Gaylord, Otsego County.
For more than two years Setii was connected with
Company G, Sixth Michigan Cavalry. He was
brought home by Davis from Pi. Lookout, Md., and
died November 7, 1864 at the age of twenty- eight
years.
In 1843 the father of our subject came to Shia-
wassee County and settled in Bennington Town-
ship on a farm of Hiram Coif's and two years later
located near Bryoii ; in 1846 he removed to the
farm which is now the property of the son. Here
the father bought eighty acres on contract and it
was paid for by Davis and his brother Seth, who
also worked and paid for one hundred and twenty
acres of land on section 36, in the township of
504
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUiVI.
Middlebury, Sliiawassee County. The mother is
still living on adjoining propertj' and has now
reached the extreme age of eighty-six years. Davis
vv.-is married July 4, 1860, at Stockliridge. Mich., his
bride being Miss Minerva Rathbun a daughter of
Fernando C. and Eunice (Coif) Rathhun and Ksq.
Joseph B. Wallace officiating at the ceremony. Mrs.
Dutcher was making a Tisit to his uncle at Bunker
Hill near Stockbridge, when she was married to our
subject. Her mother who was at that time a widow,
was a cousin of the family and her father died
about the same time that Mr. Dutcher Sr. passed
away. Her motlier married a second time becom-
ing Mrs. McC'ormick, but being bereaved bj- the
death of her husband a few years later,she returned
and made her home with Mr. Dutcher. There she
died in 1867 and was buried on December 28,
the day that Harry was born. Her only son Oliver
H., died in the army as the result of vaccination
when about twentj'-six j'ears old. IMrs. Dutcher
died on New Year's Day, 1888,of typhoid fever at
the age of forty-eight years.
The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs.
Dutcher is as follows: Hiel 8., who is married
to Miss Catherine Carriek and lives on a farm near
his father; John died when one year and eight
months old; Harry J. who is twenty-three years
old, lives at home; Squire died wiien eighteen years
old, on Christmas Day, 1890, as the result of a
cold contracted a few years before. Dolly died at
at the age of seventeen December 24, 1890. Both
of these young people died of consumption and
upon the same day were laid in the same grave.
Lucj- now thirteen years old and Alice aged ten
are in school; Ellen Ma3' died in the spring of 1888
when an infant less than two j'ears old. Harry was
for two years with a traveling circus and by care-
ful economy made that business profitable. He is
a musician and plays different instruments in the
orchestra. All the members of the family are musi-
cal and the two little girls are receiving culture in
that line. Their mother who was a highly educated
woman was an earnest and conscientious member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which her
husband is an active worker and was a trustee at the
time the churcli was built.
Mr. Dutclier's farm consists of seventy-two acres
of arable and finely' cultivated soil. He is quite a
sportsman and makes frequent expeditions to the
wilder parts of the State, going North nearly every
year. He has a record of killing quite a number
of deer as well as bears, wild cits, foxes and wild
turkeys innumerable. Mr. Dutclier's mother re-
sides In an adjoining house and is an invalid hav-
ing been confined to her bed for a year. Her mind
is still active and her memory excellent consider-
ing her bodily infirmities. At the time our biogra-
l)her called upon her she was receiving a visit from
her daughter Sylvia v/ho lives in Otsego County.
<if?OHN D. WILLIAMS. The name which heads
this sketch is that of one of the prominent
merchants of Byron, Shiawassee County,
conducting the largest hardware house in
the i>lace. He was born in Boston, Mass., June 29,
1819, and was the son of John and Elizabeth
(Martin) Williams, natives of Massachusetts, who
were of Welch extraction. The family left Boston
in 1838 and removed to Marshall, Oneida County,
N. Y., where they lived for several years, and from
there went to Waterville of the same county and
State where the parents spent the remainder of
their lives.
Tlie paternal parent of our subject was a tanner
by trade which business he followed the greater
part of his life. He served in the War of 1812 as
an officer in an artillery company. At one time of
his life he was in ver}' good circumstances, as prop-
erty was considered at that time, but the Bankrupt
law of 1842 so crippled him that he never recov-
ered his financial position. He and his wife were
members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics
he was an Independent and held some minor munic-
ipal ofiices.
The grandparents of the original of our sketch
were John and Sarah (Wheeler) Williams, who were
natives of Massachusetts. Joiin Williams was a
Major in the Revolutionary War and his family
have the proud honor of knowing that he was a
participant in the battle of Bunker Hill, at which
time he was wounded. He enjo^'ed a personal ac-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
505
quaintnnce with Gcii. George Washington and
served iu the hatlle of Hnniior Hill under Gen.
Warren. The faniil}' trace their ancestry to one
Robert Williams, who came to Anu'rica from Wales
soon after the landing of the Ma^tlower. He was
a baronet and his coat of arras is registered at the
oflice of Heraldry in Lond(Mi.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was a
native of England, and took a conspicuous part in
the tea riot in Boston. Our stibjecl's grandpar-
ents on both sides died in Massachusetts and were
interred in the Dorchester Cemetery near Boston.
The gentleman of whom wc write is the tliird in a
family of six children whose names are as follows:
Elizabeth A., Sarah M., John D., Thomas J., Caro-
line C. and JIary C. The two youngest are de-
ceased. Mr. Williams was raised and educated in
Boston and in early life worked with his father at
the tanner's trade. He remained there until 1838
when he came to Marshal, Oneida County, N. Y.,
where he was engaged in the lumber business and
worked in his father's shoe factory as a cutter until
1848 when he came to Byron and started a shoe
factory which then gave employment to nineteen
men.
Our subject continued the shoe business until
1851, when he caught the California gold fever
and look his way westward by way of the water,
sailing from New Orleans and passing the Isthmus,
lie crossed the Andes on foot for a distance of
twentj'-eight miles in comitany with Grave Dennis
and N. G. Phillii>s. He remained in California
until the fall of 1853 when the gold fever was begin-
ning to subside. On his outward trip he had a most
eventful voyage. The ship on which he sailed took
fire Maj' 4, 1851, the sails were all burned and the
vessel drifted for eight days, the passengers being
reduced to quarter rations. The vessel finally
made port at Mazatlan, Mexico. T.ie fire on the
vessel was caused by the melting of the arches in
the boilers.
While in California Mr. Williams met with an
ordinary degree of success, part of the time mining
for gold dust and the remainder of his staj- engaged
in trading. In 1853 he returned to Michigan and
w('nt on a farm in Argentine Township, Genesee
County, about three miles from Byron, where he
remained until September 10, 18fi2, when he re-
moved his family to B_\ ron village, rented his farm
and joined the army as Second Lieutenant in Com-
pany 11, Ninth Michigan Infantry. Ho joined the
regiment at Bowling Green, Ky., Novembers, 18G2,
when he marched with the regiment to Nashville,
Tcnn., and advanced day by day from December
25, to the 31st, when the two armies became en-
gaged in battle at Murfreesboro, Tenn., he being an
enthusiastic participant in tiie five days' fight. He
remained with his regiment until June 17, 18G3,
when by order of Gen. Rosecrans, then Deputy
Commander of the Army of the Cumberland, the
regiment reported to Gen. St. Clair Morton at Mur-
freesboro, Tenn., and from him received orders to
build Redoubt Brannon, which was done and was
received by an inspecting officer from the War De-
partment.
After accomplishing the work spoken of above,
Mr. Williams received a promotion couched in the
following terms:
"Headquarters of tiie Army of the Cumberland,
Chattanooga. Tenn.,
Approved.
"In accordance with recommendation from Capt.
Rlerrill, Brig.-Gen. Van Cleve commanding Fort-
ress Rosecrans, will place Lieut. J. D. Williams of
the Ninth Michigan Infantry in charge of all the
works at Fortress Rosecrans, Murfreesboro, Tenn.,
as engineer, for his skill, zeal and efficiency in build-
ing redoubt BraTinon.
By coniMiand of Maj. -Gen.
(ieorge H. Thomas."
Our subject was in command here until Dcccm-
lier 7, 1864, when he was relieved of duty, l)ut
owing to his perfect acquaintance with the sur-
roundings, it was deemed best that he should com-
mand the fort the following day, the 8th of
December, on which the battle occurred, which he
did.
After this battle Mr. Williams was returned to
Van Cleve's Staff and served in that capacity until
September 25, 1865. when he was mustered out at
Nashville, Tenn., and received his final discharge
at Jackson, Mich., October 3, 1865. His health
suffered so greatly from the hardships endured
506
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
while in service that he has never entirely re-
covered.
On returning from the war he again went on his
farm in Argentine Township, Genesee Count}',
where he remained until the spring of 1875 when
he sold his farm and moved back to Byron. Here
he engaged in bu^'ing wool and produce, following
that business until April, 1883, when he purchased
H. L. Cook's hardware business, to which he has
ever since devoted himself.
Mr. Williams owns some laud in Gratiot County
and timbered land on section 30, Arcadia Town-
ship. What he possesses he has acquired by his
own efforts and though he has met with several
heavy losses he has always regained his financial
standing. In politics he is an independent and has
held several minor offices in the township. He is
a member of the Union Veterans, of which organi-
zation he is Colonel commanding, and also belongs
to the Odd Fellows.
Our subject was married November 9, 1848, to
Miss Mary K. Dennis, of Byron, Mich., who was
born in Concord, ]\Iass., in 1863. She was the
daughter of Bowman and Elizabeth (Bellows)
Dennis, natives of Vermont and Massachusetts.
They came to Michigan in 1844 and settled in
Byron where Mr. Dennis died. His wife died in
Washington, D. C. Mr. Williams and lady liave
been blest with four children: John 1)., Frederick
W., Bowman S., and Mary E. The latter died in
infancy. John D. is engaged in business at Grand
Rapids; Frederick AV. resides at Pine Village, Ind.;
Bowman S. remains at home and is in business with
his father.
^^NDKEW M. VAN DERHOFF, a prosper-
(M0| ous farmer and stock raiser of Lebanon
I il Township, Clinton County, is a son of
^jjj John Van Derhoff, whose father John was a
native of Germany. John. Van Derhoff, Jr., was
born in New York and there lived and died. He
was married to Orvilla Collins, a native of New
York. To Mr. and Mrs. \'an Derhoff were born
the following children : Amos. Isaac, Cynthia and
Andrew M. After the death of tlie father of these
children their mother was married a second time to
Isaac Hubble and had one sou, Collins by name.
Andrew M. Van Derhoff was born March 6, 1845,
In Pitlsford, N. Y., and being early bereft of his
father, he started in life for himself at the age of
thirteen years, making his home with Deacon Os-
born and remaining with him one and a half years.
He then worked by the month for several years
and took his schooling in the common schools and
taught for one term. In 1867 he came to Michi-
gan, making his home in Ionia County, where he
was engaged in mercantile pursuits for one year.
He then worked on the railway for a year and re-
turning to Ionia County rented a farm.
About 1872 Mr. Van Derhoff was married to
Mary, a daughter of Moses Watle, a New Yorker,
who came to Michigan at an early daj' and settled
on the farm now owned by our subject. He sold
out this land and went into the North Woods, but
flnding bears much too numerous there, he decided
to return to Lebanon Township, where he made his
Iinal home. Two children, Belle and Frederick,
have been granted to our subject and his wife.
Eighty acres of flue land in Lebanon Township
were purchased by Mr. Van Derhoff soon after liis
marriage and here he lived for a year, but having
an opportunity to sell, he disposed of the property,
making $1 ,500 by the operation. He started empt^--
handed in life and at this time was now v.'orth about
$3,000. After spending some time in New York,
he returned to Ionia Count}' and soon made his
home in Hubbardslon, that county, where lie bought
and sold slock until his removal, in 18SG, to his
present location, lie and his wife now own one
hundred and seventy-two acres and good buildings.
He takes great interest in Percheron horses and has
two fine animals, namely: "Nigger Boy" and "Grey
Dan." He also makes a specialty of raising sheep
and at limes has owned as many as seven hundred
ewes. He is an active member of the Ancient Or-
der of United Workmen and is and always has been
an ardent Republican in politics. Some years ago
our subject lost his wife and was married again in
1885 to Mrs. Adell Tyler, a daughter of Abial
and Amanda Gardner, who were natives of New
York. The father was a carpenter and farmer and
both are now deceased. They lived near Balavia
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
507
and liad accumulated consitlerablc property. Mrs.
Van Derlioff was married to Winfleld Tyler iu 187:5,
in Genesee County, N. Y.; lie was the son of War-
ren and Carsander Tyler, natives of New York.
Mrs. Van Derlioff was the mother of two children,
Lester and Charles, by her previous marriajje. No
children have been granted to our subject and his
wife.
«-_(§_
-m
J'HOHN M. FITCII, representing Thomas VV^ood
& Co., of Boston, Mass., wholesale dealers
in coffee, tea and spice, is the veteran trav-
' eling groceryman in Michigan, having been
on the road more years consecutively, than any
traveling groceryman in the State. He was born
in Salem, Wa.shtcnaw County, this Slate, October
6, 1832. His father, Elijah Fitch, was a native of
Genesee County, N. Y., and his grandfather and
great-grandfather, who both bore the name of Eli-
jah were born in Connecticut. The latter was a
Revolutionarj- soldier under Gen. Washington, and
our subject has in his possession ¥00 in Continen-
tal currency, which was paid to this ancestor (ur
services iu the array. NVitli tliis is also a tw(Mity-
live cent piece of Continental money. In his latter
life the grandfather emigrated to Genesee County,
N. Y.. from Connecticut, and died there. He had
Ijeen a soldier in the War of 1812. The Eitch
family in America is traced back to three brothers,
who came from the Isle of Man to Connecticut
about lG;j;J.
The father of our subject followed farming. He
was married in I'ultney ville, N. Y., and came to
Michigan in 1830, locating in Salem. He began in
true pioneer style, cutting roads to his new home
and building a double log house. Here our sub-
ject was born. In 1838 Elijah Filch had his farm
in a fine condition and sold it, purchasing in Brigh-
ton, Livingston County, where he cleared another
large farm of two hundred and forty acres. He
afterward removed to Novi, Oakland County,
where he kept a hotel, and in 18I'J located on a
farm of one hundred an<l si.xt}' acres in Ovid, Clin-
ton County. He then entered another one hundred
and sixty by land warrant, and later added to it
until he had four hundred and eighty acres in one
boil}'. He had about one hundred acres of this
improved at the time of his death in 18G5. He was
Supervisor of Ovid at a time when there were
but twenty-two voters in that township, and was Jus-
tice of the Peace in Salem. W.ashtenaw County,
afterward in Livingston County. He received his
ai)|)ointment from Gen. Lewis Cass while Governor
of the Territory. For six years while he held this
oflice there was not a law suit tried in Salem. He
was a Democrat in his political views, and in early
life w.as connected with the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and was a man who was straightforward
and upright in his life.
The mother of our subject, Hannah Hathawa}'
by name, was a native of Pultneyville, Genesee
County, N. Y., and died in 1865, in forty-eight
hours after the death of her husband. Her father,
Joseph Hathaway, lost a linger in the War of 1812.
He came to Michigan in 1830, and took a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres in Salem, but spent
his last days in Ovid. Of the seven children of
Elijah and Hannah Fitch six grew to maturity.
Our subject spent his childhood on the farm and
was early set to work driving oxen and doing other
heavy farm work and was quite an expert in hand-
ling six and seven yoke of oxen, and from the
lime he was quite 3'oung had no schooling except
in the wmler for some time. While in Novi he
attended the district school for three years, and
then took two years in the Cochran Academy at
Nortliville. He was a fine penman and taught
writing school as well as day school in the winters.
In the summer of 18.)3, John M. Fitch and his
brother Malcomb cleared twent}- acres of land in
.Middlebury Township, Shiawassee County. In the
fall of 1853 he went to DeWitt in the employ of
1). and J. Sturgis & Co., who are in the general
mcichandise business. After spending a year with
them and a year in the store of John Hicks, he went
with that gentleman in 1855 to St. .lohn's. After
being with him a year he took a stock of goods
from him on commission and went to Ovid to es-
tablish a general nu'rchandise business. This w.is
one of the pioneer stores there, and was carried on
from 1856 to 1862. In 1858 he had straightened
up his accounts with Mr. Hicks and run the busi-
508
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ness alone until 1862. In 1858 be went to Detroit
with oul}' 5!80 in money to purchase $1,500 worth
of goods, which he accomplished, as his manner of
doing business and his local reputation, gave the
merchants confidence in his ability and integrity.
For one year he carried on a stave and heading
business. In 1863 he went to Detroit with the firm
of Robeson & Brook, and afterward with Johnson
& Wheeler, as shipping clerk.
In 1865 Mr. Fitch took up the grip sack in the
service of Johnson & Wheeler, wholesale grocers,
and was with them for twenty-two years, traveling
in Michigan, most of the time in the northern part
of the State. He was then for one^-ear with Burdan
& Co , and now represents a Boston house. In bis
line he has received tiie highest salary offered, with
tlie exception that one man a Mr. Fletcher, work-
ing for the same house received the same salary.
He made his residence in Detroit until 1869, when
be came here and was in the drug business for one
year. lu 1874 he returned to Detroit but in May,
1886, he again made his home in Corunna. He is
interested in land in Ludington, Mason County,
this State, and owns real-estate in Corunna. No
man in Michigan knows more prominent men and
business men than lie, and for twelve years while
he was traveling, he acted as reporter for the De-
troit Free Pregs signing his initials reversed F.
M. J.
The first marriage of our subject took place in
Caledonia in 1852. His wife was Susan, daughter
of the Rev. William Cochran an early settler of
Washtenaw County, a stone mason by trade and a
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This
lady was born in Buffalo, N. Y., and died in De-
troit, Januaiy 6, 1885. She left two children,
Chester M., who resides in Memphis, Tenn., and
carries on business in furnishing goods. Ida C,
now Mrs. C. S. Howard, whose husband is con-
nected with the American Exchange National Bank
of Detroit. The second marriage of Mr. Filch
took place December 24, 1885, in Grand Rapids,
being then united to Miss Anna Hilborn. This
lady was born near Goodrich, (ienesee County,
Mich., and was reared in the state of New York.
Mr. Fitch was Township Clerk in Ovid and Super-
visor of the Second Ward foi' one year in Corunna.
He is connected with the Masonic Lodge and is now
bekmging to Detroit C'ommandery No. 1, K. T.,
and Blue Lodge and Ro^al Arch Chapter at Cor-
unna. He is a member of the Independent Order
of Good Templars, being District Worthy Chief
and at one time District Deputy, and is Grand
Worthy Chief Templar of AVestern Michigan. He
also belongs to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen at Detroit, and is a demitted member of
Odd Fellows; and a member of the Knight of the
Grip. His wife is also an earnest Temperance
worker being a member of the Independent Order
of Good Templars and the Woman's Christian Tem-
perance Union as well as the Ladies .Societ}-. Mr.
Fitch is an active worker in the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, and is an exhorter,and for many years
Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He was a
Democrat until 188.J when he became a Prohibi-
tionist. As a delegate at County and State Con-
ventions he has served on committees for drafting
resolutions and has been a member of the Prohibi-
tion County Convention Committee. He is also
acting agent in Michigan of the Pure Petroleum
Product Company.
^
^^^
ICHARD MOORE, a prominent old settler
and ex-Treasurer of Clinton County, has a
i4k\\\ nice property which is mostly within the
corporate limits of St. John's. He w.as born
May 2, 1828, in Hindal Veston, Norfolk, England.
His father, John 1$. was an English farmer, being
a proprietor of a small jiroperty. When young he
was a business man and was in the mercantile line.
The mother, PerccUa Fox, was also of English birth
and lived to be over eighty' j'ears old, as did also
her husband. Her mother completed a century of
existence. They were connected with the Church
of England.
The subject of this sketch is the youngest of
eighteen children of his parents. He went to school
until he reached the age of ten years, after which
he clerked in a store, until he wag fifteen. He then
came to America in the spring of 1843, leaving
Liverpool on the sailing-vessel "Monument." They
I'OKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
509
had a stormy voyage and were out of sight of land
forty-five days, making port finally in New York.
The first stopping place of the young man was in
Medina County. Ohio. Here he staid for about
six months and then came to Lenawee Count}',
Mich., and worked for different farmers. Later he
removed to Albion, in Calhoun County, tiiis State.
He attended Albion College for about two years
and also taught in that count}', working on the
farm when not engaged in professional duties.
A little later Mr. Moore went to Iowa, traveling
with his own team and wagon. He tried to cross
the Missouri River between Clinton and St. Joseph
but the Indians drove them back and they h.id to
cross at another point. He went to Council Itluffs
and from there to Missouri. He returned to Mich-
igan, stopping in Calhoun and Lenr.wee Counties.
In 1855 he came to St. John's by team, and the
following spring ))ouglit land and made his home
on it. He built a log house on iiis forty acres and
erected and operated the first ashery which had
ever been put up here. He brought black salt
down from Gratiot County. He manufactured
pearlash, shipping by car-load for several years.
He finally sohl the ashery and paid more attention
to farming, clearing tiie land and purch.asing more,
until he now has one hundred and forty acres. He
had at one time two hundred and twenty acres here
beside land in Gratiot County. He has it now all
in a fine condition and a pleasant and commodious
home is iiis. He was at one time a member of the
Agricultural Society of CMinton County.
The marriage of Richard Moore with Mary J.
Ousted, took place in Hillsdale in 1855. This l.idy
is a daughter of Peter Onsted, of New Jerse}', and
a granddaughter of John Ousted who came from
that State to Michigan in 18.'J4, when he purchased
a farm in Cambridge, Lenawee County. The fatlici
also came to this State from New York and im-
proved a large farm of four hunilred acres. The
mother, Elizabeth Conklin, was a native of New
Jersey, her father, Isj'ac Coiikliii, being a farmer
and an early settler in Michigan. Mr. Onsted died
in Adrian and Mrs. Ousted in Cambridge.
Mrs. Moore was one of a family of ten children
in ber parental home. Her birthplace was in Yates
County, N. Y., August 29, 1832, and she came to
Michigan when a little child with her parents. She
supplemented her log-schoolhouse education by
attendance at Leoni Seminary. This amiable and
intelligent lady is the mother of two children. Her
eldest, Alice, was one of the flrst graduates of St.
John's High School, and is now the wife of Krnest
Schemer and resides at Fowler; the second child,
Richard Bell, attended Goldsmith's Commercial
College at Detroit. He married Miss Sylvia Max-
well, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Aten)
Maxwell; he assists his father on the homestead.
Mr. Moore was for three terms Village Trustee'
and for many years was School Director and prom-
inent as a member of the building committee. He
is a Democrat in his political views, believing
firmly in the doctrine of free trade and is often
made a delegate to county and Slate conventions.
In 1871 he was elected County Treasurer on tho
Democratic ticket, filling the office for two years.
He has been an active member of the Grange since
1873, tilling the position of Master and being made
a member of the Slate Grange. He is identified
with the Patrons of Industry at Bingham.
^^ORXELllS (J. BARNES. Among those
who are securing a maintenance as tillers of
L^ the soil in Clinton County is Mr. Barnes,
whose home is on section 23, Bingham Township.
\N'lien he came here in 18(57 he bought a tract on
which a log house had just been built and a small
clearing made. The rest of the eighty acres were
covered with a wild growth, but the land gave
promise of fertility when once it was placed in
condition for working. Mr. Barnes was a skillful
carpenter, and for some time he worked al his
trade, hiring men to place his farm i.i condition,
as be could thus get along better than if he were
to give his own time and strength to labor with
wliich he was unacquainted. He now has a well-
improved farm, the newest structures on which are
a large farm-house and barn that were recently
built.
Mr. Barnes was born in Medina County, Ohio,
February 7, 1832, and is a son of (liles and Eliza
510
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
(Northrop) Barnes. His mother was born near
Hartford, Conn., and died during the 'GO.s. She
was an earnest and humble Christian and held
membership in the Congregational Church. She
had nine childien, four of whom are now living.
The fatiier w.is a shoemaker by trade, but going to
Ohio during its early historj' he cleared a farm
and devoted liimself to agriculture. He was for
many years a Deacon in the Congregational
Church and ever took deep interest in religious
work and the affairs of the church. His death
took place in 1881,whe:i he hail reached an ad-
vance<l age. Grandfather Barnes was a commis-
sioned officer in the Colonial Army at the time of
the Revolution. He was of Welsh extraction.
The subject of this biograpliical notice was
reared on a farm and enjoyed the educational
privileges of the district school. AVhen twenty
years old he began learning the carpenter's trade
and was working witli the saw and plane when the
Civil War began. Like many others, he thought
the stiuggle would be short, but as hostilities con-
tinued he threw aside his tools and enlisted August
12, 1862. lie became a member of Company I,
One Hundi'cd and Third Ohio Infantry, Col. .lack
Casement in command. After six montlis' service
he was jtromoted to be Commissar3' .Sergeant of
the regiment and in that capacity- acted until com-
pelled to relinquish his duties on account of sickness.
He did not sever connection with llie army until the
close of tlie war and was mustered out in June,
1865. During his army life Mr. Barnes took part
in the siege of Knoxville, was under Slieiman's
command in various eng.agements near Atlanta, and
made one of the force which followed Gen.
Thomas in the pursuit of Hood.
Tlie marriage of Mr. Barnes and Miss Helen
Bradley was solemnized in 1858. Mrs. Barnes is
a native of the Green Mountain State and is char-
acterized by the tlirift and neatness which have be-
come typical traits in New England women. Slie
has ever been devoted to her home and its inter-
ests, j'et ready at all times to extend her kindness
to neighbors and acquaintances. Tlie eliildren of
Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are three in n\iraber, named
resppctivel3-, Eugene W., May C. and John. Mr.
Barnes belougs to the Grand Arm_y of the Repub-
lic and has been a Mason nearly twenty years. In
politics he is a Republican. He has served two
terms as Highwaj- Commissioner and two as Town-
ship Treasurer, and his official record is good, and
he is now filling the office of Justice of the Peace
to the satisfaction of the people.
^^
\i^i\ICIIOLAS SIEB, an honored veteran of the
I jjj late war, is the owner of one of the fine
/1\,Z^ farms of Sciota Township, Shiawassee
County. He has one hunilred and sixty acres on
section 9, the greater part of which is under a high
state of cultivation and well improved. His fine
two-story frame residence, a view of which on
another page invites the reader's attention, is sur-
rounded by a nice lawn and beautiful shade trees,
while in the rear are good barns and other outbuild-
ings which are found on a model farm. The stock
which he raises is of the best grades and the place
presents a neat appearance indicative of the thrift
and enterprise of tlie owner.
The life record of Mr. Sieb is as follows: he w.is
born on tlie 15th of April, 1839, in Baden Baden.
Germany, and his parents, Damian and Caroline
Seib, were also natives of the same country. The
mother died in that land but the f.ather came to
America during tlie late war and died in Hamburg,
Erie Count}', N. Y. Our subject was one of a
large family, but now has only two sisters living —
Caroline, wife of Isadore Bond of Abbott's Corners,
Erie County, N. Y. ; and Catherine, wife of Peter
Wagenplott of Buffalo, N. Y.
Nicholas Sieb, whose name heads this sketch, maj'
truly be called a self-made man and his example
in many resjiects is well worthy of emulation. He
began life for himself at the early age of fourteen
years. Leaving home, he first went to Holland,
then across the North Sea to England, and from
Liverpool sailed to New York, upon an English
sailing vessel, reaching his destination after forty-
two days spent upon the broad Atlantic. After a
short stay in the eastern metropolis he went to
Buffalo, N. Y., where he had an uncle living. That
gentleman apprenticed him for a three years' term
'l
IT - ■ ',^'.-^x*:" nr.y
^i^iiM://.
'I
I
i
I
TT ,- — WYrL.-
PORTRAIT AND RIOGRArillCAL ALBUM.
513
of service to the wagon-maker's trade and when
that period ha(J expired he still continued with his
employer for fourteen months longer. In 1817 we
find him en route for Rochester, where he worked
at his trade for about three years. During that
time he also belonged to the State militia. From
Rochester he went to Geneseo, N. Y., wheie he
secured employment and there remained until 18G1.
In that year when his adopted country was en-
gaged in civil war he determined to show his loy-
alty to the Union by enlisting. He joined the
army in 18G1, as a recruiting oflicer first and
helped to raise the iSixlh New York Cavalry, which
he joined as a private of Company C. lie served
for more than three years and participated in
nearly all liie engagements of the Army of the
I'olomac, including the seven days' battle of the
Wilderness, Antietam, the movements in front of
Petersburg, the battles of Spottsylvania Court
House, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
villeand the raid around Richmond. He had two
horses shot from under him and was once thrown
from a horse and very seriously injured, but as
soon as possible lie rejoined his regiment and
again partici[)atcd in active service. He was
always at the front and his bravery was displayed
by many heroic deeds. On the morning of the
battle of Antietam he was frying his meal for
breakfast when the first cannon ball fired struck his
frying pan. His term of service having at length
expired he was honorably discharged and returned
to his home in Geneseo, N. Y.
Shortly after he had again reached that city in
October, 1864, Mr. Sieb was joined in wedlock
with Miss Mary Schley of Geneseo. The lady was
a native of Waj'land, Steuben County, born in
1844, and a daughter of Is'ichoUis and Catherine
Schley, who were natives of I'russia, (Jeruiany.
Their union has been blessed with six children, as
follows: Ilatlic, who died in infancy; Lia, the wife
of Lewis Willelt, a farmer of Sciota Townshii);
Matie, Edward, Charlie and Finma.
Mr. Sieb continued to work at his trade in
Geneseo, N. Y., until IBOT, when he removed to
VVayland, and was there employeil in the same
occupation until 1878. In that year he emigrated
Westward to Michigan and bought the line farm of
which we have before spoken. Mr. Sieb's success
in life is due entirely to his own efforts. He came
to America a poor boy unable to speak a word of
Flnglisli, but possessed a young man's bright hope
of the future and a determination to succeed ; bj-
working untiringly and diligently he accumulated a
handsome competency which supplies him with the
comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
In politics, Mr. Sieb is a stalwart Republican and
in all possible wa^s aids in the success and growth
of his party. In its principles he is a firm believer
and while residing in New York he was always a
delegate to his town and county conventions and
w.as a member of the Republican District Committee
for ten years. However, he has never sought pub-
lic preferment having steadily refused to hold all
oHice except that of School Director, in which he
served five years. Socially, he is a member of
Henry Demming Post, No. 192, G. A. R., of Laings-
liiirg. His war record is one of which he may well
be proud, and no American-born citizen was truer
to hi.s country or more faithful to his duty than
ISlr. Sieb. Respected and honored liy all who know
him he well deserves a representation in his county's
history.
^ €-*H^ ^
EV. CHARLES SMITH. This volume
would be incomplete were it to omit or fail
.'Ai \V to give an inii)()rl:inl place to the biography
\^ of the Rev. Charles Siuiih, of Essex Town-
ship, Clinton Count}-. There h.as recently been
erected at Lowe's Corners a Methodist Episco|)al
Church, a view of which is represented in connec-
tion with this sketch. With the erection of this
handsome edifice Mr. Smith was closely identilied,
and served as Treasurer of the Building Committee.
Ever an earnest worker in the Lord's vineyard his
itillucnce is wide and his standing high. His char-
acter as a true-hearted gentleman and a devout
Christian gives him that influence over those wlio
know him which is essential to success in Christian
work. In the church he served as Class-leader,
Steward and Trustee, and is also prominent as a
local preacher.
514
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Mr. Smith is of EnglisLi birth and parentage, and
ivas born in Messingham, Lincolnshire, March 4,
1822. His i)arents, Edward and Jane Smith, liad a
family of three children, of vthom he is the j'oung-
cst. He received but a limited education, for the
necessary demands of the family upon his efforts
forbade his attending school after he reached the
age of nine years. In consequence of this disad-
vantage he has had to rely largely upon a life-long
habit of reading to supplement his early studies
and is therefore alomst entirely self-educated. Until
he reached the years of his majority he remained
upon the home farm and in 1843 emigrated to
America, taking passage at Hull on a sailing vessel.
After an ocean voyage of six weeks he landed in
Quebec, Canada, with only a few dollar* in his pos-
session and he remained in that city for a few
months before coming to the Stales.
The first home of Mr. Smith in the United States
was in Edwards County, 111., where he resided for
a time and then came to Lenawee Count}', Mich-
In 1862 he removed thence to Clinton Count}', and
settled on the farm in Essex Townshii) whicli is
now ills home. He is a pr.actical farmer, has clear-
ed and cultivated his land and emix'llished it with
substantial buildings. He now owns one hundred
and sixty acres of finely improved land and ranks
among the most prosperous farmers of the com-
munity. His beautiful home contains the evid-
ence of culture and good taste in an unusual degree
and is kept in the most perfect order by a refined
and sympathetic wife. In addition to the one
hundred and sixty acres, Mr. Smith with the assist-
ance of his two sons bought and cleared a tr.act of
one hundred acres, which was afterward deeded to
the eldest son.
The first marriage of Mr. Smith united him with
Jane Burnette, a native of Yorkshire, England ; of
their seven children, four survive, namely: Sarah,
(Mrs. Riley Ferguson,) Isaac, Edward and Cora,
now Mrs. William Anderson. Mr. Smith chose
for his second wife Mrs. Harriet Ward, widow of
tlie late John Ward of Clinton County. Mrs.
Smith is a native of Northlew, Devonshire, Eng-
land, and came to the United Stales in 18,52. In
politics Mr. Smith is independent with I'rohibition
proclivities. He has served as School Director of
his district, Treasurer of the township and has
always faithfully performed the duties of citizen-
ship.
In presenting the claims of the Gospel Mr. Smith
is clear and logical, pleasing and persuasive. He
receives the respect of all who know him and is
best beloved by those who enjoy a close association
with him and best understand his nature. During
the first ten years of his residence in this county
he traveled from ten to twenty miles every other
Sabbath and preached the Gospel of Christ, while
during the week he was often called upon to attend
funeral services and in otiier ways minister to the
spiritual needs of the peo|)le. At times it seemed
as if his crops would suffer from neglect while he
was aw.ay, but a merciful and loving Providence
kept watch over him and his, and in the end every-
thing came out all right. The people appreciated
his sincere efforts in their behalf and aided him in
every way possible, so that what he gave returned
to him in "full measure, pressed down and run-
ing over." At one time when he had a twent}--
acre field cleared ready for logging, and was anx-
ious to get the ground prepared for wheat, his
neighbors came to his assistance in old-fashioned
frontier style and soon had ten acres logged. By
such tender chords of friendship were those early
settlers bound together.
^i^^m^^ —
ICHAEL S. DOYLE. The gentleman of
whom we write has been identified with the
most vital interests of the village of Elsie,
Clinton County, from its early beginnings.
He has taken a lively interest in Its future and was
active in securing the right of way for the railroad
which is so etlicient a factor In its prosperity. His
manufacturing interests, which he located in that
village, have also been potent in establishing the
industries which arc necessary to the healthy
growiii of a young town. He was born in New
Brunswick, Parish of Chipman, Queen's County,
February 18, 1842. His parents, Michael and
Sarah (Tuffts) Doyle, were both natives of Nova
Scotia, and his father is by occupation a minister
POUTRAIT AND BlOGRAl'llJCAL ALliUU.
515
of the Oospol. who is still living in Saginaw
County ami has reached the ripe old age of ninety-
two years, having devoted fifty years of his life to
the ministry of the Baptist Church.
The suliject of this sketcli resided at luinie until
he reached his majority'. J lis educational advan-
tages were limited, as he had only the common
subscription schools of those days to attend. He
left New Brunswick wiien he was seventeen years
old and located in O.xford Count}', Canada, where
he remained for al)out twelve j'cars. After he be-
came of ags he engaged in handling staves and also
carried on agriculture.
Having established himself well in business, Mr.
Doyle looked about him for a companion with
whom to share the joys and sorrows of life, and
soon won the hand of Sarah Withrow, of Oxford
County. Canadn, the daughter of John Withrow, a
farmer in that county. The}' were hai)|)ily wedded
on January 25, 1808, and became the parents of
two bright and promising children. Maud L. was
born .Inly 16, IStiO, in Oxford County, Canada;
Boyd W.,was born in Klsie, December 2, 1884. Both
children are at home, and his daughter is by occu-
|)ation a teacher. She has pursued the profession
for four years anil is now a successful teacher in
the high school at St. .Jcjlin's, Mich.
Mr. Doyle decided to remove to the States, and
in November, 180'.), became to IMichigan and lo-
cated at Klsie, in Dn[)laln Township. Here he en-
gaged in the stave business for a firm in Detroit
and representeil their company' for four years. He
then bought, out a cheese factory which had been
running on a small scale for some time in Elsie,
and established himself in business, giving his con-
cern the name of the Elsie Cheese Factory. By
strict attention to business and the manufacture of
a superior article, his factory li.as become widely
and favorably known, all over the State. Six j'c.ars
ago he established a factory of like character at St.
John's, and he puts out as much as eight hundred
pounds of cheese daily and 3'et he has not capacity
to supply the demand for his product. From 1 880 to
1 886 he conducted a general store and he also erected
the first brick building that ever went up in the
town of Elsie. He assisted in getting the right of
way for the Ann Arbor Railroad and furnished
all the tics that were used for that road in Clinton
County and a portion of those that were used in
Gratiot County.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch has
a farm of eighty acres on section IT), Du[)lain
'J'ownship, where he makes his home, and he also
has a place of forty acres on section 25, Oratiot
County. He is prominent in all public movements
and is a Republican in his political convictions.
He was the first I'reslilent of the village of Elsie,
but other than this lie has never sought office of
.any kind. lUi is an intelligent breeder of line
stock and has some seven or eight llambletouian
horses and raises some Holstein cattle and Suffolk
hogs. He is an earnest promoter of all progressive
educational niovemeiits, in which he is seconded by
the intelligence and activity of his wife. That lady
was born in t^ueen's County, New Brunswick, but
from her earh' childhood till her marriage maile her
home in Oxford County, Canada. 'I'his couple form
a fine example of the good stock which has come
to our Northern States from the a'ijacent districts
of Canada.
'im^-
EWIS BENTLEY. In traversing Clinton
^ County, a stranger will find many beautiful
■i^^', farms, but few, if any, more attractive than
that owned by Mr. Bentley. This property lies on
secti<ni 20, Essex Townshi|), and consists of one
liundved acres of choice land, upon which good
farm buildings have been erected and every suit-
able adornment made. The dwelling is a hand-
some frame house, of home-like appearance and
evidently regulated by one who understands how
to secure comfort and order at the same time. On
this tract Mr. Bentley has liveil since 1856, at
which time it was a wild and somewhat desolate
expanse, quite thickly populated by deer and bears,
that sometimes passed through his door yard.
Those who are familiar, by experience or hears.-iy,
with pioneer work and its accompanying self-
denials and privations, know through what scenes
Mr. Bentley must have passed ere his land became
the beautiful farm of to-day.
The Bentleys came from England to America In
516
rORTKAIT AMD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
early Colonial daj's, and the great-grandfather of
our subject fought in the French and Indian War.
The next in the direct line, George Bentley, of
Saratoga, N. Y., served six years and seven
months in the Revolutionary army under Gen.
Wasliington. He died in 1838, leaving several
children, one of whom was Isaac, the father of our
subject. That gentleman was born in New York
in 1788, and in 1809 was married to Hannah De
Bois, who was a native of New York also, and was
of French Huguenot descent. Isaac Bentley
fought in the War of 1812. His occupation was
farming, and he was a modest, highly respected
man who was always found on the side of right.
lie died in Richmond, Ontario County, N. Y., in
1863. Mrs. Bentley breathed her last April 12,
1855, leaving twelve sons and daugliters, nine of
whom are still living.
In Ontario Countj', N. Y., June 5. 1817, the son
of whom we write was born. He was reared on a
farm and received a common-school education in
the district in wliich Ins liome was. He early be-
came acquainted with the details of farm work and
learned how to conduct an agricultural enterprise
when quite young. After lie attained to his ma-
jority he worked out bj' the month three years, and
in 1842 he bought sixty acres of land adjoining
the village of Richmond, and there began tilling
the soil for his own advantage. April 4, 1855. he
left his Eastern home for the West, and coming to
this State, he was soon settled on the land he still
calls home. While looking out for his personal
interests and the good of his family, he has not
been unmindful of the rights of otliers, and he has
thus gained the good will and respect of his asso-
ciates at the same time that he has improved his
worldly condition.
The wedding day of Mr. Bentley and Miss Jean-
nette Baker was December 2, 1841, and the bride
was then almost twenty-one years old, having been
bor'i January 29, 1821. Slie was a native of the
village of Richmond, and was a schoolmate of Mr.
Bontk'v, who found liisboj'ish liking for her grow-
ing with his growth into the warm affection that
made him desire her companionship in a closer
relation. The h;ii>P}' union lias been blessed by the
birth of three children, and the parents have been
saddened by the death of two of their loved ones.
Marcus, their first-born, enlisted in Company G,
Fifth Michigan Cavalry, in 1862, and served until
he was discharged on account of ill health ; he died
soon after his return to the Nortli, all the love .-iiid
care of his friends being powerless to stay the dis-
ease that had fastened upon him. Alma died in
1866. Emma D., the survivor, was born in Essex
Township, and is now the wife of C. F. Roberts, who
is farming the Bentley place.
Mr. Bentley was reared to believe in the prin-
ciples of the Whig party and held his place in its
ranks until the disintegration, when lie joined the
new organization — tlie Republican party. In 1885
he threw his intliience into tlie Prohibition ranks,
being convinced thai tlie liquor question was the
one most needing settlement. He has been identi-
fied with the Clinton County Agricultural Society
in the capacity of Director thirteen years. For
seventeen years lie has been Director in the Clinton
and Gratiot Counties Mutual Insurance Company.
Mr. Bentley was tiie prime mover for the erection
of a monument in honor of the deceased soldiers
of Essex Township, and the handsome stone now
adorning Plains Cemetery is due to his efforts in
rousing public opinion.
In every good cause he is an active worker,
and to all he contributes generously. Mr. Bent-
ley possesses mental ability of a pronounced
character, and has published a History of Essex
Township, and for years has been a contributor to
the local papers.
-^^^-
^y?^ EWELL A. DRYER, M. D.,a prominent phy-
sician practicing at Bath, Clinton County,
was born in AVhiie Oak Township, Ingham
County, Mich., November 2, 1838. His father,
William A., was horn in New York, in 1813, and
his grandfather and great-grandrather both of
whom liore the Christian name of Allen, were na-
tives of Massachusetts, being born in 1772 and
1745, respectivelj'. The latter was the sod of Wil-
liam Drj'cr, a native of Massachusetts and the
grandson of John VanDrier, who was born in Hoi-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
517
Ifind in 1677 and was tlie son of a Holland weaver.
He settled in London, England and married an
Irish woman. He was impressed into the English
army and brought to Boston on a British Mati-of
War. He tliere deserte<l and settled atUehoboth,
Mass., where he changed his name from VanDrier
to Dryer, which form the name lias since retained.
He married Judith I\a>mond, and their issue was
two sons, John and William. John had six sons
and five daughters, whose decendenls now live in
Ohio, Indiana and Hlinois. William, in whose line
our subject comes, had six sons, four of whom sac-
rificed their lives for freedom in the Revolutionary
War. The two who survived are Allen and Wil-
liam. Of the latter's posterity nothing is known.
Allen had the following sons: Aaron, Jonathan,
Simeon, Rufus, Wheeler, Jame?, Allen and Edward.
Allen Dryer, the second, who was the grand-
father of our subject marrieil Esther Bullock and
had six sons and six daughters. He kept a hotel
and was a tax collector, being kept most of the
time in this otBce on account of being a cripi)le
and having to go on crutches. William A. Dryer,
the father of our subject, was the j'oungest son in
a family of twelve chddrcn. He was reared at
C'azenovia, Madison Count}', N. Y., and early
learned the wagon-maker's trade, which together
with farming he followed all his life. He made his
journey West by Erie Canal and across the lake to
Detroit and there bought a yoke of oxen and came
to White Oak Township, Ingham County, in the
fall of 1836. The wagon which he used he had
made before leaving home and brought with him,
He had been out the year before anil located the
land. He and his brave family saw some hard times
and during one period of privation they lived for
three weeks on potatoes and salt.
There were only seven men in the township when
William Dryer first made his home there. He
took from the Government eighty acres of land
which he cleared and developed. In 1815 he moved
to I'inkney, Livingston County, and in 1848
moved to Lansing and in both places worked at
his trade. After three years at Lansing, he clerked
in a store for three years, and then l)egan the mer-
cantile business for liimself. When he went out
of business he bought a one hundred and sixty-
acre farm within a mile of Lansing, and n'sided
upon it until about a year ago, when lie again
removed to. the city whore he now lives, having
retired from active work. He is a Methodist in
his religious viewsas is also his worth}- wife, whose
maiden name was Betsey Newell. She was boru in
Eaton, Madison County, N. Y., May 27, 1815.
Seven of her ten children arrived at years of ma-
turity. They were named: William (deceased),
Mary E., Mrs. J. E. Warner; Xenell A.; Elbridge
A.; Esther, Mrs. Christopher, Sarah A., James
William, and Helen A., deceased; William F., and
Betsey, Mrs. Edward M. .lohnson. Their mother
died in 1861.
The first school which our subject attended was
in a log schoolhousc. Then at seven years of age
he went to Pinkney to school and afterward was
in the Lansing public schools and at Taylor's Acad-
emj'. His earliest pla3'mates were Indian children
and he was familiar with wild animals. He reincm-
hered seeing twenty-five deer in one drove within
the limits of what is now the city of Lansing and
also saw four bears within the same bounds. Some-
what later he attended Rogers College at Lansing,
and later began the study of medicine under H.
B. Shank and I. H. Bartholemcw. 'I'hey were his
preceptors until he graduated in 1864 at the Buf-
falo I'niversity. He also spent two years in the
Tni versify at Ann Arbor and one year at Buffalo.
The young Doctor's first place of practice was
at LeRoy, Ingham Count}', Mich., but he did not
tarry there long, for after eight months in that
place he enlisted, March 14, 1865, in Company E.
Seventeenth Michigan Infantry. He was commis-
sioned Assistant Surgeon of the Seventh Michigan
Veteran Volunteers upon April 11, 1865. This
regiment was in the Ninetli Army C6rps, Second
Division. He joined his regiment at Petersburg
and went as far as Biirksville Junction, Va. He
was discharged finally from I'nited States service
July 5, 1865, at Evansville, Iiid. and from theState
service at Jackson, Mich.
I'pon November 20, 1865, the young Doctor
located for practice at Bath and has made that his
home for twenty-six years. His marriage with
Calista E. Ware, took place October 3, 1865. i'liis
lady was born in Ohio, April 29, 1844, and lias be-
518
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
come the mother of three children. The two eld-
est Geary aud Zora have died and the 011I3' survi-
ving child, Mar}' B.. married John M. Feier and
lives near her parents. Her husband is a station
agent at Bath. Dr. Dryer lias two hundred acres
of land in this county, the farming of wliich he
superintends personally and raises both grain and
stock. He is a Republican in his politice and in
religion is a spiritualist, being a member of the
Haslett Park Association of Pine Lake, Bingham
Count}-, Mich. He is a member of the Bath Hunt-
ing Club and takes a month each j'ear to go hunt-
ing in the North Woods.
Sn^ RS. JULIA TAYLOR COLE. The busi-
I \\\ ness establishment of J. T. Cole & Co., is
I l^ one of the conspicuous business houses of
* St. John's and one to which many ladies
resort for first-class millinery and dress-making. It
is one of the finest locations in the city, on the
corner of Clinton Ave. and Highara Street, and oc-
cu[)ies two floors of a large building. The first
floor is devoted to the millinery department and
the second to dress-making; artists and competent
help arc employed in both. The displav of goods
is large and attractive and both wholesale and
retail trade is carried on. No town in Central
Michigan has a more tasteful millinery store, and
none equals it in the extent of the work done.
Klisha Taylor, father of Mr«. Cole, was born in
one of the New England States and was young
when his parents removed to New York and settled
near Auburn. Early in the '20s be came to
this State and was one of the first to make a home
in Avon Township, Oakland County. He entered
a large tract of land on Stony Creek and built a
mill, being a miller by trade. His wife was Mary
Miner, a native of Rhode Island, whose father was
I'ere/, Miner, an Eastern man who died in New
York. Mrs. Taylor was left a widow, in 1835, with
a family of seven children, all still living but one.
She sold the mill but remained on the farm, im-
proving the place and eventually dying tiiere in
18C5. Besides Mrs. Cole, her living children are;
Miner, a prominent resident of Broken Bow, Neb.;
Lemuel, a farmer in Wisconsin; Mrs. Mary Cope-
land, a florist in Monroe, AVis. ; Mrs. Sarah Xan
Hoosen, on the old homestead in Avon Township,
Oakland County; and Mrs. Janetta Stewart of
Shelley, Iowa. The deceased is Mrs. Electa Mat-
teson who died in Romeo, this State.
Mrs. Cole was born in Oakland County and her
home was on a farm until she became a young lady.
She pursued her studies in tiie district school until
nineteen jears old wlien she began teaching. The
next year she attended the academy in Rochester.
After teaching two years she next spent some time
as a student in the State Normal School in Ypsi-
lanti. She paid hei- own expenses while pursuing
her advanced studies, and resuming her profession,
laugiit for some ten years. Her labors were mostly
performed in Oakland County and she was the
principal teacher at Vassar for some time. She was
married in Avon, Oakland County, October 8,
18G4, to Mr. Ela Cole, who lived but a few months
after their marriage. He was born in New Y'ork,
was orphaned when quite young and came to Mt.
Vernon, Macomb County, in his youth. He w.is
in the employ of the Peninsular Iron Company of
Detroit and the trusted employe of .Tohn and Hiram
Burt until his decease. He was called hence Sept-
tember 20, 1.SG5.
When left a widov.-, Mrs. Cole returned to her
old home and resumed the professional work she
had laid aside after her marriage. During the years
of 1867 and 1808 she was located in Flint as resi-
dent agent for the G rover & Baker Sewing Machine
Company. In 18G9 she came to St. John's and in
partnership with Miss Holcomb opened up milli-
nery under the firm name of Cole it Holcomb. After
ten years of uninterrupted business, the firm sold
their stock to .1. Hicks it Co., Mrs. Cole taking the
entire charge of this department for twelve years.
Her healtli being affected b.y close application in
business, she spent a few months in travel for
rest and recuperation, after which she returned and
took charge of the millinerj- department in the es-
tablishment of Hicks & Kniffin, which position she
occupied for four years. She again opened busi-
ness for herself in the si)ring of 1881 and in the
fall of the same j'ear. Miss Clara IvroU became her
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
519
partner. In June, 1885, the parlnersliii) was dis-
solved by tiic death of Miss Kroll and again Airs.
Cole carried on the business alone. In 1890 the
present firm was established, U. M. Steel entering
into liie business.
Mrs. Cole has shown herself to be possessed of
energy and business ability, and tlie refined tastes
that are so necessary in carrying on an establisl)-
ment which turns out work'caiculated to enhance the
comeliness of its jiatrons. As a teaeiier she had an
excellent reputation, and in her connection with
the social interests of St John's, she is advancing
the welfare of others. Personally- she is cultured
and affable, with manners that are pleasing to all
with whom she comes in contact, and a character
that makes her a choice friend. She is a member
of the Woman's Uelief Corps, is Past Counselor of
the Chosen Friends, and holds office in the P'rater-
nal (Guardians. Were she to vote she would use a
Republican ballot, as she is well grounded in In Ucf
in the justice of the principles of that party.
I^RANCIS E. PIUIDV. The energetic gen-
tleman who is proprietor of the cream-
ery and also general merchant in Morrico
and who has attained such prominence in the com-
munity and has been so successful in his business,
was born June 1;), 1841, in the place where lie now
resides. His father was Josiah Purd3% a farmer
in New York, who came here during the '30s with
only his strength of determination and a fine con-
stitution with which to conquer the many difficul-
ties that were in the way of a pioneer settler.
Coming to this State in the '30s, he entered
some land from the Government, upon which the
town of Morrice now stands. He made the journey
thither from his native State before the days of
railroads through the woods with a team. Clear-
ing a small space in the mid.stof his clain), he built
himself a log cabin. The trail ran just in front of
his little log house so that his most frequent guests
were the Indians, who, though generally friendly,
had to be kept at arm's length, because of tbeir
native treachery and begging proclivities. Those
were the days in which the deer were perfectly at
home in the forest. Bears also -A-ere to be had for
the killing and many are the interesting and thrill-
ing stories in which the father of our subject re-
counts his experiences wiih the larger beasts of
prey. The bears especially caused him much trouble
by killing his pigs and they had to be bunted
most assiduously.
For a short time Josiah Purdy resided at Pon-
tiac. Returning to Morrice he cleared a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres where he died at the
age of seventy-two years. As a boy he helped to
lay out some of the roads in the township. He
married Diantha Hartwell, a native of New York.
With her he reared seven children — Horace, Lav-
inia, Francis E., Lucretia, Preston, Loran and Ar-
mina. Mr. Purdy was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, while his wife was an adherent of
the Baptist persuasion. They both took active
parts in their respective churches. The mother of
the family died at the age of sixty-five.
As a child, our subject attended the pioneer
schools, which meant that he went two and a half
miles to learn the three /'s in a little log house
where a private school was kept by a Mrs. Allen.
The little log house was also Mrs. Allen's residence
and after the breakfast of bacon and bear's meat
with such vegetables :is would support hearty pion-
eer men, the little house was swept and garnished
and the slab benches with short i)egs so that the
smaller pupils' feet coulil touch the earthen tloor,
were ranged against the wall. These were the
days of the birch rod, though deponent sayelh not
whether Mrs. Allen was a severe mistress, but each
little pupil w.as before her ej'c and if the quill pens
scratched or made blots she knew the reason why.
After getting such an education as could be ac-
quired here the original of our sketch began life
for himself at the age of twenty-one.
The war coming on soon after our subject
reached his majority, he declared himself for ab-
olition and the (iovernment by enlisting, August
9, 1862, in Company H, I'wenty-third Michigan
Infantry, where he served three years. All the
horrors of war were cxi)erienced during those four
terrible years. He was a participator in the battle
of Campbell Station where the point of his nose
520
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
was shot off, a piece of shell passing into his mouth ;
so seriously injured was he that he was laid up in
the hospital at Knosville for some time. After
recovering sufBciently he joined his regiment at
.Strawberry Plains, after which he w.is in llie battle
at Resaea, Atlanta and in Sherman's campaign.
Wliile there he was under Gen. Thomas' command.
He was also in the battle at Johnsboro, Ga.. Frank-
lin, Tenn., Nashville, and w.is mustered out in the
month of Jul}-, 1865. He now rceives a pension
of $12 per month. After Mr. Purdy left the arm^-
he returned to Morrice and farmed for five years.
About this time stock-raising was a business
which offered great inducemeDts, and the plains of
Nebraska with their waving acres of the best native
grass afforded amjile pasturage for any amount of
stock. Here Mr. Purdy cast his lines for the next
eleven years, going to North Piatt. Tlie Indians
were just beginning to be hostile, made so by tlie
encroachments of the whites, who they began to fear
were depriving them of their natural inlieritance.
Mr. Purdy built a fort and on iiis farm the neigh-
bors in the vicinity used to gather when the In-
dians were tlireatening. It was not an unusual
occurrence to see a vast herd of buffalo passing
over the rolling plains to the salt licks, and our
subject found exciting diversion in hunting the
noble animal that has now become almost extinct.
Our subject returned from North Piatt to Morrice
in the year 1882, and purchased a farm of forty
acres, one-half mile east of town, making his resi-
dence on the farm.
The creamery which is conducted by ihe gentle-
man whose name heads our sketch was established
by iiira in company with Mr. Goss in 1888, but
our subject now runs it alone having bought out
Mr. Goss. The number of pounds of butter made
per day in the creamery has been as high as one
thousand and of so delicious a quality is it
tliat it finds a ready market at home as well as
abro.id. Mr. Purd3' is the owner of a fine store.
It is a large frame building in whicii general mer-
chandise is sold.
In 1860 our subject took the important step of
uniting himself for better or worse to Miss Mary
E. Davis. She was born in 1841. By her he be-
came the father of one child, who reached the age
of four months. His first wife dying in 1874, Mr.
Purdy married Miss Mary E. Lake, who was born
in New York State. By her he has two children,
named respectively, Egbert L. and Lulu D. They
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and Mr. Purdy is a Republican in politics. The
communit}' has conferred upon our subject tlie
greatest honors that are within its power to give.
He has most acceptably- filled the position of Treas-
urer in the village and has also been Councilman.
He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees.
It is not sur|)rising to learn of the success of so
energetic a man as is our subject. A careful,
prudent, far-seeing man and endowed by nature
with all tlic qualities that insure success, his intel-
ligence and sense of high principles have adiled to
his pecuniar}' success the gratifying assurance of
tiie esteem of his fellow-townsmen.
(??^% IDNEY D. PARKS owns and occupies a
well-developed farm on section 23, Dallas
Township, and has from his early life been
identified with the interests of Clinton
County. The icader is referred to the biographical
sketch of Samuel H. Parks for information legard-
ing his parents and the surroundings amid whicli
he grew to maturity. He was born in Oakland
County, in 1841) and was twoyears of age when his
parents came to Clinton County. He pursued his
studies in the common-school, working with and
for his father during his youth, and growing to a
sturdy and vigorous manhood. February 15, 1864,
he entered the service as a member of Company- A,
Twenty-third Michigan Infantry' and during the
ensuing year and a half took part in man}' skirmishes
and fought at the battles of Franklin, Nashville
Town Creek. Altoona and Rome. He was honor-
ablj' discharged August 7, 1865, and returned to
the duties of civil life witii renewed ardor.
Mr. Parks returned to the old home and remained
there until his niarri.age, December 24. 1868, when
he established himself on forty acres of land he had
bought. To this property he subsequently added
sixty acres, and he placed the whole in good con-
^^aadSSg^g^^
IJ-Uj^GA c/ /^ixOiMv^r-y^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
523
dition by means of hard work and good manage-
ment, lie cleared and broke much of the acreage
anil [nil up all the buildings that now stand upon
the estate. The i)art of his farm _on which lie re-
sides has been occupied by him since 187.1. Mr.
Parks has never aspired to public office but has
often been oflfered positions of trust. He votes tiie
Republican ticket. He is a member of tiie United
Friends, No. 19, at Fowler.
The lad}- who presides over tlie domestic affairs
at the home of Mr. Parks was known in licr maiden-
hood as Miss Elizabeth Van Gieson, daughter of
Marcelius Van Gieson, and llitir marriage was
solemnized in Clinton County at the liome of
our subject's brother. Mrs. Parks is a well-in-
formed, pleasant lady, who is an excellent neigh-
bor and faithful frieuil. .She is the mother of two
daughters. Letlie, the first-born, died when ten
years and eleven months old ; Augusta is now a
young lady seventeen years of age.
i^=-—
S^"
^j^ KORGE P. MATTOON. Tliis gentleman is
ill g=j identified with the vast army of farmers
^^J! who are doing so much to enhance the pros-
peiity of the State of Michigan and whose homes
attest to their enjoj'ment of the material comforts
which they gain and the advantages afforded by
modern civilization. He has also a close sym-
pathy with and for soldiers, having himself endured
hardsliip and braved danger on Southern battle-
fields during the late Civil War. His military
record can be pointed to with pride by his poster-
ity and his character is one worthy to be iiehl up
as a model to those who succeed him. His home is
on section .30, Greenbush Township, and his farm
of sixty acres is as carefully and intelligenily tilled
as any in Clinton County.
Gershom and Nancy L. (Woodruff) Mattoon,
the parents of our subject, were born respectively
in New York and New Jersey. They made their
home in the Empire State for some years, but in
184G emigrated to Michigan and establisiied them-
selves in Shiawassee County. Several years later
they removed to Clinton County and the father
died here on Christmas Day, 1886. The widowed
mother is now past four-score years of age and
resides in St. John's.
Our subject is the eldesi of the surviving chil-
dren in the parental family, the others being Sarah
C, wife of Edmund Reynolds, living in Shiawas-
see Count}-; Nancy M., who married John Hall and
lives in St. John's; Gershom, whose home is in
Shiawassee County: and Vincent S. and Erastus J.,
wlio live in St. Jolin's; George P. was born in
Morris County, N. J., July 8, 18.32, and was four-
teen years old when with the other members of the
family he carae to this State. From his boyhood
he has spent his time chiefly in farming, but has
done carpenter work at odd spells. Being the eld-
est son of a poor man, he was obliged to assist his
father in laboring for the support of tiie family and
his educational advantages were therefore limited.
He attended scliool but little after he came to this
State.
It was in December, 1863, that Mr. Mattoon en-
tered the Union arm}- as a private in Company I,
Twenty-seventh Micliigan Infantry. He was first
sent to join the Western army, but later became an
integral ])art of the Army of the Potomac. It was
his fortune to take part in several hard-fought con-
tests as well as in the usual line of skirmishes and
the dangerous duties of a picket. Mr. Mattoon
participated in the terrible battles in the Wilder-
ness and the list of heavy engagements in which he
took part also includes Spotlsylvania Court House,
Cold Harbor, Belhesda Church and Petersburg,
During the siege of the last-named place he was se-
verely wounded and for six months he w;is ( (Mifiiud
to the hospital. After passint; through nmny d; n-
gerous scenes, he was honorably di.-ir'jwirged. .Inly
26, 1865, and laying aside his arms, took np once
more the implements of his iieaci'ful wm-fare
against unproductive vegetation.
The lady who presides over the domeslifi jiflfairs
in the home of Mr. Mattoon became his wife .Sep.
tember 16, 1866. She was born in Wayne Counlv,
tills State, April 9, l.SJl, and bore the maiden name
of Ilannali M. Armstrong. Her parents. Harvey
and .Susan B. (Norris) Armstrong, were natives of
the Empire State. Aliont 1857 they came from
Wayne to Clinton County, locating in Biiigliaui
524
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Township, where tbey were early settlers. They
had a large family, those who arc now living being
Sarah C, wife of S. R. Burbauk, of Olive Township;
Eliza, wife of Amos Armstrong, living in Bing-
ham Townsliip; Elmira, who married R. Ely and
lives in Livingston County; Ilonry, whose home is
in Gratiot County ; Amy A., wife of J. Marshall, of
Newaygo County; and Mrs. Mattoon. To our sub-
ject and bis wife there have been born two daugh-
ters, who are named respectively Clara L. and Lizzie
J. Husband and wife are held in esteem by their
acquaintances, and with their chihlren take an ac-
tive part in the social movemrnts of the neighbor-
hood. Politically Mr. Mattoon is a Republican.
On account of disability incurred wliile in ilie ser-
vice of his country, he is receiving a pension of
$12 per month. He and his wife belong to *he
Methodist Episcopal Church.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Mattoon will be
found on the opposite page.
•^^
IP\)YRON 8. KNAPP, M. D. Among the
1^^! leading physicians who are prosecuting pro-
I^EM) I ^'Pssional labors in Owosso may well be
^^=1^ mentioned Dr. Knapp, who has a fine city
practice and a country ride that consumes much
lime. He gives his preference to homeopathy,
believing it the most philosophical school of medi-
cine and the manner in which he carries out its
principles commends it to others. He is a close
student of human nature in every particular which
bears upon disease and its cure, diagnoses acuratel^'
and is skillful in his treatment.
The paternal ancestors of Dr. Knapp were from
Holland and during the past few generations lived
in the East. His grandfather, Ebcnezer Knapp,
was born in the Empire Stale and so too was his
father, Harry Knapp. The latter was born in
Greenbush, Rensselaer Count}-, April 12, 1808, and
went to Ontario County when sixteen years old.
There he grew to manhood and married MissLillcss
Simmons, a native of New York, whose father,
Ephraim Simmons, was born in Massacliusetts.
The maiden name of her mother was Bowcn. The
Simmons family is of English stock. Mr. Knapp
was a cooper and followed his trade in his native
State until October, !8;55, when he removed to
Michigan, settling in Washtenaw County. He then
gave his attention largely to general farming, occu-
P3'ing rural property until his disease, which
occurred in 1860. A widow and seven children
survived him and six of tlie latter are still living.
Dr. Knapp was born on the farm in Washtenaw
County, not far from Ann Arbor, February 10,
1845. He passed his boyhood in his native county,
attending the district school and bearing such part
as was suitable in the home work. He continued
his studies in the I'nion School in Ann Arbor and
after completing the course there entered the Stale
University and for two j'cars was a diligent worker
in the medical department. He next entered the
Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, from
which he was graduated .Tune 25, 1874. Coming
at once to Shiawassee Count}' he opened an office at
Byron where he carried on his work until August,
1882. He then removed to Owosso where he soon
had a good practice, which has increased from year
to year and now occupies his time quite fully.
Dr. Knapp was first married to Miss Martha
Webster of Washtenaw County, who died childless.
October 27, 1878, he brought to his home a second
wife, formerly Miss Nellie J. Hadsall of Byron,
Shiawassee County, but who was born in Pennsyl-
vania, whence her parents. Perry and Kmma
(Bailey) Hadsall, had come. This union lias been
blest by the birth of two children, a bright boy and
girl bearing the respective names of Carl .1. and
Hazel. The powers of their minds are being de-
veloped and their parents take great interest in
their growth in learning and in their increasing
courtesy and strength of character.
Politically, Dr. Kn.ipp is strongly in sj'mpathy
with the Prohibition movement. The only social
order with which he is connected is Masonry, but
he belongs to several lodges — Owosso, No. 81, b\
& A. M., Owosso Chapter, No. 89, R. A. M., and
Fenton Commandery, No. 14, K. T. He belongs
to the Saginaw Valle}' Medical Society and the
State Homeopathic Medical Society, and through
their means and by a constant use of medical
journals keeps himself abreast of the limes in pro-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
525
fessional knowledge and interest. He and bis wife
are members in good standipo; of the Methodist
Episcopal Church anil he is a-nienibeiof tlie Board
of Stewards and Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
rtl Ifc D. UNDP^RWOOD. The owner of the
\/\//l ^^^^^ located on section 13, New Haven
VSy Township. Shiawassee County, was born in
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, March 24, 1841. His fa-
ther was Edmunii Underwood, a farmer and shoe-
maker by trade, and a native of Massachusetts in
whicli State lie w.as born in 1803. He had the ad-
vantages of a common-sciiool education and after
leaving school learned the shoemaker's trade. In
1824, he married Maria Arnold, who was horn in
Connecticut about April, 1803. Not long after
their marriage the young couple went to Ohio about
the jear 1833, where they purchased twenty acres
of land in Cuyahoga County. They remained in
Ohio for thirty-six years, when they sold their farm
and came to this State, locating in New Haven
Township where they purchased forty acres on
section 13.
Edmund Underwood had six children — three
daughters and three sons, of whom our subject is
the j'oungest. The parents of this famil}' were
Wesleyan Methodists, of which body the father
was Steward. In politics he was a Republican.
Our subject's mother died in 1879, and the father
in 1886. They were both interred at West Haven.
He of whom we write received a common-school
education. When about seventeen years of age he
learned the carpenter's trade at which he worked
tor nine years in Ohio.
Mr. Underwood came to Michigan and located
on the farm that he had purchased two years
previously while on a hunting trip. This pur-
chase comprised eighty acres of whicli he sold
forty and then bought forty acres on section 14,
but in turn sold this and again purchased on sec-
lion 13, where he at present resides. In 1860 he
was united in marriage to Abby Morse, a daughter
of Charles and Sarah (Payne) Morse, natives of
Maine. The family was composed of two sous and
five daughters, of whom Abby is the third child
and third daughter. She was born December 3,
1842.
Mr. and Mrs. LTndcrwood have liad six children,
whose names are, Adell R., Charles E., Everett C,
Lucian O., Herbert P. and Blanche M. Charles E.
is married and lives in Owosso, his home being
gladdened by the advent of one little daugh-
ter; Everett is married and lives in New Haven;
Lucian is married and lives in Ovvosso. Mrs.
Underwood is a communicant in the AVesleyan
Methodist Church. Our subject is a Patron of In-
dustry and is a member of A'ernon Tent, No. 337,
K. O. T. M.
In politics Mr. Underwood was a Republican
until 1884. He served for several terms as High-
way Commissioner and was elected Township
Treasurer, in which capacity he served for two
terms. He has now given his allegiance to the
Prohibition party and has been elected on that
ticket .Justice of the Peace, which ofHce he is now
(1891) tilling. He is greatly interested in the
work of his party and goes as delegate to all the
conventions. In regard to his fanning our subject
pays most attention to the breeding of stock,
p.articularly favoring Short-horn cattle, of which
he now has eight head, all registered oi eligible to
be registered. In 1886 he began to breed Berk-
shire swine and in 1888 he introduced Shropshire
sheei), of which he has seventeen head, all regis-
tered or eligible to registiy.
RED. F. MURDOCK, proprietor of the
Murdock Granite & Marble Works at St.
John's, is as prosperous a vdung busi-
ness man as the county seat boasts. He carries a
complete sto(^k of marble, with fine varieties of
granite, and keeps a force of from five to ten meji
employed in the shop, and two on the road. He
sends out fine work, which is produced from the
material in the rough, as he understands marble-
working from that point. He is himself a fine
workman and for some time devoted his ntlriilion
entirely to fancy carving. He was born at Dexter,
526
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Washtenaw County, September 26, 1856, and is, as
his name denotes, of Scotch descent. His grand-
parents came from Scotland to M.':ssachusctts ai:d
later removed to this State, being among the
earliest settlers in Ypsilanti. Grandfatiier Mur-
dock was a man of cultured mind and even when
he had passed the age of ciglity years was able to
write a good hand and deliver an interesting ser-
mon. He had the trade of a miller, but had taken
up work as a city missionary of the Presbyterian
faith. He labored in Louisville, Ky., for years
and died there when eighty-two years old.
Samuel W. Murdock, father of Fred. F., was
born in Massachusetts and was quite young when
brought to Ypsilanti. He learned the jeweler's trade
in Rochester, N. Y., when all kinds of jewelery
were made by hand, and for upwards of forty
years was enagaged in tiie jewelry business in Dex-
ter, this State. He was an expert mechanic in both
gold and silver, and a prominent member of tlie
community. In politics he was a Republican and
his religious home was in the Congregational
Church. He died in the fall of 1882; his widow is
still living in Dexter. She bore the maiden name
of Mary McCagg, was born in Lockport, N. Y.,
and is a daughter of John McCagg, a native of the
Empire State, whose last years were spent in In-
diana. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Murdoek was
quite a large one and six of their sons and daugh-
ters lived to maturity. Fred is the youngest son,
but has two sisters younger than liimself.
He of whom we write remained in his native
place until he was eighteen years of age and dur-
ing tiie time attended the lower and higli schools
and also did much work in the business establish-
ment of his father. At the age noted he began
an apprenticeship at marble cutting in Ypsilanti
and after three and a half years there went to
Albion to become foreman and manager of Ira W.
Reed's Marble Works, ile was in charge of the
jards three and a half years then spent some time
in Marshall, where he confined himself entirely to
the finer kinds of cutting. In 1879 he engaged in
business in St. Louis, Oratiot County, as a member
of tlie firm <>f .Murdoek & Martin. This company
started the pioneer marblu works in tiial place, but
after a time the business changed hands and until
1885 was carried on by Murdoek Bros. That year
the partnershij) was dissolved and the assets divid-
ed, and while the Itrother kept on there our sub-
ject brought a part of the stock to St. John's. He
is doing a Que business and deriving a ver}' satis-
factory income from the work which he carries on
with so much enterprise and good judgment.
At the head of the household aflfairs in the happy
home of Mr. Jlurdock is the lady who became his
wife January 1, 1883. The ceremony was per-
formed in St. Louis, near which place the bride was
born. She bore the maiden name of Ida Baker
and is a daughter of M. H. Baker, an early settler
in Gratiot County. Mr. and Mrs. Murdoek have
one child, a son, Eugene. Mr. Murdoek is a Knight
of the Maccabees and his religious home is in the
Congregational Church. He is a member of the
State Marl>leand Granite Dealers' Association. In
politics he is a Republican and he has represented
the local part}' as a delegate to county conventions.
He possesses personal traits that render him very
popular and as a citizen he is public-spirited and
alwa^'s to be relied upon.
-^
ft-^ KIRK WHITE. The newspaper field
I affords an opportunity for the display of
y^^ talent and the exercise of the powers of the
i^j mind, that is scarcely known in any other
line of life. He who succeeds in this line must
have business tact of a high order, and if his in-
fluence is to be wide and deep, he must possess
qualities of character that are sterling and true.
It is therefore high praise to speak of a man as a
successful editor. Without flattcrj* this can l)e said
of the subject of this sketch, who is eilitor and
proprietor of the Owosso Press in which he suc-
ceeded J. H. Champion & Co., who had carried on
the paper twenty- four years. The Press is an eight-
page paper, 15x22 inches, and is the oldest journal
in the county. It is the oidy sheet pasted and
trimmed in the county, and the oul_v Democratic
organ and its utterances on politics are fearless and
frank. It is neatly and well printed, the press and
olBce occupying two floors and the rooms being
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
527
tlic best equippt'ii in the county. Tlin prinliriE; is
done on a Taylor cylinder press and a .Sluneniilz
folder trims, pastes and folds the paper. Included
in the plf ntare two job presses and a gas engine.
Mr. White was born in Owosso June 21, 18C3,
and is the onl}- son of Krastus and Anna A.
(Mallier") White. His mother was born in ^'ernl()nt
August 3, 1830, and was the daughter of Rufus
Mather of the same State. She traced her descent
in a straight line from Cotton Mather, the noted
minister of Colonial limes. The father of our sub-
ject was born in Massachusetts March 30, 1828,
and was a son of Adriel White. For a time he
carried on a retail furniture business in IJrattie-
boro. Vt., where he was raarrieil April 13, 1853. In
1856 he came to Owosso and started a plauing-niill
in company with his brolliers Wellington and
Pliiletus I)., under the stj le of White Bros. Tlie
firm ofierated foi- a number of 3'ears, then sold out
to Woodard Bros., and Erastus White finally went
to Manhattan, Kan., where he is making his homo
with a daughter and living a somewhat retired life.
The subject of this si<fttcli attended the public
schools in Owosso and was gracluated in the High
School class of '83, receiving two (liplomas one
in Latin and one in the scientific course. The next
year he entered the State I'niversily from which he
was graduated in the class of '88 wiih the degree
of Bachelor of Philosophy. While in school he
was managing editor of the I'nivcrsit}' Chronicli'
and after comi)leting his classical course he became
Superintendent of the schools in Fenton. He . re-
tained the position two ye.irs, then ahanduned the
pedagogical field for that of journalism, ;iiid in
September, 1800, purchasc<l the Owosso J'ress. 'I'liis
sheet is issued on Wednesday' of each wceU an<l in
its management Mr. White is finding sutlicient use
for his talents and occupation for his time.
Mr. White was married .June 27. 1889 to Miss
Ida Belle Durkoe. She is a native of this State,
and having lived in Owosso for some years is well
known in the best society here. She and her l.'us-
band belong to the F'irst Baptist Church and Mr.
White is Treasurer of the society. A stanch Dem-
ocrat, he is Chairman of the Cil}' Democratic
Committee and is one of the most efficient workers
in the local ranks. He was elected by the Board of
Supervisors June, 1801, County School Kxaminer
fur the term of two 3'cars. Mv. and Mrs. White
occupy a pleasant residence where the housewifely
skill and refined tastes of Mrs. White are manifest,
and to which the intelligence and social (jualitiesof
the wife attract an interesting circle.
,ii. li.^ W. WARNER, one of the early settlers
of Hazelton Townsfiip, Shiawassee County,
and a son of William H. Warner, a native
of Farminglon, Conn., resides on section 27, where
he has a highly cultivated farm. His father is of
English descent, and was born July 5,- 1792. He
was a cooper by trade and later in life pursued the
calling of a farmer. He married Polly Oill, a
native of I'reble. Cortland County, N. Y., who was
born May 10, 1797. The paternal grandfather of
our subject was a hero in the Revolutionary War
and freely gave his services for the defence of In-
dependence.
After their marriage in Nevv York State, the
parents of our subject resided there for a number
of years and in 1825 lemoved to Pennsylvania
where they settled in Potter County on a farm
which was all wild land. They improved the farm
and put it in a good state of cultivation. Three
children were granted to them two of whom are
now living. The father took an interest in politics
and belonged to the Democratic party. He held
the ollice of Justice of the Peace and all other
township offices, was a prominent man in his neigh-
liorlLood and became County Commissioner, lie
was a member of the rnivcrsali^t Church. His
death occurred Novenilicr 1,1.S() f , ami his wife <lied
.January 10, 1877.
Our subject was the second cliilil in this family
and was born August 11, 1824 in Preble, Cortland
County. N Y. He received a common-school
education and remained at home until he reached
llie age of Iwentv-onc years, learning the trade of
a carpenter and joiner, in addition to the usual
duties of a farm boy. He was united in marriage
with Susan Latta, January 14, 1 S50.
This lady is a daughter of William .1. and Sarah
528
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
(White) Latta, natives of New York and Pennsylv-
ania respectively. The paternal grandfather .James
Latta, a native of Ireland, came to America when
a h(>y with his parents and married Sarali Jacivson,
a native of the Eimpiie State. He was a soldier in
the AVar of 1812, and the maternal grandfather
John White, a Pennsylvanian, fought in the Revolu-
tionary War. The parents of Mrs. Warner were
married in New York and moved to Penns^ivania
in 1836, settling in Potter County on a farm ad-
joining Mr. Warner's. Thus their young people
grew up together and their long acquaintance fitted
them for a harmonious companionship. Mrs. Latta
was a member of the Methodist P^piscopal Church.
She was born March 5, 1796 and died August 15,
1869. Mr. Latta was in his political preferences a
Democrat. He was born August 28, 1792 and died
March 5, 1881. Tliey were the parents of nine
children, two of whom are still living.
Mrs. Warner had iier Dativit3', December 21,
1821 in Steuben County, N. Y., and there received
a district school education. After her marriage to
Mr. Warner, they remained in Pennsylvania and
he worked for some time at iiis trade. In the fall
of 1852 they started West, going to Detroit and
from there to Pontiae by railroad, reaching Flint
by stage and then by ox-team traveling to Shiaw-
assee County, they settled in Hazelton Township,
on section 34. There were then but eight men in
this township and only one of those is now living.
The new farm was entirely unbroken and Indians
and wild game abounded. They had a capital of
^600 when they started fiom Pennsylvania and
with that they had to buy everything they liad to
cat, wear and use for some time. At that tfTne he
could not get an opportunity for a d.iy's work.
Corunna was the nearest town and it was twelve
miles away.
Mr. Warner built a board shanty and housed his
family and then began clearing the land with
which he progressed slowlj'. He bongiit eighty
acres of hind and dug the first well in tlie township.
Bolli he and his wife suffered from ague. After
clearing off seventy acres of land he built the
house and barn which now appears upon the farm.
Two children blessed this pioneer home, William
L. born August 10, 1854, who married Lena
Largen and lives at Monette, Mo.; they have three
children. George W. born February 9, 1859,
mairied Emma Fuller and has two children; they
live on the homestead. Our subject is connected
with the Masonic order and takes an interest in
politics being a Democrat in his views. He has
been the Township Treasurer and for many j'ears
Justice of the Peace, and has filled the offices of
Supervisor and Township Clerk. Mr. and Mrs.
Warner have now retired from active work and
for several years she has been an invalid. They
have lived here now for thirtj'-nine 3'ears and have
seen this country grow from its rough condition
when wild cats abounded, venison was the princi-
pal meat and ox-teams the only means of convey-
ance, to its present prosperous and populous condi-
tion, having every facility for railroad travel and
connection b^- the great lines of the Lelegraph with
every part of the world.
W
iMLLIAM D. and ARTHUR GARRISON,
who constitute the firm of Garrison Bros.,
*J^ are among the most prominent business
men of Shiawassee County, and probably control a
larger amount of the business of Vernon than any
other two residents of that place. Their extensive
interests have made them widely known and their
sketch will therefore be received with interest by
many of our readers.
William Garrison, tlie father of the brothers,
was born in New Jersej', in 1803, and when a
young man went to New York, settling in Seneca
County, where he met and married JMiss Mary
Pinne3', a native of the Empire State, born in 1 806.
After three years, .accompanied by his wife, he emi-
grated Westward, locating in Oakland County, in
1836. A year later he took up his residence on
section 7, Vernon Township, Shiawassee County,
in a little log cabin situated in the midst of eighty
acres of unimproved land. He at once began
clearing and developing a farm and there made a
good home which continued to be his place of resi-
dence until his death, which occurred in 1858.
His wife died four years previous. They were
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
529
leading citizens of tiic cuminunily, respected hy all
wlio knew llieiu, and took an active part in public
aflfairs. They were one of three families who or-
>;anized the first Congregational Cliurcii in ^\■rnon.
For many 3'ears Mr. Garrison served as .lustice of
the Pe.ace, and was Treasurer of the Township.
( )ne of nature's noblemen, he iiad man}- friends,
but few, if aii3', enemies. All who knew him re-
spected and honored him.
In the Garrison famil)- were six children, two
of whom died in infancy, W. D., the senior mem-
ber of the firm of Garrison Bros., is third in order
of birth and the eldest child now living. He was
born in Seneca County N. Y., August 9, 183.5, and
was about two j'ears old when his parents came
with their family to Michigan. His education was
acquired in the district schools of the neighborhood
and in Vernon. When a young man he learned
the carpenter's trade, which ho followed for four
years, but during the greater part of his life he has
engaged in mercantile pursuits. In March, 1857,
he formed a partnership with Milo Harrington, and
the firm establsihcd a general merchandise store in
a small building near the Detroit, Grand Haven
and Milwaukee depot, buiafter about eight months
Mr. Garrison sold out to his partner, who continued
the business. Arthur (iarrison is a native of this
Stale, his birth having occurred in Oakland Coun-
ty on the 2Cth of .September, 1837. His liter-
ary education was also acquired in the public
schools and under the parental roof he was reared
to manhood. On the first of March, 1859, a part-
nership was formed between tl'.e two brothers under
the firm name of W. 1). iV- A. Garrison. Their
stock of general merchandise was displa^'ed for
sale in a one-story wooden building, which occu-
pied the present site of .M. D. Rhodes' hardware
store. .Some time later Arthur sold out to his
brother and engaged in other business. Subse-
quently, however, he returned to ^'erno!l and built
and occupied a store on the site of their presiMil
building. There were then two Garrison stores in
the place, hut eventually a second partnership was
formed and \V. I), moved his goods into Arthur's
store. In the month of April, 1872, a disastrous
fire occurred in Vernon, nearly the whole of the
business portion of the town being destroyed. The
(Jarrison Bros, store and much of the stock of
goods was burned to ashes, but with characteristic
energy these gentlemen secured a room and on the
ne.\t day were .again selling goods. They soon had
a temporary store erected, and almost immediately
work was commenced on the front part of their
present building, which was ready for occupancy
the same fall. The store was of brick, 3Gx 70 feet,
and three stories high with abasement, but so rap-
idly did the business increase that their quarters
were found insuflicient. and in 1880, the rear end of
the building was taken out and the store tnade 30
feet longer. At present its dimensions are 3GxlOO
feet, and the firm occupies the entire three stories
which tivv filled with a complete line of dry goods,
groceries, carpets, cnjckeiy, boots and shoes, etc.
The building is warmed b3' steam and lighted with
gas, has every modern convenience anil is so com-
plete in its appointments that it would grace many
a city much larger than Vernon.
In 1858, W. D. Garrison was united in maiiiago
with Miss J;inct Paine, who was born in Orleans
County, N. Y. in 1836, and is the ehlest daughter
of J. W. and Eliza (Hill) Paine. I'nto them have
been born five children, four sons and a daughter,
of whom two are living. William is blind. He
graduated from a blind institute, of Boston, Mass.,
and is now married and has one child, Glenn.
Charles B. graduated from Ann Arbor Univer-
sity in 1890. Krankie, Claude and Maud died
when young. Mr. Garrison, the father, is a Knight
Templar Mnson, belonging to Vernon Lodge, No.
21, A. V. & A. M.
We have before stated that the firm of Garrison
Bros, is the leading business firm (jf N'ernon. In
addition to their mercantile interests they own and
operate a grain elevator, a roller process flouring
mill and a creamery, and in connection with the latter
is a commodious refrigerator which gives them
extra facilities for preserving butter, eggs and
poultry'. In 1888, the business done by the firm
anounled to upwards of *I90,()()0. They paid out
during the year, over %4,300, for freight bills; they
bought 5,700 bushels of wheat for which they
paid ii!5 1,000; bought 30,000 bushels of oats, pay-
ing for the same, <(7,800; 1.475 bushels of clover
seed, paying ^7, 78G; they bought and made 152. MIO
530
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM-
pounds of butter, valued at 130,200; bought 38,000
pounds of poultry, at $3,250; bought 80,250 dozen
eggs, at a cost of $14,000; the sales of the store
amounted to 157,256; and the estimated mill sales
were |! 15,400. After giving the above figures, it
seems superfluous to mention anything about the
business ability of tlie Garrison Bros. It takes
enterprise, industry, perseverance and good man-
agement to build up such a business as they now
control. In every branch of industry which they
have undertaken they liave met with success and
their prosperity is justly deserved. Their dealings
with their fellow-men have ever been marked witli
courteous treatment and the strictest integrity.
Tliey iiave the confidence and good will of all with
whom they have come in contact, are widely known
in business circles throughout the State and have a
reputation for fairness which has won them the
respect wiiich is justly their due. In addition to
his other interests, W. D. Garrison is connected
with tlie First National Bank of Corunna, Mich,
as its President and Director.
-^ -•#-£# "—
BENJAMIN B. HARDY. The name of this
gentleman is well known in Shiawassee
County and the surrounding country, as
tliat of a man much interested in the breed-
ing of fine stock, particularly of the noted Holstein
cattle. He is located sis miles south of Owosso in
Bennington Township, on a farm consisting of two
hundred and sixty acres, upon which many im-
provements have been made and convenient ar-
rangements for the carrying on of tiie work to whicli
the owner gives his attention. Conspicuous among
the farm buildings is a barn 50x75 feet, placed
with tlie side to the road with a wing forty-five
feet square. Mr. Hardy breeds Clydesdale horses,
Poland-China hogs and tlioroughbred sheep, but
his chief dependence is upon cattle, whicli he began
breeding nine years ago, and which he has exhib-
ited at local fairs, and always with excellent re-
sults.
The patronymic of the family was originally Mc-
Hardy, but the prefix was droi)ped during the early
life of our subject's father. That gentleman, John
Hardy, was left an orphan when about seven years
old, and lived with a family named Kellogg, and
was reared under their care in Ohio. He married
Esther Chapin, a native of Massachusetts, but at the
time of their marriage a resident of Ohio. They
reared eleven children, seven of whom are now liv-
ing, but Benjamin is the only one in this State. He
was was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, Novem-
ber 7, 1836, and remained at home until he was al-
most of age, assisting his father in dairy work, and
working out by the month, his time being given
him. He spent a year thus engaged in Wisconsin,
then returned to his native State and carried on a
farm until 1866, when lie removed to this State and
settled on his present farm Januarj' 22. At that
time there were but forty acres cleared, and the
only building on the tract was a small log house.
Mr. Hardy bought this propert_y in 1864, i)aying
120 per acre, those being days of high prices when
wheat comrnautled $2.60 per bushel.
Mr. Hardy has a sugar- bush of one thousand
trees, from which he manufactures nearly one thou-
sand pounds of choice sugar each season. He has
a sugar-house especially prepared for this work.
He has a herd of twenty-three thoroughbred Hol-
stein cattle, the chief being "Winona Jumbo," No.
1 581 1 . It is a fine animal that was bred by W. K.
Sexton, of Holly. Mr. Hardy is also the owner of
the noted "Shiawassee," which was bred by Forbes,
of Slockbridge, and which weighed twenty-three
hundred iwunds when three years old, and took two
premiums. In the herd there are also the four-
year-olil cow, '-Anna," which gives forty quarts of
milk daily, and the three-year-old heifer "Deraxa,"
that weighed fourteen hundred pounds when two
years old. Mr. Hardy keeps animals of the Neth-
crland and Alexander families, that are noted for
their fine looks and their excellent milking and
beef qualities, as well as for the ease of their keep-
ing.
December 21, 1865, the interesting ceremony
was performed that made Miss Eleanor Marshall
Mrs. 15. B. Hardy. The bride was born in Ashta-
bula County, Ohio, September 12, 1842, where her
marriage took place. Her parents were Willard
and Mary (Cheney) Marshall. To her judicious
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
533
manngeinent of Iiousehold oxpenditurcs and lier
synipath}- and counsel, .Mr. Hard}' owes a measure
of his success in life, as when they began working
together they liad no capital except what was needed
to p.iy for their farm and start thera at housekeep-
ing with a limited amount of household goods.
Their famil}' consists of one son, Hurrill, wiio was
born August 2, 1867. He has always remained on
the farm, and is now working in connection with
his father. He was married February' 19, 1.S90, to
Miss Cora Payne, daughter of William and Ros
anna (London) Payne, wiio was born July 8, 1871.
Mr. Hardy is a methodical and regular worker,
and without neglecting his aflfairs finds lime to take
an active part in all movements tending to advance
the interests of tlie agri(nillural class. He also fills
some loc:il oltice, and at present is serving his sec-
ond year as Justice of the Peace. Politicall3^ he is
a Republican. He has a good library^ containing
man}- standard works, and he makes use of the
Statutes of Michigan in regulating his decisions as
a .Justice. Personally he is whole-souled, jovial,
and fond of what he considers innocent amuse-
ments, which include (lancing and the use of cards
in his home.
A view of the residence in which Mr. Hardy and
bis family are pleasantly domiciled, is shown else-
where in this volume. It is the abode of hospital-
ity, and the frequent resort of their many friends.
^ILLIAM W. .TONES. The population of
our country is of so coni|)Osilive a nature
that whether a man is from England, China,
or Timbuctoo, causes very little comment, but the
nationalitj' certaini}' has much to do with the char-
acteristics of the man and the degree of success
that he acquires. Our subject is of Welsh extrac-
tion, and his whole life h.as been characterized by
the vigor and energy and stick-to-itiveness for
which his people are known. He owns a line farm
on section 35, Venice Township, Shiawassee County,
and has made of his purchase a very desirable dwel-
ling place.
The father of our subject was Henry .Tones, a
native of Wales, wlience he came to America at
the age of seventeen ^ears, first locating in Canada.
He was an iron manufacturer, which trade he ac-
qui.ied in his native land, later he became a farmer.
I'ersonally Henry Jones was a quiet, un|irelentious
man, a careful student and ever watchful to turn
every opiJortunit}' to his own advantage. While
in Canada he met our subject's mother, whose
mai<len name was Mary (Cane) Jones, a native of
Pennsylvania. They continued to reside in Can-
ada until death claimed him for his own. They
were members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church,
in wiiicli body the father w.as a Class-Le.ader and
also Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He dieil
in 1880; the mother still survives, aged seventy-
two years. Thej- were the parents of eleven chil-
dren, ten of whom are now living.
Our subject is the fifth child born to his parents
anil made his advent into the worhl October 22,
1844. His early childhood was passed in his na-
tive place, where he remained until liianhood. From
his father he learned the business of roller and pol-
isher of iron, and after finishing school, worked at
this trade until he was of age. He received a good
district school education, and was fitted on leaving
home to successfully meet and cope with the ditti-'
culties of life. He first went to Oswego, N. Y.,
and from there came to Micin'gan in 1865.
On coming into the State, Mr. Jones first settled
in Bennington Township, where he emploj'ed him-
self in getting out logs. This occupation, how-
ever, lasted but a short time, and lie went to
Saginaw County, where he spent a winter in the
pineries. After the year of hard work spent in
felling and preparing logs for market, he can)e to
\'enice Township and took a job with two other
men of clearing Bfty-one acres of land. The con-
tract was let by (Jeorge Martin, and he completed
it and ten acres besides, the sames|)ring. The next
fall he succeeded in finishing ten acres more, and
the same winter pursued the same course of ener-
getic work and cleared five acres for a man bj' the
name of Len Johnson, besides chopping one hun-
dred and two cords of wood.
Jn 1866 the gentleman of whom we write set up
a home, inviting Hannah Sophia Cronkhite, daugh-
ter of Sheldon and Hannah (.lones) Cronkhite, to
534
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
preside over tlie domestic realm. Mrs. -Jones was
born October 22, 1847, in this township. Her par-
ents are still living. In girlhood she received a
district-school education, and even then was noted
for being a most capable housewife. After their
marriage they made their home witli Mrs. Jones'
father, working the farm for him the space of one
and one-half years.
The original of our sketch, feeling that he must
acquire a home for himself, purchased thirty-three
acres on section 22. It was somewhat improved.
It proved to be a speculation, for he sold it a short
lime after, and with the proceeds purchased forty
acres on section 23, ^"enice Townshii). It was a
dense woods, and our subject at once set about
choi)ping and clearing ten acres of the land. He
again sold and then purchased forty acres on sec-
tion 26; this also was new land, and to it he soon
added forty more, and after putting some improve-
ments upon it again sold when he rented a farm of
Mr. Savage, where he remained for two years, then
purchasing eighty acres of land whereon he now
lives.
Mr. .lones' new home seemed not very prepos-
sessing, for what was not dense woods, was a dis-
mal swamp, and the work of clearing and draining
seemed a Herculean task. He built a log cabin,
chopped logs and cleared the land and ditched the
swamp in order to drain it. It proved to be his
|)crnianont home, and the improvements that he
has put upon it have changed the aspect of the
place altogether. Besides this farm he owns eighty
acres in Tuscola County. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are
childless. Tliey are not unbelievers in religion,
although not members of any religious body. He
takes an interest in politics, casting his vote with
Democratic party, but tlie man is more to him than
the party.
Our subject has a large practice in his township
as a f.arrier, employing the allopathic system in his
treatment. He has given more or less attention to
lliis profession all his life, and has been very suc-
cessful. His farm is well-improved, he having put
sixty-live acres under cultivation. He devotes
himself to general farming, perhaps favoring the
raising oi slock. He has a full-blooded Jersey cow
and also many others that are ihree-quarter blooded.
He is also the owner of a very fine four-year-old
roadster, sired by Joe Gaven. Our subject was ab-
solutely' empty-handed when he began life, and he
has acquired what he has by the hardest labor.
flj SAAC O. YOUNG, a prominent young farmer
I and stock-raiser, residing on section 24, Kssex
/£ Township, Clinton Countj', is a native of West-
ern New York, and was born July 28, 1853. His
father, who has now passed away was William
Young, and his motlier bore the maiden name of
Mary A. Van Dome. She is a native of New Jer-
sey, and his fatlier he believes to have been born in
New York. He was onl^' an infant of some six
months when his parents brought him to Michigan,
making tlioir first Western home on the farm where
he now resides.
William Young was a representative pioneer,
making his home in the woods, enduring hardships
and laboring hard to reduce the wilderness to a
state of civilization. Of his children six survive,
namely: James, William, Lyman, Catherine, (Mrs.
J. J. Bishop,) Alice, (Mrs. Luther Cleland,) and
Isaac. He was a Democrat in his political views,
and a man of public spirit, and in his death the
county lost one of her best men. His widow re-
sides in Greenbush Townslii[), this county, with
her eldest daughter, and is now in her seventy-
eighth year.
Isaac Young has seen this county grow from its
primitive condition to its present state of culture
and prosperity, and has been a life-long agricul-
turist. His schooling was taken in the lug school-
houses of the early day, and he there received an
impetus, which has resulted in making him a self-
educated man. He was married July 3, 1874, to
Anne Schlarf, who was born in AV^heeling, W. \a.,
September 13, 1858, and came to Michigan in 1866,
a daughter of Henry Schlarf. By their union there
have been born five children, of whom the follow-
ing are living: Lizzie, liorn May 25, 1875; Vora,
August 12, 1881 ; AVillie, May 1"J, 1883, and Leys
C. May 15, 18'J1.
Mr. Young owns two hundred acres of land
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
535
which ho has thoroughly im|)rovcd and placed in a
good state of cultivation, and lie has l)y his own
efforts attained to the prosperity whicli is now his.
lie is public spirited and enterprising, one of the
most progressive of the agriculturists of Essex
Township, and is meeting willi success.
.AVID O. STEKL, a brother of Robert M.
Steel, who is engaged with liim in the fur-
niture and undertaking business, is one of
the prominent young business men of St
John's. He was born in Craflsbur}-, Orleans
County, Yt., November 3, 1853. The parents
were of Scotch birth, both being liorn in Gl.asgow,
and the family is an old Scotcii family. The
father was a carpenter and when a young man
came to this country and made his home in Ver-
mont for a few years. He afterward went back to
Glasgow and brought his bride to America, making
his home in Craftsbury and engaging in building
and contracting. He put up many public buihl-
ings as well as residences and built up a fine busi-
ness. His wife's maiden name was Margaret
Moody. .She was a daughter of William Moody,
a merchant, who also came to this country and en-
gaged in business in Craftsbury. He was very
successful in the mercantile line and bought large
tracts of land which he cultivated and on which
he carried on a dairy business. He had at one
time one thousand' acres, and lived to the extreme
age of ninety seven years. The father of our sub-
ject was a Republican in his political views and an
Elder in the Presb3terian Church. His wife came
West after his death and made iier home with her
son, Robert M., at whose home she died.
Of the thirteen children of Mr. and Mrs. Steel
ten grew to maturity and seven arc now living.
Of these the youngest is our subject. He had ad-
vantages of excellent district schools in Craftsl)ury,
and remained there until 1870, when he came to
St. .John's. Here he attended Union Schools for
three years and then went to Illinois with his
brother Robert as foreman of a company of men,
as he had contracted to build the railroad between
Vincennes, Ind., and Cairo, 111. He was with his
brother for seven months and tlien returned to St.
John's, after which lie went to the North Woods,
at Hamilton, Gratiot County, as clerk for his
brother in a store. After staying with him a year
he took a clerkship in a retail furniture store at St.
John's, wliich was connected with the St. John's
Manufacturing Companj-.
In 1887 the brothers undertook the present
business, which they established in partnership.
They carry both furniture and an undertaker's
slock, filling two floors in a large double store.
No establishment in Central Michigan can excel
them in a fine and large displa}- of furniture. An
event of great importance in the life of this young
man took place in St. John's in 1883. It was his
marriage lo Miss Nellie Wood, a native of Ionia
County and a daughter of Joseph Wood. This
lady was brought up and received her education
in this cit3- and has a large circle of friends with
whom she is a great favorite. Mr. Steel is an ar-
dent Republican, but a man who has little to do
with politics except to embody his own opinions in
his vote.
•- '^m '
/^^ IIARLES DAY, one of the most [jromiuent
(ll n *^''''^*^"* of DeWitl Township, and a man
^^/ worthy of note, morally, socially and intel-
lectually, was born in Genesee County, N. Y.,
August 6, 1832. His father, Elijah, was born in
Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1802, and his grand-
father, Pelatiah, was born at Salem, Mass., abt)ut
1776. The great-grandfather, Abner Day, was a
native of England who emigrated to America in
the seventeenth centur}-, an<I made his home at Sa-
lem, Mass. There he engaged in farming, and died
at a ripe old age.
The grandfather of our subject, Pelatiah D.ay.
W.1S both a farmer and a millwright. He was also
a shoemaker and tailor and carpenter and joiner
and a preacher. He built a great many mills and
dams, and was a prosperous man for those days,
being worth at his death about ^3,000. His wife,
whose maiden name was Rosotta Barker, reared six
children, namely, Elijah, James, Sylvester, Sallie,
536
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Charles P. and Roxina. He settlefl in Genesee
County, N. Y., in the town of B.itavia, and lived
tliere. He was a preacher in the Free Will Baptist
Church and served as an itinerant minister. He
was a man of learning and well-versed in Grecl<
and Latin, and was a Whig in politics.
Elijah Day, the father of our subject, owned
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Genesee
County, N. Y., where he was a large stock-raiser.
He was a very active member of tlie Free Will
Baptist Church, and kept a regular hotel for
preachers. He was a Whig and a strong Aboli-
tionist, and later attached liimself to the Kepubli
can party. He died in 1884, ami at liis death was
wortli some $12,000. Mis wife, Minerva Harden,
a native of Lima, Monroe County, N. Y., was bora
in 1805 and brougiil up on a farm. Of her six
children live grew to maturity, namely, Jerome,
Charles, AIniira (Mrs. Case), Elijah Jr., Emory L.,
and Albert died in infancy. The mother was
a member of the Baptist Church, but much in-
clined to Spiritualism. She died at the age of
sixty-nine 3'ears. Her father, Isaac Barden, was
born uear Albany, N. Y., and was an extensive
farmer, having about four liundred acres. lie was
a member of the Wesleyan Metijodist Ciiurch and
an ardent Republican and Abolitionist.
Charles Day lived in Genesee County, N. Y.,
until he reached the age of twentj'-three years.
There he attended the Car^'ville Collegiate Semi-
nary at Oaklield. spending three jears in that In-
stitution. He traveled for twelve years for the
Mt. Hope Nursery of Rochester, N. Y., and was
sent to Michigan in 1855. He traveled extens-
ively in this State, and when his brother, Jerome
Day, who had located here, died, Charles took liis
farm in 1856, and ran it and the fruit tree business
together.
At that lime the counlr3' was still new, and tlie
farm was mainl}' timber, six acres of which has
hrcu girdled and the rest was uncleared. Indians,
wild deer and turkeys abounded and our subject
was on very fricndl}' terms with the red men. lie
now lias .nbout sixty-five acres of this land in excel-
lent condition.
Upon March 31, 185C, Mr. D.iy took to wife
Nancy Bnugliton, who was born in Balavia, N. Y.,
March 4, 1832. No children have been granted to
them. The home farm contains eighty acres, and
Mr. Day owns one hundred and thirty acres in
Genesee County, N. Y. He built his large frame
barn in 1864, and liis attractive and commodious
home was erected in 1874. lie has hired most of
Ills farming done, as he has largely- devoted him-
self to the stud}' and relief of physical suffering.
In 1875 he began the study of the diseases of the
human body, and since then has made a specialty
of doctoring. He is a man of wonderful niag-
netic power and uses no medicines, but simply
rubs tlie patient and draws the disease from him.
He claims to cure t3plKiid fever in twenty-four
hours, and has all the practice that he can attend
to, and goes hundreds of miles to treat cases. He
is a .Spiritualist in liis religious views.
Our subject was for many years a Democrat in
his political views, but now adheres to the Union
Labor party. He has held ever}' township ofHce
here, except that of coustalile. He goes East every
year to look after his farm in New York. He
bears a strong resemblance to James G. Blaine and
ex-Governor Luce, and is often mistaken for the
latter. He never charges for services to the poor,
and has no doubt a remarkable power, as he has
cured hundreds.
1 AMES GOODSELL is a farmer and resides
on section 12, Watertown Township, Clin-
ton County, where he owns one hundred
and sixty acres of rich land, well improved
with a fine dwelling and large barns. Mr. (Jood-
sell bought this farm about seventeen \ears ago.
paying cash down for it, all of which he had
earned by his own labor as he has never inherited
a dollar. He is the son of Daniel and Alice
(Williams) Goodsell, natives of the Stale of New
York, where this son was also born April 26,
1829. He was thrown u[ion his own resources at
the age of nine years and worked for his board
until he was twelve years old. He then met Mr.
A. C. Otis, of Wayne County, Mich., and con-
tracted to work for him until he was twenly-one
PORTRAIT AND lUOGRAFHlCAL AJiBUM.
537
years of age. He was to receive his board and
c'lfitlics and when twenty-one lie was to have three
suits and $100 in cash. All of this Mr. Otis per-
formed to liie letter when the young man arrived
at his majority.
Mr. Otis now hired him, paj'ing him |14 per
month liic year tliroiigli, although wages at that
lime and tliere were about ^10 a month, or iji 120
as'ear, foi general laborers. At the age of twenl^'-
three this young man was joined in marriage with
his first wife, who was Miss Lucy Otis. He then
rented the large farm of his wife's uncle, consist-
ing of five hundred acres, and managed it on
shares. Tliis marriage tool< place in April, 185'2.
His wife died in 1856, leaviug two children. Tiie
eldest, Dillie, married James Ford and resides in
Wayne County, this State. Alice, the second
daugiiter, died when two ^-ears old.
After remaining a widower for over two 3-ears
Mr. Goodsell was happily married in Marcli, 1858,
to Mrs. Delia Harris, a daughter of Mr. Wilmarlh,
also a native of the Empire Slate. This union
has been blessed with five children, whose names
are: llatlie, Mrs. llurd; Alice, Mrs. Forward; Ed-
ward, who is married to Clara Gross, and resides on
the farm with his father; Ida, Mrs. Alfred Ide;
and Heulah, who is single and lives with her
father. Mrs. Goodsell departed this life in 18'.I0.
Mr. (Joodsell's political lielief is in accord with
the principles of the Democratic pari}-. He has
been a Mason for about thirt\-live years and be-
longs to Lodge No. '21'2, A. V. A A. M., at De-
Witt.
WILSON LEE owns and occupies one of the
well-improved farms, so many of which
are to be found in Clinton County. His
property consists of seventy-four acres on section
13, Eagle Township, and is not only well culti-
vated but has been improved with good buildings,
sullicienlly numerous and ample to answer every
need. The parents were Wilson and Mary (Le-
rcw) Lee, who were of Irish descent but lived in
the State of New York. There the son was born
January 30, 182'J, and reared on a farm. He at-
tended the district schools and in the intervals of
study worked on the home farm and did not leave
his parents until he was of age. During the Civil
War Mr. Lee had the care of the family and did
not entered the service until the fall of 18G4. He
enlisted September 1 in Company E, Eighteenth
IMichigaii Infantry, was attached to the Arniy of
the t'limherland and took part in all the engage-
ments of Sherman's march to the sea. He was not
wounded, but in the winter while cutting limlier to
put up winter quarters a log rolled over on him
and injund his spine so that he was unable to do
an}' work for some time.
When Mr. Lee entered the arinj' he left a wife
and three children, the youngest but two months
old. When he was discharged ho returned to his
home and tried to carry on a farm, but found him-
self so illy adapted f(ir farm work on account of
the injury he had received that he gave it up
after a year. He then turned his attention to
hotel-keeping in Carson City, Jlontcalm County,
but after living in town four years returned to
the country. In 1887 he bought the land on
which he now lives, but it is carried on by his son.
Mr. Lee is drawing a small |)ension, but as he h.as
been seriously disabled he is deserving of a larger
sum than ^S per month.
The marri.age of Mr. Lee and Helen T. Charles
was solemnized November 2G, 1851. Mrs. Lee
was born November 26, 1828, in Genesee County,
N. Y., whence her parents, Mrs. Bliss Charles,
came to Jackson County, this State, in 1836. Of
the children born of the liappy union we note the
following: Octavia L., born August 21, 1857, has
been twice married; her first husband was Herman
A. Lyon, and three children were born of this
marriage. Her present husband is Horace llulse
and her home in Eaton County. A'iola E. was
boin December 19, 18C0, married Eddy Doty, has
two children and lives in Eagle Township; Lunctla
Z. was born July 20, 1862, and died in infancy'.
William 1$. was born July 7, 1864, anil lives on
the home farm; he was married to Avilla Hart-
ford November 26, 1800.
The fitness of Mr. Lee for work in which he
woultl advance the interests of the community has
been recognized by his election to the positions of
538
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Highway Commissioner, Justice of the Peace aud
a member of the School Board. As Justice he
lias seived three j'ears. He is a member of Joseph
Mason Post, No. 248, G. A. R., and Mrs. Lee is
an active member of the Ladies' Relief Corps, No.
182. Mr. Lee is also a Master Mason, belonging
to Lodge No. 354, in Wacousta. Politicallj he
is a Republican. He and his wife are held in
esteem b}' their acquaintances far and near.
ylLLARD KING is a prosperous farmer
who resides on section 22, of VVatertown
Township, where iie h.as one hundred acres
of as finely improved land as there is in Clinton
County. His beautiful home is surrounded by
handsome grounds and his excellent barns and
out buildings are suflicicnt to establish a reputa-
tion as a first-class farmer, both thorough and sys-
tematic.
Our subject is a son of David and Electa (McKee)
King, natives of Massachusetts, who were early
settlers of New York, as they went from the Bay
State to Monroe County many years ago. Tliere
their son Willard was born, January 8, 1821, and
there his early life was spent. He received farm
training and a district-school education and worked
for and with his father until he reached the age
of twenty-one.
Mr. King came to ftlichigan in 1840 and made
his first home in Eagle Township, Clinton County,
where he bought the beautiful farm upon which
he now resides. This was then all unbroken for-
est and he did genuine pioneer work in subduing
the wilderness. He made a clearing, planted a
home and brought his family to this Western wild.
Besides cutting the trees it was necessary for him
to remove an immense amount of stumps and stones,
but this was accomplished through the persever-
cncc, energy and industry of our subject and it
is now all in a high state of cultivation and so
smooth that a binder can be run over every rod
of the land.
The marriage of our subject had taken place
about three 5'ears before he came West. He was
wedded in October, 1848, to Edna Lowell. 'a daugh-
ter of Josiah Lowell, who came to Michigan in
1839, from F^ssex County, N. Y., where she was
born March 2, 1821. For a further account of
the famil}' from which Mrs. King sprang please
see the sketch of Mr. Othman W. Lowell.
This union has been blessed by the birth of
three interesting children, who have all grown to
maturity and have taken their places in the world,
where they are an honor to the parents and a bless-
ing to the community. Benjamin F. was born
April 20, 1845. He is married to Sarah Hamill, a
daughter of B. F. Hamill, of Riley Township, Clin-
ton County, and resides on section 23, of Water-
town Township, the same county, where he has
sixty acres of fine land; Frances, born Februarj'
26, 1851, is the wife of R. Noble Lee and resides
in Watertown Township; II. Melva was born Oc-
tober 6, 1857. While not engaged in her profes-
sional duties as a teacher she makes her home with
her parents. To her as to all their children Mr. and
Mrs. King have given the advantages of a first-
class education.
Mr. King is a man of high intelligence and keenly
alive to all matters of public interest. In politics
he is a stalwart Republican but cares little for of-
fice. He has been Highway Commissioner and
built the first iron bridge in the township, which he
put across the Looking Glass River. Our subject
has been Deputy Sheriff, for four years, of this
county.
-J^SSS-
ellARLES S. R
this Album wc
of Ovid, Clint
HARLES S. reeves. The publishers of
would doijijustice to the village
iton County, were they to omit
from this volume a record of the life of the gen-
tleman above named, who is proprietor of a well-
known paper. This sheet is the '■'Jiegisler Union,"
an independent weekly, with a subscription list of
fifteen hundred. It is a bright, newsy sheet, in the
columns of which are to be found interesting local
items, the important facts of general news, and
terse, clear-cut editorials on varied topics. The
circulation of the paper has been brought up from
POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
539
three hundred and the business is in a promising
state. Mr. Reeves is a quick-wilted, observant
man, on the alert to glean information that would
be of value in his work, and eager to make of iiis
publication a force even greater than present cir-
cumstances will admit. Knowing that, every enter-
prise that reaches a good height must have a grad-
ual growth, he is well satisfied witli his progress
so far.
Mr. Reeves belongs to an excellent family, his
father being a minister of the Episcopal Church,
and his mother a woman of pronounced character.
The names of his parents were Abram and Anna
M. (Young) Reeves, and tlie}' were horn respect-
ively in Warren, Ohio, and Mayvillc, N. Y. The
son was born in Rushville, Ind., December 5, 1853,
and spent his life to the age of eighteen years witli
hi.", parents. IIis educational privileges were con-
fined to the common scliools of the various villa-
ges in which his parents lived, and he did not
advance beyond the common branches. At the
.age of sixteen years he began to learn the printer's
trade in Kentland, Ind., from which place he went
to Cannelton, where he remained about two years
and a half. By this time he had a good knowledge
of the newspaper business and the ''art preservative
of all arts."
Our subject then came to this State, and for six
months was located at Mendon, St. Joseph County.
Thence he came to Ovid early in August, 1873,
and he and A. D. Carrier purchased the Ovid
'•Register". The partnership continued six years
when Mr. Reeves sold his interest to Irving Car-
rier, son of his former partner, and entered upon
the sale of books and stationery. In November,
1885, Mr. Reeves and George P. Allen bought the
Register and continued the publication jointly
until the decease of Mr. Allen, which occurred in
the fall of 1 887. A year prior to this date the
partners had bought the Union and had begun
the publication of the Register Union in which
it was their object to combine the excellencies of
the two publications that had formerly been issued.
Since the death of his partner Mr. Reeves has
become the sole proprietor of the plant and is car-
rying on the work alone. Having a thorough
knowledge of the business, he is able to systema-
tize it and to make choice of efflcient help in the
mechanical departments.
Mr. Reeves h.as a pleasant home, brighienod by
the presence of two sons. The wife to wliom he
was married Maj' 25, 1875, was known in her
maidenhood as Miss Augusta .loines, and was at
that time living in Ovid, where she has many
friends. The children whose presence adds to the
attractiveness of the home are Homer E., who was
born April 15, 1881, and Lawrence A., March 4,
1888. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves have lost one son,
their first-born, Freddie, who was born March 25,
1876, and lived to be l)ut eleven months old.
In his political sympathy Mr. Reeves is a Repub-
lican, lie h.as held the office of Township ("lerk
seven years, and h.as been a member of the Village
Board, and is now its Secretary. For four years
he has been a member of the Seh()f)l Board. He
takes a warm interest in the progress of education
and in other public enterprises that are of an elevat-
ing nature.
EDWIN KNIGHT, a sexagenarian and
respected citizen of Greenbusli Township,
,m, -.' Clinton County, is a native of Worcester,
England, where was born May 4, 1827. He is a
son of Thomas and Klizalieth (Reed) Knight, bolli
natives of Englan(L In that beautiful island he
was reared to manhood and received through the
care of his parents the rudiments of an education
in a pay school, which was the best they could
secure for him. But the schools of that time were
not equal to what the English national schools now
are and his training in book learning was scanty
and far from thorough. He appreciated, however,
what was given him and throughout life hasa<lapted
himself to circumstances by gaining through books
and papers useful information which has made him
a man of intelligence.
The young man emigrated to this country in
1852 when he was twenty live years old. He took
psssage at Liverpool in a sad vessel, "The Wash-
ington," an American ship, and after a voyage of
thirty -six days, landed in New York City and came
540
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
directly to Geauga County, Ohio, where he first
began working as a farm iiand b}^ the niontli, and
after spending a short time in lliis work engaged
in drilling wells which he followed for several
years and afterward spent some time in tlie oil
fields of Pennsylvania.
Like many another adopted citizen of our coun-
try, the time of trouble showed tlie true-hearted
loyalty which had grown up in his heart for the
land to which he had come in his early manhood.
He enlisted November G, 1864, in Companj' D,
Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, wliich became part
of the Fourth Army Corps. He did guard duty
during the most of his period of service and did
not participate in any battles although he was on a
number of raids. The marriage of Edwin Knight
took place February 15, 1853. The wife whom he
then chose as his companion in life was Mary
Marshall, one of his own country-women, who was
born in Gloucestershire, October 14, 1833. She
is a daughter of William and Sarah (Dyer) Mar-
shall. In 1852 Mrs. Knight, then a young lady,
and her two sisters came to America, taking pas-
sage on the same vessel which brought Mr. Knight
to this country. They came on to Ohio, locating
near him and there their marriage took jilace.
In 1871 our subject came to this State and
settled in the woods and had made a small clearing
and had the lumber cut for a house, when the great
fires of that year swept through this section and
devastated this neighborhood and he suffered the
loss of all his labor and had to go back to Ohio
and make another start, when he came again to this
place in 1886, and made bis home on the farm where
he now resides in Grcenbush Township. Here he
owns eighty acres of fertile land in a fine state of
cultivation.
Mrs. Knight is an earnest and active member of
the Christian Church and is identified with the
Ladies' Aid Society. For both of these worthy
people the days of struggle and hardship are over
and they have reached the point where they can
with comfort enjoy the fruits of their labors and
lend a helping hand to others. The}' are both use-
ful and respected members of society. Our sub-
ject is a Republican in his political views and
casts his vote with that party. He is well-known
as a public-spirited man and is counted upon to
actively promote the welfare of the community in
every movement which he considers well designed
for that end. He is identified with the Grand
Aimy of the Republic and has served as Sergeant
of the Post at Eureka, Mich.
The brother-in-law of our subject, William Mar-
shall, resides with him and is an Englishman by
birth. Mr. Knight receives a pension of $8 per
month on account of services rendered and suffer-
ings endured during the War of the Rebellion.
This British-American citizen possesses many
sturdy characteristics and virtues with which the
Anglo-Saxon race is blessed. He is well known
throughout all this region as an energetic and per-
severing man, and enjo}'s the confidence of all who
have tested his honorable method of dealing. It
is with pleasure that we represent him and his
good wife among the honored citizens of Clinton
Countv.
ylLLIAM BOYLAN isa farmer, and resi-
dent of section 24, Watertown Township,
^^^ Clinton County, where he has eighty
acres of fine land well improved and a handsome
brick residence with good barns and other out-
buildings. He is the son of James and Mary
( Winget) Boylan, natives of New Jersey and Pcnn-
sj'lvania, respectively. Our subject was born in
Greene County, Pa., July 5, 1830, and was reared
on a farm and worked for his father until he reached
the age of twenty two years. In 1849 his father
moved to Washtenaw County, Mich., and located
near Ann Arbor.
On March 23, 1853, he was happily married to
the lady who now presides over his household.
Her maiden name was Fannie C. Fitzsimmons and
she is the daughter of Thomas and Eliza Fitzsim-
mons, natives of Geneva and Cheminig Counties, N.
Y., respeclivel}-. She was born in Chemung Count}',
June 3, 1 834. Her parents came to Michigan in 1 844.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Boylan has been blessed
with four interesting children, three of whom are
4;;^'
icZ/i-ccA/cL^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
54a
now living. Their eldest, Florence, a little jjirl
of great loveliness, was boin December, 20, 1854,
and died March 7, 1867. Hattie, who was born
July 11, 1850, is now Mrs. Fred L. Corbin and re-
sides in Watertown Township. Maj-, born May
20, 1858, married Fred W. Ainslcy, and also re-
sides in Watertown Township. Liilie, born De-
cember 8, 1865, is the wife of W. A. Small and
resides in Lansing.
In the spring of 1864, Mr. Hoylan moved onto
the farm where he now lives. It was then nearly
all timber and since his coming onto it he put up the
buildings as they now stand. His father died in
1865 at the age of si.xty-fivc years and the mother
in 1867. In politics Mr. Boylan is a stanch Re-
publican and takes quite an active part in local
politics and is an intelligent observer in regard to
national movements of the party. He has been
Justice of the Peace several terms and held other
responsible offices in his townshii). He is a mem-
ber of the Grange, believing that that organization
will lielp to i)romote the social antl industrial
condition of the fanners.
-^1=
PERRY SHEPARD. Among the many prom-
inent citizens and farmers of Eagle Town-
ship, Clinton County, none are more favor-
\ ablj- mentioned by their acquaintances than
Mr. Shepard, whose portrait a])))ears on the opposite
page and who, with his interesting family, lives on
section 18. He is the sou of George and Eunice
(Briggs) Shepard and w.is born in Wyoming
County, N. Y., July 8, 18.'35. His early years were
spent upon a farm, and during his boyhood he
attended a district school and afterward went to
Warsaw Academy and prepared himself for leach-
ing. He remained in his native State until he was
twenty years old, then came West and located in
the eastern part of Michigan. After his arrival he
taught school for a number of winters laboring on
a farm during the summer, but feeling the neces-
sity of better fitting himself for teaching he
spent one school year diligently engaged in tiie
.State Normal School at Ypsilanti.
Young Shepard then learned the carpenter's
trade and for sever.'il years devoted himself to
leaching during the winter months and to mechan-
ical work in the sumn)er. He was thus engaged
until 1864, although in 1861 he bought a farm on
which to make his home. He purchased one hun-
dred acres, to which, by industry and economy, he
was afterward able to add seventy .teres, and the
whole is highly improved and forms a most beauti-
ful home.
In September, 1864, Mr. Shepard felt it his duty
to leave his family and respond to his country's
call, and enlisting in Company I, Seventh Michigan
Cavalry, he became an integral p&rt of the force
that was engaged in the Shenandoah N'alley, under
the command of the gallant Phil Sheridan. Our
subject was taken sick soon after being mustered
into the service and was conveyed to the hospital
at Washington, D. C. After remaining there until
the latter part of October he came home on a
twenty days' furlough, and joined his regiment the
folluwing December in the Shenandoah Valley.
In March, 1865, the boys were ordered to join the
Army of the Potomac, and were sent to White-
house Landing and thence to Petersburg, via City-
Point. Prior to the surrender of Gen. Lee the
regiment took part in seven serious engagements
and after the scene of Appomattox was ordered
South to intercept Gen. Johnson. Tliat Confeder-
ate leader had surrendered before they reached his
army and they then returned to Petersburg and
Richmond. They awaited the arrival of Gen.
Sherman's army and then participated in the Grand.
Review at Washington, after which they were sent
to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., and linally discharged
there, July 17, 1865.
During his absence at the seat of war Mr. Shep-
ard's family had spent the time in Wayne County
with the parents of his wife, and after his discharge
they again moved onto tlie farm where they have
since resided. Mrs. Shepard bore the maiden name
of Sarah J. Loomis and is a daughter of Jacob and
Sarah (Kimball) Loomis, natives of New York.
The marriage rites between her and our subject
were solemnized in September, 1860, and they now
have three living children — Elmer .1.. Florence C.
and Forest Glenn. The eldest, who was burn in
544
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
December, 1864, teaches in the winter months,
but maizes liis home with bis parents, as do the
other members of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Shep-
ard have three cliildren deceased. Although only
just past middle age Mr. Sliepard is quite decrepit
at times, by reason of rheumatism and other
complaints contracted in the service, j'et he man-
ages to be around and supervise his own affairs,
lending a helping hand whenever necessary and at
times may be said to constitute a hand on the farm.
His indomitable will and perseverance which have
done so much to give him that independence
which he now enjoys, not permitting him to remain
idle. Mr. Shepard carh' in life formed the resolu-
tion to establish a reputation for honesty and up-
right action, and is now enjo3'ing as a consequence
the respect and esteem of all who know him.
Mr. Shepard believes it the duty of every man
to keep himself well informed in matters of religion,
politics and finance, and to be assured of his stand-
ing on every question of importance. He has de-
cided in favor of the principles of the Republican
party and supports them with his vote and in-
fluence. The family are members of the Baptist
Church at Portland and are the centre of a friendly
circle, whose various members are intelligent, up-
right and zealous for true growth.
The attention of the reader is invited to a view
of Mr. Shcpai'd's pleasant home with its rural sur-
roundings, which is presented in connection with
this biographical notice.
^
\1^ ANIEL B. SAYRE, one of the most prom-
inent citizens of Vernon Township and a
brother of Charles H. Sayre, whose sketch
appears elsewhere in this Album, was born
in Yates County. N. Y., in .Jerusalem Township,
August 19, 1836. His parents, Lewis and Zillah
(Benedict) Sayre were natives of New York, the
former of Steuben County and the Latter of Yates
County. They came in 1840 to Shiawassee County,
making their home in Vernon Township in the
days when they had to cut down trees in order to
erect a shelter over their heads. The father was a
man of prominence in his day and filled numerous
positions of trust and responsibility. He died in
1874 and his devoted wife who survived him is
still living, having reached the age of eighty-two
years.
Our subject is the j'oungest son of his parents and
was four years old when thej- came to Michigan.
Our subject's only sister, Lydia A., married Ezra D.
Hammond, b}' whom she had two children. She
died in 1875, at Pewamo. Her two children are
now married, one living at Pewamo, the other at
St. Charles. Daniel went to school with his brother
Charles, three and one-half miles from home,
through the woods to a log schoolhouse. The
chimney was made of sticks and clay and the
benches were merely split logs with pegs for legs.
His last school days were spent in a schoolhouse on
section 26. He was twenty-four years old before
he left the parental roof |)ermanently, and during
all that time he assisted his father on the farm.
Daniel Say re's marriage took place in 1860. His
union with Caroline McBride was one which led up
to a life of more than ordinary domestic happiness
and comfort. This lady was born in New York in
1845, and after marriage the 3'oung couple located
upon what is still the home farm; there they built
a simple board house and in peace and contentment
made their home in this humble way, while they
improved their farm and reared their little family
of t.hree children. Their oldest son, Ernest C.,
married Emma Williamston; they reside in Vernon
Township on a farm and have two children, Clar-
ence and Carrie. The daughter, Zillah B., is the
wife of Dr. B. C. Sickles, who resides at Ashley, in
Montcalm County. The second son, Lewis E.,
married Ella Oellerich, of Grand Rapids. They
reside with the father and have charge of the farm.
The mother of this household passed away from
earth, August 17, 1890. She had been an invalid
for some ten years and went to California for her
health in 1888, being gone five months. She was
in Mississippi at the time of her decease, having
gone there in search of health.
The gentleman of whom we write has a farm of
eighty-three acres, all of which is good arable land.
He erected hia present residence ia 1873, at a cost
of $3,500. It is a square two-story frame building.
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
545
the main part mcnsuring 30x30. while the wing is
18x23 feet and the adjourning wooii house 20x20.
This liouse is pleasantly situated and conveniently
arranged, the rooms being all capacious and well
lighted.
Mr. Sayre never learned a trade and indeed he
never needed to, for he is a natural genius in the
way of mechanics and can make anything from a
barn to the second hand on a watch. He has three
beautiful secretaries made by his own hand which
for workmanship and finish cannot be excelled.
He is a lover of the violin and has made many
specimens of this instrument, which are fine in lone
and admirable in use, and he can repair a watch as
well as most jewelers. He has propert}' in Durand,
a part of which is in the grain elevator which is
known by his name, and which he and his brother
built together. Thej^ were partners in the sawmill
and also in the wagon-wood works on section 25,
for some seventeen years, but they dissolved part-
nership in 1887, the brother retaining the mill and
our subject taking property in Durand. He was
head sawyer for m.any years while in charge of the
mill.
Our subject is a I'rohibitionist in his political
views with some Democratic leanings. He is a
member of the Masonic order and belongs to North
Newburg Lodge, No. IGl, and hi.s son Lewis is a
member of the s.-ime lodge. He is also a member
of the Patrons of Industrj'. He has a blacksmith
shop and jewelry shop on his place where he is
prepared to do any kind of work, ("itlier delicate or
lieavy.
^^^ OOLEY E. BALL, the Superintendent of
(If ^.^ the Poor for Clinton County, and member
^§^y of the hardware firm of Fowler & Hall, is
like his partner one of the rejjresentative men of
St. John's. He is a man who has been and is re- j
markably successful in business, being enterprising
and energetic. He has aided in building up a
splendid Inisiness and has built for his faniil}- a
commodious and attractive home. He was born
in Lapeer, Mich., in August, 1847. His father,
George F., was of Massachusetts birth. The grand-
father was a practicing physician and spent his days
in the Bay .State. There the father was reared and
lived until he came to Michigan.
George F. Ball drove the first ox-team that ever
came into Lapeer and with A. N. Hart he made
the first settlement there. The}' settled on land
which afterward became the cit^' of Lapeer and
established their homes. He became County Clerk
and Register of Deeds and somewhat later removed
to Portsmouth, Bay County, where he is engaged
in the mercantile business and entered into trade
with the Indians. He made a study of their lan-
guage and could converse with them more fluently
than an^' man in that region about the year 1834.
He spent some time in Canada, having charge of
three or four fish boats, a:id then went to East
Saginaw, where he owned an interest in a river
boat. He then went to Midland, where he settled
on a farm of some two hundred and eighty-seven
acres. He was a Democrat in his political procliv-
ities and is now seventy-seven years ohl.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Julia A. B.incroft. She was a daughter
of a Massachusetts farmer and is row living at the
age of seventy-two years. She was the mollier of
five children, of whom our subject is the fourth.
He was reared in Portsmouth and .Saginaw, ami
attended the high school of Saginaw. They re-
moved to Midland when he was about fourteen
j'ears old at which time the father went into the
hotel business but after four years returneil to
farming. When sixteen years old lie went into
the empl03' of the Cnunty Treasurer of .Midlarid
County, John Larkin liy n.'unc, beroining liis dep-
uty and kept all his books. At Midland he was
the trusted employe in the lumber business and
for fifteen j'ears had charge of p.iyingtlie lunil)er-
men.
The marriage of Mr. C. E. Ball and Miss Fran-
ces A. Kipp took place at St. John's in 1>S7 I. This
lady is a native of Genesee County, Mich. After
marriage Mr. Ball formed a partnership with Mr.
Fowler and Mr. C. Ivipp under the firm name of
C. Kipp it Co.; four years later the firm became
Fowler ife Ball. He engaged in the hardware busi-
nass, carrying the. largest stock in town. Mr. Ball
and brother own laixl in Saginaw County. He and
546
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
his brother, G. W. Hall, were inlerested in ttie
first bank in Miilland and managed it five years.
Tlie brother's health tailing, he witlidrew from ac-
tive work and G. E. Ball moved to St. .Tolin's.
The bank was called the C. E. and G. W. Ball
Bank.
One child cheers the home of Mr. Ball. For six
years, beginning in 1885, he has been .Superinten-
dent of the Poor. He is a Director and Stock-
holder in Si. .lolin's National Bank and Clinton
County Savings Bank. Socially he belongs to the
Knights Templar at East Saginaw, St. Bernard Com-
inander}'. He is also identified with the Free and
Accepted Masons and Royal Arch Masons. Re-
ligiouslj' he is connected with the Episcopal Church
at St. John's and is a Democrat in his political adil-
iations.
JOSEPH H. HOWE, a retired farmer of
Owosso and the son of a notable man, who
was an important factor in the early set-
^^ tling of Michigan, was born in Jerusalem,
Albany County, N. Y., October 25, 1825. His
parents, Joseph and Tamson (Mead) Howe, had
a family' of six children, three sons and three
daughters, and Joseph was the youngest son. The
father was born in New Hampshire in 1790 and
was a farmer b3' occupation and a son of Joseph
Howe, of English blood. The mother of our sub-
ject was born in Vermont in 1795, and was of
Welsh descent, being a daughter of Jacob Mead.
Both of the grandfathers of our subject were Rev-
olutionary soldiers and both drew pensions.
The parents of our subject were married in Ver-
mont and removed soon to Western New York,
where they settled on a farm which they carried on
and at the same time Mr. Howe devoted some at-
tention to painting, and with a brother-in-law car-
ried on tanning and shoemaking, in Steuben County,
town of Wheeler. In April, 1832, they were still
further affected with the Western fever and moved
to Michigan, locating in Su|)erior, Washtenaw
County. It was in 184 1 when they finally' re-
moved to .Shiawassee County, locating in the town-
ship of Bennington, where he had a farm of two
hundred acres. Here he carried on general farm-
ing. His wife died in March, 18-18. In 1849 he
married Mary A. Miller. She died in 1868.
The father of our subject was a stanch Jefferson-
ian Democrat and a ITniversalist in his religious
faith. He was highl}' respected by his fellow-citi-
zens, who frequently laid upon him burdens of
trust and responsibility, and he was for some six
years .Supervisor of his township, while living in
Washtenaw County, and held the same jjosition
after coming to Bennington Township. lie was
one of the Building Committee at the time of the
construction of the fire-proof vault in the old Court
House in W.ashtenaw County, and also in the erec-
tion of the county poor-house. He was a man of
great energy and resolution and only cared to
know that he was right and then went ahead un-
flinchingly and unswervingly. He died May, 1876.
The subject of this sketch attended school in
Steuben County, N. Y., until he reached the age of
seven yeais and then went to the district school in
Washtenaw Count}-, Mich., whither his parents had
removed, and later in .Shiawassee County during
the winters, remaining on the farm with his parents
until he vvas twenty six years old. He then began
farming on his own account, beginning. On a
farm of fifty acres. He soon became prosperous
and began raising fine wool sheep anil a high grade
of horses, and later was able to furnish horses to
the ra.arket, selling teams as high as $500.
Mr. Howe continued in adding to his farm until
he had one hundred and fifty acres, when he bent
his energies to improving it and placed ujion it
good buildings. He continued upon this land un-
til 1872, when he moved to the city of Owosso and
embaiked in the boot and shoe trade, manufac-
turing and selling ready-made goods. He associ-
ated with him Mr. E. L. Brewer, his brother-in-law,
and this partnership, under the firm name of Brewer
& Howe, lasted for a period of eleven years, at the
expiration of which time Mr. Howe sold his inter-
est to his paitner and retired.
Mr. Howe now devotes his time to looking after
his general business. Soon after retiring from the
boot and shoe trade he erected a good brick business
block, which he rents out and which is now oc-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
547
ciipied l)j- Knapp & Smitli, furniture dealers. His
iu;mi:i<.',e, which took place February IG, 1852,
united him most happily and congenially with
Helen M. Hrewcr, of ISeniiington, Shiawassee
County. This lady was born in Otsego County,
N. Y., in 1833. and is the daughter of .lonalhan
Brewer. 'I'liree children have blesscil this union:
Kliner (I., express agent and baggage-man on the
Detroit, Lansing <fe Northern Railroad; Homer .1.
dieil, aged eleven months; the daughter, May, is at
liome, the joy and comfort of iier parents.
The gentleman of whom we write was for n num-
ber of years a member of the Masonic fraternity.
In politics he was a Democrat up to the year 1870,
since which time he has atlilialed with the Prohi-
bitionists. He was one of the stockholders in the
First National Hank at Owosso. He still owns his
farm, althoiigh he lives in Owosso and has a hand-
some brick residence on Goodhue Street. AH who
know him rejoice in his prosi)erity and his success
is a subject of congraLuhitiou to himself and his
fellow-citizens.
3iHn;
iraoBp
ERBERT COLISTER. Among the rising
)l': young men of Bath Township, Clinton
County, we ai'e pleased to mention the
(^) name which appears at the head of this
sketcli. Mr. Colister, who is descended from stanch
old .S(!otch-Irish stock, shows out his hereditary
traits of industry, thrift and steady habits. Ills
character has secured him the esteem and hearty
good will of all with wIkjui he has come in
contact, and his ability singles him out as one who
is yet to make his mark in the community. He is
an energetic young farmer and resides with his
mother on the farm where he was born, December
16, 1857.
His gran<l father. Robert Colister, was born in
Ireland, May 2'.*, 1777. He was of Scotch parent-
age and early learned the weaver's trade, which he
followed for years. He came to Amerii;a in 179C,
and soon made his home in .Scipio, N. V., where,
on March 10, 1805, he married Phoebe Sharpsteen.
He worked at the stonemason's trade for a time,
but finally purchased a farm and settled upon it, in
Bald Hill, Livingston County, N. Y., where the
father of our subjei;!, Robert Colister, Jr., was
born. Later he sold this farm and purchased an-
other at Springwater.
In the fall of 1836 Robert Colister, Sr., set out
with his family' for Michigan, making his journey
by way of Canada, in a prairie schooner. They
camped out during a part of the journey and at
one time did not see a house in three days' travel.
He first settled in Milford Township, Oakland
County, where he lived for two years. He left the
family there and came to Ionia, which was at that
time the seat of the land office, and purchased of
the Government one hundred and sixty acres of
what is now his grandson's farm. He then returned
and brought on his family, and in 18 10, on account
of advancing years, he retired from active work,
selling this farm to the father of our subject, wi'h
whom he resided until his death, November 23,
1857. His wife, Pliiebe Sharpsteen, was born in
New Y''ork State, August 22, 1789, and died here
Februaiy 11, 1838. She was the mother of thir-
teen children, and with her husband was a member
of the Methodist Church. She was well known
throughout a broad circle of acquaintances for her
pioneer work, her iiidomitalile industry- and her
warm heart tor all who needed help and I'omfort.
The father of our subject came here with his
parents at the age of nineteen. In 1840 he bought
the farm of his f:ilher, upon which but little im-
provement had been made. He helpe<l to build the
lug house and at that time had but few neighbors,
and there was but one house in Jjaingsburg. He
was on very friendly terms with the Indians, who
were plentiful in those days.' He marketed grain
and bought provisions at Detroit and Ann Arbor
and later at Owosso. He was an extremely hard-
working man, and would ciiop, split and pile four
cords of wood in a da}'. He helped get out the
limlier for the old State House at Lansing. As his
family' outgrew the origin.al old log house he built
another, more commodious, and in 1807 he
erected the cap.acious .'ind attractive frame resi-
dence in which his widow and son now reside.
This lady, who was born August 10, 1827, be-
came the wife of Mr. Colister on May 2!>, 1850.
548
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAFHICAL ALBUM.
She was Lois Fletcher, daughter of Isaac and
Esther (Cole) Fletcher. Her father i^-as born in
Connecticut in 1788 and her mother in New York
in 1803. They came across the lake to Michigan
in 1838 and settled in Putnam Township, Living-
ston County, and coming to Clinton County in
1844, made their home in the southern part of
Bath Township. He was a blacksmith by trade
and had a shop first at Pinkney, Livingston
County, and afterward in this county. He died
at seventy-one j-ears of age, and his wife at the age
of eighty-two years. They were both members of
the Free Will Baptist Church and were the parents
of eleven children.
The father of our subject owned two hundred
and forty acres of land, two hundred of which he
cleared himself. He was generous and benevolent,
always helinug the poor and often losing money br-
aiding neighbors who were never able to repay
him, yet he himself never was in debt to any man.
He was called from earth in January, 1891. Of
his nine children six grew to maturity, namely:
Ellen, Mrs. Salein Harper; Fred, who married
Laura Bartles; Hcrliert; p]dgar L., who married
Anna E. Carl; Hiram H., who married Anna
Thompson; Paul C, at home. The father's first
Presidential vote was cast for William Henry Har-
rison and his last for Benjamin Harrison. The
widow of this worthy pioneer resides with her son
and is hale and hearty, a fine example of a sturdy
and intelligent woman of advanced years.
After attending district school our subject took
a course at the Bartlette Commercial College at
Lansing, graduating there in 1875. When twenty-
one years old he began working out for others,
spending about three years at carpentry, althougli
he had never regularly learned the trade. He is
noted throughout all this region as a sheep-
shearer, having sheared as many as sixty-seven in
one day and forty-four in one afternoon. He has
a few fine horses and lias begun to breed Perclie-
rons. Besides forty .acres of his own he carries
on a portion of his iBOther's farm. In religious
belief he is a Universalist and his political sym-
p.athies have led him to affiliate with the Republi-
can party. He takes great interest in both local
and national politics and is often sent as delega;te
to count}" and congressional conventions, and in a
word is recognized as a local leader in the party.
He is unusually intelligent and quick of percep-
tion, of exceptionally good habits, and never has
tasted tob.acco or liquor in his life. He is a de-
lightful conversationalist, with a strong vein of
humor running through his talk, all of which lends
to give him the exceptional popularity which he
enjoys.
ooo
LFRED B. BKN.JAMIN. Among the men
who are winning a comi)etence by cultivat-
1 ing a portion of the soil of Clinton
[(^ County, mention ought certainly to be
made of Mr. Benjamin. The farm which be oc-
cupies consists of eighty acres ou section 7, Dallas
Township, and he also owns twenty-one acres in
Ionia Count}'. He has an attractive and comfort-
able home where once there was only a dense for-
est. He removed the timber, broke the land,
erected a farm-house and good outbuildings, and
made of the property a valuable tract, suited for
the abiding-place of an intelligent family. Besides
clearing liis own land Mr. Benjamin has removed
the timber from over one hundred acres belonging
to others.
Going backward some j-ears we find that Josiah
Benjamin, grandfather of our subject, spent his
entire life in the Empire State and tliat he had
three sons and one daughter. The son, who be-
came the father of our subject, was Nathan, who
was reared by a Mr. Rice, as he lost his father
when quite young. When grown to manhood he
adopted the occupation of a farmer and followed
his calling in his native State until 1835. He then
joined the body that was moving Westward and
opening up new land on the frontier, and made his
home in Oakland and then in Ionia County. After
some years he removed to Clinton County, thence
went to Gratiot, but later returned to Clinton and
spent his last days with his son Calvin. When he
came West, he drove from Oakland to Ionia
County and his was the first wagon taken through
by the Grand River. His dwelling was nine miles
from the nearest neighbor in one direction and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
549
twelve in tlie opposite. He located on a two liun-
(Ired-at-re farm, most of which he cleared and broke.
Nathan Benjamin was married in Ohio, where
his mother's people lived, to C'liloe Tyler. Tlie
bride's father, John Tyler, was a native of New
York and a soldier in the War of 1812. To Mr.
and Mrs. Benjamin, a large family were born,
named respectively, Josiah. Sophronia, Lucy, Syl-
vester, Calvin, Mary, Minerva, John, Alfred and
Sarah. Mr. Benjamin was a Whig and later a Re-
publican, and when the country was new he held
various township olBccs. He was a member of the
Baptist Church, while his wife was not identified
with an}' religious bod}' but, was a woman of
Christian faith and character. Their youngest son,
Alfred B., w.as born in Ionia County January 8,
1840, and remained with them until he was about
nineteen years old. He spent the next two years
working by the month for one of his brothers, and
when he became of age bought fort}' acres of land
in Lebanon Township, cleared it and made a good
home. He finally traded this property for that on
which he is now living.
April 18, 1861, our subject was married to Mar-
garet E. Williams, a lady whoso home training bad
been excellent and who had grown to womanhood
in possession of many fine qualities of mind and
heart. The children born of the happ}' union are
Alfred A., Ella E., John C. Andrew N. and Emma
J. John and Emma have been removed from their
parents by the hand of death, and only Andrew is
at home, as the others are established elsewhere.
Alfred is living in Pewamo, and Ella, who married '
S. Thuma, is a resident of Mackinaw City.
Mrs. Benjamin is a granddaughter of Nathaniel
Williams of New York, who came West late in life
and died in Dallas Township. He was a shoemaker
by trade. His wife. Margaret, bore six sons and
six daughters, and two of the sons were in the
Mexican War and one gave up his life there. The
father of Mrs. Benjamin was Asa W. Williams who
was born in New Yoik in 1818 and in 1840 came
to this Stale. After sojourning here about three
years he returned to the East and spent some six
years, after which he again came to Michigan. He
spent a few years in Oakland, then lived in Living-
ston and Calhoun Counties in turn, and from the
last named removed to Clinton County. When the
war began he enlisted in Company (i, Twent}'-
tliird Michigan Infantry, and died in the hospital
at New Albany, Ind., November 18, 18fi2. and
was buried on the banks of the Ohio River. He
was married June 4, 1841, to Sarah J. Crandall,
and their children were Margaret K., Charles P.,
Eliza D., John, Emma E., Lucy A., William N.
and Rosy L. Mr. Williams was a mason and also
a fiirmcr. In religion he was a Baptist, and in the
later years of his life w.as a Republican in politics.
Mr. Benjamin has always been in sympathy with
the principles of the Republican party and never
fails to cast bis vote when the ballot box is open.
In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Union Army
and was mustered into Com|)any (i. Twenty-third
iMichigan Infantry. He was one of those infor-
tunates who sufifered from illness much of the time
while in the South, and lie was discharged in March,
1863. He belongs to Hathaway Post, No. 378, G.
A. R., at Pewamo. He is honorable in his business
relations, kindly in his bearing toward his acquaint-
ances, and in domestic life agreeable and consider-
ate.
^17 UDWIG STRl'BER. This highly respected
I (JS) citizen of Owosso lost his father at a ten-
JlA'^ fjgr age and was early thrown upon his own
resources without means with which to embark in
business. By industr}-, economy and close appli
cation he has accumulated a handsome fortune, and
while so doing has won a warm place in the hearts
of those with whom he has been closely associated,
and the respect of every acquaintance. He is an
unassuming, kindly man, careful and prudent in
business trans.actions, strictly just in all his deal-
ings, and as fine a type of the German-American as
the county affords.
Mr. Struber was born in Waldeck, Germany, July
18, 1827, being the youngest in a family of seven
children — five boys and two girls. His father,
Henry Struber, was a shoemaker, but only the
faintest recollections of him are enjoyed by the
son, as the latter was but three years old when the
former died. The mother was Louisa (Weisman)
550
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Struber. In accordance with the law of the Em-
pire the lad attended school between the ages of
six and fourteen years, and soon after leaving school
he began a regular apprenticeship at the slice-
maker's trade. He served three years, then entered
the German Arm3' and led a soldier's life for an
equal period. Upon being discliarged he made
his preparations for emigrating to the United
States, where he believed tliat he would enjoy bet-
ter opportunities for personal agrandizement. He
embarked on a sailing-vessel and after a voyage of
six weeks landed in New York City, a stranger in
a strange land.
Mr. Struber came direct to Detroit, this State,
and sought work at his trade, and thus occupied
his time seven years. In A|'ril, 1 857, he came from
Detroit to Owosso, and opened a boot and shoe
store in a frame building,where he carried on busi-
ness until 1878. He began on a small scale and
as his reputation extended and the country became
more populous he increased his stock, including
leather and findings. He now occupies a brick
block, 22x80 feet, and two stories in height, fa-
vorably located on Main Street and built b}' him-
self for his business. He carries a large and well-
selected stock of goods of reliable makes, and first-
class material. He is a stock-holder in the Owosso
Savings Bank and for several years was a stock-
holder and Director in the First National Bank.
Besides his business property he owns a residence
on Washington Street and a goodly amount of
household appurtenances.
Mr. Struber has an excellent wife, who has been
faithful to their mutual interests and devoted to
their children and at the same time has been ready
to do kindly offices to those who were in need.
Their marriage was solemnized in Detroit in 1852,
Mrs. Struber lieing at that time a resident of the
City of the Straits. Her maiden name was Dora
Gerni'r and she is a native of Germany, but has
spent most of her life in the United Stales. She
was tlic motlier of three children, but one has
passe<l to the belter land. The living areLiidwig
F. and Kdward F.,who are now assisting their father
in carrying on his business affairs. Mrs. Struber
died March 20, 1890. Mr. Struber at one time
represented the Second Ward in the common coun-
cil. His political S3'mpatiiy is with the Republican
principles and he is an unfailing supporter of the
ticket. His religious home is in the German-Lu-
tharan Church of which he is one of the trustees.
^
IJI^ENRY PALMER M. D., PH. C. a notable
l] physician and surgeon of St. John's, was
born in Lockport, Niagara Count}', N. Y. ;
February 22, 1857. His father, George,
was a native of Cambridgeshire, England, where
his parents were farmers. He was there a farmer
and came to America in 1855, locating near Lock-
port, wiiere he carried on farming for nine years.
He came to Michigan in 1804 and bought a farm
of eighty acres near St. John's. Here he brought
his family and located in Groenbush Township, and
resided there until his death in 1875. His wife,
Sarah Johnson, was also a native of England, aud
survived him, but died on the home farm in 1882.
Of their four children our subject is the youngest.
Dr. Palmer was reared in Lockport whence he
came to St. John's in 1801, and remained until he
reached the age of sixteen years, when he began to
work reguarly by the month. When he was seven-
teen years old he attended iho St. John's High
School during the winters, paying his tuition, which
he was obliged to do as he was not a resident of the
town. In 1876 he entered the Agricultural College
for a preimratory course to the study of medicine.
He took a three years course in five years for ho
worked his waj' througli by teaching to obtain
monej' for his education.
The young man then spent two j'ears in the West
as a civil engineer. He spent one year in Utah on
the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. Thence in
Oregon on the Oregon Short Line for one year.
He then returned to St. John's and in the fall of
1883 entered the Universilj' of Michigan in tiie
Department of Pharmacy, graduating in 1885 with
the degree of Ph. C. He then entered the junior
class of the regular medical department and grad-
uated in the spring of 1887 with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine.
The young Doctor now made his home perma-
Cy}.
Qf]M^^/^r^.
ii,.-2---8^
PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
553
nenlly at St. John's and worked up for himself an
extended practice in Clinton, Gratiot an(] Ionia
Counties. lie has a general practice but makes a
specially of dise.ases of the eye. He has also made
a practice of Pliarm.acj'. His marriage in this city
in 1887 united liim happily with Miss Lucy
Perrin, a daughter of IL M. Perrin whose
sketch will he found in this volume. She
was educated in this city and is a ifraduate of the
High School and a lady of culture and rcfineuienl.
One. child, Ruth E., gladdens their home.
The Doctor is the Health Ollicer of the city, a
member of the Knights of the Maccabees and a
member of the National I'nion. He is an enthusi-
astic Ri-puliiican in his political views. He is a
prominent member of the State Medical Society
and Secretarj- of the County Medical Association,
and is also connected with the State Pharmaceuti-
cal Association. His worthy and amiable wife is
an active member of the Congregational Church.
ir^;RAMv D. CLEVELAND. Among the
'-' dealers iu Shepherdsville, Clinton County,
none are paying closer attention to business
affairs or succeeding better in their enterprises than
Mr. Cleveland, a portrait of whom is shown on the
opposite page. He is a young man of enterprising
spirit and business ability, quick to take advantage
of an opportunity to promote his financial inter-
ests, yet honorable in his dealings and straiglitfor-
wartl in his principles. He is engaged in the sale
of general mcrehanilisc, carrying a stock which in-
cludes dry-goods, groceries, mediiunes and paints,
and in addition is agent for the National Exjiress
Com[)aiiy, and Postm.aster. To this ollicial position
he was appointed on the election of President
Harrison. Mr. Cleveland also holds flic office of
Justice of the Peace and is a Notary Public, and
thus lias many demands upon his time, altliough as
this is a law-abiding community, his decision.s as a
Justice do not enroach very largely.
The parents of our subject were Jerome B. and
F^lizabeth (F-^vans) Cleveland, the latrer a native of
Wales and the former of New York. The father
might be called a "Jack of all trades," as he pos-
sessed mechanical skill and agricultural knowledge
anil was able to turn his hand to various kinds of
work, although he gave his attention mainly to
farming, carpentri* and the work of a millwright.
The son of whom we write was born iu Oneida
County, N. Y., June 14, 18.^7. He was so unfor-
tunate .as to lose his father by death when but
twelve years old and being thrown upon liis own
resources he found employment .as a tow-path boy
on the Erie Canal. He followed driving four years
and then secured a clerkship in a store at Palmyra.
After about six nionllis (^onlineiiicnt to the store ho
gave up the occupation and turned his attention to
farming in Ontario County, remaining there and
thus engaged three years. Ever anxious to do better
he then came to Michigan and sought work in the
lumber woods, in brick yards, etc., as occasion
served and prospects led him.
AVe next find Mr. Cleveland traveling in Wiscon-
sin, Illinois and Minnesota, then sojourning for a
time iu this State, and in 1880 going back to New
York. A few months later he returned to Michioan
with a bride, and located in Ottawa County, where
he carried on a farm three years. Thence he went
again to his native State and spent one winter
clerking. In the spring he came to Shephardsville
and secured work, and after a time opened up a
slock of merchandise, such as ho has since been en-
gaged in the sale of. While diligent in the pursuit
of his business affairs and zealous in advancino' his
own interests, he discharges the duties of citizen-
ship as he should, feeling that he cannot stand alone
and that his own success depends very largely upon
the general welfare. He helps support the Church,
lakes an interest in educational matters and in var-
ious ways promotes the good of the community.
In politics he is a Republican.
Domestic affairs at the home of Dr. Cleveland
are in charge of a capable, intelligent and amiable
woman, who became his wife, February 23, 1882.
The ceremony was |)erformcd in Vienna, Oneida
County, N. Y., where the bride was living, she be-
, iug Miss Mary P^orgeon, daughter of Peter and
554
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALHUM.
Louise Forgcon. Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland have
two bright ehiklren — Burton J., born July C, 1883,
and Olive L., born February 2, 1888.
¥
<* I^ILLIAM A. NIXON is the senior member
of tiie firm of Nixon & Co., hardware
^'^j dealei'S iu St. John's, his associates in busi-
ness being R. M. Steel and F. M. Spaulding. The
business establishment in which he is interested oc-
cupies a double store, one hundred and fifty-five
feet deep, where a complete stock of heavy and
shelf hardware may be seen. Both wholesale and
retail trade is carried on and tiie business is exten-
sive, calling for much ability and close application
in its control. A sutticienl force of men are kept
to do all necessary work, inchiding plumbing.
Fair dealing and courteous, accommodating treat-
ment await all who patronize the establishment.
The Nixon family originated in England, and
emigrated thence to A'irginia, from which colony
the great grandfather of our subject went to Can-
ada. His son, Gen. William Nixon, was born at
Grimsby and was a blacksmith and carriage- maker.
The old shop in which he manufactured various
mechanical implements and vehicles, is still stand-
ing and he was quite an extensive manufacturer of
carriages and wagons for those days. He was
t^uartermaster-Geneval in the British Army during
tiie Revolution. In his later years he operated a
large farm on the mountains four miles from
Grimsby. He died there when ninety-seven years
old. His son, Allen, father of our subject, became
a blacksmith, but afterward turned his attention to
farming. He located on land secured by his father,
his farm covering the present site of the town of
Woodstock. Thence he removed to Hamilton
where he lived retired, but he later went to the
mountains near Grimsby and again became a farm-
er. There he died when sixt^-four years. He was i
a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
Allen Nixon was twice married, his second wife
being Klizal)elh Van Denser, who was born neai'
Grimsby, and whose father, John Van Denser, was
a native uf Holland, The family faith was that of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Nixon had
four children, three of whom lived to mature years,
William A. being the eldest. He was born'in Can-
ada on the site of tiie city of Woodstock, Novem-
ber 4, 1843, and was about three years old nlien
taken to Grimsby. Seven years later he went to
Oakville to live with an uncle, W. Y. Petlit, with
whom he remained on a farm until he was four-
teen years old. During that interval he bad good
advantages in the district school. He then returned
to Grimsby with his father and remained until he
was seventeen years old, when he was apprenticed
to the tinner's trade at Beamsville. He served five
years and then went to Tonawanda, N. Y., and
worked at his trade a short time, and next i)ursued
his calling in Pinhole City, Pa.
Being taken sick IMr. Nixon returned to his
father's and started out to sell patent clothes-lines
in the Dominion, and rusticating the next summer.
He then re-engaged at his trade, working for a year
in Bothwell, Canada, when the Fenian outbreak
called him to military service, as he had been a
member of the militia. Having received orders to
report he did so and entered tlie volunteer ser-
vice in Company 19, organized at Beamsville, and
served as a private until the close of the trouble.
He then came to Detroit and for a short time
worked there and at Windsor, and in 1868 es-
tablished himself at Plymouth, this State, where
he remained a few years. Early in the '70s he
came to Maple Rapids, Clinton County, and for
about a decade was in the employ of Mr. O. F.
Peck, a hardware dealer who cairied on a tinshop
in connection with his salesroom. Mr. Nixon next
started in business for himself as a member of the
firm of Nixon & Co., who dealt in tinware and
hardware.
In 1880 Mr. Nixon moved his stock to St. John's
and in December opened a store here. He has en-
larged the establishment since that time, and first
formed a partnership with a Mr. Geller, the style
being Nixon & (Jellcr. Later Mr. Steel took Mr.
Geller's i)lace, and the firm name was changed to
Nixon it Co. in 1889. Mr. Nixon has a commo-
dious and attractive residence here, built in 1890,
and he also owns real estate in Maple Rapids. Ho
formerly had one hundred and sixty acres near
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
555
tbat place, but lias disposed of it. lie is a tlior-
ough-goinjj business man and is energetic in vvbat-
ever be undertakes, wbetbcr for bis own advantage
or of a social, political or religious nature. He
belongs to a Masonic Blue Lodge in IMaple Rapids
and to a Cbaptcr and Comraaudery in St. Jolin's.
He is also member of tbe Knigbts of tbe Maccabees
organization in St. Jobn's, and he belongs to the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, having been a
charter member of tbe first lodge of that order in
the State — tbat at JIaple Rapids, No. 1. Politic-
ally he is a stanch Republican. He belongs to the
Congregational Church, is a member of the choir,
and while in Maple Rajiids was Sunday-school Su-
perintcnilont.
Tlie present wife of Mr. Nixon is a native of
Connecticut and bore the maiden name of Lura J.
Brooker. Her father, Warren Brooker, a native
of Connecticut, was a pioneer settler in Litchfield,
Ohio. Tbe daughter was first married to Allison
Jenne, a native of Litchfield, Ohio, anti when she
became the wife of Mr. Nixon was living in Maple
Rai)ids, where their wedding look place July 23,
1873. The first wife of Mr. Nixon was Frankie
Johnson, a native of Plymouth, lliis State, who
left one child, named for herself, and now the wife
of Charles Morelaud, a farmer in Bingham Town-
ship.
^ ^-*-^-
.ENEDICT STAMPKLY, D. V. S., a promi-
nent and successful farmer of Dc Witt
[■J))llJ Township, Clinton County, was born in the
Valley of Canton Berne, four miles from
the City of Berne, Switzerland, August 22, 1833.
His father, who bore tbe same name, was a Swiss
miller, and followed that calling and farming until
he followed his son to America in 1855. He lo-
cated in Coffey County, Kan., being a pioneer there,
and owned quite a large tract of land which be
farmed until his death which occurred when he was
fifty-five years old. His wife, Elizabeth, also a na-
tive of Switzerland, was the mother of seven chil-
dren, five of whom she reared to maturity, namely :
Benedict, Daniel, John, Elizabeth and Anna. Both
she and ber husband were consistent members of the
Reformed Church, and she died in Kansas after
having passed her sixtieth j'ear.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon the
farm in his native home and educated in the com-
mon schools, and later entered the college of Berne
and began the study of medicine with a view to
practicing it. But finding that it was not to his
taste, he took a course in veterinary surgery. He
g|)ent three and one-half years in the college, a
school very thorough and rigid in its requirements,
and was graduated in 1851.
That same year this young man and a chum came
to America, ostensibly to sow their "wild oats,"
but after traveling over eleven dilTerenl States, our
subject left his chum and came to Michigan, a
country of which be had heard much. He liked it
well, and finally decided to remain there and make
his home in America. For ibree years he worked
out on a farm and then si)ent four months visiting
in Ohio, and returning, married in 1859, Lovina
Moor, whom he had met during his previous stay
of two years. She was born in Michigan, in June,
1841. Three of her five children have grown to
maturity — Anna, Thomas and Klmma.
Mr. Stamplly first bought forty acres of land on
section 15, and later added one hundred and twenty
more, and w.as doing well in his work when his
wife died in April, 18G7, and be became discour-
aged and solil his laud intending to leave thecoun-
try. He however took new courage and decided
to remain. In 1867 he bought three hundred and
twenty acres on section 1 1. and in the fall of 1868
married Ellen R. Williaais, a most estimable lady of
tbe village of De Witt, who was born in Woodhull
Township, Shiaw.assee County, this State. Nine
children have blessed this union, of whom the fol-
lowing are living, namely: Elvira, Daniel, Roy,
Mabel, Allen and Ernest. In 1878 our subject
bought a two hundred and forty-acre tract across
tbe road from bis present farm, and be is now cul-
tivating two hundred and sixty acres of his faira
which comprises nearly four hundred. He raises
considerable stock and grain, and employs a large
force of men.
Mr. Starapfl}- has practiced veterinary surgery
ever since he came to Michigan, and has treated
with great success all kinds of diseases of tbe horse.
556
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
He is frequently sent for to go many miles into the
country. He raises from two to three thousand
bushels of wheat each year. He is remarkably suc-
cessful in his farming operations, and is well liked
by all who know him. He built a large l)arn in
1867, and expects to erect a handsome brick resi-
dence this summer. He is a Republican in politics,
with strong prohibition proclivities, and is a raera-
be'- of the Reformeil Church. He has been a mem-
ber of the Grange foi- a great many years, and for
two years was Master of the local organization. He
was for four terms President of the Patrons of In-
dustry, which office he finally resigned.
•^TLFRED S. FILDEW, senior member of
^/l1|| the drug firm of Fildew & Millman, has
jnii long been one of the prominent business
^^ men of St. John's. The residence he now
occupies was built twenty six j'ears ago, and the
lot on which it stands was grublied by him, while
many stumps were removed from llie streets by his
efforts. To him is due the organization of the
Carpenters' Co-operative Company, and he is one
of the originators of the Cooper Boiler and Engine
Company, and has in every way possible labored
for the im])rovement of the town and the increased
value of property here. In 1884 he and VV. A.
Wilson bought out the phnrmacy of I'aeli Bros.,
and he has since been engaged in the drug trade.
After a time his partner went out of the business,
ami his son John came in, and the firm was Fildew
& Son until 1890, when the present association was
formed.
During the French Revolution a lady escaped
from France with her two sons and made her way
to England, but died immediately after her arrival.
The children wcie reared by charity, and one of
tlicm learned the tanners' trade, which he followed
for years. He married and reared u family, one of
his sons being Henry, who was born in Devonshire
in J814. The family name liecame I^ildew, agree-
ing to the common pronunciation, although the
original spelling vvas probabl3' F'ildieu. Henry
Fildew w:is a carpenter and joiner in Honiton, tlie
English city made famous by the manufacture of
Honiton lace. He married Elizabeth Moore, a
native of Ipswich, Suffolkshire, and daughter of
Thomas Moore, a native of the North of Ireland,
but of Scotch descent. This Thomas Moore was a
Color Sergeant in Her Majesty's array. He mar
ried an English lady, and as they spent much time
in the West Indies, their daughter lillizabeth re-
ceived much of her training there. Mr. and Mrs.
Fildew, the father and mother of our subject, came
to America in 1870, and the mother died in Si.
John's in 187.i; the father returned to his native
land and is still living there, now aged seventy-
five years. The }'ounger members of their family
who survive are : Henry, a contra('tor, whose home
is in St. John's, but who is now doing some work
for R. M. Steel, in Oregon; Anna, wife of William
Cockeram, of St. John's ; and Frank, a carpenter liv-
ing in Detroit, and at present a member of the State
Legislature.
The subject of this biographical notice was born
in Honiton, England, August 6, 1837. He went
to the British school until he was twelve years old,
when he began to work for a druggist, and after
eighteen months in his employ became a carpenter's
apprentice. He served until he was of age, becom-
ing a skillful carpenter and joiner, and he then
found a position as time-keeper and book-keeper
in a railroad yard, where construction work was
going on. May 16, 1859. he was married at
Sougbton to Miss Jane Parsons, a native of the
same place as himself, and a daughter of Benjamin
Parsons, a farmer. The week after their marriage
the young couple left Liverpool on the '"City of
Washington." and ten days later landed among
strangers in New York. After some short sojourns
in different places, they spent three years at Livo-
nia, Ind., and then came to Detroit, where for a
short time Mr. Fildew worked at his trade. The
fall of that year they came to St. John's, and he
went to work on a farm with a brother-in-law, but
ere long was employed at his trade b}' Mr. Bruin-
ard, a builder in Si. .lohu's.
In 1873 Mr. Fildew organiz(d the Co-operative
Company of St. .lohn's, becoming its President
and Secretary, in the manufacturing of s.ash, doors
and blinds. The company did contracting and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
557
Iniildiiig, erecting stores, ward scboolliuuses and a
jail, while operated under the original charter. In
1879 it was changed to the Spoke Factory, and
after some changes in the list of stockholders it
W.1S reorganized with Mr. Kildew as .Secretary' for
two 3"ears. The material at last became scarce, as
timber was giving out in this section, and the com-
pany then made a change and converted their
works into what is now known as the Cooper
Boiler & Engine Company. Other schemes in
wiiich Mr. Fildew has been or is interested have
airead}' been mentioned. He has three children —
John n. married Miss Ida Lyons, of .St. John's;
Annie E., now Mrs. J. T. Millman; and Etta J.
Etta J. is at home, John II. is now on the road,
traveling for B. <fe S. McGraw, of Detroit. He was
for a lime in the drug business with Dr. Baggs, and
then was employed in the War Department at
W.ishi.igton about five years.
Mr. Fildew has for years been Secretary of the
Masonic I'.lue Lodge in St. John's, and he is Treas-
urer of the Ancient Order of United Workmen
and Counselor of the Chosen Friends. He is also
connected with the Knights of Honor. He is an
honorary meiiil)er of tiie fire department. In poli-
tics he is a Ufpiiblican, and on more than one occa-
sion he has been a delegate to coun'-y conventions.
His religious connection is with the Congregational
Cliurch.
■'v-vjt^;-^.
J'OHN P. GERARDY, is the manager of the
largest general store in Durand, Shiawassee
Count}'. He was born in New Orleans, La.,
.' March 'J, 18.0.5. His father was J. J. P.
Gcrardy of whom a sketch will be found on an-
other |);ige of this Ai.iUM. Mr. Gerardy, our sub-
ject, is the eldest of seven children and had only
reached the tender age of a single year when lie was
brought to Michigan by his parents. His first
school days were spent in Venice Township, Shia-
wassee County, and he finished at the High School
of Corunna.
Our subject's lifework was begun at the age of
nineteen years. He worked on the farm by the
month in the summer time and in order to finish
his schooling spent his winters over his books in
Oakland County-, Jsovi Townsliip. For two years
he worked thus when he returned to Venice Town-
ship, where he purch.ased a farm. September 19,
1877, he united himself in marriage to Frances A.,
daughter of E. P. Tew of Corunna. After his
marriage he settled on his farm in- Venice Town-
ship, where he carried on hif agricultural business
for ten years. At the expiration of this time he
sold his farm, in the year 1887, and located in
Durand, giving himself entirely' to his present
business.
Mr. and Mrs. Gerardy are the parents of one
daughter — Rena M.. who was born August 5, 1878,
and who lives at home with her parents. Mr.
Gerardy adheres to the Democratic platform and
his party has awarded him several local positions
in virtue of the eflicient service he h.as done. He
was Township Cle.-k for four years in Venice Town-
ship and is now an incumbent of the [josition in
\^ernoii Township, also Notary Public. He is a
Mason, socially belonging to the North Nev/burg
Lodge, No. Kil, and Corunna Chapter, No. 15.3 ;
also a member of Corunna Conimander^' Knights
Templar No. 21. lie is a member of the Knighls
of the Maccabees at Durand, and holds the ofli<-c
of Record Keeper in the same. Mr. (ieranly who
is a prominent man in Durand and Vernon Town-
ship, is doing a goo<l and lucrative business. Mrs.
Gerardy was born in Corunna M.ay 8, 18.06, and is
the third daughter of Klislia P. anil Eleanor (Mil-
ler) Tew. She was i eared in her native town and
was there educated. She begun teaching school
when but thirteen years of age and followed it for
nine yeais, during this lime holding a good posi-
tion in .Shiawassee County.
\I^, ICHMOND SIMMONS, M. 1)., a prosperous
It^i^ and well-known lIoniie|)athic physician of
/4i*i DeWitt, Clinton County, was born in
^P) Salem Townshl|), Washtenaw County,
Mich., January 16, 1818. His father. John P. a
native of New York, w.as born in 1821, and his
grandfather, Ephraim, was a native of New Eng-
558
rORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
land and of English descent, who came to New
York State in an early day and passed his last days
there. The father, who was a cooper in his early
days, came to Washtenaw County, Mich., in 1839
and was one of the first coopers in that county.
He farmed there for awhile and in 1851, removed
to Olive Township, Clinton County, and buying
fifty acres of land, lived upon it three years. After
living eleven years in Branch County, he returned
Eastand worked in the nursery business in Roches-
ter for a year.
Mr. John Simmons returned West and worked
at liis trade in Coldwater until 1859, when he
bought a farm five miles south of Coldwater and
farmed for five years. He then returned to Wash-
tenaw County and bought a farm which he oper-
ated until 1878 when became to DeWitt Township,
and buying seventy acres passed his last dnys there,
dying .January 13, 1884. He was a Universalist in
his religious belief and a Democrat in politics. He
married Nancy A. Clair a native of New York
State, where she was born in 1826. She had tliree
children: Harriet E. died at the age of fourteen
months, and Charles E. died when twenty-three
years old. She still lives with her son, Richmond,
and is a Universalist in her religious belief and of
Holland descent on both sides of the family.
After our subject had taken his earlier scliooling
in the district schools he spent tnree years in the
High School at Ann Arbor and when twenty-five
years old began to read medicine under Dr. B. S.
Knapp, of Owosso, Mich. After a j'ear with him
he entered the university at Ann Arbor in 1874.
He studied there for two jears and then attended
the Pulte Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, tak-
ing his diploma there in February, 1878, and in
April of the same year coming to DeWilt, to estab-
lish his practice. This he has built up quile exten-
sively and does a great deal of surgery as well as
ordinary practice.
The marriage of Dr. Simmons with JLartha E.
Smith occurred March 5, 1879. This lady was
born in Victor Township, Clinton County, October
27, 1858. Two sons have come to cheer their home,
John L. and Daniel R. The Doctor is a member of
the State Medical Societ}' of lloma'pathy and was
a delegate to the National Medical Society which
met at Niagara in May, 1883. He is a member of
the Lansing Commanderyof the Masonic order and
of the Blue Lodge at DeWitt. He also belongs to
the Masonic Mutual Benefit Association at Grand
Rapids, and is one of the Modern Woodmen of
this place. He is a Democrat in his political views
and is now both Township Clerk and Health Officer.
Three and one-fourth acres of laud surround his
pleasant home in the village.
<|1 IVILLIAM T. TILLOTSON, an intelligent
\rj// and prosperous citizen of Duplain Town.
\yW ship, Clinton County, who has ever been
helpful in forwarding the causes of education and
church work, w.as l)orn in Brunswick, Medina
County, Ohio, November 28,1826. He is a son
of Leonard Tillot&on, a pioneer of that county in
Ohio, who made his home there in the year 1815
about eighteen miles from Cleveland in ihe days
when it took him three days to make ihe trip from
his home to and from that city.
The mother of our subject was Mary C. Thomas
in her maidenhood, and she came from Connecticut
where she was born and reared to make her home
in Ohio when hnt si.Kteen years old. The father
came from Jlassachusetts when a boy and was by
occupation of a farmer. This son received only a
common-school education and was able to be in
attendance upon school only during short and in-
frequent periods, but he made the best of his scanty
advantages and so well did he succeed that he was
enabled to become a teacher when quite young.
August 11, 1852, this young man came to Mich-
igan, making his home in Elsie and working one
one year for his cousin. He carefully hoarded his
w.ages and in 1853 bought eighty acres of land,
paying $3 per acre for the tract. He made a clear-
ing of five and a half acres during the first j-ear
and at once put in a crop of wheat. He continued
with his clearing until he h.ad finished it and built
a log cabin preparatory to setting up his own home.
The marriage of our subject to Mary E. Wool,
of Elsie, took place September 26, 1855. Five
children blessed this union, namelj': Marvin L.,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
559
born August 16, 185(5, died Ausjust 25, 1859;
Marion L., born September 23, 1860; Myrti, April
13, 1864; Haltie, May 6, 1868, and Willie, May 6,
1876. Marion married Kva .1. Bennett, of Duplain
Township; M3-ra and llattie are teaciiing school
and Willie is still an attendant at school in Elsie.
The father lias continued his farming operations
ever since he came to this place. The old log house
formed the family home until 1874 when he built
a large two-story frame residence. He built his
first barn in 1860 and the others since that time.
He has now a place of one hundred acres of fine
farming land upon which he raises almost every
kind of grain and keeps graded stock, sheep and
cattle.
Mr. Tillotson is no partisan in politics but votes
for principle rather than party and is a careful
student of public movements. When he first came
to this county he says there was no Ovid, no St.
John's, no Owosso and very little Lansing. He
and iiis faithful wife are members in the Methodist
Episcopal Church, to which he has belongeil ever
since he came to the count}'. He was also Class-
Leader and Superintendent of the Sunday-school.
He is deeply interested in educational movements
and has given his cliildren excellent advantages in
this direction.
-^♦o-@;^<\^..o*o-
pTy\ UDOLPH COLBY. Another of the pioneers
^t/ of this State who has done mucli to make
t4i\\\ Shiawassee Township bloom and blossom
1^ as the rose is Uudolpli Colby, who lives on
his fine farm on sections 17 and 18, Shiawa.ssee
Townsliip. He was born on the place September
12, 1855, his father being James S. Colby and his
mother Eliza L. (Nelson) Colby. Tlicy came to
Shiawassee County and settled at their present lo-
cation one year previous to the l)irlh of oursubject,
coming hither immediately from Pinckney, Liv-
ingston County, but prior to that tinu? from New
York, about tlie year 1848. After coming to lliis
State the fatiier secured a tract of one hunilred and
sixty acres, which he farmed for a number of years,
constantly adding to the original acreage until he
became the possessor of three hundreii and twenlj'
acres, nearly- all of which is improved.
Our subject remained at home attending high
school at Corunna and l)egan to teach at the age of
eighteen, in wiiich work he continued for two years
and then relieved his father of the cai'c of the
home farm in which he was in charge until 1883.
Mr. Colby then began to build his present home.
He has added twenty acres to the original tract of
one hundred and sixty acres. Upon the place he
has built a new barn, 32x62 feet and twenty feet
high and under which are good granaries. He
erected this at a cost of $800. Ilis barn and shcils
for stock arc supplied with water that is forced
where needed by a wind mill.
Mr. Colby does not devote himself to any special
line in agriculture, but he engages in the more
lucrative course of mixed farming. He is a most
Intelligent man and keeps abreast with the times in
all the improvements of the day. He was elected
Township Treasurer in 1835. in which capacity' he
served for two years. And at the close of the
term he w.as elected Supervisor, and is now serving
his fifth term During his service an arrangement
has been satisfactorily made for the liquidation of
the old debt standing against the county of the sum
of about t!40,00(), which had been hanging over the
county for forty years, the basis of settlement
being outlined by the Supreme ('ourt as carried up
by the recent Board of Supervisors. This happj'
result is largely due to the action of Mr. Colby and
his colleagues. At the June session of 1891 of
Supervisors, Mr. Colby succeeded in reducing the
equalization valuation of his township 122,000,
which was an important itetn to the people of the
township. At other times his efforts have been
crowned with success toward making or modifying
measures for the benefit of the township. Three
years ago he succeeded in getting a reduction of
valuation, amounting to |i6,()00. Some of the new
bridges that liave been built in the township have
been secured by his inlhuMiee in the Board. In
June, 1891, the new law of School Commissioners
was first tested and a citizen of Shiaw.assee Town-
ship was chosen foi Commissioner. This conces-
sion was largely due to Mr. Colby's efforts.
The gentleman of whom we write was married
560
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Janiiarj' 7, 1880, to Miss Georgians Sergeant,
daughter of Collins Sergeant. She is a native of
the township, being born March U, 1861. They
have a family of two bright children — Roy L. and
Wayne S. Mr. Colby lias been a Mason since
1866. Politically, our subject is one of the most
active Republicans in the county, always having
taken a prominent position in every political cam-
paign. He is a Director of Jhe Owosso Fair Asso-
ciation. He is interested in every measure that
can benefit in the least his fellow- townsmen.
\f/OHN H. CORBIT. This gentleman has tlie
honor of having established the first liard-
ware store in St. John's, and of being the
first dealer in nierciiandise in the county:
lie camo here in March, IS.iC, when the town was
just starting into life, the raihuad having ju.'itbecn
Couii)leted, and during the fall he put in a general
stock of hardware which was shipped from Buffalo,
N. Y., to Kenton, and carlod from 'here. The firm
of C'orbit & Moote carried on business three years,
then Mr. Corbit became sole proprietor of the
establishment ancl in 1.S70 he Iniilt a large double
store, which he found it necessary to enlarge in
later years. The building is one hundred and
thirty feet deep and an iiupiement warehouse of
large size is also used, five tloors being occupied
with goods from which the retail trade is supplied
and some wholesaling done. Agricultural imple-
ments iiHve been handled by Mr. Corbit for years.
At present the business is carried on b^' the firm of
Corbit & Valentine.
In the paternal line Mr. Corbit is of Irish par-
entage, liut his father came to America when quite
young. Me was married in ISaldwinville, N. Y.,
and located in Geneva County and after the death
of his lirst [lartner made a second matrimonial al-
liance. His wife w.as Mary Gardner who died in
1846. He was a weaver by trade but was for some
time a dealer in grain and produce at Pekin, on
the old "strap" road between Lockport and Niagara
Falls. For a long time lie was the only produce
dealer there. He afterward retired and came to St.
John's, where he remained with his children until
his demise. He was an old-line Whig.
Mr. Corbit of this notice was born in Cambria,
Niagara County, N. Y., June 15, 1832, and re-
mained there until fifteen years old, pursuing his
studies in the district school. He then went to
Lockport and served a three years' a[)prenticeship
at the tinner's trade, then took up his work as a
journeyman at Niagara Falls. A year later he re-
turned to Lockport, made a short sojourn, and
thence went to Tonawanda and from there to
Pekin. He was in business in the East until 1854,
when he came to Albion, this State, and entered the
employ ol Mr. Brooks of Battle Creek working one
season. He then returned to his native State, spent
a short time, and coming back to Albion in the
sjiring of 1856 decided to locate in the new town
to which a railroad was being built. Besides his
hardware store here he has been interested in othet
schemes for his own good and the improvement of
the place. He built the Republican iirinting oflice
and the drug store block, in partnership with Dr.
Bagg and still owns a half interest in each. He
has also a half interest in the lot occupied by trie cor-
ner drug store, arid a farm in Bingham and Bengal
Townships. His outlying land consists of seventy
acres, which is very well inipioved and [iroduees a
fair income by rental.
In company with his brother, George S., Mr.
Corliil built tlie Independent office building but
afterward disposed of bis interest to his lirotlier.
In 1888, in iiarluership witli Ed. Brown, he bought
out the firm of Dr. vSlewait and put up the Hotel
St. John's, a large brick structure leased at a good
rate. He is interested in Denver real-estate, and
was one of the originators of the .State Bank of
St. John's, and is a Direc^tor in that organization.
In 1861 he built what was at that time the finest
residence in town and is still a beauUful home. It
is in the Gothic style of architeciure and has a
pleasant location in a sightly part of the city.
The wife of Mr. Corbit was formerly known as
Miss Jennie Earl. She was born in Onondaga
County, N. Y., where her marriage took place, and
was dei)rivcd of a father's care and training when
she was quite young. She has her motlier with
her, Mrs. Earl being a lady eighty-six years old.
1
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
563
Mr. and Mrs. Corbit liavc had but three children
and onlj' one of these survives. Agnes and Fanny
are deceased; Helen, the second in order of birth,
adds to the pleasure and attractiveness of home
and social life, her intelligence and good breeding
giving her popularity. She attended the St. John's
High School and pursued higher branches in De-
troit and Kenosha.
The family are communicants of the Episcopal
Church and the wife and daughter are active in the
ladies' work, while Mr. Corbit has been a Vestry-
man for years. He is one of the founders of the
religious society-, having been associated with Gen.
O. L. Spaulding and the Hon. S. S. Walker in buy-
ing land and putting up the house of worship. He
is a Democrat and has been a delegate to count}'
conventions. He is a cliarter member of the St.
John's Gas Company, and was one of the origina-
tors of the fire dei)artment, of which he is an hon-
orary member. He belongs to the Masonic fratcr-
nitj- and Ancient Order of Tnited Workmen in St.
John's. He was Trustee of the village two years
during the early days of its existence. In business
circles his reputation is irreproachable, and as a man
of good character and mental culture lie is well
regarded bj' all who know him.
^Sff%^i.
ellAKLES O. BUSSKLL, one of the brave
defenders of our country, who fought for
the old flag during the Civil War, resides
on a farm on section 10, New Haven 'rownship.
Shiawassee County. His father, Charles H. lius-
sell, was a native of New Hampshire, born January
8, 1798. He was a youth of more than ordinarj-
ability, and was given an opjiortunity for educa-
tion of which he availed himself. When twenty-
one years old he left the parental home, and coming
to Ohio, bought fifty acres of wild land which he
cleared. He made an addition to it by the ))nr-
chase of sixty-six acres and continued to live upon
it for several years.
In 1855 the father of our subject came to Cale-
donia, Mich., and took up two hundred acres. Af-
ter remaining in that place for two years, he re-
turned to Ohio, where he sojourned several years.
In 1865 he came again to Michigan, and lived with
his son at New Haven until his death in 1880.
On May 19, 1822 he had been joined in marriage
I with Susan J. Starr, who was born in New York,
j October 20, 1807. They had eleven children, five
I daughters and six sons, of whom our subject is the
; eighth child. His mother died April 11, 1891, in
Kazelton, Jlich. In her early years she was a
Methodist, but later became a Universalist. The
father was an ardent Republican, and was active
in party matters.
[ The gentleman of whom we write, was born in
Lorain County, Ohio, in 1838. He had meagre
opportunities of schooling in his youth, but has al-
ways availed himself of the best advantages which
have come to him through life. He is a great reader
and has developed his intellectual abilities by an
intelligent choice of books. When twenty-one
years old he began working out by the month, and
in 1864 left the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, to
enter the arm}'. He enlisted in Compan}' II, Twen-
ty-third Michigan Infantry, and was at once sent
to Atlanta. He marched with .Sherman to the ;ca,
and was with that General near Raleigh when the
news was brought that Lee had surrendered his
army to Grant. He remembers with enthusiasm
the excitement and hilarious joy with which the
boys in blue greeted this grand mcss.age. From
there he went to Salisbury, N. C, and was there
mustered out and came home to Detroit, where he
received his linal discharge.
After returning from the war, Mr. Bussell went
to Hastings, and buying some village i)ropert}', en-
tered the mercantile business, but after a year went
to Ohio. Upon his return to Michigan he bought
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, to which
he afterward added b}' purchase fort^'-five acres.
He is a Republican in his political views, and a
stanch and active one, taking a lively interest in
political movements. In his boyhood he was a
schoolmate of the Ilorr brothers, of Lorain Countj',
Ohio, who are now so prominent in public life, and
has alw.iys kept up a cordial intimacy with them.
He has an excellent farm, and his barns and out-
buildings l)y their neat appearance and freshly
564
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
painted exterior, speak well for the care which he
bestows upon his propertj'. He is a man of genial
and companionable nature, and his bachelor liomc
is a pleasant resort among his friends.
A lithographic [lorlrait of Mr. Bussell will be
found elsewhere in this volume.
-^^
'LVIN M. BENTLEY of the Owosso Tool
Works, Owosso, Mich., is considered one of
I i the prominent citizens of that place.
These works were established by D.
Thompson & Co., in 1884 and took their present
title in 1885. Mr. Bentley acted as manager under
Mr. Thomjjson and when the change was made and
he became proprietor, he continued in the same
capacity.
Mr. Bentley was born in Orleans County,
N. Y., October 20, 1858. His father, William
Bentley, a native of New York, is now a retired
farmer of Ontario County, and his mother, who
bore the maiden name of Sarah Holliday, is also a
native of that State and is still living, the honored
mother of eleven children, ten sons and one
daughter, of whom nine survived until maturity
and seven are now living.
Our subject passed his school days in his native
county, and afterward removed to Niagara County,
where he spent two years and then moved to
Shortsvillc and spent the last two years of his
school days at Canandaigna Academy. His first
work was shipping clerk, afterward assistant to the
superintendent of the Empire Urdl Company at
Shortsville, where he remained 'or four years. In
1882, he removed to Linden, Genesee County,
Mich., where he engaged in the manufacture of
farm wagons. He built up a large business and
after eighteen months sold out to his partner Myron
Harris. In the fall of 1883 he moved to Ovid,
Clinton County, this State, where he purchased an
interest in the firm of I). Thompson & Co., manu-
facturers of farm tools and dealers in hardware.
The firm of D. Thompson & Co., of which Mr.
Bentlc}' was partner, erected works in Owosso in
the fall of 1886. Mr. Bentley bought the interest
of his two partners, then established the Owosso
Tool Company of which he is sole owner. This
company makes a specialty of the manufacture of
door and window screens and wooden snow shovels.
They also make scythe snaths, grain cradles, hay
rakes and all kinds of handles. This concern occu-
pies two extensive buildings and surrounding these
are large lumber 3'ards and railroad side tracks.
They carry constantly from one to two million feet
of hard wood and pine lumber.
The buildings are equipped with the finest and
best machinery and the company employs from one
hundred and twenty-five men to one hundred and
fifty men the year around. The business has sex-
tupled within four years, and has been eminently
successful from the start. The products of this
company find a market from the Atlantic to the Pa-
cific coast and have also got something of a Euro-
pean trade. The business under the personal super-
vision of Mr. Bentley, who is sole proprietor.
The marriage of Mr. Bentley- with Miss Clara
Brown of Shortsville, N. Y., took place in 1879.
This lad3- is a daughter of C. P. Brown, President
of the Empire Drill Company at that place. One
son has been granted to this worthy couple, Calvin
P. Mr. Bentley is a Reimblican in his political
views and a man of intelligence in [lublic affairs.
Both he and his accomplished wifeare active mem-
bers of the Congregational Church.
^^m-
.^EUBEN E. DAGGETT, a respected citizen
of Eureka, Clinton County, this State, was
-Ai W born November 17, 1827, in Cattaraugus
County, N. Y. He is a son of Loren and
Prudence (Dennis) Daggett, natives of New Y'ork
and V^ermont respectively. His paternal ancestors
were of English stock and his maternal grand-
father is said to have been a Revolutionary soldier.
During the early childhood of our subject he at-
tended the district school and also assisted his
father upon the farm, but when ten years old he be-
gan working out as a farm hand, earning the tre-
mendously large wages of j!2.50 a month and his
board. As he woi'ked out in this way until he was
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
565
twenty j-cars old, there was of course, no further
schooling for him, and his education as far as the
schoolroom was concerned was cut short.
Mary A. Wright, a daughter of Edward and
Mary Wright, of Genesee County, N. Y., was
the lady whom this young man chose to be his
companion through life. Their wedding da^- was
October 17, 1847. P'our children were granted to
this young couple, namely : Edward, JNLarj' E., wife
of .lohn Prentiss, William and James. The two
last named were twins. The mother of these chil-
dren died while tliey were livinj? in New York and
in the fall of 1857, Mr. Daggett witli his orphaned
children, came to Clinton County', Mich., and
began their new home in Greenbush Township.
Mr. Daggett's second marriage occurred in May.
1859, when he was united with Mrs. Caroline
Badgerow who was snatched from his side by death,
January 9, 1891. This ladj' was a member of the
Evangelist Church, and was highly esteemed by all
who knew lier as well as by her family to whom her
death was an irreparable loss. In the fall of 1890,
Mr. D.iggett removed from the farm to the vill.nge
of Eureka, v/here he now makes his home. When
be Grst took his farm it was a dense forest and he
did true pioneer work upon it, clearing it and
bringing it to a high state of cultivation, and now
owns one hundred acres of excellent land. He is
identified with the Evangelist Church in which he
finds a broad field for labor. He is public-spirited
and enterprising and is interested in the success of
tlic Democratic part^' witli which he casts bis vote.
, AMUEL S. C. PHIPPEN, M. ])., C. M.. one
of the inlluenlinl pliysicians of Owosso, is a
native of Canada and was born in tho
county of Ontario, March 26,1860. He is the
eldest son of Nicholas and Thomasina (Croxall)
Pliip[)en. The fallier was a furniture dealer, and
was also engaged in the milling business in a saw
and planing mill, and did a very extensive business
in a sasii, door and furniture factory. A man
of good judgment and great ability, he was uni-
versally esteemed where ever known.
The son, .Samuel .S. C, passed his earl}' days in
Brooklin, county of Ontario, where he received
the rudiments of his education. At the age of
fourteen he removed with his parents to I'ark Hill
in the county of Middlesex and there he sojourned
for four years. During this interval he was a stud-
ent in the Park Hill High School and at the end of
his course he passed the intermediate examination,
receiving a first-class teacher's certificate for llie
Province of Ontario. This of Itself spe^.ks well
for his attainments at that earlj' age. Then going
to Toronto he passed his matriculation examina-
tion in medicine before the College of Physicians
and .Surgeons of Ontario, and became registered as
an undergraduate in medicine in the Tniversity of
Toronto. He subsequently attended lectures over
one year at the Toronto School of Medicine.
We next find the 3'oung student in London, Can-
ada, where he studied one year with Dr. Moor-
house, a celebrated physician of Canada. After-
ward he proceeded to Jlontreal and became a
student in the medical department of McGill Uni-
versity, where lie continued three years, graduat-
ing with high honors and receiving his diploma in
March, 1883. He stood at tiic head of liis class
in the examination of the medical clinic at the
Montreal General Hospital. Owosso, Mich., wa.s
the first point to which the young practitioner
turned as his field of labor. He came here in June,
1883, soon after graduating, and in this [)lace he
has built up an extensive and lucrative practice.
Tlie Doctor established a l;ome of his own in
September, 188(5, at which time he was united in
marriage with Miss Anna Kohler, of Owosso, Mich.
The bride was born and reared in this city, and is
universally beloved for her many noble and ami-
able qualities. The Doctor is a member of the
Owosso Academy of Medicine and also of the Mich-
igan Slate Medical Society. He is Assistant Sur-
geon of the Fourth Regiment of the Michigan
Brigade Uniformed Rank. Knights of Pythi.as. This
gives him tlie rank of Captain on the Colonel's
staff. He is also Local Surgeon at Owosso for tlie
Michigan Central Railw.ay. For several terms he
was Health Olliccr and likewise President of the
Board of Healtii of tiie city of Owosso. Socially
he is identified willi the Kni^lils of Pythias
566
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Knights of the Maccabees, etc. His delightful res-
idence at No. 707 W. Main Street is the frequent
scene of social reunions, where he and his accom-
plislied wife extend hospitality to their friends and
neighbors. Politically the Doctor is a Democrat,
believing the principles of that party to be best
calculated to advance the interests of the nation.
'iflULIUS FRIESEKE. The firm of J. & H.
Frieseke began the manufacture of brick
and tile in Owosso in 1865, on a small scale,
(^// the work being mostly done by hand. As
the demand increased they enlarged the capacity of
their works and have kept pace with the growth of
the town and now carrj* on a flourishing business,
making brick and drain tile and all kinds of orna-
mental brick. They use the McKenzie brick ma-
chine, made in Adrian, and their tile machine is of
the Bennett make, manufactured at Jackson. The
annual output of brick is between two and three
millions and the amount of tile varies according to
the demand. They employ twenly-five men during
the busy season, which lasts from six to seven
months, and furnish them employment at wood
chopping during the winter.
Our subject, who is senior member of the firm,
is of German birth and parentage, and came to
America during his jouth. He was born February
10, 1842, and attended school in his native land
until sixteen years old. His parents, Frederick and
Maria (Langerwisch) Frieseke, then crossed the At-
lantic with their family, and landing atNew York,
came at once to Shiawassee County, this State.
The father died here at the venerable age of ninety-
one years. He had been a soldier in his own land
and liad fought under Gen. Blucher in the war of
the allies against Napoleon. In 1859, soon after
their arrival in America, our subject began brick-
making for Charles Shattuck. He and his brother
worked at the brick yard, after a time went to Yp-
silanti and worked in a brick yard.
Young Frieseke felt as much interest in the
events that transpired during the early '60s as
though he had been born in America, and soon
after attaining to his majority he entered the Union
army, enlisting in the Thirteenth Michigan Battery
Light Artillery. His enrollment took place in
1864, and he was sent to Washington, D. C, and
spent some time in fortifications in and near that
city. In July, 1864, he took part in an engage-
ment at Ft. Stevens. After serving about sixteen
months he was honorably discharged in July, 1865,
and retuining to Owosso he started in the brick
business before the month had expired. He bought
out Mr. Shattuck and has continued to use a part
of the old plant. The cl.ay is of superior quality,
the vein about six feet thick, free from gravel and
other impurities, and the material burns a handsome
red.
In 1868 Mr. Frieseke was married to Miss Cath-
erine Strahle, a resident of Owosso, but a native of
Germany. Her father ■ was John Strahle. The
family of Mr. and Mrs. Frieseke consists of two
sons and five daughters — a group of enterprising,
active bo3'S and girls, several of whom arc already
entering upon the duties of life. Mr. Frieseke has
represented the Third Ward on the Aldermanic
Board four terms and is still tilling his ollicial sta-
tion. In 1889 he was elected to the Mayoralty and
brought his business principles and prudence to
bear upon municipal affairs. He is a member of
L. B. Quackenbush Post, No. 205, G. A. R., and
his name among his comrades is that of a good
soldier and true patriot. He is held in good repute
by his ac()uaintances and his reputation .as a business
man has extended beyond the city, wherever the
products of his yard have gone. Politically he is a
stanch Republican.
-^^
<^ l>.ILLIAM H. BIGELOW, who is now serv-
\/\/// '"^^ '''* second term as Register of Deeds
^^/ of Shiawassee County, is an intelligent and
enterprising man, who for some years has been
closely identified with the business prosperity of
this locilit}'. He came to the county in 1878 and
notwithstanding some misfortunes which have be-
fallen him, particularly a heavy loss by Are, he has
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
567
gone on his way with unflagging energy", deter-
niined to succeed and securing for his family a
good maintenance. He was born in Oswego, X. Y.,
•luly 27, 1852, and was but six weelcs old when his
parents came to this State to make their future
home. He grew up in Ypsilanti, where he first at-
tended the common and then the high school and
at a still later period studied in the normal school.
He then became a student of pharmacy under Drs.
Tripp it Van Tuj'l of that city.
In 1873 young Bigelow went to Saginaw, where
for two years he clerked for William IMoll, after
which he was manager of the store three years. He
then located in Byron, Shiawasse County, in the
drug business and carried on the trade five years.
During that period he was Village Recorder of
Byron and Treasurer of Burns Township. Thence
he went to Bancroft, where he intended carrying
on the drug business with his brother. The stock
was placed in the store, but the first night after
our subject reached the place, a fire occurred by
whic^h the establishment was totally wrecked, en-
tailing a loss of $2,600. In the spring immediately
following Mr. Bigelow started a drug and grocery
business in Owasso, the firm being Bigelow & Bige-
low. The business was carried on until he of whom
we write was electcil Register of Deeds, when he
removed to the county' seat in order to be able to
give his time as he ought to his ofKcial duties. His
first election was in the fall of 1888, when he was
placed in nomination on the Republican ticket. He
received a m.ajority of sixteen hundred and twenty,
the largest given any candidate in the county, and
ran eight hundred ahead of the ticket. He entered
upon the discharge of his official duties Jaiuiar^-
1, 1889, and in the fall of 181)0 was re-elected,
with a majority of nine hundred and fortj'-three,
which, considering the political aspect at that time,
was extremely satisfactory.
At the head of the household affairs in the resi-
dence of Mr. Bigelow is awell-read and amiable lady,
whose maiden name was Adelaide R. Brooks. She
is a daughter of William R. Brooks, an early settler
in Lenawee County, and was born near Adrian. She
was given excellent school privileges, engaged in
teaching and had a high reputation as an instructor
of youth. Her marriage took [)lace in Adrian April
23, 1874, and two children have been born of her
happy union. They are named respectively Stella
A. and Horace W.
IMr. Bigelow is a member of the Slate I'harma-
ceutical Society and is a registered pharmacist. He
has been a member of tlic City Board of Health.
He is a demitled Odd Fellow, belongs to the Knights
of P^'thias in Owasso and is Past Commander of
Wilson Tent, No. 89, K. O. T. M.. there. Is a prom-
inent Mason, being a Knight Templar in Corunna
Commandery with the rank of Generalissimo. He
is firm in his political faith and has been a delegate
to county and State Republican conventions and
was a member of the County Central Committee
several ^-ears. Personally' he is one of the most
agreeable of men, showing an interest in the gen-
eral welfare and the progress of human events that
stamps him as a m;in of intelligence and kindly
feeling.
^
E^
?)IIOMAS ATKINSON, one of our representa-
tive British-American citizens, was born
February 19, 1829, in Lincolnshire, England.
His parents Thomas and Ann (Jackson) Atkinson,
came from England to America in 1855, and lo-
cated in Clarence Township, Erie County, N. Y.,
coming to Michigan in 1863. They were both
earnest and devoted racml)ers of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and died in 1863 and 1874, re-
spectively.
The suliject of this sketch was one of two chil-
dren of the parental home, and his father .being a
farm laborer residing in an English village he re-
ceived his education in the village schools and
worked on a farm from the time he was twelve
years old. getting sixteen cents a day wages. In
1851 he preceded his parents to America and was
upon tlie ocean four weeks. He found employment
in a brick-yard in Clarence, Erie County, N. Y.,
and worked at that and upon a farm for some time,
and for a while worked a farm upon shares.
In 1861 the young man was taken with the West-
ern fever and came to .St. John's, Mich., where he
worked by the day for about two years. He and
568
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
his brother finally purchased thirty-six acres of
land in Bingham Township, but after a while our
subject sold out his share and purchased what is
now his home farm on section 13, Bengal Township.
It was only partly improved but had upon it a
small house and barn. I'pon this he has expended
much labor and enterprise as he completed clearing
it of trees and has placed it all under cultivation,
and it now shows the hand of a thorough- going
and practical farmer.
In 1851 he was united in marriage with a lady
who is like himself of British birth, Sarah Wood,
a native of England. SLe is the mother of eight
children: Thomas is married and lives on a farm
near his parents; John resides in .St. John's; Emily
is the wife of Romeo Cossle,in St. John's; William
resides at iiome and four children died in infancy.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson are earnest and active
members of the Free Methodiat Church and he is a
Republican in his political views. He began life
with no means except his own energy and enter-
prise and he has now attained to a handsome prop-
erty, having eighty acres of land in the home farm
and owning a house and lot in St. John's. His
home is a pleasant one and forms one of the at-
tractive spots in the township.
-m
IE
HILANOUS EMMONS, a prominent farmer
and lumber dealer of Clinton County, oc-
cupies one hundred acres of land in Bing
_ ham Township, and since 1880 has been
the successful operator of a sawmill there. He
manufactures lumber in considerable quantities and
ships much of the product, although he has quite a
heavy home trade. His farm is on section 32, of
the township named, is well tilled and stocked and
supplied with all necessary buildings. The mill
from which Mr. Emmons derives so good an in-
come was built by him in the fall of 1880, when he
saw an opportunity for a lumber manufacturer
to enter upon a good business. Prior to that
time he had been giving his attention entirely
to farming and had occupied different tracts of
land in this State, to which he came in 1852.
Mr. Emmons was born in Seneca County, N. Y.,
September 25, 1829, and is one in a family of nine
children, only three of whom are now living. His
parents were Philauous and Susan (AVilkes) Em-
mons, each of whom was born near Great Bend,
N.Y. The father was a good mechanic and under-
stood the trades of coopering and masonry. He
died in 1839, aged fifty years. He had been a sol-
dier during the AVar of 1812. Mrs. Emmons lived
to an extreme old age — ninetj'-five years — dying in
1890. She was a devout member of the L'nited
Brethren Church.
Our sulijcct sjjent his early years upon a farm,
but after the death of his father, which occurred
when he ivas ten years old, he was away from home.
He did such work on the farms as was within the
range of liis capabilities, and during the winter
months atteniled school until he had acquired a
fair education. He continued to work out in his
native Stale until he had attained to iiis majority,
and not many months after his birthday he came
West. During the 3'ear before mentioned he lo-
cated in Bengal Township, Clinton County, buying
forty acres of land on which there were no other
improvements than a log house and a small patch
of cleared ground. It was in a sparsely settled
region, where deer and other wild game abounded
and the homekeepers supplied their tables with the
flesh of the animals they killed. Mr. Emmons
lived there seven 3-ears, then removed to Orange
Township, Ionia County, but after a sojourn of
three j-ears sold out and went to Macomb Count}'.
He remained there onl)^ a few months, when he had
an o|iportunity to exchange his farm for a partly
improved tract in Olive Township, Clinton Count}'.
Here ho located and farmed two years and a half.
During that time he bought a farm in Bingham
Township, which he exchanged for another tract on
which ho has established his home.
The j'ear 1852 sr.w Blr. Emmons beginning his
career as the head of a family. He was married to
Sarah Kitter, a native of Seneca County, N. Y.,
who has been faithful to the obligations imposed
upon her as wife, mother and friend. She has had
nine children, of whom we note the following:
Elmer m:irried Sarah A. Smitb, lives on a farm and
operates a cider press which he built in 1878; he
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
569
has ground and pressed as high as forty thousand
bushels of apples, and ships as high as fifteen car
loads of cider for which he finds a ready market
in Philadelphia. He also makes a good deal of
jelly. Orion is married ami li\ iiii;' in Dickey
County, N. Dak. ; Delia is the wife of Isaac .1. Miller
and her home loo is in Dickey County, >>'. Dak.;
Willard is now at Fairhaven, Wash.; Kmraa is
the wife of Lewis .J. Miller and lives in St. John's:
Pearl married Will M.ay and lives in Owosso;
Byron C. is marrie<l and living on .1 farm in Bing-
ham Township; Lihhie and Claude arc at home;
Grace is deceased.
Mrs. Emmons is a member of the .Seventh Da}'
Adventi Church. Mr. Emmons gives his political
allegiance to Democratic princi[)Ies and policies and
never fails to support the candidates whose names
adorn the party ticket. Naturally interested in that
which pertains to farm life, he is a member of the
Patrons of Industry.
ON. LUTHER F. CONRAD, a well-known
farmer resides on section 22, Watertown
Township, Clinton County, where he has
one hundred and eighty acres of fine laud.
There is probably no man in this i»rt of the county
who is so well and favorabl}' known by his fellow-
citizens as Mr. Conrad, as he has not only been
identified with the agricultural development of
this section but has also been honored by his fel-
iQW-citizens by being placed in various olliees. He
creditably represented the second district in the
Legislature of 1885 — 86, to which he was elected
on the Greenback and Democratic Fusion ticket in
a district which had been rei)resenled during the
preceding term by a Republican. He received a
majority' of two hundred and sixty-five votes over
his very prominent and popular Republican oppo-
nent.
While in the Legislature Mr. Conrad served on
the committee of Normal Schools, also on that of
Roads and Bridges. He was considered to be one
of the most intelligent members of the House in the
matter of education, as he was the first County
Superintendent of Schools of Clinton County under
the present law in which capacity he served for six
\ears. He had ;dso fille<l the oHice of Township
Clerk.
Our subject is the son of George and Hannah
(High) Conrad, who were natives of Westmore-
land (.'ount}-. Pa., and his grandfather was William
Conrad who served in the War of 1812 and lived
to be eighty-six years of age. The famil}- on both
side were among the early settlers of Ohio, as his
grandfather Conrad and his father removed to
Stark Count}-, Ohio, in 181'.), and his graudfatlicr
High also removed to that State the same year. His
mother was then an infant and was carried the
greater part of the way in the arras of her father.
The father of our subject was born in 1807 and his
father in 1782.
Luther F. Conrad was born in Medina County,
Ohio, May 23, 183<J, and at the age of thirteen he
started out in life for himself, hiring out in sum-
mer and attending .school in the winter and thus
preparing himself for teaching. He taught his first
term at the age of twent}' and continued this work
each winter until 1864, when he enlisted in Com-
pany B, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Infan-
try. This regiment was attached to the Twenty-
third Corps under (ieneral Scofield and was sent to
Nashville, Tenn. After the battle at that point
they were transferred to Morehead City, N. C.,and
joined Sherman's army in connection with which
they followed General Johnston until his surrender.
The regiment was then placed on detached duty at
Charlotte, N. C. On July 13, 1865, they were
discharged and mustered out at Columbus, Ohio,
from which point our subject returned to his home.
After this he engaged as before in working during
the summers and teaching in the winters until
1868.
The accomplished woman who presides over the
household of our subject became his wife, April 6,
1868. Her maiden name was Louisa Chandler,
and she was a daughter of Edward and Julia
Chandler, and was born in Medina County, Ohio,
September 29, 1842. This union has been blessed
with three chihlren. Julia Eslella, was born July
2, 1870, and having graduated in the class of 1890,
at the State Normal School at Ypsilatiti, is now en-
570
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
gaged in teaching in Allegan County, tliis State.
Holland II., who was born May 7, 1873, is with his
parents on the farm ; Kirk H., was born February
3, 1875, and is now one of the pages in the Michi-
gan Legislature. The mother of these children is
a lady of broad intelligence and was a teacher for
five years before she became the wife of our sub-
ject. The lion. Mr. Conrad is the Commander of
Mason Post No. 2-48, G. A. R., of Wacousta, and
his wife is a member of the Relief Corps.
<0FONAS HOENSHELL. The owner of the
farm located on section 3, Caledonia Town-
ship, is our subject, who was born March
19, 1835, in Westmoreland County, Pa.
His father, Jacob Hoenshell, a native of the
same county, was born in 1812 and was a farmer
by occupation. He enlisted in the Mexican
War but was not actively engaged therein. Our
subject's grandfather was George Hoenshell, also a
native of Westmoreland County and a farmer who
had served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Our subject's great-grandfather was a native of
Holland and came to America when New York was
first settled. He was an extensive farmer in West-
moreland County and a man of considerable prom-
inence.
Our subject's mother was Sarah (Keister) Hoen-
shell. She was a daughter of Jacob Keister, also a
native of Westmoreland County, and who served
as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He was a
farmer and for the time in which he lived, a man
in high financial standing. Her grandfather,
Peter Miller, was a man of wealth and influence in
Somerset County, Pa. He came from Holland and
handled large sums of money. The parents of our
subject were married in Pennsylvania, where they
resided until 1852, when they came to Ohio and
settled in Coshocton County, in wliich county the
father died in 1888. The mother still lives at the
age of seventy-eight. They were the parents of
thirteen children, six of whom are now living.
Our subject was brought up a Lutheran, of
which Church his parents were members. The
traditions of the Democratic party were also early
ingrained and he naturally- became an adherent to
that platform. He remained in his native State
until he was eighteen years of age, when he
removed to Ohio with his father. Previous to
this time he had received a good education and
was competent to fill any ordinary position in life.
He has always been a farmer although he learned
the business of engineering.
At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Hoenshell
started out in life for himself, hiring out by the
month to farmers in Ohio and receiving the mag-
nificent remuneration of ^16 per mouth. He con-
tinued in this way for two years and his economy
is proved by the fact that in 1 85G he had laid aside
enough out of his small wages to warrant iiis tak-
ing upon himself the cares and obligations of mar-
ried life. Noveml)er 6 of the year abovenaraed
he was united in marriage with Mary Steffe, daugh-
ter of Jacob and Nancy (Underwood) Stefl'e, the
former being a native of Maryland and the latter
of Pennsjivania. IMrs. Hoenshell's parents were
married in Ohio ami always lived there; both
father and mother are now deceased. They were
the parents of sixteen children, eight of whom are
now living. Mrs. Hoenshell was born in Ohio in
1838 and received her education in the common
schools of the district.
After their marriage our subject and his wife
settled in Coshocton Count}', Ohio, and worked
the farm of his father-in-law, where he remained
until he came to this State in 1864 and settled on
the farm where he at present resides. At the time
of his advent into the county there were but few
improvements upon the place that he selected. He
now has eighty acres of land, seventy acres of
which are under cultivation, and he has given
eighty acres to his sons. All the improvements
upon his fine farm have been made by himself.
The residence in which he is now comfortably
domiciled and a view of which appears on another
page, was built in 1878 at a cost of 12,000. He
carries on the farm by himself.
Mr. Hoenshell is the parent of .ten children, seven
of whom are now living. The}' are .as follows:
William, who was married to Fannie Cooper, lives
RESIDENCE OF J0NA5 HOENo H ELL, SEC. 3.,CALED0N I A TP, SHIAWASSEE CO., MICH,
RESIDl. I'^t ur
L.SvVArii riOUT , SEC, 12. VICTOR TP.CLIUTOK CO,. MICH
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
578
at Owosso and is the father of two children; Leo-
nora, wife of L. G. Cudney, lives in Caledonia
Townsliip and is the mother of three cliildren;
Jacob is married to Cora Alliton, lives in New
Haven Township and is the father of one cliild;
John, who wedded Maude Le Munion, lives in
Caledonia Township; Lewis 11. married Carrie
Willis and lives in this township, and is the father
of two children; the two youngest members of the
family-, Ella and Fred, live at home.
Botli parents are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church of wliich body tiie father has
been Steward and Class Leader for many years.
He has always contributed generously toward the
upbuilding of the church and has been Leader of
the Bible Class in the Sunday-school for eight or
nine years, his v/ife also being a constant and efli-
cicnt teacher in the same. Mr. Hoenshell was
originally a Democrat but has transferred ids
allegiance to the Prohibition party. His fellow-
townsmen have shown the confidence that they
repose in him by appointing liim to several local
otliccs. He has held minor oHiccs for twelve j'cars
and has served efficient!}- as Commissioner of
Drainage.
-f-
HOMAS LONSBURY SWARTHOl T. A
large and fertile tract of land in Victor
Township, Clinton Count}', is owned by
this gentleman, and is the scene of his industrious
and well-directed labors as an agriculturist. Its
possession is due to his continued efforts, thrifty
management and wisdom in investment, and shows
that povert}' in j-outii is not necessarily followed
b}' poverty in maturity. The career of Mr. .Swar-
thout is but an added example of what ma}' be ac-
complished by a young man of determined spirits
and good habits, and is deserving tiie considera-
tion of all such. A view of tiie homestead of Mr.
Swarthout, which is pleasantly located on section
12, appears on another page of this volume.
Mr. Swarthout was born in Romulus, Seneca
County, N. Y., October 6, 1831, and is the son of
William S. and Betsey (AVillett) Swarthout. He
was the fifth in a family of seven sons and at the
age of five years accompanied his parents in their
removal from the Empire State to Michigan. He
received only a common-school education, but lias
availed himself of every opportunity for improve-
ment, and ranks high among the intelligent farm-
ers of the county. At an early age he began to
assist his father in the farm work, and acquired a
thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits. He
naturally chose farming ns his life work, and in
the pursuit of his calling has acquired a compet-
ency for his old age, and at the same time has well
served his adopted townsliip and county by the aid
that he has afforded in assisting his Icllow-citizens
to develop the agricultural resources of this sec-
tion of the State.
I'ndcr pioneer intluences our subject grew to a
stalwprt manhood and when he started out in life
for himself, located on the estate which he now oc-
cu{)ies. This was in 1855, he having bought the
place the year previous. He found the farm in a
wild condition fresh from the hand of nature, and
it required ceaseless exertions to clear and improve
it and place upon it all the improvements which are
visible to-day. The homestead comprises two hun-
dred and fifteen acres, of whicli about one hundred
and seventy acres are under cultivation. Besides this
he has aided his children in gaining good homes.
His residence is a large, two-story square frame
building and was erected in 1872. Good barns
and other outbuildings are noticeable, and the es-
tate bears every mark of the hand of the elHcient
owner. Mr. Swartiiout handles sheep to some ex-
tent.
For many years our subject was a Republican,
but he is now a Prohibitionist, believing that by
adherence to that party he will best serve the in-
terests of morality and good government. He has
served the public in various ollicial ca|)acitles. Re-
ligiously he is a devoted member of tlie Methodist
P^piscopal Cliurcii, as is also his intelligent and
wortliy wife, to whom he w;is married April 5,
1854. Her maiden name was Mary Parker, and at
the time of her marriage she was residing in Victor
'I'ownsldp, Clinton County. She is a daughter of
John and Sarah (Cronk) Parker, and was born in
Romulus, Seneca County. N. Y., December 21,
1834. She has become the mother of two child-
574
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ren — Edson, a sketch of whom appears in this
work, and Nora E., wife of Charles E. Warner, a
farmer and salesman of Falkton, S. Dak. Mr. AVar-
ner has been Treasurer of his county and is a promi-
nent man in his community. He and his wife have
one daughter, Marjory Swarthout.
-^1 LFRED T. KNIGHT, a farmer residing on
WiCM section 8, is a native of England where he
(i was born in Nottingham in 183G. He is
a son of John Truman, a lace-maker of
Nottingliam. As our subject was early sent to live
with his grandfather, Mr. Knight, he took bis name
and is generally known by it, and therefore we write
his biography under that n:ime, as he has no rela-
tives in America outside of his family. The father
of our subject was a well-educated man and a great
reader. He was married about the year 1835 to
Elizabeth Kniglit, a daughter of William Knight, a
manufacturer of silk hose in Nottingham. This
daughter was the second in a family of four daugh-
ters and one son.
John and Eliz.abeth Truman had born unto Ihem
four daughters and four sons. As the mother died
in 18-18 Alfred was sent to live with his grand-
father, William Knight, and grew up by liis name.
In 1855 he whom we now call Alfred Knight came
to America and worked in New Jersey on a canal.
Later he worked in a screw factory in Jlassachu-
setts and then went to Illinois, locating for eight
years in Burrett, Winneb.ago County. He was in
the array for some time and after that went on the
lakes as an engineer for seven years. Company E,
Fifty-second Illinois Infantry was the company
joined by our subject in 1861. He was sent suc-
cessively to Quiney, St. Joseph, (Mo.), Ft. Scott,
Paducah. Ft. Donelson, Pittsburg Landing and
Corinth. When at Shiloh he saved the life of Brig.
Gen. Sweeney by sliooting at'a rebel who was aim-
ing at the general. All through the battle of Shiloh
he was in the very thickest of the fight and was
ever cherished as a particular friend of Gen. Swee-
ney.
It was in 1863 when our young man returned
from the war and he was soon married to Emma
Minkler, a native of Ohio, who was born in 1837.
Her father was John Minklor and he had a famil}'
of four daughters and one son. Mrs. Emma Knight
died in 1883. After s[iending two j-ears upon the
lakes Mr. Knight came to Rush Township and pur-
chased forty acres of laud on section 28, but sold
it and came to New H.aven Township and bought
fort3- acres on section 8. In 1882 he purchased
twenty acres more on section 9, and in 1879 pur-
chased eighty acrts on section 8.
In 1879 our subject oook to wife Mary Alen,
eldest (laughter of Aaron and Mary A. (Wagner)
Aten, of Pennsylvania. She was born April 13,
1837. Mr. Knight is a devout member of the Dis-
ciples Church and [irominently identified with
Lodge No. 53, I. O. O. F. at Henderson, in which
lie has I'.eld various offices. He has been a delegate
to the Grand Lodge. He is a Patron of Industry-,
being the President of that order in New Haven
Township. His jjolitical views ally him with the
Prohibition movement.
(jf/, IRAM W. BROWN. Among the men now
prosecuting a successful work in Clinton
l!^)^^ County there may be found many who
(^) began without means and have acquired
wordl^' substance b^- industry-, integrity and con-
tinued effort. One of this number is Mr. .Brown
who now owns one of the best quarter-sections in
Essex Township. The soil of this tract is a rich
black loam, very productive and capable of fur-
nishing large crops and a conscquenth* good in-
come. The property was bought b}' Mr. Brown
when it was almost a wilderness, and he has cleared
and improved the larger part of the tract and placed
it in condition for cultivation. Not onl^- is Mr
Brown a good farmer, but he has a war record that
entitles him to the respect of every loyal Ameri-
can.
The birthplace of our subject was AVashington
County, N. Y., and his natal day August 11, 1828.
His father, John Brown, was also a native of the
Empire State and his occupation was farming. He
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
575
died in the '50s, in his seventy -second year. The
mother of our subject bore the maiden name of
Tiieda Waters and she was born amid the green
hills of Vermont. Iliram is one of the three sur-
vivors in a familj' that originally consisted of eight
children. Having been reared upon a farm his
early education was limited to the curriculum of
the district school, but he has made use of other
avenues for acquiring information and there are
few topics of the day upon winch he is not more
than ordinarily well-informed. He remained in
and near the old home until after the breaking out
of the Civil War, when he decided that his duty
was to take a place among the defenders of the
Union, and he enlisted in the One Hundred and
Twenty-third New York Infantry, commanded by
Col. McDougal.
Mr. Brown entered the set vice in the year 1862
and first sraellcd the smoke of battle at ChanccUors-
ville, and during the progress of the light was struck
in the abdomen by a fragment of shell and narrowly
escaped a fatal wound. He then fell into the hands
of the rebels but was exchanged after sixteen days
captivity. His wound was of so serious a nature
that his recover}- was considered remarkable and
the operation by which the piece of shell was re-
moved from its lodging place between the hip
bones attracted the attention of all the surgeons in
the locality. It was performed by a surgeon of the
One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York Infantr}^,
who found it necessary to sever one of the arteries
and to turn back the covering of the bowels. Mr.
Brown was confined to Chesnut Hill Hospital in
Pliil.idelphia five months, but he was then able to
rejoin his regiment and take part in the noted bat-
tles of the grand march to the sea. Among the
fields on which he fought were Atlanta, Peacli Tree
Creek, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, etc. Mr. lirown
participated in the Grand Review at Washington
and received his final discharge at Albany, N. Y.
For some time he held the rank of corporal.
In 1866 Mr. Brown was appointed on the police
force in Troy, N. Y., and remained there twoyearsi
During that time, while on his regular beat, he met
with an experience that added much to his reputa-
tion as a member of the force. He was attacked
by the bully of the city who found more than his
match on this occasion and was knocked down by
our hero six times and most gloriouslj' whipped. In
18G8 Mr. Brown decided to resume the occupation
in which his early years were spent and emigrating
to Oakland County, this State, he bought a farm in
Avon Township, but two years later sold it and
removed to Clinton County. He then bought the
laud he now occupies, on section 17, Essex Town-
ship, and set himself to developing the resources
with which nature had supplieil it.
In 1863, while at homo on a furlough, Mr.
Brown was united in marriage with Miss Permelia
Thomas, who was born and reared in Washington
County, N. Y., and has proved her worth as a com-
|)anion and helpmate. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown
there have been born live children, named respcct-
ivel}-, Theda, Anna, Kalie May,.Iohn H.and Lewis
C. The daughters are deceased, but the sons are
living and still fill tlieir places at the i)arenlal fire-
side. Mr. Brown is not an office-seeker, but lias
yielded to the wishes of his neighbors and served
them as Highw.ay Commissioner and in other ca[)a-
cities of local interest. He gives political sujipurt
to the Republican ticket, as he believes that the
principles of that party are the soundest and best
adapted to increase the pro5i)erit3- of the nation.
^^
^^
jANSOM CONVERSE, whose fine farm is
jii#*r located on section 25, Owosso Township,
cAi\\\ Shiawassee County, a mile and a half
\^ south of the city of On'osso, was born in
Cayuga County, N. Y., near Port Byron, on the
Erie Canal. His parents, Elias and Emma (Fret-
tenburg) Converse were natives of New York and
Vermont respectively.
The parents came West in the early days, settling
at White Lake, Oakland County, Mich., in 18U.
Here they lived for six or eight months and during
that time the family was deeply bereaved by the
untimely death of the wife and mother. Tliey
tlien removed to Livingston County, making their
home in the township of Conway. After living
there ten years they returned to Oakland County,
and ten years later the father "bought a farm ad-
576
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
joining the old Livingston County place, and made
it bis home until his death in 1875, having com-
pleted his seventy-fourth year. His birth occurred
Feoruary 3, 1801.
The family of Elias Converse and his first wife
consisted of AVilliam, who died in Nevada in 1859;
Angeline, the widow of William Babcock, and re-
siding in North Bradley, Saginaw County; Ransom;
Lewis, who lives in Owosso City, and James, who
lives in Livingston County. Tlie second wife of
Elias Converse was Mrs. Harriet Richmond, who
survived him until the fall of 1890, and who reared
to manhood two sons — George, who resides at the
old home in Livingston County, and Herbert, who
lives at Fowlerville, that county. At the age of
twenty -one our subject was married to MissLevina
Richmond, of Livingston County. She died in the
spring of 1857, leaving one child, Charley Eugene,
who lived to be five years old.
On November 13, 1857, our subject was united
in marriage with Miso Harriet W. Morehouse, the
ceremony being solemnized at Jackson, although
the bride was a resident of Livingston County.
She was born in Scio, Washtenaw County, Septem-
ber 4, 1839, and was the daughter of Capt. Josiah
Morehouse, a soldier in the War of 1812, and
Mary (Anderson) Morehouse. The parents came
from Orange County, N. Y., at an early date and
settled in Washtenaw County, two miles from Ann
Arbor.
Ransom Converse bought a place in Livingston
County, and lived there two years, after which he
sold the place and rented for a time. He had just
secured a new home in Conway Township when his
first wife died. A few years afterward he bought
in Cohoctah Township, and lived there until he
came to Owosso with the exception of three years
at Fowlerville. It was on August 16, 1880, that
he came to Shiawassee County, and bought his
present farm of sixty acres, pleasantly located one
and a half miles south of Owosso. He has a beauti-
ful farm and a pleasant home with good improve-
ments, and the whole place is in such a condition
as to reflect credit upon the thrift and man.agement
of the owner.
Three children have been born to our subject
and his estimable wife, the eldest of whom— George
Freeman — died in his third year. Frank E., was
born November 19, 1863, and Mary I^dna, Septem-
ber 5, 1870. Frank has ever been a close student
and is now one of the leading teachers of the
county. He graduated first at the Owosso High
School, and then took a literary course in the
Miciiigan State Iniversitj' at Ann Arbor, taking
his diploma with the class of 1888. He taught two
or three terms when only seventeen years old, and
after graduation filled the Principal's chair for two
years in the graded schools of Saranac, and is now
Superintendent of the city schools of Pontiac,
Mich. A wide-awake, progressive teacher, he is
meeting with marked success. Edna is still a stu-
dent in the public schools, and while pursuing her
studies, she still continues the faithful daughter and
helper in the home, her mother being an invalid.
The political views of Mr. Converse liave been
in accord with the utterances of the Republican
party, but the last four j-ears he has voted the Pro-
hibition ticket. Mrs. Converse is an earnest and
devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
It is by hard work that this worthy couple have
gained their present substantial position and they
justly rank among the most influential people in the
community.
•s^*^
•^%-
■vf OIJN P. MILLER. This gentleman is one
of many who are successfully prosecuting
the calling of a farmer on the fertile lands
_ of Clinton County. His efforts have re-
sulted in the accumulation of property and his
real estate consists of two hundred and eighteen
acres on section 18, Dallas Township. He h.id a
somewhat larger amount but the right of waj' of
the railroad has reduced his estate several acres.
He has made excellent improvements upon his
property, and in every part of the estate neatness
and order prevails, and the evidences of good man-
agement are visible to even the most careless ob-
server.
The grandfather of our subject was Querin Mil-
ler, and the father was Mathias ^liller, the latter
born in Germany in 1796. This gentleman mar-
PORTRAir AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
577
ried CatheriuaBierschbacli, wlio died May 21, 1843,
at the age of forty-three j'cars, the j'ear of her
birth having been 1800. Ten years after her de-
cease tiie husband emigrated to America, leaving
his native land June 10, 1853, and coming at once
to Clinton County. He settled on a farm of eighty
acres in Dallas Township, wiiere he passed the
remnant of his da^'s, and died July 28, 18G0. In
his native land he had followed the trade of a
blacksmith, but here he gave iiis attention entirely
to farming. He bad fought against jS'apoleon at
the age of eighteen j-ears while acting in the Prus-
sian army. His children were Catherina, John,
John P., Peter, Annie and Joseph. Tiie List three
named are deceased.
Tiie gentleman whose name introduces these
paragraphs was born in the village of Nuerburg
Drees, Rhenish Prussia, July 8, 1830. When
old enough to enter upon the duties of life
he became a farmer, and carried on his vvori< in his
native land until 1853, when he came with liis
father to this country. lie spent some lime in
Grand Raiiids, making shingles by hand — that be-
ing before machines for that purpose had been in-
troduced— and followed that occupation until he
ha<l produced nearly a million. In 1857 he set up
his home in Dallas Township, and here he has re-
mained, although not on the same tract of land.
He had two farms that he sold, and in May, 1883,
took possession of that which is now his home. His
acreage here was one hundred and forty-three,
which in 1890, was increased to the present
amount.
Mr. Miller has been twice married, his first com-
panion having been Mar3' C. Brucker, to whom he
was married June 10, 18G2, in Dallas. She was a
daughter of Peter Brucker, who died in (iormany,
and came hither with her stepfather, John M.
Mueller, when eleven years old. She died June 19,
1871, at the early age of twenty-seven years, leav-
ing four children — Catherina, John, Peter and
Mary. One daughter, Barbara, died in infancy.
The present wife of Mr. Miller bore the maiden
name of Elizabeth Fox, which she exchanged for
that she now beais, May 28, 1872. She is a daugh-
ter of Anthony Fox, a native of Germany, who
came to this State in a earl^- d.ay. The second
union of Mr. Miller has been blessed l)y the birth
of the following children — Jose|)h, Annie, Malhias,
Rosy, Edward, Clara, Anthony, Bertha, Theresa
and Gertrude. The last two named are decoased.
September 24, 18G4, Mr. Miller enlisted in Com-
pany I, Twenty -third Micliigan Infantry, and after
spending most of the lime on picket line, was dis-
charged at Salisbury, N. C, June 28, 18G5. He
was an earnest Democrat and has retained his con-
nection with thai party. In the discharge of pub-
lic affairs he has been called upon year after year
to assume responsibility', and he now holds the
office of Township Supervisor, in which po-
sition he is serving for the second terra in
succession. He was Treasurer two years
and was the first one in Dallas Township
ever elected twice in succession. As Justice of the
Peace he served two terms, and again in 1889, and
he has been lligiiway Commissioner nine years,
and School Director twelve j'ears. Mr. Miller is
crop correspondent for the State, and if informa-
tion regarding the pros|)ect and results is desired,
he is tile man to approach. By his neighbors he is
held in esteem because of his friendliness and
worth of character, anil in business circles he has
an established reputation.
vr^j ZEKIEL MITCHELL is extensively engaged
lU) in farming and stock-raising on section 23,
jlL^' Seiota Township, whore he owns a valuable
tract of land of two hundred and forty acres. The
neat appearance of tlie place, and the many im-
provements there seen, all indicate careful manage-
ment on the i>art of the owner, and speak to the
passer-by of his industry and enterprise. He was
born in Sodus, Wayne County, X. Y., on the 5th
of May, 1828, and is the eighth in order of birth
in a family of eleven children. The Mitchells a;e
of Irish origin, and on the maternal side our sub-
ject is of Irish descent. His ptirents, Neweom and
Polly (Howe) Mitchell, were natives of Vermont,
and in that State were married. At an early day
they removed to Wayne County, N. Y., and the
578
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
year 1846 witnessed their arrival in Michigan.
They settled in Salem, Washtenaw County, but af-
ter a year removed to Bennington Township, Shia-
wassee County, wiiere the remainder of their lives
were passed. When a young man, Newcom Mitch-
ell had learned the blacksmith's trade and he made
that occupation his life work, altliough after com-
ing to this county, he purchased eighty acres of
wild land which he cleared and improved, carrying
on farming in connection with his trade. He was
a Whig in politics, and a member of the Baptist
Church, to which his wife also belonged. They
were highly respected people of the community,
and many friends mourned their loss.
Until eighteen years of age Ezekiel Mitchell lived
in his native State, and spent his time in work upon
the farm, and in attendance at the district schools.
With his parents he came West in 1846, but soon
after reaching Michigan he left home, going to Ann
Arbor, where he was employed in various lines of
lalior for a few years. On coming to Shiawassee
County, he engaged in business as a horse dealer,
after wiiich he worked for a time at the blacksmith's
trade, which he had learned in his youth, engaging
in that pursuit in Sciota Township, in Pittsburg
and in Laingsburg. In the meantime he had pur-
chased the farm which he still owns, and after a
few years spent in l)lacksmithing, he settled upon
his land, and to its cultivation has since devoted
his entire energies.
A marriage ceremony performed in 1853, uuited
the destinies of Mr. Mitchell and Miss Electa Main,
who was born in Freedom, AVashtenaw County,
Mich., in 1836, and is a daughter of Francis and
Electa Main. Unto them has been born a fam-
ily of five children — Gertrude, Charles II., Etta,
Maud and Mabel, twins.
As before slated, Mr. Mitchell's farm comprises
two hundred and forty acres of land in a body, of
which one hundred and seventy-five acres has been
cleared and improved, and is now under a high
state of cultivation. Where was once a barren
waste, waving fields of grain now delight the eye,
and in their midst is a large and ))leasaut two-story
frame residence. To the rear of the house is a
wood barn and other outbuildings such as are nec-
essary to a model farm. Mr. Mitchell also owns
seventeen acres of land within the corporation lim-
its of Laingsburg. He has made every dollar which
he possesses, and certainly deserves great credit for
his success. Indolence or idleness is utterly for-
eign to his nature, and his life has been character-
ized by hard work, perseverance, good management
and enterprise. In politics he is a Democrat. No
more worthy citizen can be found in the commu-
nitj' than the gentleman whose name heads this
sketch, and it is with pleasure that we present this
brief record of his life to the readers of this Album.
\f)AMES A. CHAPIN. Shiawassee County
has now become so thoroughly settled a
country' tliat it is beginning to count among
its pioneers man}' a man who is able to re-
tire from business and having passed the daj's of
his youth and maturity in hard labor and having
acquired a handsome competency, can sit by and
watch the progress of younger men as they follow
in his footsteps. Among this number we may
mention the gentleman whose name heads this
sketch who has long been a prominent citizen and
an intelligent and successful farmer and who, hav-
ing rented out his farm in Bennington Township,
makes his home in Owosso.
Our subject was born in Allegany County, N. Y.
in the town of Burns, December 22, 1828. His
father. Deacon S.imuel Chapin, was a native of
New York,asoldier in the War of 1812 and a prom-
inent member in the Baptist Church and followed
farming as his occupation. His father, Samuel,
was a native of Connecticut, of English ancestry.
The mother of our subject, Eliza Armstrong, was
a native of Ontario County, N. Y. and a daughter
of James Armstrong, a native of New Jersey and
an early settler of New York. The Ai'mstrongs
were of Scotch descent.
James A. Chapin and his parents removed to
Michigan in 1852 and located near Ann Arbor,
and 1854 moved on a farm near Grass Lake. They
afterwards moved to Shiawassee Count}', where
the}' spent three years and then removed to W.ash-
teuaw County, making their home in the city of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
579
Ann Arbor, where the father passed away from
earth in May 22, 1872. Tlie mother, who was a
devoted member of the Bapiist Cluirch, was called
hence in March 29, 1884 and they are both buried in
Ann ArI)or. She was the uiolher of nine cliihlren.
Her husband, Samuel Chapin, had been twice mar-
ried, his first wife being Miss Betsey Godfrey by
whom he had two sons: Decatur who took part in
the Civil War and afterward died by disease con-
tracted while in service and Barnej" J. who was
also a soldier and became Lieutenant Colonel of the
Eightj'-six New York Infautrj'. He fell in the
battle of C'liancellorsvilie, Ma}' 3, 1863 being siiot
in action while cliarging upon his noble black
steed.
James A. Chapin, the subject of tliis notice is
the eldest son by the second marriage. John C,
tlie brother next younger, is deceased; Miles died in
California in 18G3, where he removed in 18.')2.
William went some 3'ears ago to Puget Sound and
makes his home at Tacoma. E. Bennett Chapin, M.
D., m.akes his home at Gr.ass Lake. Eliza (Mrs.
John C. Harper) lives at ^Milan; Cornelia A. is
single; Electa J. is the wife i)f B. \V. Waite of
Dexter; Samuel is a doctor and lives at Milan,
Mich.
Our subject passed his boyhood days in school
near Genesco in Livingston Count}', N. Y., and
previously attended asciiool in GeneseeC'ounty that
Slate. In 18U3 he settlerl upon a farm in Beiinington
Township, .Shiawassee County, taking a farm of
eighty acres which he has since increased to one
hundred and ninety. He has l)ecn a breeder of
Short-horn cattle, line sheep and good horses and
he continued in this business up to the spring of
1891, when he concluded to rent out tlii^ farm.
Seraphina E. Armstrong, a native of Maconil)
County, Mich., and daughter of John D., and
Elvira Armstrong became the wife of Mr. Chapin
Feljruary 8, 1854. Her parents removed to the
territoiy of Michigan in 1831. They were l)orn,
Mr. Armstrong in Ontario County, N. Y., Mrs. A.
in Vermont State and they were of Scoteli descent.
Three lovely daughters have come to bless the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Chapin, all of whom iiave
grown to years of maturity and are a comfort and
honor to their parents who gave them every op-
portunity of improvement and a liberal education.
Ella E. is the wife of M. W. Southard of Owosso;
Mellie S. is a graduate of the State Normal
School at \'alparaiso, Ind., and is now teaching her
fourth year in the city of Owosso. Mary C. has
been for several years a teacher and is a graduate
of the Owosso High School.
Mr. Chapin is well-known in Republican circles
as a stanch adiierent of ihe principles of that party
and lie takes an active part in local and county
politics. While living on the farm, he was Trea-
surer, Clerk, Justice, etc., of Bennington Town-
ship and he has been for twelve years past the Su-
perintendent of the Poor of the county. He is
truly honored by all who know him and his family
stands high in social ;uid educatioii.al circles.
c^^IIADDEUS L. CUONKIIITE.
The Ger-
M^i ™"" element in our country has produced
many of llie best results, although the Teu-
tons are supposed to be slow, and indeed, are slow
in some respects, the careful wa}' in wiiich tiiey
balance results, insures them against making mis-
takes and pcrliaps tliis is one of the reasons of
their wonderful [irogrefs in the sciences in which
nicety and ex.actness are required. Our subject is
of German descent and the cliaracteristics of his
nation aie to be found iu the nice detail with wiiicli
every part of the work on his farm is linislied.
Our subject's father was Cornelius L. Cronkhite,
a native of Rensselaer County, N. Y., being born
January 20, 1818. He was a farmer by calling.
His wife was Maria E. (.loncs) Croidvhite, a native
of Rutland County N. Y., and born Januar}' 21,
1 81 7. Her fathe» was John Jones, a native of Con-
necticut; her mother Electa (Stacy) Jones, a native
of A'ermont. He also was a farmer and came to
Michigan in 1844, locating on section 34, Venice
Township. Tlie motiier died in 1 8 l(! and the father
in 1847. They were the parents of three children,
two of these now living. The parents of Mr.
Cronkiiile were married in Cayuga Count}', N. Y.,
iu 1840. Their lirst home was in Cayuga County,
580
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
N. Y., and there they remained until 1844, when
they came to Michigan by way of the lakes, their
first stop being at Detroit, thence by wagon to
their claim in this place. After the tedious over-
land journey they arrived at their destination, and
settled upon eighty acres of land. It was perfectly
wild and there were few neighbors, there being
at that time only a dozen voters in the township.
He of whom we write provided a dwelling for
his family by erecting a log house, well built for
the time and considering the immediate demands
of the family. There were some Indians in tlie
countrj', and plenty of wild animals, but their worst
enemy was the fever and ague, from which they
alternately shivered and burned. The settlers
used to trade with tlie Indians for venison, meal
and pelts. Mr. Cronkhite added to his farm
until at the time of his death, it comprised two
hundred and forty acres. One hundred acres of
this he cleared during his life, and built his resi-
dence in which the family now live. It is now
thirty-two years old. Everything in tlie house
was made by liand and made on the ground, for
there were no stores at which furniture could be
procured. It took a year to erect the modest home
that now could be built in one tenth of the time,
but when It was erected it was one of the most
elegant and pretentious houses in thocount}'.
Besides the house, Mr. Cronkliite built barns
that arc a credit to the place, and set out a fine
orchard from which now the family have plentiful
harvests. A block which was to have been used
in the building was left in the woods, and two years
ago the subject of our sketch found tlie same block
covered with mud and leaves but as sound as it
was forty years before. When the barn was raised
Mr. Cronkhite was obliged to get men from Ver-
non Township and Genesee County besides all
the men then living in tiiis township. We are not
told, but can surmise, after the raising was com-
pleted and the floor laid, the amount of good
cheer that was devoured to celebrate the erecting
of the new building. .Mr. Cronkhite Sr. died on
the 8th of February, 1882. Our subject's mother
still survives and is well and bright, still wielding a
powerful influence over her family'. She has the
attraction of an intelligent, well-educated woman,
having received academic advantages in her girl-
hood. She and her husband are the parents of
three children, two of whom are now living,
Thaddeus and Dewey W. Frances was born May
18, 1842, and became the wife of the Hon. Hiram
Johnson; she was the mother of five children and
died January 12, 1890. The first son, who was
born December 2, 1847, was united in marriage to
Eliza Stewart and is living in Imley City, Mich.,
where he is pastor of the Baptist Church. His lit-
tle family comprises two children. The parents of
our subject were members of the Baptist Church,
of which body the father is a trustee.
In politics Mr. Cronkhite Sr. was a Democrat.
He was Treasurer of this township under his party,
also Iligliwa}' Commissioner and Commissioner of
Drainage. He attained a high degree of promi-
nence in this community bj' virtue of his judgment
and intuition of human nature. The principles of
temperance and the welfare of schools were vital
issues with him.
Our subject was born Ap-il 27, 1854, on the
home farm where lie at present resides. The dis-
trict schools of his community afforded him all the
educational advantages that he enjoyed. The
presiding genius over this academic hall was
Emeline Pierce, long since deceased. Her school
numbered seven pupils, and for the tuition she had
$1 each per week. He has always lived at home
and since assuming charge of the farm has cleared
twentj'-five acres and has added a granarj', tool
shed and cattle shed to the buildings on the place.
One hundred and eighty-three acres of the farm is
now under cultivation. He is engaged in general
farming, giving the greater part of his time to the
breeding of stock, liaving some fine Clydesdale
horses, Durham cattle and Merino and Shropshire
sheep.
October 27, 1875, Mr. Cronkhite abjured a life
of single blessedness and united himself for better
or worse with Mary J. Gidley, daughter of Edwin
and Polly (Heniman) Gidley. Mrs. Cronkhite 's
father is a native of Massachusetts, as was also the
mother. The^- came to Michigan at a very early
day. Mr. Gidley served in the Civil War in the
First Michigan regiment of P^ngineers, remaining
with them the full term. He died May 4, 1891.
i i
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
583
Mrs. Gidley still survives, and lives in this town-
sliid. They were the i)arents of oig'at ciiildren, four
of whom are now living.
Mrs. Croiikhite was born April 11, 1857, in Oak-
land County. She enjoyed llio advantages of a
good education and well fitted to be a model wife
and mother. She and her husband are the parents
of three children, viz: Celia S., born Xovember 1.5,
1878; Sarah B., born October 11, 1880, and an in-
fant who died soon after birth. Mr. Croni<hite is
the Treasurer of the local school district. He for-
merly vot«d the Democratic ticket and once was
attracted to the Greenback party. lie is an ar-
dent advocate of temperance principles.
JOHN E. HILL. On the opposite page is
presented a portrait of Mr. Hill, wlio is
numbered among the prosperous business
men of Ovid, Clinton County. He pos-
sesses a genius for business of the highest order,
being of sound understanding and quick percep-
tion, and quick to carry out the measures which
his judgment approves. Hence his various enter-
prises have invariably been successful, for they
are always guided b^- prudence. Gifted b3' nature
with tine endowments, he has cultivated them to
the utmost, and is actively conducting his busi-
ness as a harness and trunk dealer. He throws
into his dail^- labors his individual uprigiitness
and integrity, qualities which are the glory of
every man's character, whatever his position in
life may be.
The native place of Mr. Hill was JLintua, I'or-
tage County, Ohio, and the dale of his birth Au-
gust 29, 1853. His father, John W. Hill, was a
native of Connecticut, and was there reared and
educated. He was by profession a minister of the
Gospel in the Jlethodist Episcoiial Church and
honored his calling hy his upright life. The
mother, whose maiden name was Emily Starr, was
reared to womanhood in Summit County-, Ohio.
Our subject left his parental home when a lad
of only eight years, and going to Pennsylvania,
made his home with friends in Mercer County.
At the age of twelve he removed to Forestville,
N. Y., where he remained for some time. His
educational advantages were very limited, as in
his childhood he attended the common schools for
a brief period, and then t<jok only an incomplete
course.
In his youth Mr. Hill became an appicnticu to
a harness-maker at Girard, Erie Count}-, Pa., and
with his employer, whose name was J. C. Simmons,
he remained nearly four yearj. After he learned
his trade he supplemented his scanty schooling by
a j'ear in the Bryant & Stratton Business College
at Meadville, Pa. AVe next find him at Cleve-
land, Ohio, where he worked at his trade until
June, 1873. He then returned to Pennsjdvania
and followed the same line of work for a year in
Edinborougli. From there he went to Cambridge,
Crawford Count}-, the same State, and on May 2,
1875, located in Meadville. It was in 1885 that
he finally decided to leave that city permanently
for tiie far West, as he considered Michigan to
be, and leaving the Ke3'stone State M.ay 12, he
came to Ovid, where he lias since been conducting
a business in the harness and trunk trade.
The marriage of our subject, October 2'J, 1879,
united him with Miss Jennie M. Erazier, of Mead-
ville, Pa. In politics 5Ir. Hill is a Republican.
He is intelligent in regard to mniters of public
good, and always willing to do his share for the
upbuilding of the town and its social and moral
elevation, but he is no |)olitician in the popular
sense of the word, and never seeks office. He is
content to do his part by casting his ballot for the
men and principles which he endorse.s and to
quietly express his views on matters of public
interest.
OHN UE.-VD, a British-American farmer, le-
siding in Bath Township, Clinton County,
and one of tiie most intelligent and pro-
gressive of the citizens of this vicinity was
born in Buckinghamshire, England, May 24, 183G.
His father, William Read, was born in 1809 in
Northamptonshire, Englanil. and his grandfather,
Richard, who was an exlen!*ive farmer on the ten-
584
rORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ant sj'stem and a man of unusual vigor, died in
England. The fattier was also a fanner and com-
ing to America in June, 1852. made his home in
Washtenaw County, Mich. After a short time he
reraiived to Livingston County, whore he owned
and managed two hundred and forty acres ot land.
He was a hard worker and a man of more than or-
dinary health and strength, a Presbyterian in
religious belief and a Republican in politics. He
died in March, 1888.
The mother of our subject whose maiden name
was Mary Marlow was born in England, about
1812. .She was the mother of eight children, when
the family emigrated to this country, and their
journeying under these circumstances may well be
considered a great undertaking. Three more little
ones were added to her tiock after coming to Amer-
ica. The children are John, Joseph, (recently de-
ceased,) Jacob, George, Sarah, (Mrs. Hagadorn,)
Edward, Richard, Thomas, William, Mary A. (Mrs.
Jones,) and Albert. The mother was a Baptist in
her religious belief and brought her children ujj
to revere the principles of Christianity. She is
still living on the old homestead in Livingston
County.
The subject of this sketch was sixteen years old
when he emigrated with his parents to this country
and as he was six weeks on the way, and was veiy
observing he learned much from the sailors while
on the voyage. He had never traveled on a rail-
way until he started on this journey from his old
home. He had spent his boyhood in farm work
and in the English schools, and after settling in
Michigan worked out by the month at wages rang-
ing from |i6 to $15.
At twenty years of age the young man began
life for himself, working on farms and in the lum-
ber woods for several j'ears. His marriage with
Ruth Sickles, October 15, 1863, w.as a union
which has been blessed by harmony and happiness.
Mrs. Read was born in New York State, May 8,
1836, and came to Michigan when a little girl. Her
parents Simeon and Lois (McDonald) Sickles, were
pioneers of Washtenaw County. One child only.
Flora L., who died at the age of eleven years
blessed the union of our subject and his wife,
^fter marriage Mr. Read lived in Lenawee
County, for a few years on a rented farm, and then
coming to Clinton County, in the spring of 1866
bought one hundred and sixty acres of partially
improved land where he now lives. He has greatly
improved this farm and built in 1872 his large
white Irame residence. His neat and commodious
barn was built in 1870. These handsome iniildings
adorn a farm which every passer-by can see is well
cultivated and economically managed.
Mr. Read is a Repulilican in his political views
but sufficiently independent not to be closel}' bound
b}^ party ties. He served as Supervisor of Bath
Township in 1869 and 1870. He has a second farm
on section 7 of tlie same township which is under
bis own personal supervision. He also loans money
out at interest.
The wife of his 3'outh was snatched from his side
by death July 1, 1890, and he was again married
February 23, 1891, this lime taking to wife Rosa
L. Youngs, who was born in Fremont, Sandusky
Countj', Ohio, in 1854. She was reared upon a
farm and educated in the district school, and has
lived in Clinton County, since 1872. She takes an
intelligent interest in fancy work, and has taught
wax work. Her parents, Cyrus and Mary (Flor-
ence) Youngs, were born in France and both came
to America when they were thirteen years old,
where they met and were married in Buffalo, N.
Y. 'J'he}' came here from Sanduskj- Count}', Ohio,
and now own a beautiful farm of two hundred
acres upon the banks of Park Lake in this town-
ship.
,EUBEN GILMORK, a member of an old
New England famil}', and a son of a sol-
dier in the War of 1812, makes his home
V'fiiion section 10, Caledonia Township, Shia-
wassee Count}'. His father, Arelus Gilmore, a na-
tive of Massachusetts, was born September 7, 1792,
and his mother Orna (Nichols) Gilmore, was also
born in the old Bay State, her natal d.ay being Oc-
tober 7. 1800. Their marriage was solemnized in
Lorain County, Ohio, and there they spent all their
wedded life. Aretus Gilmore opened up a new
farm and improved it and became a prominent
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
585
man in bis localit}-. They were the parents of
thirteen cliiklren, six of whom are now living, and
the father passed away in 1851. but his v/ife lived
to complete eighty-five years. After Mr. Gilmore's
death slie married a second time, but iiad no chil-
dren by her second union. .She was an earnest
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Are-
tus Gihuore was a AVhig, and took an active pail
in polities, and was also wide-awake in regard to
the interests of district schools, being a member of
the Board.
The subject of this sketch was the third child of
his parents, and was born .January 29, 1822, in Lo-
raine Count}', Ohio, and attended the district school
there, making his home in that county until he
reached the age of thirtj' years. When j'oung he
learned the trade of a s'.iip-calkcr, and worked at it
for some time. From the time he was twelve 3-ears
old he took care of himself and earned the money
witli which to clothe himself. His marriage took
place, Jlay 13, 1847, his bride being Rachel Fisk,
a daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Jack) Fisk.
Mr. Fisk was a native of Vermont, born November
4, 1794, and his wife was a Mary lander. He was
a farmer and a soldier in the War of 1812. Their
marriage took place in ^Maryland, whence they re-
moved to Steuben County, N. Y. After some
twelve years residence there they went to Lorain
County, Ohio, in 1S38, and lliere they died, Mr.
Fisk in 1879, and his faithful wife in 1877. He
was a Democrat in politics, and both of them were
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
they were the parents of twelve children. Mrs.
Gilmore was born in August, 1825, in Steuben
Count}', N. Y.
After liieir marriage Reuben and Racliel Gil-
more rented a farm until they came to Michigan in
1858. Here they took a partially improved tract,
having upon it a log house, and remained upon this
farm for ten months. They then returned to Ohio
for three and one-half years, but again came to
their Michigan farm upon which they remained
from that day to this. Mr. Gilmore has cleared
the timber from some of his land and erected all
the buildings which now stand upon it. Forty acres
still remain in timber, and thirty-two are improved.
Two of their five children are living: John, who
married Mrs. El!a (Howe) Lindsey, lives in this
township, and has three children; J.ackson, who
married Louana Hart, and h.as eight children, and
makes his home in Howard City. One daughter,
Minerva L., died M.iy 24, 1889.
Mr. (iilmore is a member of the Patrons of In-
dustry, and has been upon the School Board for
some time. He takes an active interest in political
matters, affiliating with the Democratic party. For
many years he has acted as Road Commissioner,
and in this capacity has proved himself both effi-
cient and aggressive. He is proud to s.ay that al-
though he has reached and passed the limits of
three-score years and ten, he has never been a party
to a law-suit, either as one who sues or as one be-
ing sued.
#^
-^r—
eALVIN P. BARRUS, a farmer residing on
section 7, Greenbush Township, Clinton
County, is a native of Onondaga County,
N. Y., and was born on the 7th of June 1826.
He is a son of William K. and Mary A. (Neal)
Barrus, who were natives of New York, and be-
came the parents of eight children, seven of whom
still survive, namely: Robert, living in Gratiot
Cc)unty, this State; Lucinda, wife of David Sadler,
of Cayuga County, N. Y. ; Calvin P.; James C, in
Gratiot County; John W., in New York State;
Marietta, wife of William Finch ; and Sarah, Mrs.
Bogardus, a widow.
The subject of this brief sketch was reared to
manhood in his native county, ami from early boy-
hood was engaged in farming. He received the
rudiments of an education in the schools of his day,
but had not the advantages which are so richly
showered upon the children of this generation. He
has, however, persevered ihrough life in the hal)it
of reading which has made him the intelligent,
broad-minded man who is so highly respected by
liis neighbors at this day.
An event of great importance in the life of Mr.
Barrus took place in 1856. He was then united in
marriage with Anjanetle Bogardus, a native of New
York State, and a daughter of Henry and Mary
586
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Bogardus. Three children resulted from this mar-
riage: Louisa A., wife of E. A. bimith, is the only
one who lived to matuiity. In 1865 our subject
came to Clinton County, this State, and made his
home on the farm where he now resides in Green-
bush Township, which was then in the unbroken for-
est. Here he has done thorough pioneer work and
has been one of the chief factors in making the
wilderness rejoice and blossom as the rose. He now
owns one hundred and twenty-three acres of as fine
land as is to be found in the county, and he has it
all under a fine state of cultivation. He has had
no one to help him make a start in life, and has had
to make his way step bj' step through difficulties
which would have appalled a man of less endurance
and perseverance.
The faithful wife, who had been his helpmate
and counselor for many years, departed this life
May 4, 1891, leaving behind her a wealth of love
and affection, and many friends to mourn her loss,
for she was respected and beloved by all who knew
her. In her death the county lost one of her rep-
resentative women and one of her bravest pioneers.
Mr. Barrus is identified with the M.asonic order,
and i.s a Democrat in his political views, believing
that the princijjles of that party are best adapted to
improving the condition of the masses and to aid
in the upbuikling of the country. He has served
as the School Assessor, and is a man of true public-
spirit and enterprise. His comfortable home and
surroundings, and the excellent condition of his
farm, speak louiily to every passer-b3- of his indus-
tr}- and enterprise as well as of his good manage-
ment. He is a typical representative of the self-
made Michigan pioneer, and receives the just
enconiums of all who know him.
^ ^-^^-
^ AFAYETTE LEWIS. Love of country is
I (^ noticeably a distinguishing characteristic Of
jik^ some families, and its manifestations are to
be traced through their history from generation to
generation. We Bu<l this true in the family to
which our subject belongs, as one of his grand-
fathers was a patriot in Washington's army during
the Revolutionar}- struggle, liis father took an ac-
tive part in the War of 1812 and he and two
brothers fought for the old flag during the days of
civil war. To further attest their love for the best
traditions of our country his parents gave him the
name which we all so deeply honor, the name of
W.ishinglon's friend and the friend of America.
Lafayette Lewis resides on section 24, Duplain
Township, Clinton Countj-, where he carries on
the work of a farmer and stock-raiser. He was
born October 7, 1824, and the place of his nativity
was Crawford County, Pa. He is the son of Laban
and Sallie (Darrow) Lewis, the father being a na-
tive of Vermont and the mother of the Empire
State. The ancestry on the father's side is Scotch
and the mother is of mixed German and English
stock.
There were no free schools in that jjart of the
countrj' where our subject's boyhood was passed,
and it w.as with difficult}' that his parents obtained
for him the educational advantages which they felt
were due to every child. They gave him the best
opportunities within their powers but he was not
able to )Hirsue an extensive course of study. They
gave him however the best home training and
thorough drill in the duties of a farm.
The most important event in the life history of
Mr. Lewis may well be considered his marriage, as
he was therebj- joined to an affectionate and capa-
ble wife who was a help to him in every department
of life and whose companionship cheered and stim-
ulated him through seasons of discouragement and
hardship. This union was solemnized in Crawford
County, Pa., September 4, 1848. The maiden name
of Mrs. Lewis was Polly A. Vincent, a daughter of
Morey and Sara (Rhodes) A'incent. She became
the mother of eight children, all but one of whom
are now living near their father, and th.it one re-
sides in Detroit. The efforts which this parent
made to sustain and educate his offspring are now
doubly reworded in the affectionate care and com--
panionship of his children.
The subject of this sketch came to Michigan in
18C5, immediately after the close of the war in
which he had served for nine months. It was in
the One Hundred and Sixti-eighth Pennsylvania
Infantr}^ that he fought for the old flag and the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
587
Union, and he received his honorable discharge in
Jul}', 1865. On moving to Michigan he made his
home wlicre lie now resides, luiying eighty acres of
excellent laud, twenty' of which he has given his
eldest son, Franklin M., who is married and lives
near by. The eldest daughter, Jane, married Milan
Kmmons, who was a soldier for four j-ears in the
Civil War and who now lives in the same township
with Mr. Lewis. Alice Lucinda is now Mrs. Frank
Searle and Laura is the wife of Ira Warner, a mer-
chant in Elsie. Verna married Charles W. Hawk-
ins, a short hand reporter in Detroit. Maurice O.
lives in Owosso and is a jeweler by occupation, and
the two youngest children, Cora M. and Herbert T.
are still under the parental roof and attending
school, the daughter being a student at the High
School in Elsie. The beloved mother of these
children is no more with them, as she passed to the
other world April G, 1890, and all that remains of
her mortal being is lying at rest in the cemetery
at Elsie. The principles of the Republican party
are the political creed of Mr. Lewis and he cast
his first Presidential vote for Taylor.
"fifAME.S K. TRl'.SDELL. a successful farmer
of DeWitt Township, residing in North
Lansing, was born in Brandon Township,
Oakland County, Mich., November 28, 1845.
His father, (lamalie! Trusdcll, a fanner, was a na-
tive of New York and came to Michigan some
time during the '30s, journeying by Erie Canal
and Lake to Detroit, where lie bought oxen and
drove to Oakland County. 'I'liere he took up
Government land and was one of the first whites
in that region. Deer and bears were plentiful and
he hunted some, but he was a hard worker and de-
voted himself mostly- to his farms, of which he
cleared up three in Oakland County. The last one
was a tract of four hundred and twenty acres, which
he sold. There were many Indians in that region
and he was friendly with them. He moved to
Clarkston, in the same county, and for three years
engaged in the livery business. lie then went into
the same business in connection with a farm at
Corunna, Shiawassee County, and owns several
farms there. He lived there about twenty years a
retired life and finall}- made his home at Flint, where
he died when about eigbt3--three years old. He was
a Democrat in his political views.
PlKcbe A. (Riker) Trusdell, the mother of our
subject, a native of New York State, brought to
maturity ten of her thirteen children, and dieil in
middle life in February, 1875. James Trusdell
moved to Corunna when about seven years of age
and attended the village school there. When fif-
teen years old he learned the trade of blacksmilh-
ing, which he worked at until about fourteen years
ago and occasionally takes a turn at it j-et, h.iving
a small shop on his farm. He began work for
himself at fifteen years of age, and did days' work
at his trade until 1871. when he eslablisiicd a shop
of liis own at DeWitt. Clinton County. After
running a shop here for a year he moved to Clare
and then to Lansing. During his nine years' resi-
dence in that city he established a liver3' stable on
Turner Street, which he carried on for about live
years. He then traded his business for the farm
where he now lives.
The marriage of James Trusdell with Ella Gard-
ner was solemnized .lanuary 19, 1871. The bride
was born in DeWitt Tovvnslii|), March 13, 1852,
and her parents, John W. and Ph(ebc A. (Phillips)
Gardner, were natives of New York State, who
came to Clinton County in LSH. Mr. Gardner
was a farmer, blacksmith and nierchant, and used
to do a large business in merchandise in DeWitt,
drawing his goods from Detroit by team. He died
at the age of sixty years, but his widow still lives
in DeWitt. .She is an active and earnest member
of the Baptist Church, and is the mother of one son,
Milan, and of one daughter, who is the wife of our
suliject.
'l"he four children of our subject are still living
— Clyde, Arthur. .Maude and Lora. Mr. Trusdell
has one hundred acres of line arable .'-.oil, seventy
of wliich are under cultivation, lie has hirnj^elf
cleared most of the place. The handsome frame
residence, which is an ornament to the farm, was
built in 1890, and the property is well supplied
with barns and other ouibuihiings necessary to the
carrying on of mixed farniiiig and the raising of
588
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
stock. He has ten cows and furnishes milk for the
condenser at Lansing. He is a Democrat in his
political belief, and both Pathmaster and School
Director, and is a man of more than average intel-
ligence. His wife is fully his equal in education
and business ability and her reputation as a woman
of genial nature and lovely Christian character is
well known in the community.
-J^^-
• i* "
CHARLES HAUGHTON, a leading farmer
and dairyman residing on section 10, New
Haven Township, Sliiawassee County, Mich.,
is one of the foremost men in his section of the
county, being highly esteemed, both in agricultural
circles, for his business-like way of conducting af-
fairs, and also among religious people, as he is
looked upon as a leader in the Disciples Church.
He was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, June 2.3,
1835.
Samuel H. Haughton, the father of our subject,
was born in Connecticut about 1793, and coming
to Ohio with his parents when a boy, settled upon
a farm in TrnrabuU County. Here he enjoyed a com-
mon-school education and started out in life, upon
reaching his majority, by taking up one hundred
acres of Government land, which he cleared and
where he made a home. "When he had reached the
age of twenty-five he decided that he would for-
ward his own interests by taking a life partner and
he was married in 1820 to Amanda Osborn, daugh-
ter of Josiah Osborn, a farmer of Trumbull County.
Amanda was one of a family of four daughters and
three sons and the year of her birth was co-incidert
with the beginning of this century. One daughter
and six sons blessed the home of this pioneer
couple, of whom our subject is one. Samuel and
Amanda Haughton were earnest and devoted mem-
bers of the Disciples Church, in which he filled con-
scientiously and efficiently the offices of Deacon,
Trustee and Elder. Politically he was a sound
Whig and later a sturdy Republican. He passed
from earth in 1862 and his devoted wife survived
him for twenty years. They are buried side by
side at Southington, Trumbull County, Ohio,
A good common-school education was bestowed
upon the subject of this sketch and when he reached
his majority his father gave him fifty acres of good
land and sold him tifty acres more in Southington.
In the meanwhile he had married, in 1852, Nancy
Hurd, a daughter of Isaac and Lucy (Viets) Hurd.
Nancy was one of a family of three sons and five
daughters, being born December 6, 1839. Six
children have been granted to this happj- home,
namely: Laura A., Minnie, Mattie, M^-rtie, Mel-
vin and Calvin.
Our subject came to Michigan about the year
1865 and purchased one hundred and twenty acres
on section 12, and later bought ninety acres more
on section 10. He and his faithful companion are
Disciples in their religious belief and he is an Elder
and Trustee in the church, being a very prominent
man in religious circles. He was formerly a Re-
publican and is now an ardent Prohibitionist. At
one time he filled satisfactorily the office of Drain-
age Commissioner.
/p^EORGE W
iff (=s- residing c
^^1 ship, Clint
^^EORGE W. PRATT, a prominent citizen
on section 8, Greenbush Town-
iton County, is a native of Madi-
son County, N. Y., where he was born May 26,
1827. He is a son of James and Sallie (Perkins)
Pratt, both natives of New York, and his father
was a soldier in the War of 1812. Of the nine
children born to this worthy couple the following
survive: Lafayette, who resides in Shiawassee
County ; George W. ; Sylvia, now Mrs. Van Duzen,
in Shiawassee Countj'; Maiy, Mrs. W. Tunningly,
of Genesee County ; Walker and Sarah, who live in
Lansing, Mich.
When but two years old our subject removed
with his parents to Chautauqua County, N. Y., and
was there reared to manhood and was prepared
for his life woik of farming. His schooling was
taken in the district schools, wliicli were not well
fitted to impart a very thorough grounding in
the elements. He w.as married Januar3' 4, 1849, to
Charlotte Turk, who was born September 4, 1831,
in Chfiutauqua County, N. Y. Her parents, Jacob
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBIJM.
589
and Nabby Turk, were natives of New England
and earl3- settlers of Chautauqua County.
To Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have been born ten ciiil-
dren, four of whom are living: James M., laither,
Lomon and George. In tlic spring of 186G, Mr.
Pratt emigrated to Michigan and settled in Green-
bush Township, Clinton County, lie lived on
section 17, until the spring of 1885, when he re-
moved to his present home. lie has done some
pioneer work in his day, and now owns some one
hundred acres of land, most of which is under cul-
tivation. He still has about eight acres of timber,
where can be found about two hundred and Dfty
splendid specimens of the liard maple, from which
he annually makes a supply of maple sugar. lie
has also some tine white and red oak and beech
trees. He has been remarkably successful in life
for a man who started with no means.
Our subject is a Democrat in politics and a pub-
lic-spirited citizen. For tliree j'cars he has served
as Moderator of the school district in which he
lives. Mrs. Pratt was one of seven children, six
of whom are living. Her brothers and sisters are
named: William H., Willard, Sarah, Jacob, Har-
mon and Nabb}'. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt are now in
their prime, enjoying the fruitsof a life well -spent
and are highly respected b}' all who know them.
ylLLIAM TAPHOrSE is the owner of the
farm located on section 25, Caledonia
Township, Shiawassee County. The par-
ents of our subject were James and Elizabetli (Ne-
ville) Taphouse, natives of Hampshire, England,
where they always lived. Mr. Taphouse, Sr., died
in 1870, his wife preceding him by many years,
her death occurring in 1825. They were the par-
ents of five children, four now living.
He of whom we write was born February 12,
1816, in Hampshire, England, where he remained
until iie had attained to manhood. He was brought
up as a farmer lad and had but limited educational
advantages. In 1838 he was married to Mary Bol-
ton, by whom he had three children, two now liv-
ing. Elizabeth became the wife of Andrew Stores
and lives in Texas; they have a family of seven
children; Mary A. became the wife of Gilbert Card
and lives in Owosso; she is the mother of four
children.
Mrs. Taphouse died in 1817 and our subject
again married in November, 1848, taking to wife
Harriet Cowdry also a native of Hampshire, Eng-
land. l»y this marriage there were nine children,
four of whom are living. They are Alfred, Hatlic,
Charles and Edith. The former married Susan
Watson and lives in Caledonia Township, tiiis
county, having one child; Hattio is the wife of
Charles Lewis an<l lives on her father's farm; she is
the mother of one child ; Charles look to wife Ellen
Gerardy, making his home, which is brightened by
two children, in Owosso; Edith is the wife of An-
drew Geeck and lives in Owosso; she has one child.
Mr. Taphouse's second wife died May 3, 1888,
aged fift)--nine years, her natal daj* being June 15,
1828.
Our subject moved to America in 1855 and on
landing at New York he determined to come at
once to Michigan, which he did, locating in Oak-
land Count}', where he was engaged in renting
farms. One he occupied for seven years, the other,
in Rose Townslii|), four j'cars. In 1867 he came
to Shiawassee County and settled upon section 25,
Caledonia Township. It was a wild farm and the
only building upon it was a board shanty, through
whose cracks the snow blew fast in winter.
When Mr. Taphouse first landed in America he
had a wife and six chihlren dependent upon him
and on deciding to come West he was obliged to
borrow enough mone}' of his brother-in-law to make
the trip. His hard labor, however, enabled him to
make the change to this county in much better cir-
cumstances. He settled u|)on eighty acres, for
which he paid I'art of tlic price down. He added
to and fixed the little ohl house until it was a com-
fortable place, where they continued to live until
1883. He cleared seventy acres during this time.
His present pleasant and cozy home was built at a
cost of $1,000 eight years ago, Mr. Taphouse no
longer conducts the work of his farm himself, rent-
ing the place to his son-in-law. Our subject has
been a very hard worker all his life and now in his
later years is enjoying the fruit of his early labors.
590
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
His family are inenihevs of the Preslj^'terian Church
at Coruuna. His children all incline to Christian-
ity. He has given his children every advantage in
an educational waj' that he could aflford and thej"^
are all respected and honored members of societ}'
in the places where they have located. Mr. Tap-
house has alwa}'s been interested in politics, cast-
ing his vote with the Republican party. He lias
ever been a temperate man in his habits and is in
fairly good iiealth, his famil}- trusting that many
years of usefulness and serenity are still in .store
for him.
RS. MARIETTA BFSH. A traveler in
Clinton County could not fail to notice
the improvements upon a certain eighty,
acre tract of land on section 9, AVatertown
Township, and would l)e likely- to inquire who is
the fortunate owner. The substantial outbuildings
indicate large crops, and a glance at the commo-
dious brick residence is sulficient to impress the
beholder with the belief that on this farm tlie com-
forts of home are considered of great importance.
A view of this pleasant homestead appears in con-
nection with tliis biographical notice. Mrs. Bush
rents out tiie land, but still continues her residence
on the farm. She was an able coadjutor of her
husband in the upbuilding of their pleasant home,
and contributed her share towards its prosperity.
Not only is she a capable manager and good finan-
cier, but slie is also extremely kind and benevo-
lent, ever read^^ to extend a helping hand to any
who are in trouble.
Mrs. Bush is tlie daughter of Byron Moses, a
a resident of Watertown Township and a native of
Massachusetts. Mr. Moses came to Lapeer County,
this State, many 3'cars ago, and was for sometime
identified with its development. His daughter,
Marietta, was born August 6, 18.56, in Lapeer
County, and wlien she was about three years old
accompanied her parents to Watertown Townsliip.
There she grew to womanhood, receiving excellent
educational advantages, which have been of incal-
culable value to her in managing her business
jififairs. Under the careful instruction of her mother
she early became a capable housewife, and when
she married was well fitted to take charge of a
home of her own.
In 1875 Marietta Moses was united in marriage
with James T. Bush, and presided over his home
until June 2, 1887, when he passed away, leaving
her in charge of their two children: James W.,
born September 29, 1876; and Vera L., November
27, 1879. Both arc still at home with their mother.
Mr. Bu?h was a native of New York, born Febru-
ary 10, 1831, and was for a long time a prominent
farmer of this part of Michigan, having come here
about 1856. His paternal grandfather, a native of
Holland, lived to the venerable age of one hundred
and three years, and served through the Revolu-
tionary War. Conrad Bush, father of James T.Bush,
resided in New York, and died May 8, 1889, at the
great age of ninety-two years.
James T. Bush was twice married, and was be-
reaved of his first wife December 2, 1874. His
death was not only a severe afHiction to his fam-
ily, as he had been a good husband and father,
but it was felt that his removal look away one of
the best citizens of the township who had contrib-
ted liberally- to its growth. He farmed extensively
and acquired a good amount of property. Mrs.
Bush is a prominent and influential member of the
Congregational ChuvcTi at Wacousta, and is highly
esteemed throughout the community. Being a wo-
man of more than ordinary business ability she
condujts her affairs with wisdom and success.
"♦ •> '';:=^^^^» <'■■"'
■ft'
HARLES A. WHELAN. Prominent in
church and political circles and one ot the
^^y inthiential citizens of Shiawassee Township,
Shiawassee County, is the gentleman whose name
appears at the head of this sketch. He was born
in Amherst Township, Lorain County, Ohio, Janu-
ary 6, 1846, and is the younger of the two chil-
dren in the parents' home, his brother bearing the
name of Frank. His parents were Clark and
Laura (Aiken) Whelan, who came to Michigan in
January, 1867, although the son did not come
West until the following fall.
^^a£aa.«a.s^ta»sife^r»aa^!l^^aga^
PXSIDElfxCE 'J^ MR^.! lA.RlETT,-, BUS H, -.EC. 9.>VATER"r0VVN TP./JLiNTQN ::';.,MICH.
j^ .1 ..VI.. ■.■•1 ... aix. */..'j:.^
<WO >»ni(;
•.,v'< , •. •.v.*..<»it;f.'jS4.-,i|'. i.-.j;j^.
RESlDEISCf. OFMR. G.A.WHEbAN. SEC Ij. SHIAWASSEETR, SHIAWASSEE C9,M I CH.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
593
Oar subject was reared on a farm and took a
three years' course in Oberlin College, leaving col-
lege at the age of nineteen to engage us a clerk in
the general store of I. M. Johnson & Son. Here
he continued for two years uiit'l lie decided to fol-
low his father to Michigan. He remained with his
father until March 24, 1869, when he was married
and settled on the farm where he now Tives. His
father at tliis time presented him with seventj-six
acres of land, upon which lie live.i for four years
and then went to Vernon to take a clerkship for
Nichols <t Herrington.
This change of occu|)ation was not actuated by
a love of change or a distaste for agriculture, but
was made for the purpose of realizing money with
which to build a suitable home. He accomplished
his object in two years, and coming back to the
farm erected the liouse in which he now lives at a
cost of *2,000. This residence, a view of which
appears on another page, is a pleasant and commo-
dious house of twelve rooms, and has been the
abode of the family since he returned from \'er-
non. Mr. Whelan has added by purchase to his
farm until it now comprises one hundred and
thirty acres, upon which he carries on mixed farm-
ing.
A firm Republican, Mr. Whelan is prominent in
the ranks of his part}-. He served as Township
Treasurer and was afterward elected Supervisor for
two years. He served tliree years in the capacity
of Township Treasurer, under peculiar circum-
stances. Edwin Sheldon, the incumbent of that
oflice, proved a defaulter to the amount of is!4,000
and left the count}-. Our subject was appointed
to fill out his term, and after assuming the olficc of
Supervisor he found it his first duty to act against
the bondsmen, which he did in a prompt and busi-
ness-like manner and brought the affair to a suc-
cessful termination in one trial, so that the town-
ship did not lose bj' the defaulter. He was elected
Justice of the Peace in 1889, in which office he is
now serving. He was the Reiiublican candidate
for member of the Legislature in 1890 in his dis-
trict and made a fine canvass against the Hon.
Hiram Johnson, his successful competitor.
The marriage of our su))ject united liim with
Rebecca A. Newberry, daughter of William and
Mary (Parmenter) Newberry. She was born in
the old Newberry homestead, April 21, 1847.
Throe children have been born to her, namol}':
Edwin C, born July 23, 1870; Mary E., Septem-
ber 3, 1873; .and Howard N., May 5, 1876. Edwin
graduated at the A'ernon High School in the class
of '90. Ma}' has fitted herself for tlie teacher's
profession and graduates this j-ear at the same
school and expects to teach next year. She is
giving especial attention to music. Howard N.
is also a student of tlie high school. The various
members of the family arc prominently identified
with the Baptist Church at Vernon. Thej' have
one of the neatest homes in the township and are
highly appreciative of the best things of life.
^IlLVRKl) DERHAM. The farm of one hun-
WlUW drod and ninety acres which so much re-
sembles the beautifully cultivated farms
of central P]ngland and which is located on
section 8, Venice Township, Shiawassee County,
belongs to the gentleman whose name is at the head
of this sketch. He is of English parentage, his
father licing Henry Derham, a native of Somerset-
shire, England. Mr. Derham, Sr., still survives
having readied the age of seventy-five 3-ears. He
makes his home at Corunna. His trade was that
of a miller and baker but since coming to America
he has engaged almost exclusively in farming.
Forty- four years ago he came to this country, re-
maining in Rochester, N. Y., two years, thence
coming to Michigan.
The mother of our subject was Martlia (Jewell)
Derham, a native of the same shire as her husband,
wiiere he wooed and won her. Mr. Derham came
to Michigan in 1849, coming to Shiawassee
Count}', where they located eighty acres on sec-
tion .5, it being as wild as was all the land at
the time of the first settlement.
Our subject's father returned to Oakland Coun-
ty the summer of 1850, thence went to New York
State. The next fall he purchased his farm in this
State and made a temporary home in the log barn
of George W. Priest, until a shanty could be put
594
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
up on his own claim. As soon as this was erected
the family moverl into it making it their home
until 1866, when our subject bought his father out,
and Mr. Derbam, Sr., retired to Corunna to live.
Thirty acres of the farm were at that time cleared.
Our subject's mother died in 1868. The father
again married Mrs. Marra in 1870. By bis first
marriage he had five children who were named re-
spectively, William our subject, Elizabeth, Mrs.
Ethan Doan, Charles, and Emma who is Mrs. "Whit-
temore. Our subject's mother was a member of
tlie Methodist Episcopal Church and his fatlier was
a Republican in politics.
Alfred Derham was born in England, August 3,
1841. He was nine years of age when brought to
Michigan and here received a good common-school
education in Venice Township. He became self-
supporting at the age of fifteen, although until he
was seventeen years of age his wages went to his
father. From tliis period he bought his time and
worked out, securing with his savings eight}- acres
of land of his father in Caledonia Township. This
was located on section 13. After adding forty
acres to this purchase he sold it in 1865, or at
least a part of it, and traded the rest for the old
homestead.
At this lime the Civil War broke out and there
was a call for volunteers. Our subject enlisted
August 8, 1862, in Company H, Twenty-third
Michigan Infantry. He was first sent to Louis-
ville, Ky., thence to Shelb\-ville, after which he
went with ids regiment to Frankfort, also to Perry-
ville and Bowling Green. From this point his reg-
iment was engaged in guarding trains to Nashville,
which duty lasted during the winter. The next
summer he was engaged in chasing the rebel. Gen.
Morgan, over Kentuckj' and up into Ohio and our
subject assisted at his capture. From that place
they went to Cincinnati, crossing over into Coving-
ton, Ky., and near there had several skirmishes
with the rebels. At Paris, Ky., they were enabled
to save the railroad bridge from destruction by
the rebel force.
The regiment in which Mr. Derham was left
Paris August 4, 1863. They served in the Second
Brigade and the Second Division of the Twenty-
third Army Corps. They proceeded by the way
of Lexington and Louisville to Lebanon, thence to
Newmarket and leaving that place August 17, par-
ticipated in the advance into Eastern Tennessee,
arriving at Loudon. September 4. September 5,
the brigade made a forced march of twenty miles
to Knoxville, thence to Morristown and then re-
turned to Loudon.
During this time our subject was engaged in
picket duty and in building intrencliments. From
Loudon the regiment marched to Lenox Station
and again returned witli tlie arm}' to Huff's Ferry
and attacked the enemy on the 12th, no advantage
being gained Ijy either side. During much of the
time they were under the command of Gen. White.
At Knoxville, Gen. A. E. Burnside commanded,
and directed his regiment to burn Ihe wagons, etc.,
to keep them from tlie rebels. The retreat to
Knoxville was a iieated one and a brisk fight took
place at Campbell Station. Mr. Derham was pres-
ent during all the siege of Knoxville. After this
siege was raised the regiment was active in doing
picket dut}' and outpost duty during the Atlanta
campaign. His regiment participated in the battle
of Rockj' Face and made a charge at the battle of
Resaca.
May 22, the original of our sketch was shot
through tlie left leg by a musket ball and he was
sent to the hospital, from thence to Nashville.
From that place he proceeded to Jeffersonville,
Ind., and thence to Detroit. At Jeffersonville his
wound became serious, gangrene setting in and .hs
a result he was obliged to suffer two severe opera-
tions b}' having the wound burned. His discharge
was received at Detroit after a service of two
years and five months and then the return home
seemed to offer a prospect of blessed peace. After
returning from his war experience he was incapa-
citated for work for over a year.
Alfred Derham w.as married December 31, 1866,
to Elvira L. Wilkinson, a daughter of Charles and
Eliza Wilkinson, a sketch of whom will be found
in another part of this Album under the name of
George C. Wilkinson. Mrs. Derham wjis born
Maj' 31, 1847. The young couple at once took
up their lifework on the farm wliich he owned and
where he has since remained. He now has one
hundred and ninety acres of land, one hundred and
PORTRAir AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
S!IO
fort^- of wliich arc under cultivation. In 1871 he
built liis home at a cost of 11,500. He has since
built four bnrns and carries on a j^ood business in
general farming.
Mr. and Mrs. Derliam are the parents of live
children, viz: Elmer C, born April 8, 1868;
George H., May 30, 1871; Floyd A., October 10,
1875; Albert G., March 30, 1880; Blanche G., De-
cember 4, 1889. The family are members of tiie
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the fatlier
is one of the Trustees. The children have received
the educational advantages to be attained in their
district. t)ur subject has been a member of the
School Board for a dozen years. His eldest son is
now Assessor in the township. Mr. Derham is a
member of Corunna Lodge G. A. R. He has
taken an active interest in politics, casting his vote
with the Republican party. The Commission of
Drainage, which is so important an one in this
State, has been presided over by our suljject.
-»**^@yX^-°*°'-
^ETER FLEAGLE, a valiant soldier of the
Civil War, who manages a farm on section
15, Greenbush Township, Clinton Coun-
ty, is a native of Carroll, Md., where he
was born March 24, 1833. His ancestry on
botli sides is traced back to Germany. He is the
third eldest son of his parents, Daniel and Nellie
Fleagle, both natives of Pennsylvania. He re-
mained in his native Slate until he reached the age
of twenty-, when he left home and going to San-
dusky, Ohio, began work there. He had received
only a rudimentary education as the earl}' schools
of Mari'land gave but a scant measure of the in-
tellectual training which the children of to-day
enjoy, but he made the best of the circumstances
and has since he reached manhooil taken long
Strides in the direction of self-education.
Peter Fleagle in 18G0 took to wife Mary Cole, a
native of Ohio and daughter of Daniel H. and
Anna Cole. By their union he became the father
of four children, two only of whom are now living:
Nellie, who is the wife of Frank Marshall, and Anna.
The mother of these children, departed tliis life
February 20, 1874, and the second marriage of our
subject united him with Alice Riddle, a daughter
of George K. Riddle, of Greenbush Township. To
them have been born four children : Ella, Edward,
Freddie and Louis.
The subject of this sketch enlisted in A|>ril, 18G1,
in the Eighth Ohio Infantry. He entered as a
private and served for three months, doing duty at
Cleveland and Camp Dennison. He afterward
re-enlisted for three years, in 1862, in Com-
pany K, One Hundredth Ohio Infantry, a regiment
which was attached to Gen. Sherman's army. He
marched through Georgia, Alabama and East Ten-
nessee, and particii)ated in the battle of Franklin
anrl the siege and battle of Nasiiville. He also
took i)art in the Atlanta campaign and was present
at the fall of that cil\' and went with the Twenty-
third Corps when it was ordered back to N:isliville
to protect that city and guard the prisoners of
war. He was afterward in the campaign in North
Carolina with Sherman and fought at Wilmington,
Kingston, and in various skirmishes, and was hon-
orably discharged in July, 1865.
After his discharge Mr. P^leagle came to Clinton
County, Mich., where his family was then living,
as they hivd removed to this region during the war.
He has been a resident here since 186.5 as he then
settled on the farm which he now occupies, a line
tract of one hundred and twenty acres of land,
mostly under cultivation. He is practically a self-
made man and has made a good success of his ef-
forts as a farmer. He is a Republican in i)olitics
and kee))s himself abreast of the public movements
of the day, and is ever an earnest helper in all
movements whiih tend to the uplifting of society.
Mr. Fleagle has served as Commissioner of Green-
bush Township for several years and also as School
Director. He is identified with the Keystone
(!range. Both he and his excellent wife aie con-
sistent members of the Methodist E|)iscopal Church,
and he has for some time served as Class-Leader
llierein. The record of our subject IxHli as a gal-
lant soldier in the great Rebellion and as an hon-
ored citizen of the Republic is an excellent one, and
his posterity may point to it with pride, and may
make it their object to emulate and imitate his
596
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
life. Mr. Fleaglc is among the most honored and
esteemed citizens of Greenbusli Township and en-
joys the confidence of all who have had dealings
with him.
-, I RAM REED, a prominent farmer residing
\i on section 28, Venice Township, Shiawassee
County, is a son of Riley Reed and Caro-
line (Jackson) Reed, both natives of On-
tario County, N. Y., where they were eng.agcd in
agriculture. Their early married life was spent in
that State until more than fifty years ago, thej^
came to Michigan to reside. They settled in
Farmington Townsliip, Oakland County, and lived
there for twent}' jears. When thej' went there
their farm was entirely unbroken and uncultivated
and the}- put it in a fine condition before leaving
and moving to Sliiawassee Count}'. About thirty
years ago they came to Venice Township and made
their home again on a new farm and have improved
it and put it in fine shai)e. Both |)arents have now
passed away from earth, the father dying some
thirteen years ago. Three of their five children
survive them.
The birth of Hiram Reed occurred April 13,
in Ontario County, N. Y. He was bred a farmer
and has ahv.ays followed that calling. When he
came to Shiawassee County at tiie age of twenty-
one, he had not a single dollar of capital and
worked on a farm b}' the month, earning $144 per
year, continuing in tliis w.ay for foUi- years. He
then bought eighty acres of raw land, having no
improvements whatever upon it, and was married
in 1865 to Olive Delling, a daughter of E. M. and
Sarah (Brewster) Delling. both natives of Maine.
Mr. Delling came to Miciiigan in 1830 and ra.ade
his permanent home in Southfie'd Township, Oak-
land County, where he died in 18S7. His wife
still survives him and is now sovent}--five years old.
The}' were the parents of six children, now living.
Mrs. H. Reed was born in 1839, in Oakland
County and received more than an ordinary edu-
cation so that she was enabled to teach school. Mr.
Reed built a frame house upon his farm and began
clearing it and now has one hundred and leu acres
of his one hundred and twenty under cultivation
and all cleared by his own ax. His pleasant and
attractive home built some eight j-ears since, cost
him $1,600 out.<ide of his own labor, and he has
two barns and other comfortable and convenient
outbui'dings. He carries on mixed farming, being
active in the work himself.
Two children have blessed this home, Finley C.
and Edwin E. and to both of them has been given
a good common-school education. Their motlier
is an earnest and active member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Mr. Reed is a man of intelli-
gence and is thoroughly informed on the live issues
of the d.ay. He believes that a man should not
neglect his duties as a citizen and that the right of
suffrage is not paramount to the duty of voting.
His political convictions allj- him with the Demo-
cratic part}', and he has been a member of the
School Board, aad is now upon his second term as
Treasurer of Venice Township. lie is a man of
strictly temperate habits and his fine farm is the
direct result of his sturdy industry, upright life and
active enterprise.
. OOP -
s^DWlN D. WEBSTER, one of the intelligent
|U] and progressive farmers and highly rcs-
JLl^ pectcd citizens of Essex Township, Clinton
County, was born in Franklin County, Mass.,
October 26, 1828. He is the son of Lym.an and
Dimis (Slebbins) Webster, both natives of Massa-
chusetts. When only six years old, he migrated
with his parents in 1834 to Kent County, Mich.,
and after a short stay moved to Ionia County,
where the}- resided until the spring of 1837 when
they came to Clinton County. Here they were
early settlers and did much pioneer work.
In 1850 the father of our subject went to Cali-
fornia with a view of mining, and somewhat later
made a journey to Australia, from which far distant
country he never returned and was never heard
from again. Our subject was reared to manhood in
Clinton County amid the scenes of pioneer life in
which he took a sturdy and manly part. He re-
ceived his education in the early schools and is
mainly self-educated.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
597
The first luaniaye of Mr. Webster took i)lace in
1851. He was then united with Eliz.-ibetli Parr, b^-
whom lie bad two children, Marj- 1)., (Mrs. O. D.
Casterline) and Elizabeth H., (Mrs. "W. B. Caster-
line). His second marri.agc which occurred in
1858 was with Caroline Waller, a native of New
York. Mr. AVebster settled on the farm wiiere lie
now resides in the fall of 1858, where he owns one
hundred and twenty acres of rich arable soil in a
high state of cultiv.ition.
For eight years our subject has served as Justice
of the Peace and for three years as Highway Com-
missioner. He is a Democrat in politics, and a
man of enterprise and public spirit. He turned the
first furrow on his farm and chopped the first tree
which was felled upon that tract of land. He is
identified with the Masonic order and also with the
Pioneer Society of Clinton County and both he and
his worthy wife are members of the IMcthodist
Episcopal Church. He has a fine barn and residence
and his farm is one of the chief ornaments of the
township.
JOHN C. ADAMS, one of the representative
and intelligent residents of Antrim Town-
ship. Shiawassee County, is the subject of
tills sketch, and a man whom we arc pleased
to point out as worthy of the respect and admira-
tion of his fellow citizens. He was born in Ontario
County, N. Y., September 13, 18.'57. His father,
David D. Adams, began life August 23, 1806 and
was also a New Yorker by birth. He was a stone
mason but after marriage followed farming and
came to Michigan in 1847, landing in this township
and making his home on the farm now cultivated
by our subject, upon June 2, of that year, thus be-
ing among the earliest settlers. He built his log
house at the beginning of the next year on a
spot adjoining what is now the home of his son.
Wild game was then plentiful and tlie country
was quite unformed. Mr. Adams helped to organ-
ize the First Methodist P^piscopal society in the
township and was elected its Class-Leader. He
passed from earth August G, 1880. His good wife.
who bore the name of Angeline Howard, was born
in New York, November 21, 1813, and died in
1856 upon October 21. She also was an earnest
and valued member and worker in the Methodist
Episcopal Church. A family of ten little ones
came to bless this pioneer home and eight of them
are still in active life.
John C. Adams was born on old Bald Hill near
Hemlock Lake, in Ontario County, N. Y. His
schooling was very scant and after he was ten
years old he obtained only about fourteen months
of school life up to the age of twenty-three, but
those months were fraught with much benefit to
him as they were devoted to earnest study at Prof.
Nuttings' Acailemy at Lodi, during tliree terms.
The young man enlisted when he w.as about
tvventy-four years oltl in the Union Arm^-, which
he joined May 2G, 1861, but the company which he
joined did not go into warfare. He subsequenlli^
enlisted August 9, of the same 3'ear in Companj'
II, Fifth Michigan Infantry under command of
H. D. Terrj-. He was present at the siege of York-
town and was wounded at Williamsburg, \a. May
5, 1862, being struck by a ball in his nose, cutting
him badi}' on the right side and crushing the bone.
He came home after a thne on a furlough and was
subsequently discharged.
He taught for a few terras after returning from
the war and also engaged in farm work at the old
homestead for a number of years. His present
farm was purchased in the spring of 1871. He was
married twice, the first time March 28, 1865, tak-
ing for his bride Anna M. Hutchins, of Newberg,
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, who died soon after mar
riage. His second marriage which took place De-
cember 22, 1870, united him with Mrs. Maty
Dodge, whose maiden name was Km pp. She was
born in Niagara County, N. Y., and was formerly
the wife of Mr. Henry F. Dodge, who died in 1867.
Mr. Adams' [jolitical views have led him to aflil-
iatc with the Republican party and his fellow-citi-
zens have placed him in various oflices of trust and
responsibility. He was Highway Commissioner
one year; Drainage Commissioner three years;
Clerk for two years; Treasurer one year; School In-
si)ector for several terms and is at present Justice
of the Peace. He has been Notary Public for
598
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
twenty-four years and has transacted a great deal
of business for his neiglibors. He is identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fcdiows, the
Grand Army of the Republic and the Grange.
Both Mr. Adams and his faithful helpmate are
devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and he is a member of the official Board
being both Stewart and Trustee. He also fills the
position of Class-Leader and is looked up to as a
spiritual instructor. He has always been a liberal
contributor to all benevolent and charitable pur-
poses. He takes great interest in Jersey and Hol-
stein cattle. He began life with limited means, his
first purchase being forty acres, and he now lias
purchased an<l cleared more than one hundred and
forty acres. For twelve j'ears he had charge of
the post-office at Glass River.
^ €-*-^ ^
?ETUS S. WOODHULL, a well-known
farmer residing on section 9, Woodhull
? Township, Siiiawassee County, was born in
Ontario County, N. Y., February 22, 1827. His
father, .Tolin Woodhull, who was a native of New
York State and born in 1791, was a farmer and
owned a sixty -acre farm in New York, anil came
to Michigan in 1836. making his journey through
Canada by ox-teani and horse-team. The family
is of English descent and springs from two brotli-
ers who came to this country during the French
and Indian War. The grandfather of our subject
owned two hundred acres of land in Ontario
County, N. Y., but came AVest to live with his
cliildren soon after their emigration to Michigan,
and died here in 1811, wiien seventy seven years
old.
The grandmother of our subject, Catry (Rob-
ison) Woodiiull, was born in New York State, Janu-
ary 9, 1774, and her oldest son, John, became tlie
father of our subject. Ilcr father, John D. Rob
ison, for whom slie named her first-born, was a
carpenter and joiner by trade, as well as a farmer.
He joined the arm^' as a Commissarj- during the
Revolutionary War, and also fought in the war
between the French and English. He was the first
settler of Phelps, Ontario Count}-, N. Y., to which
place he came in 1788. He was of Scotch de-
scent, and a man who was highly respected by all
who knew him, and continued in life until he
reached the advanced age of eighty -five j'ears.
The father of our subject established his family
upon the farm where he now resides when there
was not another famil}^ in the township. It took a
week or more to go to market, which was no
nearer than Pontiac or Ann Arbor. He was most
friendly with the Indians, and thej' reciprocated
his kindness, and through them he easily supplied
his family with venison. His log house was the
first one built in the township. He cleared a part
of the farm and died in 18.52. He was a deeply
religious man and an earnest and active member
of the Baptist Church. In early life he was a
Jacksonian Democrat, but later his convictions led
him to espouse the piinciples of the Free-soilers.
His wife, Clarissa Swift, was born in Ontario
County, N. Y., in 1801, and brought three children
with her when she made the toilsome journey to
the AVest. Her four children are now all living,
namely: Nancy, Mrs. Stone; Zetus S. ; Elizabeth,
Mrs. Smith; and Frances, Mrs. Kimball. She died
when seventy-eight years old at ^he home of lier
daughter, Mrs. Stone, in Wisconsin. She was a
member of the Baptist Church and a most devoted
and earnest Christian, who believed in keeping up
the ordinances of religion and was not kept at
home from religious services by bad weather or
an}- light excuse.
Zetus Woodhull was in his ninth year when, with
his parents, he made the journe}- \Vest. Indian
children were his plaj-mates and he quickly learned
theii language, lie remembers with interest the
wolves and deer vihich abounded and which made
his boyhood life an adventurous one. He attended
his first school three years after coming West and
had to walk a mile and a half to reach it. It w.as
the primitive school-house which has so often been
described, and w.as carried on under the rate-bill
system. As he was late in beginning his school-
life, he carried it on past his majority and spent
three winters at Corunna pursuing his studies. He
began life for himself when twenty-six years old,
after the death of his fatiicr. He has always lived
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
599
here, as lie bought out the interests of the other
heirs in the home farm.
In 1858 this young man was united in marriage
with Alice Colby, a native of Candda, whose father
settled in Ypsilanti In 1834. She was a Baptist in
her religious views, and a true helpmate in every
sense, but died in 1881 , when fifty-two years old.
She was the mother of four children, three of
whom are now living: Scott, Lelah and Lee. One
died when four j-ears old. Mr. AYoodhull has now
two hundred and fort}- acres of land, most of
which he has improved, and carries on mixed farm-
ing, raising stock and garden produce. He has for
many years been a member of the Republican
part}-, but cast his first ballot for Martin Van Bii-
ren, when, after his occupancy of the Presidential
chair, he was renominated to that position by the
Free-soil Democrats. He has served as Township
Clerk and Commissioner. He has seen great im-
provements in this section, as the countr\' when he
came to it was just as it came from the hand of
nature. He built his present house in 1871, and
has a gool frame barn, which he erected in 1842.
ELIJAH
among
Clinton
LIJAH W. COBB holds an honorable place
the citizens of Duplain Township,
iton County, as a [lublic spirited man
who has achieved success in bis chosen calling and
is an active promoter of all movements for the
good of the community, in religious, social and
industrial circles. He was born in Bennington,
Wyoming County, N. Y., June 18, 1829. His
worthy and intelligent parents, Joshua W. and Su-
sannah (Doty) Cobb, were of Eastern birth and
lineage. The father's native home and where he
received his earlj* training was in Canaan, Conn.,
and the mother was born at Half Moon Point,
N. Y., a beautiful pl.ace on the Hudson River.
The father of our subject followed throughout
life the agricultural [)ursuits which he had chosen
as his vocation, and when this boy was fifteen
years old the family removed from the East to
Clinton County, Micli., and located at a point in
Duplain Township, whicli was afterward destined
to be the site of the village of Elsie. Forests then
covered that tract of land and wild animals roved
over the ground which now resounds to the busy
feet of the citizens of the village. The father
took up land where the son now resides and began
the laborious task of hewing from the forest a
productive and beautiful farm.
Before coming to Michigan the boy had received
onl3' the rudiments of an education which are
given in the common schools, and the forest home
in the wild West offered no advantages for further
education so his schooling ended at the time of
his emigration to the Wolverine State. He now
devoted himself to assisting his father and sub-
duing the wilderness, and after he had reached the
mature age of twenty -six years he felt that he had
earned the right to establish a home of his own,
whicli he proceeded to do with the co-operation
of Miss Ann Sickels, of Howell, this State.
This lad}-, who became Mrs. Cobb November
14, 1855, is a daughter of John F. Sickels, and is
now the mother of four children. The eldest,
Arthur Eugenio, was born November 29, 1857;
Agnes L., December 28, 1862; Willie S., July 25,
1865; and Emma G., August 15, 1871. Agnes
died in infancy; AVillie, December 16, 1872; and
Emma, October 3, of the same year. Arthur,
who is the only surviving child, married Cora
Waldron, of Elsie, and now conducts the farm
for his father, thus relieving his parents of much
responsibility.
Elijah W. Cobb u[)oii the death of his father,
which occurred when his son was twenty-one
\-ears old, took charge of the entire place. He
found eighty acres of land, with about fifteen
acres cleared, and he proceeded with energy and
enterprise to make substantial improvements, to
clear the rest of the farm and to add to it by pur-
chase. He has added some twenty acres to the
original tract and has placed upon it the farm-
houses and barns of which he may well feel proud.
About the year 1865 he engaged In buying staves
for Fowler, Essington & Co., making that his busi-
ness for a number of years. He then openetl a
store for the sale of groceries, in which he was
successful, but being desirous of changing his line
of goods, sold out this establishment and took up
600
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
the sale of hardware and drugs. In this he con-
tiuuea until about the year 1870, when he dis-
posed of this business, as he had received the
appointment of Postmaster at Elsie, which position
he held until the election of Cleveland, since which
time he has directed his attention entirely to agri-
cultural pursuits.
BIr. Cobb's official life has not been bounded
by the duties of a Postmaster, as he has held the
office of Township Treasurer for four years, and
has also served his township as Highway Commis-
sioner and Treasurer of the village high school.
He is now a member of the Village Council. His
political convictions lead him into affilation with
the Republican party, for which he does good ser-
vice both by his own vote and the influence which
he exerts among his fellow-citizens. He takes a
more than ordinary interest in school matters and
is very active in efforts to improve the schools of
the township. He also is helpful in fostering the
cause of religion and is a friend to all church
work. He has done his share toward public im-
provements and is ready with his counsel and his
purse to hell) forward necessary movements in that
direction. He gave $500 to the railroad which
was built through Elsie, as one of the induce-
ments to that choice of direction. This is one
example of his public-spirited enterprise which has
made him so well known and so thoroughly re-
spected in the community.
,j.^^^..._
-'-!>)
; — i-?*^'
FOWLER. The owner of the fine farm on
section 10, Vernon Townsliip, was born in
the township and county in which he now
resides September 17, 1H43. His father was
.Tosiah Fowler, a native of New York and he was
born October G, 1810, a farmer who had the addi-
tional benefit of a trade — that of a cooper —
which was indeed an advantage to him in coming
to a new State in pioneer da3s. When he first
came to Michigan he settled in Oakland Counly,
thence came to Shiawassee County, where he set-
tled on section 10, Vernon Township, improving
the place ihat he had purchased as much as possible
before his marriage. He built a log house in which
he lived with liis familj' for many years. He cut
the timber on the place and realized from it a good
return. He was a Republican in politics and a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He
died April 24, 18G2.
Our subject's mother was Elizabeth (Chalker)
Fowler, a native of New York State, having been
born September 11, 1826, and died in 1879. She
was married to Mr. Fowler in Vernon Township,
in the year 1841. She and her husband were
brought up side by side in what was then known
as Chalker neighborhood. They were the parents
of nine children, each of whom was gladly wel-
comed into the family. Six of these are now liv-
ing. Mr. Fowler, our subject, was the second
child and first son, and was reared in his native
place. His first school d.ays were spent in the little
log schoolhouse on section 9, Vernon Township,
and as he grew older he was advanced to the dig-
nity of a frame schoolhouse on section 7, of the
same township. He remained at home, assisting
with the farm work until he was twenty-three years
of age.
Our subject felt ihat if the future had anything
particular in store for him he should begin to find
it out, so he left the home nest and engaged him-
self as a laborer on the neighboring farms or at any
work that he coidd find to do. This he continued
for five years and tlien he went into the lumber
woods in the northern part of the State. He spent
one summer in Detroit in which he enjoyed the
various exi)criences of camp life. In 1881, our
subject purchased the land upon which the old
homestead stood and upon which he now resides.
In 1885 he was united in marriage to Mary Assel-
stine, a native of Canada and who was born May
20, 1859. She was reared in the same place where
they were married. Mr. Fowler has eight3'-six
acres of vvell improved land and devotes himself
to general farming.
Our subject is a Democrat in politics. He has a
great regard for religion, but has not connected
himself with any denomination, although his wife
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mrs. Prowler, who is a very superior lady and an
'/
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
603
energetic supporter of whatever work she takes up,
whether it be in her family, church or society-, is
a fine musician and is the leading voice in the
ciiurch choir. Mrs. Kowler's parents were Billings
and Lucy (Huffman) Asselsline and are natives of
Canada. Her father was a mechanic and was en-
gaged in building threshing machines in Canada,
although he farmed the early part of his life. lie
died June 17, 1890. The mother is still living and
resides with the family of our subject.
C'^EORGE W. TOPPING, M. D., an able
^—j physician and courteous gentleman whose
5^41 home is in DcWitt, Clinton County, comes
of good old English stock and represents families
long known in the Empire State. In choosing a line
of life he diverged widely from that of his father,
yet has been a worthy successor of his parents in
having been actuated by the principle that "what
is worth doing is worth doing well.'' He applied
himself diligently to useful studies, laid a broad
foundation on which to rear a superstructure of
experience, and has been a strong tower in his
profession. For thirty seven 3'ears he has made
the town of De Witt the center of his professional
labors and he long ago attained a Stale reputation
and rose to a prominent position in the community.
Going b.ack a few generations in the ])aternal
line we come to Daniel Topping, who with five
brothers emigrated to America from England,
all settling on Long Island. He was a Cap-
tain in the forces that fought for the freedom
of the Colonies, and in civil life he was a farmer.
lie owned a large tract of land, given him by the
Government for his services in the Revolution, but
not liking the pro|)erty, sold it for a song and set-
tled near Sackett's Harbor, N. Y. There he died
at a ripe old age. His warrant covered ground now
the site of the town of Elbridge. One of his chil-
dren was Simon IL, who was born on Long Island
December 2:3, 1762, and died Eebruary 8, 1831.
He owned one hundred acres of land in Cayuga
County', N. Y. His wife was Sarah Frost, born in
New Jersey July 22, 17G5, and died July 18, 1848.
Both spent their old age with their son, IJavid
Topping. Both belonged to the Baptist Church.
The}' reared nine children.
One of the family of Simon and MaryTopi)ing was
Daniel, who was born in Hanover Township, Morris
County, N. J., December 25, 1790, and followed
the ancestral occu|)ation. He was a Lieutenant in
the War of 1812, and fought at Lewistown and
Black Rock. Afterward he was a Captain of the
State Militia. Tall, straight and of a soldierly bear-
ing, he was a marked man wherever be appeared,
as his grandfather had been before him. He was
known far and near as Deacon Topping, holding
office in the regular Baptist Church almost a life-
time. His home was the stopping place for all the
ministers who passed that way, and his hand was
ever open to relieve the wants of others. He made
his home in Cayuga County, N. Y. where be
breathed his last Sunday, October 3, 1847. His
faithful wife survived him many years and passed
awaj' at the home of their son, George. W., our
subject, April 1, 1874. She was born at Rens-
selaer ville, N. Y., October 21, 1791, and bore the
maiden name of Betsey Atwood. She was one of
those good, kind and devoted women who leave a
void in the entire neighborhood when thej' pass
away, and from her early life she was a consistent
member of the Baptist Church. The chiblren she
reared are Nancy, Lyilia, James, Louisa, Harriet,
Cynthia, Almina, George W., Morton and Charles.
Dr. Topping was born at Mentz, C.a\"uga Count}-,
N. Y., December 1 1, 1827, and his boyhood days
were spent on a farm. He attended the district
school, then went to Grolon Academy in Tompkins
Count}', and later studied in the Normal .School in
Albany. To this school he was appointcil by the
Count}' Board, which gave a free scholarship to the
most successful teacher in tiie county. The year
before he had been clerk in the collector's office at
Montezuma, on the Erie Canal, and in the winter
had taught a large district school, thus showing
how able he was to instruct and guide others.
After taking up his work in the Norm.-d School,
young Topping began to study medicine, reading
with Dr. J. V. Griggs at Montezuma nine months,
lie next went to Townsend, Huron County, Ohio,
604
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
and puisued liis studies with his brother-in-law,
Dr. W. S. AUaben, about six moutlis, after which
he spent one term in the medical department of
the Wooster Universit}', Cleveland, Ohio.
The next step of Dr. Topping was to cross the
plains to California in company with three com-
rades, the part}' having eight horses ai.d two mules.
They were one hundred and twelve days traveling
from Kansas City to Bear River, Cai., and during
the trip had some trouble with the Indians but lost
none of their number. Mr. Topping and his part-
ner opened and worked mines, and had the usual
experience, sometimes maliing a "rich strike" and
again being reduced almost to a "grub stake." At
one time Mr. Topping could have brought back a
fortune, but lured on by high hopes he stayed
and lost, and at last after an absence of three years,
came home with 13,000 only. The return was
made by the Nicaragua Route in the spring of
1853 and the young man was soon found studying
Latin and German at Lockport, N. Y. In the fall
he entered the medical department of the University
of Michigan and in the spring of 1854 received his
diploma and at once selected De Witt as the place
in which to open an office.
Dr. Topping has a reputation based not alone on
the careful di.agnosis and skillful treatment of dis-
eases but also upon critical surgical operations he has
performed. Much work with the knife and saw has
been placed in his hands and he has shown cool-
ness, keenness of apprehension and the delicate
touch required b}' a surgeon, and the tender firm-
ness so needful in times of danger and excitement.
In 1867 he performed an operation on Cliarles
Corlett, who had completelj- severed the lar3-nx
and the anterior portion of the acsophagus near the
X)omum adami. For twenty days the patient was
fed through the wound. As this was the first case
of the kind on record it caused the name and fame
of Dr. Topping to travel broadcast in professional
circles. He performed a new and difficult amputa-
tion of a part of the foot through the shaft of tiie
metatarsus, and other equally important work lias
been done by liim in a number of cases. He h.as
removed tumors and wielded the scalpel in almost
every way known to surgeons.
A great shock and grief came to Dr. Topping
June 17, 1864, when his wife was burned to death.
She was but twenty-eight years and two da^-s old.
Her maiden name was Lusiana Hurd and she had had
two daughters — Alice, novv wife of W. S. Weld, an
insurance agent in Elgin, 111., and Mrs. Mary
Walbridge, whose husband is an attorney in Ithaca,
this State. August 3, 1865, Dr. Topping made a
second matrimonial alliance, wedding Sindenia A.
Ballard, wiio was born in Franklin County, Vt.,
October 18, 1833, and by this marriage a son was
born, George Ballard Topping, now in a whole-
sale drug house in Columbus, Ohio, having gradu-
ated in pharmacy from a school in Ann Arbor.
The residence of Dr. Topping is a neat and attrac-
tive one and within it the evidences of taste and re-
gard for true comfort may be seen. Mrs. Topping
is a notable housewife, is bright and winning in
her ways, and kind hearted and obliging.
In 1877 Dr. Topping was President of the old
Clinton County Medical Society and he has been
Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and President
of the Michigan State Medical Soeiet}', holding the
last named office in 1883. He was sent as a dele-
gate to the meetings of the American Medical As-
sociation four or live times, of which he remains a
permanent member. During the Civil War he was
appointed Examining Physician by Gov. Blair.
He is a member of tiie Detroit Medical and Library
Association and takes an abiding interest in all that
pertains to the improvement of medical science and
those who practice it. Dr. Topping belongs to
Blue Lodge No. 272, F. & A. M., in De Witt, to
Commandery No. 25, K. T., in Lansing, and to
Capital Chapter, No. 9, R. A. M., in the same city.
He also is a member of Council No. 29,of Royal ami
Select Masters in Lansing, of the Odd Fellows Lodge
No. 24) , in De Witt, and the Grange No. 459, here.
He represented his society three times as a delegate
to the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows. Politically
he is a Democrat, but sufficiently independent to be
in no bond.age to party ties, reserving the right to
consider the man and the need of the moment at
every election. For a number of years he was
School Inspector, and in every work he has under-
taken he has shown himself to be worthy of trust.
At present he carries on a drug store in connection
with his practice.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
605
The Doctor is a regular correspondent of the
medical journals of tiie country and is often en-
gaged in the discussion of important subjects
through different periodicals. lie has given con-
siderable attention toornotholog}- and entomology,
and has the largest collection of birds and insects
in the counUy. Mrs. Dr. Topping was graduated
from the Michigan Female College June 28, 1861,
and prior to her marriage was a very successful
teacher for twelve j'ears, teaching in some of the
finest schools in the State and holding the position
of principal in several graded schools. Since her
marriage she has taken a ver3' active part in the
Methodist Episcopal Church and has served for
several years as Superintendent of the Sunday-
school. In the cause of temperance she is an active
worker whenever an opportunity presents itself.
She is now and has been for several years President
of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, of
De Witt.
The attention of the reader is invited to the litho-
graphic portrait of Dr. Topping which accompanies
this sketch.
-5-
-^^
THEODORE W. SCIIOEWE, a prominent
and wealthy German - American citizen of
^p^ DeAVitt Township, Clinton Count}', has
one of the tinest brick farm residences in that
county. It is beautifully situated on the south
bank of the Looking Glass River about one mile
west of the 'village of De Wilt. Adjoining it
are two large red frame barns and other neat and
convenient oull)uildings, which show the hand of
a practical farmer. He is a warm hearted, whole-
souled man, who is universality beloved by his
neighbors. He was born in Prussia, Germany,
November 6, 1842.
The father of our subject, .John Schoewe, was a
carpenter and millwriglit by tr.ade in Germany and
coming to America in 1854, settled in Erie County,
Ohio. His long wearisome trip from the old home
to Sandusk)-, Ohio, consumed the time from April
22, to .luly 14, as they crossed the ocean on a sail
ship. He had some money when he reached this
country, about $2,000, and added to his possessions
after coming here, and at the time of his death
owned one hundred and scvcnty-two acres in Eric
County, Ohio. He died in 1874. He was an active
church member having been connected with the
German Alelhodist Church during most of his life.
Upon coming to this country he adopted the politi-
cal principles of the Republican party. His wife,
Carolina Heinch. was born at Laurensburgh, Ger-
many, and was the mother of ten children, only
four of whom arrived at years of maturity, namel}' :
August, Henrj-, Lewis, and our subject. She was a
member of the German Methodist Church for the
greater part of her life and died in April, 1882,
both she and her good husband being buried at
Castalia, Erie County, Ohio.
The subject of this sketch attended school in
Germany, until he was eleven years old, when he
came to this country and after that attended the
college at Berea, one winter. AVhen twenty-two
years old he began working for himself, his father
giving him some land to farm and Later dividing
the farm with him. When twenty-five years of age
he came to Michigan and worked in Detroit at the
Michigan Central Kailwa}- shops for two years at ^')0
per month. He then returned to Ohio and bought
forty-eight acres of land from his father, and later
received the twenty seven acres which was his share
of the estate. He farmed there until November
1872, after which he bought eighty acres in DeWitt
Township, about one mile south of his present re-
sidence. After about three years he exchanged
that propertj' for his present farm.
The wife of our subject, Rebecca Heitmcycr,
who became Mrs. Schoewe, September 6, 18G4, was
born at LaAvronsburg, Ind., March 6, 1847. Of
her ten children nine are still living. William
married Emma Grose and is a farmer; Robert died
at the age of five years; Carrie is at home and
Minnie who married John Wannicke makes her
home at Berea. licrtha, Elsie, Fred, Eddy are all
at home as are also the twin babies who have not
yet received their names. One chilil, a twin sister of
Minnie, is dccea.sed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schoewe
are active and consistent members of the German
Methodist Church, and Mr. Schoewe is a Re|)ublican
in his politics, llis handsome and spacious brick
residence was built in I 88(; at a generous cost and
606
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
his large barn was erected in 1876 and the other in
1882. He conducts mixed farming and lias ten
head of cattle, ten horses, and usually keeps a flock
of about one hundred sheep.
ELVIN J. TYLER, a well-known and in-
fluential farmer residing on section 7,
Lebanon Township, Clinton County, is a
son of Washington T. S. Tyler, whose fa-
ther, Malachi Tyler of Pennsylvania, was born
February 4, 1769, and died December 12, 1815.
His wife, Polly Story, was born April 24, 1773 and
died July 14, 1866. At an early day this couple
made their home in New York: they reared a fam-
ily of four sons and two daughters. The father of
our subject lost his father when quite j'oung, and
lived at home assisting his mother until he reached
his maturity. His marriage took place in 1828, and
his wife, whose name was Mary, was a daughter of
William Pollack, a native of Maryland. His fa-
ther was James Polluck, a native of Ireland. Will-
iam Polhick had in early life removed to Xew
York and settled in Genesee County being one of
the pioneers there. He was married in Madison
County, N. Y., to Rachel Stephens, and became
the father of the following children: Mary, Martha,
Emily, Rachael Sophia, Jane, Cordelia. Their fa-
ther was a cooper by trade and followed this call-
ing all his life, dying in New York July 15, 1884.
He had been bereaved of his wife October 10, 1865.
To the parents of our subject the following chil-
dren were granted: Melvin, Cassandra and George.
The family removed to Michigan in 1865, making
their home in Lebanon Township, Clintou Count}',
on a farm of sixty acres, which they afterward sold
and removed to Ionia Count}-. Here they resided
in Matherton until the death of the father, Febru-
ary 24, 1883, in his eighty-lhird year. He was
Supervisor in Stafford Township, N. Y. for a num-
ber of years and held various township ofTicos in
this State. In politics he was lirst a Whig and
later a Republican. His wife is now living with her
son, our subject, and has readied the age of seventy-
nine years, having been born October 24, 1812.
The subject of this sketch first saw the light,
September 8, 1831 in Genesee County, N. Y. After
reaching his m.ajority he purchased a farm of
seventy-five acres which he cultivated for eight
years in Byron Township, Genesee County, N. Y.
He was married in the latter County, N. Y., to
Adelia Walton, a daughter of Jarvis Walton, who
was born in Massachusetts in 1800, and who mar-
ried Sallie Tillotson in Cattaraugus County, N. Y.
Five children came to bless their home to whom
the following names were given: Henrietta, Perry,
Mary, Billings, and Adelia. Mr. Walton was a
carpenter and mason who came with his family to
Michigan and made his permanent home in Mc-
Comb County, where lie cultivated a farm, and
died in 1856, having been bereaved of his wife in
1841.
To Melvin J. Tyler and wife have43een born the
following children: Alice, Clara, Mary, Ida, Stella,
Fred and Edith. Upon coming to IMichigan in 1863
our subject settled on one hundred and sixty acres
which he now owns. lie has cleared and improved
most of his land and has jilaced upon it good
buildings. He is a Master Mason and a member of
Lodge No. 178 at Hubbardson. He is a popular
man among the Republicans and has been twice
elected to the position of Township Treasurer.
^
^^
LAYTON A. JOHNSON, a well-known and
highly respected citizen of Ovid Township,
Clinton County, was born in Highland
Townshi|). Oakland County, this State, August 23,
1863. He is a son of Willis D. and Sar.ah A.
(Gifford) Johnson. His father was a native of
New York and his mother of Ohio. His father
was by trade a carpenter and also conducted a farm
upon which the early life of this boy was i)assed
and where he spent most of his time until he reached
the age of nineteen years. He had the advantage
of a comtnonschool education hut went to school
in the winters only, as his father died when he was
but six years old and he had to devote his sum-
mers to work for his own support and that of the
family. When he was hut eighteen years old he
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
607
came to Ovid and attended school for more than
two years. He attended for twenty-six months
without being once absent or tardy, thus showing
the earnestness witii which he (jursued his education
and the value he placed upon his school privileges.
He graduated in .lune, 1883.
Tlie young man now entered the insurance busi-
ness, working for Mr. E. Netiiaway in Ovid and
after working for thirteen months was given a half
interest in the business. He continued as a partner
for a year and then purchased the entire control of
the business and has since conducted it alone with
great success for a 30ung man. He established a
branch office at Owosso and pl.aced it under the con-
trol of a trusted employe. In connection with in-
surance he is also carrying on a considerable real
estate business and this year is liamlling bicycles.
The marriage of Mr. Johnson, July 23, 1889, was
an event of great importance in tiie life of the
j'oung man. The lady of his choice was Ella M.
Nethaway of Ovid. They are the parents of one
little son born May 15, 1891. This gentleman's
political views are in accordance with the declara-
tions of the Republican party, and he is deeply
interested in both local and national politics. He
has held the office of Village Assessor for three
years past. He is a prominent and useful member
of the Baptist Church with wliicii he has been con-
nected since he was twelve years old and is a mem-
ber of the State Board of the Baptist Sundaj'-scliool
work.
ESEK OLNEY. Tlie gentleman whose name
heads this list, was born .January 17, 1829,
' and died April 26, 1888. His native place
was Columbus, Chenango County, N. V. His par-
ents were James and Clarissa (Ostrander) Olncy,
the former being a native of Rhode Island, and
was one of an old and liighl^' respected family in the
State, well known in Kliode Island history. Our
subject was reared on a farm until his fatiier's
deatli, which family calamity left the wife and
children iudeed greatly bereaved. The father had
■ been deeply in debt, and our subject, the eldest
of three children, felt tliat it was his duty to re-
main at home, which he did until he was thirty
years of age, devoting liimself to clearing off the
indebtedness on the homestead.
Borrowing a large amount of money from an
uncle, he began business as a money-lender. The
familj' broke up when our subject had attained Iiis
thirtietli year. lie came to Coruuna, this Stale,
in 1859, and began to loan monc}' tlial he had se-
cured as his share of the farm, and was also agent
for many Eastern capitalists for whom he loaned
out money. He remained in Coruuna fourteen or
fifteen years, until his marriage in 1874, when he
removed to Vernon, wliere he lived for fifteen
years. He still continued the business here at this
place of money lending. He remained at Vernon
until his death. While driving what was consid-
ered a gentle horse, it became frightened, appar-
ently without cause, and he was thrown from the
carriage, striking tlie skull at the base of the brain.
Tlie skull was shattered and he lay from Mond.ay
afternoon until Thursday morning, when he died
with progressive paralysis, from the effects of the
wound.
Mr. Olney was a Republican in politics. Socially
he had luan}' friends and but few intimates, but to
the friends who really reached his heart he was a
friend indeed and for life. At the time of his
death he was handling about ?! 100,000 for Eastern
men. All of the men for wiiora he was agent were
personal friends whom he had known in the East.
He was rather independent in tliought and action,
and believed that attention to his own business was
paramount to any other consideration. At the time
of his death his business affairs were so perfectly
and metho<lically arranged 8S not b^^ any possibil-
ity to admit of litigation on the part of friend or
foe. He dealt u|)rightiy and wisely both for him-
self and others.
Mr. Olney was united In marriage October 1,
1873, to Miss Addie E. Fox, eldest daughter of
Dr. W. B. Fox. She was born February 2, 1855,
at Osceola, Livingston County, this State. She
acquired a good education at the Owosso High
School, where she took the normal course, after-
ward teaching for four terms in tiie district school
of the place. Mr. and Mrs. Olney have been blest
I by the advent of two d.aughters into their home:
G08
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Mabel, the eldest, was born October 17, 1875; and
Nellie, February 22, 1878. Both are accomplished
musicians. Mabel is at present a student at Oak-
side School, Owosso, with Mrs. Josephine Gould as
Principal. The younger is making great improve-
ment in special studies, and particularly in music.
She is not content with having acquired what she
already has, for she is fitting for the higher work
of college life.
Since Mr. Oluoy's death his wife has continued
his business, making collections and following his
tactics as nearly as possible. She has a beautiful
home at Bancroft, wlicre she has lived since her hus-
band's death, and is a member of the Congrega-
tional Church. AVhile Mr. Olney never sought
public positions, nor was even a business man]in
the ordinary sense of the word, he was an important
factor in tliis county, and much of tlie imijrovemenl
that the county now boasts is due to his tact and
management.
^^^ORMAN ANDRP:W HARDER was born
I jlj ou the old homestead where he now lives,
/ili^ June 9, 1837, and is the j'oungest of the
family of Dr. N. P. and Sallie (Purvis) Harder.
He was reared on the farm and remained at home
and when nineteen years old the charge of the farm
fell to him. It then consisted of one hundred and
forty-five acres, the remainder of the three hun-
dred and eighty five acres having been divided
among his brothers. The parents lived with this
son until their death, the father passing away in
1863, and the mother surviving until August
23, 1887. Tlie house now standing was built by
our subject in 1869. He has disposed of a part of
his acreage and now owns only eight3'-two acres.
He is a Republican in his political views but does
not care for office.
N. A. Harder was married September 3, 1857,
at Argentine, Livingston County, this State, his
bride being IMiss Caroline Carr, a daughter of
David and Rebecca (Evans) Carr, who had come
to Antrim Township, Shiawassee County, in 1846,
from Wayne County, N. Y., wheie this daughter
was born on Christmas Day, 1836. Mr. Carr died
in Antrim Township, about the jear 1861, and his
widow survived him some five years. Only two of
his children, Mrs. Harder and Miss Emily Carr,
who resides with her sister, are residents of this
count}'. Two other sisters make their home in
Livingston County ; Cordelia, Mrs. Emer^', who
lives in Durgee, and Rebecca Maria, Mrs. Benjamin
Colburn. A brother David lives in Isabel County
and James Carr resides in Livingston County.
Two children have been born to our subject and
his worthy wife. The son, Joseph Clifford Harder,
born February 14, 1863, is following the ancestral
tendency to professional life and is a member of
the junior class of the Homeopathic department of
the State Universit}' and expects to graduate in
the class of '92. He had read with Dr. Harvey
for one year before entering the Universit}'. The
daughter, Emma Pearl, born August 24, 1873, is a
student of the Owosso High School, having now
completed her second year in that institution. She
is now prepared to teach and expects to follow tliat
profession. Mr. Harder is prominent as a Mason
and for twenty-eight years has been identified with
that order. Both he and his intelligent and amia-
ble wife are devout members of the Baptist Church.
TEPHEN WATSON was born in Durham-
shire, England, November 15, 1817. His
parents were Stephen and Mary (Feather-
stone) Watson, also of English nativity.
Our subject was only six months old when the
family emigrated to the United States, settling in
Clinton County, N. Y. When sixteen years of age
his parents removed to Canada and settled near
Lake Ontario, where the family' are still represented.
His father died there about 1848. His mother
died in 1863.
When seventeen years of age, the gentleman of
whom we write, went back to Canandaigua N. Y.,
where he learned the blacksmith's trade, which
he followed for about fifteen years, working at it
both in New York and Canada. August 18, 1842,
he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Kin-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AJ,BUM.
609
j'on, who was born at SjTacuse, January 24, 1821.
Her father was Joliii and her mother Mars^aret
(Chatterton) Kinyon, both natives of Dutchess
Count}'. After his marriage, Mr. Watson continued
to live in New York and Canada res[)ectivel3' for
seven j-ears, having lived for five inontiis in Ni-
agara Count3% Canada, during which time he was at
Niagara Falls where he worked at his trade. He
went back to New York, where he remained for a
3'ear and in the fall of 1650 came to Michigan.
Like most early settlers, Mr. Watson [)urchased
a farm, his comprising one hundred and sixty
acres. Tliere was a small clearing, but no liouse.
He began to improve the place on which he has
lived ever since. The first tract was located on
section 8, Sliiaw.assee Township. To this he added
one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, aggre-
gating three hundred and twentj' acres on sections
5 and 8. He devotes himself to general farming,
having about two liundred of his land uniler culti-
vation.
Mr. Watson and his wife have had a large fam-
ily of children, all of wlion) have attained to man-
hood and womanhood and have taken responsible
positions in life. They are Simon Zelotes. who
lives in Owosso; Charles Slei)lien, who is engaged
in business in Colorado; Mary Emily, who is Mrs.
James Monfort, of Corunna; Iviwin G., of Shia-
wassee Township; Frank Henry, of Owosso; Edgar
K., who is at home and o|)erates the farm. lie
was born March 11, 18GI, and is jet unmariied.
Mr. Watson is a Democrat in politics, but is not in
any sense a politician. He has not united himself
with anj- church. Our subject is a Mason of
twenty -five years standing.
The original of (jur sketch has been a hard work-
er anil the farm which is so finely improved vv.as
cleared almost entirely by himself. He brought
hither means to buy his first one hundred and sixty
acres, but had little else to commence with. Mrs.
Watson's local attachments are very strong indeed,
and she says '..hat she was so impressed with the
loneliness of the country in pioneer days that she
thought it doubtful whether she could remain
here, so she kept enough money in gold by her,
which she l)ronglit from New York, to carry her
back to her home, should she be so homesick that
she could not endure it. Mrs. Watson has two
brothers in this State, Simon Kinyon of Corunna,
and William Kinj'on of Barrj' County. Simon
Kinj'on is one of the early pioneers, having lived
in the county upwards of half a century. Mr.
Watson is one of the stanch and sturdy citizens
of the count)' and he has been greatly aided in his
efforts at building up his home and rearing his
large family so that the}' might take an honorable
position in life, bv his estimable wife who is in
every sense a beautiful woman.
-^•-^^^^^^^^r^^
^■■v*^
S^DWIN A. GOULD, of the firm of M.
|l^ Wood & Co, a manufacturing compaii}'
/iL=^ which furnishes handles of all kinds to
the market, is an esteemed citizen of Owosso,
Shiawassee County. This business was estab-
lished on a small scale in 1868 by Mr. Wood,
who was joined in it in 1878 by Mr. Gould, with
whom he formed a partnership. Our subject was
born in Flint, Mich , January 7, 1852, and is a son
of David Gould, one of the carl}' settlers of Owosso.
Having settled liere when a boy, he became a promi-
nent citizen in this part of the State,and one who was
active in securing railroad facilities. He was Mayor
of Owosso for two terms. He was largely engaged
in tiie lumber business in the Saginaw Valley. He
was a son of Daniel Gould and died in Owosso in
his fifty-seventh year, in 1884. He was a native
of Cayuga County, N. Y., where he was born Sep-
tember '20, 1827, being the youngest of four broth-
ers, Daniel, Amos, Kbenezer and David, all of
whom were prominent in the history of Owosso.
David Gould was at one time one of the saw-
mill kings of Michigan, cn'ting large quantities of
lumber, lath and shingles. His wife was Mary L.
Todd, who w.as born in Oakland County, this
State, and is the daughter of John and Polly Todd.
She is the mother of two children, a son and a
daughter, our subject and Anna L., who is still
single.
The subject of this sketch spent the most of his
school days in the Owosso city schools. He con-
tinued with his father in the lumber business up to
610
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
the time when he went in with Mr. Wood in the
handle works. Mr. Gould w.<»s married May 6,
1873, to Miss Frankie Eggleston of Owosso. Mr.
and Mrs. Gould have two sons, P>nest L. and
Ray D.
Mr. Gould is a Democrat in his political views
and four years acted as Alderman for the First
Ward of Owosso, and during the last year he was
in ofHce, he was President of the City Council.
He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. His
residence at No. 520 Adams Street is among the
handsomest in the city, and is surrounded by beau-
tiful grounds which are in a high state of culti-
vation.
'^^'
^"lULIA A. LITCHFIELD, the widow of
Joseph A. Litchfield, who owns the highly-
improved farm on section 4. Fairfield Town-
ship, .Shiawassee County, was born Novem-
b^8, 1844, in Brunswick, Medina County, Ohio.
She is a daughter of Ehenezer and Eliza M. (Hyde)
Nethaway, the former born September 30, 1809, in
Huntington, L. I. and the latter horn in Massachu-
setts, November 7, 1820.
Mrs. Litchfield lived in Ohio until she was about
six years of age when her parents removed to Du-
plain I'ownship, Clinton County, this Slate. Here
our subject received a fair common-school educa-
tion. She left her father's home only to enter that
of her husband, her marriage taking place March
1, 1866, when she became the partner of the joys
and sorrows of Joseph A. Litchfield, formerly of
Columbia, Lorain County, Ohio. He was of
English birth and parentage, his natal day being
August 5, 1839.
After their marriage for seven years Mr. and
Mrs. Litchfield spent nine months of each year in
Cleveland, Ohio.and the remaining three months on
his farm in Shiawassee County, this State. This
farm he had purchased about one year previous to
his marriage and it made a delightful summer home
for the young couple. In 1873 they came to their
farm to make a permanent home, but in 1877 they
modified their plans somewhat and moved to Mor-
rice, this county, where they kept a hotel, in which
business they continued until they were burned
out, the fire sweeping everything before it, in Au-
gust, 1880. They had previous!}' lost their farm
residence by fire, March 16, 1869, at which time
they lost all the^- had possessed excepting the cloth-
ing they wore and the land. About $4,000 worth
of property, including a stock of lumber was lost
in this wa^'.
Mr. Litchfield had been the overseer of all the
mason work on the Lake Shore Railroad. After
their hotel was burned they returned to the farm
where they rebuilt and have since resided. Here
Mr. Litchfield died February 24, 1888, and is bur-
ied in tiie cemetery at Elsie, this State. He had
formerly been married to Dora Downie but they
had no children. Our subject has been the mother
of four children — Ehenezer A., Henry T., Adella E.
and George A. The eldest son was born January
25, 1867, in Daplain Township, Clinton County,
this State. He at present has charge of the farm
which he directed three years previous to. his fath-
er's death. He received only a common-school edu-
cation, but has made a decided success of whatever
he has undertaken. He doos not confine himself
wholly to the cares of the farm but finds some time
for the pleasure of travel. In 1890 he joined a
company known as the C. H. Smith Bic3'cling
Tourists. This merry party left Detroit August
18, at ten o'clock on their wheels for a trip to Ni-
agara Falls bj' way of Toronto and Northern Can-
ada. They arrived at Niagara Falls August 25, at
eleven o clock in the morning. The}' went from
Toronto to Lewiston on a steamer. After his re-
turn from this trip he went to Dakota where he
took much interest in studying the condition of
the country.
The second child of Mrs. Litchfield, Henry T.,
was born in Ovid, this State, January 9, 1873. ije
is energetic and ambitious and is of great assistance
to his brother and mother in directing the work on
the farm. Adella was born March 8, 1876, in
Fairfield, this county. She onl}' lived to be six
months old, her death taking place September 13,
1876. The j'oungest son, George A., was horn in
Morrice, Shiawassee County, June 19, 1880.
Mr. and ]\Irs. Litchfield had the pleasure of a
trip to England in 1887, at which time they visited
RlJiui i^iuL or ;/,R5^ JULIA A , LI rCHF I ELu, SLC.^t. r.
1 1^ r it i_LJ
) Tr;^ 3^i^'vVAo5t• L WJ.,W'i\Ct-i .
FARM RESIDENCE OF D . L . WARREN ,5EC. J5.,MIDDLEBURY "1 P. .SHIAVVASSLL CQ.,IVIICH ,
rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAl»lilCAL ALBUM.
Gia
the gentleman's sister. They were gone two months
and jNIr. Litchfield derived mufii benefit to iiis
health. Mrs. Litchfield's father was three times
married and each wife presented liim with a family.
Our subject had one sister — Marilla S., who was
married to John T. Cobb; she was born April 22,
1842, and died childless October 30, 1860. Her
husband soon after enlisted in tiie army and there
died. Our subject's oldest half-brother, L'a, wiio
took to wife Mary A. Wool, was born April 22,
1836. fic lives in Nebraska and lias a very pleasant
family of three children. Caroline A.; a half-
sister, born December 31, 1837, died while young;
Charlotte A. born September 27, 1840, married
John Curtis and died September 26, 1873. She
left two children, one of whom, Elmore Curtis, is
a physician in Saginaw Citj-; the other, Frederick,
makes his home in Elsie, Mich. Henry C, born
August 1, 1848. another half-brotlicr, served about
one and one half years in the army for which he now
receives a pension, his home being in Davenport,
Iowa. His family comprises two children. Ella
M. married Clayton Johnson and lives in Ovid,
having one child.
Mrs. Litchfield was a teacher before her marriage,
having spent about seven terms in that work. She
loves travel and feels that much may be learned
from observation of portions of the country and
the manners and customs of the various classes of
people. One of the pleasantest trips of her life was
made in 1871, when she spent several weeks visit-
ing her aunt in New York City. A view of tlie
home where she and her children entertain their
many friends, is presented on another page of this
volume.
RS. LAURA (ROBINSON) MANN, the
widow of Francis F. Mann, who resides on
section 9, WoodhuU Township, Shiawassee
County, is now the second oldest pioneer
of that township. She is a woman of wonderful
mind and her faculties, both mental and physical,
are still bright and active, although she is now
eight^'-two years old, having been born in .Spring-
field, Vt., June 9, 1809. Her father, Daniel Rob-
inson, was a native of Connecticut, born October
2'J, 177G. His father, Isaiah Robinson, a native of
the same State, was a son of Jolm Robinson who
came to America and was the head of the family
in this country. His fatlior, John Robinson, is the
onesowcU known in history in connection with the
movements of the Puritans in England and on the
continent.
Isaiah Robinson, the grandfather of our subject,
was a soldier in the lievolulionary War l)ut finally
settled on a farm near Springfield, \'t., where lie
reared a family of ten children and died at the age
of eighty-two. His wife passed awa^' in 1876. His
son Daniel was also a farmer and worked at the
carpenter's trade some, settling in St. Lawrence
County, N. H., where he followed farming and
surveying. He was an unusually intelligent man
and made every effort to overcome the lack of
carl}' .advantages and was in many senses a self-
educated man. He pushed his studies after reach-
ing maturity and attended school after he was
married, fitting himself for teaching, which he pur-
sued for twenty winters. He had to an unusual
degree the respect of his pupils, and was consid-
ered one of the most important members of the
community, being not only superior mentally but
jjhysicall}', and having the advantage of a military
bearing on account of his drilling in the State mili-
tia in which he was a captain. He was a Whig in
politics and of very liberal religious views. He died
June 28, 1854.
Nancy McElroy, the mother of our subject was
born in Boston, jNIass., October 30, 1771, and was
the daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth McElroy
who came from Scotland to America in 1740, dur-
ing the war between the Highlanders and Low-
landers. They belonged to the latter class and left
their homes on account of the persecutions of the
Highlanders. The mother of our subject received
her name, Nancy Martin McElroy, from a British
Gen. Martin who was acquainted with her parents
during the Revolutionar}- War and at the time she
was named he presented her with an English Bible
printed in German text. She bore two sons and
four daughters, namely: Omenda, Mrs. Hulett;
Oi)heus; Hannah, Mrs. Graham; Laura, our subject,
Nancy and Orsemus. Their mother died March 11,
614
POR'J'RAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
1813. She was a woman of sterling Christian char-
acter and was connected with the Methodist Church.
Our subject was brought up on a farm and
learned the trade of a seamstress. Wlien eighteen
years old she went to live with an uncle, William
Robinson, just over the State line at Walpole, X. II.
She was exceedingly expert with her needle and
made many elegant garments. She there met and
married the man of her (dioice, Francis F. Mnnn,
who was born at Alstead, N. II., December 12, 1808.
Their marriage was solemnized June 29, 1836. Mr.
Mann was reared upon a farm and learned the trade
of a shoemaker, at which he worked until about a
year after his marriage.
The young couple decided to try their fortunes
in the "West and came to Washtenaw County,
Mich., in October, 1837. They made their journey
through Canada by team and wagon except the
distance from Chatham to New York, when on ac-
count of rain and mud they took a boat and crossed
the lake. They remained in Washtenaw County
with a sister of Mrs. Mann's until February, 1838,
when they came to Shiawassee County and took up
a farm in the woods in WoodhuU Townshii). Here
they built a log house and went to work to clear
the land.
TherejWere then only three families in the town-
ship, but there were wild animals in abundance.
The wolves used to have a run-way right by the
side of the log cabin and many a night the young
couple used to lie awake and hear them howl and
wonder whether tiie iirolection was sufficient for
them and their animals, for they made strenuous
efforts to get into the pen and kill the pigs. Deer
were abundant and Mr. Mann occasionally killed
one for venison but he was no huntsman. Indians
often came to trade baskets for flour.
Mr. Mann was far from strong and suffered much
with malaria after coming to the West. He died
May 31, 1882. His political views were in acco"d
with the principles of the Republican party and he
held the offices of Treasurer, Justice of the Peace,
School Inspector, etc. Mrs. Mann reared three
children of her own: Mary O., Helen L, and Har-
riet L. The latter married I-inus D. Parks; tbey
have both died, leaving one child, Clarence E.,who
makes his home with his yrandmyther, She also
adopted and brought up three boys — Amassa F.
Chadwick. James O. McClintock and Albert J.
Wilcox.
The subject of this sketch has a fine farm of one
hundred and twenty acres and has seen wonderful
changes in this region during her lifetime. She
has lived in three different houses on this farm.
She still has charge of her business but rents out
her laud to others. She is a devoted member of
the Christian Church and her daughters are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which
they take an active part. Helen has been Superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school for one year and
assistant Superintendent for a number of 3'ears.
She wrote a history of the Suuda^'-school and read
it at a convention in 1888. Take them all in all
this family has been exceedingly influential in
shaping matters, social, industrial and religious for
this township.
^(^\ MIKAN. Among the many valuable citi-
*, J zens who have come as emigrants from the
^ German Empire, to our prosperous and
beautiful State of Michigan, all are ready to wel-
come Mr. V. Mikan, who has made his mark as an
industrious and valued member of society in Ver-
non Township, Shiawassee County. He was born
in Bohemia, Germany, July 13, 1834. His father
who also bore the name of V. Mikan, is a native
of the same province, and is now living and resides
with this son. The brother, John, whose sketch
will be found on another page is the only other son
of this father, and his wife Anna Saka, who is also
a native of Bohemia. The mother died at the age
of seventy-six years.
Mr. Mikan and his brother John remained in
their native place until 1854 being reared upon the
farm and given a public school education. In the
year just mentioned the family altogether came to
America, and made their first home near Racine,
Wis., where they bought a farm and cultivated it
until 1857. They then came to Shiaw.assee County,
Mich., and located in ^'ernon Township, pn the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
615
spot which Uiey now call home. The land was all
woods then and they cut the limber and hewed the
logs and put them up, making for themselves a
block house. This building still stands on the place
and is looked upon as a pleasant memorial of llie
early days. The brothers own everything in part-
nership and have six hundred and forty acres of
laud, four hundred and eiglity of which are in Shi-
awassee County, and one hundred and sixty in
Genesee County.
In 1870 Mr. Mikan removed to the house where
he now resides and made his home there. They
keep a good stock of cattle a fine lot of horses and
from two hundred and fifty to three hundred and
fifty head of sheep. He is a very hard working
man, and spares no pains to improve ids farm and
make it one of the most proiluctive in the towushi[)-
His marriage in 1864 united him with Mary Berka,
a native of Bohemia. They have eight cliildrin,
four daughters and four sons, namely: Mar}', John,
Ella, Matilda, Frank, Milton, Victor, and Blanch;
the oldest daughter is the wife of O. T. MeCord, of
Omaha, Nel). She taught for five years in Omaha
previous to her marriage. John resides in Durand ;
Ella who attended school in Ypsilanli is in Oraalm,
Neb., with her sister. The other children are still
at home.
Mr. Mikan has two large barns, one 82x40, the
other, which is a cattle and horse barn, is 3Gx(J0
with a shed which measures 20x40. Mr. Mikan is
quite independent in regard to politics, and votes
conscientiously for the man who will fill the office
with the most beneflt to the community. The
brothers carry on the farm together, and have al-
ways worked in unison from the time they were
able to work at all.
-^
J ^ AMES ALBERT HAYl'. Among the lead-
ing Democrats in Rush Township, Shiawas-
see County, prominent both in local politics
and in business circles, is the gentleman
whose name beads this paragraph, and whose flue
farm is located on section 22. He was born in
Palmyra, N. Y., October 19, 1831, being the son
I of Charles Hayt, a native of Norwalk, Conn., who
was born about 1790, and came to >i'ew York some
twenty five years later. He married Jane JSoule, a
daughter of Nathan and Mabel (Hodge) Soule,
natives of Bennington, Xt., who had two daughters
and one son, Jane, the youngest, being born about
the year 1795.
Charles and Jane Ilayt were blessed by tiie birth
of nine children, two daughters and two sons, are
yet living. The seveiilii child, our subject was
only live years old when he was sent to live with
his grandparents, with whom he remained until he
reached the age of fifteen- When his father died
he returned home but stayed there only a short
time. lie lived in various States from that time
on, and learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade.
In 1854 the young man came to Michigan, and
in 1857 to Rush Township, and bought forty acres
of land where Henderson now stands. After clear-
ing some of it lie disposed of it bj' sale and went
to the locality of Detroit, where he worked at his
trade. His marriage took |)lace in 1858, his bride
being Cyrenia M. Dains, a daughter of Samuel and
Sabra (Wallace) Dains. Mr. and Mrs. Dains were
New Yorkers and the i)arents of two sons and seven
daughters, of whom Cyieuia was the seventh in
order of birth, her natal (la^- being October 31,
1839.
Eiglity acres of land on section 22, were pur-
chased by our subject in 1859, and he removed on
to it the following year and built a house. Six
children have blessed their home, namely: Louisa
E., Lester H., Luther H., Hubbard D., and Lena
M.; one died unnamed. The oldest daughter ig
now the wife of Frank Condis, of Bancroft, and
the oldest son has married and is living at Alraa,
Gratiot County, this Slate. The remaining three
have been taken to the other world. In 1881 he
bought forty acres on section 23, and forty acres
in 1884 on section 9, which latter tract he has given
his daughter. He is especially fond of country life
and although he has tried living in Owoaso three
different times he finds tliat he prefers the farm.
Mr. Hayt is a Democrat in his political views,
and cast his first Presidential vote for Franklin
Pierce, and his last for Mr. Cleveland. He is a
prominent worker in the party, and has been a del-
616
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
egate to county, congressional and State conven-
tions, and lias been Chairman of several boards.
In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, Thirtieth Mich-
igan Infantr}', and received the appointment of
Corporal, and served bravely until the close of the
war. He has been Justice of the Peace for four
terms, Township Clerk three terras. Township
Treasurer three terms, Highway Commissioner two
j'ears, School Inspector four terms, and on Board of
Review two terms. He has been an officer in school
matters nearly ever since he came to this part of
the country. His official record, his war record and
his recoid as a citizen entitle him to just praise.
ZEKIEL F. BROWN is one of the promi-
nent young farmers of Eagle Township,
wlieie he resides on section 2;), and owns two
hundred and eighty-one acres of land in the town-
ships of Eagle and Watertown, Clinton County.
Tliis farm he has improved finely and placed upon
it excellent buildings and all the conveniences for
farm life. He is the son of Isaac and Hannah
(Odell) Brown, natives of Monroe and Rockland
Counties, N. Y., and was born in the first named
county April 10, 1842.
In 1853 the parents of our subject removed to
Michigan and made their home on section 25,
Eagle Township, Clinton County, where they have
ever since resided. He was trained in the usual
duties of a farmer's boy and attended the district
school, supplementing what he had thus obtained
by a course at Lansing, Mich. In 18G4-65 he took
in addition to this a commercial course at Bryant
& Stratton's Business College at Rochester, N. Y.
He proposed by this course of study to fit himself
for teaching, and began his professional work in
this direction in 18G3. After he returned from
Rochester he taught school for quite a number of
terms in Clinton County.
In October, 1870, Mr. Brown was married to
Louisa S. Tallraan, daughter of Aikens Tallman,
who was a native of New York Slate. This union
has been crowned by the birth of two children,
both sons. The eldest, J. Earl, born January 27,
1872, is now attending High School at Lansing,
from whicli he will soon graduate. Fred L., born
February 4, 1880, is attending the district school.
Mr. Brown is interested in political questions but is
not a part}' man .as he votes for men and measures
rather than according to the dictates of the wire
pullers.
Our subject is a grandson of Ezekiel F'. and
Alice (French) Brown who were natives of New
Hampsiiirc and of Irish descent. The fatlier of
Ezekiel, our suliject, bought one hundred and five
acres of wild land when he came to Michigan in
1853. Both he and his good wife are living on
their beautiful farm at quite an advanced age, .as
the father was born May 28, 1817, and the mother
November 3, 1818. The}' reared a family of nine
children, six of whom are now living: Betsey A.
was married to George Smith, and died leaving
one child. Horace was born April 5, 1840, and
died February 20, 1859. Sarah M. was born Aug-
ust 8, 1844, and is now Mrs. George M. Dayton,
of Lansing, this State. Isaac M. was born July
13, 184G, married Mary A. McMillan and re-
sides at Lansing. Pha'be A., born January 20,
1851, is the widow of John T. Backus, and
now resides with her parents. Hiram E., born
Januar}' 20, 1856, and married Rena Navtzber.
George II., born February 16, 1859, married
Myra Smith and resides at Grand Ledge. The
father of tliis family gave to all his children the
advantages of a good education and to our subject
and his brother Hiram training which fitted them
for teaching which they both pursued for some
time. Our subject is a member of Lodge No. 179,
F. & A. M. at Grand Ledge and is a man in good
circumstances, having been prosperous in all his
undertakings.
^^
^ WIGHT C. CLAPP, a popular citizen and
Alderman of Owosso who has made his
mark as Superintendent and designer at the
Estey Manufacturing Company, at Owosso, had his
birthplace in IMadison, Lake County, Ohio, August
23, 1844. When four years old his parents took
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
617
him back to Massacluisetls, their former home,
where they settled in Montague. His fatlier,
Cyrus Clapp, was born in 1811 and was the son of
Joseph Clapp, who was descended from English
blood on his father's side and on his mother's sidcwas
of Scotch descent. The great-great-grandfather was
a native of Solcombe Regis, Devonshire, England,
and came from I'l^-mouth to New England in IC^O,
arriving at Nantasket on May 30, 1630. The
father of our subject was a carpenter and joiner
and engaged in the manufacture of plow handles
and scythe snaths. He died in 1885 in Montague
Mass. His wife, .Sophia (Brown) Clapp is still liv-
ing in her sevent}--fiftli year and was the mother of
nine children.
Dwight C. Clapp passed his earl^' school days in
Montague, Mass., and left school at the age of
fourteen j-ears to enter his father's manufacturing
establishment. When seventeen years old he
learned the business of sash, door and blind mak-
ing. He then went to Providence, R. I., where he
worked for the Providence Tool Company' and
also made stock for the Springfield musket. In
1865 he went to Springfield, Mass., and there
worked at making sash, doors and blincis for some
eight }-ears, and from there removed to Cleveland,
Ohio, where for two years he was inspector of sew-
ing machine cabinets for the Providence Tool
Company and afterward filled the position for
eighteen months of Su|)erintendent of the IHica
Furniture Company, Utica, N. Y.
In the spring of 1881 the subject of this brief
sketch came to Owosso and took the position of
Superintendent of the Estey Manuf.acturing Com-
pany. He also designs for the company in which line
of work he has great ability. lie is tiio inventor
of the famous Ciapp patent bureau and lias secured
a number of valuable patents on the same. This
bureau is made without glue, blocks, or nails and
overcomes the shrinking and swelling of the parts.
The drawers are so constructed that they never
slick or hind and are almost dust tight. For a fuller
description of Mr. Clapp's invention and experi-
ments the reader is referred to the sketch of Mr.
D. M. Estey.
In April, 1886, this gentleman was united in
marriage with Miss Cora M. Holt, a native of Mas-
sachusetts, and a lady of rare accomplishments.
She is a sister of Chas. E. Higley of the Estey
Manufacturing Companj'. Mr. Clapp is a member
of Owosso Lodge No. 81 F. and A. M. and of
Owosso, Chai)ter No. 89 and Junior Warden of
the Corunna Coramandery No. 23 K. T. He is
now serving as Alilerman for the First AVard. The
home of Mr. and Mrs. Clapp is a fine structure
handsomely finished and elegantly furnished. It
is beautifully situated in extensive grounds which
are adorned with shrnblwr}' and trees of various
kinds.
\' 7 SAAC M. DRYER, a prominent farmer and
old settler of Clinton County, living in the
ilJ outskirts of the village of Bath, w.as born in
Cazenovia Township, Madison County, N. Y.,
July 13, 1833. His father David P. was a native
of New York and born in 1807, and liis grand-
father, Allen Dryer, was born in Massachusetts in
1772. The great-great-great-grandfather of our
subject was born in Holland in 1677 and bore the
name of John VanDrier. He settled in London,
England and was impressed into the English aimy
ai)d brought to Boston on a British JIan-of-War.
He there deserted and settled at Rehoboth, Mass.,
where he changed his name from Van Diyer to
Dryer. For further account of the genealogy of
this family, the reader will consult the biography
of Dr. Newell A. Dryer which appears in this
volume.
The father of our subject was a farmer and in
1836 came to White Owk Township, Ingham
County, Mich., and took up eighty acres of land
from the Government. He journcj-ed b}' water
from his old home to Detroit and there purchased
an ox-team which he drove the rest of the way.
He lived u[)on his farm until 1849 and was friend-
ly- with the Indians and received their friendship
in return. He never cared for hunting although
there were thousands of deer all about him. He
moved to Bath Township. Clinton County, Febru-
ary 1, 1850, having bought eighty acres here the
previous year and built a log-house. All was an
618
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
unbroken forest and there were no neighbors with-
in three miles of the cabin. About the time of the
close of the war Mr. Drj'er left his farm and went
to Lausiiig where he lived a retired life for five
years after which he returned to the village of Baih
where he now resides. A sister, who makes her
home with him, has reached the extreme old age of
ninety-four years.
The mother of our subject Philena Morse, was
born in New York State in 1816. She had five
children all of whom she reai^ed to man's and wo-
man's estate. They are named Isaac M., Philena,
Allen, Delia and Emma. She was a devout and
earnest member of the Baptist Church and was
called away from earth in 1852. The father of our
subject is a Democrat in his political views and he
has served his township in various offices among
which is that of Township Treasurer.
The subject of this sketch was but three years
old when he came to Michigan and his earliest
play-fellows were Indian children. He attended
the rate bill school in the log school house, enjoyed
the open fire-place, sat upon the slab benches sup-
ported by pin legs and learned to write on the desk
fastened to the wall, using quill pens. lie after-
ward attended Union School at Lansing. He was
reared on the farm and remained at home until he
was twenty-five years of age. He was then married
and established a home of his own, October 11,
1857, choosing as his companion for life Rebecca
McKay, who was born in Salem, Washtenaw
County, on Christmas Day, 1833.
To our subject and his good wife have been born
ten children, seven of whom have grovvn to matur-
ity. They are Susan C, the wife of G. S. Brower,
a contractor and builder at Fresno, Cal. Ida A.,
who married L. H. Rush, who lives in Pomona,
Cal. David who is married and carries on the
business of a carpenter and joiner at Oakland, Cal.;
Elbridge O., is a [ilumber at Larado, Tex.; Mc-
Clellan J., who married Alice DeBar and works on
the home farm; Ernest A., a furniture dealer who
lives at Texarkana, and Fleta who married Charles
Steadle, a farmer in Bath Township.
Isaac Dryer bought eighty acres of land in 1852
which constitutes his present farm. He found no
improvements upon it and at once set to work to
build a log-house which was 17x23 feet in dimen-
sions. He lived in that until 1874 which burned
three years later after which he erected the large
brick house in which he now resides. He has made
all the improvements which are to be seen on this
fine farm and has added to it by purchase until he
now owns one hundred and seventy-two acres, all
but thirty- of which is under cultivation. He car-
ries on mixed farming and is very successful there-
in. Mrs. Dryer is an earnest and active member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject has long been an advocate of the
principles of the Democratic party. He was elect-
ed Supervisor of Bath Township in 1872 and held
that office for eighteen years besides other minor
offices. He has been a charter member since its
organization in 1864 of Lodge No. 124 I. O. O.
F. and has held all of the Chairs in that bod)'. On
several occasions he was delegate to the Grand
Lodge. He is also identified with the order of the
Good Templars. He used to kill a good manj'
deer in the early daj's and retains his fondness for
that sport, being now a member of the Bath Hunt-
ing Club which goes North every year in Nov-
ember for hunting. He was the first president of
that club when it was organized in 1873. He is a
man whose intelligence, character and ability- will
always make him prominent in any community
where he may choose to reside.
<^ SALTER C. De WITT, a well-known resi-
\/\/// '■^^^^ of Middlebur}' Township, Shiawassee
^^ County, first saw the light in Hope, War-
ren County, N. J., June 8. 1815. He is a son of
James and Anna (Coats) DeAVitt, and his father
was born and brought up in Warren and Sussex
Counties. N. J. He was by occupation a trader
and was for thirty j-ears Justice of the Peace and
Postmaster of Hope, while he was at the same time
engaged in traffic. The son had few advantages
for an education and received only the rudiments
obtained in the common schools. He has always
been a great reader and has kept himself well-in-
formed.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
619
The subject of this fketi-h made liis home with
his parents till he reached the age of seventeen
years, when he went to learn the trade of a tanner
and currier in Warren County, N. J., and served
an apprenticeship of four years and after this he
worked as a journcj-man at his trade. He was
engaged for fifteen years in New Jersey and finally
established and took charge of a large tanner}' for
James Hull & Bro., of Strausburg, Pa. For two
and one-half years he carried on this establishment
and then for one j-ear re-engaged in his trade of
currying.
The parents, brothers and sisters of young DeAVilt
having come to Michigan and located in Oakland
County, the father prevailed u|)on him to follow
them hither, which he did in 1855. After engag-
ing in farming for some six years in that count}'
he decided to remove to Shiawassee Count}'.
When he first came to the State he had brought
with him very limited means and in consequence
had taken a very small tract of land which he
found insufficient for his plans. He therefore
decided to dispose of that and go wheie land was
cheaper. When became to this county in 1861
he took up an eighty-acre tract which he pur-
chased of Gideon Lees of New York. At the time
of his coming to the West he had quite a family
of his own, as he had married .July 4, 1840. His
wife, Margaret Middlesworlh, of Hope, N. J.,
became the mother of seven children. Their eldest,
Jacob A., was born March 'il, 1841, and died Feb-
ruary IG, 1842. Theo F., born April 30, 1843;
James, January 4, 1846; William M., February
16, 1848; Maria I)., February 22, 1851; Anna,
July 2, 1855; Peter, January 16, 1859. The
youngest son died June 7, 1874. The mother of
these children departed this life Deceriibei' 30, 1887,
after having reached the age of seventy years.
She was a consistent member of the Methodist
Church.
When Mr. De Witt came to Shiawassee County
he found his farm an unbroken wilderness and he
and his boys went into the woods with their axes
with right good will to clear land upon which to
plant crops. He feels that Providence was with
them in their struggles and can hardly realize that
by tlieir unaided efforts they cleared and made the
improvements which they did, but they at once
felt that this was their place of aboile and made it
their permanent home. He had hardly put his
land into a condition to raise crops when he felt
the call of duty to go to the defense of his coun-
try's flag. He enlisted in Company B, Eleventh
Michigan Cavalry, taking the position of a .Ser-
geant. Tills was in August, 1863, and he served
for two years. Neither he nor his son Theodore,
of the same conii)aiiy, received any woun<l in the
service.
Walter De Witt and his son have a fine place of
two hundred and fifty-four acres of highly culti-
vated arable land. He finds his chief interest in his
farm and his family and has never sought office,
although he is an ardent Republican and his Anti-
Slavery views were the impelling force which led
him into the army for the purpose of putting down
slavery. He is an earnestly religious man and has
been a member of the Methodist Church for more
than thirty years. His standing in the community
is that of one whose self-respect and integrity have
earned for him the esteem of all.
" 'l^^-
jf|_^ TRAM M. HIGH. This young gentleman
|i is numbered among the professional men of
Ovid and is engaged in the practice of law
in partnership with Henry E. Walbridge.
He is rapidly advancing in legal ranks and his
future is looked forward to with interest by his
friends and acquaintances, who believe that he has
the qualities that will make themselves felt more
and more as he advances in years. Already he
has shown determination and amI)ition, and what
he has accomplished in the way of mental culture
and professional standing has been by his own
well-divected efforts, unaided by capital or influ-
ence.
Mr. High is a son of James and Margaret High
and was born in St. Croix County, Wis., April 11,
1860. He was reared by his paternal grandparents
and lived in Van Bureu County. Mich., until 1870.
His guardians then removed to Missouri, resided
in Shelby County two years, then located in Mont-
620
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
gomeiy Count}', Kan. In that county the youno-
man remained about nine years. He had been
given some normal school training, attending pri-
vate schools of that nature, and at the age of
seventeen years began teaching in the Valle}' Dis-
trict in Montgomery County. He continued his
pedagogical work until the spring of 1882. then
came to Ovid and attended Prof. Baker's Institnte
six months. In the fall he went to the Territory
of New Mexico and took charge of a boarding
train between Wallace and Albuquerque, remaining
about seven months. He then returned to Kansas
and reentered tlie school-room, continuing to
teach until the spring of 1884.
Mr. High then came to Ovid, reaching here
March 12, and at once began the study of law with
A. D. Griswold. The following fall be became a
partner of that gentleman and the connection con-
tinued until dissolved by the death of Mr. Gris-
wold, May 28, 1890. Mr. High then formed a
business connection with his present associate. He
is not engaged in political life, but keeps himself
well informed and is ready to deposit a Republican
vote when the ballot box is open. He is now fill-
ing the office of Superintendent of the Poor. His
happy home is presided over bj^ an intelligent,
refined lady, who became his wife April 11, 1886,
prior to which time she was known as Miss Lena
Everett. She is a daughter of John W. Everett,
whose name will be recognized by many of onr
readers. Mr. and Mrs. High are the happ}- parents
of a little daughter, Majie J., who was born March
2, 1889.
ARVIN BABCOCK. There is in a record
of the laborious acquisition of a compet-
ency, but little to attract the reader in
search of a sensational chapter. It is to
tliose who recognize the nobility of character which
attains success in spite of obstacles, and to those
who would emulate the excellence of such an ex-
ample, that we address the following remarks. Mr.
Babcock is of English ancestry, and belongs to a
family whose name was originally' Badcock. His
father, Samuel Babcock, was born in Windham
County, Conn., August 9, 1779, and his mother,
whose maiden name was Clarissa Brown, was also
a native of Connecticut, and a cousin of Lorenzo
Dow. Of the union of this worthy couple, which
was solemnized September 8, 1800, eight children
were born, of whom Marvin was the youngest, and
is the onl}' one now living. His natal daj' was July
2, 1817.
The father of our subject w.is a merchant, and
one of the founders of Hampton, now called West-
moreland, in Oneida County, N. Y. When the
War of 1812 was over, prices went down, and in
consequence of this Mr. Babcock failed. The Sher-
iff sold everything, and then according to the laws
of the day put the debtor in jail at Whitesborough.
Not being a criminal, he was put "on the limits"
with the privilege of going home Saturdaj' night
to spend the day of rest with his famil}'. But he
was not permitted to have even a half-day during
the week wherein to earn bread for his family. Our
subject remembers when but three years old, going
with his mother to the jail to see his father. This
was just before the death of that parent, who died
in 1820, of quick consumption, after being in jail
six months.
Mr. Babcock was not as strong and robust as
his brothers, and could not work as hard as they,
but he resolved he would not go to the poor house.
He invested ten shillings ($1.25) his entire capital,
in goods, and started out as a peddler, continuing at
this work until he had gained $100. He then took
a deck passage from Buffalo to Detroit, and located
in the township of Webster, Washtenaw Count}',
this State. He found a neighborhood of friendly
and intelligent people, among whom was the farmer
whose daughter became the wife of E. B. Winans,
now Governor of Michigan.
Mr. Babcock bought some land in the unbroken
forest in 1837, and then returned to New York and
continued peddling. In 1840 he started again for
the West, and purchasing a drove of sheep in Ohio,
drove them into Washtenaw County. This was
probably the first drove that came within the
bounds of the county. In 1860 he started for
Texas with a drove of one thousand fine wool
sheep, intending to go into the wool-growing busi-
O?toacyy. ^hocM'^c^c.^'^^^J^o-c^ .
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
625
iiess llierc. but on account of Ibe war he disposed
of them in Iowa. He was married March 19, 1841,
at the Goodrich House, Ann Arbor, by Esquire
Clark, to Miss Mary M. Kniglit. Bridal tours were
not much in vogue in that day, and the young cou-
ple, who were both practical farmers, settled down
to manage and cultivate their farm.
Mr. Babcock has never belonged to any church,
nor to any secret societ}' but one, which he aban-
doned after attending two meetings. He h.as never
run for any. political office, but is an enthusiastic
and stanch Democrat, and has made some rousing
Democratic speeches. He s.iys that the grand old
Democratic party outlives all others. He is not a
believer in Christianity, as taught by the clergy of
to-day, but believes that all good works in this
world will receiTc credit in the world to come. He
has published a number of tracts expressing his
views on religion, especially- one which he called an
open letter to the St. .John's School Board, in which
he protested against the teaching of sectarianism in
the public schools. This tract has been translated
into some languages (jf India, under the auspices
of the Colombo Theosophical Society.
]Mr. Babcock is a Spiritualist, and is widely
known on account of his opposition to the teacli-
ing of religion in the public school. The following
article entitled "A Better Religion Wanted," is
taken from the Clinton Independent, and gives
some of his ideas on the subject:
"There are over one thousand religions and the
best one of all is the one that h.as the most human-
ity, that most loves justice, that has more respect
for good works than faith, and that is possessed
with a disposition to sometimes be willing tojnake
a little sacrifice for tiif sake of peace and the grati-
fication of others. But when a man reads the Pro-
testant Bible in school every day for ten j'ears, he
is unjust, selfish, and not willing to do by a Catho-
lic as he would have a Catholic do hy him if he
was a Catholic, and the Catholic was him. The
Catholics are or ought to be entitled to some con-
sideration. I sometimes feel that even I, as bad as
I am, am entitled to some rights, in a school that
costs me more than #100 a year."
"We will now hear from Judge Kilbrelh, of the
Court of Special Sessions of New York. He slates:
. 'In 1888 the number of arrests in this cit^' was
j 83,617, and the number of arrests in 1874 was 84,-
821, a decrease of nearly one and one-half per cent,
in fourteen years. So according to official record
there were more than one million of arrests in a
single cit3' in those fourteen years. And all the
while when this wickedness was going on the church
bells were ringing, and the preachers were preach-
ing, but not one among them all tried to encourage
those bad people to be good by telling them that
good works in this worhl will be rewarded in the
next.'
"We want a better religion; a religion that will
reward an honest man in the next world for his
good works while living in this world. Our pris-
ons are full of robbers, thieves and murderers, and
our cities full of gin and hell holes for gambling.
And I don't wonder that the Chinese heathen pre-
fers the religion of his country to the religion of
our country. There must be something wrong
somewhere. I am sure that the church never can
win the respect of unconverted tax-payers b}- over-
riding their constitutional rights, or hy preaching
that the chances are that the good will bo damned
unless they shall conclude 1o believe and agree
with the church, and the awftd record of crime in
this country shows the absurdity of our Protestant
friends, supposing that notwithstanding the law is
against them, they are so much better than the law,
and so much better than the Catholics and all oth-
ers, as to give them the right to trample iqion the
rights of all others by running our school in the
interest of Prolcslantism. We want a belter relig-
ion, one that will show some respect for the rights
of others and practice the religion of good works."
After leaving the business of a jieddler, Mr. Bab-
cock sold goods at Albion and at Otisco, this State,
and after running a jeweby store at St. John's
some years, retired from business. He and his
wife, whose sketch follows this, recently celebrated
their golden wedding, in which they were .assisted
bj' their two surviving cliildren. The son, Charles
T., has been a trader among the Crow Indians in
Montana for twelve years, and the daughter, Sarah
Catherine, is now Mrs. Dr. Siovenson, of Morenci.
Mr. Babcock was seized with the gold fever in
18.")2. He went by the overland Fremont route to
626
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
California, dug sixty-five cents worth of gold with
his own hands, had the ague, and bought twelve
bottles of ague medicine, (which would have cost
a shilling in the East) at $3 a piece, stayed four
weeks and came home b}' the way of Panama. Af-
ter reaching home he was robbed of his gold.
ARY MARTECIA BABCOCK, who bore
the maiden name of Knight, was born Oc-
tober 17, 1822, in Verona, Oneida County,
N. Y. She is the oldest daughter of Levi
Knight, whose ancestors were of English stock, set-
tled in Windham Count}-, Yt. The greatgrandfa-
ther, Jonathan Knight, was an officer in the Revo-
lutionary War. About the time of the War of
1812, his son Levi removed with his family to
Oneida County, where in 1819 his son, Levi, Jr.,
was married to Mrs. Catherine Sivers, whose maiden
name was Near. Tiiis ladj's father, Conrad Near,
was taken prisoner b}' the Indians when a boy of
ten years, and taken to Quebec, where he was kept
until the close of the war.
Mrs. Babcock is the oldest child of Levi and
Catherine Knight. She had an early love for books
which has never left her. Her youthful school
days were marked bj' diligence, promptitude and
efficiency, a love of system and a desire for im-
provement. Her parents came to Michigan in
1835, and settled in Livingston County, where
there were no schools, and she was obliged to slu<l3-
by herself with such poor text books as she could
get. She commenced to teach wlien fifteen years
old, and continued in this work until the death of
her mother, when slie assumed the responsibility of
managing the family until her father married a
second time.
On the 18th of March, 1811, Miss Knight became
the wife of Marvin Babcock, and commenced
housekeeping on the farm. She became tlie mother
of four children, two of whom are still living:
Sarah Catherine, now Mrs. Dr. Stevenson, born in
1842; and diaries, in 1850. The deceased are
Albert B., born in 1844, and died in 1867; George
M., born in 1850, and died in 1853. Wherever
Mrs. Babcock has made her home, she has been
prominent in all literary and progressive societies,
and was one of the founders of the Ladies' Library
of St. John's, being its President for over ten j^ears
and is still one of the Executive Committee. She
has been active in Chautauqua circles, temperance,
church and aid societies, and has collected a fine
library for herself and family. She also has the
best collection of Indian curiosities in the State.
She is devoted to the solid improvement of society
and her aim is to do good to those with whom she
comes in contact.
The attention of the reader is invited to the litho-
graphic portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Babcock pre-
sented elsewhere in this volume. By their united
efforts they have arisen from a ver}' small begin-
ning to a competency, sufficient to support them
in ease, and are now in their old age enjoying all
the comforts and even luxuries of life.
^EORGE W. REED, whose fine farm is situ-
ated on section 17, ^'ernon Township, Shia-
^^^41 wassee Countj', was born in Tompkins
County, N. Y., in Dr3'den Township, September
20, 1832. He is the sixth son and eighth child of
William K. and Minerva (Walcott) Reed, whose
i biographies will be found elsewhere in this volume,
1 under the name of their son, John Reed.
j Our subject was three years old when he came
to Michigan with his parents, and his first school
days were passed in the log schoolhonse, and his
later ones in District No. 2 ^'eruon Township.
When twenty-one years old he began independent
work on shares for his father. He wooed and won
for his wife Ellen L. Randolph who was born in
Litchfield Township, Bradford County, Pa., Octo-
ber 30, 1807, and their marriage took place on
New Year's Day, 1861.
Mrs. Reed is the second daughte'- of Peter and
Emily (Walcott) Randolph. The mother was a
native of New York, and the father of Pennsylva-
nia. He was a farmer and came to Michigan in
1838. He went on to Cliicago when there were
only a few houses in that little village, and returned
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
62?
to Pcnnsj'lvania, and after a sliort staj' there and
in New York decided to make Miohij^an his home,
and located in Vernon Township, Shiawassee
County-, on section 7. There lie bought an im-
proved farm, but after seven j'cars sold it and
bought on section 8, where he now lives. He is
now in his eighlj'-third j'ear, a devout and consist-
ent member of the Free Methodist Church, and a
citizen who is highl3' respected by the j'ounger
members of the comraunity. In his younger days
be espoused the principles of the Democratic party.
When in Pennsylvania he filled the offices of Asses-
sor and School Oflicer. He was bereaved of his
faithful companion in 1889.
When Mrs. Reed was eleven years old she re-
moved from Pennsylvania to New York, and she
was a j'oung lady of seventeen wlicn she came witli
her parents to Jlichigan. Immediately after mar-
riage she and Mr. Reed made their home where
they now live. There was on the place a log
house, 18x20 feet, with a frame addition 12x18
feet, and the farm was partially improved. They
have a family of four children, Frances, Albert,
Minerva and Jessie. Mr. Reed has a farm of
eighty acres, sixty-Bve of which are under cultiva-
tion, and he is doing a general farming business.
His residence, where they now live, cost him $1,300,
and he has thoroughly drained his farm, placing in
it some thirteen hundred rods of tiling. He keeps
about ninety head of siioop, and otlier stock in
proportion. His first Presidential vote was for
John C. Fremont in 18r)6, and from tiiat day to
tliis lie has been a consistent adlierent of the Re-
publican party. He takes an earnest interest in
educational affairs and acted as Sciiool Director for
seventeen years.
ylLLIAM R. Sl'TTON. The gentleman
whose name heads our sketch, and who is
the owner of tlie largest livery, sale and
feed stable in Bancroft, was born in Genesee
County, N. Y., January 20, 1827. His father wos
Jnmes H. Sutton, a native of New Jersey, but was
brought up in New York. His grandfather, Jere-
miah Sutton, was the son of a Baptist minister and
was of Irish descent. Our suhjeut's mother w.is
Adelia (Dowd) Sutton and was born in Norfolk,
Conn. She belonged to an old Englisli famil}'.
Her father, Capt. Joseph Dowd, was an old sea
captain. When the little girl was but ten j'ears
old her family moved to Genesee County, N. Y.
Our subject came to Ray Township, Macomb
Count}', in the spring of 1838, with iiis parents.
The family of Mr. Sutton settled on a farm
which was very new land, and here the motiicr
died in 1847. The father died in 1884 in Rich-
mond, Macomb County, at the age of seventy-nine
years. He had lived in Macomb County since
1838 and was a man who had seen quite a good
deal of public life, having held many minor ollices.
Our subject, AVilliain R. Sutton, remained at home
until he had reached his majority. He learned the
coopers' trade and worked at it three or four years
when be secured a farm in Ray Township, and en-
gaged in general merchandising at Richmond and
New Haven about 18C5-G6. He returned to his
farm where he lived a retired life until coming to
Bancroft in June, 1879, and purchased a restaurant,
grocery and boarding house.
Mr. Sutton also at this time puivhased much
land, upon which he built a number of residences
for sale. He then engaged in the general merchan-
dising business for two years. Farm life airain
allured him and he purchased a number of acres
which he has improved, especially in its buildings.
Here he remained for three years and then returned
to Bancroft. For the List seventeen years our sub-
ject has been traveling for leldenfritz & Son, nurs-
erymen of Monroe, this State, formerly as salesman,
more recently as collector ami for the last few
years as local agent. For tliree j'ears he has con-
ducted the liverj' business. He owns a very good
residence and has one which he rents, and will soon
build a barn of his own. He owns from seven to
ten carriages. He has been Justice of the Pe.ace
one term here and also elsewhere, and is at present
City Treasurer.
Mr. Sutton was formerly a Republican in poli-
tics, but since the formation of the Prohibition
party he casts his vote with theiii. He lias also
been Constable of the town and Coronei'. Mr.
628
rORTKAIT AJSID BIOGRArHICAL ALBUM.
Sutton was married at the age of twenty one to
Fidelia Eton, a cousin of ex-Lieutenant rJovcrnor
Sessons; she lived only fourteen months after her
marriage. Marcli IG, 18.36. he took as his second
wife Charlotte L. Bump, who was born at Mendon,
N. Y., March 16, 1831; she had been a teacher for
a number of years. Their family comprises only
one son, Adalbert T. .Sutton, born October 1, 1857.
He is the editor and proprietor of the Review^ of
Richmond, this State, and is in Government em-
play as mail agent on the Michigan Air Line. Mr.
.Sutton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and botii he and his wife are active in
church work.
I
-•wz*-
-Jg^*
-*r»-
EZRA L. .SMITH, LL. B., a prominent .attor-
ney of Clinton Countj', and Deputy Prose-
,«_—./ cuting Attorney, is a gentleman of no little
legal ability and a thorough understanding of pro-
fessional matters. He has for some years made
his home in St. John's. His father, William Bur-
roughs Smith, was a native of Romulus, Seneca
County, N. Y., and his grandfather, Jonathan, who
was a wagonniaker, was born in New Jersey, and
after his removal to Romulus worked at the trade
of a carpenter. He came to Michigan in 1844
and made his home in Genesee Count}', near Fen-
ton, in the woods. Here he engaged at his trade
and spent the remainder of his days. He brought
up his son William to learn the carpenter's trade.
The father of our subject was married in 1841
to Miss Sarah Hoagland, a daughter of John Hoag-
land, who was born in New Jersey and was an
early settler of Romulus, New York. After mar-
riage he engaged in carpenter and joiner work and
in 1843 came to Michigan. He journeyed by boat
to Monroe and thence by train to Lenawee
Count}', where he worked at his trade and carried
on the business of a contractor and builder. In
1869 he moved to this county and bougiit land,
on which he lived till 1878, when he removed to
the cit}' of St. John's to educate his children.
He here has carried on his former business and in
addition has managed the foundry for Mr. Hicks
and also at one time for Cross & Weller. In
1 889 he became pattern maker for the Cooper
Boiler and Engine Works. He was Trustee of the
village for two years and when he lived in P^ssex
Township was Commissioner of Highways for two
years. The three children who were granted unto
him arc Wilhelmina, now Mrs. Root, of Walker
County, Ala.; Cyrus, a resident of tliis place, and
Ezra Lawson Smith, our subject.
William Smith was Supervisor in Lenawee
County for three years and was enrolling officer
and Deputy Provost Marshal during the war. He
was also State Recruiting Commissioner, appointed
by Gov. Blair, during the war, and was in De-
troit during most of the period of contliet. For
eight j'ears he was Justice of the Pe.ace. He is
now Financial Secretary of the Royal Templars.
He has been a Republican, and a thorough one,
since 1854, and a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church for forty j'ears. His mother, Eliza
Burroughs, was from New Jersey, and her father,
William, was one of the first settlers in Romulus,
N. Y.
Ezra L. Smith was born at Ridgeway, Lenawee
Count}', Mich., July 13, 1862. When nine years
old he removerl with his parents to KIssex Town-
ship, and after attending the common schools
studied at St. John's High School, where he gradu-
ated in 1883. After teaching for one year he en-
tered the law department of the University of
Michigan and after a course of two years took
his diploma in 1886, with the degree of Bachelor
of Laws. He then engaged in the practice of
law at East Tawas, with Judge Probata, of Iosco
County. After that he removed to Mio, Oscoda
County, where he was appointed by Gov. Luce
as Prosecuting Attorney. After two years in this
office he traveled through the lumber districts of
tiie South, spending one year in Mississippi, Ala-
bama, Georgia and Florida.
.St. John's became the permanent home of this
gentleman in 1889, and in January, 1891, he was
appointed Dc|)uty Prosecuting Attorney in this
city, which office he fills admirably and also car-
ries on the practice of law in the courts. His
marriage, which took place October 21, 1889, in
this city, united him with Cora Brainard, a daugh-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHJCAL ALBUM.
629
tLT of W. \V. Brainani, an old settler of St. John's.
>^he is a laily of line intelligence and excellent
education and was a tcaclier previous to her raar-
riaire. Mr. Smith is a true-blue Republican and
at the time of his election to the oUicc of Justice
of the Peace he received the largest majority of
any man on the ticket. lie is identified with the
Knights of Pythias on<l his wife is an earnest and
active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
rp^'RED II. GOl'LI). Tiiis young gentleman
J^|g\> is a well-known capitalist and real-estate
1^ dealer in Owosso, Shiawassee County, in
which city he was born Octol)er 11, 1837. He is
the fifth of the six children comprising the family
of Amos and Louisa (Peck) Gould, the latter of
whom is still living and occupying the well-known
Gould mansion. She is a native of the Empire
Stale, and daughter of Ira Peck, who came to
Owosso late iu life. She is now in her declining
years the object of the loving devotion of the chil-
dren to whom she devoted herself in their early
years, and whom she has guided in paths of use-
fulness and honor. Of lier husljand and iiis career
the reader may learn by reference to his biogra-
ph}' on another page.
The gentleman whose name introduces these par-
agraphs began his educational work in the Owosso
schools, and when his course of study here was
finished entered the military- acadcm)' at Chester,
Pa. He was graduated from that institution when
in his nineteenth year, and returning to his home
soon matriculated in the law department of the
State Iniversit}'. After two years of diligent study
and careful research in lej'al tomes, he received his
diploma in 1878. lie theii entered the First Na-
tional Bank with his father, and soon became assis-
tant Cashier, retaining the ])osition until his parent
died, when the business of the institution was
closed up together with the affairs of the estate.
The young man was one of the executors of an es-
tate computed at <!250,000, a great part of thai
value being included in tracts of land in this and
other Stales, some of which con)|irisud as high as
twelve hundred and fifty acres. In the settlement
of this estate, business tact and keen judgment were
required, and the fact that young Mr. Gould has
been called upon to look after similar work in
other cases shows that he did his work well.
A large trad of land adjoining the city of
Owosso, was one of the valuable purls of the estate.
A i)orlion of this has been plalied and laid out in
city lots and is now for sale. Mr. Gould handles
real-estate quite largely, and in looking after his
general interests, both in .and out of the city, and
settling up other estates placed in his hands, he
fully occupies his time. He was one of the stock-
holders and a Director in the First National Bank
until it went into liquidation. He owns a good
farm of two hundred and sixty acres, well stocked
with horses, sheep and cattle, and considerable at-
tention is given by him to the stock business. He
is raising slandard-brcd horses of the Ilambelto-
ian strain and thorough-bred cattle.
In June, 1883, Mr. Gould was united in marriage
to Jliss Josephine Fletcher, a charming young lady
well known in Owosso sociel}'. The happy union
has been blest by the birth of three children, the
bright group consisting of Fletcher A., Lena M.,
and Frederick E. Mr. Gould is a very well in-
formed gentleman, whose ambition it is to keep
abreast of the times in his knowledge of affairs, and
to advance his individual interests, and add to the
worth of the city in whose prospects he lakes pride.
Politically he is a standi Republican.
^l<^ ICHOLAS O. SMITH. After spending some
J; 3'ears on a farm not far distant from Ovid,
iLj Clinton County. Mr. Smith removed to the
village iu the fall of 1890, for the two-fold object
of being nearer good schools in which to pl.ace his
younger children, and of giving his wife rest which
her health demanded. He still owns his farm, which
consists of two hundred acres, and is one of the
finest tracts of land in the county, being in a high
stale of cultivation, well stocked and supplied with
numerous and am|)le buildings. A model barn,
630
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRiiPHJCAL ALBUM.
36x60 feet, is in process of construction on the site
of one that was destroyed by fire August 10, 1890.
It is to Lave a neat, substantial foundation and be
light, airy and conveniently arranged. In the old
structure when it was burned there was a large
quantity of grain and considerable machinery. Mr.
Smith has been extensively engaged in sheep-breed-
ing and takes great interest in horses.
Mr. Smith was born in Wayne County, Ohio,
October 20, 1837, and is the son of Jonathan G.
and Elizabeth (McDougal) Smith. The father was
born in Fayette County, Pa., in 1794, and was a
farmer l)y occupation. The mother was of Irish
extraction and was born on the ocean while her
parents were en route lo America. She died when
hor son Nicholas was but five months old, and the
father marrying again the child was reared by a
stepmother. His educational privileges were limited
to the common schools which he attended mainly
during the winter months. He remained on the
homestead until he was twenty-three years old,
then set up his own home, and from Ihat time un-
til the spring of 1883 ho carried on farming in
Knox and Richland Counties, Ohio. He was also
engaged in the sale of agricultural implements and
in veterinary surgery, and since he came to this
State he has followed the latter to some extent,
but only as an accommodation. In December,
1882, he bought land in Clinton County, one hun-
dred and sixty acres kuown as the B. M. Shephard
farm and forty acres from Jonathan Cox, and
moved upon it February 22, 1883. There he lived
until he thought best to move into Ovid, in the
High School of which place his younger son will
graduate in June, 1891.
In Knox County, Ohio, March 17, 1861, Mr.
Smith was married to Miss Ellen Hoke, a native of
that county, she being a daughter of Peter and
Sarah (McDaniel) Hoke, who was well fitted for
the position she assumed. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
have had six children, one of whom died in infancy,
and Vanorah Belle, who was born January 3, 1869,
passed away October 14, 1890. The surviving
children arc George F., born February 10,1863;
Alverda M., August 3, 1865; Spurgcou R., Decem-
ber 29, 1871, and ElecU E., October 6, 1876. The
older son is married to Edna Taft and they are liv-
ing on the home place. Alverda is the wife of
Robert Hazel and their home too is in Clinton
Count3'.
While he lived in Ohio Mr. Smith held several
offices, such as School Trustee, President of the
graded School Board, Constable and Justice of the
Peace. He held the position of Justice several
terms, and acted as Administrator of several estates.
He has been a member of the School Board in this
State, and is now serving as Justice of the Peace.
Politically he is a Republican, and he has been
faithful to the part}' since the days of Abraham
Lincoln. He is a peaceable, law abiding cilizen,
intelligent and public spirited, and is highly- re-
garded liy his acquaintances. Mrs. Smith, who is
an estimable woman, has also many friends and
well-wishers.
OHN FEDEWA. This gentleman is num-
bered among the successful agriculturists of
Clinton Count}', in which he has resided
/ since 1818. His long residence has given
him an extended acquaintance and he has been
very useful in advancing the interests of the
county and particularly of Dallas Township, by im-
proving land and gathering around him the evi-
dences of prosperity and civilization. Every well-
directed effort is of benefit in furthering the general
good and the man who succeeds in doing well for
himself and his family, also does well for mankind
in general. The home of Mr. Fedewa is on section
32, of the township named and his estate now con-
sists of one hundred and sixt}' acres. He has had
other land, but has given to his children tracts on
which to establish their homes and begin their work
as householders.
The grandfather of Mr. Fedewa bore the name
of Morris and spent his entire life in Germany,
rearing five sons and four daughters. In this
household band was a son, Adam, who was born in
1795 and when he had grown lo manhood married
Mary K. Miller. To them were born the following
children: John, Malhias, George, Maggie and Eva.
The entire family emigrated in company in 1841,
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
G3I
and coming at once to Micliijifan located in Wt-sl-
pbalia Township, Clinton Count}-. Tiiere the
father died in 1861, and the mother in 1879. The
father had bought forty acres of land and afterward
added to his estate until he had an entire quarter
section. Wild animals abounded in the neighbor-
hood and bear often carried off the hogs. IMr. and
Mrs. Fedewa passed through the usual experiences
of those who developed wild laud, but lived to see
what had been nn almost trackless forest converted
into fruitful fields. Both were members of the
Catholic Church.
John Fedewa, eldest child of the couple above
mentioned, was born December 15, 1820, and left
his native land iu bis twentieth year. After the
family was established in this .State he found em-
plo3'ment in the saleratus works in Lj-ons, Ionia
County. In 1848 he married and set up his home
ou land that he still occupies, first securing forty
acres and afterward adding to his real-estate as he
was prospered. He built the substantial farm house
and other structures in which he lives and houses
his stock and crops, and not only kept his famil\'
in comfort, but was able to give his children a
much belter start in life than is sometimes the case.
AVliile looking earnestly after his own interests he
has served his fellow-citizens in several public
capacities, es|)ecially in that of Road Commissioner
— an office he held fifteen years. He was Town-
shi[) Treasurer one term, Justice of the Peace about
three years and School Inspector during a long
period. In politics he is a Demociat, and in reli-
gion a Catholic, as is his wife. Before he left his
native land he had become a mason — a trade in
which his father and grandfather were engageil.
The marriage of Mr. Fedewa was solemnized in
Westphalia Township, Clinton County, in 1848.
His bride was Anna Schafifer, a woman of domestic
skill and amiable disposition, who was a native of
Germany. The union has been blest by the birth
of seven children, named respectively, Mathias.
John J., Mary, Catherine, Annie, Stephen and
Lizzie. All are living in Dallas Township, except
Mary, who is the wife of Nicholas Shaffer and re-
sides in Westphalia Township. The father of Mrs.
Fedewa was Theodore Shaffer and her mother was
Catherine (Taylor) Shaffer. They emigrated from
(iermany to America in 184G and made their home
in Clinton County-. Mr. Shaffer was a shoemaker
and farmer. His children besides Mrs. Fedewa,
were John, Anna Mary, Catherine, Mary and
Stephen.
ARSON JEFFERYS. This genllenuiu is
one of the prominent and most venerable
men of Clinton County, and we take great
pleasure in presenting a biographical
sketch of this worthy and intelligent citizen. He
was born in Sussex County, N. J., December 1,
1818. He was a son of Parson and Sarah (Dicker-
son) Jefferys. The grandfather Jofferys, was an
Englishman who settled in New Jersey at an early
day. When about five years old our. subject re-
moved with his parents from the old home to
Knox County, Ohio, where they took up pioneer
work. Here the bo}' was reared until he reached
his majorit}'. He receivetl but a limited education
and had few advantages for thorough and syste-
matic schooling, but has tiioroughly improved
every opportunity to augment his knowledge and
broaden his understanding of public affairs. After
reaching his m.ajority he followed the business of
carpentering at different times for some years.
The first marriage of our subject took place in
Ohio, in 1841. His bride who had borne the
maiden name of Sarah E. Carter, became the mother
of five children, three of whom are now living,
namely: Melinda (Mrs. Norinan IIulsc); James
(who was a soldier iu the Civil War) and Ruth H.
In the fall of 1818 our subject migrated to Clinton
County, Mich., and bought eighty acres of land
from the Government, at |;1.25 per acre, making
his home where he now resides in Greenbush Town-
ship. Here he settled in the woods and did much
brave pioneer work, transforming the wilderness
into a prosperous farm.
The second marriage of Mr. Jefferys united him
with Mrs. L. A. Tinklepaugh, widow of Lewis
Tinklepaugh of Clinton County. This lady is a
daughter of Nelson and Sallie A. Daggett, late of
Clinton County. Our subject has served as Town-
shi[) Treasurer for several years and has also been
632
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
on the School Board for his district. He is a pub-
lic spirited and enterprising man and inclines to
Democratic principles in politics. He and his wife
are highij- esteemed members of societ3- and are
now enjoying the fruits of their -pioneer work, of
which probably none of their neighbors have done
more. Parson Jefiferys is known far and wide for
his integrity, intelligence and true manly character
and is highly respected by the rising generation.
E^^
LEMENT XETHAWAY. Of late years
the attention that farmers have paid to stock
raising has led to the improvement, not
only of blooded animals, but also the stock that
finds so ready a market in large cities. It is a most
lucrative field of business and one that has not been
full}- developed as yet. It promises rich reward
to such farmers as perfect it. Among the agricul-
turists in Shiawassee Countj- who have given much
attention to introducing a fine grade of stock is
Clement Nethaway, who resides on section 34,
Fairfield Township, Shiawassee County. A view
of liis pleasant homestead is presented on another
page.
The original of our sketch was born thirty miles
frouj New York City in Cornwall C'ount\', on Long
Island, and is the son of Thomas Nethaway. His
mother having died when he was but a babe and
his moiher's familj' being so scattered that no care
could be expected from that source, our subject was
adopted into the family of a Mr. Howell near
Ithaca, N. Y. He received but a limited education,
it being deemed necessary that he should be so
provided that he could take care of himself. He
learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked
some forty years, partly in New York and partly
in Ohio.
Mr. Netbawaj- is now sevent^'-nine 5-ears of
age, having been born February 7, 1812. His
wife, who is still living, was born July 13, 1810,
near Lansing, N. Y., and is a daughter of .Smith
and Mary (Dow) Head. Her father was a native
of Massachusetts and her mother of New Jersej-.
Our subject lived in Me<Uoa County, Ohio, for a
period of about nine years. He moved to his
present location in 1855, and thus may be counted
among the pioneers. He followed his occupation
as a cooper and invested his earnings in laud which
improved boih in value and condition. Mr.
Nethaway has seen this country change from a
howling wilderness to a beautiful garden and many
are the experiences and adventures that might be
chronicled of his early days in this State.
The subject of our sketch and his wife have been
blest with seven children, as follows: Melvina,
Ebeaezer, Smith, Christopher, Mary and Sara
who are twins, and Thomas. The eldest daughter,
now deceased, became the wife of William Scott
and left four children. Ebenezer lives in Fairfield
as does his brother. Smith. Christopher is still at
home with his parents. Of the twins .Sara married
Samuel Vincent and died leaving one child; Mary
married John Choate and has three children. The
30ungest son is married and lives at home with
his wife and three children. Our subject cast
his first vote after reaching majority for Gen.
Jackson and has been a stanch and consistent Demo-
crat all his life. Although frequently nominated
to various positions, he has always refused to run
for office.
AMES W. ROSE, a prominent young farmer
residing on section 22, Batli Township,
Clinton County, was born Ai)ril 4, 1853, on
the pleasant farm which he now o<-cupies.
His father, Robert Rose, was born in Steuben
County, N. Y. His grandfather, Sil.is W. Rose,
was born in the same county, Aprd 27, 1802, and
his great-grandfather bearing the same name and
having the same nativity was a farmer of German
descent. The grandfather was a merchant at Bath,
N. Y.,and came to Michigan in 1836, traveling by
Erie Canal and Lake Erie to Detroit. Here he
bought an ox-team and journeyed to ^A^ashtenaw
County, where he kept hotel for two years on the
Detroit and Chicago stage route. He came to
Bath Township. Clinton County, in 1838, when
that township and DcAYitt were in one. He helped
RESIDENCE OF CLEMEfJT NETH AWAY, SEC .5-^., FAI RF! ELD T R, S^-, :AV;mS5EE CO.,MlCH.
# « $ 4-
■ V
RESIDENCE OF MR.JAMES WHEELER ROSE, sec. 22.. BATH TP. CLINTON CO. MICH.
id^.7:l
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RFSIDLNCE Of SAMUEL N1. KERBY, 5EC.2A.,CALt"D0UIA TP.,5HIAWA5Sf L .CO.
MICH
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAFHICAL ALUUM.
635
organize Bath Township, and named it for his old
home.
The grandfather of o\ir subject entered from the
Government and bought, in all, about six hundred
acres of land. He was a great hunter and kdled
scores of deer and wolves and was on very friendly
terms with the Indians. lie had to go to Pontiac
to mill and to trade and found the roads almost
impassable and the streams difficult to ford. lie
laid out man}' roads in the townshii) and took an
ever active interest in political matters, being Vx
Democrat in politics. Myrtle Rose, the grand-
mother of our subject, was born in Steuben County,
N. Y., December 17, 1802. She is still living and
makes her home with the Hon. William H. Rose,
the uncle of our subject. She roared to man's and
woman s estate nine children, namely: Robert.
Louisa, Selvina, Susan, Marilda, Silas, Angeline,
Caroline, and William H.
The father of our subject was a mere lad when
he came to Michigan in 1836, having been born
April 27, 1820. He played with the Indian chil-
dren, studied in the old log schooUiouse and hunted
deer and other game. His passion for hunting re-
mained with him through life and in later years he
used to go North to hunt deer. He settled on the
farm now occupied by our subject when it was all
wild wood, and building a log house set to work
to clear the land. A second log liouse succeeded
the Grst and be finally built a large frame house
suitable to the prosperity which he .Tchievcd. At
the time of his death. May 15, 1880, he had ac-
quired a large and handsome property. He w.as
accidentally' killed at a barn-raising. He was a
liberal contributor to the Bai)tist Church with
which he has long been identifiod. He was a Dem-
ocrat in politics and a member of the Masonic
order and also of the Sons of Temperance. His
marriage with Martha Smith, who was born in
Steuben County, N. V., November 1, 1829, united
him with a lady of great worth and excellence of
character. She survived him and makes her home
with our subject. She has ever taken a deep in-
terest in church matters. Our subject is the only
one of her four children now living. They were:
Bensley, our subject, Lizzie and Mary. Both of
the daughters died when young.
After studying in the district schools, James
Rose attended one term in the I'nion School at
Lansing. When only twentj* years old he took to
himself a wife in the person of Alinira J. Murray,
who was born in Ohio. February 7, 1852. This
union was solemnized October 31, 1873, and has
been blest by the birth of two children, .lady, and
Kdna F. His accomiilished wife and interesting
children form with him a household of more than
ordinaiy ha[>piness and intelligence. His wife is
an earnest and active member of the Baptist (liurcll.
Mr. Rose is a Republican in his political views and
has held the ollice of Road Commissioner for two
terms. He belongs to the Lodge No. 121, I. O. O.
F. at Bath. He carries on mixed farming, not
only upon his own tract of eighty acres but also
upon . forty more belonging to his mother. His
homestead, a view of which appears on another
page of this voliiuie, is one of the finest in the
community, and is embellished with all modern
improvements.
AMUEL M. KKRBY. The gentleman who
lives on the farm on section 24, Caledonia
Township, Shiawassee County, is a native
of Canada and was born February 4, 1818,
in Lnndy's Lane. His father was George P. Kerby,
also a native of Canada and a farmer. His mother
was Mary (Merrill) Kerb}', a native of Canada.
There they were married and have always resided.
The mother passed aw.iy from this life in 1821, the
fathe:' in 1881. He was three times married and
survived all his wives. The mother of our subject
w.as his first wife. By his first marriage he had four
children, by the second three, and there was no
fruit of the third marriage. Of the second mar-
riage only one child survives and of the first, two
are now living — our subject and a sister, Mrs.
Emma Mills, who lives in Florence, Canada, and
who has a family of five children.
Our subject's parents were members of the
Episcopal Church. The father was Justice of the
Peace for many years and iield the position of
Postmaster at Florence for thirty years. He was u
636
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
soldier in the AVar of 1812, being an ensign of his
regiment, and participating in the battle of Lundy's
Lane and Queenstowu Height. Our subject re-
mained in Canada until he had arrived at man-
hood. There he received a good English educa
tion and remained at home until twenty-five years
of age, helping liis fatlier who was in poor health.
At the age of twenty-five lie began teaching school
wliich he continued for four years, spending part
of that time among tlie Indians at Muucie, Canada.
In August, 1845, he was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Wood, daughter of James A. aud Nancy
(Toll) Wood, both natives of Canada and farmers.
He was a soldier in the Patriot AV'ar and distin-
guished himself in several engagements.
Mrs. Kerby's parents removed to the United
States aud settled in Pontiac, this State, where they
remained for two years and then returned to
Canada. There the father died .lanuary 20, 1890,
at the age of ninety -one years; she died February
6, 1891, at the age of eighty-nine years. They
were the parents of six children, five of whom are
now living. Mrs. Kerby was born in October, 1823
in Canada, and there she received a common-school
education. After marriage our subject and wife
continued living in Canada, where he carried on a
farm. He was also engaged in the mercliandise
business at Ridgetown, Canada, where he continued
for several years. He was a Lieutenant in the In-
fantry Regiment in the Patriot War.
In 1860 Mr. Kerby came to the United States,
locating immediately' in this State, where he settled
at Pontiac, following the business of farming. He
afterward removed to a farm in Commerce Town-
ship, Oakland County, where he remained for two
years and then located on a farm half way between
Commerce and Walled Lake, where he remained
for four years. In 1870 he came to Shiawassee
County and purchased eighty acres, which is part
of his present farm. It wns all perfectlj- new land
and he built his house and cleared his farm mostly
by his own individual effort. He has given forty
acres of his original farm to his son and leased the
coal privilege for a limited number of years to the
Ohio Coal Company, a good quality of bituminous
coal being found on the farm. He still carries on
the farm, managing it entirely to his own satisfac-
tion. A view of his homestead, which is considered
one of the best in the coramunitj-, appears else-
where in this volume.
Mr. and Mrs. Kerby are the parents of twelve
children, nine of whom are now living. One son.
Samuel M., Jr., remains at home; Hannah lives in
this county and is the mother of eight eliildren ;
Eancy Winters lives in Vernon Township, Siiiawas-
see Countj' and is the mother of seven children;
Mrs. Edwin Goddcll lives in Oakland County;
John F., w.as married to Lillian Crandall; .Tames
R. was unite<l in marriage with Mary Alchin and is
the father of five children; George P. is the hus-
band of l\Lary Aver}' and has two children; Will-
iam H. married Luci' Bergen and has one child;
Edwin I), married Jessie Kinney and is the father
of two children.
Both onr subject and his wife are members of
the Methodist Episcoi>al Church. He is and has
been for man}' years a local preacher in that de-
nomination. In Canada he was a member of the
Weslej'an Church but in Pontine theie was no such
denomination. He has prcaclieil for a period of
forty -seven years and has been Superintendent of
Sunday-school for nearly as long a time. Formnuj'
3'ears he was an adherent of the Republican party
but now he votes the straight Prohibition ticket,
being a hearty su|iporter of temperance principles
which he has inculcated in his own familj', for of
his six sons not one uses stimulants of any nature.
Although Mr. Kerby enjoys excellent heallli and is
hale and hearty, he has retired from active life and
is enjoying the fruits of his earl}- labors. The
post-offlce station has been given Mr. Kerb3-'s name
and is known far and near.
----^'^^^iJ^^^t^^
ON. NATHANIEL GROSVENOR PHIL-
LIPS, deceased. When a man of mark in
character, standing, aud ability is taken
aw.aj' from a community it is the universal
feeling that his memory should be cherished and
his example perpetuallv pointed out,that his fellow-
citizens may benefit b}' it and that the young maj'
learn to emulate his example and aspire to like hon-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
637
orable distinction. Among such names we count
tliat wbicb stands at the head of this sketch. This
gentleman was born in Preston, New London
County. Conn., November 20, 1825. His parents
were Grosvenor and Abbie 15. (Kimball) Pliillips,
both natives of Connecticut. The mother was a
descendant in the seventh generation from the
Rev. William Brewster who came over to this
country in the "Mayflower." Siie is still living and
is now the widow of Lucius W. Beach, of Owosso
and has reached the advanced age of eighty-eight
years.
The subject of this sketch was tiie only child of
his father as that parent died before his birth.
When he was about four years old his mother mar-
ried Mr. Beach and when the boy was ten years
old the}- moved to Norwalk, Ohio, where Mr.
Beach entered the mercantile business, and the
boy had the privilege of attending the Norwalk
Academy-. When he was thirteen 3'ears old in the
year 1838 the family removed to Shiawassee where
Mr. Beach had charge of a hotel. They continued
in this line of work until 1853, the greater part of
that time at this place, althougii Mr. Phillips had
in the meanwhile spent two years in California
where he had successfully engaged in mining. He
now purchased eight hundred acres lying near the
old home. Mr. Beach was blind the last twelve
years of his life and this was a great drawback to
the family happiness.
Nathaniel Phillips was married February 23,
1859. to Lois K. Barnard, a daughter of Pardon
Barnard and Eliza Ann Curtis, who were natives
of Madison Count}', N. Y., and made their Iiome
in Genoa, Livingston County, Mich., as early as
1837, where their daughter Lois was born, March
3, of that year. The children born to this couple
were Nathaniel Grosvenor who died in infancy:
Winthrop Barnard who passed away at the age of
twenty-eight; John Beach and Frank Kimball who
both died in infancy; Abbie Kliza, now Mrs. Rob-
ert Campbell, of Detroit; Moses Kimball, a travel-
ing salesman; Helen Elizabeth, in school at Ann
Arbor; Nathiuiiel Grosvenor second, who is learn-
ing the watchmaker's and jeweler's trade at LaPorte,
Ind., and Lois Catherine who is a student in the
Detroit Home and Day School. The son Winthrop
was killed by an accident on a railway' in Kansas
where he was seeking a new home. He hod re-
sided in Dakota for six years. His wife was
Georgiana LaFrancc of Dunesilh, N. Dak., and she
is now with Mrs. Phillips al the old home.
The gentleman of whom we write was an ar<lent
patriot during the Civil War and a strong sup-
porter of the administration, and gave freely his
share of means and influence to forward the sup-
pression of the rebellion. In 1865 he was elected
to the legislature for one terra, but refused further
renominatiou on account of press of business. He
had been for a number of terms Township Super-
visor, and was active in building up the village of
Bancroft, as he laid out that place and erected two
stores. One of liiese burned and he rebuilt it in
better style as a double brick store. Tliis is now
occupied bj' the Post-office and Opera House and
also by a family. He also erected the Phillips
Hotel which is still owned bj* his widow. He was
active in bringing the railway through Bancroft
and helped to secure the right of wa}'. He was
also interested in agricultural affairs, and ever ac-
tive in promoting the interests of the agricultural
community. He was also helpful to churches al-
though not a member of any one, and donated land
for the building of each church as it was organ-
ized.
Mr. Phillip's took great interest in school mat-
ters and for many years tilled the office of Director.
By his intelligence and business judgment ho was
very helpful in promoting the prosperity of the pub-
lic schools. Some ten jears ago he was strongly
spoken of as a candidate for Congress but declined
to let his name be used in this wa}'. He had an un-
usually good practical education anil was a great
reader and was always in close sympath} with the
advanced movements of the day.
Mr. Phillips passed one winter, t.vo years pre-
vious to his death, in Florida and Cuba, :iiid in
traveling through the South. He also traveled in
the Northwest during the following spring. Ho had
throat trouble and his health was failing for some
eight months before his demise which took place
June C, 1888. He anticii)ited his death and placed
his business in good slia|)e so that the affliction of
losing the husband and father might not be sup-
638
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
pleraented by business anxieties for the widow and
oii)han. He was a man measuring six feet one and
one-lialf incli, and weighing two hundred and
twenty-five pounds.
The old homestead adjoins the village of Ban-
croft, and is a delightful plane. The farm contains
one Imndred and sixty acres and there is another
farm of four hundred acres at a distance of two
miles, and a third tract of one hundred acres. Mr.
Phillips was a Mason and a Knight Templar at
Corunna for tvventy years. The family stands
foremost in the social life of Bancroft and is highly
respecteiL They are possessed of more than or-
dinary culture and signs of refinement are abun-
dant in the home.
11^ ONROE W. WHITMORE. The late Mr.
I iW Whitmore belonged to the great arnij- of
I i£> men who devoted some of the best years
^ of their lives to the maintenance of the
Republic, ami who were content to endure hard-
ship and privation and enter into dangers seen and
unseen in order to preserve every star upon the old
flag. In private life he was a farmer, enterprising
and progressive, and the work that he accomplished
enabled him to leave to his widow and children a
competence, while at the same time adding to the
value of land arountl him by the good improve-
ment of his own. His death occurred January 14,
1881. and he left a widow and two sons to honor
his meunorj', and continue the work he had been
carrying on.
Mr. Whitmore was born in New York April 10,
1823, and was thrown upon his own resources at an
early age, by the death of his father, Caleb Whit-
more. When the gold excitement broke out he
joined the band of mineral seekers, who were mak-
ing their way to the coast, and drove across the
plains to California. He reached the scene of the
Mountain Meadow massacre the da}' after the das-
tardly deed was done, and assisted in burying the
dead. He spent ten years on the Pacific Coast, en-
gaging in mining and such other work as was then
going on, but giving his attention principally to
tiie search for gold. When the decade had elapsed
he returned to the East, and soon after the break-
ing out of the Rebellion, he took up arms, enlist-
ing October 24, 1861.
In Comi)any B, Second United States Sharpshoot-
ers, the name of Monroe W- Whitmore was en-
rolled, and as an integral part of the Army of the
Potomac he took part in seventy-four engagements.
The rosier of the regiment shows that it was organ-
ized in October, 1861, and disbanded in February,
18G5. The total number of men enrolled was eleven
hundred and eighty-two, and the number killed
and wounded, five hundred and thirty. The regi-
ment took more prisoners than they ever had men,
and are believed to have killed in action at least
j twice their own number. After the term for which
Mr. Whitmore had enlisted had expired, he re-en-
tered the service in January, 1863, and remained
with his regiment until it was disbanded as before
stated.
The lady who became the wife of Mr. Whitmore
July 3, 1867, bore the maiden name of Eliza Scad-
dan. Her father, John Scaddan, was born in ^'er-
mout, and came to Michigan when a young man.
To this State had also come, but from Maryland,
Miss Eliza Stowell, and in 1834 this couple were
married at Ann Arbor. The wife died in 1838,
leaving two children: Nanc}', born Januaiy 17,
\ 1836; and Eliza, October 15, 1838. The latter had
I the advantage of good schooling, completing her
studies in Ann Arbor, where she attended the Union
school three years; she was graduated with the
honors of her class, and has in her mature years
kept up her mental culture by reading, and an in-
terest in that which was going on in the educational
world. In 1848 the father of Mrs. Whitmore came
to Clinton County, and this has since been her
home; she is now living on section 17, Eagle Town-
ship, where she has a beautiful farm of one hundred
and forty-five acres, finely imiiroved.
Mrs. Whitmore is cheered in her loneliness by
the presence of her two sons: Carl E., born March
81, 1868, and Monroe, January 20, 1871. The
elder is now taking a course of instruction in the
commercial college at Lansing. The mother is
giving both good advantages in the way of secur-
ing knovvlcdi^e, and so fitting them for honorable
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
639
and useful cnrecrs in life. She is a woman of strong
business ability and good judgment, and is carr3--
ing on her financial affairs most satisfaetorilj-.
From the United Slates Government she draws a
widow's pension of *!12 per month. Slie is a mem-
ber of the Ladies' Aid Society of Eagle, .snd is in-
terested in various movements which will elevate
the status of the community. Her father was born
July 22, 1802, and his father, in turn, Hewlett
Scaddan, February 27, 1762. The wife of llic lat-
ter was born F'ebruarj' 12, 1767.
►^4^^
SHERMAN L. RICHMOND. For more than
ifjl four decades this gentleman has been iden-
/•^^ tiSed with the work that has been going on
(^ in Clinton County, in removing from its
soil the wild growths of its primitive days and re-
placing thera with orciiards and fields, which sup-
ply the necessities of man. He is located on
section 29, Grcenbush Township, where he first
bought eiglitv acres of Government land, receiving
a patent therefor signed by President Zachary Tay-
lor. He paid for this tract the customarj' price of
$1.25 per acre and his first effort here was to pre-
pare for and erect a log cabin. His rude dwelling
was a mile and a half south of the village of Eu-
reka and ill it he livcil a number of'years. during
which time he endured self-denials and hardships
to which all early settlers are subjected.
Mr. Richmond was born in Genesee County, N.
Y., September 21, 1827, and was reared to manhood
in his native State. His parents were Adam and
Sarah (Farley) Richmond, natives of Rliotle Island
and New York respectively. Amid the surround-
ings of farm life Herman developed a vigorous,
self-reliant cliaraeter and in the schools of the
neighborhood he pursued the branches then taught,
diligently seeking knowledge and preparing tu
carry on a man's work in the world. In 181'J he
made the journey to Michigan, which then seemed
far distant from his native State. For a number
of years lie lived on the land he first secured here,
gradually bringing it under thorough cultivation,
but lie finally removed to another eighty-acre
tract, on which he is now living. This second
piece of property is under good cultivation and
supplied with buildings which accommodate the
stock and the crops which he desires to store, and
a dwelling in which he and his honored wife arc
spending their declining j'ears in peace and com-
fort.
The labors of Mr. Richmond have long been
shared by one who was previously known as Miss
Caroline L. Drake. She was born in the town of
Newhaven, Oswego County, N. Y., and was one of
a family of Setli and Sophronia (Castle) Drake, who
were numbered among the early settlers of Green-
bush Township and came here when Mrs. Richmond
was thirteen years old. Her marriage with our
subject was solemnized at her home here in 1850
and the happiness that resulted was inceased by the
birth of three children — Howard L., Alice J. and
Emma Gertrude, who died in infanc}'. The daugh-
ter is now the wife of C. E. Mathews.
Mv. and Mrs. Richmond are representatives of
the class which has brought Greenbush Township
to its present position among the divisions of the
county and among the time-honored citizens none
command the respect of the people in a larger de-
gree. Many years ago Mr. Richmond worked at
grading on the Michigan Central Railroad and
more than one night was spent in Lansing when
there were but two houses on the site of that city.
Firmly- believing in the principles laid down in the
Republican platform, Mr. Richmond votes to sus-
tain them. Mr. and Mrs. Richmond are members
of the Seventh-day Adventists' Church, holding
membership in Greenbush Township.
«^LBERT L. CHANDLER, a well-known
S£i|j and successful lawyer of Corunna, Shia-
'' wassee Count}', was born in Saratoga,
N. Y., November 26, 1854. His father,
Enos, was a hoot and shoe merchant at Troy, and
the son of a Connecticut man who was a commis-
sioned officer in the regular army and died soon
after his retirement from the service. His son
Enos, died at Greenwich, N. V. The iiiothcr Zilpha
640
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Tallman, was born in Rhode Island and now re-
sides in Lansingburg, N. Y. She is an earnest and
devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and was the mother of nine children.
Albert when a b03' twelve years old came to this
State and went to work for himself on a farm. He
saved the money which he earned in his first 3'ear's
work and went to school in Sturgis. He worked his
waj^ through and graduated in the High School in
1872. He was the leader of the class and his boy-
ish historj' was written up in the St. Joseph Counts-
History. He nest went to Hillsdale and by teach-
ing and other work during vacations was enabled
to keep himself in tiie college for six years. While
still a student in 1877, he came to Corunna while
Prof. Bagley was sick and relieved him temporarilj'
of the charge of the High School during the spring
term. In 1878 he went East and read law and
pursued his studies, spending some time in the law
library' of Syracuse, N. Y.
After returning to Shiawassee County Mr. Chan-
dler became principal of the Yernon Higli School for
two years and in 1881 he was admitted to the bar
of Michigan at Corunna. His first year of practice
was in company with Frank Watson and after that
he formed a partnership with Long i Gold. Mr.
Charles Long is now on the Supreme Bench. This
partnership was not of long duration and after
practicing for awhile, Mr. Chandler went into
partnership with Sumner Howard, but this gentle-
man survived onlj- one year and our subject has not
thought best since that to join his forces with those
of any other of his professional brethren, but in
his practice alone he has been more than ordiuarilj'
successful. In 1885 he was admitted to the United
States bar and he now practices in any of the courts
of the State and of the nation.
His marriage with Stella Booth, a niece of ex-
Gov. Luce, in 1878, was an event of prime impor-
tance in the life of the young man. This lad}' isa
daughter of Samuel Booth, a retired farmer of
Cold water. She was born in Gilead, Branch County,
Mich., and was educated in Hillsdale County. One
child onl}' has blessed their home a daughter —
Abbie. Mr. Chandler is much more interested in
scientific researches and literary pursuits than in
politics and enjoys greatly the quiet pursuit of
agricultural afi'airs, as he owns over two hundred
acies, having one farm in North Star Township,
Gratiot County, and one in Rush Township, Shia-
wassee County, both of which he superintends and
operates himself. He delights in fine stock and is
raising full-blooded registered Jei-sey cattle, and
thoroughbred Berkshire and Poland-China hogs.
He lias control and charge of the Shiawassee Paper
Mill in Shiawassee Township, which he manages for
Godfrey & Clark, of Pittsburg, Pa. He has been
special correspondent for the last ten years for dif-
ferent papers in the State. During one year he held
the office of City Attorney' and is Deput}' Master
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in
Corunna and a member of the Encampment. His
political view-s are in accord with the platform of
the Republican party and he is sometimes sent to
represent the county in State conventions. Mra.
Chandler is a Presbyterian in her religious views
and is a valued member of the church in this city.
.'■^^^ai.^^
— ^
THMAN W. LOWELL is a farmer residing
on section 23, Watertowu Township, Clin-
ton County, where lie has one hundred and
thirtj- acres of finely improved land. Mr. Lowell
bought this tract twenty-two j'cars ago, when it
was all covered with a heavy growth of timber,
which he has since cleared, with the exception of
twenty acres. Upon this land he has built two
dwelling houses and two good sets of farm build-
ings.
The subject of this sketch is a son of Josiah and
Johaunah (Harris) Lowell. The father was a native
of Massachusetts, where the family first settled af-
ter coming to America, and where the}' foundeil
the city of Lowell, that noted manufacturing town
which bears their name. The father was born Jan-
uary 18, 1791, and the mother December 12, 1793,
and thej' were married in 1814. Previous to tliis
event Josiah Lowell had served for one year in the
American Arm}-, in liie War of 1812, and after he
was married, and had removed to the State of New
York, he was called out again at the time the Brit-
ish invaded Plattsburg, and participated in the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
641
battle at that point. He was a man of patriotic im-
pulses and principles, and gladi^v served bis coun-
try in the hour of need.
The marriage of the parents of our subject was
blessed with the birth of ten children, and all grew
up to man's and woman's estate. The father came
to Michigan in 1840, and located on section 21,
Watertown Township, where he bought forty acres
of wild land, which is now owned b^' Benjamin
King. ^Ir. Lowell was very poor when he came to
Michigan, and had not the means wherewith to pay
for his purchase of land, but he went aliead bravely'
and earnestly to make a home for bis children, and
b}- chopping the timber off of eighty acres, he
earned the mone}- to pay for the forty acres, and
to provide at the same time for his large family of
little ones. He came to this section alone six
monilis before bringing on his family, and lived
alone and worked as we have said during that first
season. He then went back to New York on foot
and arranged to bring bis family to the new home
in the wilderness.
Tiie subject of this sketch w.-is born in Orleans
County, N. Y., August 6, 1838, and was only two
years of age when he came with his parents to the
new West. Their home was in the dense timber,
and was far from any schoolbonsc, the nearest
being four miles from his home if be went
around by the road, and there was much of the j-ear
when it was necessary to go in that waj'; conse-
quently the boy received very little schooling, and
grew up among the trees as stunJy and as near to
mature as thej'. He worked for bis fatlier until he
was twent3'-one years of age.
Utiiman Lowell took to wife Jennette Master, in
August, 1859. This lady was a daughter of George
Master, who was a native of New York. Her union
with our subject b.as been one of unusual happiness
and domestic comfort, and has been blessed by the
birth of eight children, all but two of whom are now
living; Kdith,wbo was boi n August 29, 18G0, is mar-
ried and makes her home in Watertown Township;
Herbert, who married UrsuUa Green, lives on the
farm with bis father; Clark lives at homo'; E. G.
is married and resides at Lansing; Jennie is attend-
ing school at Lansing: and Mattie is living at home
and attending the tlistrict school. Mr. Lowell is a
Democrat in polities, and has been honored bj' be-
ing placed in several positions of trust and respon-
sibility. For nine years he has held the office of
Highway Commissioner, and that of Drain.age Com-
missioner for two years. He belongs to the Grange
and is nctivelj^ interested in every movement
which tends to the welfare and elevation of the
farming community.
EVI C. BIRD, one of the most highly es-
teemed and popular citizens of De Witt,
^; Clinton County, resides in an elegant brick
bouse, furnished and finished most tastefully and
luxuriantly, upon bis fine farm in Olive Township.
Here with his wife, a lady of rare intelligence, and
his two lovely and intelligent daughters, he has a
home of which any man may well be proud. He
was born in Washtenaw County, Mich., September
23, 1837.
The father of our subject, Samuel D. Bird, of
New Jersey, came to Michigan in 1831 and settled
in Washtenaw County, where he took up land and
cleared it of timber and bad it in fine condition be-
fore his death, which occurred in 1877, when he
was seventy-two vears old. He w.as a man of
prominence in the community and held the offices
of Supervisor and Justice of the Peace. He was a
Presbyterian in bis religious belief, in which he was
also joined b^' his good wife, Rachel Drake, of New
Jersey, who is still living, in her seventy-ninth
year. All of their si.v children are still living.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm
and studied in the log school-hou.se when he could
get time from farm duties to attend, which was
generally in the winter. He remained at home
until he was twenty-two years old and in 1859
made a trip to California by water. Here be re-
mained for nearly seven years and engagetl in min-
ing. He returned by water in 1866 and farmed
the old homestead in Washtenaw County for four
years.
Mr. Bird came to Clinton County in 1872 and
purchased the farm on which he now resides, on sec-
tion 35, Olive Township. This farm is an old set-
642
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
tied place, beino; located on the Grand River road,
which riius from Detroit to Grand Rapids. He has
lived here continuously to the present date and has
added greatly to the improvements upon it. His
marriage with Miss Helen Cliubb, in Livingston
County, Mich., took place in 1869. Her parents,
Major S. and Axie (Bennett) Chubb, came from
New York to Michigan at an earl}- da}' and took
up Government land.
Two children have blessed the home of Mr. Bird,
Mary and Jessie. Mary is a teacher of music and
Jessie is attending school. Mr. Bird is a Democrat
in his political views but pays little attention to
politics, devoting himself mostly to the interests of
his land, of which he has one hundred and twenty
acres. He has been very successful, as he began
life with limited means and has now a handsome
property. He built a fine brick house in 1880,
which is an ornament to the neighborhood.
i]SRAKL M. BRAY. When a traveler goes in-
I to the country to visit he likes nothing better
il than to sit down side by side with some genuine,
wbolesouled old settler and hear stories of the
early days. It is delightful indeed to listen to
stories of adventure, when told by one who has
seen it all and been a part himself of those stirring
scenes. When with this entertainment is mingled
a genial sense of comradeship and friendship, the
time passes swiftly indeed. Such an enjoyable time
did the writer of tiiis sketch have in visiting Israel
M. Bray.
This gentleman was born April 17, 1830 in Brant
County, Canada. His father, John Bra}-, was a
native of Warren County. N. J. and was a tanner
by trade although he followed farming to some
extent. He died in Canada, in 1867, at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-four years having been born
in 1783. He was a British soldier in the War of
1812. His wife was Joanna Swayzeof New Jersey,
died in 1854 at the age of sixty -one years. Both
she and her worthy husband had been for many
years active members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Their three children still survive them.
The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the
parental familj'. A district school and education
and training in farm duties occupied his boyhood
and earl}' manhood. Having remained at home
until he reached his majority, he began ftirming
for himself in 18.52, and remained in Canada for
three or four years. It was in 1857 that he came
to Clinton County, this State, and bought the farm
where he now resides on section 27, Bengal Town-
ship. About twenty acres of this land had been
cleared, but it was still so near to nature's heart
that from the window he could see deer and wild
turkeys, straying fearlessly about the farm. Genu-
ine pioneer work has been done upon this place
and the old log house has been long since replaced
by an attractive and commodious farm house, while
the land shows marks of a skillful farmer's hand
and systematic manager.
The marriage of Israel Bray in March, 1854 uni-
ted him with Charlotte Wood of Canada, a daughter
of Lewis and Asenath (Smith) Wood, who removed
to Canada from New York, and are still residing
in our sister Dominion. Seven children were the
result of this union, namely: Joanna, deceased;
Asenath, Sarah, Cassius M., Lewis W., Harriet and
Charlotte. The mother of these children passed
away from earth in 1866.
The second marriage of our subject took pl.nce in
1867 when he married Marj' Nelson a lady of Eng-
lish birth who came to America with her parents
when about eight years old. She became the mother
of three children ; Edith, Alice and one who died
in early infancy. Mr. Bray is proud to relate that
he cast his first ballot for "Old Abe", and he is a
stanch and sterling Republican of the old fashioned
sort. He is frequently solicited to fill offices of
trust in this township. He was Supervisor in 1860
and has been Treasurer fo'' one term. He is an
earnest and devoted member of the Methodist Epis-
copal C'hurch. His home farm comprises one hun-
dred and fifty acres and he has twenty more in
Olive Township. I'pon these he raises all kinds
of stock. He began life with *1,000 and has made
a fine advance in his possessions. He is very nat-
urally an<l properly proud of his ancestry, liis
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
645
great grandfather having coine from Yorkshire,
England before the time of the Revolutionarj' War.
Richard, the grandfather of our subject, was a Rev-
olutionary soldier and died in New Jerse3'.
"Alexander rawson ball, m. d.
There are great numbers of earnest,
ii thoughtful |)hvsicians throughout this
broad land who have devoted much time
to scientific research and who have won an honor-
able name among those to whom thej- have been
benefactors. One who seeks b^- studj* and patient
research the means of alleviating the miseries to
which all flesh is heir is entitled to the grateful
thanks of mankind, and such an one is Dr. Ball, of
Corunna. We are pleased to invite the attention
of the reader to his i)ortrait, presented on the op-
posite page, and to the following brief outline of
his life record.
A native of the State of New York, Dr. Ball was
born in Rutland Township, Jefiferson County, Oc-
tober 10, 1822. Ilis paternal grandfather, Nehe-
miah Ball, was a blacksmith at Elizabeth, N. J., af-
terward at Whitestown and in Jefferson County, N.
Y. Later he removed to Poultney, Steuben County,
N. Y., where he died. The family is of English de-
scent. The father of our subject, also named
Nehemiah. was a carpenter .".nd farmer in Jefferson
Count}', whither he had come with his parents in
1811, when quite young. Tie died in Rutland, that
count}-, in 1833, when only thirty-three j-ears of
age.
Eunice, the mother of our subject, w.as a daugh-
ter of Dr. Ozia Holmes Rawson, a native of East
Haddam, Conn., who practiced medicine at Whites-
ville, Jefferson Countj-, and died at the early age
of thirty years. He traced his ancestry back
through many generations to Edward Rawson, of
England, who was a minister for a time in Kent,
England, and was a member of the nobility. In
1696 he came to New England and settled in New-
bury, JIass. Following him in a direct line were
Grindall Rawson, who w:i3 graduated from Har-
vard in 1678, and Edmund Grindall, a graduate of
Yale College and a minister of the Gospel.
Two children blessed the home of the parents of
our subject, the sister of our subject being Man-
dana R., now Mrs. Hultz, of Ithaca, Gratiot County,
Mich. The devoted mother was taken from earth
in 1829, when still (juite young. Young Alexan-
der was only eleven years old when he was doubly
orphaned by the death of his remaining parent, and
he then went to Poultney, Steuben County, N. Y.,
where he was reared by an uncle, Nathaniel Ball,
a blacksmith. With him he remained until he was
sixteen years old, when he went to Prattsburg, the
same county, and attended an acadeni}-. While
there he began the study of medicine liUfler Dr. A.
D. Vorhees, teaching school at the same time.
In 1844 Dr. Ball came to Michigan and taught
at Niles, but three years later returned to Steuben
County, N. Y., to take to himself a wife. This
lady. Miss Delilah Weld, was born in Delaware
County, N. Y. The first home of the newl}--
wedded pair was in Rochester, that State, where the
young doctor engaged in the practice of medicine
until 1853, when he came to Eaton County and lo-
cated in Oneida Township, near Grand Ledge.
There he purchased a farm and while cultivating it
continued the practice of medicine for eight years.
After this he attended lectures at the Cleveland
Homeopathic IMcdical College, taking the degree of
Doctor of Medicine in 1862.
After practicing in Grand Ledge nine years, Dr.
Ball, in 18G2, moved to Marshall, Mich., where he
practiced his profession nine years; thence he re-
turned to Grand Ledge, remaining until 1874, and
goit)g from there to M.ason, Ingham County.
Four years later he came to Corunna, where he has
lately made a specialt}' of rectal disesises .along with
his general practice. Me was at one time iirofcssor
in the Michigan Homeopathic College at Lansing,
which was in a flourishing condition from 1872 to
1875.
Ten children have blessed the home of Dr. nn<l
Mrs. Ball, as follows: Warren W., who died at the
age of seventeen; Eunice, now Mrs. Archibald
Wrigley, of Shiawassee Township; Hannah Bell,
M. D., a graduate of the Michigan Homeopathic
College and a practicing (jhysician at .lackson;
646
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Alexander R., Jr., deceased; Delilah, now Mrs. 6.
Homer Jones, residing in Lansing; Mary, who died
in Lexington, N. C, in 1888; Aaron E., who re-
sides in Demorest, Ga. ; Marllia, now Mrs. E. W.
Ellis, who resides in Brooklyn, Jackson County,
Mich.; Kannj' Estella, now Mrs. S. B. Lyman, of
Corunua; Maude, a graduate of the high school of
Corunna, of the class of 1881, and of the Michigan
State Normal School, in 1884, taught school four
years in Charlotte, two j-ears in (irand Rapids and
is now attending tlie New England Conservatory of
Music at Bocton.
.Since 1864 Dr. Ball has been identified witli the
Masonic fraternity and is a Royal Templar of Tem-
perance, being Select Counselor in that organiza-
tion. He has belonged to the Prohibition party
since 1872 and was Ciiairman of the Count}' Com-
mittee for four years and a member of other im-
portant committees. He was a delegate to the
National Convention at Indianapolis, Ind.,in 1888,
and in every State Convention since 1872. He has
hold various offices in the Homeopathic State Med-
ical Association and when connected with the Med-
ical College at Lansing was Registrar and one of
the Trustees of that institution, besides holding the
Ciiair of Theory and Practice.
ST^ ZEKIEL I)E CAMP. In looking back over
IW| his past life this gentleman recalls a varied
/J I — ^ experience, which includes many interest-
ing incidents and some which were less agreeable
to participate in than thej- are to remember after
the lapse of years. He was early thrown upon
liis own resources and was not too proud to eng.age
in any iionest work by which he could add to his
means, and thus he saw life under phases not al-
ways known to lads. His early experiences in-
clude ditching, chopping, logging and sawmilling,
as well as the more common eraiiloyments of boy-
hood, and after he began a business life he carried
on different kinds of work as he saw an opening
for good returns from an investment. The town
of Ovid, Clinton County, has been the center of
his operations for some 'years past, and his home
is on a fine farm of one hundred and forty-five
acres adjoining the vdlage. He is well known in
the place as a financier and as a man largelj' in-
terested in real estate, who has bought and im-
proved both residence and business property.
The parents of our subject were Enoch and Eliza
(Austin) DeCamp. natives of New Jersey and New
York respcctivel}'. The father lived upon a farm
and taught school considerably, but devoted his
attention quite largelj' to inventions. Like most
men of inventive genius, his means were limited,
as the surplus was generally used in perfecting
some implement or machine which he felt a moral
obligation to give to the world. The son has
carefull}' preserved goods made by the father on
a machine that he invented for the use of two and
three warps. The family was living in Steuben
County, N. Y., when Ezekiel was born, Jidj' 31,
1831. The educational advantages of the lad were
limited to the common schools of those days, and
soon after he entered his teens he began to ca/e
for himself. He did much farm work, together
with other things before mentioned, and when but
eighteen }'ears old had charge of a lot of men in
the lumber woods, and prior to his twentj'-fourth
year was foreman for a large lumber firm in New
York. He came West when there was but twenty'
miles of railroad west of Lake Michigan and went
to Watertown and Madison, Wis., and to Chicago,
111., and engaged in a hardware store when it was
necessary to haul goods to those places with teams.
After varied experiences Mr. DeCamp came to
Clinton County in the spring of 1853, and settled
in Victor Township. After remaining there a year
he removed to Ovid Township and opened up a farm
six miles southwest of the village of Ovid. Tiiere
he remained until the fall of 1863, at which time
he had about one hundred acres cleared and im-
proved, supplied with good buildings anil well
stocked. He next established himself in the vil-
lage and for a year was book-keeper for W. C.
Bennett, who was eng.aged in general mercantile
business. He next formed a partnership with E.
M. and John A. Potter, under the firm name of
DeCamp, Potter & Co., the object being to carry
on a general mercantile business and handle pro-
duce and lumber. The connection lasted about
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
64?
eight years and when the firm was dissolved Mr.
DeCamp formed a partnership with Joiin Andrews
and George AV. Stici<nej' in the hardware business,
the style being DeCanip. .Stickuey & Co. This
firm also liandled agricultural implements. The
co-partnership continued about ten 3-ears and was
dissolved by the death of Mr. Sticknc}', which
occurred about 1880.
In 1882 Mr. DeCamp organized the banking
house of DeCamp, Upton & Co., which carried
on its work until November, 1884, when it was
merged into the First National Bank, of Ovid,
Mr. DeCamp becoming Vice-President and still
holding that office. During his residence in Ovid
he has built a substantial brick block here and has
improved several farms, doing much of the work
personally. He was at one time engaged in the
nursery' business here and once carried on the
manufacture of lumber and sliingles in Saginaw.
He has extensive farming interests and takes great
pride in improving outlying land and in keeping
high grades of stock. He has an ardent love for
fine animals, and the horses, cattle and sheep
upon his farm are notable among the herds in the
localit}'. His favorite cattle are Short-horns and
he breeds American Merino sheep. Mr. DeCamp
refers with a smile to the fact that when he came
to Ovid the main street was but an Imlian trail
and the present thriving village was onlj' a vision.
The estimable woman to whom Mr. DeCamp
owes the comfort of his home w.is formerly Miss
Poll}' E. Cross. She is a daughter of .Tolin L. and
Louise Cross, pioneers of Ovid, and at their home
she was married to our subject February 18, 1857.
Mr. and Mrs. DeCamp have three children, of
whom we note the following: Charles C. is en-
gaged in the general hardware business in Durand,
Midi., and is also a meml)er of the Durand Land
Company; Albert is a manufacturer in St. Louis,
Mo.; Antha E. Is the wife of H. N. Keys and lives
in Ovid.
In politics Mr. DeCamp is a Republican. He
was a warm sympathizer witli the North during
the Civil War and gave much toward the cause,
although he did not enter tiie army. While pre-
paring to go to the front he opened his house to
tlie disabled and sick, and hospitably entertained
and relieved ihem. He has been President of the vil-
lage of Ovid and is now a member of the Council.
In schools he h;;s alw.a3's been much interested and
for twelve }'ears he was a member of the Board of
Education. He has probably done fully as much
as any man in the township to advance the cause
of education and all agricultural interests, but
whenever it was possible he has kept out of oHice.
He has been President of the Agricultural Society
of Clinton and Shiawassee Counties, and with
his taste for agriculture has been efficient in that
position.
Mr. DeCamp has a Revolutionary relic that he
values ver}- highly. It is a musket which was car-
ried by his paternal grandfather, who came to
America with Gen. LaF.iyette, and the weapon
has additional value from the fact that the father
of our subject carried it during the War of 1812.
The maternal grandfather of Mr. DeCamp lived
in Boston in Colonial days and was one of the
Tea Party so famous on the pages of history.
=^^^
iiHOMAS V. CLANDENING. Among the
young farmers of Watertown Township, we
find the young man whose name appears at
head of this sketch. He is the son of Thomas E.
and Eliza (Morgan) Clandening, who were natives
of Ireland. The father was born in County Cavau
and the mother in County Longford. He is the
grandson of Tiioinas Clandening on his fatlier's
side and Thomas Morgan on his mother's side, be-
ing thus a double heir to his Christian name. Both
the Clandonin£,8 and the .Morgans have long been
prominent in militar}- circles of Great Britain, and
at one time there were seven members of the Clan-
dening family members of the Royal Army at the
militar}' barracks of Dublin.
The father of the subject of this sketch was born
about the year 1807, and was married .lanuaiy 1.5,
1838, about three 3-ears previous to his coming to
America. Upon arriving in this country he lo-
cated in New York Cit}-, where his son, Thomas
V. was l)orn October 18, 1842. When Thomas was
five years of age his parents moved to Albany
648
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
County, N. Y. where he grew to manhood. He
had only a district school education and early began
the efiforts for his own support. For some time
he worked in a store as clerk and then hired him-
self as an employe in a hotel.
At the time the war broke out the young man
felt the patriotic impulse to enter the army for the
defense of his native countr3', but he was effectually
prevented by circumstances over which he had no
control. He, however, was not content to remaiu
idle when his country needed help and he finally
enlisted in the State service, as a member of Com-
pany p], Eighty-second Regiment, Seymour Guards,
in which he was fourth Sergeant.
In 1867 this young man came with his parents
to Eaton Count}', Mich., where he assisted his
father on the farm, until the death of that parent^
January 27, 1889, after which sad event he took
charge of the properly, as he was the eldest. The
family consisted of seven children, three of whom
are still living. Anna E. is married to George
M^-rick, and resides in Buell County, Kan. Rich-
ard II. married M.iggie Crommie, and resides in
Bennington, this State. In politics Mr. Clenden-
ing is a stalwart Republican and he is intelligent
and alive in regard to the political issues of the
day. His mother is still living with him and pre-
sides over his household, in which worksiie is capa-
ble and efticient, although she has reached the age
of seventy-eight j-ears. He is a devout and ear-
nest member of the Church of England.
-^ft ICHAEL REIDY, one of
I \\\ business men of Corunna
J * Count}', is a practical pliarm
the prominent
la, Shiawasseee
rmacist and drug-
''' gist and also bandies a line of salt, gro-
ceries and lime. He was born in Albany, N. Y.,
fifty-seven years ago. His father Thomas, was a
native of County Limerick, Ireland, and came to
America at the .age of twenty years making his
home in Albany. In 1830 he removed to Ann
Arbor, this State, where he engaged in work, and
was for years the j.initor in the University building.
His wife, Catherine Sheehey, was a native of the
same county as himself. He died at the age of
of about sevent3'-five years. The mother is still
living at Ann Arbor, about seventy-eight years old.
The}' were both members of the Catholic Church,
in which faith they brought up their children, two
of whom grew to maturity, namely, our subject
and Mary A., who became Mrs. Gaffney, of Cale-
donia.
Being but a little one of two years and a half
when his parents came to Ann Arbor, Michael
Reidy grew up in the shadow of the university,
and after taking an academic course, he was
apprenticed at the age of seventeen, to the trade of
a machinist with Ch&pin & Loomis. After being
with them three years, he was with Nichols & Shep-
herd, of Battle Creek, for eighteen months. He
then went to St. Louis, Mo., and worked in the
the largest machine shop in that State, but in 1856
went to New Orleans, ^'icksburg, Mobile and other
points until the breaking out of the war, and re-
mained in the South until the war was over. After
the war he returned to New Orleans in charge of
refitting steamship plants. He went back and
forth as he could find the best opportunity to work
between New Orleans, Vicksburg, Mobile and Jack-
son, Miss. He frequently found work on the gun-
boats, and helped in putting in proper shape, the
rams "Arkansas" and ''Tennessee," He con-
tinued in th's occupation in the South all
through the war and received large wages, as he
was an excellent mechanic. He was captured at
Pilot Town at the mouth of the Mississippi and
brought before Gen. Canby, by whom he was
was placed in New Orleans prison for three months.
After his release he worked for the United States
Government on the steamship "Planet."
After the close of the war, Mr. Reidy returned
to Michigan and in 1866, eng.aged in the grocery
business, going into partnership with Mr. Gaffney,
a connection which lasted two years. After the
dissolution of that partnership, our subject bought
a fine stock of groceries and continued in that line
exclusively until 1870, after which he combined
that business with the drug trade. He has also at
same time handled lime, salt, shingles and cement.
He owns the store in which he carries on his busi-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
649
ness and another store where Ihnc is handled, and
carries altogether the lar>;est stock of these coinuio-
dities in town.
The marriajre of Mr. Reidy to Miss Kmma Cahell
look place in Flint, this State, Feb. 28, 1870. This
lady was born in Canada, and they are both devont
members of the Catholic Churcli which they helj)
to support by their means and inlUienee. Mr.
Reldy is a strong Democrat in his |)olitical views,
and has been made Alderman for one term in Co-
runna. He is identified with the Knights of Honor
and is a well known member of the State Pharma-
ceutical Association.
ROF. REUBEN M. WINSTON, Secretary
of the Clinton County Board of School Ex-
^' aminers, is a self-made man, having begun
life empty-handed and by his own exer-
tions procured a fine education in first-class insti-
tutions of learning. He was born in the town of
Green, Chenango County, N. Y., January 31,
18G0. His father, Adouiram .1. Winston, was born
in Albany County at Westcrlo. The grandfather,
George, was also a native of Westcrlo, Albany
County', that State, anil became a farmer at
Greene, and later in Coventry Township, Che-
nango County. He afterward disposed of his
projierty and removed to Waj'ne County, but is
now retired from active life and makes his home
in Palmyra. He has been a Deacon in tiie Bai)tist
Church for over (ifty years and a member for over
seventy years, and a man whose religious life and
strict integrity entitled him to the esteem which
he received in a large measure. The great-grand-
father, David, was a native of Albany County,
where he was a prominent farmer and lived to ex-
ceed the age of ninety-four years. Isaac, the
father of David, was a patriot and fought through
the Revolutionary War. The ancestry' is traced
to Wales.
The father of our subject was a notable Sunday-
school worker in his da^' and was prominent in
nearly every good work, although he died at the
age of thirty three years. In his earlier days he
mingled teaching with farming and ever forwarded
the interests of education. He was an earnest
Abolitionist and joined the Republican party soon
after its formation. He volunteered as a soldier
in the Civil War, but w:is rejected by the phys-
icians. His wife, Nancy Merrill, daughter of
p]benczer Merrill, was born in Chenango County,
N. Y. Her father was born near ^'ictor, in that
Stale, and was a pioneer of his part of the coun-
try. The mother of our subject passed away from
earth in 1863. Her children were early orphaned
b}' the death of their father, her son, Reuben M.,
being onl}- live years old at that time, after which
he went to live with his grandfather. In 1866 he
removed to Wayne County, N. Y., and divided
his lime between school and work on the farm,
having onl^' the advant.'iges at that time of the
common district school. When fourteen years old
he worked out dnrinn' the summers bj' the mcuith.
He afterward attended Walworth's Academy at
different times, working his own way. He also
attended the Palmj'ra Classical Union School,
which prepares its graduates thoroughly for a
future classical coiirse.
AVhen eighteen years ol<l the young man en-
gaged in teaching school, and in 1881 he came to
Michigan, where he taught the district schools and
in the village of Durand for some three years.
He then took the position of principal of the
graded schools of Maple Rapids, this county, for
four years, and was elected for the fifth year, but
owing to the fact that he had been appointed Sec-
retary of the County Board of School Examiners,
he resigned his [josition at Maple Rapids. At that
place he succeeded Prof. H. 11. E. Terr^', a gradu-
ate of Ann Arbor, and his notable success in the
management of those schools established his repu-
tation as an educator and led to his appointment
as Secretary' of the Board of Examiners. On
account of a change in the law he was elected
County Commissioner of Schools by the Board of
Supervisors June 25, 1891.
Prof. Winston is a stirring member of the board
and a hard fighter for every measure which he
considers necessary to the educational progress of
the county. His work in this direction occupies
all his attention, and his best efforts are given to
650
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
X
uphold the common schools of his county. He
takes an active part in institute work and has been
instructor in State institutes and teachers always
feel the impress of bis work. He was married at
Walworth, N. Y., in 1884, toMiss Josie M. Briggs,
a native of Sodus, Wayne County, N. Y. She is
a daughter of Caleb and Helen Briggs, her fa-
ther being a jeweler of considerable note. His
daughter was educated at Walworth Academy.
Three children bless the home of our subject —
Glenn M., Nina L. and Stanton. Mr. Winston is
identified with the Free and Accepted Masons and
is a stanch Republican in politics. He also be-
longs to tiie Knights of the Maccabees, of wiiich
he is Commander. He is a well-known and highly
honored member of the State Secretary's Associ-
ation and a member of the State Teachers' Asso-
ciation and bears a high reputation throughout
the commonwealth in educational circles, being a
mnn beloved and respected b}' all.
r/OHN F. BIISfGHAM. Prominent in politi-
cal, religious and agricultural circles is the
gentleman wiinse name heads this biogra-
phical sketch. His fine farm and pleasant
home are located on section 14, Rush Township,
Shiawassee County. He is a native of the
Wolverine State and was born in 1853. His father,
Lorenzo Biijgham, w.as a Vermont farmer and had
his nativity in October, 1818. In 1840 he married
Sarah Ililler, a daughter of John and Elizabeth
(Frank) Ililler, who were natives of New York and
became the parents of ten children.
The father of our subject came to Michigan in
1839 .and settled in Flint, buying forty acres of
land and cutting from it the timber. In 1846 God
called him to preach His word and he remained
faithful until death. He lived there for twelve
years and then moved to Oakland County, making
his home for about eleven years in Independence
Township. His wife's mother had died in 1834
and a few years later Mr. Ililler came to Michigan
and made his home with his son, Jacob Ililler, until
his death in 1863. The father removed, in 1869,
to Shiawassee County and bought eighty acres of
land in Burns Township. In this home they re-
mained until the deaih of Lorenzo Bingham, Octo-
ber 1, 1870.
John Bingham is one of a family of four sons
and two daughters born to his parents. He was
married in 1878 to Sarah Beals, eldest daughter of
Philip and Catherine (Epley) Beals. Mr. and Mrs.
Beal were Ohio people and had a family of two
sons and throe daughters. In 1880 Mr. and Mrs.
John Bingham moved to Rush Township, where
they bought eighty acres of land, to which they
have since added five acres more. They have three
bright and interesting children — Cora May, Ella C.
and Philip J.
Our subject's political views led him toall3' him-
self to the Republican party until about the year
1886, since which time he has cast his vote for Pro-
hibition. He and his earnest Christian wife arc con-
sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
in which Mr. Bingham is Class-Leader and Steward
and he is also Superintendent of the Sunday-school.
The family feels a just pride in the records
of past generations of worthy ancestors. James
Bingham, the grandfather of our subject, was a far-
mer and a native of Vermont, being born about
1770. B3' his first marriage he had several chil-
dren and the second marriage, in 1817, with Polly
Baker, gave him one daughter and four sons, of
whom Lorenzo, the father of our subject, was the
eldest. The father of James was Jeremiah, an Eng-
lishman by birth, who liad several sons and many
grandsons, some of whom became missionaries of
the Cross. Bingharapton, N. Y., was named after
a brother of Jeremiah. Mrs. Lorenzo Bingham is
a very intelligent and deligiitful woman and is
spending her declining j'ears witii her son John.
•^^
,,.., LMON B. CLARK. Among the able
!OI financiers of Shiawassee County, who have
done much to build up the commercial
life and industries of the county, we are
pleased to note the name which stands at the head
of this brief sketch. Mr. Clark is a banker at
rORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
651
Morrice, and a iimn liiglily esteemed I)Otli for char-
acter and social quaiilies. There is probaldy no
man who has done so inucli as he to buiUi up the
business interests of his town. He is sole owner
of the bank and of the furniture store which is in
connection with it ai:d is a partner in a hardware
store with tlie son-in-law. He is proud to count
himself a native of the county in which he has
spent his life, as lit- was born in Vernon Township,
Shiawassee County, September 10, 1837.
Our subject's father, John 15. Clark, was a native
of Pennsylvania and his grandfather a native of
Massachusetts, of English descent. He was both a
weaver and farmer, and died in Penns3'lvania, after
completing a century of upright and worthy living.
The father added to his agricultural pursuits the
trade of a tanner and currier, which line of work
he followed until he removed to this State in 18.'3(j.
He had lived in New York State a few years pre-
vious to his emigration to the West, and made his
journey in tiie good old-fashioned way by team to
Buffalo, and thence by boat to Detroit, taking team
again from that city to tiiis county. There were
llieu but few families here and the eighty acres
which he bought needed hard and [)Pr3evcring la-
bor to subdue them from their wild condition to
that of a farm.
John B. Clark built a log house and established
his home. Indians abounded but were friendly
and helpful and he found them good neighbors.
He hunted considerably and killed a good many
deer. Detroit and Pontiac were his two tr.ading
points and it took a week to go to cither and re-
turn in those early days. He vyas a stanch Demo-
crat in i)olitics. He passed away from earth in
1842.
The lady who for so many years faithfully
walked side by side with John B. Clark in his
journey of life, bore the maiden name of Lois
Smedley. She was a native of Massachusetts and
died at the age of sixty-nine, leaving four chil-
dren, j\laria, Charles S., Almon and Judson. The
mother's father was a farmer and died in Pennsyl-
vania. Her family was of English and Welsh
extraction.
In the early days of our subject Indians were
more plentiful than white people and he remem-
I
bers with great zest his boyish encounters with
deer, and his visit to the Indian camps, for their
reservation was only two miles away. He was
early left fatherless as that parent was taken from
his family by death wiien Almon was only live
years old. The mother married a second time,
becoming Jlrs. Alanson Horton, and removed to
Bemiington Township iu 1816, being accompanied
in her removal by our subject. The common dis-
trict school and the pioneer log school'iouse were
the seats of learning in which he took his early
education, and the3' were carried on under the rate
bill system, three months in the summer and three
mouths in the winter constituting the school year.
When eighteen years of age the youth began
teaching and exercised his powers in this direction
in Burns, Perry and Bennington Townships, the
schools in which he taught being also carried on
under the rate-bill system. He made an ar-
rangement to buy the homestead on condition
of taking care of his mother and stepfather
during their declining years. To this land he
added by purchase and at one time owned two hun-
dred and fifty acres, more than two hundred of it
being under cultivation. He had a fine orchard,
consisting of five hundred apple trees and he car-
ried on mixed farming.
Mr. Clark moved to Morrice and buying an ele-
vator went into the grain trade. But this was not
exactly in his line of work and he disposed of it
and established a bank later in the same year. He
subsequently added the furniture business to his
enterprise and went into the hardtvare trade; with
his son-in-law, Edward Allen. He holds stock in
the Detroit Loan Company of which he is the
local Treasurer and Attorney. His marriage with
Minerva Whitford, April 30, 1850, has resulted in
the birth of one ciiild — Lois. Mrs. Clark was
l)orn in Perry Townsliij), this county, in Ma}', 1838.
Her daughter, Mrs. Lois Allen, has one child, Ar-
thur. Mr. and Mra. Clark contribute liberally to
the support of the Methodist Church with which
that lady is connected as a member.
Mr. Clark is connected with a number of the
social orders and has also been i)laced by his fellow-
citizens in various positions of trust and responsi-
bilil}'. For one term he was Supervisor of Ben-
652
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
nington Townsliip and lie has been President and
Trustee of the village of Morrice. He was nom-
inated in 1871 on the Democratic ticket for State
Senator, but was defeated although he ran largely
ahead of his ticket. He is a member of the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, Shiawaseee Lodge.
He was instrumental with John A. Jlorrice, in rais-
ing a subscription of $3,000 to secure tlie location
of a town at this point. He buih the beautiful
home in which he now resides in 188.3, and after
buying the two-story brick building in which the
hardware store is located, enlarged it by an addi-
tion of one hundred feet to its length. This brief
sketch docs not adequately detail the broad influ-
ence and sterling character of the gentleman of
whom it speaks.
'^^m-
"iY^OHN MIKAN. Every steamer that crosses
the broad Atlantic freighted with precious
souls, bears to our country hundred of citi-
zens of other lands, the m.ajority of whom
have no ca|)ital except energy' ai'd perseverance.
From Castle Garden they scatter through different
States, but wherever they locate they become an
integral part of the communit}-, and as a rule are a
very desirable class of residents. Of none is this
more true than of our German-American citizens,
who bring to their adopted home those traits of
character which enable them to become identified
with any given section, and contribute their quota
to its improvement.
Certainly the growth of Shiawassee County has
been promoted in no inconsiderable degree by the
labors therein of Mr. Mikan, whose name intro-
duces this brief biographical outline. Side by side
with his brother, V. Mikan, whose sketch appears
elsewhere in this volume, he has labored for their
common weal. He was born in Bohemia, Germany,
June 19, 1835, and was reared in his native place,
early learning those lessons of thrift and industry
which have stood him in such good stead in his
later career as an agriculturist. His parents, V.
Mikan, Sr., and Anna (Saka) Mikan, were natives
of Bohemia, whence with their children they emi-
grated to the New World in the year 1854. The
mother passed away some years ago, leaving
her husband in the care of his affectionate sons,
who cherish him in his declining years. They
have made their home in Vernon Township, Shia-
wassee County, since 1857, at which time they re-
moved to this State from Wisconsin, where they
had first located.
Both brothers are hard working men who live on
the same section, with their homes only one-half
mile apart, John's house being east of his broth-
er's. They scarce!}' know what it is to have any
separate interests, for they have always worked in
such harmonj', and with such similar aspirations,
that the}' have not allowed self-interest to divide
them. Their original purchase has been so increased
that they now own six hundred and fort}- acres in
partnership, part of it in Shiawassee County, and
part in Genesee County.
John Mikan was married in 1875, to Kate Barka,
and they have two daughters, Anna and Milla. It
was in 1887 that he erected the house where his
family now resides, and a view of which appears on
another page. It is a two-story frame building, and
cost $2,000, its fine appearance attracting universal
admiration. His barn, which is 40x70 feet on the
ground, with a heighth of twenty feet at the
side, cost $1,200. It is with great pleasure that we
make note of this (ileasant family circle, and of the
prosperity which has attended the efforts of the
brothers.
-5-H^^>g4^-^
I^ANIEL RIDENOUR, a well-known citi-
I JJJ zen of St. John's, was born in Richland
(^^ County, Ohio, September 12, 1819. His
father, Jacob, was a Mar3lander, and came
when a young man from State to Pennsylvania,
thence to Ohio about the j'car 1818. There he set-
tled upon a farm when the country was still new
and full of wild game, such as deer, wild turkeys,
etc. He left Ohio in 1852, and coming to Clinton
County, Mich., located in Essex Township, where
he continued to live until his death, which trans-
pired when he was about ninety j-cars old. He
was one of the honored veterans of the War of
I -^i-L 4"A jy-.-^Jgygi^^g^ ' '}
SSJ.-|^gwW^iL^^^^
RESIDENCE or DAt'JIEL RIDENQU R.SEC.G., Bl NGH Af/1 TR^CLMITON C0.,M1CH.
RE5IDEhiCE OF JOHN M I K AN , 5IC. 13.,VFR N ON TP., 3H I AWAS.SLL CO., M ICH .
POPwTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
655
1812. His good wife, Nanc}- Brown, wlio was tlie
niotlier of ten diildrcn, also lived to an advanccl
age. and died just previous to the demise of her
husband.
Our subject is one of the three children of the
parental famil}- now living, and was reared upon
the farm and received his education there and in
the log schoolhouse. When he could get time to
attend it, he went to school, but had to work at
home most of the time. One employment to whic'.
the hoj'S were put in those da3's was acting the part
of animated threshing machines, bj- tramping out
the grain upon the floor of the log barn. He re-
mained at home until he reached the age of twenty-
four years, and in 1843 went to Richland County,
whore he farmed on shares for several years. In
his early daj's as now, he was marked as unusually
industrious ami enterprising, and a man for whom
he was farming on shares, was so well satisfied with
his endeavors as to regret greatly to have him
leave. He made him a liberal offer, promising not
only to give him one-half of all he could raise, but
also to build him a house.
In 1852 Mr. Ridenour came by team lo Clinton
County, this State, and settled on section G, liiiig-
ham Township. He bought part of his land from
the Government and part from a farmer. It was
an unbroken forest, and he went to work with his
ax to cut down logs with which to build his house.
The country was full of game, and he killed many
fine specimens of the deer, and three bears. In-
dian neighbors were abundant and friendly, some-
times aiding him in his work. He proceeded to
clear and improve his entire farm, and it was not
long before he had fine crops of grain. There was
no market for his grain short of Detroit, to which
it must be drawn by team. But,he readily found
sale for all he could raise among his neighbors who
had not been able to get in a harvest.
Mr. Ridenour has been three times married. His
first wedding was in 1 843, when he was united with
Alpheta Munson, of Medina Count}-, Ohio. .She
died in 1845, leaving one daughter, Mary. Her
sister Almyra became his second wife in 1840, and
died in 1874. She was the mother of seven chil-
dren— Alpheta, Frank, Jane, Daniel, Edward, Ad-
die, and one who died in infancy. His third mar-
riage took place in 1875, when lie was joined in
wedlock with Ladema Kentfiehl, of New York.
The political views of our subject are in accord
with the utterances of the Democratic part)-, and
he is conscientious in casting his ballot, but does
not take an active part in political matters. He
has three hundred and eighty-eight acres in his
home farm, and in addition has two hundred acres
in Isabella Countj-, and besides this he has given lo
each of his children a handsome tract of land. He
began life with nothing, and says that he was so
poor he could not afford to buy a plow, although
he could get a good one for *5. He has been a
hard w-orker and is a successful man. His residence,
a view of which will be found elsewhere in this
volume, is an ornament to the township, and he
has just completed a commodious and capacious
barn to replace one that was destroyed by light-
ning last year.
r*>~-
■i»^>£^^^^^tT^Zf<^
<A )»; I L L I A M HECK. A visitor to Essex
\r\j// Township, Clinton County, would not long
\V/ V/ be ignorant of the name and fame of Wil-
liam Heck, as he is one of the most prominent
farmers in the localitj'. He is one of those upon
whom Dame Fortune has been showering her
favors, led to do so by his persistent industry,
good judgment and upright dealing with others.
When he came to this State he liad but limiteil
means, but a wise use of his small fund And perse-
vering toil have resulted in making uim one of the
well-to-do agriculturists of the township. He
occupies a line farm on section IjJ, where substan-
tial buildings may be seen, together with good
stock and a full supply of modern machinery. The
dwelling he now occupies is one of the mos'. attrac-
tive in the county, being large, of pleasing design
and evidently sub.slantially and well arranged. It
was erected in 1874 and is surrounded with the
adornments that befit a rural home.
Mr. Heck was born near Geneva, Seneca County,
N. Y., September 23, 1830, and his father, George
Heck, was born in the same locality in 1808. The
latter has always been engaged in farming and has
056
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
been so successful that he now combines monej'-
loaning with thiit occupation. He belongs to the
Methodist Episcopal Church in which he has been
Class-Leader for more than forty years. His wife,
the mother of our subject, who was known in her
maidenhood as Margaret Hofstoter, was born in
New York and died in 1878 when tiireescore and
ten years old. She was a woman of strong religious
convictions and for many years belonged to the
Methodist Episcopal Church. The family of which
our subject is the eldest, consists of seven children,
all living but one.
The gentleman of whom we'write spent his early
years in the manner customar}- to farmers' sous,
attending the district school and doing various
kinds of work on the estate until he liad grown
nearlv to manhood. When about twenty- years old
he became a high school student, first at Prattsburg
and then at Lima, and when of age he began teach-
ing, a VFork which he continued during six terms.
In 1854 he became clerk in a grocery store in
Penn Yan, where he was employed three years.
At the expiration of that time he came to this
State and selected a location in Clinton Couuty, a
short distance north of St. John's. He bought
eighty acres of land in the woods tiial had a 12x14
shanty on it, and taking possession of the little
residence, he cleared about thirty acres around it
and made other improvements. He made that his
home some seven years then sold it and bougiit
land in Essex Township, on which he has since
resided. His first jjurchase liere was of one hundred
and forty acres which was but partly improved.
To this he has added and he now owns two hun-
dred and forty acres which have been placed in fine
condition. He has always taken delight in horses,
and Percheron, Ilambletonian and Morgan are the
breeds for which he manifests a preference. For
years Mr. Heck has been a strong believer that the
road to wealth was mixed farming, and by dili-
gence and dint of labor all men could succeed.
September 6, 1859, was the day on which Wil-
liam Heck and Caroline Van Scoy were united in
marriage. The bride vi'as born in De Witt Town-
ship, Clinton Couuty, and fo the biographical
sketch of her father, the Hon. Rowland S. Van
Scoy, the reader is referred for her ancestral his-
tor}'. She possesses a rare degree of intelligence
and capability, having had her faculties developed
by careful training, and she fills a place of honor
not only in her own home but in the society of the
neighborhood. She is an humble, earnest Chris-
tian, holding membership in the Congregational
Cliurch. From her father's estate she inherited
two hundred and sixt}' acres of land in De Witt
Township and four hundred and tliirty acres in
Essex Township. Slie has borne her husband two
sons: Seldon M., born January 2, 18Gl,and George
R., Marci! 18, 1864. The elder is a pro9]>erous
farmer in De AVitt Township and the younger is
preparing to enter upon the practice of law some-
where in the State. George is an exceedingly
bright young man, with a promising future before
him, and has every assurance of success in his
chosen profession. He is a graduate of the law
department of the college at Valparaiso, Ind.
Mr. Heck has advanced the interest of the trav-
eling public while serving as Commissioner of
Highwaj's and he has held other local offices to
the general satisfaction. As Justice of the Peace, an
office he has held four jears, he has decided wisely
and justly and has done much to jiromote law and
order in his locality. In politics he is a Republi-
can. An honorable, trustworthy citizen, a first-class
farmer and a social, friendly man, Mr. Heck is
held in good repute b^' his acquaintances and
among tiiose who know him best he has many
warm friends and admirers.
■■"'•'0^t"^t'"
"ifiOSEPlUTS. WOODHULL. a fine old gentle-
man of marked ability and noble character,
who was the first settler in W^oodhuU Town-
sliip of Shiawassee Count}', which is named
after him, was Ijorn in Phelps, Ontario Count}', N.
Y., September 19, 1815. His father, Joseph, was
born on Long Island. N. Y., in 1761, as was also
his grandfather Zebulon WoodhuU, whose natal
year was 1737.
The family is of English descent and springs
from two brothers who came over to this country
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
G57
during llic times of the French and Indinn Wars.
The grandfather was a fanner aii<l died in 178".).
The father was reared on tlie farm Mnd :dso learned
the Uiilor's trade but did not follow it to any con-
siderable extent. He owned two iuindrcd acres of
land in Ontario County, N. V., but came West to
live with his children in November, 18;5G, dyin^
here in 1811, when seventy-seven years old. He
was a member of the Baptist Church and in politics
was iu earl}' life a Democrat and later a Whig.
Catry Robison AVoodhull, the mother of our
subject, was a native of New York and was born
January 9, 1774. She reared nine children to ma-
turit}', namely: John, Betsey, Lena, Nancy,
Reaves, Almira, Louisana. \'icnna and Josephus.
Of all this number our subject and Ezra R., are
the only ones living. Their mother jiasscd awaj'
from earth September 9, 18.59. Like her husband
she was a member of the Baptist Church. Her
family bore an honorable record for patriotism,
and her father, John D. Robison, a native of New
York, where he was born in 1744, was a carpenter
and joiner by trade and also a farmer. But he
joined the army as a Commissary during the Revo-
lutionarj' War and was also a soldier in the French
War with the English. He was the first settler of
Phelps, Ontario County, where he made his home
in 1788. He was of Scotch descent and a man of
sterling char.icler. He died in Phelps, after hav-
ing reached the advanced age of eight3'-fivc years.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the
district schools and trained upon the farm, where
he remained until he reached his twcnly-lirst year.
He then, in September, 1836, came to Michigan,
making the trip by water accompanied by his
mother and sister while his father and brother
John came by Canada driving the team. He first
settled on section 4, Woodhull Township, which
was then, of course, unnamed, and built the lirst
bouse within its bounds. The nearest neighbor
was at Laingsburg, three miles north. The Indians
were very neighborly and ver}- numerous and fre-
quent visitors to his log house. He caught a few
deer with the help of his dog but he never shot at
one. Wolves and bears also abounded. In those
days it was a serious matter to go marketing or
even to go for the mail as the former took a m.an
to Detroit and the lallor to Howell in Livingston
County. Mr. Woodhull ma>'.e a trip to Detroit in
1837 with two yokes of oxen and a covered wagon
to secure a supply of Hour niul provisions. He had
to follow Indian I rails and to ford streams and the
trip consumed fifteen days. He remained in that
carl}' home for si.xteen years and [)iit the farm in
an improved condition.
Mr. Woodhull's health failing he concluded that
his days of hard work were over and moved to
Lansing where he lived for seven years. His health
became decidedly improved and he decided that
he would .again go into the countr}-, so he bought
the farm where he now resides, a fine tract of one
hundred acres and moved upon it. Three-fourths
of this land was then improved and had upon it a
log house. His marriage November 20, 1845,
uniteil him with Phfebe A. Laing, who was born
in Saratoga, N. Y., March 27, 1822. Her parents,
Peter and Mary (Calkins) Laing, natives of New
York State, came to Michigan in 1833, and settled
in Saline Townsiiip, Washtenaw County, and later
removed to Shiawassee County. Mr. Laing was
the first settler at Laingsburg which bears his name.
He kept hotel there for a number of 3"cars and
passed away from earth April 13, 1865. His wife,
who was the mother of eight children, preceded
hiin to the other world, lliirt}' years before
his death.
The subject of this sketch has had three children
one only now living, the others having been
snatched from their parents arms before reaching
the age of two j'cars. The son, Charles, married
Katie Corcoran, who died Februaiy 8, 1891. They
were the parents of three children two of whom are
living.
Mr. Woodhull has two hundred and forty acres
of land but gave his son one hundred acres. He
built the house in which he now lives in 1871 and
erected his large barn in 1868. He carries on
mixed fanning, raising both stock and grain. He
is a Bai)tist in religion and w.as Deacon for a long
term of years at both Laingsburg and Lansing, and
was for many years a Republican in politics but of
late calls himself an li)dei)eii(leiit. He served as
Supervisor of this township a number of terms and
was elected County Treasurer during the war, but
658
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
as the soldier vote was thro>vn out he had to give
lip the oHice after one month's incumbenc}'. For
fourteen j'ears he lias held the office of Justice of
the Peace, and lias also lield other offices in the
township. As an agriculturist he is deeply inter-
ested in all movements wliicii tend to the improve-
ment of the farmers and is identified with the
Grange, believing that tiiat is helpful toward their
social and financial prospcrit}'.
-I
-^
^^EORGE T. MASON. Among the pioneer
III ,— -, families of Shiawassee County none arc more
^^J|l prominent than the Masons, who for half a
century have been identified with eveiy interest of
tills section. Several of its members are now among
the more active and progres3ivc citizens and one of
these is the subject of this biographical sketch. His
home is on section 17, Owosso Township, and is
one of the pleasautest in the county, being supplied
with every comfort heart can wish and presided
over b3' a lady of excellent taste and housewifely
skill.
In September, 1839, Ezra L. and Albert B. Ma-
son, with their families, came to Ov^osso Town-
ship in the ohl lumbering stage wagon. The}' were
given accomodations bj- the Stimson family, who
allowed them the use of one room in au out kitchen
for a few days, until the land which had been [lur-
chased the 3'ear before could be located by com-
pass, a trail cut through the timber and a small log
house built. Into the little cabin the two families
moved and the elders began to carve out tlieir for-
tunes. Lumber was so scarce that not enough
could be obtained to make a door and quilts were
substituted and used for months. Ezra Mason was
born in Rochester, N. Y., October 17, 1813, and
was the son of Ezra Mason, 8r., a native of Ver-
mont. The father of that gentleman had emigrated
from Ireland early in the eighteenth century'.
Ezra M.ason was married in early life to Harriet
Mason of Ohio, who died iu 1818. He subse-
quently married Sarah Whaley, who is still living,
her present liome being in Ovid, Clinton Count}',
and she being the wife of William Wood worth.
Mr. Mason died in Owosso December 15, 1885, a
few J'ears after he had removed to that place. His
family consisted of seven children — Esther, wife of
Isaac Whaley of Kent (-'ounty; Wealthy, formerly
the wife of R. Dotj' of Oakland Count}', who died
in April, 1889: Ezra, ex-County Treasurer and
now operating a farm in Shiawassee County; George
T., the subject of this sketch; William H., a lum-
ber dealer in Owosso; David, who died in boyhood,
and Lyman, who breathed his last in 1881.
When the Masons settled here they were upon
the extreme verge of civilization, there being no
known settlements north of them and none to the
west for scores of miles. What is now Owosso
Township contained but two families outside of the
little hamlet of Owosso, where not more than a
dozen shanties stood. The Griggs and Wilkinsons
had been here a short time and made a small clear-
ing two miles from the land of the Masons. ■ Ezra
Mason was a practical surveyor and was soon
called far and near to locate the lands of the new-
comers, and mucii of his time was thus occupied,
llis brother Albert gave his attention to clearing
and developing a farm and encountered difficulties
so great that he was at times on the point of aban-
doning his ert'orts and returning to New York, es-
pecially when ill health combined with other disad-
vantages to darken his pathway. Time after time
the brothers had to renew their courage by noting
the greater misery of others and strengthen their
resolve to continue their struggle.
Success finally came to them and in addition to
securing a competence and a desirable home they
gained the unlimited respect and confidence of
neighbors and friends. Thoir homes became tiie
headquarters of social gatherings, and their inter-
est was sought in every important movement, and
not iu vain. They lived to see the forest trans-
formed into cultivated lands where hundreds of in-
telligent and industrious people found sustenance;
in place of the elk, bear and antelope once hunted
by the aborigines whose trail crossed their farms,
they saw herds of domestic animals.
The name of the gentleman whose name intro-
duces these paragraphs took place February 2, 1842,
and his life was spent in the usual w.ay until the
breaking out of the Civil War. He then shared iu
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
659
the excitement attendant upon the hostilities and
was not content until in 1863 he was able to enter
the service as a private in Company H. Klevenlli
Michigan Cavahy. He served two years, less fifteen
days, when the close of the war released him from
a soldier's duties and he resumed farm work. Dur-
ing the most of the time that he was at the front
he was in the command of Gcu. Stoneman, and he
participated iu nearly all of the (ifly-uine engage-
ments that are credited to the regiment. He was
Orderly to Gen. Oillam during a raid of eighty
days, and was frequently on guar<l duty. When he
returned home he took up farm work in Middle-
bnr}- Township, but in 18C8, after visiting Mis-
souri and Iowa on a prospecting tour, he bought
the farm he now occupies.
The marriage of Mr. Mason and Hannah A.
Shepard, daughter of Samuel Shepard, was solemn-
ized November 25, 1869. The bride was born in
Owosso Township, March 11, 1845, and belongs to
a well-known and highly respected family. She
has had two children — Myrtie A., born June 26,
1878, and Bertha A., who was born October 10, 1871,
but lived only to tlic age of four and a half 3'cars.
Mr. Mason is one of those who believe it the duty
of every citizen to exercise the right of suflfrage
unfailingly, !iiid he is alwaj's found at the polls on
election day depositing a Republican ballot. He
is an active supporter of llie Methodist Protestant
Church, of which he is a meralier, and works with
the society iu all the benevolent and progressive
enterprises. He also lakes an active part in the
promotion of educational iutcresl.s, and has done
much to advance the general welfare of the agri-
cultural coninumity of which he is an inlluenlial
and soli<l member.
-f^"
-St=5-
'^x R. D. C. HOLLKY, a prominent phvsician
I Jl) of Shiawassee County, and engaged in
(^3^ practice in Vernon, was born in Seneca
Count}-, N. Y., on the 9th of August,
1826. He is descended from one of the early New
England families, which during Colonial d.ays was
established in America. His grandfather, Gideon
Holley, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., and
his father. Ransom W. Holley, was a native of Del-
aware Count}-, N. Y., born in February, 1797. At
the age of six years he was taken to Seneca County,
whore he was reared to manhood. In his youth he
learned the carpenter and joiner's trade and be-
came an extensive contractor. While living in
Ovid, Seneca County, he built a fine Methodist
Church, was the architect of a Presbyterian Cluirch
in Aurora, N. Y., also built the Dutch Reformed
Church of Farmer, the Masonic Hall of Ovi<l, and
a great man}- elegant residences. He married Sarah
Clark, who was born in Providence, R. I., October
4, 1799, and was the youngest child of B. and
Sarah Clark. When a maiden of fifteen summers
she went to Seneca County, N. Y., where she be-
came the wife of Ransom W. Holle}-, at the age
of twenty-one years. Unto them were born nine
children, four sons and live daughters, of whom
three are now living — Monroe, a resident of Kent
County, Mich.; Mrs. Harriet HulT of Kent County;
and the Doctor.
In 1831, Mr. Ransom W. Holley, with his family
emigrated to Jlichigan, going ilirect to Detroit,
from whence he went to Saline and later to North-
ville, Wayne County. Soon afterward he located
upon a farm in Novi Township, Oakland County,
where he made his home until coming to Shiawassee
County, in 1836. He entered land from the Gov-
ernment where the village of A'ernon now stands
and built the second log house in the place, there
making his home until his death. He took a i)iom-
iiieiit part in public affairs during the early histor}-
of the county. He attended the first township
meeting in Vernon Township, was the first Super-
visor of the town and one of the first Justices of
the Peace. He held the office of County Commis-
sioner in 1837, and in 1856, was elected County
Treasurer, a position which he held two years. In
politics he was first a Whig, but on the organiza-
tion of the Ropulilican |)arly j(>incd its ranks. So-
cially, he was a Royal Arch Mason and attended the
convention of thai lodge in Albany during the time
of the Morgan trouble. He was one o' live persons
who organized the first Presbyterian Church in
this count}' and continued his connection with it
until the Congregational churcli was organized wlicn
660
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
he joined tliat body and served as Deacon or Elder
until his death. He was appointed a single com-
missioner to build the Court House in the County
and drew the plans and superintended the work.
He departed this life in Sei)tembcr, 1860. Ran-
som W. HoUey was one of nature's noblemen, a
friend to the poor, a valued citizen and a trusted
companion. His loss was deeply regretted by a
large circle of acquaintances and lie is still cher-
ished in the memory of many friends.
Dr. HoUey, whose name heads this sivetch, was
the fourth cliild and third son of that honored pi-
oneer. He began his school life in Nortiiville,
Oakland County, and attended the common schools
until the age of eighteen, when he began teaching.
A year later he entered upon the stud}' of medicine
and after two years' private study entered the
Michigan University in the autumn of 1850, grad-
uating in March, 1853. He also was a student in the
NewYork College of Surger}' and tlie Jefferson Med-
cal College of Philadelphia, Pa. He has practiced
his profession for two j'ears in Detroit, for four
years in Grand Rapids and about thirty-six years
in Vernon, where he has built up an excellent prac-
tice and won for himself a reputation as one of the
leading physicians of the county.
In 1853, Dr. Holley was united in marriage with
Miss Rachel Y., the second daughter and fourth
child of Stephen and Nancy (Madden) Rogers,
natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Hollj' was born in
Oakland County, Mich., September 1, 1832, and
there grew to maturity. Both of her parents have
now passed away. Unto the Doctor and liis wife
have been born five children — Milton R., a resident
of Mecosta County, Midi., married Margaret
Young and to them have been born six children,
four sons and two daughters. Florence Irene is
the wife of George B. Clarke,of Vernon, and unto
them have been born six children, four of whom
are now living. Lillian May is the wife of John
Y. INIartin, a resident of Caledonia Township, this
county, and Clarence M. comi)leles the family.
liotli the Doctor anil Mrs. Holley are members
of the Congregational Church, of which he has
served both as Trustee and Deacon, and while liv-
ing in Grand Rapids, Mich., he also served as
Deacon of the church in that city. Socially, he is
a member of the Masonic fraternity and is con-
nected with several medical societies. He was
President of the Grand Rapids AeadecDy of Medi-
cine in 188G, and President of the Owosso Medi-
cal Society for two j'ears and of the Union Medi-
cal Society of Waj'ne, Oakland and Washtenaw
Counties.
Doctor Holley- hag made of his profession a life
study, each year adding to his rich store of knowl-
edge concerning the science. His skill and ability
have long been recognized by the people of this
countj' and have won him a liberal and lucrative
practice. He ranks high among his professional
brethren and his reputation is justly deserved.
SA D. WEHPPLE, Cashier of the Owosso
Savings Bank, is one of the most popu-
lar citizens of that thriving young city.
,^^ This bank was organized January 13,
1891, as a successor to the Second National Bank.
He was born at Plymouth, 'Wa3'ne County, Mieli.,
October 10, 1857, an(1 is the only son of Thomas
S. and Emily J. (Snell) AVhipple, both of whom
are natives of New York, whence, about 1840,
they removed to Michigan witli their parents, who
settled near Plymouth. The mother of our sub-
ject was a daughter of Anson Snell, who lives at
Shearer, Mich. His father, Thomas S. Whipple,
was the son of Calvin Whijiple, whose ancestors
came from England.
The boyhood and early school days of our sub-
ject were passed in Plymouth and vicinity'. At
the age of seventeen he entered the high school
at Ann Arbor. After pursuing his studies there
two years he entered Michigan Universit}', from
which he was gradu:ited as M. A. in 1881. After
graduation he went to Constantine, St. Joseph
Count}', Mich., where, for two years, he acted as
Teller of tiie Farmers' National Bank. In 1884
he removed to Owosso, entering the First National
Bank as book-keeper, and was soon after made
Cashier, in which capacitj' he continued until the
bank went into voluntary liquidation, and wound
up its affairs. He then took the position of
rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
G61
Cashier in the City Bank at Battle Creelt and re-
mained tiiere for three years. In January, 1889,
lie returned to Owosso to talie ciiarge of the Sec-
ond iS'alional Bank.
Here Mr. Whipple acted as Cashier until tlie
Second National Bank was re-organized as the
Owosso Savings Hank, when he was made Cashier
of the new institution, which is considered one of
the solid enterprises of the city. The Owosso
Savings IJank carries on a general hanking business
and has in connection with that a savings depart-
ment, including a Nickle Savings Stamp .System
for small deposits. The bank has a paid-up capi-
tal of *100,000. Mr. Whipple and David .M. Es-
tey are also owners of the Queen Cart Compan}- at
Owosso.
Mr. Whipple was married in 1887 to Miss Elsie
M. Collier, of Owosso, a daughter of George W.
and Aurelia M. Collier. This lady was born,
reared and educated in Owosso and her parents
were pioneers of this city. Oni; son, .Joseph C,
has blessed the home of this intelligent couiile.
Mr. Whipple is a Knight Templar and a Knight
of the Maccabees. He is a Republican in his
political views and warmly interested in the future
of his party. His beautiful residence on West
Oliver Street is surrounded by attractive grounds
and is in .<» delightful neighborhood.
y;ILLlAM RUSSELL, a venerable and rep-
resentative pioneer of (Treenbush Town-
W^/ ship, Clinton County, is a native of Oswe-
go County, N, Y.. and was born .hily 1.3, 1815.
He is a son of .Toseph and Jane (Xeal) Russell,
both natives of New York. The ancestry on his
father's side was English and on his mother's side
Welsh and Irish. The father was a soldier in the
War of 1812. in which he did good service for his
country. Four of his children now survive:
James, William, Thomas and Alfred. 'I'lie first
three live in Grecnbush Township and the fourth
in Gratiot County. Our subject received a log-
cabin education in New York State and had but
limited advantages in his childhood and 3'outh,but
he has made the most of them and has given him-
self opportunities, :is he could make Ihera through
life, for self-improvement.
Our subject emigrated with his parents to Len-
awee County, this Slate, in 1H3(), and lived there
several years before coming to Clinton County,
where he .arrived in 1811. Here his parents also
came and spent the remainder of their days and
here he has made his home continuously to this
diiy. His marriage took place in Lenawee County
in 1838, Jul}' 13. His bride, Annis Clymer, a na-
tive of New York, was born February 18. 1820.
Her parents were Isaac and Mary Havens Clymer,
natives of New York and New Jersey, respect-
ively, and her paternal ancestry was German.
When about seventeen years old she came with
her parents to Lenawee County, this State, where
she remained until she came to Clinton County
with her husband. Of the large family of chil-
dren in her parental home the following are liv-
ing: Mrs. Russell; Henry, who lives in Gratiot
County; Jane, Mrs. Bailey, now a widow, in the same
count}-; Ebenezer, in Saginaw County; William,
in .Saginaw; Emma, wife of Lucian Cias, in Gratiot
Count}'; Loretta, the wife of .Tosejjh Hawkins,
living in the Southwest; and Caroline, wife of
Cornelius Doty, of Gratiot County.
To Ml-, and Mrs. Russell eight children have
been born, all but two of whom are now living.
The}' are named, Philetta, wife of George Andrus,
in Gratiot County; Amanda, Mrs. Abram Spayd,
living in St. John's; Mortimer, in tirecnbush
Township; Melvin, in Gratiot County; Eva, wife
of Lorenzo White; and Emma, wife of I'^rank
Hyde, of Gratiot County.
The subject of this sketch settled in Greenbush
Township nearly half a century ago and came to
his present home in 18.54. He anrl his good wife
made their home for a number of years in a log
cabin and endured the usual hardships of pioneer
life and he has atlaineil his present success by
the unaided efforts of himself and his noble com-
panion, wiio has abl}' assisted him both by hand
and b}' her sound counsel through all the dilli-
culties of their struggling jears. When they first
came to the township they were about five miles
distant from the nearest neighbor and life would
662
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
indeed have been lonely had there not been a
cheerful home inside the rough walls of the log
cabin, for at night the wolves howled about their
home and were more neighborly by far than
could be desired.
For eight years Mr. Russell served as .Justice
of the Peace and also as Highway Commissioner,
and has also been one of the School Directors.
Both he and his good wife are members of the
Disciples' Church and are well known throughout
the township as representative pioneers and peo-
ple of sterling Christian char.acter. The honesty
and integrity which has marked his career gives
him the universal confidence of the business com-
munity.
^
<4l I^ILLIAM JI. STEVENS. Too much stress
\/\/// ^'''^ scarcely be given to the labors of those
V5^ wlio did the initial work of developing the
physical resources of Clinton Count}*, and the pub-
lishers of this volume are glad to be able to lay
before their readers an account of the share borne
by the gentleman above named. He was eighteen
years old when he came hither tvith his parents, and
for nearly forty 3'ears he has toiled and planned in
Essex Township. An eye-witness of many changes,
he rejoices in the prosperity of this region, and is
gl.ad that his own hands have helped to bring about
the present state of affairs.
The parents of our subject were Benjamin and
Louisa Stevens, natives of New England, and they
were living in Worcester Countj', Mass., when the
son was born, Januarj^ 24, 1836. He was a mere
infant when they removed to Ohio, and in that
State they remained until he was fourteen years
old. They then returned to the old Ba}' State, but
after a short sojourn went again to Ohio, and set-
tled in Summit County. AVhen our subject was
about eighteen years old, parents and son came to
Michigan and established their home in Essex
Townshii), Clinton County. Here the parents died
some time since, leaving to their desccjndants an
honored name. The education of William Stevens
was obtained in the common schools, and by con- I
tact with men, and a judicious use of the public
press.
The lady of Mi-. Stevens" choice was Miss Ann
Washington, a native of Michigan, with whom he
was united in marriage December 24, 1859. Hav-
ing made his home in an unbroken region, he has
had to toil haril and deny himself of some of the
pleasures and comforts of life, but he has had his
reward in securing a good home and becoming the
possessor of eighty acres of well-cultivated land.
For many years he has been engaged more or less
as a veterinai'y surgeon, and he has frequent calls
for his services in this line. In exercising the right
of suffrage he uses a Democratic ballot, and when
affairs are on foot that will advance the interest of
the community he is ready to bear a part. Self-
made in finances, and largely self -informed, he
enjoys the confidence of his acquaintances and
ranks among the prominent agriculturists of the
neighborhood.
\f/ ESLIE R. TAYLOR, L. D. S. The original
of this sketch, who is a dentist, was born in
I; Picton, Prince Edward County, Ontario,
March 17, 1855. His parents were .Tames and Maria
( Wyckott) Taylor. His father, a hardware merchant
at Park Hill, was a son of Capt. Robert Taylor, a
soldier of the War of 1812, who was promoted on
the field for bravery. Capt. Robert Taylor w.as the
son of Col. Robert who came to Canada with (ion.
Wolf and was killed on the Plains of Abraham at
the taking of (Quebec. Dr. Taylor, himself, was a
soldier under her m.ajesty, tjueen Victoria, and
served five years in the regular service and was at
the exi)iration of his service a ca[)tain, promoted
from a private for meritorious service. Dr. T.aylor
attended the Royal College of dental surgery at
Toronto, Canada, and in the interims of study
worked in his father's store. He was graduated at
the head of his class in 1877 and began practice
at Park Hill, where he remained for one year_thcn
moving to Michigan has continued his practice of
dentistry ever since.
Dr. Taylor is an enthusiastic fancier of the canine
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
665
species and for ten years has paid niucli attention
to the breeding of Bne dogs, having been connected
with C. II. Corbett, Governor of Goals, Kingston,
Ontario, in the ownersliip of the Kingston and
Bancroft Kennels. The breed that he has partic-
ularly favored is that of the English Setter. He
has had and has now many valuable English
Pointers and Irish Water Spaniels and Ifinglish and
Irish Setters. He exhibits at bench shows and at
all field trials of speed. He has obtained many
prizes for his dogs. He advertises in several sport-
ing papers and his average sale amounts to J:2,000
per year. He bred the celebrated "Gruse" which
sold for $500, and several dogs sired by "Grouse"
for $"200 apiece. He now has some setters and
pointers tiiat are valued at $1,000 apiece.
Dr. Taylor was married May 17, 1881, in Dash-
wood, Canada, to a lady whose maiden name was
Miss Laura Fried. They have a small family of two
children — Warde and Maude. In politics Dr. Tay-
lor is a Democrat.
. OOP -
-oSS-
ON. EDGAR B. WARD, M. D., a practicing
physician of Laingsburg, claims New York
as the State of his nativity'. He was born
in Ontario County, September 27, 1835,
and is the son of Owen I. and Paulina (Tallman)
Ward. His parents were also natives of the
Empire .Stale and became pioneers of Michigan in
18.3G, settling in Lodi, Washtenaw County, where
the father spent the remainder of his life. Mrs.
Ward, after her husband's death, came to I^aings-
burg and spent her last days in the home of the
Doctor.
In early life Owen Ward was a merchant but in
later years followed farming. Ho gave his su|)-
port first to the Whig party und afterward to the
Republican party. He and his wife in religious
belief were Presbyterians during their earlier years
but later in life united with the Congregational
Chuich. Of their family our subject, who is the
second in order of birth, is the only survivor. The
other four, Thomas O., Frances, Harriet and Mil-
ton, are deceased.
Dr. Ward spent the days of his boyhood and
youth in Lodi, Mich., whither he had been brought
bj' his parents during his infancy. He had the
advantage of an academic education and when
twenty years of age he began reading medicine
with Dr. D. A. Post of Ypsilanti, having decided
to follow a professional career rather than farming,
the jnirsuit to which he had been reared. With
Dr. Post he continued his studies for a time and
subsequently was graduated from the medical
department of the University of Michigan at Ann
Arbor in the spring of 1858. Immediately there-
after he located at Centerville, Iowa, where he
practiced for two years, coming thence to Shiawas-
see County, Mich., and in 18G2 locatf^d in Laings-
burg, where he has practiced continuously since,
with the exception of two years, 1875 and 1876,
which he spent in Jackson. It is said that every
person is fitted for a special work and if they
engage in that line will meet with success. Grant-
ing this to be true we would say that Dr. Ward
lias found his special work if success i)C the rule by
which to judge. He has worked hard, been a con-
stant student of the profession and as a result has
built up an excellent and lucrative practice.
On the 23d of September, 1857, Dr. AVard was
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Allen, of
Lodi, Mich., who was born in Freedom, Washtenaw
County, in 1839, and is a daughter of John and
Nancy (Wiltsie) Allen. Their union has been
blessed with two children, a son and a daughter:
Walter E., a practicing physician of Chicago, and
Tlieo Josephine. The various members of the
family hold a high position in the social world
where thc3' are deservedly esteemed for their ster-
ling worth.
Socially the Doctor is a tliird degree Mason, and
repeatedly has been honored with the oflice of
Master of his lodge. He belongs to the Shiawassee
County Medical Society, which he has served as
President, and is a member of the American Medi-
cal Association. A number of village offices he
has filled, elected by the Republican party, and in
1869, upon the Republican ticket, he was elected
to the Legislature for one term. lie has been
engaged in literary pursuits for a number of years,
corresponding with many of the leading newsjia-
pers besides contributing to different medical jour-
666
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
nals. Ever}' public trust reposed in liiin has been
faitiifully discliarged aud whether it be in business
or social life he is held in high esteem by his many
friends, who will l)e pleased to notice his portrait
on another page of this volume.
^^EORGE AV. SCOTT. We take pleasure
fll __, in calling especial attention to the ancestr}'
^^^^ of the subject of this sketch, as his grand-
father was the first actual settler in Clinton County.
That grandfather, Uavid Scott, was born at Litch-
field, Conn., in November, 1779. Being left an
orphan at an early age he soon began to work for
himself and came to Michigan about 1825 and set-
tled on a farm a mile and a half south of Ann Ar-
bor. After living there eight years he came to
Clinton County, October 4, 1833, and was the only
settler within a radius of forty miles.
Mr. .Scott took up land from the Government
where the village of De Witt now stands, built a
log cabin and cleared up the land. At one time
he owned eight sections in the vicinity. He was
a hard worker and farmed extensively and builtan
hotel, the first one in the region, at which he enter-
tained emigrants. This building was a double log
house. He was friendly with the Indians and could
speak their language, and was constantly sur-
rounded in those early days by wild animals, deer,
bears and wolves being abundant. He died May
7, 1851, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife,
Eunice Forbes, was born at Shoreham, Vt., January-
14 1780, and having reared six of her eleven chil-
dren passed away May 7, 1840. She and her
husband were both of the Universalist faith in re-
ligion.
The father of our subject, Sylvester, was a na-
tive of Genesee County, N. Y., where he was born
August 29, 1806, and came with his parents to this
State in 1825 and to this county in 1834. He set-
tled on a farm a quarter of a mile west of De AVitt
where he owned two hundred acres. He built a
low house on the place and made some improve-
ments, but was killed by accident, April 22, 1838,
in his thirty-second year. This accident occurred in
the first sawmill that was ever erected in Clinton
County. He was a notable huntsman and killed
many deer, wolves, foxes and turkeys.
The mother of our subject, Sophronia Cooley by
name, is a native of Massachusetts, where she was
born in 1811. She reared thiee children — Sylves-
ter E., Charles M. and George W., and now resides
with her son, our subject. She is a Methodist in her
religious belief, and was well known as a pioneer
of courage and endurance throughout all the earl-
ier years of history in this region. The early
childhood of our subject, who was born in Wash-
tenaw Count3-, .Jul}- 9, 1834, was spent among the
Indian children and in the log schoolhouse, as he
was three months old when he came here. AVhen
twenty-one 3-ears old he spent one year at Olivet
College, after which he farmed the home pl.ace un-
til his marriage and then took a part of the home-
stead and proceeded to improve it.
Miss Jennie Webb, to whom he was married in
1857, was born in Plymouth this State. March 16,
1836. Two of their three children are still living.
William died when nine years old; Frank C. was
married to Ida Rob! son and lives with his father,
and G. Earl is also at home. Our subject is inde-
pendent in his politics, with prohibition proclivi-
ties. He has been Treasurer of the township for
three ^cars and is a member of the Grange. All
but eight of his one hundred acres are under the
plow, besides fort^'-five acres which he has given
to his son. He has been carrying on mixed farm-
ing but now devotes himself largely to keeping
cows and selling milk to the condenser at Lansing.
He has also dealt to some extent in Short-liorn
cattle.
■ ^^si-> ?
M
— ■-»<?'{-
GEORGE J. SPITLER, a successful farmer,
whose property is situated on section 10,
Rush Township, and a brave veteran of the
Civil War, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio,
February 1, 1831. His father, John Spitler, also
operated as an iigriculluralist and was born in
Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1799. His advant.ages
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
667
for education were exceedingly meagre, but he
cheerfull}- made the best of those given him. He
was a son of Peter Spitler, a native of Virginia.
John Spitler was married, in 1823, to Susannah
Raub, a daughter of Henry Raub. Mrs. Spitler's
parents had ten children, four sons and six daugh-
ters, of whom she was the eldest daughter and
third child. Mr. and Mrs. Spitler settled on a
farm of fift^- acres, which belonged to Mrs. Spitler
and made their home on that place until about
1846, when they traded it for another farm in that
vicinity and remained in the same county until the
time of their death. They were the parents of six
daughters and eight sons, of whom our subject is
the fourth child and second son.
The elder members of this large family were
earlj' called upon to assist in carr3'ing on the fam-
ily industries and our subject had but few oppor-
tunities for gaining an education. At the age of
twenty-three he began life for himself and in 1853
he established a home of his own. At that time
he was married to Miss Maria Martin, daughter
of John and Elizabeth (Zedaker) Martin. Mr. and
Mrs. Martin were the parents of seventeen chil-
dren, of whom Maria was the ninth in order of
birth, and she was born July 1, 1832.
After sojourning for one year in Ohio the young
couple moved to Pennsylvania, but later returned
to Ohio and in 1876 came to Michigan, locating the
following ye.ar in Rush Township, upon the farm
where they now reside. At the time of their first
coming here they bought eighty acres and about
eight years afterward tliey purcliascd forty acres
on section 15, and in 1889 bought thirty acres on
section 11, making a total acreage of one hundred
and fifty.
The six children who have blessed this happy
home are: .Sarah Jane, who died in 1861; .John P.,
who lives near his parents; Ciiarles W., who died
in 1864; Miller M., who passed from earth in 1869;
George W., an engineer in Buffalo, N. Y. ; Minnie
A., the wife of Charles \V. Peters and living on the
home farm. Mr. Spitler is a Republican in his po-
litical views and li.os taken an active part in local
politics.
The war record of our subject is worthy of the
higliest praise and ranks him among the bravest
defenders of our nation's honor. In 1862 he en-
listed in Company H, One Hundred and Fifth Ohio
Infantry and was ordered at once to Lexington,
Ky. He was in the battle of Perry ville and also in
those of Chickamauga and Mission Ridge and went
with Sherman to Atlanta and on to the sea. In
January, 1863, he was sent on a foraging expedition
from Murfreesboro and was captured by John Mor-
gan's band, but was released because Morgan said
he was not so situated that he could send them to
a rebel prison and he could not be "bothered" with
them. Our hero was at Goldsboro and Raleigh,
being at the latter point when Petersburg was
taken. He came home by way of Richmond and
Washington and was at the national capital at the
time of the Grand Review.
"^ AMES S. HARPER, one of the most thorough
and systematic farmers in Woodhull Town-
ship, was born in Wayne County, N. Y.,
July 12, 1827. His father, Robert Harper,
a native of New York State, is of Scotch-Irish de-
scent a number of generations back, and claims
connection with the Harper Brothers, Publishers,
of New York City.
Robert Harper was a farmer and came to Michi-
gan in 1835, making his way through Canada by
team and wagon. He settled in Lodi Township,
Washtenaw County, when wolves iiowled around
the house at night .and deer were a thousand times
more numerous than neighbors. He owned in all
three hundred and sixty acres of land. He was
not a man of great pliysical strength, but was an
extensive reader and a man of more than ordinary
intelligence. He held the ollice of Township Clerk
for twenty years and was the best penman in the
county in those earlier days. He was a member
of the Methodist Cliurch and a man of exemplary
Christian life and stricU}- temperate habits. He
died at the age of sixty-five years.
Berthana (Mason) Harper, the mother of our
subject, was a native of New York State and like
her husband was an earnest and conscientious Chris-
tian and a member of the Methodist Church. .She
668
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
was the mother of seven sons and one daughter.
She spent her last daj's with her son, the Hon. E.
P. Harper, who was twice elected Representative
from Washtenaw County to the State Legislature.
She died at the age of eighty j'ears and both she
and her husband are laid to rest in Saline Town-
ship, Washtenaw Count}'.
The subject of this sketch well remembers the
long, dreary journey whicii he took from the East
to the West when a little boy of nine years, for he
was at that time sick and had to be brought on a
bed all the way. He was educated in the pioneer
schools, which were fitted up in pioneer fashion and
he learned writing by the use of the quill pen.
When a young man he used the gun with consider-
able dexterity and occasional!}' brought down a
deer for the family larder. He began life for him-
self when twenty-one jears old.
.James Harper came to WoodhuU Township with
his wife and one child May 9, 1848, and bought
eighty acres of wild land, upon which he lived in a
log house for a good many years, but finally erected
one of the handsomest farm houses in tlie township.
His marriage with the woman of his choice took
place October 31, 18-46. Her maiden name was
Margaret A. Van Riper. She is a native of New
York State, where she was born September 19,
1830. Her three daughters and one son are named:
Andrew J., who married Mary Marsh; they have
one child and live on the old homestead farm which
was given them by his father; Bertha H., who
married Myron fierce; they have two children and
live on a farm in Washtenaw County; Mary, who
married Neal Dewer, a railroad man in Houston,
Tex.; they have three children; Katie married
Frank Kent, who is a farmer here.
Mr. and IMrs. Harper left the old homestead farm
in 1885 and moved onto the finely improved
eighty-acre farm on section 23, which was a pres-
ent from Mrs. Harper's father. Tiie homestead
farm of Mr. Harper comprised two hundred and
eighteen acres, all finely improved, having upon it
an elegant frame residence which w.as built in 1875.
He has a fine farm of eighty acres on section 27 and
has always cairied on mixed farming, in which he
has been eminently successful. He has a finely fur-
nished house and his wife exercises a cultivated
taste in adorning and arranging it and it is well
supplied with unique hric-abrac. For forty-three
years this faithful couple have been earnest and
devoted adherents of Christianity and members of
the Methodist Church. Mr. Harper is a Democrat
in his political views and has held the office of
Township Treasurer but does not care to meddle
much with politics. He is a member of the Pat-
rons of Industry and is identified with the Masons
at Laingsburg and has ever been an active worker
for temijcrauce.
<17 EOXARD H. POST. Among the leading
I (?S) industries in Clinton County is the Green-
/JLj ^ busli Pump Works, which were established
in 1864 by the gentleman whose name stands at
the head of this sketch. This gentleman is the pro-
prietor of this business, and manufactures wooden
pumps as well as the rubber bucket chain pumps.
He also places upon the market milk safes, easy
chairs, cupboards, secretaries, washing machines,
clothes bars, bob sleighs, land rollers, harrows, corn
cultivators, wheelbarrows, wagon jacks and whif-
fle-tree and neck-yoke woods.
The postolBce address of this gentleman is at
Union Home Michigan, where he can be addressed
in regard to his business. The main building is
20x40 feet in dimensions, with a south wing 16x25
feet, and a biacksmitli sho)) adjoining 16x30 feet
in size. The main shop is used for wood-working
machinery, with a paint shop overhead. Wiien Mr.
P(ist confined his business mainly to pumjis he put
out about three hundred to five hundred pumps
per annum and kept a salesman on the road.
Now that he h.is added so many other specialties
to the business he makes only about one hundred
|)umps per annum and these are taken by the local
trade.
The proprietor of these works was born in Lower
Canada, November 18, 1842. His parents, Hiram
L. and Isabella Post, were natives of New York
and Canada respectively. The boy grew u)) in
Canada iinlil he reached the age of fourteen years,
at whicli time he and his father came to (Jlinton
/I ^
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
671
County, tliis Slnte, and Sftlle<l in fJreenhusli Town-
ship. His father was a puinpmaiior before liini,
an<l from early youtli our subject has been cm-
ployed in this trade, and also in iniscellanoous
wood workint; and biaeksniitiiijig. lie also does
general repairing of agricultural implements, in-
cluding wagons anil buggies.
The marriage of Mr. Post with Mai'y A. Wells
took place in September, 1868. She has been the
mother of three cliihlren. Orpha A., wife of Frank
Bower, Frank L. ami Ellie F. Mr. Post owns
some sixty acres of excellent land besides his fine
manufacturing establishment. lie is now serving
as Justice of the Peace, and has proved himself a
public-spirited and enterprising man. When he
started in business here his capital was $3. '25, and
considering this start, his success has been remark-
able. Kc is a Republican in politics, and is intel-
ligent in regard to matters of public interest,
and commands the entire confidence of the busi-
ness community for his thoroughness and integ-
rity.
^OIIN T. ABBOTT, MA). The calling of a
physician is an arduous a;id responsible one
and brings into play some of the most im-
portant ciiaracteristics of man. A success-
ful practitioner must have a broad knowledge of
the construction and needs of the body, keen per-
ceptions ami a thorough understanding of the prin-
ciples ui)0!i which therapeutic science is based.
The best success cannot lie attained without a
generous sympathy' and lender regard for the suf-
fering whom it is the province of the pli\sician to
relieve. His extensive i)racticc and many friends
attest to the professional skill of IJr. Abbott, of
Ovid, Clinton Townshii).
Near Plymouth, in Devonshire, England, Dr.
Abbott was born February 21, 1830. His parents,
John and Mary (Pekc) Abbott, were both born
and reared about four miles from Cornwall, where
are situated the famous ten mines of England. The
father was by occupation a farmer and our subject
remained at home with him until he was eighteen
years olil, when he decided to emigrate to the
New World. Leaving his home in England he
crossed the broad Atlantic in I8.')7 and began in
life for himself. He had received good educational
advantages in the parish schools, and also attended
for a j'ear or two the high-grade common schools.
After arriving in America, he was for a time a stu-
dent in the grammar school of Oakwood, Victoria
County, Ontario.
The excellent education which he had received,
our subject utilized in tenching, following that pro-
fession for eighteen months in Victoria County
and later attending the Normal School of Toronto
for an equal length of time. He then resumed
teaching in the county of Ilaldimend, which he
pursued for five j'ears. Returning to Tornoto, he
took a medical course at Victoria University, where
he passed three years. After completing his med-
ical studies he was engaged for two j^ears in the
General Hospital at Toronto, and thus gained a
wide and thorough knowledge of many foinis of
diseases and their treatment, as well as practice in
surgery which has proved of incalculable value to
him.
In the fall of lcS73 Dr. Abbott came to this
State, reaching Ovid October 2, and here be has
since resi<lcd principally. The longest period in
which he lias been absent from Ovid was a year
which he spent in Pompeii, Gratiot County. In
1879, he decided to establish a home of his own
and on July 12, he was united in- marriage with
Clara B. Harrington, of Ovid. This union has
proved one of more than ordinary congeniality
and prosperity and has been blest by the birlli of
two children. Mary Anna, born June 23, 1881, and
Grace, January 21, 1885. Both of these beautiful
little girls have been spared to cheer the hearts and
enliven the home of their parents. Mrs. Abbott
is a lady of iutelligcnce and amiability of char.actcr
and is universally' esteemed.
Dr. Abbott dearly loves a fine liorse and pri<les
himself upon the [Hjssession of a good animal. He
carries on a general i)ractice and has an extensive
country ride, besides a fair share of the patronage
of the village. His practice has constantly in-
creased since he first located here, and to-day his
reputation as a phj'sician of learning and skill is
unsurpr.ssed in I his county. He takes a great in-
672
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
terest in the education of his children and believes
strenuously in non-denominational schools in all
branches of education. There is bright prospect
ahead for his interesting famil}', for the children
show every sign of native ability which will one
day make their parents as proud of them as they
•are now fond.
A lithographic portrait of Dr. Abbott accom-
panies this brief biographical notice.
CD KINCAID, one of the prominent coal
, dealers of Shiawassee Couutj% and a popular
pf* citizen of Owosso, was born in Trumbull
County, Ohio, near Youngstown, April 15, 1850.
His father, Joseph Kincaid, was a native of Ohio,
born in Youngstown in 1815, who pursued the
calling of agriculture through life and at the same
time attended to a great deal of business for his
neighbors, making a specialty of settling up estates.
He is the son of Robert Kincaid, of Scotch descent.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Cornelia Wilson. Her natal day was April 9,
1820, and her birthplace was Y'oungstown. Her
parents, Andrew and Harriet Wilson, were of Scotch
descent. Her husband died in 1873, but she still
makes her home at Corunna, in lids county. Of
their seven children, three sons and four daughters,
there are four now living.
Our subject passed his early school days and
boyhood at Girard, Ohio, when lie entered Oberlin
College, taking a commercial course, and taught
one winter, and tlien entered the employ of Pren-
dle (fe Rosser at Vienna, Ohio, acting as weigh-
master and book-keeper. After continuing liere
two years he entered the Girard Stove Works as
manager and book-keeper. Two years later he
went to Cliurchill, Ohio, into tlie co.tI mines as
assistant to other parties. Mr. Kincaid had the
management of the business during the continuance
of the firm of Kincaid, INIorris A Co., tiie owners of
different mines. Tod Kincaid came to Corunna
in 1877 and opened up the mines for the Corunna
Coal Company, taking the man.igement of the
company and also assuming an interest in the
mines. The oflSce of the company is near the sta-
tion on a branch of the Grand Haven & Milwaukee
Railroad. An elevator has been built at the same
point and the fiim handles all kinds of grain, em-
ploying some seventy-five to one hundred and
twent3'-five men in Shiawassee County. In JUI3',
1891, he bought out all his partners in the coal
mines and now assumes the business himself.
In February, 1890, Mr. Kincaid located in
Owosso, where he was united in marriage the same
month to Mrs. McHardy, of Owosso. Mrs. Kin-
caid is a native of Ohio, being born near Cleveland.
This cou|)le make their home in a palatial brick
residence surrounded by beautiful lawns, and there
they dispense a graceful hospitality- to their friends.
Mr. Kincaid is a Democrat in his political views,
and while a resident of Corunna was three times
elected Mayor. He is identified with the Corunna
Lodge No. 21, F. & A. M., and with Corunua
Chapter No. 115, R. A. M. He is also connected
with Corunna Commaiideiy K. T., and is now Vice
President of the Business Slen's Association of
Owosso.
•^T«
•J^^'
■^i^EWTON McLOUTH. This gentleman is
I j) numbered among the large landowners of
/1\ -i^ Clinton County, and it is pleasing to note
his prosperity and see that merit has won. Mr.
McLouth attributes his success to his strict atten-
tion to whatever business project be had in hand,
whether great or small, and no doubt this was a
potent factor in the result. Fair dealing, due con-
sideration for others and wise ecouotu}- also aided
in the matter, and the consequence is that our sub-
ject has prospered exceedingly. At present the
landed estate of Messrs. McLouth <fe Son comprises
five hundred and sixty-two acres, divided into five
farms and operated almost entirel}- by tenants.
The residence of Mr. McLouth is on the outskirts
of the town of DeWitt, and is a large, handsome
house built in 1871. One of the substantial barns
on the land surrounding the dwelling was built in
1873, and another in 1888; there was one on the
farm before the date first mentioned, but it has been
repaired and remodeled.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
673
Tbe great-grand father of our subject emigrated
from Ireland to tlie Colonies and was the originator
of tbe family in Amerien. His son I'eter was born
in New England and was a Revolutionary soldier;
he died when three-score and ten j-ears old. The
next ic the direct line was William W., who was
born in Massachusetts and after his marriage set-
tled in Ontario County, N. Y. He was a farmer
and a cooper. In 1835 he removed to this State,
locating in Lenawee County and taking up Gov-
ernment land. He had traveled on tbe Erie Canal
to Buffalo, crossed the lake on a steamer and paid
165 for having his household goods hauled from
Toledo to bis destination. So poor weie the roa is
that it took three d.ays to go thirty miles. He
built a log cabin in a sparsely settled locality and
with Indians and wild animals around him began
to improve his land. He first secured eighty'
acres and "later entered one hundred and twenty
in another township. There were two stores in
Adrian, where he traded, and many now flourishing
towns were not even dreamed of by the most san-
guine.
William McLouth was a bard working, honest
man and bis labors in the pioneer field are worthy
of remembrance as being potent factors in the
present prosperity of the coramonweallh. His
political adherence was given to the Deniociatic
party. While in New York, he taught school, and
in this State did a good deal of surveying having
a practical knowledge of that science. His wife
was Betsey Ketcbem, a native of Massachusetts,
whose early 3'ears were spent on a farm, and whose
training in domestic arts fitted her for a place by
the side of a sturdy pioneer. She proved a
capable and courageous companion, and to her
their children owed much for devoted care and
wise instruction. Slie died when about seventy-
four years old, and her husband was a year older
when he was called hence. In their family there
were twelve sons anci daugijters, whose respective
names are Eleazer, Peter, Wells, Lavinia, Alvah,
Newton, Rebecca, .lane, Cyrus, Orvillc, Angeline
and Lawrence.
The son of the couple above mentioned, whose
life it is our purpose to sketch, was born in
Ontario County, N. Y., July I'J, 1827, and W!\s
eight years old when tbe removal to this State took
place. He went to tbe log schoolbouse, where be
sat upon a bench with pin legs and wrote copies at
the desk by the wall, using a quill pen to form the
characters. The services of a teacher were secured
by a rate bill, umlcr which each parent paid a due
proportion of the amount required for tbe expenses
of tbe school. When not engaged in study and
the healthful sports of tbe period and place, 3'oung
McLouth was helping his father in farm work and
gaining an insight into life's duties and cares, and
laj-ing tbe foundation for his later prosperity b}'
acquiring habits of industry and frugality.
When he was of age Mr. McLouth began the
battle of life as a farm laborer at from |il2 to $13
per month, working in this way two seasons. He
next became a section hand on the Lake Shore &
Michigan Southern Railroad and in this way got
bis first real start in life. He was in the emplo3' of
the company tbrae years, and during tbe last two
was a section boss. In July, 1856, be came to
Clinton County, in which he had previously
bought eightj' acres of land. It was in Rile^-
Township, four miles north of his present location,
and was his home eight years, during which period
many improvements were made. Mr. McLouth
then sold out and bought one hundred and ten
acres in Delhi Township, making Iha*. bis i)lace of
abode a year. He next, having sold that farm,
came to tbe one be now occupies which consists
of one hundred and fort^'-two acres. When he
took possession the clearing consisted of one hun-
dred acres, and the place presented a ilifferent
appearance from that of to-day. Mr. McLouth
has raised large numbers of boi'ses, cattle and
sheep, and now lias thirteen bead of good road-
sters.
In the year 1H52 Jlr. McLouth was united in
marriage with Miss Emily ilathaway, a New
York lady, born in April, 1834. She is a not-
able housekeei)er, a devoted mother and wife and
a generous friend. She has had but two chil-
ilren, and only one now shares in the eartblife.
William W. died at the tender age of five \ears
Tbe survivor is Willis, who married Josie Holmes
and lives across the roa<l from bis parents, fie
is a farmer and manufacturer, and with his father
674
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
runs a water power gristmill, in which a good
business is done. He is a very energetic, push-
ing man and is rapidly rising to prominence in tlie
section where his father is so influential and well
known.
Our subject is a Democrat and shows an interest
in political (juestions, although not a politician in
the ordinary usage of that terra. He has served
as Supervisor and held other minor offices in the
townsliip, and has always been zealous and earnest
in positions of responsibility and public trust.
His personal qualities are such as win friendship,
and he has friends far and near, while his name is
known and honored as that of an honest, reliable
man of affairs.
EUBEN H. B. MORRIS, whose fine farm is
situated on sections 13 and 24, Shiawassee
/iivll Township, was horn in Porter, Niagara
\\^ County, N. Y., two miles from Youngs-
town, September 27, 1827. His father, Josci)h
Morris, of New Jersey, was born in Monmouth
County, and was ihe son of Robert Morris. Jos-
eph was bound out as an apprentice when eight
years of age and learned the wagon maker's trade.
He married Maria Shelly, who was born in Essex
County, N. J., and they became among the first
settlers on the Holland [jurchase in New York, and
there they spent the remainder of their days. Jos-
eph died about twenty-five years ago and his wife
survived to the extreme old age of ninety-three
years, passing away in August, 1889. She belonged
to the long-lived family, as her father lived to
complete one hundred two and one-half years.
The family of Joseph and Maria Morris consisted
of Levi, Ellen, Samuel, Sarah Jane, our subject,
Mary, Lucy, Frank, .Joseph, Roxanna, James and
Oscar.
The subject of this sketch lived upon a farm
with his parents until he reached the age of
twentv-two, and then rented a farm for himself
for two years and in the fall of 1851, came to Shia-
wassee Township and carried on a rented farm
three miles south of Bancroft. In the spring of
1856, he rented the farm of Mrs. Hannah M.
Wright, the widow of Edward Wright, who died
in Navada, Cal., where he had been as a miner. In
tlie fall the young farmer and tlie widow decided
to unite their fortunes and were married October
6, 1856. This lady's maiden name was Hannah M.
Harder, and she is a daughter of Dr. Nicholas P.
Harder, the pioneer pliysician of Shiawassee
County. Tliey remained upon tlie farm which
then contained one liundred and Sfty-six acres,
forty of it being improved. He has put tlie land
in splendid condition and made it what it is to-day.
A view of his place which is an ornament to the
township, is shown on another page.
On account of failing health, Mr. Morris de-
cided to leave tlie farm and at once built a bouse
in Vernon and started a meat market, at the same
time handling live stock and provisions. He took
a load of sheep to Saginaw and afterward started
with a load of flour, intending to take it to the
same place. He had bought it at $6 a barrel, but
at St. Charles found a man who wanted it at $12.
a barrel and disposed of it. He also bought oats
at thirty cents and found a market for them at
eighty cents and thus paid for his house by teaming
and dealing in the commodities which were so much
needed in other localities. Mrs. Wright has two
sons, Charles and Marion, both of whom are living
in Owosso.
Mr. Morris bought out the interest in the farm
whicli belonged to these two young men and after
his health improved lie spent considerable time there.
He has built a good house on a comman<ling ele-
vation and devotes considerable attention to buy-
ing and shipping stock, making weekly shipments
to Buffalo and managing his own sales there on
the market, this making a financial success of this
part of his business.
Mrs. Morris was born in Sullivan County, N. Y.
November 6, 1875. By her marriage with Mr.
Morris she has the following children: Nellie, Mrs.
Andrew Huff; Edward, living in Genesee County;
Frank, who makes his home in Colorado; Denver,
who lives at Newbcrg; Donabel, Mrs. Christopher
Matthews of Paducah, Ky., and Maggie, Mrs. Mil-
ton Eastwood, of Genesee County. The mother
of these children canje to Michigan in 1837, and
^C!^W^ o:f v.'-^^.-. -^-I-'mA**- ■iT'.">tfirt'*;-^
^-^ ^"^p^^
j^^^'^^p^^^f^^ri^^^s^^
RESIDENCE OF JOHN J. FEDEWA , SEC. 30., DALLAS TR, CLINTON CO.MICH.
RESIDENCE OE R. H . B . i/l O K HIi , JlC.io.,5HIAV./\55LL I r,,o
h ; (■■,v/\a'J5lL CO, ,v.,lh
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
677
in 1845, was married at her father's home to Kd-
ward M. Wright, a native of Oliio, wiio came here
with his father, Kpiiraim Wri<i;iit about the year
1835. He liad a larj^e tract of land upon which
he settled, but died December 12, 1854, in Cali-
fornia after two j'ears'' absence. Our subject is a
Republican in his political convictions, and has
been Constable for eleven years continuously.
He is prominent in church circles, a supporter of
the Gospel, and both he and his wife are active
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
J-^IOHN J. FEDEWA. This gentlemen h.as
been engaged in agricultural pursuits since
lie was old enough to take a part in the
' affairs of life, and prior to leaving his
father's home had become thorougldy conversant
with farm work in every department. He is one
of the native-born citizens of Clinton County and
is now pleasantly located on section 30, Dallas
Township, where he has one hundred and ten acres
of (iroductive land, supplied with a complete line
of substantial buildings, put up by himself. A
view of this attractive homestead is presented on
another i)age.
The reader is referred to the sketch of .lolin
Fedewa for information regarding the parents of
our subject, and the circumstances by which he was
surrounded and had his sterling qualities developed.
Ho was born June I, 1852, and did not leave his
father's house to make a home of his own until he
was twenty-five years old. He was then given
eighty acres of laud upon which he is now livingi
and to this he has added, Increasing the tract to
the amount before noted. He vividly remembers
when his father's farm was covereil with forest
trees, anil recalls with mingled feelings the work
he himself did in hel[)ing to clear two hundred
acres.
The C0Z3' and attractive home of Mr. Fedewa is
presided over by a lady who was known in her
maidenhood as Miss Mary A. ]Martin. The rites
of wedlock were solemnized at the bride's home
November 7, 1878, and six children have been born
to the happj' couple. The children are named re-
spectivel}': George C, Sophie, Theodore, Lizzie,
Hen and Arnold, none of whom j'et have left the
hO'ne nest. Mrs. Fedewa is a daughter of Conrad
Martin, a native of Germany and well known to
man}' of our readers.
For a number of ^ears Mr. Fedewa has been
Director of his school district and he h.as ever man-
ifested a deep interest in the progress of educa-
tional matters. After giving due consideration to
political issues he decided in favor of the princi-
ples of Democracy. He and his wife belong to the
Roman Catholic Church. They have a pleasant
circle of acquaintences and are regarded with re-
spect by those with whom they associate.
'(^^ \V. SPITLER. The young man who re-
des on section 12, New Haven Towashi|),
awassee County, although but tliirt}'-
lj|^ one yeai'S of .age has already attained a flat-
tering degree of success that promises to land him
at the head of the list of useful and i)rominent men
in the county. He w.as born in Trumbull Count}',
Ohio, February 17, 1860. His father «•.■)« Abraham
W. Spitler whose business was that of an agricid-
turist. He was a native of Ohio in which State he
was born iu 1838.
Our subject's father was joined in marriage to
Lury Canon in 1851). She w.as a daughter of Ebe-
nezer and Fanny (\'iets) Canon, of Shalerville,
Ohio. They were natives of New England and had
three sons and three daughters, of whom Lury was
the fourth child, her natal day being December 2,
1835. In 1873. A. W. Spitler and his wife came to
Shiawassee County where he yet lives. He had three
children of whom our subject is the eldest, the
others two, Almon E. and Carrie L. Hillis are both
residents of this county. The father was in the
Civil War for two weeks and was captured by John
Morgan's men, but being paroled, he went to John-
son's Island where he guarded prisoners. Our
subject's godfather was Absalom Spitler, a farmer
whose native place was Virginia in which State he
was born in 1802. He came to Ohio in 1827 where
678
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
he purchased one hundred acres in Bristol Town-
ship, Trumbull County. He was married in Virginia
in 1825 to Sarah Bowers, a daughter of John and
Anna (Miller) Bowers. Sarah was born in 1802.
She and her husband were the parents of thirteen
children, of whom our subject's father was the
third son and ninth child. Sarah died in 1887 and
Absalom died in 1889.
The gentleman of whom we write enjoyed the
advantages of a common-school education. He re-
mained at home until 1883, when he started out
for himself on a farm. In 1889 he settled here
where he now lives purchasing a farm of eighty-two
acres of which he has cleared a part. In 1883 he
was joined in marriage to Alida B. Pray. She was
a daughter of L. W. and Harriet (Brown) Pray,
natives of New York. Mr. Pray was born in Her-
kimer County, N. Y., in 1815; about the time he
attained to his majority he moved with his father's
family to Mt. Morris, Livingston County, N. Y.
His education was obtained in the Lima and Wyom-
ing Academies in the State of New York, and at
the latter place he began the study of law. When
admitted to practice at the bar he formed a part-
nership with his preceptor, Judge John B. Skiimer,
continuing with him until 1850, when he removed
to Illinois. Locating at Belvidere he resumed the
practice of his profession, liut in 1870 he moved to
Michigan and settled on the farm where our sub-
ject at present resides.
In 1841 Mr. Pray was united in marriage with
Miss Harriet Brown, who still survives her husband.
Siie was a resident of Wheatland, Monroe County,
N. Y. Two sons and six daughters were born to
her and her husband, of whom Mrs. Spitler was the
youngest she being born March 30, 1861, in Belvi-
dere, 111. During Mr. Pray's residence in New
Haven Townsiiip, he was for many years Justice of
the Peace, also at various times held other minor
offices, and was prominently identified with the
growth and development of the county. Two
children besides Mrs. Spitler were residents of this
' county, Theron B., and Hattie F., now Mrs. E.
C. Tagg, of Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. Spitler have two sons — Edwin
P., born November 16, 1886, and Wesley T.,
August 25, 1888, The parents are members of the
Christian Church, in which body they are both
devoted workers, he having taken an especially
prominent position in the Sunday-school. He is a
Patron of Industr3', of which order he has been
President. In politics he casts his vote with the
Republican party. He lias been Township Clerk
and Treasurer and is interested in every tiling that
promises to improve the locality in which he re-
sides.
^^NTHONY SWARTHOUT is one of the
(P^l business men of Ovid, Clinton County,
//( l!i and carries on a good trade in dry-goods
^J' and carpets. He entered upon a commer-
cial life in 1870, selling a farm upon which he Iiad
been living and forming a partnership with Messrs.
Fnxon ife Potter for the sale of general merchan-
dise. Tiie firm was ciianged two years later and
our subject and Mr. Potter bought the interest of
the retiring partner and continued the business un-
der the style of Potter & Swarthout. During the
year 1883 our subject took cliarge of the entire
business and has continued it since that time, but
has confined liimself to the sale of the articles be-
fore mentioned. He built the first brick store put
up in Ovid and the second brick residence, together
with the two-story brick building now occupied
as his place of business. He h.is prospered in his
occupation and is deriving a satisfactory income
therefrom.
Tlie paternal grandfather of Mr. Swarthout was
a Revolutionary patriot and v/as taken prisoner by
the British soldiery and confined in what is known
as the old sugar-house of New York. The direct
progenitors of our subject were William S. and
Betsey (Willett) Swathout, natives of New York
and Pennsylvania respectively, but living in New
York at the time of tlieir marriage. The father was
a farmer and the son spent his early life amid rural
scenes. During his childhood in 1837 his parents
came to this State and took their place among the
very first settlers- in Clinton County. They made
their home in Ovid Townsiiip and began to de-
velop a farm from the forest. Authonj-, who was
born at Ovid, Seneca County, N. Y., February 21
PORTKAl'l AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
G79
1 833, began to work on the farm as soon as he was
strong enougli and continueil to spend the siiuiiuers
in labor, while attending school in the winter.
When nineteen years old he spent six months in
attendance at the old seminar}- at Ypsilanti, after
leaving which he taught six consecutive terms in
Clinton County. He then began farming about
four miles south of the village of Ovid and con-
tinued his work there until the year before men-
tioned when he took up commercial life.
The recollections of Mr. Swarthout extend back
to a time when Ovid Township was inhabited only
bj' Indians. The first or second general election
held in the county was at his father's liouse and at
De Witt, one day at one, and the next day at the
other to accommodate the six voters then in the
county. Jlr. Swaithout says he did not attend
school until lie was twelve years old, as prior to
that time there were not enough settlers to pay for
a teacher or [nipils to make U() a class. Having
witnessed and participated in the improvement of
this section in all that pertains to material good
and social advancement he takes a just pride in the
standing of Clinton Count}', among the divisions
of the commonwealth.
March 28, 1860, was a momentous day to Mr.
Swarthout, as he then became the husband of Miss
Stella Ferguson, an estimable Lady who understands
how to make her home cozy and attractive, and
has done well in the sphere of life to which she has
been called. She was born in Nicliols Townshii),
Tioga County, N. Y., and like her husband can
look back to scenes of early days. To Mr. and
Mrs. Swarthout there have been born three chil-
dren whose record is as follows: Ella was born
September 22, 1861, and died April 17, 1871;
Elvin was born October 5, 1861, and Lloyd, May
17, 1872. The elder son was graduated from Albion
College and took a post-graduate course at Ann
Arbor; he is now practicing law in Grand Rapids.
He married Miss Lizzie Master, of Ionia. The
second son is now studying in Albion College.
Mr. Swarthout has been much interested in giv-
ing his children fine educational privileges and it
is his aim to take part in all worthy public enter-
prises. Since he was entitled to the right of suf-
frage he has voted the Republican ticket. He has
held the ofHce of Township Clerk and School In-
spector but has never sought public honors, pre-
ferring to devote his time to his personal interests
and the good of his family. lie is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church and has good
standing in that religious body, enjoys the confi-
dence of all with whom he has dealings and has a
fine reputation as a business man and citizen.
-^-^-^-
sIIOMAS BROMLEY, Agent for the Detroit,
Grand Haven, & Milwaukee Railway, at
St. John's, Mich., was born at Bildiston,
County Suffolk, England, March 12, 1839, and is
the second of three sons, comprising the family of
.Joseph Bromley and Maria (Howard) Bromley.
Joseph Bromley, the father, w.as by i)rofession a
civil engineer, but died in Fakenham,in 1811, at the
age of thirty-five. Mrs. Bromley was one of a large
family of eighteen children, equally divided as to
sex, all arriving at man and woman's estate, and
claiming descent from the noble line of Howards.
As an interesting eiiisode a little story is often
told of one brother who traveled in the East In-
dies, and while being entertained by a Prince,
spoke of his nine sisters, whereupon the Prince
cut from his coat nine diamond buttons with the
request that one be given to each of the "fair la-
dies." Maria Howard was married to Joseph
Bromley in 1832. After a wedded life of only
ten years she was left a widow with limited means.
Then began the struggle to maintain herself anil
children. Thinking to accomplish this better in a
new country, Mrs. Bromley, six years after her
husband's death, emigrated with her two younger
children to America, arriving in New York City
after a stormy voyage in a sailing vessel which
lasted eight weeks.
In this city the mother took up her residence for
the first three years and gave her attention to the
education of her little ones, and to teaching a pri-
vate school. Thence she removed to Booneville,
Oneida County, where her eldest son Joseph W.,
having completed his education in the mother
country, joined her. From there she removed to
680
rORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Owosso, Mich., and after a time to Detroit, Niagara
Falls, and Windsor, always making a pleasanihome
for ber boys, who finding employment in stores
and on the Great Western Railw.-ij', were now able
to assist her. In the raeantirae Josepli having
married and learned telegraphy, secured a position
as agent on the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee
Railroad, at Coopersville, and successively taught
the art of telegraphy to his brothers, Thomas and
Harry, who then branched out for themselves.
Thomas, after a few weeks at Grand Rapids, located
at Gaines, Mich., in 1S64, his mother going with
him. Here in 1865 he married Miss Simmons,
daughter of Thurston Simmons and his good wife
Hannah (Sawyer) Sinimous, who were born in
Marion Count}', N. Y.
The father is of German descent, and has been
an industrious, enterprising, and successful man;
he has now retired from business, and has his home
in the "Citj- of the Straits," where he spends his
days quietly and pleasantl}', as fancy dictates. The
mother, who died in 1864, and whose maternal
ancestor was of English descent, was wont to en-
tertain her children with wonderful tales of the
''Lords of Houghton," aud a fortune which should
come from over the sea. Mrs. Bromley, who is the
eldest child, was born in Livingston Count}', Mich.,
where she lived until ten years of age. The par
ent-s then removed to Gaines, the daughter spend-
ing the greater part of her time attending school
in Owosso, Poutiac and Detroit, until recalled by
the illness and death of her mother, wliich was
followed a year later by her marriage to Thomas
Bromley.
In 1867 their eldest son, Thomas, Jr., was born,
and in the same year they removed to St. John's,
where they still reside. In 1869 a daughter was
born, and in 1873 another son. Thomas, Jr., the
first-born, was married to Miss Ola Shaver in 1890,
and also has his home in St. John's. He is a bright
young business man, and is at present employed as
joint administrator of the Shaver estate. The
daughter. Brownie, is a graduate of the school at
home, also of the Michigan State Normal, from
which last she received a life diploma, and is now
following teaching as a profession. Roy, the baby,
died in 1876, when only two years and four months
old. The same year recorded the death of another
inmate of tlie family, Mr. Bromley's mother, aged
seventy-two years.
Of the twenty-eight years that the subject of our
sketch has been employed by the Detroit, Grand
Haven tt Milwaukee Railroad, twenty-five have
been spent at St. John's, where he has faithfully
transacted a vast amount of business. This station
was formerly the terminus for the North Woods,
and is at present the largest grain shipping point
on the line. It also has an immense import for
merchandise, which means employment for a goodly
number of men under Mr. Broriiley's supervision.
He is a member in good standing of several secret
societies, and in politics is a conservative Demo-
crat. In 1888 he took a brief respite from his la-
bors and visited the Fatherland and his birthplace,
spending a few days iu London and Paris; this,
and a few weeks in ids adopted country, are the
only variations he has allowed in a life devoted to
duly and hard work.
^T?NDRKW J. MILL?:iJ, a prominent stock-
((^/lJI raiser and farmer, a citizen of Duplain
I li Townsliii), Clinton County and well-known
^jfl fgr his patriotic services during the Civil
War, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., June 16,
18.38. His honored parents, John andSallie (Mix-
well) Miller were both born and reared in the
State of Pennsylvania and bis father was by oc-
cupation a farmer. The circumstances of his boy-
hood did not permit our subject to go to school
after he was twelve years old but he took a thor-
ough course of training in tiie practical duties of
farm life, and remained with his parents until he
reached his majority. His father's family came to
Michigan when our subject was only twenty -two
years old and he then began life for himself as a
farmer liy working on a rented farm in Grcenbush
Township, Clinton County.
The young man took to himself a wife October
26, 1858, in the person of Catherine Beebe, of Du-
plain Township and by this union he had three
chiliiren: Eddie who died in infancy; Maggie who
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
681
was born June 21, 1862, and is now Mrs. David
Moore and makes her home in Diiplain;Uilie, born
June 28, 1857, who died when he was five years
old. The mother of these cliildrcn was called from
earth August 28, 1872.
The second marriage of our subject took place
December 3, 1875. The present Mrs. Miller boro
the maiden name of Minerva Beebe and is a daugh-
ter of Oliver and Ellen (Lowe) Beebe. Her mother
was born and brought up in Ireland and her fallicr
came from the State of New York and was one of
the very first settlers in this county, as he came hero
fift3--four 3-ears ago when the Colony was first
founded. He was one of tiie three men who drove
teams with loaded wagons from Detroit to their new
home, and who from the lime they reached Pontiac
.had to cut every step of the way through the
woods. They brought their families with them in
the wagons and here Mr. Beebe located his new
home on section 31, Duplain Tovvnship, where he
erected the first frame building in the tovvnship
which is still standing.
Mrs. Miller was born September 9, 184C, on the
spot where her present home now stands. She can
remember when the village of St. John's was all
covered with stumps and it was quite an impossi-
bility to get tiirougii the streets with a wagon.
The first home erected by her parents was a log-
house, tlie floor of which was made of split logs and
the first broom which was made here was cut
out of a hickory pole, the end of the pole being
sliaved up to form a brush witii which to sweep
the lloor. This early pioneer, her fallier, passed
away August 10, 187G and was buried at the
Colony, burial ground near the iiome of our
subject end her mother died Marcli 1, 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller came to the place which
they now call home in tlie winter of 187G nnd here
they have resided from that day to this. They
have made great improvements and in the summer
of 1882 erected the handsome two-story house
wliich now forms so attractive a feature of the
landscape. The large barn was put up in the sum-
mer of 188G. Part of the clearing of this land
Mr. Miller has done with his own iiands, and he
has reserved some ten or twelve acres of timber.
The political belief of tliis gentleman is in .ic-
cordance with the principles of the Republican
part}- to which he has ever been attaclied. He en-
listed on September 9, 18G2, in Company E,
Sixtii Miciiigan Cavalry under Col. Gay. The reg-
iment was ordered to Grand Rapids and thence
to Washington City and joined the army of the
Potomac but he did not remain witii his regiment
long, as he was taken sick upon the march and was
relegated to Campbell Hospital at W.ishington.
Thence he was transferred to the Guard Corps, in
which he did guard duty in the city. He nursed
in the hospital for some lime and was very useful
in dressing wounds and attending the sick, and was
afterward transferred to the Veteran Resci-vc
Corps. He was discharged in July, 1865, and at
once came to Michigan, where he began farming.
He has a small place in Ovid Township, which he
is now carrying on, and where he takes a great deal
of interest in raising stock of a good grade. He
has never been an ollice seeker as he prefers quiet
farm life to public ollice.
OREN HOPKINS, a retired farmer, now
extensively engaged in the dairying busi-
ness, is a native of the Empire State where
he was born February 19, 1826. He is the second
son and fifth ciiild in the family of Philander and
Mary (Masales) Iloiikins, the former having been ^
born in Rutland County, Vt., September 1, 1794,
toNehemiah Hopkins and Lucj' ( VVillard) Hopkins,
wlio was a sister of President Fillmore's mother.
The grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary
War, and lost his left arm, of which he was deprived
during sixty years of after-life. The father was
in the conflict of 1812.
Tlie mother of our subject was born in New
York State in 1797, her parents being of French
and German extraction. She lived Until 1833.
Her husband was a carpenter and house builder
who came to Michigan in September, 1836, and
located in Livingston County on a farm where he
carried on farming in connection with his trade and
was well known as an excellent barn builder and
put u|) many barns throughout the county. His
death occurred in April, 1861. In his early life
682
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
he was a Democrat but his last vote was cast for
Abraham Lincoln in the last campaign before his
death. He was an enterprising man and took a
lively interest in political matters.
The subject of this sketch attended the district
schools and afterward the union schools of Saline,
Washtenaw County, this State. He also studied
at Rochester Academy in Oakland County. He
took up the study of surveying daring the sum-
mers and assisted in making surveys and drawing
maps in Northern Michigan. On one of his trips
in that section he was shipwrecked on the ill-fated
side-wheel steamer, "Monticello" which during a
terrific gale went to pieces on the rocks, about
forty miles above the village of Eagle River. At
that time one hundred and forty persons were for
twelve hours (during the whole night) upon the
verge of a watery grave. After Qfteeu hours of
ceaseless toil without a morsel of food and no
drink except occasionally a swallow of lake water,
he with several others had the pleasure of assisting
the last person on shore, and then prepared all the
bread for the crowd that could be made from the
small amount of flour obtained from the wreck.
This amounted to tlie size of a common biscuit
apiece, made simply of flour and water and had to
last two daj-s more. Mr. Hopkins afterward devoted
his winters to teaching and stock-breeding in Ing-
ham County. He taught fifteen terms of echool
and at one time was engaged in locating land and
helped in locating some seven hundred and fifty
thousand acres, or three-fourths of a million acres
for the Sault Ste. Marie Canal Company.
Mr. Hopkins bought some eighty acres of land
in Livingston County and commenced farming. In
1866 he sold this property and moved to Shia-
wassee County, making his new home on a farm
in Owosso Townsliip, south of the city of Owosso.
Here he took one hundred and eighty-nine acres
adjoining Ihe city limits where he carried on gen-
eral farming and stock-raising, and continued
untir 1890, at which time he retired from the toil-
some Work of the farm and removed to the city of
Owosso, taking up tlic dairy business. He milks
from fourteen to twenty cows, selling milk in tlie
city.
Tlic m.irriagc of Loren Ho])kins and .Terusha C.
Dunn of Livingston County, Mich., took place in
1853. This lady was a daughter of Hillyer Dunn.
She died having one cliild, Frank D., who is a
merchant at Alba. In 1863 Mr. Hopkins con-
tracted a second marriage, taking to wife Clara
Norgatc, of Washtenaw County. Her parents,
Stephen and Letitia (Taylor) Norgate were natives
of England who came to Washtenaw County in
the old Territorial days, making their settlement
here in January, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins
have two children, Mina L., a student at Albion
College, and B. S. who is attending the high school
at Owosso.
Mr. Hopkins has served the township of Owosso
as Supervisor and has been Justice of the Peace.
He has also acted as School Inspector serving two
terms in Owosso Township and twelve 3'ears in
Livingston County. His early political inclina-
tions were in the direction of Democracy, but he
joined the Republican party upon its organization
and in 1884 became a Prohibitionist. Both he
and his intelligent and worthy wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is an
official in that body. He has also been Superin-
dent of the Sunday-school for some time as well as
Trustee of the church property. His pleasant
home is situated in South Owosso at No. 431 Gute
Street.
<| WASHINGTON BINGHAM. A worthy
\/\l// representative of an honorable family that
^y\// numbers among its members men wlio
have taken prominent positions in life, is the gentle-
man who owns the beautiful farm located on
section 33, Venice Township, and known as the
the "Evergreens." It is a family trait tiiat the
men are never satisfied with mediocrity in anything.
The physicians that are in the family stand at the
head of their profession. The lawj'ers are not to
be outwitted by any judge or jury and our subject
is a fair example of how thorough agriculture may
be made.
Our subject's father was Simon Bingham, born
iu Sherbourne, Chenango County, N. Y., on Septem-
ber 5, IS]]. He, like his son, was a farmer, and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
683
made a decided success in that calling in the East.
His wife was Laura A. (I5ryant) Bingbaui, also a
native of Sherbourne, Chenango County, N. Y. and
born September 10, 1812. The paternal grand-
father was Wheelock Bingham, a native of Connec-
ticut, who emigrated to New York State at an early
day. The maternal grandfather was Almon Bryant,
a native of Vermont and a man who attained much
prominence among the farmers in that State. One
of the sons of Almon Br^'ant, although eighty-two
years of age, is still active and most satisfactorily
discharges the duties of sheriff of Chenango
County. Almon Bryant is the father of a family
of twelve children, two- thirds of the family are
Still living. A grandson of Almon Bryant, Sr., is
a prominent physician in New York Cit^' and is
connected with Bellevue Hospital. He is the
medical adviser as well as personal friend of ex-
President Cleveland.
The parents of Mr. Bingham were married in
Chenango County, N. Y. where thej- always resided,
being proprietors of a farm. The father died in
1890; the mothei still lives and makes her home in
Sherbourne village. They were the parents of
seven children, four of whom are now living. Our
subject and Wellington Bingham are twins and
William and Wilson are twins. The mother is a
member of the Universalist Church. The father
was actively interested in politics and was an adher-
ant of the Republican |)arty.
Our subject was born December 19, 18.35, on the
old home farm in Chenango Countj', N. Y. There
he received a common-school education, and re-
mained at home until he was twenty-one 3'ears of
age. The intervals of his school life were occu-
pied with the duties incident to a farmer lad. On
reaching his majority he started out in business for
himself, having no other resources than a pair of
strong hands and an abiding faith in his future
success.
For the first year he worked by the month on a
farm, receiving $13 for his services. The next
year he engaged in the carpentry and joining busi-
ness, all in his home neighborhood. In 1860 he
was united in marriage to a lady who bore the
maiden name of Emma A. Cone, daughter of Ben-
jamin and Ann (Burbank) Cone, natives of New
York State, where they resided on a farm in Chen-
ango Count}', this being the place where our sub-
ject and lady were married. Mrs. Bingham was
born January 12, 1835. She died September 11,
1865. They were the parents of one child, a
daughter, Clare S., whose natal day was April 13,
1862.
Mr. Bingham was again united in marriage, his
second wife being Adelia M. Cone, a sister to his
former wife. She was born November 4, 1838, in
Chenango County. There was no fruit from this
marriage and his wife died October 29, 1888. Dur-
ing the first j'cars of his married life our subject
owned and operated a farm in Chenango County,
slaying there for two 3ears; they came to Michigan
in 1869 and settled upon sixty acres of land, it
being the nucleus of the farm which he now owns
and where he resides. Thirty-five acres of the
original farm were chopped at the time he purchased
It, but there were no buildings upon the place. He
has since added one hundred acres, all of which he
had cleared himself. He now has one hundred and
fifty acres under a good state of cultivation. He
has underdrained, fenced and cross-fenced it.
Mr. Bingham built his present residence in 1869,
doing most of the work upon the house himself.
He built a barn 30x40 feet in dimensions and
another barn measuring 44x100 feet, it being the
largest in the township. He set out a good orchard
and some of the finest fruit produced in the vicinity
is found on his place. An evergreen hedge bord-
ers two sides of the orchard. It is made of over
one hundred finely developed and carefully
trimmed evergreen trees and so beautiful is the
color effect .against the changeful greens of other
trees, that it has given the name to the farm of the
"Evergreens."
Across the southern part of his farm our subject
has dug a large and deep ditch, through which runs
living water. Mr. Bingham's farm is undoubtedly
the finest in Venice Township, tsiste and refinement
char.aclerizing every feature of the place. Here lie
carries on general farming. His son, Clare S.
Bingham makes his home with our subject. Five
years ago Mr. Bingham began sheep-raising, im-
porting a number of full-blooded Shropshires.
He origin.illy had ten. The next year our subject
684
PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPfflCAL ALBUM.
made his first trip to England and brought over
sixtj'-nine head of thorough-bred Shropshires.
Every year since he has made a trip abroad for the
same purpose and h\s brought into the United
States nearly six hundred full-blooded Shropshires,
his market for the same extending in every State
in the Union and also Canada. He imported a
flock of sixty head without making personal select-
ion and these were the first to enter the United
States under the provision of the McKinley bill.
They were quarantined fifteen days at Middleport,
Mass.
The subject of our sketch is now President of the
American Shropshire Association. Naturally he is
an enthusiast on this subject and being thoroughly
well informed, his conversation is both interesting
and instructive. Mr. Hingliam takes an interest in
politics, affiliating with the Republican party. In
addition to his farm cares, for the past ten years he
has been agent for a number of Eastern capitalists
and makes investments for them.
Mr. Bingham is the author of many articles on
the superiority of Shropshires, and we quote the
following from a paper read by him at a meeting
of the Sheep Breeders Association held at Birming-
ham, Mich., February 11, 1891.
" Where we remember the comparatively short
time which has elapsed since tlie introduction of
this breed into the country and the strong preju-
dice which they have had to encounter because of
the comparative failures which had resulted from
the introduction of other mutton breeds, need I say
that the wonderful manner in which they have
spread over many of the great Middle and Northern
States is a convincing proof that they have the
merits which commend them to the judgment of
large numbers of our best farmers.
In looking over sheep husbandry as a whole in
the United States, and thinking out its future, it
must be ai)parenl to ever}' one that new conditions
have arisen which will compel some changes from
the policy formerly found to answer. The growth
of population in industrial centers will call for an
increased supply- of both wool and mutton. The
large quantities of meat heretofore produced upon
the western cattle ranges will become less with
each succeeding year, partly from the lands being
put under cultivation, and partly because the in-
creasing population will demand a larger portion
for food. It therefore looks to me as if the farmer
in this State, and those surrounding it, who gives
attention to the production of mutton and wool
must enjoy for many years a good demand for his
products. In view of this the future seems more
assured to siiecp husbandry than to any branch of
agriculture. I speak of sheep husbandry as a
whole for if it is in a good sound position the ad-
mirers of the various breeds must certainly share in
the prosperity'.
The position of the industrj' at present when the
wool markets are assured to American growers up
to a point where wool-growing is profitable, has
been a good thing for our Merino friends, and I
think it will prove equally' so to those who pin their
faith to the Shropshire. The Shropshire I believe
to be the best wool producer among the mutton
breeds, and the demands of manufacturers for the
medium fleeces produced by them is surely going
to increase from year to year. Heretofore much
of this grade of wool has had to be imported.
The higher tariff charges will naturally lead manu-
facturers to depend more and more u[)on the home
product if it is of good quality and in sufficient
supply. This is going to exercise a most important
influence upon the money making capacity of the
Shropshire, for it is a notable fact that the shearing
qualities of the breed are being much improved,
and the fleece is becoming a more important point
among breeders in the selection of stock."
— "> <|3'CJ;< V--
)HOMAS R. YOUNG. Varied experiences
prepare one for the emergencies that are
sure to arise in the most monotonous life.
Our subject though now leading the tranquil life
of a farmer, has followed various occupations, and
has been the prime factor in many adventures. His
farm is located on section 11, Caledonia Township,
Shiawassee County. He was born September 26,
1815, at Hampton, Windham County, Conn. His
father was William C. Young, a native of Connec-
ticut and a blacksmith by trade. His mother was
RL5;!::[:riCL LF A;M"iKorjY droste, stc. 32. Dallas tp.,cl!nton co.,mich
RESIDENCF. OF TH0MA5 R. YOU NG , SEC. II. CALEDONIA TP. , SHI AWA5SEE CO.,MICH
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
687
Nant'i' (Crane) Young, also a native of Connecti-
cut. The parents were married in that Stale, and
there resided a number of years, thence moving to
Monroe County-, N. Y., where they remained until
182G. at which time they removed to this State and
settled at Lapeer.
The father of our subject began farming, his
tract of laud being perfectly- new and unbroken.
lie at once erected a log house, which his wife
made sis comfortable as circumstances and resour-
ces would permit. Mrs. Young died in 1841, her
husband following her a few ^ears later; they were
the parents of eight children, three of whom are
now living. The father was a man of strong phy-
sique, well fltted for the demands that pioneer life
made upon him. He was always a hard worker and
ambitious that no one else should accomplish more
tlian himself. They were members of the Baptist
Church. Mr. Young was a Democrat in politics.
Our subject came with his parents to Caledonia
Townshi)), this count}', from New York when about
twelve years of age. Here he grew to manhood,
receiving in the meantime a good common-school
education. He has always devoted himself faitii-
fuUy to his chosen calling, that of a farmer. He
began life for himself when sixteen years of age,
having purchased his time of his father. For some
time he was engaged in digging plaster in which
work he was emplojed for four years. lie then
spent three years in labor on the Erie Canal, after
which he shipped on a whaler and spent three years
in cruising in the South Pacific. He went around
Cape (iood Hope and returned by way of Cai)u
Horn. This single cruise occupied three years, but
they brought back a ship load of whale oil.
In 1831) Mr. Young came to Michigan, went to
his father at Lapeer where he remained for a few
months, thence came to Shiawassee County, and
located two hundred and eighty acres where he now
lives. He secured the tract directly from the Gov-
ernment, it being at the time perfectly wild. His
nearest neighbors lived at a distance of two miles,
and there was no clearing near him. Indians were
tiic most frequent visitors they had and not always
of tlie pleasantest kind, for they were treacherous
and greedy. Bear and deer were plentiful and the
larder was often replenished by the aid of the rillc
He tells of one occasion when on arising in the
morning he found a large bear chasing his cow.
He got his rifle and killed the bear at one shot, but
to quiet the fears of his wife he shot him again.
Their first dwelling was a log house which was
raised at once in the midst of tall forest trees. After
paying for his land he had no money and was
obliged to change work with his neigiibors in order
to get the use of a team. He finally' got a j'okc of
oxen, but it seemed as though a Nemesis of mis-
fortune pursued, for after wintering his oxen while
driving them througli the woods a tree fell upon
one of the oxen killing him instantly; a little later
the other sickened and died. The next year lie
secured another yoke. Soon after the limb from
a tree fell upon one of tlieni, killing it immediately.
His first cow was hurt and he lost her. In fact his
misfortunes were enough to discourage anj' ordi-
nary man.
Mr. Young was married February 21, 1811, to
Nancy M. Hart. They lived for a year in a shanty
10x12 feet in dimensions, after which they built a
log house. Mrs. Young was born August 17, 1823,
in Jefferson County, N. Y. They are the parents
of seven children, three of whom are now living,
viz: Albert, who has taken to wife Pliel)e Eldredge
and lives en section 12, Caledonia Township; they
are the parents of three children. Melinda, wife of
Ira Angus, lives in this township and is the mother
of two children: Mary Josephine, the wife of Jesse
Parleng, also lives in this township, and is the
mother of five children. Mrs. Young died Novem-
ber 15, 1889. She was a member in good standing
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject was a second time married, January'
2G, 1890, to Lydia (Warrener) Killiourn, a daugh-
ter of Ell and Almeda (Farr) Warrener. The
former was a native of .Massachusetts; the latter of
Ellisburg, N. Y., in which place they were married
and lived until 1852, when the}- went to Ohio.
Here they remained until 1801, and then removed
to this State, settling in Ma|)le Grove, Saginaw
Count}', on a new farm. The father died in 1867;
the mother still survives, making her home here.
She has attained to the age of eight^'-si.v years.
She and her husband were the parents of ten chil-
dren, si,\ of whom arc now living. Mrs. Young
688
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
was born October 28, 1827, in Jefiferson Countj',
N. Y. Sbe was marrierl to Newell Kilbourn, wLo
was an olrl settler in New Haven Township. .She
presented her husband with two children, one of
whom is now living, Albert, who is in.irried to
Louisa Uennelt. and lives in New Haven Townsliip,
they have one child.
Mr. Young has one hundred and twenty acres,
of vvhich sixty acres are under cultivation. He
carries on the farm himself and takes a delight in
working out liis ide.as and theories of improvement,
all of which he li.is made iiimself. Since coming
to Michigan he has given his whole time and atten-
tion to farming and has cleared between two hun-
dred and three hundred acres of land. Atone time
he owned a farm of six hundred acres, but of this
he has sold some and has given some to each of his
children. He also fitted his children as much as
possible for their life work by giving them the best
of educational advantages. He has alwaj's taken
more or less interest in politics and is a Democrat.
He has been elected Highway Commissioner, hav-
ing been a|)pointed one of tlie first here. He built
tlie first schoolhouse and helped to organize the
first district. He is an advocate of temperance,
having always lived up to these principles.
A view of the pleasant liome of Mr. Young ap-
pears on another page of this volume.
.^;^..;..^>.
' NTHONY DROSTK. Among the native-
i^JTcJII born men of Clinton County, who are
pursuing an agricultural career is the
gentleman above namcil, whose farm lies
on section 35, Dallas Township. He owns one
hundred and twenty acres, eighty of which was
given him by his fatiier in 1887. He has put up a
beautiful residence, and has excellent accomoda-
tions for his stock and storage-room for that
portion of his crops which he does not dispose of
when harvested. As his name indicates, he is of
German parentage and liis father h.as long been
known as one of the hard-working and honest
pioneers of Clinton Countj'. He cleared much
land, aiding other men to prepare their lands for
cultivation, and cut down the timber on over two
hundred acres.
Theodore Droste, the father of our subject, was
born in 1812, and married Theresa Knapp, with
whom he crossed the Atlantic in 1840. He made
his home in Detroit and worked by the day until
1842, when he came to Clinton County and settled
on forty acres in Westphalia Township. He has
prospered in word ly affairs and now owns two hun-
dred and fort}' acres and has given his sons com-
fortable tracts. His children are Theodore, iNIary,
AVilliam, Rosie, .Joiin, Joseph, Anthony and Casper.
He and his wife are comn.unicants of the Roman
Catholic Church.
Anthony Droste was born in Westphalia Town-
ship, May 6, 1859, and lived there until within the
last few years. He did not leave the parental home
until he was twenty-four years old, when he was
married in 1884, and set up his own household.
His wife was Mary Simons, daughter of Peter
Simons. Their wedded life was brief, Mrs. Droste
dying in 1889. She left three children — Dora,
William and Ludwig. In 1890 Mr. Droste con-
tracted a second matrimonial alliance, his bride
being Anna Doll, daughter of MathiasDoll. a Ger-
man-American citizen who w.as an earl^' settler in
Clinton Count}'.
Mr. Droste was well prepared for carrying on the
business affairs of life, as, after studying in the
schools near his home, be attended the Goldsmith
Business College in Detroit. Like others of his
class he keeps well informed and takes an intelligent
interest in the progress of affairs, not only near at
hand but in the remoter regions of the earth.
Politically, he is a Democrat and he and his wife
belong to the Roman Catholic Church.
Elsewhere in this volume will be found a view of
the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Droste.
'jr=5] MORY L. BREWER, a prominent business
il^ man of Owosso, was born in Hartwick,
JL^ Otsego County, N. Y., October 3, 1835.
His father, Jonathan W. Brewer, was born in Mad-
ison County, N. Y., in 1798 and was a well-known
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
G89
Otsego County manufacturer of cast iron scrapers
and plows. He was also by trade a slioemaker,
but never followed that vocation but continued in
the manufacturing line as long as lie lived in New
York.
In the fall of 1847 the father of our subject
removed to Michigan, making his home in Ben-
nington Township, Shiawassee Count}', and died
in Owosso in 1872. His ancestry was of Holland
blood and his father was Mathew Brewer. He was
a Captain in the Rcvolutionar}' armj' and his son
Jonathan was also a military man and held the
commission of Colonel in the State militia. Julia
G. Leland was the maiden name of the lady who
became the mother of our subject. She was born
in Vermont and was a daughter of Joshua Leland,
of Scotch descent. She was a member of a distin-
guished family, one of whom, Arron Leland, was
Governor of Vermont. The grandmother on the
mother's side was an aunt of General and Senator
John Sherman. Julia (Leland) Brewer died in
Owosso in 1882 in her eighty-third year. She was
the mother of seven children, two daughters and
live sons, three of whom were the offspring of her
flrst husband, Mr. Cook. All of her four children
by Mr. Brewer are now living.
The children of Jonathan and Julia Brewer are:
Helen W., wife of Joseph H. Howe, of Shiawassee
County; Emor}' L., our subject; Lasel C, who
resides in Evansville, Wis., wliere he carries on a
hotel; Burns W., a farmer making his home in
Owosso. The children of Mrs. Brewer's first mar-
riage are: Sabrina, now Mrs. Hcrrington, residing
in Otsego County, N. Y., and William A. Cook, of
Caledonia Township. Shiawassee County, where he
resides on a farm.
After attending school in Hartwick, N. Y., until
he reached the age of twelve j'cars, Emory L.
Brewer came to Michigan and went to school in
Bennington. His opportunites at that time were
meager indeed, but after he reached the age of
twenty-one he entered the Union school and after
attending one winter he went the following fall to
the agricultural college at Lansing, where he look
a two years' course, thus prei)aring himself for
teaching, which he pursued for four winters.
The young man then bought a farm in I5enniiig-
ton Township which he still owns. He placed
eighty acres under cultivation and engaged in gen-
eral farming. This he pursued until the fall of
1862, when his patriotic impulses led him to
respond to the call of his country and enter her
service. He enlisted as a private in Company K,
Fifth Michigan Cavalry, under Col. Copeland.
This regiment had :it various times changes in its
command, being at different periods under the
command of Cols. Norvell, Gould and Hastings
and Gen. Alger. It was assigned to the Army of
the Potomac and placed in the brigade commanded
by Gen. George H. Custer.
In 1864 Mr. Brewer was promoted to the position
of Second Lieutenant and received commendation
for meritorious conduct. He continued in that rank
until October, 1864, when on account of an injury
received at Hawes' Shop, Va., he was discharged
October 13 on a surgeon's certificate. This injury
was by means of a gunshot which passed through
both shoulders and caused a terrible experience
with abscesses. He took part in the following
battles: Hanover, Va.; Ilunterstown, Pa.; Gettys-
burg, Monterey, Cavetown, Smithtown; Boons-
boro, July 6, 1863; Hagerstown, Williamsport;
Boonsboro, July 8, 1863; Hagerstown, Williams-
port, July 10; Falling Waters, Snicker's Gap,
Stevensburg, Morton's Ford, Richmond, (better
known .as Kilpatrick's Raid,) Wilderness, (Beaver
Dam Station,) Yellow Tavern, Meadow Bridge,
Milford and Hawes' Shop.
Returning to Owosso in 1864 this brave veteran
settled himself to the pursuits of peace, devoting
his time to the study of law in 18G5-66. He was
Clerk of the Supreme Court at Lansing, after
which he made a visit of two years to his native
State, New York. When he came back to Michi-
gan he formed a partnership with his father-in-
law, Abram Brewer, which he continued until
1872, and they carried on a brisk business in the
boot and shoe trade. The father sold out his inter-
est to J. H. Howe and the firm name was changed
to Brewer & Howe and remained under this title
until 1883, when our subject bought out his part-
ner's interest and continued in business alone.
About the same time he built his handsome brick
business block, measuring 22x80 feet, two storica
•;!>()
I'OlM'KAir ANO IU0C5RAlMlirAI. Al.lU'M.
niui II ImscinoDt. Ilo oiirrioii n full stuck uf boots,
»luH's, niltlior j-ooils nn»l luittoiis ami oi'i'iipios tlio
tlisl (lour of his IniiUliiij;,
Our subjool WHS uuitoti in iniirritt^o with l'lm>lio
A. Hrcwcr, (no rt-liitivo ns is known,) i\ ilnujjlili'r
iif Aluiun llrinviT, Kmi. 'I'lus liuly was liorn in
Mlchigtu) iiiul hn8 beoonio tho luothor of two cliil
(lion, wlio lirtVf j;rown to bo a comfort and a
(lcbi;ht (olhcir parents: LcoCi. is n(>w in Sai^inaw;
Nora is at lionui and n student in the Iti^ti subo(>l.
Mr. llrcwtM- (lolilicalty was tlrst n Democrat as
was Itis father before liim, but for u few years past
has been a stanch Prohibitionist, voting the Ihsl
Prohibition ticket in the State and the i>nly one
at that time in tlie city of Owi'sso. and is a promi-
nent slump speaker for that cause and for every
phase i>f tlie temperance movement. His ph-asaut
ht>n)e is at the c(>ruer of tioodhue and Hickory
Slreet,s, and it is luit i>idy comforlabh' and com-
modious, but attractive in its (>\terual appearance.
IrlM.lAM II. ri I'NAM. I'he subject of
i our sketch was born iu t)vid Township,
CMinton l\>uuty.this v^tate. March II, KS|.^.
His faiher was W illiani K. Putnam, a native (>f
(>vid. Seneca (."ounty, N. Y. lie was born in the
year IM I and was reared in his native place until
he i-ame to Michi,i>ttu, which was quite early in his
life and bet\>re the township was i>rj;anized, lie
located his laud (>n what was afterward called t>vitl
'rowiiship. so named by himself, lie relumed li>
New York and there married i>ur subjvvt's mother,
wlu>se maiden name was Hannah Waters. She was
a native of tlie same U>wu as her hiisbanil,
who remained lwi> years after his niarriajje in Ihe
Kast and then came to llie laud where he had prt>-
vit>usly located.
Mere Mr. Putnam built f>>r his family a loi^; house
in the midst »>f his trad of land which was uulircly
unimproved. The «ork of culliuiT the loj>* de-
volved wholly npiui himself ami when the little
house only lSx^4 fe»>t was ciunpleleil he had the
satisfaction of knv>winjj that he himself was its only
builder, lie ivmalneil heix' long enouj;li to clear
up the place and in 1858 he cniue to Shiawassee
County, where he located in .Sciot« 'l\)wnship, there
improvinj; another farm. Here also he built a lojr
house of the same dimensions as that in ((vid Town-
ship. This proved to be his home for the remainder
of his life, his death iiccurrini; .liiiie 1, 1S80. Mr.
Putnam was a l>emocrat in polities and the conll-
ilcnce which his fellow-townsmen had in him was
manit'esled by his clei'liiui to several township olli-
ces. \\v was Township Clerk and Treasurer, also
Hij;hway Cominissicuier in Clinton County.
l)ur subject's mother is still living' and resides
in !!»eiota Township, ShiawassiH' County, beinji now
alumt seventy years of as;e. t)ur subject is t>ne of
ei>;ht children, seven of whom are now livin.'i:. Mr.
Putnaiu is the fourth child and third son. He was
reared in his native place until he was ei^ht years
ot a_i;e w hen he came with his father to .Shiawassee
County. His Hrsl school days were spent in Clinton
County where he went ti> school in a little log lu>use
called the Wilson sclun>l house. The seats were split
lojjs sot upon pegs — answering the purpose of legs.
He linished his school days in Shiawa.ssee County,
at the school known as the Octogini scluud house.
He remained with his father ami mother assisting
them tui the farm aidina in clearing, fencing, etc,
Mr. Putnam came ti> \eruon Towiiship in 18li7
and engaged with .lames J (Mies who w.is then build-
ing a sawmill at the village of Vernon, for the
manufacture of hard-wviod lumber in il-s various
fi>rms to be used in furniture and carriage works.
Here he ivinaiiied for two years and then went to
Muskegon where he was engaged in a similar busi-
ness t\>r about one year, then cauie imck to\'enu>n.
Tlie mill property there having chaiigeil hands he
wDrketl for the new proprietor a couple of years,
then engageil with James C. Urand as fv>reman in
(•harge of his theiuiuile extensive business in hard-
woi>d lumber, staves, heading and hoop-poles,
where he remaiiieii for several years. IHiring this
time he superintended the building anil placing uf
the machinery for a lifly hoi-se-power mill at \'er-
nou Center for the manufacture of hard-wood lum-
ber, staves and heading.
The tirm were iu>w doing a large business and
felt the netnl of better mail facilities, the nearest
post-oHlce Iwing some four miles ilislant in the v il-
>CJ?
^yiad.(2L/yyh^<i^ (y^ (f^)e^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
693
lage of Vernon. Mr. Piitnfim ever mindful of his em-
ploj'er's interest went to work to get ,a post-offlee cs-
t.ahlislied at Vernon Center. Througli Ills unceasing
efforts and tlie influence of lion. Geo. A. Durand
at that time a member of Congress from tlio Sixtii
Congressional District of wiiich Shiawassee County
then formed a part, he succeeded in having a
post-office established at Vernon Center, and giv-
ing to it the name of Durand in honor of George
II. ])u.-:uid, M. C. In the month of M.-iy, 187G,
Mr. Putnam received his commission from Mar-
shall .Jewell, Postmaster-General, under U. S.
Grant's second administration, and on June 19
following, he opened u[) and commenced business
in the newly established post-ofHoe of Durand,
wliich position he occupied until January 1, 1879,
when his successor William II. Bilby was appointed.
Mr. Putnam was again commissioned Postmaster
.it Durand in l.S8,j under G rover Cleveland taking
charge of the office June G. and continued in that
position until June 1, 1889. After the establish-
ment of tlie post-ofHce, Mr. Putnam turned his
attention to the securing of a railway station on
the Detroit and Milwaukee Railway wliich was the
only road through Durand at that time. His
efforts were rewanled l)y the company making Du-
rand a Hag station.
In the year 1877 Mr. Putnam associated himself
with his brother-in-law, George Ciiild, under the
firm name of Child & Putnam and engaged in the
hardware and agricultural trade. This firm did
business for about two years when Mr. Child re-
tired and Mr. Putnam took in partnership another
brother-in-law, E. II. Delano, under the firm name
I'utnam & Delano, and carried on the above busi-
ness until 1882. Mr. Delano then sold his interest
to Mr. Putnam, wlio continued the business
in addition to the buying and shipping of
grain and produce until 1887, when he sold out
an<l retired from active business.
The gentleman of whom we write w.as married
August 13, 1872. The lady's maiden name was
Josephine M. Delano, and she was a native of Sodus
Centre, Wayne County, N. Y., born October 8,
1848. She came to Michigan with her parents
when al)out six years old. Mr. and Mrs. Putnam
are the parents of two children — a daughler and a
son. named respectively. Homer, who is seventeen
years of ago and Ethel, thirteen j-pars of age.
These young people remain at home to brighten
the hearts of their parents.
In politics Mr. Putnam lias always been asso-
ciated with the Democratic part}' and has held va-
rious offices of trust and honor. He has been twice
elected to the office of Township Clerk and has been
Township Treasurer for two terms. For five years
he has been Notary Public and is now Justice of
the Peace. lu connection with his official duties
he carries on quite an extensive real-estate and in-
surance business and has for sale or rent some
choice residence property. He is a Mason, social!}',
belonging to the North Ncwburg Lodge, No. IGl,
of Durand, and is now Junior Deacon in the same,
in which lodge he has taken an active interest. He
is thoroughly interested in the growth and devel-
opment of the village which he Ins seen grow from
a country cross-road where there were not more
than three frame buildings in sight, to a busy
hustling town of eight hundred inhabitants, and the
greatest railw.ay center in the State.
^
E^^-
ENJAMIN TOANIvLIN BATCHELOU.
Among the prominent farmers and stock-
raisers of Fairfield Township, Shiawiissee
County, is the gentleman whose name in-
troduces these paragraphs and whose propert\' con-
sists of two hundred .acres of fine land. His name
is well known and his personal acquaintance en-
joyed'by a large number of citizens, as well as by
man}' in the surrounding townships, who are proud
to acknowledge their friendship to him. His busi-
ness transactions are characterized by good judg-
ment, strict integrity and acute perception, and are
therefore almost invariably successful, while as a
citizen, patriot and friend, he is highly esteemed
wherever known.
Mr. Batchelor was born in Van Buren, Kalama-
zoo County, Mich., November 2, 1847, and is the
son of Almon and Rachel (Lattimer) Batchelor,
natives respectively of New York and Pennsyl-
v.ania. The father died when our subject was only
094
POUTKAIT AND BlOGilAl'lllCAL ALIUJM.
fifteen years old, and as he was the third among
a family of eigiit ehildieii, great responsibilities
were early thrown upon liim. Having received
careful training in farm duties, he was able to be
very helpful to the family. His educational ad-
vantages were limited, for home duties were of
sucli a nature as to require his constant attention.
When only seventeen years old Mr. IJalchelor
enlisted in the service of his country February 11,
18G1, connecting himself with C'om|>any B, First
IMichigan Cavalry and serving as a brave soldier in
defense of the Union. He took part in the battle
of the Wilderness, being under Chistcr as his
Brigade Commander, and Sheridan being the Gen-
eral of the corps with wliicli he was connected.
He was with his company through all the campaign
of ISGl and on the IDlhof Septemher had liis horse
shot from under him. After the close of the war
he enlisted as a regular soldier in the United
States Arm}', serving three years and being sta-
tioned all the time at Jefferson Barracks, Mo.
In March, 18(!9, Mr. liatchelor left the regular
army and on November 17, of tliat ^ear, he was
united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Loynes,
daugiiter of Comfort 1>. and Mary (Ensign)
Loynes. Of this union five children survive to
brighten the parental home. They are as follows:
Jay F., born September 14, 1870; Charles E., Janu-
ary C, 1873; Katie M., April 6, 1875; Minnie A.,
November 24, 1877, and Eva B., August 27, 1887.
For;ibout seventeen years Mr. Batchclor made his
home on section G, Rush Townshi[), but two years
ago removed to F'airfield Township, where he is
now i)leasantly located.
In matters of public importance Mr. Batchclor is
deeply interested and usually votes the Republican
ticket, but has never in any sense been an odice-
seeker. On account of injuries received while in
the service he receives a pension of l>12 per month.
He is prominently identified with the (!rand Army
of the Rci)ublic, as would naturally be expected.
He was not the only representative of his immedi-
ate family in the Civil War, as his father enlisted
in C^ompany K, Fourteenth Michigan Infantry and
died at Jackson, Tenn., of pneumonia contracted
from exposure while having the measles. A brother
pf our subject, William, now a farmer in Norton
County, Kan., was also a soldier during the late
war, belonging to the Twenty-ninth Michigan In-
fantry and becoming an integral part of the Army
of the Tennessee.
The attention of the reader is invited to a litho-
graphic portrait of Mr. Batchclor presented in con-
nection with this brief biographical outline.
.... RTIIUR GARRISON, the junior member
E^tJli of the firm of Garrison Bros., claims
Michigan as the State of his nativity. He
was born in Novi Township, Oakland
County, on the 2Clh of September, 1837, and is
the fourth child of William and Mary (Pmney)
Garrison, a sketch of whom is given on another
page of this work in connection with that of W. D.
Garrison. Arthur was reared to manhood amid
the wild scenes of pioneer life and with the family
shared in the hardshi|)s and |)rivations of those
earl}' days. His education was finished in a log
schoolhouse in Vernon Township, known as the
Garrison School, and he entered u|)on his business
career as a carpenter. He followed that trade for
some time and then spent a year and a half as clerk
ill a store in Vernon.
Mr. Garrison has been twice married. In Octo-
ber, 18G1, he was joined in marriage with Isa-
bel Brown, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and the
third child of John Brown. Her father was a na-
tive of Scotland, and her mother of England.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Garrison were born four chil-
dren, the eldest of whom, Minnie E., is now trav-
eling for her health. She has visited California two
or three different times, spent two months in the
Sandwich Islands, and has traveled all over this
country. Carrie B. is the next younger. Ethel H.
is attending school in Oberlin, Ohio, and expects
to graduate from that college in 1892. Isabel, the
youngest, is at home. The mother of this family
died in the spring of 1875, and her remains were
interred in Vernon Cemetery. In 1876 Mr. Garri-
son was again married, liis second union being with
Susan E. Holmes, who was born in Vernon Town-
ship and has spent her entire life in Shiawassee
FOKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
6a3
County. She is a daugliter of Edward Holmes,
aixl is the sixth chilii in a family of te!i cliildieii.
In |iulitical sentiment Mr. Garrison is a Ucpub-
lioaii, anil socially is a Knight Templar Mason.
He and all of his family arc members of the Con-
grejjational Church, of which lie has heen Treas-
urer for twenty-seven years, and in the social
world they hold an enviahle position, moving in
the best circles of society where wortli and intelli-
gence are accepted as passports. Mr. Garrison for
the long period of twenty-six years has been
Treasurer of the \'ernon Cemetery Association.
Honored and trusteil by all, he has been found
faithful to every duty and has won the highest re-
gard of those wiUi wlioni business or social rela-
tions have bioughl iiim in contact. His public
and private life are alike above reproach, for naught
can be said against him.
The extensive business interests of the firm of
Garrison Bros, has made them well known through-
out Shiawassee County. They arc at the iiead of
some of its principal industries and furnish em-
ployment to a large number of hands. Tiie busi
ness transacted by the firm in 1888 amounted to
upward of ^1110,000, and was the result of their
own efforts. Endowed by nature with good ability,
Ihey have made the most of every opportunity,
steadily working tiieir way upward, and in the
legitimate channels of business have won a f(jrtune-
Their names arc inseparably connected with the
iiislory of tins community, for not only in the
business circles but in the upbuilding and progress
of the county have they been prominent. Mr.
Garrison is a Director in tiie Corunna National
Bank.
-4-
-^^
l^-^^OLLIN POND, of the Gwosso Monumental
ILiir Works, which were established in June,
1886, is a native of Michigan, being born
in Shiawassee County in the township of
Bennington, July 22, 1844. He is the son of
Cortes Pond who was born in Schroon, N. Y.,
November 23, 1812. His father, Jared, was the
son of Benjamin Pond wlio was I)orn September 26,
1790 at Poullney, \ I. This ancestor was a Judge
and also a Representative in the New York Legisla-
ture, aucl represented his comity at the time of the
War of 1812, and did much both in his public and
private ca[)acity to sustain the Government at this
time of trial. His death occurred October 10, 1HI4.
He was present at the battle of Platlsburg, N. Y.,
in 1814 and volunteered to repel the invaders.
By exiiosure at this time he contracted a disease
wiiicli caused his death. Tiie ancesUjrs of this
family were of Kngiisii birth.
Cortes Pond, tiie father of our subject, moved to
Michigan while it was a Territory, lie married
Al)igail Howe in December 31, 1K35. .Siie was a
daugiiler of Jonathan Howe, and lived till Nov-
ember 21, 18r)f<. Mr. I'ond settled in Branch
County subsecpiently removed to Washtenaw
County and to Bennington Township, Shjawass(!e
County in 1842. Here he remained until his elec-
tion as County Chu'k in 18.04 when the duties of
that ollice re(piired his residence at the count}- seat
and he then made his home in Corunna. About
the year 1861 he married Emily Bixby, who is
deceased.
Mr. Pond was always a stanch Democrat and an
aetive temperance worker. At tlie time of his
death he was the Treasurer of the County Pioneer
Society, Treasurer of the city of Corunna and one
of the Superintendents of the Poor. This latter
l)ijsition lie had held for thirty-three years and it
was a lru(! tribute to his integrity, ability and kind-
ly heart 'hat he had for so long a time been placed
in such a position of trust.
Kollin Pond passed his early boyhood and his
school days mostly in Corunna, and after talking
advantage of the Corunna schools he studied at
Flint, Micii. He then assisted in making abstracts
of Sliiaw.assee County property for Charles llolman
who was Registrar of Dee<ls.
The young man in the spring of 1808 went to
Kansas making a stop at Emporia, Lyon County,
thatsuue, where he was employed in the odlce of
E. P. Bancroft, whom he helped to put in projier
shape the abstracts of Lyon County. After this
he entered the employ of W. H. Andriis in the real-
estate business and gave to that gentleman ellieieiit
assistance in Ins business. He then entered the
bank of Swallow, lleiitage & Sowden as book-
690
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
keeper for six months, after which he went to
Arkansas Cit^' and entered the real-estate business
on his own account and remained 'there for some
time. Me took up one hundred and sixty acres of
land which he proved up and received his patent
signed by Gen. Grant. On his trip West he drove
a team from Sturgis, Mich., through to Emporia,
Kan., and April 19, 1873 went on a buffalo hunt
in company with others and returned on the 24th.
He killed several buffaloes and caught one buffalo
calf which he tamed.
In the fall of 1873, Mr. Pond returned to Michi-
gan and in the following spring embarked in the
grocery business with J. C. Merrill under the firm
name of Merrill <fe Pond but he did not continue
long in this relation as he sold out the next season.
In April, 1877 he entered the monumental business,
the company being comprised of Rollin Pond,
Frank Pond and Edward Shuttleworth under the
firm name of the Corunna IMarble Compan}', whicii
continued to transact business until the other
partners sold out their interest to our sujjject in
1881. In 1886 he removed his stone and marble
works to Owosso, which he considered a better loca-
tion and where he is now well established in that
business. He maiuifactures monuments and does
other work in that line, both in foreign and Ameri-
can granites and marble. He is a Democrat in his
political views, but on local issues votes independ-
ently of party.
♦SS^-
LBERT II. ELLIS. One of the stanch
sturdv pioneers of early days, wlio has
(IS seen the face of the country' change from
a wilderness that was the fit haliitation of
the Aborigines to a well-improved and liigiily. cul-
tivated land owned b}' men who are representa
tives from almost every nation on earth, is tlie
owner of the farm located on section 21,A'enice
Township, Shiawassee County. His father was
Horace Ellis, a native of Massachusetts, in whicii
State he was born in 1795. His" mother was Mary
E. (Kennedy) Ellis, a native of Onondaga County,
N. Y., where she was born February 1.5, 1810.
The Ellis family is of ohl New p]ngland ances-
try, and our subject's father was a soldier in the
War of 1812, being Captain of a regiment. His
parents were married in New York State in 1826,
and for a couple of 3-ears they lived in Onondaga
County, and then ran a boat on the Erie Canal.
In 1855 they came to Michigan and settled at
Grand Blanc, Genesee County, which was some-
what imi)roved when tliej' came hither. The
mother died in April, 1873, and the father June
6, 1877. Thej' were the parents of ten children,
six of whom are now living. Thej' were Presbj-
terians in their church preference .and the fatl)er
was a Democrat in politics. He had received a
good education and was thoroughly well read, in-
clining toward a book-worra. He had high natural
ability, which was recognized bj' his friends and
all with whom he came in contact. In New York
State he was appointed Supervisor of tlie town-
ship. The parents were robust, health}- jjcople,
both sides being noted for longevity.
Our subject first saw the light of day Decem-
ber 8, 1838, in Onond.aga County, N. Y. Tiiere
he spent his early childhood and received his edu-
cation in the district schools. He remained at
home until twenty fc>ur years of age, helping his
parents with llie burden of supporting so large a
famil}'. June 24, 1863, he took upon himself the
obligations of matrimony and was Muited in mar-
riage with Hannah M. Kenned}-, a daughter of
Horace A. and Hepsapath (Worden) Kennedy,
both natives of New York. The mother was born
in 1813, the father in 1815. Tiiey came to Mich-
igan about 1835, and were pioneers of Gene-
see County, where thoy opened up a now farm.
Their most frequent visitors and nearest neighbors
were Indians, and they had ever to be on the
alert against the encroachments of wild animals.
The parents of Mrs. Ellis were married June
28, 1841, in Genesee County, where the}- made a
permanent liome and opened u[) a new farm. Tlie
father died May 15, 1879; the mcther still sur-
vives at the age of seventy-eight. She is very
.active and bright, and does not feel that her use-
fulness is yet at an end. The father was a hard-
working man. They were the parents of live
children, four of whom are now living. He. lilte
most pioneers, was active in politics, for in the
:lo I u f- i-i
CE OF A. H. ELMS , SE:C.21.,VEU!CL T P. , 3H 1 AVVA2 3 LL Cu.,,a.C.-.
fk^^'. Ml.,-
W^ ■■■''-
RESIDENCE or J. W, FRENCH , SEC . 21., DU PLAI N TP., CLINTON CO. .MICH.
MiP-:
.i*/Ov';.-
.•:i ' ■
RLCIDEULIL Of C.
. Wl HG , ijEC.n.,P[.KKY [ K,5HIAWAooLL CU.i.llCH.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
699
early days it was a vital question as to who should
have tlie [jower, llie iiuprovemeiits of tlie county
dciiending almost entirt-lj' upon the otHce-hoIders.
lie held the position of Highway' Commissio!)er
for 3'oars and took an active interest in the wel-
fare of schools. He is a well-read man and the
dearth of literature in early days must have been
a great deprivation to him.
Mrs. Ellis was born July 26, 1844, in Grand
Blaae, Genesee County, where she received a good
common-school education. The marriage of our
subject and his wife occurred at Fenton, Genesee
County, this State. They started out in life to-
gether empty-lianded, with only their love and
faitli in each other. Tliey went to New York
State, where he worked on a farm l)y the montli
for one year, after wliicli they returned to tliis
Stale, and he worked in the pineries for six
niontlis.
."Mr. Ellis next rented a farm of his father-in-
law, upon which he continued for one year an;!
then conducted the work on his own father's farm
for a period of one and one-half years. In 1SG8
he came to Shiawassee County, [lurchasing eighty
acres of wild land, for which he ran partly in
debt. Their first residence was a shanty, and here
thev began clearing. It was his first experience
in that direction, but he went at it energetically
and has remained here ever since. He now owns
one hundred and twenty acres, of which he has
one hundred and ten acres undoi' spleudiil culti-
vation.
The residence where our sulijent is at present
domiciled, and a view of wiiich is sliown on
another page, was built at a cost of ij* 1,200. He
iiad a good barn upon iiis place before his house
was built. This still stands, and he has since added
another. The fine orchard that he owns was set
out by himself and now yields a plentiful har-
vest. He devotes himself to general farming and
is greatly interested in the breeding of thorough-
bred stock. He at present owns some fine Merino
sheep and his Jersey cows are a picture of sleek
serenity.
Our subject and his wife are the parents of two
children, one now living. Edward S. lived until
he reached his majority and died July 19, 188G;
Horace Ray was born on the 1 2th of September,
1874. Our subject has been a member of the
School Board and is much interested in local
politics, being a Democrat. He has for j-ears been
Road Overseer. He is temperate in his habits and
))rinciples. His undivided attention is given to
his farm, from which by econom\' and Intelligent
cultivation he has gained a comfortable compe-
te ncj'.
ellARLES T. WING, Supervisor of Perry
Township, Shiaw.assee County, was born
May 25, 1837, in Genesee County, N. Y.
His father, Chancelor Wing, was born in Otsego
County, N. Y., in 1801, and his grandfather, Ben-
jamin Wing, was a native of Rhode Island, and a
descendant of three brothers who came originally
from England, and seltleil in Eastern New York.
Tills grandfather served in the Revolutionary War,
and being taken prisoner at the battle of Quebec,
was h.eld by the British for twent^'-two months.
Later he owned three hundred and twcntj-one
acres of land in the Genesee Valley, where he set-
tled in 180G, being one of the first to locate west
of the Genesee River, after the Revolutionary War.
He was a Quaker in his religious views, but over-
came his non -combative principles sullieientl}' to
fight for liberty. He had always been a man of rug-
ged and sturd}' strength, and died very suddenly
when between eighty- and ninety years of age.
The father of our subject was a carpenter and
farmer, and quite a natural genius in the mechani-
cal line. He was the youngest boy of the family,
and finally owned and operated the old homestead,
taking care of his |)arents in their later years. He
himself, however, was cut off befoie he had reached
old age, as he died when onl}' forty-five years old.
He w.as a farmer of ambition and thrift, was a r.adi-
cal Whig, and a strong protectionist in his political
views, and a Baptist in religion. He wsis highl}'
respected in the community where he passed all his
life, and was placed in some local odices of trust.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Susan Tryon, and her natal day was May 6,
1818, her birthplace being in Madison County, N.
700
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM
Y. Sbe was reared upon a farm, and after her
marriage with Mr. Wing, became the mother of
five children — Charles, George, Emily, Henry ai,d
Austin C. She is now residing with our subject,
and enjoying in peace her later years. Her parents
were Sebina and Emily (Hodge) Tryon, natives of
jSIassachusetts. They removed to Madison County,
N. Y. soon after marriage, and there on a farm
brought up their five children, and remained until
their death. She passed away at forty-two years
of age, and he at foity-five. They were of English
and Irish descent.
The district schools in New York were the scenes
of the early studies of our subject. He continued
in them until nine years of age, and when fifteen
years old entered college at Geneseo, N. Y., but
was obliged to discontinue his course of study on
accouut of weak lungs. He returned to the farm
and employed himself there until he reached the
age of twenty-four years.
The military service of Mr. Wing, which he un-
dertook in defense of the old flag, began Novem-
ber 2, 18G1, in Company G, One Hundred and
Fourth New York lufantry. After thirteen months
of service in the ranks as a private, he was promoted
to be Commissary Sergeant, December 1, 1862,
and served in this capacity until he was discharged.
His flist battle was at Cedar Mountain, and he was
then in the conflict for four days at Rappahannock
Station. He also took part in the battles of Thor-
oughfare Gap, l?ull Run, ClianliUy, South Moun-
tain and Antielara. He was never sick a (\ny, but
was on duty continuously from the time of his en-
listment until he was mustered out of service No-
vember 2, 18G4. The young veteran returned to
New York and engaged in farming for about three
j-ears.
The spring of 18G7 saw our subject on his way
to Michigan, and on April 24, he purchased a farm
and started his new life in the far West. His farm
did not have much improvements upon it. but he
has added to it the handsome buildings which now
adorn it. He lumbered in Saginaw County from
1869 to 187a, and owns forty acres there in the
pine lands. He has one hundred and forty acres
here in Perry Township. The attractive large farm-
house was put up in 1882, and the new barn in
1876, the other one being remodeled in 1888. He
carries on mixed farming, and keeps a good stock
of cattle and horses.
The sturd}' Republican principles and business
qualities of our subject have led his fellow-towns-
men to place him in numerous places of trust and
responsibility. He was for three years Township
Clerk, and is now on his fifth term .as Supervisor.
He was nominated Representative from this district
in 1890, and came within eleven votes of being
elected. He is a member of tiie Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows, and also of the Masonic order,
and is Commander of the Grand Army of the Re-
public Post at Perry. His earnest interest in the
prosperity of the farming community has led him
to be active in both tlie Grange and the Farmers'
Alliance. He helped to organize the local Grange,
and has been Master in it fur most of the lime
since its inception.
On another page appears a view of the pleasant
home of Mr. AVing.
->^^V&^it5^
♦^-v-
Tt70HN WILSON FRENCH. A lineage de-
rived from patriotic ancestors may well be a
source of pride to any honest, self-respecting
citizen who loves his country and is himself
worthy' of his parentage. Such is the subject of
this sketch, a man whose grandfalliers on both sides
were heroes in the RcvoUitionar^' War and vviiose
father served in tiie War of 1812. Tlieir descend-
ant, of whom we write, was horn in Albanj', N. Y.,
July 7, 1828. Ills parents, Padon and Christina
(Vanswall) French, were both natives ol Provi-
dence, R. I. His father was by occupation a stone-
mason and also a butcher, and the boy spent his
life at home with his parents, assisting them as he
could until he reached the age of twenty years.
Training in the pr.actic.al arts of agriculture and
such education as he could derive from the com-
mon schools, made up his boyhood experiences.
Our subject began in life for himself by learning
the wheelwright's trade in Madison County, N. Y.
He did not really complete his apprenticeship, but
followed the trade as far as he had learned it for
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAI'UICAL ALBUM.
701
about ten or twelve years, after which lie en-
gaged in farming for a livelihood, liy his mar-
riage with Eunice Brown, of Madison County, N.
Y., he had no children. After her death he again
entered into the matrimonial stale in 1870, choos-
ing for his wife Miss Harriet Smith, of Chicago,
111. As they have no children of their own, they
have adopted one child.
When Mr. French came to Mi'ihigan, in 1861), he
located at Saginaw for about a year, after whi'jh lie
removed to Watrousville and later to Orion, in
Oakland County, following his business as a butcher.
He resided in Oakland Countj' until al)Out ten years
ago, when he removed to Laingsburg, in Shiawassee
County, and there made his home for some six or
seven years, after which he came to Clinton County.
He remained in Ovid for about one year and then
removed to this place, which is located on section
21. Here he has a fine tract of eighty acres and upon
it he has devoted himself entirely to agriculture,
raising a variety of crops and having a large field of
hops. He has more than ordinary success with this
crop and makes it very profitable. He raises al'
kinds of stock but does not pay especial attention
to any particular grade or kind.
Mr. French is a public-spirited citizen in evtrv
sense of the word and actively promotes all efforts
which he believes will redound to the prosperity of
the county and the benefit of her citizens. His
political affiliations are with the Republican party
and he actively maintains its principles and casts
his vote for its candidates. While living in New
York he held some offices, but since he lived in
Michigan he has asked his neighbors not to men-
tion him for any office, as he prefers the quiet
home life to the political arena.
A view of the home of Mr. French, with its rural
surroundings, is presented elsewhere in this volume.
W. MUNGER was born near Norwalk,
Huron Count}', Oliio, November 17, 183G,
where he lived up to the age of thirteen
years, developing a natural aptitude and liking for
trade. His parents secured for him a situation as
clerk in a hardware store in Cleveland, but the
hardware business was not to his liking. Leaving
his place, he secured for himself a situation in a
dry-goods store.
After serving an apprenticesliii) of five years at
this business, 3"0ung Munger felt himself compe-
tent to manage a business for himself, but being
without means it was not easy to make a start. He
prevailed upon his elder brother (who liad a limited
amount of capital) to go into business with him,
then came the question of a location, licalizing
that they must avoid the older centers of trade,
where capital and competition aie ever ready to sit
down on the presumptions new beginner, they
looked West for a situation.
After some time spent in search, they located in
the then woody little town of St. John's. This
was in April, 1857; from that date to the iircsent
time the subject of this sketch has been identified
with the growth and improvements of the now
beautiful little city of St. John's. It was in Au-
gust, 1857, that young Munger (then but just out
of his teens) started for New York to purchase his
first stock of goods, being an entire stranger to the
great city and every person in it. One of the vet-
eran jobbers said to him, "You are the joungest
specimen that I have ever known to come so far
and alone to purchase goods."
After three years of hard work and rigid econ-
omy Mr. Munger was enabled to buy his brother's
interest in the store, his brother returning to their
native place in Ohio. All went well with this little
mercantile adventure until Aiiril, 18G1, when fire
swept store and goods out of existence, leaving our
hero just where he started, except that he had es-
tablished for himself a good credit. It was this
credit that enabled him to rebuild and start in
anew, since which time prosperity seems to iiavo at-
tended every effort and he has accumulated a com-
fortable fortune.
Mr. Munger has filled man}' places of responsi-
bility and trust. During the Rebellion he held the
office of United States Assessor for the first division
of the Sixth District of Michigan, a position he re-
signed to go to the Legislature in 18Gi. He de-
clined a renomination for this office. In 1878 he
was nominated for the State Senate, but was de-
702
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
feated in the election, there being tliree candiflates
in the field. Since tiiat dale he has bad little to do
with politics, devoting bis time to bis own private
business. In the year 1865 he helped to organize
the First National Bank of St. John's. This was
the first regularl}' organized bank in Clinton
County. He acted for a number of years as one of
its Directors. In 1885 he helped to organize the
State Bank of St. John's and was made its first
President. He has held many other positions of
trust and has always served faithfully in every ca-
pacity.
Mr. Munger was married in October, 1881, to
Miss Ella Walker, of Detroit. Three children have
been born to them: Olive W., Henry M. and
Thomas L. In 1883 Mr. Munger built for himself
a handsome residence, where he and bis interesting
family now live, enjoying that quiet to which those
who are industrious and energetic in early life arc
entitled.
HARLES ('. DUFF. The prosperity of all
towns is due to those who handle the staples
there, and it is eminently fitting that a
biographical album should incorporate the histories
of business men. In Owosso one of the thriving
business establishments is a wholesale and retail
grocery store, conducted by the gentleman above
named. He carries a full line of staple and fancy
groceries and i>rovisions, has a well selected stock
and employs efficient help in disposing thereof.
lie is very generally known by the dwellers in the
cit3- and the surrounding country, and is very
popular with his customers. He began bis enter-
prise on a small scale, having but limited means,
but by the exercise of good judgment and honest
dealing he has risen to a prominent position in busi-
ness circles.
The father of our subject was Robert Murray'
Duff, a native of Scotland, who was born in 1802.
He married Adeline McGregor, a native of Lewis
County, N. Y., and soon after that event established
his home in Monroe County, this State. There he
spent the remnant of his days, dying in 1847. His
widow survived bim one year. They had seven
children, five sons and two daughters, and Charles
C. is the fourth on the family roll.
The natal day of Charles C. Duff was December
16, 1842, and his biilliplncc tiie town of Brest, Mon-
roe Count}'. He aitended school there during his
early boyhood, then spent some time in Lewis
Count}', N. Y., an inmate of the home of William
G. Cookman. lie was in the Empire State when
the Civil War began and although he was still in
his teens he entered the service as a |)rivate in Com-
panj' B, Thirt3'-fiftli New Y'ork Infantry, Col. N.
B. Lord commanding. The firing upon Ft. Sum-
ter had hardly ceased to echo over the land when
Mr. Duff enlisted and he was enrolled in April 186L
As one of the nnnil)er comprising the Army of the
Potomac, it was his fortune to take part in the
battles of second Bull Run. Fredericksburg, Antie-
tam, South ]\Iountain, Gainesville and Chancellors-
ville. In May, 1863, his term of service having
expired, he was discharged and almost immediately
re-enlistod,but is now in Company A,Twentieth New
York Cavalry. He was sent to Norfolk, Va.. and
during 1864-66, took part in a number of cavalry
raids of thrilling interest and was given considerable
duty in guarding posts and roads. For a time be
was detailed as a clerk at the headquarters of
Gen. Ord, and was there when he receivcnl his dis-
charge, August 31, 1865.
When he was released from army service Mr.
Duff returned to New York and in October of the
same year came to this State, stopping in Owosso
on a visit. Soon afterward he entered the employ
of M. L. Stewart and during the ensuing five years
handle<l groceries. He then embarked in business
on his own account, but in a modest way, and con-
tinued in trade for two years, after which he sold
out and spent about eight months as commercial
traveler. Ho then started in business again, his
stock consisting of groceries, and in this line he
has continued to the present time. He now occu-
pies a well-built and equipped store which he put
up for bis own use in 1890. The building is 22x85
feet, with three stories and a basement.
]\Ir. Duff lias a pleasant residence, surrounded by
extensive lawns and grounds tastefully adorned,
and furnished in a manner which indicates the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
703
presence of refined woman hood in the Lome. It is
presided over by the lady who became his wife
.September 11, 186G, and is further brightened by
the presence of two daughters, the elder of whom
is an accomplished musician. Mrs. Duff is a native
of this State and before her marriage had mauj-
friends in Owosso. Slie was known in her maiden-
hood as Flora Graham and is the eldest daughter
of Dr. J. N. Graham and wife. She is an intelli-
gent, agreeable lady, an admirable hostess and a
stanch friend. The daughters bear the respective
names of Helen V. and Louisa A. Mr. Duff is a
clever, aflfable gentleman, full of energy in the
prosecution of his financial affairs, and social and
obliging at all times. Politically, he is a stanch
Republican.
DAVIN P. WALDRON, Manager of the St.
John's Mercantile Company, is numbered
y among the foremost business men of the
city. The company (the business of which he has
in charge) was organized in 1888 and carries on
one wholesale and three retail departments, occu-
pying altogether efght floors. Every article sold
here is bought directly from the manufacturers —
sugars from the refiiu'ries, cotton and woolen goods
from the mills, boots and shoes from the factory.
Everything about the establishment is in perfect
order, and the utmost cleanliness is observed in
those departments which are likely to be less neat
than is desirable unless care is observed. Mr.
Waldron has shown himself to be possessed
of much of the capacity for managing men which
is necessary in carrying on an extensive enterprise,
as well as great business ability in other directions.
Mr. Waldron is of English parentage, his par-
ents having been born in Devonshire, England.
His mother died last JUI3'. She was a most estim-
able lady and respected and loved by everyone.
Some time after their marriage, the parents of our
subject emigrated to the United Stales and estab-
lished their home in Harrison County, Ind., where
his father engaged in farming and milling. In 1861
he came to Clinton County, this State, and contin-
ued his agricultural work here for some years but
is now a resident of St. John's. lie was County
Superintendent of the Poor for ten j'cars. His
Church membership is with the Methodists. He
has three living children, our subject being the
second of these. This gentleman was born near
Hancock, Harrison County, Ind., July 27, 1851),
and was five years old when he began his residence
in Clinton County. Young as he was when the
Civil War was in progress, he remembers that dur-
ing the "Morgan raid" his father's mill was burned
by the daring band of rebels, and he recalls other
incidents connected with those times. He received
his education in a country school and finished at
the St. John's High School. He lived upon the farm
until he was eighteen years old.
Young Waldron then became Assistant Post-
master in St. John's under George A. AVells, and
served successfully and satisfactorily over four
years. lie then entered the Government employ
as Postal Clerk on the Detroit, Grand Haven
ife Milwaukee Railroad between Detroit and Grand
Rapids, having been recommended by Gen. O. L.
Spaulding, of St. John's, then member of Congress,
now Assistant Treasurer of the United States.
After acting in that capacity over two years he be-
came a traveling salesman for H. S. Robinson «fc
Birdinshaw, dealers in boots and shoes, of De-
troit, being with them over four 3'ears, the last
three years being their head salesman. He to-
gether with R. M. Steel & Sons and others started
the St. John's Mercantile Co., incorporated it under
the laws of the State with *50,000 capital, of
which he was elected Man.ager. It is the largest
retail establishment in Central IVIichigan and the
slock is so immense that it is not necessar}^ for
people to go elsewhere to trade. The building is
heated by steam and lighted by electricity. Mr.
Waldron is a hustler, broad guaged, and his lime
is fully occupied in looking after his man^- busi-
ness interests.
In 1886 Mr. Waldron and 1). S. French started
the St. John's Creamery, which has been absorl)ed
by the Mercantile Com|)any. By applying the
test system of gathering cream, he has done
more towards raising the quality of the stock in
704
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
this vicinitj' than any other man. He is Vice Pres-
ident and Director of the State Dairyman's Asso-
ciation, talking an active part in furthering dairy
interests, knowing this is a large and growing in-
dustrj- of our country. Through his influence the
next meeting will he held at St. John's. Ue is also a
member of the County Agricultural Societj'. He
is a Director in the St. John's Electric Light, Heat
<fe Power Company, and a stockholder in the St.
John's Gas Company, National Bank of St. John's
and the Clinton County Savings Bank.
The home of Mr. Waldron is presided over by
an educated, refined and efiicient lady who was
known in her maidenhood as Miss Caddie Steel and
is a daughter of Robert M. Steel. She is a native
of St. John's and was educated here and in everj'
way displays the qualities of noble womanhood.
She is an active member of the Episcoi)al Church
and has held office in the societies which the ladies
of that religions body use as a means for accom-
plishing good. Her marriage was solemnized at
her home in 1889.
Mr. Waldron is a Knight Templar and is also a
member of the Masonic Consistory at Detroit tliirtj'-
seeond degree. He belongs to to the Mystic Shrine, a
high social order in Detroit, and is Past Eminent
Commander of the Knights of the IVLaccabees in
St. John's. Politically lie is an earnest Republican
and liis services have been called into requisition
as a delegate to county and State conventions, and
in 1891 he was a delegate to the meeting of the !
National Republican Le.igne in Cincinnati. Al-
though not a member, lie is a Vestryman in the
Episcopal Church.
UGH W. IMORRIS. vSt. John's is the seat
of a number of fine business establishments
in which a successful trade is carried on,
but none are more quickly noticed by one
who passes througli the streets than that of Mr.
Morris. The store-room contains a fine stock of
plain and fancy furniture, cornices, picture-frames
and upholstery goods, in all of which he deals
quite extensively. There is also a material -room
and suitable apartments for the manufacture of
picture-frames and furniture, the machinery being
run by a steam-engine. Mr. Morris is a practical
mechanic and a fine workman, and has many calls
for special goods to be made to order. He began
at the bottom of the ladder and his present busi-
ness has grown by slow stages, and he now stands
upon one of the higher rounds, and looks over a
fair prospect. His location is No. 61 Clinton Av-
enue, where he has filled up the buildings to suit
the convenience of the work done in all the depart-
ments of his business, and also owns the propertj',
extending from one street to the other, across the
middle of the block.
The grandfather of our subject, Edward Morris,
was born in Morganshire, Wales; at twenty years
of age he left his native country, going to Eng-
land, where he married Elizabeth Hughs, an Eng-
lish lady. After the birth of his third child thej'
came to America, and settled in Quebec in 1817.
His occupation was that of a civil and general en-
gineer. His family consisted of seven children,
William, Mary and Edward, born in England,
Martha, John, Joseph and Emma, born in Canada.
His son Edward Morris, born May 20, 1817, was
three weeks old when his parents crossed the ocean.
He was married on the 3d of October, 1843, in
Caledon, count}' of Peel, to Eliza Weston, whose
father was Alexander Weston, of Lincolnshire,
England. Her mother was Ruth Newton, the
daughter of Thomas Newton, of Lincolnshire, a
brother of Sir Isaac Newton, the philosopher.
Ruth Newton, and Alexander Weston were married
iu Fulstone, Lincolnshire, where they resided until
1833, when they came to America. They sailed
from Hull to (Juebec on the ship ''W. R. Triton."
The family of Alexander Weston consisted of six
chihlren, Eliza, Mar}-, Alexander and Thomas, born
in England, and Alice and George, born in Ver-
mont, near Lake Champlain. His occupation was
that of master brickmaker. He died December 21,
1888, and was buried Christmas Day in Fremont
cemetery, Sanilac County, Mich. His wife died
July 26, 1854, and was buried at Port Sarnia,
Canada. Edward Morris and his wife resided in
Canada where he carried on the business of car-
riage and wagon m.aking until 1860, when they
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
705
moved to Lexington, Mich. Tlieir family
consisted of eleven children; Edward, l)orn March
19. 184.5; Eliza, August I \, 1816; Sarali, February
24, 1848 ;Weston (1st.), February 9, 1850; Lucena,
August 24, 1851 ; Ilugli (the subject of this sketch,
and named b}- his parents "Hughs"), born Feb-
ruary 10, 1854; Martha, April 7, 1856; Weston,
February 15, 1858, all of whom were born in
the county of Peel, Canada; Jennie, born Febru-
ar}' 5, 1861; John, December 5, 1863; and
Joseph, January 21, 1866, in Lexington,
Sanilac County, Mich. Of this number three
are dead. Weston (1st.) died in 1850, and is
buried in the county of Peel, Canada; Edward died
February 1, 1874, and is buried in Loxinglou;
and John died November 10, 1888, buried in Cros-
well. Edward Morris, the father, died February-
13, 1 8GG, and is buried in Croswell, Sanilac County
Mich.
Hugh Morris, at the age of fifteen was appren-
ticed to the cabinet trade after which he took in-
structions in architectural drawing to complete
his preparation for his l)usiness. When he had
worked at his business in different cities became to
St. John's in 1875. In 1882 he established his pre-
sent business. September 1, 1880, he married ISIatie
L. IJrainard, liie eldest dtiughter of W. W. Brain-
ard, one of the pioneers of St. John's, coming to
the town in 1856. He established the first lumber-
yards and manufacturing shops in that village;
and it is noticeable that the wheels of that shop
were the first that were turned bj' steam in that
section of the State. He was born May 16, 1824,
in Kccne, N. H. In 1850 he went to California
where he remained engaged in mining and lumber-
ing until 1856, at Rabbit Creek, Sierra County.
Ills grandfather was Simeon Ilagar, born Novem-
ber 11, 1766. His wife was Polly Chaflin, born
January 16, 1765. Their daughter. Mind well
Ilagar, was born May 21, 1792, and was married
to lyconard Brainard January 24, 1814. Leonard
IJrainard was born in Connecticut, in June, 1788.
They settled in Geauga County, Ohio, where they
cleared a large farm. Their family consisted of
six children, Albert, Simeon, Chester, Mary, Wil-
liam and Martha. Leonard Brainard died Sept-
ember 24, 1847. His wife died March 3, 1879.
Thej' are both buried on the old homestead, near
Chardon, Ohio. At Newburg, Ohio, June 19,
1856, AViliiam Wallace Brainard married Harriet
Sarah Rider, youngest daughter of Ezekiel Rider
and Sarah Hitchcock, who were married in Poult-
uey, Vt., January 4, 1809. Ezekiel Rider was
born March 1, 1787, and died October 8, 1843. He
was buried in Jackson, Mich. Sarah Rider, his
wife, was born August 18, 178'.», and died Novem-
ber 18, 1850. She was buried in Chardon, Ohio.
Harriet S. Rider was born in Kirlland, Geauga
County, Ohio, August 27, 1833. The family of
W. W. Brainard consisted of four children, Mary
L., born January 19, 1858; Willie E., November
18, 1860; Cora E., June 29, 1863; and Hattie R.,
May 26, 1867, all living except Willie E. who
died November 18, 1860. The family of our sub-
ject consists of two children, Robert Brainard
Morris, born June 8, 1882, and Opal Hughs
Morris, December 26, 1888.
LANSON MATTHEWS, a representative
and leading farmer of Essex Township,
Clinton County, and a gallant soldier in
the War is a native of Schuyler County,
N. Y., and was born March 17, 1840. He is a son
of Whitman S. and Harriet (Hoyt) Matthews, both
of whom are natives of New York. In 1857 with
his parents our subject emigrated to Clinton
County, Mich., and the family settled in Essex
Township near the present home of our subject.
Here both j)arents died, leaving a large circle of
descendants to mourn their loss as they had been
the parents of eleven children. At this date only
one besides our subject survives, namely: Eliza,
wife of W. J. Richardson of Maple Rapids.
The subject of this sketch was reared in New
York and when he reached his seventeenth year
came to Michigan. He had received a common
school education in New York State and has since
supplemented it by a Iil)eral course of reading. He
was one of the pioneer school teachers of his town-
ship in Michigan, and although he did not teach
long he looks back to that experience with pleasure.
706
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
His work as a teacher was interrupted by tiie de
maiid for soldiers to defend our Nation's flag, to
which he made a noble response.
Mr. Matthews enlisted August 15, 18G2, in Com-
pany G, Fifth Regiment, Michigan Cavalry, which
was at first sent to the defence of the city of Wash-
ington. Subsequently tliey joined .Sheridan's forces
in the Shenandoah Valley and were afterward sent
into the valley of the James River. He fought in
the battles of Gettysburg, Winchester and Cedar
Creek and was a part of the force which com-
pelled the surrender of Petersburg and Richmond.
Besides these more notable encounters, he was in
many battles of impoitance and numerous skir-
mishes and throughout carried himself in a g.allant
and soldierly way. He was under Sheridan's com-
mand at Appomattox Court-house. Altogether he
met the enemy in about fifty engagements, some of
the most important being, Gettysburg, Boonesbor-
ough, James City, Brandy Station, Wilderness,
Cold Harbor, Trevilian Station, Winchester, Cedar
Creek, and Appomattox Court-house. He received
his honorable discharge July 3, 1865, after which
he returned to Michigan. For his brave services in
defence of his country he receives a pension of $8
per month.
The marriage of Alanson Matthews and Sarah
Root was celebrated July 30, 1865. This lady is a
native of Madison County, N. Y., and a daughter
of Justus and Mary Root. Mr. Root passed
away some years ago, but Mrs. Root is still living
and resides in Alabama. Five children were
granted to Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, namely : Emily,
P'lorian, Daisy, Nellie, and Leslie.
After the war our subject located permanently
on the farm where he now resides. He has cleared
up tlie land and brought it from the condition of a
wilderness to that of a liigidy cutivated farm.
During iiis pioneer days he underwent great self-
denials and the usual hardships of a pioneer's life.
He has always taken a great interest in school mat-
tcis and is an active promoter of every movement
wliich tends to the upbuilding of society, especially
as regards the agricultural community. His political
views are in accord witli the principles of the Re-
l)ublican partj' and that ticket alw.ays secures his
endorsement. He owns one iuindred and forty
acres of land all of which he has gained through
his own efforts, seconded by those of his faithful
and helpful companion. They are people of cul-
ture and education and are »vell informed on the
leading topics of tiie day.
'^^^
El*^'-
1
V
ILLIAM H. BRUNSON, LL. B. One of
the most public-si)iritcd young men of St.
John's, Clinton County, Is the village
Attorney, who is also the ex-Secretary of the
County Board of School Examiners. This gentle-
man, who bears the name which appears at the iiead
of tills sketch, was bom March 8, 1858, in Victor
Township, Clinton CJounty. His father, William,
was born in Ontario County, N. Y., and his grand-
father, Flavins, in the State of Massachusetts.
The father was reared in East Bloomficld, N. Y.,
and in 1843 was married and came to Clinton
County with team and wagon. He made the trip
several times back and forth and finally bought
land in Victor Township, taking u() one hundred
and sixty acres, whicli he improved and cultivated
until 1861. At that time he was elected Sheriff of
the county and located in St. John's. He was
Slieriff for six years and also United States Deputy
Marshal during the war, being engaged in recruit-
ing. He then became Deputy Revenue Collector,
which position he occupied for four years. He
soon after began the practice of law, wiiich he is,
now pursuing. His wife was Mary A. Pierce, of
Ontario County, N. Y., the daughter of one of the
heroes of the War of 1812. They were both ear-
nest and devout members of the Congregational
Church. Of their five children only two are now
living. Our subject is the youngest of this family.
He was reared in St. John's from the time he w.as
three years old, and after attending the public
schools took a cou.sc in the High School.
llpon reaching the age of sixteen years this
young man began to take care of himself. He
soon commenced teaching, which he carried on for
six years, first in the district schools and after that
in the public schools of this city, after which he
became Principal at l)c Witt for one year. In An-
-&£^,-^
^.. £).
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
70d
gust, 1882 he was elected Secretary of the County
Board of School Examiners, in which position he was
kept consecutively until 1888. He felt that he
had his own way lo make in the world and he left
no stone unturned to achieve success. In 1884 he
entered the law department of the University of
Michigan, where he took his diploma in 1886 with
the degree of Baciielor of Laws.
The young attorney now began the practice of
law and entered into partnership with Judge
DaboU until that gentleman was appointed Judge
in 1889 when the partnership was dissolved. Some
time after he formed a partnership, which still
exists, with Mr. AV. A. Norton. His marriage
took place in St. John's in 1888. He was then
united with Elizabeth F. Finch, a native of
Duplain Township, Clinton County. Her father,
William Finch, was an early settler and died while
in the service during the Civil War.
IMr. Brunson is President of the Alumni Associ-
ation of the Law Class of '86. Among the col-
lege fraternities he is attaclied to the Phi Delta Phi.
He is an enthusiastic Republican and is often seen
as a delegate at county and State conventions and
has been Secretary of the County Central Commit-
tee for several years.
"^s-
-^^^
^^EORGE COSGROVE, M. D., one of the
[|| g=, truly self-made men of Shiawassee County,
^^^ is a man of solid attainments, character and
ability, and a genial and popular citizen. He
comes from a family of physicians and has true
professional pride. He was born in Toledo, Ohio,
May 27, 1842. His father Thomas Taylor Cos-
grove, M. D. was an early practitioner of that city
and afterward at Sylvabia, Ohio, where he made
his iiorae in 1833. The mother's name was Betsey
Mooney.
George early became an aiiothccary and assisted
in com|)Ounding his father's medicines. He was
educated in the Sylvania Academy but his further
educational advantages were postponed by the
death of liis father, January 7, 1864. The young
man then went on the road as advance agent for
Stowe's circus, traveling through Michigan, Indi-
ana and Ohio.
Becoming tired of this traveling life young Cos-
grove settled down at Byron, this county, June 22,
1866, and engaged for two years in the hotel and
livery business at that place. He then bought some
wild land in Burns Township, and for six j'cars
carried on farming, after which he came to Ban-
croft. At the time he removed to the village he
sold one of his farms and has now disposed of the
other. In 1885 betook charge of the post-office
under Cleveland's administration and served for
four j'cars.
Dr. Cosgrove fully intended to become a physi-
cian and had been reading and studying medicine
througli all the time tliat he was carrying on tliese
various branches of business. He was merely bid-
ing his time to take a complete course. He look a
medical course at Cincinnati in the Eclectic Medi-
cal College, graduating in the class of 1890, and
after a few months of practice in that city, settled
at Bancroft and proceeded to build up a perman-
ent practice. In February, 1891, he took a post-
graduate course in the Post Graduate Medical Col-
lege at Cliicago.
Dr. Cosgrove is having success in his i)ractice
and has special apparatus for treatment of the
lungs, throat and nose. His success has been high-
ly gratifying and he has not yet lost a single case
by death. He is a member of the Eclectic Medical
society at Cincinnati. He has two brothers in the
medical practice, one in Toledo, Thomas Crosgrove,
M. D., and one in Franklin, Ohio, S. F. Cosgrove,
M. D. Both adhere to the old school as did his
father, also his nephew, Thomas Taylor, M. D., of
Sylvania, Ohio.
Our subject was married August 20, 1867, in
Livingston County, this State, to Catherine Faul, a
daughter of Frederick and Catherine (Warren) Faul_
She was born in Prussia, Germany, on Christmas
Day, 1846, and is the mother of the following
children: Henrietta, now Mrs. Darwin Walling, of
Chicago; Fred. F. who is at home with his father,
and Fiancis M. who lives in Chicago and is Assistant
Superintendent of a cemetery there. The Doctor
is Democratic in his political views. Dr. Cros-
grove has been Worshipful Master in tiie Masonic
710
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Fraternity since 1882 with the exception of an
interim of two years. He organized the Bancroft
Lodge No. 382 in 1885. He is also a Knight of
Pythias and a Knight of the Maccabees.
In connection with his biographical notice a
portrait of Dr. Cosgrove is presented to our readers.
-^EORGE W. LORING, formerly dealer in
books,wall paper and stationery ,besides being
% one of tlie leading business men of Owosso,
Shiawassee County, takes an active part in political
movements, not only those of local circles, but also
county and State politics. He was born in O.akland
County, tliis State, in Groveland Township, Janu-
ary 16, 1840, and is tlie second son of Hosea and
Pheson (Ford) Loring, tlie father being a native of
New York, and the moUier of Ohio. This vener-
able, but active lady, who is the daughter of Ben-
jamin Ford, is now in her seventy-fourth year.
She was bereaved of her iiusband in 1851, when he
was in tiie prime of life, having barely reached his
forty-third year.
The Loring family is of English descent, tlie first
American members making their home in Massa-
chusetts. There were only two children in Hosea
Loring's family, our subject and his brother Cliarles,
and George W. is the only survivor. The boy-
hood and school days of our subject were passed in
Hillsdale County, in attendance at the district
school, and when fifteen years old he started out
for himself, learning the business of a marble cut-
ter and tomb-stone maker. When nineteen years
old he engaged for awhile in the photograph busi-
ness, which he followed until the breaking out of
the Civil War, when he left the pursuits of peace
for active service on the battlefield.
On June 3, 1861, saw our young man an enlisted
private in Company K, Seventh Ohio Infantry, Col.
Tyler commanding. This regiment was assigned
to the Eastern Army, and went to Virginia. Among
Other battles in which lie took part was that of
Winchester, in whicli he was wounded. In the fol-
lowing October lie was discharged upon a surgeon's
ccrliBeate of disability, and returning to Michigan,
he opened a photograph gallery in Februarj', 1863.
Mr. Loring removed to Flint in 1864, and in 1865
made his home in Battle Creek, one j-ear later he
removed to Owosso. He finally sold out his busi-
ness and started the enterprise in which he has been
engaged, that of books, stationery and wall paper.
He had a fine location, his store room measur-
ing 22x80 feet, and his business occupying two
floors. In May, 1891, he sold out his business to his
son, Clajton AV., and for the past year he has been
partner of E. P. Byerly in the pension business.
Tiie marriage of George W. Loring and Martha
M. Keyte, of Owosso, Mich., took place April 26,
1865. This lady was born in New York State, and
emigrating with her parents to Owosso when a
child. She is a daughter of William H. Ke3-te.
Two sons have come to enliven this home, Clayton
W. and Charles O. Mr. Loring has held tiie office
of Alderman for five years, and was elected Cit}-
Clerk, which position he held one term. He was
also City Auditor for two years, and now holds the
l)osilion in Shiawassee County on the Soldiers' Relief
Committee, and is Secretary of that Board. He is a
member of Quackenbush Post, G. A. R., is a Republi-
can in politics, and is often made a delegate to State
and Judicial Conventions. He is a Knight Temp-
lar and belongs to all Slasonic bodies, being a mem-
ber of Comtnandery No. 21. His pleasant home
at No. 216 Exchange Street, East, is the center of
a deliglitful social life wliere Mr. and Mrs. Loring
entertain their friends with true liospitalit^-.
fcl L L I A M BYRON LAl'NSTEIN. The
fact that a German is always expected to
make more or less of a financial success of
life, proves tiie theory that there is such a thing as
strong national iiroclivitics in commercial life as
well as in personal characteristics. The conditions
of life in (lermany are so stringent, and tlie disci-
pline so tliorougli as to tievelop characteristics
wanting in other people. Prudent, careful and yet
with a vein of idealism Virightening their matter of
fact lives, these people have extracted from every
Portrait AND biographical album.
711
branch of industrial pursuits in America tlie utmost
productiveuess. Not different iu tliis respect from
his people is Mr. Launstein, who resides on section
21, Owosso Township. Shiawassee County.
Our subject was born in Hanover, Germany, June
21, 1831. His father was Henry Launstein, and
his mother w.as Caroline (Sanders) Launstein. In
184C the family- crossed the ocean and made a new
home in the LTnited States, settling in Oneida
County, N. Y. In 1856 the gentleman of whom
we write, was married to Lucretia .lackson. Mr.
Launstein worked for a long time by the month
as foreman on the Erie Canal until 18G0. At that
time he came to Michigan, which he has since made
his home.
Mr. Launstein did not at once erect a home, but
rented for six years, although he secured the land
on which he afterward built the fine residence in
which he now resides. He purchased one hundred
and twenty acres, of which ninety acres are now
under cultivation. He makes a specialty of buy-
ing and shipping live stock to Detroit, frequentlj'
buying in Chicago for tiie local markets, Saginaw,
Ba3' Citj-, etc. He deals specially in cattle, hogs
and sheep. He h.as a registered Hereford animal
for the improvement of his stock.
Mr. Launstein has an interesting family, whose
names are as follows: Henry Jl.; Carrie, who is
now Mrs. Will Cossitt, of Milwaukee; William S.,
who is in business at New Orleans, La., where he
handles machinery; Bertram Claudius, who resides
with his wife on the farm. The family are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church. The eldest son,
Henry M., resides on section 28, Owosso Town-
ship, and was born in Oneida, N. Y., March 22.
1858. When three or four years old he was brought
by his parents to Michigan. He remained at home
enjoying such school advantages as tlie place af-
forded and assisting his father on the farm until he
was twent3--two years of age. He was united in
marriage to Miss Naomi A. Shellon, January 4,
1881. For two months he resided in Owosso, then
rented a place of his father until two years ago,
when he purchased eighty acres upon which he
resides. The wife of Henry M. is of English par-
entage. Her father, William Shelton, and her
mother, Sarah (Mason) Shelton, now of Aliildlebury
M
came to this countrj- many )'ears, and settled in
Phelps, Ontario County, N. Y., where their daugh-
ter was born July 27, 1856. One little girl has
come to brighten the famil}' by her presence, and
is the joy and care of her fond parents. Mr. Laun-
stein is of the Baptist persuasion, and is a strong
Republican in politics.
The well-improved farm upon which Mr. Laun-
stein lives, has every improvement in agricultural
implements that can be obtained. Water has been
brought to tlie aid of the farmer by being made a
force that accomplishes much of the labor in former
years performed by hand.
ILLIAM SUTHERLAN, an honest, in-
dustrious farmer who has made Clinton
'^''^' County his home since 1853, owns a
highly-improved farm on section 15, Eagle Town-
ship. The fruitful estate consists of one hundred
and twenty acres which has been brought under
thorough tillage and supplied with an A No. 1 set of
farm buildings, including ever>- necessary and con-
venient arrangement for facilitating the work done.
This tract of land has been the home of Mr.
Suiherlan since his marriage and is the birthplace
of his wife.
The birthplace of ]\lr. Sutherlan was Crawford
County, Pa., and his natal day Januar3' 15, 1837.
His parents, Daniel and Margaret (Young) Suther-
lan, were born in Niagara Countj^ N. Y., and after
living in the Keystone Slate a number of 3ears
came to Miciiigan. Our subject followed them
when seventeen years old and hired out to work by
the month until 1858 — a period of nearl3- five
years. He then married and rented the farm which
lie now owns and lived here happil3' until the out-
break of the rebellion, when his peaceful life was
exchanged for war's alarms. Before the year 1 86 1
h.ad expired he had responded to a call of "Father
Abraham" and December 5 was enrolled in Com-
pany II, Sixteenth United States Regulars, under
the command of Col. Carrington. The regiment
was attached to the Arm3- of the Tennessee and the
first engagement was at Stone River. This wfis fol-
712
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
lowed by partifipatioii in that terrible fight at
Perr^'ville and in September, 1862, the boys were
on the field of Chickamauga.
There Mr. iSutherlan was so unfortunate as to be
taken i)risoner and during the ensuing five months
he saw the inside of nine different prison pens. He
was first sent to Libby, then changed from point to
point and finally reached Danville. The smallpox
broke out in the prison there and he was stricken,
but recovered and was sent to the convalescent
camp, where he was detailed as a nurse and released
from close confinement on a parole of honor. This
was January 19, 1863, and on February 19, he, in
company with Lieut. W. II. Newlin of the Sevent3'-
third Illinois Infantry, and six others, escaped.
After thirtj'-two days and nights, during wiiich
mile after mile was traversed, the most severe pri-
vations endured and various accidents met with,
they reached the Union lines. A very graphic ac-
count of their escape is published in a small volume
written by Lieut. Newlin, and if space permitted
we would be pleased to give further details here.
After reaching the Union lines Mr. Sutherlan
was sent North on a thirty-d.ay's furlough and
visited his wife and children in this State. Hetlien
weni back to the front anil before his final dis-
charge took part in ten more lieavj' engagements,
besides jiarticipating in the usual marches and
minor skirmishes. At Chickamauga he had nine-
teen bullet holes in his clothes but he never re-
ceived so much as a flesh wound. His term of
service expired in the spring of 1861 and he was
mustered out and sent to Louisville, Ky., to re-
ceive his discharge. He returned to his family,
whom he had seen but once in three years, and
resumed farm life but with health badly shattered
by the experiences he had p.assed through. As a
recognition of his services, ho is in receipt of a
pension of $10 per month.
The wife of Mr. Snthorlan was formerly Miss
Harriet DeWitt an<l is one of the famil}' of Jacob
DeWitt, a pioneer of Clinton County. She h.as
one of those strong characters which are so often
developed amid the primitive surroundings of
early settlements, and has been an cllicient help-
mate, devoted mother and excellent neighbor. Her
children are Ernest, Carrie and Milo, all married.
Ernest won for his wife Miss Mary Corj' and Carrie
married Alfred Davids. These two couples reside
in Belden. Milo married Alma McCrumb and
lives on the home farm with his parents. Mr.
Sutherlan is connected with the Grand Arm}' of
the Republic and in politics chooses to associate
with the Republican party. He and his wife have
many friends and arc spoken well of by their ac-
quaintances.
<^OHN THOMAS, who occupies a finely culti-
vated farm on section 12, Lebanon 'I'own-
sliip, Clinton County, is a son of William
Thomas, whose father George, was a native
of Pennsylvania, where he reared a family of four
sons and two daughters. Both he and his wife
ended their days in that State. William Thomas,
was born in Pennsylvania in 1805, and in 1850
came to Greenbush Township, Clinton County,
where he spent the remainder of his days. He was
married before coming West, to Sarah Denman, and
to them the following children were born, Keziah
Philip, Elizabeth, David, John, Esther, Prudence,
George and Zenas. Their father had a farm of
about fifty acres in Greenbush Township, which he
owned until his death which occurred about the
year 1870. lie had been bereaved of his wife two
years previous to his own decease.
John Thomas was born August 19, 1830, in
I'ennsylvania, and was a little lad of seven years
when his parents brought him to the West. He
remained at home and took his training on the
farm and in the district school until he reached
his majority. An event of great moment in his
life took place October 3, 1855, when he was united
in marriage in Oakland Township, Oakland County,
with Miss INIar}- A. Cook. To this couple have
been born the following children, Ida E., and Clara
B. The oldest daughter is now Mrs. Bacon and
resides in Lebanon Township. Clara B., Mrs.
Winans resides in the same township.
I'revious to his marriage the young man, when
about twenty .years of .age, purchased fort}' acres
of lanil in Greenbush Township. He sold this and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
718
boiiuflit eighty acres in Gratiot County, in Pine
River Township, and there he made iiis first lionic
on his own hind. Afterward he dis|)0sc(1 of tliis
and again bongiil forty acres in Greenbush Town-
ship, whicii lie sohl and bouglit in Essex Township,
afterward tr.ading tliis for eighty .acres wliere lie
now lives. He lias added to this by repeated pur-
chases until his farm now comprises two hundred
acres. At one time he lived for a year in Baldwin,
Lake County, and engaged in the sale of milk, but
returned to the farm at the expiration of that
time.
When a boy young Thomas was familiar with the
sight of wild animals about his home and saw many
a deer, vvolf and bear from which he must guard ■
his stock. He was a good shot in those days and
tells with zest of killing several bears. He is in-
terested in the cultivation of fine stock and breeds
road horses and Hambletonians. He has himself
cleared about fifty acres of land. He is a member
of the Ancient Order of United Workmen belong-
ing to Lodge No. 1, at Maple Rapids. Although
he h.as never aspired to public office he is earnestly
interested in jjolitical questions, and espouses the
cause of the Republican part}-.
^
ON. Wn^LIAM F. JENISON. Few fam-
i|, ilies in Clinton County have been more
!*^^ prominently associated with its history
(^) than the .lenisons, of whom our subject is
the head. This gentleman with his estimable wife
lives on a farm to which he came in 1837 and
whicli he reclaimed from its forest wildness and
made into a fair and fruitful estate. The tract
consists of a goodly number of acres in Eagle
Township and for a number of years the house
built there by Mr. Jenison soon after bis arrival
was used as a hotel. It was on the line of the De-
troit ct Grand River turnpike and was the point
for changing horses as well as a mill station. With
a field glass Mr. Jenison could look cast down the
road three miles, and catch the signal of the driver
so as to know how many passengers would want
dinner, and when the stage drew up bef(jrc the door
meals would be ready. When the bill chartering
this turnpike was before the Legislature, Mr. .Icni-
son spent about three weeks at the Capital urging
its passage and assisted in securing a grant of ten <
thousand acres of swam|) lands. This early work
is a good exam|)le of the interest shown by our
subject in that which would add to the value of
this section as a place of residence and attract to-
ward it homeseekers and thus develop its varied re-
sources. Tlie Hon. A. F. Bell, of Ionia, who was
Commissioner, let the contracts and it has proved
a last benefit to the citizens of Gran<i River
Valley.
To Fletcher and Alma (Hoot) Jenison, natives
of New York, a son was born December )9, 1812.
His birth took pLaee in Byron Township, (icnesee
County. The child was christened William F. and
grew to a sturdy and vigorous manhood. He at-
tended the district school, then entered Brock[)ort
College, where he completed the classical course
and was graduated at the age of eighteen years.
His father was in moderate circumstances and while
pursuing his college course the youth did his own
cooking, thus reducing his expenses. Later he
utilized his good education in the j)rofcssion of
teaching, and taught altogether in his native State,
seven winters. After coming to Michigan he
taught school three winters, having one hundred
pupils during the last term.
An episode of Mr. Jenison's early life was his
enlistment as a soldier in the Patriot War. His
regiment had proceeded but a part of the way to-
ward Canada when the measures of the United
States Government put an end to the trouble. On
the return march. Col. Petti bone sought out
Jenison. "William," said the Colonel, '-what shall
we do when w^ get back.' Of course the people
will laugh at us, and we'll never hear the end of
this." Our hero was fertile in expe<licnts. He
made up his mind to have "the folks at home"
laugh with the "soldier boys" instead of at them.
A mock par.adc was proposed to the olticer in com-
mand and the idea was accepted. AVhen the vol-
unteers reached their own neighborhood, th.ey an-
nounced a public drill. All the wind- broken spav-
ined horses that could be found for miles were
taken into service, and on the appointed day the
714
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
pageant, was witnessed by thousands. The cos-
tumes were as various, fantastic and unique as in-
genuity could maiie them. Patriot Jenison rode a
huge bull that he broke ami trained especially for
the occasion. The carrying out of the plans was a
perfect success; everybody laughed and no one
ever thought of such a thing as guying "soldiers"
for their heroic exploit of marching toward Canada
and then marching back again.
In the fall of 1837 Mr. Jenison came to Michi-
gan and bought two hundred and forty acres of
land where he has continued to make his home.
A few years afterward he was married to Jeanette
Berry, who was also a native of New York, but
whose parents were born in England. The natal
day of the young bride was April 15, 1820. She
is a true-hearted, noble woman, who has not only
given her family devoted care, but has done many
neighborly deeds of kindness and is respected and
beloved by all about her. The children born of
the iiai)py union are Henry H., Addie, Alice A.,
Alma J., Helen and Nelson F.
Mr. and Mrs. Jenison have an interesting family
to each uiembcr of which they gave a good educa-
tion and lived to see them all in prosperous circum-
stances and occupying useful positions. Henry
was born September 25, 1842, and is one of the
most prominent young men of the count}' both
socially and politically. Like his father he is en-
titled to the "Honorable" before his name, having
served the Sixteenth District in the State Senate
in 1882, and having been elected over one of the
most prominent members of the Rei)ublican party
by a majority of about twelve hundred. He has
also been a Surveyoi of Clinton County six years.
He is a graduate of the IMIchigan Agricultural Col-
lege and is most favorably spoken of as fin enter-
prising, progressive farmer. He owns two hun-
dred and forty acres of fine land which he devotes
to dairy purposes, having it improved with conven-
ient buildings, etc. He is a Mason and quite prom-
inent in tlie order. He was marricil April 29,
1877, to Miss Addie Dravenstatt.
Addie, second child of our subject, was born
August 16, 18-lC, and married to Benjamin F. Si-
mons. November 7, 1867, and their home is in
Lansing; Alice was born August 25, 1848, and be-
came the wife of A. O. Bement and is now deceased ;
Alma, who was born March 25, 1850, also lives in
Lansing, being the wife of Joseph W. Bailey, Esq.;
Helen, whose natal daj' was May 27, 1852, married
Clarence Niles and they make their home with
their parents; Nelson F. was born December 16,
1853, married Alice Cowles and is a resident of
Lansing.
In the organization of Clinton County, William
F. Jenison took a very active part and he was the
first Sheriff elected therein. He served in that ca-
pacity two terms and for a number of years was
Supervisor of Eagle Township and was a member
of the Board when the county seat was changed
from DeWitt to St. John's. In 1863 he was elected
to the Legislature and one of his first acts was to
introduce a bill to legalize the 150,000 of bonds
issued by the State to aid in the prosecution of the
War of the Rebellion. About this time the farmers
of the State were suffering great loss by there be-
ing shipped into the State sheep afHicted with hoof
rot. These animals had been sold to the farmers
in many localities in quite large numbers, and be-
ing introduced into their flocks had been the cause
of many deaths among the wool-bearing animals.
Mr. Jenison introduced a bill imposing a heavy
fine upon anyone who introduced, offered for sale
or drive on any highwaj' of the State, diseased
sheep, and tiiis act is still in force among the stat-
utes of the State. Fortius act alone Mr. Jenison
merits grateful remembrance from agriculturists
and all who are interested in the financial prosper-
ity of the State.
Mr. Jenison had charge of the Eagle postottice
for twenty-seven years, when the office was moved
to the new town of Eagle at Eagle Station. When
he resigned the Postmaster-General paid him a
balance due of $14. Mr. Jenison is a prominent
Mason, has taken the Ro3'al Arch degree and is a
charter memlier of Grand Lodge, Chapter No. 85;
he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Ma-
son at Lansing early in the '40s and has passed
the Chairs in both Chapters. He also took an act-
ive interest in the Grange movement in this State
during its early years, and was a member of the
State Grange, and as an officer organized a number
of subordinate granges in different parts of the
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
715
State. In politics the Hon. Mr. Jenison is a .Jeffer-
sonian Democrat. At his advanced age — four
score — he is in full possession of ail his mental facul-
ties, and th'' respect wliieh he has received from
his acquaintances is in nowise lessened, as he retains
bis interest in tlicir welfare and his ability to see
the hearing of movements which are going on in
other i>arts of the world.
,-^s
^^s
=X^ ^,
eHARLE.S H. KLINE, who is one of the
prosperous farmers of Duplain Township,
Clinton County, resides on section 36, and
has his post-ollice address at Ovid. He carries on
general farming and stock-raising. He was born
in Union County, Pa., May 2, 1851, and his par-
ents, Peter M. and Leah (Moyer) Kline, were both
Penusylvanians and born in I'nion County.
Our subject was a little one of only three years
when he left his native pLace and removed with
his parents to Sandusky County, Ohio. There
Peter Kline owned land and there they resided
for about twelve years, while this boy w.as grow-
ing up and receiving his common-school education.
The duties of the farm required his help and he
was able to go to school in the winters only, at-
tending to farming duties in the summers.
When this youth was about fifteen years old his
parents removed to Kalamazoo, Mich., and there
purch.ased land, where the father remained fifteen
years, but going further west, bougiit property in
Kansas and made his home there in Dickinson
County.
Charles H. Kline and Miss Malissa Ousterhout
were united in the bonds of marriage December
20, 1876, and then began a life of great domestic
happiness and [irosperity. Tiic lady is a daughter
of Henry and Melora (Iloor) Ousterhout, both
New Yorkers, the father being born in Cayuga
County, and the moiher not far from Newark.
Mrs. Kline's birth took place in Prairie Round
Townsliip, Kalamazoo County, Mich., December
18, 1854, and she was one of a family of eleven
children, who were named .as follows: Annie, born
February 20, liS45, died in September, 18C5;
Agnes, born M.ay 25, 1847, died February 2, 1870;
Clarissa, born June 10, 1852, married llolton Car-
ter and lives with her husband and three children
in Fairfield To\vnshi|), this count}' ; Malissa, Mrs.
Kline; Elilui, born Febvuary 27, 1858, lives in
Ovid Township; Elsie, born August 26, 1861, is
now Mrs. Nelson House; Lida, born November
25, 1864, became Mrs. Randolph Lyvere and died,
leaving one child, Floyd. Lincoln, born Novem-
ber 9, 1866, died March 16,1891; Wallace born
December 31, 1870; two died in infancy.
Our subject is the eldest in a family of four
children, his brothers and sisters being Allen,
who lives in Kansas with his father; Ellen, who
married William Wahl and is now a widow liv-
ing in Kansas; and Andrew, whose home is also
in that Western State. Mr. Kline's father came
to Michigan with the gr.ind father, Cornelius, in
1824. They located in Ann Arbor in the Sep-
tember following the first settlement ma<le in Feb-
ruary. It was in 1836 that they removed to
Kalamazoo County and came to this county in
1864.
Mrs. Kline is a lady who in her yo\ilh receiveil
excellent oiiportunities for education which she
lliorougldy improved, thus becoming both intelli-
gent and accomplished. She attended the graded
schools of Ovid and Schoolcraft, and as she ma-
tured early began teaching when she w.as only
sixteen years old and followed this profession
most of the time until her marriage. One beau-
tiful child, Allen, born January' 24, 1881, is the
sunshine of his home.
Mrs. Kline is justly proud of the ancestors from
which she is descended, as three of her great-
uncles were soldiers in the War of 1812, two of ,
them being on the grandmother's side and one
being the brother of her grandfather. Her gre.at-
grandmother was a heroine indeed, and during
the battle of Kingston took part in the fight and
made nine Indian warriors bite the dust. The
ancestry on her father's side is of Holland extrac-
tion.
Mr. Kline h.as never been an oftice-seeker as he
prefers to devote his thought and effort entirely
in the line of his own business, which he feels
cannot be safely neglected. His i)olitical con vie-
716
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
tions have allied him with the Republican party,
and he is an intelligent voter on all questions
which come up tor adjudication. He owns one
hundred acres of fine land, a part of which for-
merly behjnged to Mr. Ouslerhout, his father-in-
law, who now makes his home with this family,
as he was bereaved of his wife July 29, 1879.
He is a man of keen mental ability and an excel-
lent memory, altliousl' ''^ I'^^s passed the limits
of three-score years and ten.
-^^
<a MLLIAM AV. BURGESS, one of the relia-
\/\j/i '^'^ '^"'^ respected citizens of Bennington
^^/ Township, Shiawassee County, has a fine
farm on section 18, where in 185 2 he bought fifty
acres of land and immediately went to work with
his ax to clear it. Ten years later he m.ade his
home upon this spot where he built a home in 1862
and added to his property until he acquired one
hundred and forty four acres. His brother Hiram
also bought property here and settled here forty
years ago. Our subject found the path to fortune
a very rough one, getting his start by hard labor
and working out by the day here and at Saginaw
in different lines of work.
Our subject was born in Farmington Township,
Oakland County, Mich., October 31, 1832. His
parents Oren and Polly (Adams) Burgess were na-
tives, the former of Vermont and the latter of New
York. They came West when Michigan was but a
Territory, and settled in Novi Township, Oakland
County, in 1830. In that place they spent the re-
mainder of their days and died when William was
but a child. As he lost one parent when he was seven
years old he became a double oriJhan at the age
of eleven. After that he was thrown entirely upon
his own resources and from necessity became self-
supporting, working out by the month at Oakland
at twenty-five cents a day.
AVhen William Burgess grew to manhood he won
the heart and hand of Miss Mary M. Lillej', a
daughter of Richard Lilley who came from I'enn-
S3'lvania to Michigan when his daugiiter was only
five years old. The marriage took place in Sciota
Township, Shiawassee County. June 8, 1862. Mr.
Burgess has one hundred acres of land finely im-
proved and he has placed in it two hundred rods
of drainage tile and has thereby reclaimed a large
number of acres. On October 17, 1888, Mrs. Bur-
gess died at the age of forty-eight years, deeply
mourned by a large circle of friends.
The children born to our subject and his wife
were John II.; Clarissa, Mrs. Winfield Kimmis, who
lives one mile south of our subject and one mile
east on a farm given them by the father. John,
who recentl3' married Lucinda Bristow, a daughter
of John Bristow, and lives at home assisting his
father on the farm. Mr. Burgess is a Republican
in his political views and a member of the Metho-
ist Episcopal Church. His brother Mauford Bur-
gess has lived in Bennington Township for some
twelve years and his brother John has made his
home in Sciota Township for twenty-two years.
Certainly Mr. Burgess has just reason to be
proud of his fine estate, which represents his un-
aided efforts during a lifetime of patient industry.
Elsewhere in this volume appears a view of the
comfortable home and rural environments which
mark his place as one of the best in the community.
AMES W. PERRY. Prominent among the
old settlers of Shiawassee County is this
gentleman who makes his home in Vernon
Township on section 4. He was born in
Cortland County, N. Y., July 5, 1822, and is now
nearing the completion of his three-score years and
ten. His father, William Perry, was born in Con-
cord, Mass., and came to the Empire State when a
boy of about thirteen years. He married Rachael
Hamilton, a native of New York, and they took up
their home there never coming West. The father
died when he was about lifty-nine years old. He
was a Whig in his j'uunger days and afterward
became a Democrat.
Twelve sons and one daughter constituted the
family of this worth j' couple, ten of whom are
now living. James is the fifth son, and w.as born
in Madison County, N, Y., where he gained his
iii^Siii.i^>^Sawi:^'^fZSt'tli»!i;S
Rt:5:DZNCE or will: a;/ vj. burgees, ?^c.l8.,EZ!Jl^l!l^l'5To:J tr.shiawas^e-: :q.,m;ch.
mf'^^^^^ii^'^Sgtl^^i^M^^ iOU^/*'*^^
F^EGinENCt A!.'D FARM HRCPLRl Y OF J.W. PtRRY, 5K:^.,VtRriOU TP.,5HIAWASSLL C0.,M1CH.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
719
early education. When twentj'-one years old he
started out for himself, working by the month on
the farm, and by careful economy was enabled to
establish a home of his own a few years later.
The marriage of James W. Periy and Polly Ann
Oviatt took place November 25, 1846. Mrs. Perry
was born in Allegany Countj-, N. Y., November
26, 1827, and is the second daugliter of "William
and Betsey (Lesure) Oviatt. When only five 3'ears
old she was orphaned by the death of her mother,
and was reared in Madison County, N. Y., by rela-
tives, Isaiah and Rachel Lesure.
Mr. Perry made his first home in M.adison County,
N. Y., on a farm and there he remained until 1854,
when upon September 4 he started for the far West,
as Michigan was then called, and made a new home
for his family- on the spot where he now lives. lie
bought fift}- acres, nearly half of which was then
under cultivation. He had arranged to have a
house built on the place before coming here. It
was a small edifice but quite aristocratic in its de-
sign as it was built of boards, and cost ^30. His
next home cost §2,500. This he built in 1808
employing Benjamin Warner as his carpenter and
joiner. The home in which he now resides was
built on the very spot occupied by the $30 house
in 1854 and he built it in 1889 at a cost of $1,500,
employing the same carpenter who built for him
twenty- one j-ears before.
This venerable gentleman has a fine farm of one
hundred and sixt}' acres, forty of which aie in
Venice Township. He and his noble helpmate are
the parents of four children: Alplionso W., was
born May 16, 1849, in Madison County, N. Y.,
married Ada Light and resides in the second house
which his father built upon the homestead. Alice
S. was born .Tuly 17, 1851, in Madison County, N.
Y., is the wife of Hamilton II. Jones, and lesides
in Farmington Township, Oakland County, this
State. Leslie D. was born in Shiawassee County,
this Stale, November 21, 1858 and died June 11.
1862. Erma R., born February 26, 1868, resides
at home. Mr. Perry is now retired from active
life and has thrown oflf business cares. He is a
Democrat in his political views and intelligent in
regard to matters of public interest. He and his
devoted companion are beloved not only by their
children but by .ill who have known them since
tlieir coming to this county so many years ago.
A view of the Perry homestead is presented on
another (lage of this volume.
— 5-+f=^'<^=^^H-i-
AMES H. CONN, one of the most prominent
citizens of St. John's, is President of the
Cooper Boiler and Engine Works of tiiis
city and ex-County Treasurer. Besides car-
rying on a fine farm, he is an extensive dealer in
agricultural implements. He was born in Essex
County, N. Y., at Port Henry on Lake Champlain,
from which point old Crown Point could be seen.
His natal day was October 25, 1 838. His father was
Lynds S. Conn and was born October 22, 1800, in
Cheshire, N. H. His grandfather, George, was a na.
five of Massachusetts, whence he came when a youu"
man to New Hampshire with his parents and en-
gaged in f.arming. The grandfather died in Niagara
County, N. Y., and llie father, after engaging for
some years in farming in Essex County, went as
Cai)tain of a sloop on the lake, which he owned.
He sailed until about 1852, when he returned to his
farm in New York.
About the year 1857 Lynds Conn decided to
come West, and migrating to Bingham Townsliip,
Clinton County, entered for himself and others
some five hundred acres. The two hundred and
eighty acres which lay two miles soutii of St.
John's he proceeded to improve. He had been
here before in 1854 and he had then taken up a
claim, but did not bring his family until 1857.
He bouglit a shop of Mr. Ilullsinger, who resides in
a log house with a shop adjoining. Here he lived
until his death in 1885, when he had reached the
advanced age of eighty-five years. For quite a
long period he held the otHce of Ilighw.ay Commis-
sioner and was County Sui)crintendent of the Poor
for eighteen years. He was an ardent and earnest
Republican and a member of the IJniversalist
Church.
The mother of our subject, Anis Sprague, was
born at Ft. Ann, in Washington County, N. Y.
Her father, Beriah Sprague, was a A'ermonter, but
720
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
came lo Ft. Ann and took a farm there early in his
life. He took part in a number of battles during
the V\''ar of 1812 and died at Port Henry. He was a
Baptist in his religious belief. His daughter, who
was tlie mother of our subject, died iu 1871. She
was the mother of five children, two sons and three
daughters. Four of these are now living.
The subject of this sketch was the youngest of
the family and was born on the farm near Lake
Chaniplain and was on the lake a good deal. He
remained at home until he was eighteen years old
and in the spring of 1857 he drove from Port Henry
to Ogdensburg. There he took passage by the
propeller "Bay State" for Michigan, coming to
Clinton County and locating in Bingham Township.
Here he aided his father in improving the land
which he had taken. In 1859 he went to Green
Bay and engaged in lumbering for one winter.
The next sumiuer he returned home and remained
there for ten years.
Mr. Conn now located land for himself and while
improving his own one hundred and twenty acres
worked his father's farm. In 1861) he took a posi-
tion as foreman for John D. Gardner <fe Co., the
owners of the sawmill at Green Bay, and remained
in the pine woods for five years. He then removed
with his family to Molino, Flo., twenty-three
miles north of Pensacola, where he took charge as
foreman of extensive mills belonging to the Pensa-
cola Lumber Company. He remained with them
for six years, but his health was not good .and he re-
turned to Michigan in April, 1879.
Upon his return to Michigan our subject pur-
chased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in
Bingliam Township and here he has made his resi-
dence. He has cleared about fifty acres of this
land, which is all tillable, with the exception of
twelve acres. He has two fine sets of buildings
upon the farm, with two windmills and tanks. The
orchard is in fine condition and he has his farm
well stocked with good grades of hogs, draft horses,
etc. He is a prominent member of the Clinton
County Agricultural Society. His farm adjoins the
villau-e line and his comfortable and attractive res-
idence is situated only thirty-six rods from the cor-
poration.
In 1882 this gentleman engaged in the agricul-
tui-al implement business. He carried it on alone
until his election to the office of County Treasurer
upon the Republican ticket in 1886. At that time
he took a partner in his business, which is now con-
ducted under the firm name of Conn & Brown.
He was re-elected to this position in the fall of
1888, holding the seat through 1890. Previous to
this he served two years as Township Treasurer, in
wliich he gave such tliorough satisfaction as to
cause his friends to place him in the same responsi-
ble position in the county. *
Mr. Conn was one of the originators of the Cooper
Boiler & Engine Compan}', which was started in the
St. John's Wagon Spoke Works, which he had been
previously interested in. He helped to re-organize
this business on a new basis and acted as its man-
ager. He is one of the largest stockholders in the
new business. The marriage of our subject look
place in Port Henry, N. Y., in 1861. Ills bride was
Harriet Ferguson, a native of Port Henry and daugh-
ter of Henry Ferguson, a prominent farmer in that
region. One child only has blessed this happy and
congenial union, Agnes A., who is now married to
T. 0. Olcott and resides in Bingham Township.
Mr. Conn is identified with the Ancient Order of
United Workmen. He was for eight years a Not-
ary Public. His well-known character as an hon-
orable man and his heart}' friendliness and affability
give him great influence in the community and
make ever}' man his friend.
— -^m— —
^ ED H. BRIGGS. This young farmer is car-
rying on extensive work in Eagle Township,
having under his care and control three
hundred acres of land. He owns a tract
of one hundred acres and operates another tract
of two hundred belonging to his father. Alto-
gether he has a busy life and no agriculturist in
Clinton County is showing more enterprise and
zeal in business affairs, while in social and domestic
circles lie is genial, open-hearted and considerate.
He is proving the worth of good training and the
value of heredity and honoring the name he bears,
one already known in this section because of the
work accomplished by his parents in pioneer days.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
721
The career of Mr. Briggs furnishes but slight
material for the biographical writer, as his years
have been spent in one locality and in the custom-
arj' routine of youth and early manhood. He was
born in the township that is still his liorac, January'
22, 1858, and reared on his fatiiei's farm. He at-
tended the district school and the High School in
Portland and thus acquired a practical education
and laid a good foundation for higher knowledge.
Having decided upon a rural life he has given his
attention to farming fioui his joutli ui) aid has
prospered well.
Mr. Briggs secureil for his companion and help-
mate a young lady of mental ability and pleasing
manners in whose hanils tlie domestic macliinery
runs smoothlj' and llie dwelling is made a true
home. .She was formerly known as Miss Ella May
Hazen and her marriage was solemnized Jul\- 4,
1880. Edna, the first-born of Mr. and Mrs. Briggs
died in infancy; Bessie, who brightens their home,
was given to them March 3, 1 886.
Enoch Briggs, grandfather of our subject, was a
native of Jlassachuselts and followed the sea
twenty-four years, during twenty of which he was
owner of a vessel. In that period he lost two boats.
After giving up seafaring he built a cotton factory
and carried it on a number of years. In the spring
of 1821 he removed to New York and bought a
tract of one hundred acres upon wliicli he spent
his last years, dying there December 21, 1834. His
good wife, formerly Abigail Cooper, survived him
some }-ears and died in Clinton County, Mich., in
her seventy -fourth 3'ear. Mr. Briggs left four chil-
dren, the third of wiiom was Hiram C, father of
our subject. This gentleman was born in JSIansneld.
Bristol County, Mass., May 18, 1819, and when the
farm was sold a few months after the father's
death he was fifteen years old.
Soon after the young man set out to seek employ-
ment and hired to Edward Swan for eight months
at ^10 per month. When the period had elapsed
his emplo^'er proposed to have him remain during
the winter and attend school and continue his
work the next season. This was done and the
second year found him receiving *11 per month
for his services. Early in September, 1837, he left
Bristol for Buffalo with a yoke of oxen and load of
goods belonging to David Simmons and when near
the city he was joined by Mr. Simmons and his
own brother C^'rus and their families, all en route
for Michigan. A boat was about starting to De-
troit and they emb.irked with their goods and
chattels and arrived at their port early on tlie sec-
ond day. Hiring two teams they drove to Novi
Corners, Oakland County, where they stayed a few
days. Thence they came to Clinton County with
three ox-teams, passing through Howell City, then
a hamlet where three or four families lived. They
traversed much sparsely settled territory- anfl often
saw that neighbors were ten and fifteen miles apart.
During the journey, it was a journey in those
days, the pair were given a royal welcome by sev-
er.al pioneers with whom they spent a few hours
and finallj' had the aid of Alexander Cha|)cl and
Jeremiah Eddy in underbrushing a road from
tlie farm of Mr. Doits to the place they had se-
lected for their future home. The two gentlemen
who were heads of families felled a tree where they
intended to build a cabin, and set up some forked
sticks on one side, placed poles from them to the
tree and covered this rude frame with canvas, mak-
ing a dwelling in which they were sheltered until a
log house was finished. Cooking was done at a
"gypsy fire" in front of the tent.
Mr. Briggs worked for Mr. Simmons a year then
returned to New York and spent a winter in school.
He next worked on a farm near Canada six months
and in the fall of 1839 came to Michigan ancl made
his home with Mr. Simmons. He owned land on
sections 8 and 18, E.agle Township, and while liv-
ing with that gentleman chopped trees on sec-
tion 8, and cleared forty acres. In May, 1843, he
traded most of his property for an eighly-.acre
tract with a log house and a frame birn on it and
forty acres under the (ilow, and iiere he took up
his residence ere long. This land was on section 9,
and was the home of Mr. Briggs forty-three years
after which period he and his wife removed to
E.agle where they still live. The farm grew in
extent as well as in beauty and utility and is now
well-improved expanse of two hundred acres,
properly stocked and supplied with substantial
buildings.
Mrs. Hiram Briggs bore the maiden name of
722
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM,
Caroline R. Tyler and is a daughter of Deacon
Dean M. and Pbebe Tyler, whose home was in
Orange Township, Ionia County, when the daugh-
ter was married. The ceremony took place there
May 4, 1814, and the record of their children is as
follows: Ellburj' born December 5, 1846; Aurestes
E., August 4, 1848; Harlan H., August 7, 1854 ; Jed
H., Januarj' 22, 1858. The only survivors are
Aurestes and Jed, the others having died in in-
fancy.
When Aurestes E. Briggs was fifteen years old
Uis father sent him to Lansing to a select school un-
der the superintendence' of Prof. Owels, where he at-
tended school for three years. After leaving school
at Lansing he taught the ensuing four winters and
in tlie meantime attended fall schools at Maple Rap-
ids, Clinton Couutj', under the instruction of Prof.
Mudge. He then entered into mercantile business
as a clerk at Portland, Ionia County, and was en-
gaged as a book-keeper and clerk for two years.
Next he embarked in the mercantile and lumber
business in Portland for himself, selling out at the
expiration of five years. Later lie turned his at-
tention to loaning money and buying and selling
pine lands.
November 9, 1875, Aurestes Briggs was married
to Addie J. *^atterlee, of Portland, Mich., and they
have one daughter — ]\Iabcl, now (1891) nine jears
old. Mrs. Briggs is a daughter of (). S. Satterlee,
and was given excellent opportunities for a literary
, education and musical training. She has fine musi-
cal talents and is a successful music teacher. She
and her husband visited the Centennial as also did
Hiram Briggs and his good wife. In the month
of April, 1883, Aurestes Briggs went to San Fran-
cisco, Cal., thence to Portland, Ore., by the way of
the Pacific Ocean. Then in company with his
cousin LaFoyette Briggs he took a large drove of
horses from Portland through to Madison Valley,
Mont., the residence of the cousin. Soon after their
arrival in Montana, A. E. Briggs returned to his
home in Portland, Mich.
In April, 1888, Aurestes Briggs, with his wife
and daughter, went to Bozeman, Mont., where they
remained for a few months then visited his cousin
in Madison Valley. Before leaving Montana the
family visited the National Park. In Ihe following
November they journej^ed to Washington and from
there to San Francisco, Sacramento and other
places in California. After an absence from their
home of nearly two years they returned to Port-
land, Mich., and from there went to BcUaire, where
he is now looking after his timbered lands in liie
North. He has been an extensive traveler and sa3's
that Miciiigau, taken up one side and down the
other, is the best State in the Union. A man of
good judgment and careful arrangement, he is in
good circumstances, and his ability wins for him
the esteem and respect of a large circle of acquain-
tances.
The father, Hiram E. Briggs, is a Republican in
sentiment and has held most of the important otfices
in Eagle Township. During the Rebellion he was
elected to the office of Township Treasurer,whicli he
filled satisfactorily for three terms; he was also Su-
pervisor in 1871-72. He is a believer in the Chris-
tian religion and is a warm supporter of churches.
Mrs. Briggs united with the First Baptist Church
in Portland, Ionia Count}-, about 1840 and her
daily life has proved the sincerity and depth of
her faith.
""a^"
ENRY E. WALBRIDGE, a prominent at-
' torncy at St. John's (and a member with
)i^ Gen. O. L. Spaulding, Assistant United
l^^ States Secretary of the Treasury, of the
firm of Spaulding it Walbridge) is a man of
peculiarly courteous and manly bearing, liberal,
open-hearted, and with sterling qualities which rec-
ommend him to strangers as well as to the more
thoughtful student of human nature. Few are his
superiors or even his equals among the members of
the Michigan bar and he is an honor to the town
in which he makes his home. He was born in
Glover,Vt., in 1850, March 31, and came to Michi-
gan when a child of two years. His father,
Capt. Henry Walbridge, was born in Vermont and
was left an orphan when onlj' twelve years old.
He was obliged to support liimself,which he did right
heartily and with good success, learning the trade of
a tinsmith. He took a thorough course in the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
723
Academy of Vermont and by evening study pre-
pared himself for admission to tlie bar of Vermont
before Judge Redfield.
Capt. Walbridge began the practice of law in
Saline, Mich., and also engaged in the hardware
business. In 1856 he came to St. John's and built
up a practice here, making for himself a prominent
place in the profession. He held the position of
Commissioner of the Circuit Court and afterward
was made Prosecuting Attorney. He was soon,
however, to leave the pursuits of professional life
for the battlefield, and enlisting in the Union arm}-,
he raised Company G, Twenty-third Michigan In-
fantry. He joined the army in August, 1862,
and was made Captain of the company which he
had recruited. He took part in many scenes of
battle, but after about two years' service was
obliged to resign on account of poor health, and,
returning to St. .John's, commenced anew his prac-
tice as an attoruej'. He remained in this citj' un-
til 1888, when he removed to Ithaca, Gratiot
County, and retired from business. He is an earn-
est and active member of the Congregational
Church and has been efficient in connection with
the Grand Army of the Republic.
The mother of our subject, Zilphia Allen, was
born in \'ermont, and is a daughter of Ethan Al-
len (a distant relative of the hero of Ticonderoga)
who came to Michigan and died at St. John's.
She was tiie mother of four children, three of
whom survive, namely: Henry K., of this sketch;
Eilward L., an attorney at Ithaca; and Mrs. Ella
Do May, of liie same city. Our subject was reared
in Saline till he readied the age of six years, when
he came Lo SI. John's, and here attended the Union
and high schools. At the age of seventeen he
entered Olivet College, taking the scientific coarse
for over two years. Then returning to St. John's
he ])ursued the stud}' of law with his father.
The week after Mr. Walbridge reached his ma-
jority, in A])ril, 1871, he was admitted to the
Michigan bar and was taken into partnership by
his father. He continued in this connection until
he formed a partnership in July, 1890, with Mr.
Spaulding. In the fall of 1871 he was elected Cir-
cuit Court Commissioner and held the office for six
years. His practice extends over the following
counties: Clinton, Shiawassee, Saginaw, Ingham,
Gratiot, Kent, Ionia and iMontcalm. He is now
local attorney for the Detroit, Grand Haven &
Milwaukee Railroad. An enthusiastic Republican,
he takes part in every political canv.ass, speaking
in Republican meetings and working earnestly at
the polls. He is frequently seen as delegate at the
County and State Conventions and his opinions
bear great weight with his fellow-citizens. He is
the father of two lovely daughters — Neva and
Mabel.
UANE CASTLE is the eldest son of Le-
muel and Mercy (Witmore) Castle. He
was born February 15, 1822, in New York.
Ills father was born May 21, 1793, in
Monroe County, N. Y., and his mother was born
December .3, 1798. They were married June 13,
1819, in Chili, N. Y., and settled in Oakland
County, this State, in 1822, and in 1837 moved
thence to Shiawassee County, securing the farm
where Duane resides at present.
The tract that Lemuel Castle settled upon was
ver}' wide and it was necessary that he cut the road
through to his [)lace for a distance of three miles.
Our subject's grandparents were Asa and Eliza-
beth (Doty) Castle. The former was born Jul}- 2,
1771, and was a native of Ireland. The latter
was born July 4, 1770. They had a family of six
children, whose names arc as follows: Charlotte,
Lemuel, Barnabas, Sabrina (who became Mrs.
Gresham l?artlett of Shiaw.assee Township), Isaac
and Drusilla. Lemuel Castle was a soldier in the
War of 1812, with his father, Asa Castle, and Le-
muel was a member of the Legislature in this Slate.
Lemuel died November 1,1862. His wife followed
him six years later. They left a family of nine
children. The eldest was Jane Sercpta, who be-
came Mrs. Cooper; Duanc, the subject of our
sketch; Harriet, who has lived in Santa Cruz, Cal.,
for fifteen years; Sabrina, who died a young
woman, having been a teacher in Detroit; Delia,
who married Louis Bonfey and died June 17, 1861,
at the home place; -Vngeline, who became Mrs.
724
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL ALBUM.
James Arthur, died in 1884, in California; M3'ra,
who died at the age of tweuty-Bve; Lemuel, who
passed away in infancy, and William, who lives in
San Luis, Cal.
Our subject was married December 20, 1863, in
Shiawassee Township, to Mrs. Delia E. Wilcox,
widow of the Rev. M. L. Wilcox, a minister of the
Christian Church. Her maiden name was Hill.
Her parents were Calvin G. and Charlotte (Castle)
Hill, the latter being the eldest child of Asa and
Elizabeth Castle. She was born in (iates, Monroe
County, N. Y., May 4, 1830. Mrs. Castle had one
child by her first marriage. May, who is now Mrs.
Cliarles Gammon, of Sacramento, Cal. She has
one son by her present husband, Manlej' W., who
was born November 13, 1867, on the home farm.
He is married. His wife's maiden name was Tillie
M. Oliver and she is the daughter of the Rev. J. B.
Oliver, of Bancroft. They were married Septem-
ber 19, 1888. The subject of our sketch is now
and has been for about a year in California, where
he went hoping to benefit his health. It is expected
that the farm will soon [)ass into other hands and
that the family will remove to California.
,>■ : ^S^J^i^c : .=
^M IRON ELLIS, deceased. This gentleman
I l\\ "^^ during his life-time accounted as one
I ll\ of the representative citizens of Clinton
^ County. He was well-known throughout
all this region as the efficient Treasurer of the
county, the duties of which office he discharged
with marked ability and with credit to himself and
to his constituents. He was a native of Onondaga
County, N. Y., and was born March 27, 1826. His
parents, Clark and Theresa Ellis, were natives of
the same State, and there the}- reared tliis son until
he reached his twentieth year, supi>lementing his
public-school education with a thorough academic
course. He was ever an extensive reader, and a
man of wide intelligence and well-informed on mat-
ters of public interest.
In Ills twentieth year the young man emigrated
to Huron County, Ohio, and for a time taught
sch(K)l there, and continued this work for awhile
after he came to Clinton County, which was in
1851, when he made a settlement in Greenbush
Township. The place was slightlj' improved when
he settled on it, but he has ))laced upon it most of
the Improvements which are to be found there to-
day, and has brought it to a high state of cultiva-
tion.
Mr. Ellis united in marriage on the 7th of De-
cember, 1852, with Nancy Mathews, a lady who
was born in Schu3-ler Count}-, N. Y.. November 9,
1829. She is a daughter of Nathaniel and Eliza-
beth Mathews, both New Yorkers who came to
Clinton County from Ohio, and made their home
upon the farm where Mrs. Mathews now resides.
This venerable lady is one of the oldest pioneers in
the township, and is past the limit of four-score
years.
Mr. Ellis served as Supervisor eight j'ears, Treas-
urer and School Inspector of the township, and was
in every office efficient and active. He was a Re-
publican in politics, and served two terms as County
Treasurer. He left a valuable estate of two hun-
dred acres to his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Ellis was
born one son, Frank M., who has died leaving one
son, Miron.
Mrs. Ellis is an active member of society, and
closely identified with the work of the Methodist
Episcopal Cinirch, with which she and her good hus-
band were so long connected. The lady was reared
to maturity in Ohio, and accompanied her husband
to Greenbush Township. Mr. Ellis was a kind and
affectionate husband and father, and was universally
respected. He served at one time as Treasurer of
the Farmers' Mutual Life Insurance Corapan}', and
was well known in ever}- capacity for his sterling
integrity and uprightness in business matters. He
was at all times public-spirited, and stood well with
the entire community both socially and financially.
In bis death, October 10, 1883, the county lost one
of her most influential citizens, and the people of
Greenbush Township felt that every one had lost a
friend. Though his bodily powers failed toward
the last, his mind was unclouded, his faitli unques-
tioned, his hope bright. In such a case '"tis not
so ditHcult to die." Floral tokens of admiration
and affection were various and plentiful, and the
regard in which the deceased was hekl, was mani-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
725
fested by the large concourse llmt attended the
funeral to pay their last tribute. The remains lie
interred in Eureka Cemetery. He was a true man,
and one whose intelligence and character gave him
an influence with all who knew him. The bio-
grapher had the pleasure of interviewing his widow,
a lady of culture and refinement, and highly es-
teemed in the social circles wherein she moves.
... "a ^^-^J^:::^'' t^-
l^ifi ANASEII KUHNS, a representative citi-
j \\\ zen of section 14, Greenbush Township,
J Is Clinton County, is a native of Stark County
*" Ohio, where he was born February 22,
1836. His parents, Solomon and Rebecca Kuhns,
are natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent.
Our subject was reared to manhood in his native
county, and whea nineteen years old undertook to
learn the trade of a carpenter and joiner. This he
has pursued until within a few \-ears past. He re-
ceived but a limited education in the public schools
of his native county, in which he had few advant-
ages. He is largel}' self-educated, having been
ever alert to secure for himself broad and intelli-
gent views of public affairs. Of the twelve chil-
dren born to his parents, the following survive:
Tilman, who lives in Indiana; Matilda, the wife of
Tobias Keck, who resides in Gratiot County, this
State; Moses, who makes his home in Isabella
Countj'; Rebecca, now the widow of Mr. Baum, in
Clinton County; Ephraim, who lives in Missouri;
Solomon, in Greenbush Township; Manaseh, our
subject; Benjamin, who lives in Ohio; and Israel,
who lives in Gratiot County.
The subject of this sketch w.as married in Ohio,
February C, 1862. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Matilda Climes, became the mother of five
children, namely: Emma, now the wife of Joseph
.Stauser, Norman, Mar}', John W. and Millie, de-
ceased. He emigrated from Ohio to Noble County,
Ind.. and after residing there for several 3'ears,
came in 1870 to Clinton Count}^ Mich., where he
has since resided.
Mr. Kuhns has greatl}' improved his farm, and
put it in the fine condition in which it is seen to-
day. It comprises eighty acres of land which he
has placed under cultivation, and his prosperity has
been attained by the exercise of industr}- and per-
severance. He has been a hard worker, and has
done an immense amount of pioneer labor, as he
settled in the woods and had to clear his land he-
fore he could begin its cultivation. Mr. Kuhns is
a public-spirited and intelligent citizen, and is al-
ways counted upon to join every movement which
points toward progress and the social and industrial
elevation of the count}'. He is a Prohibitionist in
politics, and he and his noble wife are earnest mem-
bers of the Evangelical Association, where he has
served for over twenty j'ears as a Class Leader, and
in which his wife is identified as one of the mem-
bers of the Ladies' Aid Society.
*— "^'^'M't'S" '** -■-
SHER TEACHOUT. St. John's was de-
_^_^ prived of one of her prominent business
/// It men, May 23, 1887, when Mr. Tcachout
<^ breathed his last. He had been identified
with the business life of the city from 1859 and in
the prosecution of the work to which he gave his
attention he had displayed the energy and enterprise
which were crowned with success. While advanc-
ing his own interests he had not been remiss in the
duties of a citizen, hut had done much to improve
the appearance of the citj' and increase the value
of property, and had borne some part in municipal
affairs as a member of the Board of Trustees. His
personal characteristics were those which win
friends and in his dealings with his patrons he was
honorable, courteous and obliging. He was there-
fore well liked and his death was regretted even
by those who had but a passing accjuaintance with
him.
Mr. Tcachout was born in Yates County, N. Y.,
on the banks of Seneca Lake, October 24, 1828.
His f.ather died when he was quite young, but his
mother subsequently married again and he was
reared by her and his stepfather. He came to this
State with them when but a boy and Lenawee
County was his home until he was of age. He then
i went to Ann Arbor and engaged in the marble
726
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
business, remaining there a decade and then locat-
ing in St. John's. Upon coming here he opened a
grocery store, in partnership with D. C. Hurd, and
later was associated with the Hon. A. H. Walker.
The new firm opened a general store in which a
thriving trade was carried on. Mr. Teachout also
bought wool and invested his surplus in other ways.
After dissolving partnership with Mr. Walker, he
was interested with Charles E. Chapin and L. S.
Reed for a few j'ears. After giving them a start
he carried on his business alone, until about two
years before his decease, when he sold out to H. L.
Kendrick, of Detroit.
In 1882 Mr. Teachout built a large brick block
of two stories and a basement, which is now owned
by his widow and heirs. He was to some extent
interested in farming lands and had quite an acreage
that he rented to tenants. He was connected with
the Ancient Order of United Workmen and exer-
cised the right of suffrage with the Republicans.
His death was occasioned by paralysis. The grief
of his friends is to a slight degree ameliorated by
the remembrance of his years of usefulness and
welldoing.
The one to whom Mr. Tcachout's loss came with
the most crushing effect is the lady who became his
wife December 3, 1873. She was known in her
maidenhood as Emilj' J. Mattison and is a native
of North Bennington, Vt., near the famous battle
ground. She is the only child of Judge Martin
Mattison and his wife, Ann S. Slye, from whom she
inherits rare qualities of mind and tastes for that
which is best in character and mental attainment.
She attended school at her native place and
acquired a thorough knowledge of the branches
which she studied and then made a specialty of
music. She had such musical abilit3'and taste that
she laid aside other work and gave the art her
entire attention for some time. She became a
teacher of music and in 1871 came to St. John's to
follow this work. She has a tasteful and comfort-
able home, where the evidences of re(inenicnt and
true culture arc plainly manifest. She belongs to
the Baptist Church and is an efficient member of
the Ladies' Home and Foreign Mission Societies,
with the latter of which she is connected as Presi-
dent. She is also a member of the Ladies' Library
Association, and in all ways open to a gentlewoman,
displays public spirit and interest in the welfare of
others. She has one child — Florence M.
Mrs. Teachout is of Danish descent in the pater-
nal line but the Green Mountain State has long
been the home of the family. Her grandfather,
the Hon. Asa Mattison, was a member of the Ver-
mont Legislature and was a farmer and stock-
grower in that State. Her father was born in the
same town as herself — and so too was her grand-
father in 1809, and adopted the occupations of
his father. For three years he was Associate Judge
and for twent}' years Justice of the Peace. He was
a prominent and official member of the Baptist
Church. He was a writer of merit, producing both
prose and poetical compositions which showed
decided talent. Some of his verses are incorpor-
ated in the volume "Poets and Poetry of Vermont,"
and his "Brass Buttons on Furlough" has often been
republished in newspapers. Besides his literary
talent, he possessed musical ability of a high order
and discoursed charmingly on the flute. He died
in the year 1872.
The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Teachout
were James and Freelove (Dyer) Sl3'e, natives of
the Green Mountain State, and engaged in farming
and dairying. Their religious home was in the
Baptist Church. The father of James Slye was
Capt. James of the Colonial Army. After the
death of her husband the mother of Mrs. Teachout
came AVest to her daughter and has since made her
home in St. John's.
-5^i^-
<|l'OHN T. MILLMAN, one of the reputable
' business men of St. John's, Clinton County,
is undoubtedly as popular among his friends
as anj' man in the city. In business relations
he is rapidly advancing to the front, as he is seen
to be thorouglily reliable in financial matters and
competent to dispense the articles in which he deals.
He is a member of the prominent drug firm of Fil-
dew & Millman, whose stock includes not only
drugs and medicine, but books and stationery,
paints, oils and wall paper and fanc3' goods. Mr.
/f ^
fOnXRAlt AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
729
Millin^n becanw a partner in this firm in November,
1889, assuming n half-interest and takin": tlie place
of John H. Filflew, son of iiis partre'-. Vdv three
years prior to that time he had been in the employ
of the old firm. Tiie stock has been increased since
lie became connected with the business and the 6rm
is also doing some wholesaling of preparations of
their own, one of which in particular. Eclectic Balm,
has a large sale in the Slate. In Jatiuarj', 1891,
Fildew it Millman bought a stock of goods in
Fowler and now carr^- on a branch store there.
Mr. Milhnan was born in Guelph, Ontario, Can-
ada, Marcl) 9. 1861. His paternal grandparents
spent their entire lives in England, and his father,
John Millman, was born and reared in Devonshire.
When a joung man he came across the ocean and
settled at East Flamboro, Canada, where lie engaged
in farming. He bought and improved land, hav-
ing two hundred acres when he retired to Guelph,
where lie died at the age of seventy-five j'ears. lie
took part in the Canadian Rebellion. His wife,
mother of our subject, was Sarah Thomson, a native
of County Argyle, Scotland, who came to America
when a child. Hei father, John Thomson, was a
farmer, and after ids emigration made his home at
Pushlinch, Canada. Mrs. Millman is now living
in Wingliara, Canada. She is an active member of
the Methodist F^piscopal Church, in which her de-
ceased husband held a i)rominent position.
The subject of this sketch is the youngest of the
four children born to his parents. He was reared
in his native ci!y and attended school there, com-
pleting the Iljoh School course when nineteen 3'ears
old. He then began an appienticesliip as a drug-
gist under Alexander B. Petrie, with v/hom he
served fouryears. In 1883 he entered the Ontario
College of Pharmacy and studied diligently until
in March, 1884. He then became head clerk in a
drug-store at Hamilton, Ontario, holding the posi-
tion eighteen months. In 1886 he came to Detroit,
passed his examination under the laws of the State
and received his certificate as an authorized phar-
macist of Michigan. Coming to St. John's he en-
tered the establishment of Fildew &. Son. with the
result above mentioned. In his political alliliations
be is a Republican of the stanchest description. He
is a young man of much intelligence, keeping him-
self well informed regarding various topics of in-
terest his manners are so cordial and genial that
they prepossess ever^' acquaintance in his favor.
In the short time that he has lived in St. John's he
has made man^' friends and his presence is tliought
desirable at every social gathering. June 24, 1891,
Mr. Millman was married to Miss Annie E. Fildew,
daughter of his partner, A. S. Fildew, of St. John's.
|r^ EV. ROBERT F. M. DOM AN, pastor of St.
ILi^ Paul's Catholic Church, at Owosso, Shiawas-
YV see County', is a native of Michigan and
spent his youth in Bay City. His father,
John Doman, was for many years a railroad con-
tractor in Canada and the West, and was actively
engaged in this line of work, being senior mem-
ber of the firm of Doman die Sons, with headquar-
ters at Portage, Wis. His birthplace was in the
vicinity of New York City, and he was of Irish
parentage. The mother of our subject was Ann
Shaw, a native of Ireland, who emigrated to the
United States with her parents when a child of
three years. Her father's name was Robert Shaw.
The childhood days of our subject were passed
in Bay City, attending the public schools; later he
attended the school of the Churcli of St. Mary's of
the Lake, in Chicago. Thence he went to Mon-
treal, Canada, and entered the Sulpician College,
from which he w.as graduated in 1872. After
graduation he decided to enter the profession of
the law, and returning to his native State, became
a student in the office of A. McDonnall, a promi-
nent attorney of that place. After completing a
thorough course of reading he was admitted to the
bar May 1, 1875.
However, the young attorney was not satisfied
to follow the career which he had marked out for
himself, as liis inclinations led him to desire to
enter the priesthood of his church. He therefore
went to Baltimore, Md., and entering St. Mary's
Theological Seminary, took a thorough course in
theology and was ordained to the priesthood June
29, 1878. His first ministerial charge was at Al-
pcna, Mich, where he assisted in erecting a house
730
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of worship. Later he was called to take charge of
the ohiirch at Kalamazoo, but after serving there
for nine months was appointed to the church of
the Holy Trinity, Detroit. There he remained
nearly four years.
Notwithstanding the parochial duties which re-
quired such constant exertion on the part of Father
Doman, he served the people in other capacities.
He was appointed on the Board of Orphans, was
one of the Examiners of the Clergj', was elected
one of the five judges of the Ecclesiastical Court,
and served as Theologian to Bishop Borgess at the
Third Plenarj' Council in Baltimore. Owing to
these arduous duties his health failed, and he ac-
cepted a vacation of one month, which he speut in
the Rocky Mountains. Ui)on his return to Mich-
igan he took charge of the church of St. Paul, in
Owosso. This church provides for six hundred
sittings, all rented, a sign of prosperity which at-
tests the thorough character of the ministry of
Father Doman. Since he came to this city he has
also been instrumental in instituting a new Catho-
lic cemetery.
Politically Father Doman is a Free Trade Re-
publican, believing that reciprocity is the plan to
effect the proper adjustment of our trade relations
with the world. Socially he is held in high esteem
not only by his parishioners, but by all who meet
him for the many noble qualities which he pos-
sesses. The attention of the reader is invited to
his lithographic portrait, which is presented in
connection with this brief biographical notice.
"jf) OHN PINKNEY, who operates a farm on
section 13, Lebanon Township, Clinton
County, is an example of the success which
follows a youth and young manhood of in-
dustry, perseverance and integrity. When became
to this county he had only $400 and now he is the
highest taxpayer in the township. His first wages
were but a shilling a week, but hardships in youth
did not discourage him and he is now one of the
most prosperous men in this part of the State. His
faliier, Robert Pinkney, was a native of England.
His wife, Elizabeth Gray, was the mother of the
following children: James, Mar}', Elizabeth, Annie,
David, Martha, Peter, Isaac, John and George.
Robert Pinkne}' was a farmer and he and his good
wife spent all their days upon their native island.
John Pinkney was born September 23, 1830, in
England, and when a j'oung man worked on a farm
upon wages. As has been aforesaid, his first wages
were one shilling a week and the highest which he
earned and what was usuall}' paid to a good farm
laborer was twenty-two pounds a j'ear. About a
year before he came to America he was united in
marriage with Maria Gray. The wedding took
place March 20, 1851. To this young couple one
son was born, whom they named William. Their
first home in this country was near Castile,
Wyoming County, N. Y., and here they lived for
four years, after which they emigrated to Clinton
County, Mich., and made their home upon a farm
of fortj' acres. Here he built a log house an<l at
once commenced the first task of clearing the trees
from his land. After living in this home for about
thirteen years his wife was taken from his side by
death.
The second marriage of our subject took place
September 23, 1869. The lady with whom he
united his fortunes was Eunice Randolph, a daugh-
ter of Augustus Randolph, a native of Upper Can-
ada, who was born in 1 805 and came to New York
to live, and was there married to Mary A. Eddy,
a daughter of Eliakin and Eunice Eddy, natives of
Vermont and Massachusetts respectively. Eliakin
Eddy was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
The parents of Mrs. Piunice Pinkney were granted
the following children, namely: Merritt, Prudence,
Eunice, Julia, Charles, George and John. The
grandfather of these children, Joseph Randolph,
fled from Canada to New York during the War of
1812, leaving his property and starting life anew.
Mrs. Augustus Randolph now resides in Lebanon,
having reached the advanced age of four-score
years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Pinkney have been born five
children, two of whom died in infancy and the fol-
lowing are still living to bless their parents: Da-
vid, Lenora and Annie. Lenora is now Mrs.
Jaquist and makes her home in Lebanon Town-
rOIiTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ship; and Annie is at home. Mr. Pini<ncj- has
adiled largely to his original farm and altliougli he
has given his son sixty acres, now owns four hun-
dred and seven acres.
Mr. Pinkney at first saw hard times and did real
pioneer work. He says that wlien his first son was
born he did not own a shilling. When he first
came to his Western home he found deer and
bears in abundance and Indians were living near
his home. He cleared and broke two hundred acres
and having put his land in good condition pursued
general farming, combining witii tliis the culture of
sheep and buying and selling stock of this kind to
a considerable extent. He now has fine buildings
and has made all the improvements himself. He is
a Granger and also a member of the Order of
L'nited Workmen and belongs to lodge No. 1 at
Maple Rapids.
73l
^ ^-5-B- ^
T. SANDERS. The gentleman
II ,— ^ who is the subject of this sketch, and who
^^Jj lives on section 16, Caledonia Township,
Shiawassee Countj\ was born Jul}- 17, 1825, in
Chenango County, N. Y., where he remained until
he grew to manhood. His father was George Sand-
ers, also a native of Chenango Count}', and born
in 1800. He lived for manj- j-ears in tiiis State,
pursuing bis chosen calling, which was that of a
farmer. Our subject's mother was Rebecca (INIa-
son) Sanders, also a native of New York, and born
in Chenango County. But one child gladdened the
home of this couple, that child being our subject.
George Sanders, Sr., was married twice; the mother
of our subject was his first wife.
The gentleman of whom we write, received a
common-school education, and after finishing his
school life he began for himself at the age of twenty
years. He bought his lime of his father, and left
home to work out for others, laboring as a farmer
for many years. December 17, 1855, he was mar-
ried to Mary S. Fairchild, a daughter of Silllck and
Aurelia (Jones) Fairchild, llie father being a native
of Connecticut, the mother of Vermont. His natal
year was 1785, and the mother's 1794. They were
also farmers. After their marriage they resided in
Chenango County, N. Y., until their death.
The mother was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, while the fatlier was a believer in the re-
ligion of humanity. He was a Democrat in politics,
and was ardently interested in both local and na-
tional affairs. They were the parents of nine chil-
dren, two of whom are now living. The wife of
our subject, Mrs. Sanders, was born December 17,
1832, in Chenango County, N. Y. She received
the advantages of a good education, and taught
school both in New York and Pennsylvania, where
she held sway over both district and select schools.
After marriage the young couple settled at New
Haven, Oswego County, N. Y. The present Mrs.
Sanders is the third wife of our subject. One child
was the outcome of the second marriage, George E.
Sanders, a dentist now working at East Saginaw,
one who has a fine practice and an interesting fam-
ily of three children.
The gentleman of whom we write, came to this
State in 1857, and settled in Caledonia Township,
for a season. He removed to Ionia County, where
he remained for three years and then went East,
making a stay there of one year. He again came
to Michigan and settled in Shiawassee Township,
working in a sawmill for a year or so. Twenty-
four years ago he purchased his present farm, origin-
ally having but forty acres, fifteen of which were
improved. He now has eighty acres, nearly all of
it being under cultivation.
Mr. Sanders built his present comfortable and
commodious residence five j'cars ago. He prides
himself on being a farmer and nothing else, that is,
that he docs not divide his attention, but gives his
whole energy towanl making his chosen calling a
success. He and his wife are the parents of three
children: Charles G., deceased, was a dentist in
Stanton, this State, and left a wife and two inter-
esting children; Alice M. is the wife of Edgar E.
Miller, residing in Caledonia Township, and is
blest witli iwo bright children; and Fred M., who
lives in single blessedness, follows his profession,
which is th.at of a dentist. Our subject and his fam-
ily are all Christian people.
Mr. Sanders stands in high esteem with his neigh-
bors and townsmen, and h.os been appointed by
732
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
them to various local offices. He is now a Di-
rectoi in the local schools. As every man should be
in America, he has interested himself in casting his
vote for the man whom he consirlers the best fitted
to fill public offices. He affiliates with the Demo-
cratic element in his township, and is considered
one of the leading lights of that party. Besides his
duties as .School Director, he has been Highway
Commissioner for a number of 3'ears, and also Road
Overseer. Mr. Sanders feels the advantage tliat
education is to the man of the present time, and he
has placed within the reach of his children all the
opportunities possible for them to become well-edu-
cated, cultured and refined.
J TAMES S. ADAMS. This substantial and
energetic business man is a member of the
firm of Davies & Adams, dealers in baggies,
J carriages and harness, and carrying the
largest stock of those commodities in St. John's.
The firm also handles agricultural implements and
is carrying on the best business of the iiind in the
county seat. Mr. Adams has not long been a resi-
dent of this city, but he has already a well-estab-
lished reputation, as it is plain to be seen that he is
a good business man as well as a thoroughly trust-
worthy citizen.
The grandparents of Mr. Adams lived and died
in England and his direct progenitors — Robert and
Patience (.Smith) Adams, were born there. The
father lived near Yarmouth and his taste led him
to take an abiding interest in the shipping from
that port, and when only a boy he became a sailor.
After his marri.agc he made his home in Canada,
tlience removed to Vermont and then to Ohio,
giving his attention to farming. He finally came
to this State, spent some years in Ingham County
and in 1854 located in Clinton County. He was
one of the first settlers in Groenbush Township,
where he improved a tract of wild land. After
some j'ears of agri<'ullural work there he retired,
making bis home in Eureka until his death, in 1872.
He was a Re|)ublican in politics, and a member of
the Christian Church. His widow survived him a
few j-ears, breathing her last in 1875. Tliey had
a family of five children and he of who.n we write
is the third.
James S. Adams was born in what is now Fulton
but was then Lucas County, Ohio, April 16, 1842,
and came to this State when a child, the journey
being made with a team and wagon. He lived in
Mason, Ingham County, until he was twelve years
old, then came to Clinton County, and prior to his
eighteenth year made himself useful on the farm
and continued his studies in the district school. He
then entered the employ of Davis Bros., fanning-
mill manufacturers, and worked his way to foreman
in the wood department. He was with them twenty-
one years and during that period bought a farm of
one hundred and twenty acres on sections 16 and
21, which he reclaimed from its wild condition and
improved with substantial buildings. In 1881
Mr. Adams left the shop and turned his attention
to raising grain and fine stock, and for five years
he farmed very successfully. He kept graded
horses of the Percheron strain, and fine cattle, hogs
and sheep. In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Adams met
with a severe affliction in the loss of their son
Edward, a promising j-oung man, twentj'-one years
old. The associations of their home were too
vividly connected witli him for them to wish to
continue their residence on the farm, and selling off
everything in the way of stock and implements,
the land was rented and they took up their abode in
Grand Rapids.
Mr. Adams engaged in the real-estate business
and in contracting and building and for two years
carried on his work in the city named. He then came
to St. John's and took up the same line of work
here. He is a fine mechanic, able to make any-
thing in wood to which he gives his mind, .and as a
builder he turned out good work. January 1,
1891, he bought an interest in the business with
which he is now connected. He still owns real-
estate in Grand Rsioids, as well as property in St.
John's, the latter including a pleasant residence and
several lots. His wife, to whom he was married
in Greenbush in 1865, was born in England and
bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Davies. She is
a most estim.able woman, sharing with her husband
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM
733
in the respect of their acquaintances. Mr. Adams
is an otHcial member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and has been Steward in that denomination
for nearJj' twenty years. In politics he is a Repub-
lican.
LBERT E. HARTSHORN, senior member
II of the lirm of Hartshorn, Son & Crowe,
wholesale and retail dealers in agricultural
implements, carriages, wagons and sleighs,
also transfer and storage agents of Owosso, Shia-
wassee Countj', is a native of \'ermont. He was
born in Windsor County, November 30, 1842, and
his father is Luther Hartshorn, a native of Connec-
ticut, and a farmer bj- occupation. His father,
Reuben Hartshorn, was of English ancestry, and a
soldier in the Revolutionar}' War. The mother of
our subject bore the maiden name of Achsah Bart-
lett, and was born in Vermont in 1827, a daughter
of Orange Bartlett, of Irish and Scotch extraction.
She passed away in 1805, but her husband lived
until April 20, 1891, and died in his sixt3'-second
j-ear. Of their four children Albert E. is the eld-
est.
After passing his early school d.ays in his native
town our subject went to Rochester, N. Y., for
further education, and in 1861 came to Shiawassee
County, and took a farm in Bennington Township,
where he eng.aged in general farming. There he
carried on agriculture until his removal to Owosso,
in 1881, still retaining, however, his ownership of
the farm, consisting of two hundred and forty
acres of well-improved and arable land, upon which
are situated good farm buildings.
In 1881 Mr. Hartshorn bought a one-half inter-
est in the stock of C. S. Williams, and entered into
partnership with that gentleman under the firm
name of Williams ifc Hartshorn. Two 3'cars later
he sold out and purchased new stock, embarked in
the same business alone, and in 1888 took his son,
Fred C. as a partner in the concern. Two years
later he again purchased the stock of Mr. Williams,
which consisted of farm implements, and took Lc-
Ro3^ W. Crowe as an .additional partner in the
business.
This is one of the large and substantial concecns
of the county, and is said to be the broadest in its
dealings. The firm handles anything from a hoe
to a steam thresher. Its brick warehouse is two-
stories in height with extensive sheds in the rear,
thus securing ample room for their immense stock
and trade. The main building is 44x90 feet on
the ground lloor, and the whole building is occu-
pied by the firm.
In connection with implements this firm carries a
good stock of ready-made harness and also keeps
seeds of all kinds. They also carry an excellent
line of sewer pipe and tiling of the manufacture of
the Jackson P^ire Claj' Companj'.
Christmas Day 1865 saw the happ3' marriage of
Albert Hartshorn and Alvira D . Dolloff, of Ch.agrin
Falls, Ohio, a daughter of Hezekiah Dolloff, who
with his wife was a native of Maine. Mr. and Mrs.
Hartshorn have become the parents of three chil-
dren, a son and two daughters: Fred E., who is his
father's partner; Edith A., and Bertha M. Mr.
Hartshorn is now Treasurer of the School Board of
the city of Owosso, and a member of the Board of
Education. He is identified with the Owosso Lodge,
No. 88, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the
chairs, also a prominent member of the First Bap-
tist Church, of Owosso, and Secretary of the Board.
He rents out his farm and resides at his pleasant
home at No. 224 Johns Street. In politics Mr.
Hartshorn is a Republican.
LBERT R. HICKS, M. D., a prominent
physician of Bath, Clinton County, was
(4) born in Lorain County, Ohio, August 13,
^jj 1835. His father, Robins Hicks, was born
in New York State in 1813, and his grandfatiier,
Amasa, who was of German descent, was born in
\''ermont. The great-grandfather came from the
old country and settled on the shores of Lake Cham-
plain many j'ears ago. He was a Surgeon in the
Revolutionary War, and served through those
years of contlict. After that he became a Baptist
missionary, and received thirty stripes save one,
for preaching the doctrine of immersion which was
734
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
contrary to the Stale law of Vermocl. He died at
the very advanced age of eighty-seven years.
The grandfather of our subject owned and oper-
ated a mill for many years in Clinton County, N.
Y., but after his settlement in Lorain C'ount\-, Ohio,
lived a retired life. Later he removed to Fulion
County, Ohio, and after twelve years of residence
tliere, died in liis eighty seventii year. He was a
stalwart Baptist in his religious belief.
The fatiier of our subject was a miller, and pur-
sued this calling for forty years. He was a pioneer
in Lorain County, Ohio, and milled for many years
in that State. He removed to Kent County, Mich.,
in 1853, and spent two years in a mill at Kockford,
after which he devoted himself to farming. The
land where Cedar Springs now stands, was what he
took from the Government, and upon a farm near
that point he now lives at the age of eighty seven
years, a hale and hearty old man. He is a Demo-
crat in bis political views, and a Seventh Day Ad-
ventist in religion, as is also his good wife, who is
like himself in excellent health at the age of sev-
enty-eight years. Her maiden name was Hannah
Pangborn, and siie was born at Plattsburg. N. Y., in
1813. Her side of the family is of Welsh descent.
Two sons only of her household of four are living,
Frederick W. and our subject.
Albnri Hicks attended the village school at Ely-
ria until fifteen years old. lie then entered the in-
stitute at Norwalk, Ohio, from which he was grad-
uated at eighteen 3'ears of age. In 1853 he came
to Rlichigan, and until he went into the army he
followed milling and farming. He enlisted Au-
gust 4, 1864, in the First Regiment, Michigan
Light Artillery, Seventh Battery. He was sent to
Navy Point, Ala., and assisted in the capture of
Mobile and surrounding ports, doing guard duty
also at Navy Cove for a time. He received his dis-
charge at Mobile, Ala., August 3, 1865.
After the war the 3'oung man entered upon the
work of the Baptist ministry, preaching in the coun-
ties of Kent, Ionia, Shiawassee and Clinton. He
has done twenty-five years of ministerial work, car-
rying on preaching with the practice of medicine
from 1876 to 1889, after which he became less ac-
tive on account of health. He has baptized in all
gome three hundred converts. He began the study
of medicine in 1873, under Dr. J. Outwater of
Saranac, Ionia County, Mich. He read under his
instruction for four }"ears, and then began practice
at Pewaroo, Ionia County, Mich. After practicing
there three years and two years at Laingsburgh, he
located in Bath in 1879, where he has since carried
on general practice.
The marriage of our subject took place in No-
vember, 1857. His wife bore the maiden name of
Ella A. Butler, and lier grandfather was a cousin of
Gen. Benjamin F. Butler. Both our subject and
his wife are earnest members of the Baptist Church
and he is a Republican in politics. Their three
children: Elmer A., Carrie E. and Willie H. are all
living. He is a member of Lodge No. 124 I. O.
O. F., and has been worthy Grand Master of the
Sons of Temperance of the State of Micliigan.
^OHN T. DANIELLS stands in the front
rank among the farmers of Clinton County,
bringing to bear upon his labors deep
thought and scientific methods. He is pre-
eminently successful in his work, as his fine estate
and standing in the community attest. He owns
and occupies eighty acres of land on section 1,
Essex Township, where he located in 1868. He
has brought it to a high state of productiveness,
and has furnished it with substantial buildings of
various kinds and adornments suitable for a rural
home, and the whole is now one of the most at-
tractive places in the vicinity.
Mr. Daniells was born in Oakland County, this
State, December 25, 1840. and comes of old New
York stock. His parents, Willard and Harriet
(Churchill) Daniells, were born in the I'lmpirc
State and came West many j'cars ago. The father
secured Government land in Oakland County about
1825 and was one of the first settlers there. His
name is remembered and held in respect among
the pioneers, so few of whom remain to enjoy the
results of their labors. Amid scenes of pioneer
life he of whom we write grew to man's estate, al-
though his recollection does not extend back to the
most primitive condition of affairs in Oakland
County. During his youth tlic vicinity was be-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
735
coming well settled and before lie had attained to
ills majorit}' the country was well developed and
populous.
Mr. Daniells received his preliminary education
in the common schools of his native county, and
after he became of age he entered Olivet College
as a student and spent two full school 3cars in the
diligent pursuit of knowledge there, lie has a
wide fund of literary knowledge and has also the
practical learning that makes his theories available
for his own and otheis' good. He has spent some
five winters in school teaching and as an instructor
was capable and thorough. Having worked hard
in order to obtain thorough schooling he appreci-
ates the efforts of others and has always given his
sympathy and aid to those who were striving to
advance.
September 10, 1867, Mr. Daniells was married
to the lady of his choice, Miss Martha Barnes,
daughter of .John and Anne Barnes, who were
early settlers in Ingham County. Mrs. Daniells
is a sister of the Hon. O. M. Barnes, of Lansing,
who was at one time candidate for Governor on
the Democratic ticket. She has a liberal education,
having graduated from Olivet College after finish-
ing the classical course, and for several j'ears she
was engaged in teaching. She is a fitting com-
panion for her husband, being able to sympatiiize
with him in his higher tastes and enjoy with him
every opportunity for culture of which their cir-
cumstances and surroundings will admit. They
have had but one child, a son, who was spared to
them but a short time.
As would naturall}- be expected Mr. Daniells
takes an active interest in the promotion of the
cause of education and in all movements that will
elevate the standard of society. In politics he is
a Republican. He was elected Justice of the Peace
in 1884 and has served continuously to the present
lime. In his official capacity he is popular and
efficient, and he has acquired a reputation for giv-
ing just decisions, unbiased by prejudice and ar-
rived at by \he processes of a judicial mind and
justice-loving spirit. He is now serving his second
year as Secretary of the Clinton Countj- Pioneer
Society and for three j'cars he has been Secretary
of the t'^aj-mers' Club in Essex Township. l''or two
years he has been Secretary of the Clinton County
AVool Growers' Association and he is one of the
four men appointed to make crop reports from
Clinton Count}' for the benefit of all agricultural-
isis, the facts being reported and properl}' classified
in Washington by the agents of the Government.
Mr. Daniells is a member of the Baptist Church
and his wife is a Congregationalist. They are so-
cial leaders and their home is the scene of many a
gathering, where their hospitality and ability to
entertain are shown and their many friends enjoy
"a feast of reason and a flow of soul." In busi-
ness circles the word of Mr. Daniells is considered
as good as a bond and he commands the fullest
confidence of those with whom he has had dealings.
Mrs. Daniells find many opportunities to perform
acts of kindness toward those who are less happily'
situated than herself and her heart is always open
to cries of distress and appeals for syrnpathj'.
(^p^HOMAS CARMODY, a prosperous farmer
'/i'^S\ ^'^^'"S ^ pleasant home and a tract of
V^ land on section 28, Rush Township, Shia-
wassee County, was born on the Emerald Isle in
County Clare, January 7, 1845. His father Mich-
ael, a native of the same county, was a farmer and
his natal year was 1814. He received a good com-
mon-school education and was noted in local cir-
cles as a good penman. He had a brother who bad
perhaps the best education of any man in the sec-
tion where he lived and held ofHce a number of
years under the Queen.
Michael Carmodj was married about the year
1841 to Elizabeth Caton, one of ten children of
Michael and Elizabeth Caton, who came to America
in 1848 by way of Quebec, and made their first
home in the United States at Buffalo. After six
years spent there they came to Corunna, this count}^
in 1854, and the following spring came to Rush
Township and settled on eighty acres on section
26, which he had bought two years previous. Be-
fore his death, which occurred in 1887, he owned
one hundred and twenty acres. He was a Roman
Catholic in his religious belief and a Democrat in
736
PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
his political affiliations, being a great worker for the
part3' but caring little for office.
Tlie subject of this brief sketcii received a good
common-school education and upon reaching his
majority started out in the worhl for himself.
After working for a year he bought a fi.ie team,
which he afterward traded at a valuation of $400
toward his farm. He obtained a farm of one hun-
dred and twenty acres and went to work upon it,
keeping bachelor's hall for some two years, but
Thomas Carmody believed that it was not well for
man to be alone and in September, 1869, he was
married to Mary Gorman one of the five children
of Patrick and Mary (Murphy) Gorman, of County
Queen, Ireland. Mrs. Carmody's natal day was
July 18, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Carmody have great
reason to be proud of the four promising children
who have blessed their household. Tlieir eldest
daughter, Bessie, is a teacher in New Haven, Mich.
Mary Maud and Edward are still in the High
School at Owosso and the youngest daughter Agnes
is with her parents at home.
The gentleman of whom we write is by convic-
tion allied with the Democratic party. His first
Presidential vote was cast for .Seymour and his last
for Cleveland, lie has been actively interested in
politics and a great worker for the principles which
his judgment approves. He has been Highway
Commissioner for nine years in succession and is
still Treasurer of the township, a position which he
has held for some time. Through most of the time
he has resided in this region he has been upon the
School Board. He is very fond of a line horse and
always keeps the best stock of this kind and has
now as fine a team as is to be found in the count}'.
His comfortable home is the seat of irue domestic
happiness and is most deliglitfull}' situated and
pleasantly arranged.
<a I^ILLIAM NEWBERRY. In many respects
\/\J// the gentleman whose name appears at the
\^^ head of this paragraph was head and
shoulders above his neighbors of the township. He
was a man far-seeing in discernment and strong in
ppynsel. His financial ability was tiudpubtctl and
he was charitable in his thought of others and pure
in his language. His opinions on church matters
was looked up to by all who were connected with
him and he took a good stand on all important
questions.
Our subject was born in Warwick, Wayne
County, N. Y., April 4, 1812, and was the eldest
of seven children, of whom the following are living:
our subject, John, who resides on the old home-
stead in Lorain Count}-, Ohio; James, who lives at
Strawberry Point, Iowa; David, residing in Orange
County, Fla. ; and Rebecca, the widow of R. A.
Andrews, of Toledo, Ohio. His parents, John and
Sallie (Fancher) Newberry, were married In 1811
and removed in 1827 to the Western Reserve in
Lorain County, Ohio where they carried on a farm.
The father died In 1852, and the mother in 1876
at the age of eighty-six years.
William Newberry was educated mostly in the
common schools and by his own efforts at home, as
he received neither academic nor college training.
His library contains standard works on history and
especiall}' on Bible history, and among other books
the writer noted Blaine's twenty years in Congress,
and the Universal Encyclopedia. It has an un-
broken file of the Country Gentlemen which Mr.
Newberry had bound. In 1833 at which time he
reached his majority he learned the carpenter's
trade and worked at Huron, Ohio. In the summer
of 1836 he came to Shiawassee County, Mich., and
assisted in building the old mill in the township of
Shiawassee, which was the first mill erected in the
county.
In 1839 young Newberry had secured eighty
acres of land and built him a home into which he
took his bride, to whom he was united on the 1st
of December. Most of his carpentry work was
done in Owosso where he puttiie first frame build-
ing erected there, namely the old hotel wiiich was
the first one in the place. He bought his land from
old "Uncle Eithraim" Wright and cleared his farm
but worked at his trade most of the time, hiring
help on the farm for fifteen years. He was Instru-
mental in introducing tile draining, l.iying miles
of it under his farni wiiich comprised two hundred
and thirty- seven acres at the time of his death.
When the will of Mr. Newberry came to be pro-
^^^.^^v^^aiss^
--■ySxie-V"' ^3^
TirT!':i;:r!'!i?'ir!""!fwiiiii|ii'!H''^r'!''!''^i!^!ii'^^^^^^^
Res.ofMrEli Gallup^ Sec. 35,, Eagle Tp., Clintoim Co.,mich
S'^ii; ,.
•4'i>rViV«i.^'itfiJV^'*'T
0 7tM<?S '^^
Res. OF THE LATE W'^.NewberrYjSec.IS. Shiawassee Tr, Shiawassee Co., Mich.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
739
bated il was found that lie had settled everything
in that document and tliere was not a claim \>yc-
sented against the estate. This siiows iiis careful-
ness and business capacity. He took great plea-
sure in cultivating rare and exotic flowers and in
testing new varieties of fruit. He had on iiis farm
almost every well-known variety of the pear and
the same may be said of other fruits. He was one
of the organizers and oflicers of the Shiawassee
Agricultural Association of Owosso, and served as
Prcsiilent in this society repeatedl}', being connect-
ed with it until the organization of the Bancroft
Union Market Fair which was based upon his sug-
gestions. He was its first President and continued
in that office until his death. He bred fine flocks
of sheep and introduced from Vermont the Merino
sheep, but he turned his attention more fully to
fruit raising, of which he liad a thorough knowl-
edge. He was a close student of this subject and
Downiug's Works on Fruit were among his text-
books.
Politically Mr. Newberry was in early life a
Jacksonian Democrat, afterward a Whig and then
a Republican, being an ardent supporter of the ad-
ministration and of Gov. Blair during the Civil
War. Through much of his life he was connected
with tiie Baptist Cbureli, having been baptized
about one year after marriage by Elder Barnes,
ami after that church was disbanded at Shiawassee
he held a letter and was always in sympathy' with
the church and a liberal supporter of the Baptist
organization at Vernon. His whole life as a
Christian was affected by the exam|)le of such her-
oes of the church as Adoniram Judson, and his in-
terest in foreign missions was intense and his con-
tributions generous.
The marriage of William Newberr}- and Mary
Parnienter took place as has been said December 1,
1831. Mrs. Newberry was born in Vernon, Vt.
July 24, 1814, and w.is a daughter of Amos and
Mar}' (Lee) Parmenter, botli natives of the Green
Mountain Sl.-ite. Her brother Joseph vvho is a re-
sident of Shiawassee County, is mentioned else-
where in this volume. The children of this family
are Sarah, Mrs. John Wilkinson, living at North
Star, Mich. ; Harriet, now the widow of C. S. Pratt of
Shiawassee Township; Elizabeth, the widow of the
Rev. Williams S. Wilkinson of the Baptist Church
who lives at ^'ernon; Rebecca A., Mrs. Charles A.
Whelan of Shiawassee Township, whose husband's
biographical sketch appears in this Ai.bi'm; James
who died Seiitember 3, I 87G. of typlioid fever when
twenty-five jears old; John and David, who are
both at home and have charge of the farm, which
consists of one hundred and sixty acres of the old
homestead, and a view of which is shown on an-
other (lage.
Neither of these sons is married. They carr^'
on general farming but make their onion crop a
specialty'. They have a maple sugar bush of six
hundred trees. They are strong temperance men
and Prohibitionists taking an active part in the
work and being frequently delegates of conven-
tions. They are intelligent and enterprising, and
stand in the front rank among the pushing, pro-
gressive men of tlie county. They aie open heart-
ed, congenial men, David being especially blessed
to a remarkable degree with the power of briliant
conversation and forcilile and logical argument.
There is a tine future ahead for these distinguisheil
sons of an illustrious father. The death of William
Newberry which occurred October 1. 1888, has
made more evident to all who knew him the value
of his life and integrit}' and manly worth, and
brings home to the 3'oung the truth that the fruits
of honesty and right living are like the sunlight,
which benefits the world long after it has disap-
peared.
■^AMES STERLING BRISTOL. A traveler
in Clinton County would find on section
4, Bingham Township, a fine large farm-
J house and neat surroundings, where the
subject of this noti( e makes his home. The land
upon which this dwelling stands makes up a pro-
ductive estate of one hundred and twenty acres,
which is devoted to the dual purjiosc of farming
and stock-raising, and has been greatly improved
by its present owner since he purchased the prop-
erty in 1883. In 188!) he built a sawmill, from
the proceeds of which he is deriving a good addi-
tion to his income.
The parents of our subject were born in the
m
740
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Empire Slate and made their home there for some
years after their marriage. They removed to
Michigan in 1835, and established their home in
St. Josej))! County, but after remaining there about
a decade, removed to Oakland County. Nearly a
score of years after they began their residence
there Eli IL Bristol closed his eyes in death,
dying in Pontiac at the age of sixty-eight years.
He had held the otfice of Supervisor and others
of local importance. He belonged to the Congre-
gational Church, with which his widow has been
identified for many years. She was formerly Miss
Lucy Sterling, of Lima, N. Y. She has now at-
tained to her eighty-fourth year. Of the six chil-
dren born to this worthy couple three are now
living, all sous. Tlie one who is the subject of
this life history was born in Lima, N. Y., August
22, 1832. He was reared on a farm and began his
school life in an old-fashioned log building with
slab seats, but having good teachers, parental en-
couragement and natural ability, he became well
grounded in the practical branches.
When he began the labors of life for himself,
Mr. Bristol had but limited means, but he liad an
abundance of energy and was determined to make
his way. He worked out by the month in the
summer and tauglit school winters, and also farmed
on shares during a part of the time in which Oak-
land County was his home. His pedagogical work
extended over a period of several years and he
gained a good name as a teacher. In 1864 he
came to Clinton County and located in Essex
Township, where he lived about fourteen years.
There he cleared and improved a good farm. He
came thence to St. Joiin's, where he was engaged
in the insurance business for three years, and then
gave about eighteen months to the grocery trade.
He then took possession of the farm on which he
is now living and laboring.
The wife to whom Mr. Bristol was married in
1858, and who shared iiis fortunes until 1879, bore
tho maiden name of Miss Julia Stone. She was a
native of the Empire State and was a woman
whose worth of character was recognized by all
who knew her. Tiie children born of the union
are Eli Maurice, Jay and Neddie. Mrs. Bristol
was a member of the Congregational Church, Jn
1880 our subject brought to his home a second
wife, formerly Miss Sarah Covert, a native of the
Empire Slate, whose housewifely skill and Chris-
tian character commend her to her acquaintances.
She and her husband belong to the Congregational
Church. Mr. Bristol votes the Republican ticket.
He has held various oflices, such as Treasurer, and
served in that capacity several terms, and was
School Inspector some years. He bears an excel-
lent reputation both in social and business circles.
^>^
-v*-
ARWIN BANCROFT is a prominent farmer
in Essex Township, Clinton County, and
the fortunate possessor of an estate consist-
ing of three hundred and seventeen acres of choice
land. This valuable property is supplied with a
complete line of farm buildings, including a large,
handsome farmhouse which is well furnished and
suitably adorned. A visitor to this farm will
find modern machinery in use and the most ap-
proved methods followed in all the work that is
carried on, and will see in the p.astures stock of
good grades. The land is particularly adapted
for wheat, and Mr. Bancroft devotes a large acre-
age to this cereal.
Mr. Bancroft is a native of tin; counlj^ born in
the adjoining township of Lebanon, Februar3' 28,
1845. His father. Palmer Bancroft, a native of
Cayuga County, N. Y.,came hither in 1843, looked
up a home and made his removal the following
j'ear. After living in Lebanon Township six years
he came to Essex Township, where he cleared and
improved a fine large farm. He died here in
1887, .aged sixtj'-nine years. He was an honest,
upright man who endeavored to honot' his profes-
sion of faith by his daily life. He was a member
of the Christian Church. His wife, whose maiden
name was Amanda Ocobock, was born in the Em-
pire State and is now living with tiieir son, Dar-
win, and has reached her seventy-fourth year. She
has had six chdttren and three are now living.
The subject of this brief life history spent his
youth amid rural scenes and when old enough to
attend school occupied a place on a slab seat in a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
741
))rimitive log schoolliouse. After getting a fair
start in the country' school lie became a student at
iMaple Hapids, walking tiiree and a iialf miles to
and fro for six months. In 1868 he left his
father's home and located on a farm in Lebanon
Township, remaining there six years, and then re-
turning to Essex Township and taking up his resi-
dence on section 20, wiiere he has since remained.
He is one of the most enterprising of the younger
farmers in the county and the success he meets
with is due to this fact and to the intelligence
will) which he pursues his calling. He makes good
use of his income by surrounding himself and
family* with additional comforts and conveniences,
and entering into various projects by which the
welfare of the communit}^ will be advanced and
ihe section built up.
The year 18G7 was that in which Mr. Bancroft
was united to the lady of his choice, Miss Desiah
M. Irwin, daughter of Thomas and Betsey Irwin.
Iler parents came to tliis State in an early da3' and
sijent their last years here. The daughter was
born oil the farm that is now her home and around
which fond recolleclions cluster. Siie is a lady of
intelligence, not only on domestic topics but on
others of general interest, and with hor husband
belongs to the Cliristian Church and endeavors to
carry her faith into tlie actions f)f her daily life.
Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft have three children, named
respectivel}': A. D., .lesse and Murdow. Mr. Ban-
croft is a member of tlie Republican party and is
connected with the Ancient Order of United Work-
men.
(^^ AMUEL W. INGRAHAM, one of the old
^^^ settlers of St. John's, who has one of the
mJ__M largest and most complete undertaking es.
tablishments in Clinton County, was born
in Shippensville, Pa., November 22, 183.0. His
father, the Rev. A. 8. W. Ingraham, was born upon
a vessel in Bristol Bay as bis parents were coming
from Scotland. They settled upon a farm in
Dutciiess County, N. Y., and here the boy grew to
manhood and became a member of the Methodist
Jipiscopal Church, He wae licensed to preach by
the Erie Conference which at that time extended
into Ohio. He served in that Conference througli
life and lived to be ninety-four years of ago, dying
at Niles, Ohio. He was an earnest and conscien-
tious Abolitionist, and a conductor on the Undcr-
groiind Railroad and suffered persecutions as did
all the early Abolitionists. His wife, Laiirette B.
Maehell, w.as a daughter of a French Marquis and
was born in Paris. The family fled their native
country at the time of the French Revolution and
located in New York Cit}'. The father had an es-
tate on the Isle of Martinique, West Indies, and
while there on a visit fell dead in tlie street. His
daughter was reared in the cit}' of New York, and
conversed fluently in French, as that was the fam-
ily language. She died in Ohio after having been
the mother of five children: Margaret, George,
Nancy, Mary and our subject. All but the last
two have followed their parents to the other world.
The subject of this sketch i)assed his bojhood
mostly in Pennsylvania and Ohio, su|)plementing
his common school education by a year's attendance
at Alleghany College. He then taught school for
one term, after which he learned the trade of a
painter, in Ravenna, Ohio. When twenty-one years
of age he came to ISIichigan, and in 1856 worked
for a brother-in-law in a drug store. In I860 he
entered into partnershi|) with G. W. Stephenson in
a drug store, which they bouglit of Dr. Leach.
After one year our subject was taken sick and was
threatened with consumption. He therefore gave up
this business and went back to Ohio. He returned
to Michigan in 1864. His state of health kept
him out of the army iiilo which his inclinations
would have led him. Having improved in health
he removed to St. John's and carried on the busi-
ness of painting until 1885, when he started as an
undertaker f<jr R. M. Steel & Co. In 1889 he en-
tered this line of work indeiiendentl}'. He has a
fine location for his business and also for his resi-
dence.
Mr. Ingraham's marriage took place in St.
John's in 1859. His bride was Augusta D. Smith,
who was born in Steuben County, N. Y., and came
to Michigan when ten years old. Of their three
children, Clara died when quite young. Ilenrj' S.
k with his father in business and Clarence W. is
742
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL A].BUM.
mari-iefl and resides at Flint. Henry S. married
Miss Mollic Stark of Grand Ledge. Mr. Ingraham
is a demitted member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and is identifled with the li'ree and
Accepted Masons. He is a true blue Republican
and verj' earnest in his political convictions. His
wife is un active and etlicicnt member of the Con
gregational Church and a lady whose character is
universally respected. Mr. Ingraham has the good
will of every one in St. John's and vicinity.
'-r^-^^VHit^^^
'-S-
<«1 n*,ILBUR T. CHURCH, a stock-dea
\/\I// ^^^ proprietor of the prinei|)al ma
\^^' St. John's which is operated under
ILBUR T. CHURCH, a stock-dealer and
arket in
the firm
name or Church & Schanck, has been a market
man and stock-dealer since 1879, and is a whole-
souled gentleman who commands the good will of
the community. He understands his business
thoroughly and is probably'as fine a judge of stock
as can be found anywhere. He was born in Lock-
port, N. Y., September 15, 1857. His father,
Thomas, was born in England and came to Amer-
ica when about fifteen j'ears of age and began work
on a farm in Niagara County, for 13 per month.
Later he engaged in farming more independently
is the township of Lcwiston and finall}' drifted
into the stock and market business. He was a
well-known member of the Agricultural Society and
was a prominent figure at every fair. He died
when about fifty-two years of age. He had joined
himself to the Republican part}' after coming to
America and was an active member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church.
Julia A. Cooper, a native of Lockport, N. Y.,
became the wife of Thomas Church. Her family
early settled in Lockport and there she still resides.
She became the mother of seven cliildren. Her
son, Wilbur T., was reared on the farm and studied
in the Union schools of Lockport. He graduated
from them when eigiiteen years old and learned
the trade of a butcher. Later he started a market
in Lockport which he carried on alone. In 1879
he located at St. John's, and for awhile worked at
bis ti-ade. Three vears later he started in the meat
business independently with Mr. Webster, the firm
operating under the firm name of Webster &
Church. They shipped stock quite extensively.
In 1889 they disolved jjartnership and our subject
ran the business alone until the spring of 1891,
when he took Mr. Schanck into partnership.
The firm of Church & Schanck rents land and en-
gages largely in feeding stock, shipping several
carloads every year. Thej' also raise the standard
breeds of horses and have a fine animal "Carl Jack-
son" by "Jerome Eddy", also another five-jear-old
"Charles Dickens" by "Jerome Eddy." They have
some standard bred mares and colts, nineteen in
number. They always have the finest show in the
State for Christmas market.
The marriage of W. T. Ciiurch and Nellie J.
Reynolds, took place in Lockport, in September,
1876. The lady is a native of New York, where
she has a large circle of friends. She is an earnest
and conscientious member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church in which she finds a broad field for
activity. Five children have blessed their home,
namely: Fannie, Flora, Cora, Jennie and Kittie.
Mr. Church is an oflBcial member of the Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a Knight
of Honor. He is a true blue Republican, and an
upright and honored citizen of this city.
(4l l»,ILLIAM H. DUNHAM. It is a question
\/-J// whether in any other of the counties of the
^^J State there are still living as many of the
early settlers as in Shiawassee Countj'. The greater
part of the farms are owned by the original pur-
chasers and the fact that man}' of them, like our
subject, who resides on section 15, Fairfield Town-
ship, Shiawassee County, have passed more than
the allotted three-score years, speaks well for the
healthfulness of the locality and the care that its
residents have taken of sanitary measures, such as
drainage, etc.
Our subject was born in Rome, Oneida Count}',
N. Y., March 19, 1815, and is now in his seventy-
seventh year. He remained in his native county
until his marriage, which took place October 26,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
743
1835, when he removed to Albion, Orleans CounU-,
N. Y. There he resided until 1853, when he re-
moved with his family of four children to Bruns-
wick, Medina Countj', Ohio. Here his fifth child
first saw the light of daj-. Mr. Dunham moved
to his present home in this State in 1862. At the
time of his entry into the State the place w.ns a
dense wood and the one hundred and sixty acres
which he purchased had to lie reached by chopping
a way with his ax. He at once began the work of i
improvement.
Our subject's father, whose name was John Dun-
ham, was born in Massachusetts and was a soldier
in the War of 1812. The lady to whom Mr. Dun-
ham united himself in marriage was Miss A'.mira
Brooks. Her native place was Westmoreland,
Oneida County, N. Y., and her natal day was Oc-
tober 20, 1815. She was married on her twentieth
birthday. Mrs. Dunham w.as the daughter of
Charles and Eliza (Draper) Brooks, natives of
Vermont.
Our subject has five children, whose names are
as follows: Clara M., Walter C, Charles H., (ieorge
W., and Evaline C. The eldest child and daughter
is the widow of Burton Sanderson, and lives in
SlrongsviUe, Ohio. A singular co-incidence of her
family is that she has the same number of children
as her father, the sex being the same as his and one
born in each month to correspond to the mouth
his children were born in. The eldest son lives on
a farm which adjoins that of our subject. Charles
H. is the Supervisor of the township at the time
of this writing (1891). George W. lives at not a
gi-eat distance from his father's farm. The youngest
daughter has not left the home roof. It is almost
remarkable that in the history of Mr. Dunham's
family he has never lost a child, a grandchild or a
great-grandchild. He has ten grandchildren and
five great-grandchildren.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch
had the advantage of only a limited education, but
has been a great reader and naturally intelligent,
may be styled a self-made man in both education
and property. His farm is in a high state of culti-
vation. He has one of the finest orcliards in the
township and good buildings on the jilace. There
is no incumbrance whatever upon his farm.
Mr. Dunham is a man of broad and liberal ideas,
believing thoroughly in the iiossibilitics of the
future and be has done all he could to develop
the country. He was appointed Highway Com-
missioner which post he tilled for four years and
although he has never been an office-seeker, the
people in the township have urged him to stand
for office a number of times and though the town-
ship was strongly Republican he came within four
votes of being elected. He was appointed Super-
visor on the Democratic ticket. Our subject was
formerly a member of the Congregational Church,
but of late has not been identified with any body,
as there has not been a church accessible from his
home.
#
yj\\ INARD A. HULSE, a prominent clothing
merchant of the firm of Clark & Hulse,
fc and also of a firm at Ovid, which bears the
name of Lambie, Clark & Hulse, was born
in Greenbush Township, Clinton County, August
29, 1855. His father, Addison Hulse, was a native
of New York, as was also his grandfatiier. The
father came to Ohio when young, and made his
home near Frederiektown, Knox County, where he
learned the shoemaker's trade under Isaac Eagle,
but flnall3' took ui) farming. After his marriage
he came to Blichigan on foot, prospecting, and then
back to Ohio in the same manner. He bought
Government land, cutting roads to his farm in or-
der to reach it. lie built a log house and manu-
factured rough hewn furniture wherewith to fur-
nish it. He began with one hundred and twenty
acres of land in Greenl)ush Township, and now has
one hundred'and forty acres. He is a l{epui)lican
in his |)olitics, and has been Supervisor and Town-
ship Treasurer for years.
The mother of our subject Mahala A. Carter was
born in Virginia, the daugliter of Charles Carter,
who was also a Virginian by birth, who came to
Knox Count}', Ohio, in the early days. Somewhat
later he became a pioneer in Essex Township, Clin-
ton County, Mich., where be followed farming until
744
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
his tiealh which occunccl in 1861. Ho was a mem-
ber of the Universalist Church, but his daugliter,
Mrs. Ilulse, was a Methodist.
Four children made up the household of the par-
ents of our subject. Thej' were as follows: Sarah
E., now Mrs. Ut. S. M. Post, of Eureka; Charles
A. of the firm of Eagle and Hulse, merchants; our
subject, and Phojbe A. Hodge, who resides at
Bannister, Gratiot County. The oldest son served
for live 3-ears in the Regular Army on the frontier
of Mexico, and at other points. The earliest edu-
cation of our subject was on the farm and in the
district schools, for after he be:;ame old enough to
be of service on the farm he was able to go to
school only a part of the j'eir. He remained ut
home until he was twenty- two years old, having
entire charge of the farm during the last three
years of that time.
The .young man now became interested in mer-
cantile business, and in 1877 came to St. John's
and began clerking in the dry-goods department of
the general merchandise store of J. Hicks. Three
3-ears later he entered the employ of Mr. Warner
Bunday, the oldest grocer in the town. During
the six years when he was in the employ of this
gentleman and three j'ears that he was with his
former employer he lost only one week's salary on
account of illness. While with Mr. Bunday he oc-
cupied the position of head clerk and was consid-
ered the best salesman in the town, receiving the
compliment of the highest salary paid in that line
of work.
The present partnershiji of Clark & Hulse was
formed in 1886. They bought a grocery stock
from A. P. Colwell, which they closed out selling
$),800 worth of goods in a week. They then put
in a stock of clothing and a full line of gentlemen's
fancy goods, carrying a large and well assorted
line of both kinds. In December, 1890, they formed
a branch store at Ovid, under the nameof Lambie,
Clark A Hulse.
The marriage of Mr. M. A. Hulse and Miss Nel-
lie Clark took place in Eureka, Greenbush Town-
ship, in 1883. The lad^' is a native of that township,
and is now the mother of one child, Edwaid G. In
1891 Mr. Ilulse was elected a member of the Board
of Trustees of St. John's. He is a member of the
Knights Templar and of the Ro3'al Arch Masons in
this city, and belongs to the Free and Accepted
Masons at Eureka. His strong Republican convic-
tions and sound judgment make him a prominent
man in his party, and he is frequentlj' a delegate
to county conventions. Mrs. Hulse is an earnest
and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mr. Hulse is active in all public affairs,
especially in the fire department in (vliich he is
Vice President. He began at the bottom and b3'
close application to business, and just and generous
dealing with his fellow men, has attained to a fine
business position. He has ever made it his rule of
action, to do unto others as he would have others
do unto him.
^^EORGE AVOOD. There is no class of man-
[|[ (— -, ufauturers more necessar3' to the comfort
^^i|l of mankind than millers and none whose
names arc held in more honor than those who send
out good flour. Some account of the lives of such
men is a fitting addition to a biographical album
and the friends of George Wood of St. John's will
be glad to read this record of his career. He is
senior member of the firm of George Wood & Bro.,
proprietors of the city mills. The establishment
is now fitted with a full roller process run by steam
and having a capacity of seventy-five barrels per
day. The buildings are large, two stories and a half
high and substantial in structnre. The firm turns
out a special brand of flour called the "Pearl,"
which is in demand in the home market and is
becoming known elsewhere.
The Woods are an Eastern family and the busi-
ness in which our subject is engaged is one for
which he has a hereditar3' fitness, as it has been
carried on by his direct ancestors for at least two
generations. His grandfather, Jesse Wood, was a
miller at Ft. Ann, N. Y., until 1828, when he sold
out and located on a tract of land in Washtenaw
County, this State. In 1835 lie removed to Ionia
County, bought a farm and engaged in farming
until his decease. He was a soldier in the War of
1812. His son Joseph, father of our subject, was
born in Washtenaw County, N. Y., near Ft. Ann,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
745
in 1811, and was in his seventeenth year when he
came West. He at once began work as a miller,
his first empio3'ers being Brown it Co. of Ann
Arbor, and Ypsilanti being his residence a little
later. In 1835 he located on Government land in
Ionia Count}- and rented Pratt's Mill on shares.
Subsequently he became a partner with '"rncle"
Samuel Dexter, and without giving up his trade he
carried on a farm. About 1847 he sold the laud
and bought a mill on Flat River, and in 1856
began the erection of another. This was com-
pleted in 1858 and run three years, when it was
destroyed by fire. Mr. Wood then came to St.
John's and bought milling property now owned by
his sons, Ijf-ginning his work here in 18G2. He
died May 3, 1882. From the organization of the
Republican part}' he was a stanch member. He
belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church and
was an official member.
The wife of Joseph Wood and mother of our
subject, bore the maiden name of Waty West.
She was born in Niagara County, N. Y., and her
father, Ebenezer West, was also a native of the
Empire State. He was one of the early settlers at
Ann Arbor, this State, and his occupation was
farming. Mrs. Wood died in St. John's, June 3,
1882, only four weeks after her husband had been
carried to the tomb. The}' had eight children,
five of whom grew to maturity. The eldest of
these was Harriet E., who died in Ithica; the
second was George, our subject; the third, Marion,
now living in Detroit; the fourth, Warren D., of
the firm of George Wood &. Bro.; the fifth, Cora B.,
who resides in St. John's.
The subject of this biographical sketch was born
in Ionia, August 28, 1846, but his boyhood and
youth were chiefly spent at Smyrna, on the Flat
River. He attended tiie district school, but from
the age of three years ran about the mill ami when
but a little lad began to gain an insight into its
workings. When the family came to St. John's
he took up regular work in the mill and was a val-
uable assistant to his father, who' had been reduced
in finances by his previous misfortunes and was
virtually beginning life for the third time. When
he was of age young Wood went to Saranac, where
his father had a mill property, and for a year he
carried on the establishment. He then returned to
St. John's, where he has remained, giving his close
attention to business, first as an employe and then
as a partner. His father was in business with a
Mr. Russell until 1869, when our subject bought
out that gentleman and the firm of Wood & Son
went into effect. In 1880 the father withdrew
from the business, which was bought by our sub-
ject and his brother, who since that time have been
operating together. In 1885 they put in the New
Process and later built so as to use full rollers,
and in 1890 remodeled and enlarged the establish-
ment.
In Saranac in 1869 Mr. Wood was married to
Miss Mary Patterson, who was born near Cleve-
land, Ohio. She is a well-informed and estimable
woman, a good housekeeper and a member in high
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch. Mr.
Wood belongs to the Odd Fellows P^ncampment
and the organization of Knights Templar in St.
John's and to the Ancient Oxler of United Work-
men. His political support is given to the Repub-
lican party. He is a genial, liberal man, well-
informed regarding passing events and topics of
interest, and having many friends in the town with
whose interest he h.as so long been connected.
, HARLES E. TABOR. Among the younger
members of the farming community of
Lebanon Township, the subject of this
sketch may properly be mentioned as having
achieved success in more than an ordinary degree.
He was born May 3, 1860, at his father's homestead
on section 6, Lebanon Township, which is now his
property, and where he owns one hundred and
fifteen acres of some of the finest farming land in
this part of the Stale. Mr. Tabor was bred to
farming pursuits from his youth, while his natural
habits of enterprise and industry ensure success in
his undertakings. His industry is tireless, his
integrity unquestioned, and his personal popularity
is good. His good traits of head and heart win
for him the respect of all who know him, while in
citizenship lie is energetic and progressive.
746
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
In an early da}- Jolin Tabor, the grandfather of
our subject, removed from his native Slate, Ver-
mont, to New Yorlv, where he settkMl in Franklin
Count}' and there spent his remaining years. He
was a militia captain in the Empire State and
followed agricultural pursuits during his entire life.
Among his children were Roderick, who was born
April 8, 1828, in the Green Mountain State. He
accompanied his parents to New York ancf there
was united in marriage with Miss Edna, daughter
of Hamilton Babcock, a native of Vermont. Mr.
Tabor and his excellent wife became the parents of
six children, namely: Addie, Libbie, Fred, Hat-
tie, Lottie and Charles E.
About 1854 the father came to Michigan and
settled in Lebanon Township, ou section 8. His
first purchase comprised one hundred and twenty
acres, which he afterward sold, and bought one
hundred and fifteen acres on section 6. At that
time the State was in a wild and unsettled condition,
the dense forests being inhabited by Indians, and
deer, bears, wolves and other wild animals were
numerous. There were neither railways or public
roads, but it was not long before all modern im-
provements were introduced and the State took
rank with the best. Mr. Tabor was a hard-working
man, and he cleared and improved his land, and
embellished it with substantial buildings. He made
this homestead his residence until death called him
from earth, February 24, 18t»l. His widow is still
living at the age of sixty-two years, and makes her
home with her son, Charles. Mr. Tabor was a
Master Mason, and voted the Republican ticket.
He served his fellow-citizens in various official
capacities, among them holding the position of
Supervisor and Highwaj' Commissioner.
In Lebanon Townsiiip, Clinton Countj', where he
was born, Charles E. Tabor, of this sketch, has
always resided, with the exception of two years in
Gratiot County. During his boyhood he received
good common-school advantages and the knowledge
gleaned from text-books has been increased by
careful observation and constant reading. Upon
the death of his father he fell heir to the old home-
stead, and here he ft)llows general farming. Like
his father, he believes in the principles adopted by
the Re|iublican party and uniformly votes for the
candidates who are pledged to its support. He was
married, March 3, 1887, to Miss Millie Schoomaker,
the marriage ceremony being solemnized in St.
John's, Clinton County. The bride is the daughter
of John and Mary A. Schoomaker, natives of New
York. During the early history of this State, the
father came hither and settled in Ionia County,
where he still lives. Two children have blest the
union of our subject and his estimable wife — Fred
and Charles. Mrs. Tabor is an educated and
refined woman, who looks well to the waj'S of her
household, is devoted to husband and children,
and full of kindly deeds to those about her.
,/ILLIAM C. BOTSFORD. In the city of
'I St. John's this gentleman has resided since
1886, prior to which time he had .spent
more than thirty years on farm land in Greenbush
Township. He came to the State in 1853 and
, established his home in the woods on section 27, Of
] the township named. He bought a tract of land
on which there was'a clearing of about two acres,
' and set himself energetically to work to improve
it in every part, and to add to its extent and to the
income he would thereby receive. When he began
I his work here he was the possessor of $200 in cash
and from this small capital has grown an ample
competence. He now has an estate of two hundred
and forty acres and has given his eldest son one
hundred acres of valuable land. His residence in
St. John's is new and beautiful, and he and his ex-
cellent wife are enjoj'ing that which they labored
bard to acquire, and are taking an active part in
social and benevolent affairs.
Mr. Botsford was born in Genesee County, N. Y.,
June 12, 1829, and was very early thrown upon
his own resources. His parents were Chandler and
Anna (Drake) Botsford, natives of the Empire
State, and he was their only son. He was but four
years old when death deprived him of his father's
care and two years later he was out among strang-
ers. When twelve jears old he began the regular
work of a farm hand and for his services from that
time on he received from twenty-five cents per day
<$'M
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
749
to '¥i) and ^6 per inoiUli. Mis educational privil-
eges were necessarily' limited as lie was able to at-
tend school but a short time <luring the winter
months, and his entire scliool li'e would probaljly
not cover a period of more than a 3ear.
It is needless and indeed impossible to give the
details of Mr. Botsford's life, but the fact that he
had a small sum of money when he came to this
State shows that he was prudent and economical
and that he had an aim in life that he was deter-
mined to carrj' out. Those who are acquainted
with the piimitive condition of the lands in Clinton
Count}- know how hard he had to toil in bringing
his estate to its present fine condition. In his ef-
forts to make a home and secure a competence he
was aided by a capable and devoted woman who
l)ccame his wife April 17, 18.)6. She was born in
Lenawee County, this State, was the daughter of
William and Charitj- Leckenby and bore the name
of Sarah A. Her judicious management of mat-
ters which came within her control, and her good
judgment, were of great assistance to him, while to
her skill as a housewife he owed the creature com-
forts which surrounded him. To Mr. and Mrs.
Botsford there came two ciiildren who were named
A'arian C. and William E.
Mr. Botsford belongs to the Republican party
and is well satisDed that its princi|)lcs are much
better calculated to eniiance the welfare of the
people than those laid down in any other platform.
He has often been solicited to occupy positions of
trust in the township but has preferred the more
•quiet walks of life, and has served only as School
Assessor of his district, a capacity in which he
acted for twenty-one years in succession.
EZRA WILSON HARVEY, M. D., a man of
fine physique and commanding appearance,
having in liini the noble qualities which
come from the ol<l C^uaker stock, with these natural
traits well supplemented by special training in his
profession, has built up a large practice in Ban-
croft, Shiawassee County. His parents, William
and Druzella (Mills) Ilarve}', were born in Bucks
County, Pa., of old Quaker families, and the}' made
their early home in Canada where this son was born
in Elgin County, near Sparta, August 13, 1853.
In 1862 Mr. and Mrs. William Harvey came to
Michigan and settled on a farm three miles from
Pontiac, and four years later went to Lapeer Coun-
t}- where the family still live. Their son, our sub-
ject, remained at home until he reached the age of
nineteen jears, attending first the common schools
and later the Romeo High School. He began
teaching near Imlaj' City,and tauglit there one win-
ter and one winter at Attica. He had already be-
gun to study medicine with his brother, Dr. James
Harvey, a practitioner for twenlj'-five years .at
Romeo, and for five years at Detroit. He took bis
first course of lectures at Ann Arl)or in 1874 and
1875, and spent the next two 3-ears at the Detroit
Medical College, gr.aduating in a class of thirty-
five students in 1877.
Dr. Harvey next began practice at Vassar, Tus-
cola Count}', Mich., but remained there only a
short time, returning to L\peer County, and very-
soon changing to Bancroft where he has since re-
sided, with the exception of one year. His studies
abroad have enabled him to take a prominent place
in the profession. During 1882-83 he took hos-
pital practice and clinics in London, Paris and
Edinburgh. He was a pupil at St. Thomas Hos-
pital, London, where the annual ticket cost ^700,
and spent about a year at the Hotel Dieu in Paris.
Upon resuming his practice he made a specialty of
chronic and nervous diseases. During the spring and
summer of 1890 he again went abroad, p.assing the
season at (-linical work in London under special
instruction in the hospitals, and devoting especial
attention to gyniccology.
Dr. Harvey's olfice work has largely increased
since his European trips, and his success h.as been
remarkable. He p.ays especial attention to surgical
operations and is called to distant p;;rts of the State
for special cases. He is a member of the County
Medical Society, which is known as the Owosso
Academy of Medicine, and is a prominent member
of the State Medical Society.
The domestic life of our subject is as worthy of
record as his professional career. His marriage in
1878, at Lningsburg, to Miss Lillian Belle Fox, a
750
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
daughter of Dr. W. B. F'ox, not only gave hira an
afcomplislied and lovely wife but connected him
by marriage with that eminent physician whose
fame is national. Mrs. Harvey was born in Illi-
nois, and was for some years a teacher. One son,
Wells B. Fox Harvey, is now twelve years of age,
and Dr. Harvey's little namesake, Ezra, d'ed in in-
fancy. Mrs. Harvey is a prominent member of the
Congregational Church. The Doctor is a Repub-
lican in his political views and was formerly an
advocate of high tariff, but since his visits to Eu-
rope lie has experienced a cliange of heart in this
respect and now advocates free trade.
The attention of the reader is invited to a lith-
ographic portrait of Dr. Harvey presented on an-
other page.
FREDERICK W. NEWMAN, a retired flor-
ist and landscape gardener who followed
/ll, this line of work for many years in Ger-
many, now residing in Owosso Township, .Shiawas-
see County, Mich. He was born in the village of
Griben, Prussia, November 28, 1828. His worthy
parents, Christof anil Marie (Schroedcr) Newman,
lived in the village just named, and tiie father was
Inspector on a large plantation, and he and his wife
silent tlieir days in their native country. Frede-
rick was the youngest of four children, and entered
school when only six years old, continuing in his
studies until ho reached the age of fourteen years.
He then went to Pottsdam, and there learned the
trade of a Horist and gardener, continuing with his
employer for three years, after which he took charge
of a garden. He entered the Prussian Army at the
age of twenty j'ears, and served two years in the
regular army and three years in the Reserve Corps.
He then returned to his business of superintendent
of gardens.
This young man like man}' another iiad learned
of America, and of the opportunities for prosperity
and progress to be found in the New World, and
in 1856 he set sail from Hamburg on board tiie
ship '■Humboldt," passing six weeks and three days
on the ocean, and arriving at New York City, he
journeyed to Cleveland. Ohio. He was in a com-
pany of six families which had come together from
his native land, vvho remained together until they
reached Cleveland. Our subject then decided to
go to Milford, Oakland Count}', Mich., and soon
after secured a position in Detroit, taking charge
of an extensive flower garden, where he continued
for eighteen months. In 1858 he removed to
Owosso, where he continued gardening and raising
flowers, devoting his attention to new and choice
varieties.
In 18G1 this adopted citizen of our country en-
listed in Company F, Ninth Michigan Infantry,
Col. Dulfleld commanding, which regiment was as-
signed to the Army of the Cumberland and took
part in the following engagements: Murfeesboro,
Stone River, Atlanta and Chattanooga, besides vari-
ous less important fights. He continued in the
service for two and one-half years, and then re-en-
listed as a veteran in the same regiment, serving in
all four years and three months. He was honor-
ably discharged in October, 18G5. He held the
rank of First Corporal, then was promoted to be
Sergeant.
After returning home this honored veteran re-
turned to the pursuits of peace and clerked in a
hardware store for two years for William Andrews,
of Owosso, after which he took a |)osition in a gro-
cery store, but finally returned to his much loved
occupation of gardening and raising flowers. He
built up a good business in this line, supplying
plants and flowers to many localities throughout;
the State, and also served the interests of the Ro-
chester Nursery for two years. In 1881 he went
to England, where he has a brother whom he visi-
ted and remained five months; also spending seven
months in Prussia with other relatives. Returning
to his home he took up his business of gardener
and florist, in which he continued until 1883.
The subject of this brief sketch, was in 1857
united in marriage with Louisa Frederaka Kar-
sten, of Milford, Oakland County. She with her
parents was of the party who came over the ocean
on the same vessel with Mr. Newman; she was the
daughter of Christof and Dora (Pangal) Karsten.
She became the happj- mother of five promising
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
751
chiUhcn, all of whom have lived to years of ma-
turity', and have fully justilied tho fond expecta-
tions of their parents. Louisa A. is the wife of
Charles Briggnian; Clara Louise is the wife of R.
B. Ketchuni, of Bay City; A<lolph R. is the fore-
man in Robbins' Table Factory; Herman R. has
gone to the Far West, and is located in New Mex-
ico; and Bertha M. is at home. Mr. Newman owns
three residence properties in Owosso which 3'ield
him a good rental, besides his pleasant home at No.
215 State Street, corner of Linn. He is a member
of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He
still pays some attention to gardening for various
residents of his town, although he does not make a
business of it. Politically he is a Republican.
lOBERT CLARK. A good type of the Eng-
lishman who has become thoroughly
Americanized and who combines the push
and energy of a citizen of the United
States with the persistence and steadfastness of na-
tives of the Mother Country, can be found in the
person of Robert Clark, a resident of Eureka, Clin-
ton Count}\ He was born in Lincolnshire, March
16, 1835, being a son of Robert and Ann (Anson)
Clark. He remained in bis native land until he
reached his twentieth year, and then took passage
at Hull on the sailing vessel '-Richard and Harriet"
and after an ocean voyage of over six weeks landed
at Quebec, Canada. He came direct to Wayne
Count}', this State, but made only a short sojourn
ere removing to Ionia County, where he followed
his trade for a time. He had been apprenticed to
a blacksmith when about fourteen years old, and
had served five years, becoming an expert at the
trade.
About 18G2 Mr. Clark abandoned his trade and
engaged in the sale of raorcliandise in the village
of Eureka, where he had been living some six
years, but working as a racelianic. He was the
second bl.acksmith to locate in the pl.acc. After
turning his attention to mercantile i)ursuits he
gained the full confidence of the business circles
with which he came in contact, and was soon re-
garded by his patrons as one who was ready to
cater as far as possible to their needs, and who
woul'l treat them with marked courtesy at all
times. In his dealings ho has been honor.able and
straightforward, and his success h.-is been well de-
served.
The lady whom Mr. Clark made his wife, .Tuly
10, 1858, was kown in her maidenhood as Han-
nah Shire, and to them were born four children
— Robert S., Nellie, (iettie and Anna May. Nel-
lie is the wife of Addison Hulse, and Gettie is
now the widow of the late R. E. Davies. Mr.
and Mrs. Clark are lavish in their hospitality, and
the home, which is pleasingly adorned and kept
in perfect order by the wife, is often invaded by
their friends, who are sure of a cordial welcome
there. Besides the residence, Mr. Clark has con-
siderable land in the locality, and worldlj' goods
sufficient to insure him against want unless some
unforeseen calamity befalls him. He is not only
one of the leading and inilucntial citizens of
Eureka, but is recognized as one of the substau-
tip.l men of Clinton County, and one whose example
can be noted as affording encouragement to others.
Politically he is a Democrat, but with quite lib-
eral ideas regarding party policy, and sociallj- he
is connected with the Masonic order in St.
John's. He and his wife belong to the Christian
Church.
El^^^-
, OLLINS S E R G E A N T. The gentleman
whose name heads this sketch is a dcsccnd-
JJ ant of a good old New England family,
and is proud of llic fact that his ancestors, both
on the paternal and maternal side, have played no
inconspicuous part in the early history of the
Colony. Collins Sergeant, who resi.ies on his
farm on section 21, Sliiawassee Township, was
born in Sodus, Wayne County, N. Y., November
29, 1818. Ills father, Richard 1!. .Sergeant, was
born in Massachusetts, in which .State he and three
brothers were enlisted in the War of 1812, and
stationed at Sodus Point, N. V. This point, how-
ever, proved not to be on the field t)f action.
752
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
His mother, Hannah (Flarkness) Sergeant, was born
in the oltl Bay State, where she met and married her
husband.
Our subject remained at home until about
twenty years of age, and wlien he readied his
m.ajority, in 1839, came to Michigan, where his
uncle Stephen had already settled in the year
1837. In 1841 he made an investment in land and
the next year secured the place where he now
resides. In tlie meantime he had been at work
in the mill at Shiawassee. During the intervals
of his work at the mill he spent the time in
iinpioving the farm, getting ready a home to
which he anticipated bringing iiis bride.
Mr. Sergeant was united in marriage December
31, 1846, .ind in 1847 he came to the farm, iiaving
previous to this built a house. He has made his
home on this place ever since. He is a public-
spirited man, who, though modest about asserting
liimself or his claims, has been pleased to assist in
everything that promises to benefit the locality in
which he lives. In politics he is a Republican, hav-
ing voted for William H. Harrison in 1840, and
again for his grandson in 1888. Since his malority
he has not missed casting his vole at a single Presi-
dential election.
Mrs. Sergeant was known in her girlhood as
Minerva Lemon, and she was a daughter of John
and Julia Ann (Trowbridge) Lemon. The former
was a native of Ireland, and tiie latter of New Jer-
sey. The)' met in this country and were married
in Steuben County, N. Y., where they located June
29, 1823. In 1831 the family came to Micliigan,
where they located in Troy, Oakland Count)-. In
1840 the)' removed to Shiawassee County, about
one mile north of their present home. Her fatlicr
died soon after her marriage, at the &ge of fifty-six
j'ears; her mother died in 1864, at the age of sixty-
three jcars. Mr. Sergeant has a line family, all of
whom are men and women wlio have taken their
positions in life and are all useful members of so-
ciety. Tlio eldest daugiiter, Elizabeth, married P.
V. Shaefer and resides in Buffalo, N. Y.; Frank
lives at home; Georgiana is Mrs. Rudolph Colby
and resides in Sliiawasseo Township. Tlie son
Frank has taken to wife a lady whose maiden name
was Margaret H.adley. Our subject and his wife live
all alone on tlieir pleasant farm. Their son Frank
has a very beautiful home immediately adjoining
the paternal estate. Two children, Ned and Lucy,
brighten their home life.
-^m-
=^ ETII J. BARKER. The original of our
sketch is a farmer located on section 8,
Vernon Township. He was born in Her-
kimer Count)', N. Y., in the town of
Schuyle-, July 19, 1819. His father was Isaac
Barker, a native of Massachusetts, wlio went to
New York with his parents when a very small child.
There he was reared and became a farmer. He
came to this State in 1836 and settled in Lenawee
County, wliere he located on a farm which had four
acres cleared. He immediately planted all the
available land in wheat, preparing other ground for
the same crop as fast as possible.
When our subject's father first settled in Vernon
Township there was only part of a log house on the
place. He finished this primitive habitation and
moved in with his family. The work of clearing,
fencing, putting up new buildings, plowing, plant-
ing and reaping occupied the years until he died,
at the hale old age of eighty-four. He was Repub-
lican in politics and a member of the Baptist
Church. Our subject's i)atornal grandfather, Paul
Barker, was also a farmer in Massachusetts.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was
Hulilah Whaley, whose place of nativity is not
known to her son. She lived to be eighty-four
years old. Herkimer County, N. Y., was tlie place
of their marriage. They were tiie parents of six
children, all sons, three of whom are now living.
The origin.al of our sketch is the third son. His
first school-days were sj'cnt in Jlonroe County, N.
Y., and when he came to Michigan with liis par-
ents, a young man of seventeen years, he was at the
age to anticipate much pleasure from the adven-
tures that would be met in pioneer life. He re-
mained at home until he reached his majority, when
he entered the service of neighboring farmers,
working by the month until he came to Shiawassee
County and settled in Vernon Township, one
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
753
mile south of Vernon where he purchused a place.
He improveil the farm to a great extent, at
first building a log house, the modest dimensions
of which were 18x22 feet. In 1865 he sold out
his farm and moved into Vernon, where he re-
maincil for six 3- ears.
In 1871 village life having lost its attraction for
him, he moved to the farm where he now resides.
In 1816 Mr. Barker was united in marriage with .lane
Harrington, a native of New York. They were
the parents of four children, two daughters and
two sons, two of whom died in infancy. Romaine
died at the age of fifteen years; Nellie, who became
the wife of W. E. Parish, died at the age of thirty
years, leaving one daughter, who is now a member
of our subject's family'. Mrs. Barker died in 1881
and Mr. Barker was again married, taking for his
wife Celia, daughter of Archibald Purd^-. .She was
born in Shiawassee County, Bennington Township,
March 16, 1841, and was reared and educated in
the same place. She was formerly' married July 1,
1860, to C. S. Clark, by whom she had three daugh-
ters. They were named respectively : Fanny, the
wife of Case Reed, who resides in Vernon Town-
ship; they have two children, a son and a daugh-
ter. Carrie is at home; Ella died at the age of
three years. Mrs. Barker's father, Archibald
Purdy, was one of the earliest settlers in Shiawas-
see County. Mr. Barker has a fine farm of one
hundred and two acres and devotes himself to gen-
eral farming. He is a Rei)ubiican in i)i)iilic>, iiis
first vote having been cast for William H. Harrison
in 1840, and since that time he has never missed
l)ut one I'residential vote.
eHARLES II. PHILLIP.S. This Union vet-
eran is carrying on a prosperous career as a
farmer and is known to many as one of
those to whom Lebanon Township, Clinton Counlj',
owes its agricultural status. His property forms
l)art of section 20, the estate consisting of one hun-
dred and twenty acres, a large part of which was
cleared and broken by himself. .Mr. Phillips is a
Wolverine, born in Wayne County, May 21, 1830.
His home was there until 1862, since which lime he
lias been identified with the progress of Clinton
County. He first bought eight}' acres of land here
and afterward added a forty and in due time had
the whole under excellent improvement.
Mr. Phillips traces his ancestry to an old \'er-
mont family, his grandfather, Jonathan Phillii)S.
having been born in the Green Mountain Slate.
That gentleman w.as twice married and reared a
famil}' of seventeen children. His eldest son was
in the War of 1812. David, tiie direct progenitor
of our subject, w.as a j-ear old when the family re-
moved to New York, journeying in a w.agon drawn
bvoxen. He lived in Ontario County until he was
about twenty-five years old, and in 1826 came to
Michigan and setiled in Wayne Count}'. He was
the first to locate in Plymoutii Township and his
eldest son was the first while child born there. He
endured all the hardships of pioneer life, but by
hard work made a line farm of the quarter- section
of land from which he removed the forest growth
and on which he broke the viigin soil. He was
first married to Parna Ikillur and their children
were Oscar, Jonathan, Charles, Benjamin P.,
Amanda, Davidson and Daviii. His second wife
was Jane Sackelt and her children were Sarah,
Mar}', Martha, J. C, Millon and Clarissa. The
father died in 1881, at a good old age.
We would fail to do credit t,o the character of
Charles II. Phillips were we to omit from this
record a mention of his work as a soiilier. He en-
listed August 12, 1862, in the Twenty-first Michi-
gan Infantry and was assigned to Company K.
He took part in many campaign duties, including
hard marches and skirmishes (jf greater or less im-
portance and fought in llio battles of Bentonville
and Stone River. During the latter he was
wounded and taken prisoner the last day of De-
cember, 1862. He was held but live days, then
paroled and until May 20 he remained in the hos-
pital at Murfreesboro. Thence he was taken to
Nashville and about the first of October was ex-
changed. He returned to his regiment and re-
mained with it until the close of the war anti
received his discharge in June, 186"). He was one
of the participants in the eight days' siege of Sa-
754
I'ORTKAIT AMD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
vannali and he difl what he could on many a field
to keep the old flag intact. His army life is kept in
memory through his connection with Russell Post,
G. A. R., in Hubbardston. In exercising the
right of suffrage Mr. Pliillips always uses a Repub-
lican ballot.
The lady to whom Mr. Phillips owes tiie comfort
of his home became his wife in Wayne County, in
1856. She is the daughter of John Stringer, who
came to this State during its early settlement, lived
on a farm but followed the carpenter's trade most
of his life. The given name of Mrs. Phillips is
Phebe A. To her and her husband one child has
come, a son, Benjamin F., wlio lives on a farm in
the same townsiiip .as bis parents. He married
Miss Minolta Winans; they have one daughter,
Gracie.
— ^-^^^^^^^-S-
^(_^IRAM WKHSTP]R, M. D. The gentleman
whose name heads this sketch is a practic-
ing physician at Byron. He was born in
Ogden, Mcnroe Counl3', N. Y., Marcli 13,
1821, and was the son of Dr. John and Susan (Al-
len) Webster. The former was born in Berkshire
County, Mass., where he was reared. He took up
his residence in Monroe County, N. Y. in the year
1800. There he read medicine, was gi-.iduated and
began liis practice, which he continued until his
death. His wife also died there; she was horn in
Js'ew York Stale. The fi.lher of our subject was
a Democrat and held numerous local oflices. Both
he and his wife were members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He was a man who secured a
comfortable competence dining his lifetime, but
probab'y considered that his chief treasure was his
children, of whom he had eleven. Eight of his sons
reached years of maturity and one daughter lived
to call her parents blessed. The gentleman of
whom we wiile was the youngest son.
Dr. Webster remained at home in his native town
until he was twenty-one years of age, when he went
to l>ockport, N. Y. and began reading medicine
with Dr. Samuel T. Teall, and subsc(iuently was
graduated at the American Eclectic Medical Col-
lege at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1854. Previous to his
graduation he had practiced medicine in New York
State under a license. In 1851 he came to Byron,
this State, where he had been engaged in the prac-
tice of his profession, with the exception of some
short intermissions spent in travel and in attending
lectures in the East. Dr. Webster enjoys the dis-
tinction of being the oldest practitioner of Byron
and one of the oldest in the county, having been
in practice here fcu' forty years.
Owing to the advanced age of our suljject, he is
gradually retiring from practice and is giving
more or less of his lime and attention to agricul-
ture. He owns a farm of tliirty-livo acres in Burns
Township, Shiawassee County, part of which is in-
side the corporate limits of Byron. Here he takes
delight in the raising of small fruit, giving special
attention to that most delicious of fruits — grapes.
It is not Dr. Webster's desire to make a business of
this work, although there is a great demand in the
local markets for the gr.ades of fruit which he
delights in cultivating. He also has a fine aviary,
giving much attention to bee culture.
He whose name heads our sketch started in life
with only what nature had given him, and the
advantages that he .acquired in his school-life. He
says that when he landed in Byron in 1851 he was
not worth ten cents and was a total stranger. So
energetic and pushing was he, however, that it was
not long before he had a large and lucr.itive pr.ac-
tice. He is a well-reacj jihi'sician, one who was
never content to stand still in his profession, real-
izing that the i)ossibilities in medicine are without
limit. He is a man in whom all have great confi-
dence, both personally and as a physician. In pol-
itics he is a Democrat and his party have shown
their confidence in his integrity .and sim|)li(ity of
purpose by bestowing upon him several of the best
otliees of the township. He has at various times
times been Clerk, Justice of the Peace and Health
Oflicer, Village Trustee and is a member of the
M.asonic order, in which he has a Master liegree —
being one of the oldest members of the lodge.
In 1811 Dr. Webster was married to Miss Betsey
Odle of Niagara County, N. Y. She was born at
Plattsburg, N. Y. about 1826 and was a daughter
of MiloOdlc. Mrs. Webster died in 1850. Dr.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
755
Webster was for a second time united in marriage,
tliis time to Miss Adelia Cargiil of Genesee County,
this State; siie was born in New Yorii State, March
11, 1829, her native place being Canandaigua, On-
tario Count}'. She was the daughter of Hartford
and Alice (Paul) Cargiil, who were among the
first settlers of Genesee Coimty, this State. Dr.
Webster and wife have had four children who are
•IS follows: Estella, wife of William L. Dibble of
Shepard, this State; Charles, who died at the age
of three years; Elvira, wife of D. G. Roycc, post-
master and merchant at Byron and Lucy A., who
died at the age of eleven months.
-^1^
1—1-3
/p^EOHGK W. PRIE.ST, one of the foremost
iij (— ^ pioneers of Shiawassee County, residing on
^5^ section 8, "N'enice Township, is a member of
an honorable old New England family, and a son
of Joshua Priest, a \^errcont farmer, born in 1781,
who fought at the battle of Sackett's Harbor and
was there wounded and became a pensioner of the
Government. The mother of our subject, Polly
Edmunds, a Vermonter and a relative of Senator
Edmunds, was born in 1788.
The parents of our subject entered the marriage
state in Jefferson County, N. Y. and resided there
until 183G, when they removed to Michigan, set-
tling upon a farm in Washtenaw County, but after-
ward removed to Clinton County, where they
died, he in 1846, and she in 1872. Of their large
family of fourteen children, four only are living,
namely; our subject; Electa, Mrs. Smith; Lucina,
Mrs. Culver; and Alzina, Mrs. Church. 'I'lie father
was a Democrat in liis political views.
Jefferson Count}', N. Y., was the native home of
our subject who was l)orn March 25, 1814. In his
early boj'hood he went to the district school a dis-
tance of from two to four miles and left home
when he was twenty years old. During the first
year he had occupation upon the farm at |I0 a
month. After a sliorl visit home he went to Rod-
man, Jefferson County, N. Y. and hired out to care
for horses and cows, at 115 a month. After about
six months service here he drove a team of horses
to Michigan, making Marshall his objective point.
He did teaming for a season, but being alllicled
witli inllamniation of the eyes, he returned to his
father's home, which was tliei. in Washtenaw
Count}', and there he remained unlil his marriage,
at the age of twenty-five years.
George Priest married Judith A. Luther, May
18, 1839. Her parents, Martin and Hannah, (Ed-
munds) Luther, were natives of ^'ernlont and Mas-
sachusetts respectively. The father disappeared iu
some mysterious way many years ago and the
mother died in 1823. Judith was then adopted by
a Mr. Robinson, in New York State, who came .to
Michigan in 1830, and settled in Lodi Township,
Washtenaw County. After attending the district
school she taught for some time.
After marriage the young coui)le made their
home in Shiawassee County, upon the farm where
they now reside. They took up eighty acres of
Government land all timber, in beech, maple,
basswood and oak. Indians and wild animals
abounded and only two other families were near
enough to be called neighbors, namely : the house-
holds of IMr. Wilkinson and I\Ir. liunce. Mr.
Priest built a log house thirteen logs high, every
log in which was rock elm. With the help of nine
men and a yoke of cattle he raised a log barn
24x26 feet and did it in one day. For years it was
the only barn in that neighborhood. He was very
enterprising from the first and the very first spring
planted corn among the logs and potatoes, after
which the neighljors hel|)ed him to log the licld. In
the fall he ()ul in wheat which came up finely, but
an unexpected and heavy frost on June 10, cut it
down. A second crop was put in and grew well
but it was affected by the rust, and he cut it down
and fed it for fodder to his one cow. During the
first eight years he did not possess $8 In money,
but worked out to obtain everything which he did
nut raise ujjon the farm. He passed through
severe struggles in thus eslal)lishing a new home.
lie manufactured black salts and as he had the only
team in the neighborhood he was able to haul the
salts to Pontiac and thus procure provisions.
It was January 4th that they first made their
home in this wild place and it was the month of
.lune before Mrs. Priest set her foot outside the
756
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
woods, so isolated was her life. They had religious
services and when they went to cliurch the whole
neighborhood went on a sled drawn^by two yoke of
oxen. Mrs. Priest had a silk dress which was a
|)OSsessioi) in those days, .is there was none other
here. The log cabin sheltered them for twenty
years and then they built in 1861 the home in
which they now reside. In preparing to build the
log house he bad no boards and no broad ax with
which to hew out puncheons. lie borrowed one
from a neighbor who lived five miles away and
after a few days returned it at the appointed time,
and trudged off five miles in another direction to
borrow another which he had to return soou as it
was needed. Thus he hewed out basswood punch-
eons for the Boor. Tbere was no chimney and uo
door to this log house, and a quilt was hung up to
serve as a portiere, although that word was then
unknown to these sturdy pioneers. They greatly
felt the lack of fruit and the following spring
sowed some rutabagas to serve in its place.
Mr. Priest now has one hundred and ninety acres
of land more than one-ninth of which is improved,
and most of this he cleared with his own strong
right arm. He has now retired from active work
and he allows his son to run the farm. They have
five children of their own and one adopted daugh-
ter. Their oldest, Laura, born in 1840, married
Gleason Youngs and lives in this township with her
husband and two children: Albert, born in 1842,
married Sarah J. Morrison, and has two sons; he is
living in Hancock. Helen M., bom in 1843, the
wife of Norman Leland, lives in Owosso. Joseph,
born in 1844, married Sarah Wilkinson and lives
in Corunna and has three children. George,
born in 1848, married Priscilla Nichols and has
three children; he lives on the farm. The adopted
daughter — Minnie Van Ness — born in 1858, is
the wife of Henry Lyons and lives in Hazelton
Townshi|).
The mother of these children is an earnest and
devoted member of the Baptist Church. Mr.
Priest has always been inlerested in political move-
ments and has held the ollice of Highway Com-
niistioner. He is a member of the Masonic order,
having taken the Hoyal Arch degree. He helped
to organize ^'enicc Township and has been a
member of the local School Board. They are both
in good health and spirits and are regarded in the
most friendly manner by all their neighbors far
and near. When he first came to Michigan, after
getting settled, he had thirteen shillings in his
pocket, with which to carry his family through the
winter. Letter postage was then two shillings and
a letter came for him after his money was all
gone. He had to borrow the twent3-five cents for
thirty days in order to get it.
♦-^^^
E^
ifp^RED R. DARLING. When a young man
it^gV' shows his mettle by assuming the care and
/li ^ responsibilities of a family in earl}' boyhood
and successfully carries through his undertaking,
one naturally expects that he will attain promi-
nence in everything that he endeavors to do. Our
subject, who is a farmer and stock-raiser on section
21, Fairfield Township, Shiawassee County, was
born November 25, 1858, and is the son of Oscar
and Charlotte (Tillotson) Darling, natives of New
York and Ohio respectively.
Our subject's father moved to Ohio in his early
manhood, and here he met and married Charlotte
Tillotson, their union taking place October 15,
1851. They began their married life together in
Ohio and there remained for three j-ears, when in
1854 they came to this State and located at the
home occupied at present by the original of our
sketch. The tract was at that time a dense forest,
there being not even a road any place near. The
father died on the farm August 6, 187G. Our
subject was a youth of eighteen years at that time,
but he soon came to the front and showed his
ability to manage, seconded by the counsel of his
mother. He is one in a family of five, namely:
Dilla, Ida, our subject, Masy and Annette. The
eldest daughter married Allen Biadshaw and lives
in Clinton County, this State; Ida became the wife
of Charles Bennett and lives in I>iiplain, Clinton
County; Mary is the wife of Hudson Goodrich
and lives in Rose, Oakland County, this State.
The youngest sister married Wilbur Johnson and
lives in Antrim County.
RtlSIDEMCe or A. C. BENMETT_,5ec.l^.,DUPLAIN TR, CLINTON CO. .MICH,
>^-~<^' ■•^^^•-^**- ■-"
RE51DEMCE OF FRLC. DARLING, SF.C . 21. , FAl Rfl ELD -TP., SHI AWA5SEE CO., MICH ,
PORTRAIT AND HJOGRAPHICAL ALHUM.
759
Mr. Darling was man-iod Xoveraber J, 188;"), to
a lady whose maiden name was Adda Cunninghani,
a daughter of Joseph aud .lane (Culver) Cunning-
ham. Mrs. Darling was born in Canada, as were
her parents. Iler natal day was January 1 1, 18fio.
The original of our sketch is the father of two
children: Clarence O., who died January 25, 1889,
and Blanche Elizabeth, who was born February
19, 1890. Our subject has a good farm of eighty
acres, which formerly belonged to his father but
v.'hich he has acquired by buying out the interests
of the other heirs. Only a common-school educa-
tion was cnjo3'ed by Mr. Darling, but he is a bright
progressive ^-oung man for whom native intelli-
gence and ability does much. In politics he is a
Republican but has never been an oflice-seeker.
The attention of the reader is invited to a view
of the comfortable homestead owned and managed
by Mr. Darling.
^flLBERT C. BENNETT, one of the pioneers
of Duplain Township, Clinton County, is
[/ Isi there carrying on a prosperous business as
farmer and stock raiser. He was born in
Brunswick, Medina County, Ohio, his natal day
being September 18, 1831. Oliver R. and Eliza-
beth (Ford) Bennett were his p.ircnls, the father
being a native of New Hampshire and the mother
born in the old Bay State. It was in that com-
monwealth the}' united their fortunes in marriage
in 1816 and after living a number of years in New
York they Ijccame pioneers in Jledina County,
Ohio. 'I'he subject of this sketch was next to the
youngest in a large family. There were seven
brotliers and one sister, but the sister was called
from earth while quite young and the seven
brothers grew to manhood side by side. Four of
them emigraleil to Michigan and two of these have
been laid to rest here, leaving families to mourn
their loss.
Albert had reached his niajority liefore coming
West and had been careful!}' Iraincd liy his parents
in the duties of the home and farm as well as
received a good common-school education. The
father, who was a soldier in the War of 1812, was
given a land warrant on account of his services
during that period of conllict. He entered land in
Michigan for his sons and our subject located upon
an eighty-acre tract which was thus obtained.
Tills bad been given to two of the brothers but
Albert bought out the interest of the other one.
The marriage of our subject with Caroline iM.
Sexton, daughter of Henr}- and Minerva (Feel)
Sexton, took place November 1, 1855. Mrs. Ben-
nett's father was a native of the Empii'e Stale and
her mother was from Connecticut. Caroline Sex-
ton was born February 19, 1835, in Wolcotl, New
Haven County, Conn. The family resided for
many years in Medina Count}', Ohio, before com-
ing to Duplain Township, Clinton County, where
they settled in 1850. Three children have blessed
this union: Clara M., born October 8, 1858, who
• makes her home with her parents; Nellie M., born
November 2, 1862, now the wife of John Caswell,
whom she married November 20, 1884, and by
whom she had two children, Ina Belle and Lcnn B. ;
Eva, born July 31, 18G6, was married to Marion
L. Tillotson January 14, 1886, and is the mother of
one child, Fred.
Mr. Bennett is proud to claim a Scotch ancestry,
as he believes that he inherits much of value from
that sturdy, persevering and lionorable race. He
was a Whig in his early days and cast his first
Presidential vote for John P. Hale, who failed of
election to the Presidential chair. He has of late
found his political convictions emliodied in the
declarations of the Re|)ul)lican party and casts his
ballots for its candidates.
When our subject moved to his present home in
1855 there were only four square rods cleared and
the road ran for only a few rods north of his home.
In order to reach a point where he had promised
to assist at a raising, only four and oiic-li:ilf miles
from his home, he had to go by such a circuitous
route as took him into four counlies. In those
days wild game aliouiidcd and deer, bears and
other wild animals came alinosl to his doorstep.
Many a night have he and his family listened to
the howling of the wolves. Those pioneer days
are now all passe<l, ;ind the |)ros|)erity which has
760
JfORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHJCAL ALBUM.
corae to 111 is worthy family is a just reward for
ILeir iiiilustry, uiillagginf^ perseverance ami enter-
prise.
Mr. Bennett lias a fine homestead, a view of
wliieli appears on another page. Of this place he
may be justly proud, for it is an ornament to the
township.
-^
-^^
-}-
NDREW M. VAN DEUSKN. The name
at tiie head of this sketch is that of the oc-
cupant of the farm on section 16, Fair-
field Township, Shiawassee Count}'. He
was born July 30, 1847, in Medina County, Ohio,
and is the oldest of a family of ten children, five
of whom grew to years of maturity and four of
these are still living. He is the son of Ralph Henry
and Marictte M. (Rockwell) Van Deusen, the
father still lives in the vicinity in Clinton County.
The mother is deceased, having died in .lune, 1891.
When our subject was only eight years of age he
removed from his native place? with his [larenls
and came to this State. His early life was spent
on a farm and he received but a common-school
education. His natural iiiclinations, however, are
of a literary turn and he has ever been an omniv-
crous and intelligent reader.
When seventeen years of age o'irsubject enlisted
in the war of the rebellion, August 24, 1864. The
conipany which he joined was Company E, Twenty-
ninth IMiehigan Infantry. During his service he
saw much lis.rd fighting. He was in the battle at
Decatur, Ala. and at Stone River, al-o at Nashville
and vvas a participant in several other eng.agements.
He was detailed to do telegraph duty, which
was considered a most dangerous post but was so
fortunate as to escape without injury. At the end
of the war he was honorably discharged, Se|)teraber
25, 1865.
Three years after Mr. \'an Duesen left the army
he was united in marriage, May 10, 1868, to Miss
Hattie E. Cifford, a daughter of Ara and Abby
Cifford. He immediately went to work at farm-
ing, which calling he has ever since followed. Our
subject's wife was born in Northville, Fulton
County, N. Y., April 5, 1849. She movutl with
her parents to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, when about
two years of .age ami from there to Tuscola County,
Mich., when in her fifth year. She went to Oakland
County when fourteen years of age and thence
came to Shiawassee Count}' when in ihe full bloom
of maideniiood. Our subject and his wife arc child-
less, and the interest that they would naturally have
given to the little ones had they come to their home
has been devoted to the helpless and friendless and
to the development of the resources within their
reach.
Mrs. Van Duesen is a member of the United
Brethren Church. Our subject is a man full of un-
usual intelligence and has a vast fund of general
information. He is of great generosit}' of nature
and though limited in means, does his share in .ad-
vancing every interest of the communit}-. He has
been awarded a pension for his services in the late
war but it is less than he deserves.
The parents of our subject's wife were natives
of Fulton Couiity, N. Y. Her father was born
August 20, 18;i2, and the mother's natal day was
March 31, 1837. Mrs. Van Deusen vvas her par-
ents' only cliild; her father was a farmer of good
financial siaiuliiig.
If^ ASON WOOD. The firm of M. Wood &
Co., is one of the most prominent in
Owosso and is carrying on a money-mak-
ing business. The work in which they are
engaged is the manufacture and sale of all kinds of
hickory handles, vvhillie-trees and neck-yokes. They
make a s|)ecialty of ax handles, but have also a
large a demand for those which are used on other
tools, paiticularly ra'lroad and miners' picks and
the heavy tools of mechanics. The capacity of the
plant is two thousand iiandles per day and the es-
tablishment is a building 14.\60 feet, with an en-
gine room 24x50 feet. Improved machinery is
used, some of the lathes being of Mr. Wood's own
invention, and a force of nearly a score of men is
employed.
Mr. Wood is of English ancestry and former gen-
erations of the paternal branch lived in Mass.achu-
PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAFHlCAL ALBUM.
761
suits, while liis mollicr's family bclonfjcd to anotlicr
part of New England. The parents of our subject
were Joel and Phebe ( Yeomans) Wootl, natives of
Massachusetts and New York respective!}', who,
after their marriage settled in Chenango County.
There the father carried on a farm until 1847, when
he went to Medina County, Ohio, anil made that
his home until 1882. He then came to Owosso,
where he died some three years later. His wife had
been removed from him by death in 1875. Their
family consisted of five children, but three only
survive, and Mason is the second on the family
roll.
Our subject was born in Chenango County, N.
Y., February 19, 1826. He attended school in llu!
neighboring town of Preston and then worked on
a farm until he was nineteen years old, when lie
began to make fanning-mills. He ne.\t learned the
trade of a gunsmitli, at which he busied himself
twelve years, having come to this State in 1855.
FiCaving the work of a gunsmith he spent four
j'cars in blacksmilliing, and then spent eighteen
months in a tour in the Northwest and in mining
in Idaho and Montana.
Returning to Owosso Mr. Wood spent two years
in farm work, and then put up a shop and worked
at gunsmilhing about two years. In 1871 he be-
gan on a small scale the business in which he is
now engaged, doing all work by hand, then put
up a lathe in compan}' with Charles C)sburn, car-
ried on the business six months. The lathe did not
work properly and he resumed liand work and
jilanned ira|)rovements on the machine, i)erfecting
them within a few years. He next formed a part-
nership with David A. Gould, and the business
was placed upon a solid footing. After his death
his son, E. A. Gould, assumed his father's interest
in the firm. The mechanical skill and ingenuity
of Mr. Wooil is now made available for the arl van-
tage of the firm, and by the aid of skilled workmen
and Orst-class machinery they are enabled to turn
out products which are serviceable and reliable.
When in his twenty fourth year Mr. Wood was
married to Miss Maria CJilbert, ilaughtcr of Orin
Gilbert ami a native of Portage County, Ohio. To
them has been born one daughter, AUie M., who is
with her parents. The family occupies an attrac-
tive residence on the corner of West Main and
Lansing Streets in a delightful neighborhood. Mr.
Wood is a Republican and has been from the time
he was al^le to exercise the right of suffrage. He
is identified with Owosso Lodge, No. 88, I. O. O.
K. He has an e.Kcellent reputation in business cir-
cles, and his somewhat checkered career has given
him a large fund of experience and observation
from which to draw items of interest and instruc-
tive facts.
mi^^~)\'^^m
RED S. RUGGLES, M. D. The ills that
flesh is heir to are so numerous and com-
mon that he who is proficient in the science
of healing has a strong hold upon his fellow-men.
If to his ability and a knowledge of book lore he
adds a knowledge of human nature and is strongly
sympathetic, a man cannot fail to succeed in his
chosen profession. Dr. lluggles, who is a promi-
nent man in Shiawassee County, Mich., and who
almost has a monopoly of the practice of medicine
in his vicinity, is a plain, unassuming but keenly
intelligent man whose personal power over his fel-
low-men, and especially his weak patients, has
assured him a high standing in his profession:
Dr. Riiggles was born in Lydon, Caledonia
County. Vt., June 15, 185G. He was a son of
Ephraim H. and Susan (Stoddard) Ruggles, who
are natives of Vermont where they still live. The
father of the subject of our sketch has been a
farmer all liis life, but now having acquired a com-
petency and having a delightful home, living in all
the comforts that early effort could secure, he has
retired from active business. He is a Repulilican
in sentiment, but has never held any office. He
and his wife are members of the Frec-Will Baptist
Church. They have three children, namely : Hal-
sty, Charles, and the original of our sketch, Fred
S., all of whom are living. The eldest two sons
still live in their native State and county.
The original of our sketch was reared in his na-
tive town on the farm, and received his education
in the district schools and from the Lydon Literaiy
Institule. He remained with his [jarents until he
762
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
reached his iwentj'-tliird year, when, desiring spec-
ial instruc.ljn in medicine, lie came to Ann Arbor,
Mich., there entering the homeopathic department
of medicine. [lere he gr.iduated in the spring of
1881. .Soon after leaving college he located in
Brighton, tJiis Slate, where he began his practice.
Dr. Ruggles reuinined here, however, only three
months and then went to Ypsilanti where he also
practiced a few months. In 1882 he came to By-
i-on, Shiawassee Count}', and has been constantly
engaged in the healing art ever since at that place.
For the past six years Dr. Ruggles, besides his
medical profession, has carried on the drug busi-
ness at Bj'ron. He is a member of the Michigan
State Homeopathic Society. He holds a Master
degree in the Masonic order and is a Knight of the
Maccabees. In politics he is an ardent Republican.
June 29, 1881, the gentleman of whom we write
was united in marriage to Miss Effie A. Knapp, of
Salem, Washtenaw Count}', Mich. Tlie lady was
born in the place of her marriage and is the daugh-
ter of INIyron E. and Amanda Knapp. Dr. Ruggles
and lady have had one child, a daughter, Agnes M.
,R. ARTHUR H. KEN YON is one of the most
prominent dentists in St. .John's, liaving a
large and lucrative practice by which his
time is fully occupied. He is a native of the Empire
State, born in Clinton, Oneida County, May 22,
185.5. His father, Henry B. Kenyon, was a native of
Brookfield, Madison County, and in his early years
was a farmer, but later became a clerk in a general
produce house in ("linton. He died when but
fort}' years old, leaving six cliildren, the youngest
of whom was A. H. Politically he was a strong
Republican and religiously he was an earnest Meth-
odist. His father, ^'arnam Kenyon, w.as a native
of Schoharie County, N. Y., whither his parents
had gone from Connecticut.
The wife of Henry Kenyon, and mother of our
subject, bore tlie maiden name of Chloe Lamb.
She was born in Brookfield, N. Y., and her father,
Amos Lamb, was a native of Connecticut. He was
a farmer and a man of means, spent a great deal of
time and money in carrying on religious work and
was a leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church
near liis home. As an exhorter he labored to up-
build tlie cause of Christianity. His father, wlio
was a Revolutionary soldier, was one of the early
settlers in Madison County and named Colchester
Township after his old home in the "Land of Steady
Habits." Jlrs. Chloe Kenyon is now quite ad-
vanced in years, having i)een born in 1818. She
is living in Brookfield, Madison County, N. Y.
Dr. Ken}on lived in his nalive place until lie
was about nine years of age, when, his father hav-
ing died, his widowed mother retnined to the home
of iier youth with her family. For two years the
lad remained with his Grandfather Lamb and he
then worked out r> year on a farm for his board
and clothes. The mother married Loreu Burdick,
a farmer of Madison County, and A. H. spent two
years willi her, having the opportunity of attend-
ing school during the winter. He then began
working out again, now securing wages, and he
kept on as a farm hand until 1872. He then spent
two years in a machine shop, after which he was
a clerk about the same length of time.
In February, 1874, young Kenyon came to this
State and for five months he lived with Mr. Camp-
bell in Greenbush Township, Clinton County. He
then spent some three years in the employ of the
St. John's Manufacturing Company and then took
up the study of dentistry, spending a year in the
office of Dr. E. F. Sanders. He next returned East
and spent a summer at the old home in Brookfield,
N. Y., still studying dental surgery. Returning to
St. John's he studied a year longer and in 1880
opened an otlice. He has not only been successful
in securing a reputation that brings him plenty of
work, but he has acquired some property, including
a farm of eighty acres in Bengal Township, which
is under good improvement and rents for a fair
sum.
Dr. Kenyon was married in Ovid in 1883 to
Miss Mary Allen, a native of Pontiac. She was
reared and educated at her native jjlace, had good
schooling and careful i)arental training, and under-
stands how to make her home cosy and attractive.
She and iier husband have many friends and stand
well Willi their associates. The Doctor votes the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
763
Republican ticket. As a solf-mado man in the
tniosl sense, lie is deserving of commendalion, and
such lie receives from all who know the dilHculties
under which he labored and through which he ad-
vanced to his present position.
<il lilLLIAM T. DAVIES, a prominent and
\/\jI/ P''Osperous citizen of Clinton Count}-, and
\^^ a member of the well-known lirm of >V. T.
& R. E. Davies, manufacturc-s of the celebrated
Greenbush Fanning Mills, was born in Ilytlie, Kent
County, England, August 30, 1829. He is a son
of Robert and Mary A. Dnvics, and a brother of
his partner, of whom a sketch ap|)ears in this vol-
ume, lie was reared to manhood in his native
country and there received a fair education, yet he
is largely self-educated, as he has always kept his
eyes open and sought out means and sources of in-
formation. This young man emigrated to Amer-
ica in 1851, taking passage at London on a sail
vessel, and making what was then considered a
short voyage of tv,'enty-six and one half days,
making port at New York City. He went to Lyons,
N. Y.. ami there served an apprenticeship of
three ) ears at the fanning mill tra<le. He sub-
sequcntl}' came to Michigan and for a short
lime worked as journeyman at his trade in Grand
Rapids.
In 1 S;).5 the subject of tiiis sketch and his brother,
R. E. Davies, established themselves in Greenbush
Township. Clinton Count}', where they have since
continued. They first commenced manufacturing
fanning mills on a small scale, and the celebrated
"Greenbush Fanning Mill" is their special i)roduct
and the)- also put out a large supiily of milk safes.
The marriage of Mr. Davies with Miss Jeannette
M. Sevy, a sister of Ozi 15. Sev)', of whom a sketch
appears in this Ai.uum, occurred in Greenbush
Township. To them have been born six children,
five of whom are still living, namel)-: Hattie E.,
Mary L., .lennie, William T., and Nettie. Mr.
Davies is identified with the Masonic order at
Eureka, and is in every capacitj- a public-spirited
and enterprising citizen. He is pre-eminently a
self-made man and a successful one. He owns
one-half interest in a large body of land in which
his brother is also interested, and these brothers
work together harmoniouslj' in the fanning mill
business. He is a stanch Republican in his polit-
ical views, and favors every effort to improve the
social and industrial conditions of the county.
A more extended mention is made of the manu-
facturing plant and business of which he is one-
half owner in the sketch of his brother, Robert E.
Davies. For a more complete recital of the ances-
try of Mrs. Davies the reader will please consult
the biography of IMr. O. 15. Sevy, her brother. The
Sevy family is among the most prominent of the
early pioneers of Clinton County.
The beautiful rural home of our subject is al-
most directly across the road from the residence of
his brother, and both the external surroundings
and the internal arrangements indicate a high de-
gree of culture and relineinent. Mr. Davis posses-
ses many of the sterling qualities and virtues of
the sturdy English race which has made that nation
the world's colonizer and civilizer. While not de-
sirous of holding offices of trust, 3'et he takes a
lively interest in the politics of his township and
count}'. He has an excellent reputation for a
sound business judgment and financial ability, and
both he and his family arc highly esteemed in so-
cial circles. No manufacturing firm of Clinton
County bears a better reputation among iiiisiness
men than that of W. T. it H. E. Davies.
TEPHEN H. VALENTINE. This aged
man is now residing on a small farm in
Ovid Township, Clinton C()unt\-, to which
he came in 1872. He is a skilled farmer
and a good business man, who has demonstrated
his ability in other than .agricultural lines, but has
never given over his interest in farmers and their
work, and has almost continuousl}- been in some
wise connected with them. I'lie property on which
he now resides is pleasantly located, well improved
and sullicicntly productive to satisfy ever}' need
764
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of Mr. Valentine and his good wife, while not
large enough to burden them with cares. With
their future secure, the}- are enjoying life and its
pleasures in a reasonable waj% and are making
themselves useful as members of a common family.
Mr. Valentine was born on Long Island, N. Y.,
on August 9, 1819, and is the son of James and
I'hebe (Hendrickson) Valentine, who were also na-
tives of the island. Prior to his eighteenth year
he made his home undei the parental roof, pursu-
ing the customary course of study, and taking a
part with his father in the work his parent was car-
rying on. He then went to the city of New York,
and became a clerk in the wholesale grocery house
of a brother, remaining there about four j'ears.
He then took up his residence in Yates County,
where for ten or twelve ye.ars he was engaged in
farming. Thence he came to Michigan, settling on
a tract of land just across the road__from the one he
is now occupying. He made some improvements
here, such as building a good house and barn, but
after a time traded for a farm in Erie Count}', Pa.,
and removing to the new place carried on his work
there about three years.
The next move of Mr. Valentine was to return
to Yates Count}-, N. Y., where, having sold his
Pennsylvania farm, he entered into the grain busi-
ness at Shingle Point, on Seneca Lake. During the
three years he spent at that place he handled about
one hundred thousand bushels per annum, and he
also conducted a grocery store there, serving at
the same time as Postmaster. The warehouse hav-
ing been destroyed by fire he bought a farm on
the outskirts of Hem rods, and platting it began to
-sell town lots. After a time he exchanged what
remained in his possession for twenty acres in Can-
andaigua, Ontario County, and engaged in the cul-
ture of grapes. From that locality he returned to
Rlichigan and settled where he is now living. Mr.
Valentine takes great delight in hunting :md making
trips to various localities where game can be found.
He also enjoys fishing, and often goes out with his
rod to catch the finny tribe. Mr. Valentine is a
taxidermist of considerable notoriety, having had
some of his work reprosenlcd .at the Centennial in
1876.
The wife of Mr. Valentine was reared on the
banks of Seneca Lake, in Yates County, N. Y*".
Her maiden name was Almira Longcor, and her
union to our subject was solemnized March 25,
1843. The only child born to them is Gordon B.,
whose natal day was November 18, 184.5 ; he is now
married and living Chicago, 111. He was formerly
engaged in mercantile pursuits. Mrs. Valentine
is a lady of good breeding and fine character, a
devout member of the Baptist Church, with which
her husban'l is also connected. Mr. Valentine is
a Republican in politics. He has never aspired to
ofKce, but has yielded to the wishes of his neigh-
bors and served as Township Supervisor. Hus-
band and wife are well respected and number their
friends by the score.
^
^^^
OBERT G. STEEL, Secretary of the St.
John's Mercantile Company, is the son of
Robert M. Steel, whose biography appears
^(ft, 121 this volume. He is one who may be
said to be "favored by the gods," as he has wealth,
education and high breeding, and has also the hon-
est, straightforward and upright character that wins
respect. He was born in St. John's, October 4,
1867, and reared and educated here. He was grad-
uated from the High School in 1886 and at -once
began an energetic business life. He had been
reared with the idea that it was necessary for him
to apply himself with energy and zeal to whatever
he had in hand, and from the age of fifteen years
had been given much responsibility. While his
father and his brother George were 'n Oregon he
had looked after their business interests to a con-
siderable extent, and under their discipline he w.as
well prepared for the battle of life.
After his graduation young Steel gave his entire
attention to his father's business here, looking after
the real-estate interests. When the Mercantile
Company w.as organized in 1888 he became a stock-
holder and was elected its Secretary. He h.as re-
tained the position, applying himself closely to the
duties devolving upon him, and as the enterprise
is a most extensive and successful one, they have
been by no means light. He is also Secretary and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
765
a Director of the Electric Light, Hent it Power
Company, and a stockholder and Director in the
St. John's Gas Companj', and the St. John's Evap
orator & Produce Company, and somewhat inter-
ested in the St. John's Manufacturing Company.
He is estimated to be wortli some ^50,000, and it
is certain that no man of his 3'ears in this or any
other county, is a more thorough business man or
more energetic and alive to his interests.
Mr. Steel belongs to the Knights of the Macca-
bees and is a Knight Templar. He is a stanch
member of the Republican party and without being
a politician in the common acceptation of that
word, he aids the party of his choice in many wa^'S.
He keeps himself well informed regarding news of
the day and manj- topics which scholarly minds
enjo}' and in his manners exhibits the qualities of
the true gentleman.
-M-—^—
^^RANK CONN. Among the enerprising
young business men of Clinton County a
l^ prominent place belongs to this gentle-
man, who is a Deputy County Treasurer, as well as
Secretarj' of the Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance
Company. He promises in the maturity of his
powers to take a conspicuous rank among the citi-
zens of the county and State, and his life thus far
proves that success may be attained by persever-
ence and industry, even though moneyed capital
be wanting. He was born in Bingham Township.
August 23, 1856, and is the son of Bemsly P.
Conn. The latter who was a native of Crown
Point, N. Y., was born February 24, 1828, and was
the son of George Conn.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was a
farmer by avocation and was born in New IIam|)-
shire in 1806. His grandfather came from Ireland
at a very early day in the history of our country
and settled in MassaclHisetts. George Conn was
an early settler on Lake Champlain, where he car-
ried on oi)erations as an agriculturist. The mother
of our subject, Harriet E. Newell, was born on the
shores of Lake Champlain and was a daughter of
Joshua Newell, a farmer, who engaged in the War
of 1812, and finally died at the old home. Harriet
E. Newell was born January 20, 1830, and wlien
about nineteen years old w.is united in marriage
witli Bemsly P. Conn, November 14, 1849. Her
father was born in Vermont, August 10, 1792, and
married Harriet Foster, their union being blest by
the birth of two sons and five daughters. Joshua
Newell was of the fifth generation from Thomas
Newell, who left Hertfordshire, England, in 1630
and settled in Farmington, Conn., in 1G40. The
maiden name of his wife was Rebeckah Olmstead.
In 1854 the father of our subject came to Michi-
gan and entered land in Bingham Township, Clin-
ton County, where he now resides. He added to
his original purchase of eighty acres until he has
now one hundred and sixty-five acres, and he has
improved the farm until the farm yields bountiful
harvests of golden grain. Seven children came to
brighten his home, three of whom have passed
away leaving two sons and two daughters in the
family circle. Our subject, who was the third in
order of birth, was reared under the parental roof,
and at an early age began to assume responsibili-
ties. He managed the home farm successfully, and
although he had few opportunities for gaining an
education, he is well informed on all topics of
interest and importance.
Responsible positions in public affairs have been
given to Mr. Conn. In 1886 he was appointed
Secretary of the Insurance Company above named,
in which he is interested, and still retains this po-
sition to which he has been twice re-elected. He
is really the responsible head of the whole business,
which he manages with great ability and strict in-
tegrity. He is also active in the Grange and his
counsel goes far in deciding questions of expedi-
ency. For two years he was Master of tlie County
Grange, and for three years he held the same po-
sition in the sub Grange. He was also Secretary
of the County Grange two years and officiated in
the same capacity for three years in the sub Grange.
He is alw.ays activel^^ interested in and an earnest
promoter of all movements to aid the farmers, and
is an earnest advocate of the single tax movement.
In January 1891, he was made Deputy County
Treasurer, and to the duties thus imposed upon
him he is bringing the same faithfulness and tact
766
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
whicli characterizes him iu all positions in life.
His political attiliations are witli the Democratic
party and he is a man who commands respect for
his opinions even amoni; those who are of a differ-
ent political faith.
ellRISTOPHER T. COOK. Michigan owes
an incalculable debt to tliose of her sons
who cheerfully and bravel}' responded to
their country's call in time of peril and rallied
under the old flag. Many who lived to return
from the battle field, sacrificed greatly in health
and strength during the marches and encampments
which fell to their lot. It is well known that more
died from exjiosure than from the bullet and
among those who suffered seriously in this w^ay was
our subject. He is a f.irmer who resides on sec-
tion 31, Rush Township, Shiawassee County, and
is a naiive of this county being born in Benning-
ton Township, August 23, 1844. His father^
Jonas C. Cook, a farmer and shoemaker, was born
in Genesee County, N. Y., April 18, 1810. He
had a common-school education and at the age of
eighteen came to Oakland County, Mich., with his
parents.
Jonas Cook was tlie third child in a family of
eight and when he was nineteen 3'ears old his fath-
er died and ho undertook the support of the fami-
ly. At the age of fourteen he had learned the
trade of a shoem.aker and he availed himself of this
knowledge in his great undertaking. He remained
at home till he reached the age of twenty six years.
In 1836 he was married to Paulina Shadbolt, one
of a family of five children.
Jonas and Paulina C^ook, had six children, but
all of the little ones were snatched from their arms
in infancy and the mother died in 1812. In 1843
Mr. Cook married Rebecca Demming who was born
ill Kingston, Canada, May 28, 1819. She was the
youngest of three daughters. Jonas had moved to
Pontiac when his lirst wife died and resided there
until 1844, when he made his home at Bennington,
Shiawassee County. There he bought eighty acres,
but in 1851 sold and bought otlier land in the same
township, which he disposed of and went toOwosso
to eng.age in the shoe trade. In 1855 he removed
to Ovid, where for three years he carried on the dry
goods business, which he finally disposed of,
and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres
in Owosso Township, and remained there till his
death, which occurred in 1886. He had been be-
reaved of his wife three years before, and thej- are
both i3'ing in Oak Hill cemetery. They were con-
sistent and earnest members of the Protestant
Methodist Church. He was an active man in the
Democratic party and w.as at one time Highway
Commissioner.
The gentleman of whom we write is the eldest
son in a family of four and received a common-
school education. He remained under the parental
roof until he reached the age of twenty-five years
and then purchased forty acres of land in Owosso
Township, upon which he remained until 1874. In
1869 he married Frances Farrar of Corunna. She
is the daughter of John and Louisa J. (Beech)
Farrar, New Yorkers, who had four children, of
whom Frances was the second child and second
daughter, being born August 8, 1852.
In 1874 Mr. and Mrs. Cook moved to Rush
Township and bought one hundred and twenty
acres on section 31. This farm was an unbroken
forest and he has cleared about seventy acres of it.
Two children have blessed this home. May Edith
and Charles G. Mr. Cook is identified with the
Masonic order and has been since 1866. He be-
longs to the Ovid Lodge No. 227 and is a member
also at Burton of the Oaks Lodge No. 107, I. O. O.
F., also the Quackenbush Post, G. A. R. of Owosso.
He has been an Odd Fellow for twenty-si.x }-ears
and has filled all llie chairs.
In [lolilics Mr. Cook espouses the cause of the
Democratic part}' and is a worker in its ranks stead-
fastly declines to fill any office. lie was a soldier
in the late Civil War, enlisting in 1864 in Com-
pany E, Second Michigan Infanlry, which w.as sent
at once to Nnshvillc. Through severe exposure
the young soldier was taken sick and was finall}'
sent to the hos()ital where he remained about six
weeks. He was then sent home on a furlough for
three months. After this he returned to N.ashville
and from there went to Louisville and Jefferson-
/^TT^^ty^ t/ )-Z^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
769
ville, but being still iioGt for duty was again given
a siiort furlougb and sent iiome. After being borne
for a brief period iic reported for duty at Detroit
but tlie severit}' of his sic]<ness had so weakened
liis constitution that he was considered fit on!}' for
tlic liospital to wiiicb he was relegated anil soon
after was discharged. He has never regained his
full quota of health and strength, as the attack of
congestion of the lungs, whicii was brought on by
his exposure in the army, thoroughly undermined
his constitution.
aAPT. WILLIAM E. CUMMIN, whose por-
, trait is presented on the opposite page, has
I been variously occupied at C'orunna, and is
well known, not on!}- in the county seat but over a
wide extent of country. During the late Civil
War he did good service in the defense of the old
flag and looks bsck to a long list of engagements
in which be took part. He is of remote Scotch
ancestry and traces his lineage to the Curamin Clan
who fought with the renowned Sir William Wal-
lace. The Emerald Isle was the home of several
generations of his ancestors, and his grandfather,
Alexander Cummin, was born in County Down,
Ireland.
This grandfather was a manufacturer of cloths
and linens and a cloth merchant and he became
quite well-to-do. lie took part in the Irish Rebel-
lion and participated in the battle of the Boyne.
He finally sold his property in Ireland, eanie to
America accompanied by his wife Elizabeth, and
lived with their son James at Corunna. There be
died at the venerable age of eighty- two 3'ears. In
their religious beliefs he and his goo<l wife were
rigid Presbyterians. Their remains are interred in
the Pimtree Cemetery at Corunna.
James Cummin, father of the Captain, was born
in County Down, Ireland and came to this State a
young man. He worked at the carpenters' trade
in Detroit in the '30s and acquired eight acres of
land in the citj'. He sold the tract and came to
Shiawassee County, and was one of the first to
make a home in Perry Township. He lias followed
farming and the real-estate business and has bought
and sold more lands than an3' other ten men in
Shiawassee County, at one time owning over three
thousand acres. He was a stockholder to the ex-
tent of 18,000 in the Detroit A Milwaukee Rail-
road and also had 11,000 in the Chicago &
Northwestern Railroad, the most of which was a
free gift to the railroads to aid in their construc-
tion. He also gave one-third of the land necessary
to the Corunna Car Company, organizeil for the
purpose of manufacturing railroad freigbt cars.
In order to put in the requisite machinery, he en-
dorsed notes to the amount of several thousand
dollars and lost every cent of it.
Mr. Cummin was also a stockholder with United
States Circuit Judge Longyear and others in Lan-
sing, in the State Insurance Company. He was
Director in the company, where he invested 15,000,
all of which he lost. He purchased of Hugh Mc-
Curdy his entire stock in the First National Bank,
and was a large stockholder in tiiat organization
for many years. He was a war Democrat and dur-
ing the late unpleasantness did grand service in
securing recruits in several townshijjs, acting at the
request of a committee of citizens. He was County
Treasurer from fourteen to sixteen years, and
Supervisor for a long time. He was engaged with
the late ex-Gov. Andrew Parsons and others in the
location of the county se.at, which after a long and
bitter contest was finally located at Corunna.
James Curamin was also the founder of the Ex-
change Bank of J. B. Wheeler & Co., the first
bank in Shiawassee County, and was one of its prin-
cipal stockholders. He now owns from five hun-
dred to six hundred acres of land, and was at one
time the largest taxpayer in Shiawassee County.
He is now in his seventj'-sixth year.
The mother of Capt. Cummin bore the maiden
name of Julia A. Beale. She was born in Roches-
ter, N. Y., and educated at Mrs. Allen's Female
Seminary. Her father, an early settler of Roches-
ter, was engaged in the sale of merchandise there,
and later in Detroit, this State, and for several
years he was Sheriff of Monroe County, N. Y.
From Detroit he went to Lansing, where his death
took place. He was the owner of considerable city
property. He was a native of Connecticut, of Eng-
770
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
lisli extraction, anri his given name was James.
Mrs. Cummin died in Coninna in 1880, and tlie
esteem in which she was held was shown b}' tlie
extremely large altendance at. her funeral. All
stores and places of business were closed during
the last services over her mortal remains. She was
the mother of ten children, four of whom died
when small, and one in later 3'ears. The fourth on
the family roll was William E., who was born in
Perry Township, August 17, 1844.
Capt. Cummin lived on the farm until he was
five years old, then he came to Corunna, where he
studied until he had almost finished the high-
school course. In the meantime he ga'/e some
{(ssistance to his father in farm work and in the
Treasurer's office. In June, 1863, while still a
student, he began raising a company, assisting
Capt. Shepard and Myron A. Converse. On July
25 he was commissioned First Lieutenant of Com-
pany F, Tenth Michigan Cavalry. At a large
meeting of the citizens of Corunna, held in the
courthouse, Hon. J. N. Ingersoll, on behalf of the
citizens, presented Lieut. Cummin with a handsome
sword, sash and belt, which he carried with bravery
and honor.
Lieut. Cummin was mustered in and took the
oath of oflSce in Grand Rapids, and being sent to
the Soiith, took part in some thirty engagements in
Tennessee and the surrounding country, prior to
receiving a serious wound at Flat Creek Bridge.
In that engagement he was leading a charge with
fourteen men, two of whom — Henry Kimberk and
Charles Russell — were killed. The Captain bad
two horses shot from under him and was himself
pierced through the right hip, the ball passing
through the pommel of the saddle and out through
the cantel of the saddle, then through his right hi[).
He got into a cornfield among some raspberry
bushes and was then brought to camp and two days
later taken to Lamar Hospital. The wound was
received August 24, 1864, and he remained at the
hospital until w-cU enough to come home,whea he en-
joyed a leave of absence, rejoining his regiment in
November. Prior to this, however, the Captain in
August, 18C4, led a charge with thirteen of Com-
pany F, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, at Greenville,
East Tennessee, against Maj. Arnold's command,
I and captured Lieut. Davis, of the Third North
Carolina Cavalry, and Lieut. Carter, of the First
Tennessee Cavalry with his own hand, throwing their
bridle reins over his arm and turning them over to
Col. Foote in person.
I After his return to the scenes of conflict Lieut.
■ Cummin took part in a dozen or more b.itlles, prin-
cippall}- in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennes-
see, and January 7, 1865, was promoted to the
rank of Captain. He had previously had command
of the company, and had often led the boys in tiie
1 thick of the fight. In the battle of Abbotts
Creek, N. C, on April 10. 1865, he was injured by
a fall. While in command of a detachment of the
Tentli Michigan Cavalry he burned several iron
railro.ad bridges in the Roanoke Yalle}', Va., in the
spring of 18G5, while on the Stoncman raid. He
' was mustered out November 28, 1865. after having
conducted himself as a true man and a valiant sol-
dier. He was on staff duty with Company I, Tenth
Michigan Cavalry, for several months, with Gen.
James E. Smith, commanding at IMemi)his, Tenn.
He had charge of the records of the regiment, with a
' detail of men under his command, and for this rea-
son he was discharged seventeen days later than his
regiment.
Returning to Corunna, Capt. Cummin became
Postmaster in 1866, and after holding the place
three years became clerk in the Exchange Bank.
He had been pa\-ing some attention to reading law,
! and ill the fall of 1870 entered that department at
Harvard Univerity and studied diligently a twelve-
mouth. He was graduated in 1871 with the degree
of LL. 15. and at once opened an office in Corunna.
' In 1878 he bouglit the Shiaw.assee mill plant and
' took up the manufacture of flour in the town of
that name. He had excellent water power, in fact,
the best on the river, and the product of his mill
was strictly first-class. In 1881 he took a consign-
ment of flour to Glasgow and visited England,
Scotland and Ireland, taking special interest in the
birthplace of his father and the old hoifle of his
grandparents. In addition to his milling Capt.
Cummin was engaged in the manuf.acture of oak
heading for oil barrels at Morrice and shipped to
the Standard Oil Corai)any at Clevelanil, in one
month shipping eighty-six car loads. In 1885 he
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
771
sold his mill, and coming to Corunna, located on
laud whicli extends into the corporation.
Capt. Cummin was marrieil to Miss Annie E.
Field, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., and one of the
leading ladies of Corunna. She is a member of the
Pres^byterian Church, Treasurer of the Christian
Aid Society and an eflicicnt worker in various
branches of religious work. She is conductor of
the Woman's Relief Corps and one of its promi-
nent members. Capt. Cummin belongs to Henry
F. Wallace Post, G. A. R., in Corunna, to the Ma-
sonic Lodge at Corunna, and the Union Veteran's
I'nion. He was for many years a stockholder to
the extent of 84,000 in the First National Bank.
While he was Postmaster he was also Deputj' In-
ternal Revenue Collector under Col. Raymond, of
the Sixth District, which then embraced the upper
peninsula. In politics Capt. Cummin is a Demo-
crat and he has frcquentlj^ been a delegate to
county. State and Congressional conventions, and
attended the Democratic Naliomil Convention in
Chicago in 1884. At that lime he was President
of tlie Cleveland Club.
■fwlEROME B. FRASIER. One of the most
I sturdy pioneers of Venice Township, Shia-
wassee County, bears the name which ap-
pears at the head of this paragraph. He is
a son of Reuben R. Frasier. a noted native of Chau-
tauqua, N. Y., and of Sophia (Wright) F"rasier,
who was born in Bolton, N. Y. Their marriage
took place in llieir native Stale and there they
made their home until October, 1813, when thc\-
emigrated to the AVolverine State, and settled in
West Iiloomficld Township, Oakland County. After
remaining tiiere one year they came to Shiawassee
Countj', in the beginning of 1844, settling on sec-
tion 22, of Venice Townshi)), upon an unbroken
tract of land, and building a pioneer log cabin. At
the town meeting that spring there were but nine
voters, and only two more men were living in the
township.
Nine shillings constituted the fortune in hand of
this young pioneer when he made his lK)ine in this
county, and he had no team to help him in this
work. He had eighty acres and at once began
clearing it of timber, and at the time of his death
he owned one hundred and thirty acres most of
which was cleared. Indians and wild animals were
plentiful, and the nearest mill was at Pontiac.
There was but one wagon in the township and no
roads on which it was comfortable to use them. Ox-
teams were the onl}' means of locomotion, and all
the neighbors were poor men. No churches nor
schools were yet established. Reuben Frasier died
in May, 1860, in the prime of life, having reached
the age of forty-seven years. His faithful wife who
still survives him has now attained to seventj'-seven
3*ears and makes her home in the old homestead.
Seven of her twelve children are still living to
comfort and cheer her in her declining j'ears. Thej'
are Helen, Mrs. Totlingham; our subject; Martha,
Mrs. W. Reed; Angeline, Mrs. G. A. Frazier; Ma-
lissa, Mrs. Michael; Reuben and Frank. The father
took an active interest in both politics and religion,
being an efficient worker in the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, and having allied himself to the Dem-
ocratic party.
The gentleman of whom we write was born,
March 7, 1841, in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and
was only a child when he came West. There were
no opportunities for schooling until he had reached
the age of fifteen or sixteen, and then the schools
were not of a higli order. As he was only nineteen
years old when his father was called from earth,
and was the eldest son, the cares of the family fell
upon him. He sta3'e(t at home and helped to care
for his mother and the children until he was Iwen-
t3'-five years old, and all his laliors went for their
benefit.
Jerome Frasier married Marj' E. Sawtelle, .IUI3'
5, 186G. Her parents, Neely C. and Abigail (Al-
lis) Sawtelle, were both natives of New York, who
came to Michigan in 183G, and made their home in
Avon Townsliii), Oakland County, this State, and
in 1842, came to this count3' and settled upon an
unbroken farm in Venice Township. Here he built
a log cabin to shelter his famil3', and cutting a
road for three miles through the woods hnilt the
first l)ridgc across Rushbed Creek which lasted for
fort3'-thrce years. He was a liard-worUIng man.
772
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
and had eighty acres of land which he put in a fine
condition. Thej- finally removed into the village
of Vernon and resided there until his death, Sep-
tember 13, 1867, at the age of sixty-two years.
They were the parents of five children, three of
whom are now living: Emeline (Mrs. Yerkes) Lu-
ther, and Mrs. Frasier.
Mrs. Jerome Frasier was born April 18, 1838, iu
Oakland County, Mich. She received an excellent
training in the schools and her parents brought her
up in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
After marriage she removed with her husband into
Vernon for a short time and then went to live upon
a farm in a little frame house in which they lived
until six years ago. He has now added fifty acres
to his original eighty, and he has cleared one hun-
dred acres of that himself. He has now built an
excellent frame residence and two double barns as
commodious and neat as are to be found in the
county. His land is in an excellent state of culti-
vation and a fine orchard has been set out. Besides
his own farm he has cleared between five and six
hundred acres for others. Five of their six chil-
dren are now living, namely: Bertie J., born April
23, 1867; Bertha Estella, June 24, 1868; Frank B.,
April 3, 1870; Myrou H., December 7, 1871, and
Myrtle M., May 13, 1875.
Jerome Frasier is a member of the Farmers Alli-
ance and is prominently identified with the Patrons
of Industry. He is deeply interested in educational
movements and has occupied a position upon the
School Board, and provided for his children a good
district school education. He is intelligent in his
political views and indepentlent in politics. His
neighbors have raised him to the office of Higliway
Commis.sioner, which he fills with efficiency and to
the satisfaction of all concerned. He has been a
tremendously hard worker all his life and has ac-
complished great things.
In March, 1865, Mr. Frasier enlisted in Com-
pany E, Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry, and
joined the regiment at Camp Butler, Springfield,
III., but remained there until his discharge, as the
war closed soon after his enlistment. Theonl^' way
in which he was allowed to suffer for his country
during his short period of service proved to be a
serious one indeed. He was vaccinated with poor
virus and it nearly proved his death and his con-
stitution will probably never entirely recover from
the injury thus inflicted.
Six j'ears ago our subject removed to the farm
where he now resides, where he has eight}' of his
ninety acres of land under cultivation. He has
removed the stumps from it, and built a handsome
residence three jears ago. A granary and an ad-
dition to his barn make liis outbuildings a credit
to the township. He is active in carrying on his
work, and. does not yet talk of retiring from the
cares of the farm. His father was a noted hunter
in the early days, and ever}' fall they laid in meat
for the winter which they had procured by- the shot
gun, and he still keeps up this practice. Last fall
he and his two sons went to Ogemaw Count}-, and
killed eighteen fine deer, some of which weighed
two hundred and twentj'-flve pounds when dressed.
When he was fifteen years old he shot an old bear
with his smooth bore shotgun and an ounce ball
and killed her. He then chased the cub about
forty rods and up a tree and killed it with the same
gun. Mrs. Frasicr's father and her brothei'S were
also famous as shotsmen, and killed and caught in
their time nearl)' twentj' bears.
-€-*-^-
<*, IfclLLIAM T. BAIR, residing on section 21,
\rJ// Greenbush Township, is one of the promi-
Vi/W nent and prosperous citizens of Clinton
County, the sketch of whose life will be read with
interest by everyone who takes up this volume.
The biographer found him to be a courteous gen-
tleman and one well informed on the general topics
of the day. He is the present efficient and popu-
lar Master of the Keystone Grange, with head-
quarters in Greenbush Township. In this position
he exerts a wide and wholesome influence by rea-
son of his sound ideas and good judgment respect-
ing the many social, political and financial prob-
lems with which that order h.'>s to deal.
The gentleman of whom we write was born Jan-
uary 3, 1848, in Ohio In Tuscarawas County. His
parents, Jacob and Mary (Sliffe) Bair, were natives
of Penns3'lvania, whence they removetl to Tusca-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
773
rawas Countj', Ohio, in the early days and became
pioneers. They were of German descent. To
them were born eleven children, nine of wliom are
now living. Their eldest, Benjamin, lives in
ALansBeld, Ohio; Simon, and .Susan, who is now
the wife of John Shoewalter, both live in Tuscara-
was Countj'; Jacob was a soldier in the Civil War
under the command of Gen. Banks and was killed
while upon the Red River exi)edition ; Lydia, the
wife of John Dorsey, lives in Davis County, Ind.,
and George in Mansfield, Ohio; William T. is the
next son, and Franklin, the youngest, lives near
the old home in Tuscarawas Countj', Ohio; Leah,
now Mrs. LaFajette Meyer, of Tuscarawas Countj',
Ohio, and Elizabeth, wife of Ilenrj- Bowers, of the
same place.
The earlj' training of our subject was upon the
farm and he has followed agriculture all liis life.
His schooling was scan tj' and was far from tho-
rougli and systematic, and he lias been obliged to
educate himself in manj' ways since reaching man-
hood. He was united in marriage Februarj' 21,
1875, with Mary E. Bomgardncr, a native of Ohio,
whose father, Benjamin, lived near the old home-
stead of the Bair family in Ohio. Three interest-
ing children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Bair, namely: Clark, born Februarj' 1, 1877; Clar-
ence P., September 27, 1878, and Mary B., April
27, 1888.
The father of these children came to Clinton
County in the spring of 1878 and here he has
made his home ever since, in Greenbush Township,
upon a splendid farm of one hundred and twentj'
acres, which he has put in the finest possible con-
dition. He has served as School Director and was
elected in January, 1891, M.aster of the Keystone
Grange, No. 226, in Greenbush Township.
The political views of Mr. Bair have always led
him to affiliate with the Republican party, with
whom he has generallj' cast his vote, but he is a
strong Prohibitionist in his principles, and always
works against the liquor power in every waj* that
he can do it, by voice or vote, and ever strives for
the moral and social elevation of tlie people of his
townshi|). And now wc find Mr. Bair enrolled
with the Prohibition party, voting and acting for
Prohibition, first, last and all the time. Both he
and his excellent and intelligent wife are active
members of the Methodist Ei)iscopal Church, in
which he acts as Steward. Thej' are respected
members of society and enjoy the friendship of a
large circle of acquaintances.
EANDER C. TABER. Although not a
ive of this State Mr. Taber recalls few
scenes that are not connected with the
commonwealth, and his labors in life from his
earlj' boj'hood have been performed here. During
the greater part of the time his home h.as been in
Clinton County, and for a number of jcars past he
has been numbered among the enterprising farm-
ers and stock-raisers of Greenbush Township. In
the spring of 1865 he settled on section 31, where
he has continued to reside and now has one hun-
dred and fortj'-fivc acres of land, the most of
which is under thorough cultivation and improve-
ment. Having seen the country grow up around
him he takes just pride in that which his eyes
behold and in the fact that he aided in bringing
about the result.
Mr. Taber is the eldest son of Moses and Sallv
(Bancroft) Tabor, who was born in the Empire
State and lived there until the son was about two
years old. The little lad was born in Monroe
County, January 4, 1835. When the family left
their Eastern home thej' came to Oakland Countj',
this State, and lived there some six years, their
surroundings being such .as make up the familiar
storj' of early settlements. They then removed
to Olive Township, Clinton C)ounty, and here thej'
again made their home in a sparsely settled local itj'
where the scenes that met their eyes were of a
primitive nature. Young Taber attended the
earlj- schools such as the pioneers often established
before they were scarcely settled and although he
did not studj' many branches he became well
acquainted with the few. In the intervals of
school life he worked on the farm, devoting more
and more time to agriculture as he grew older and
stronger. He decided to follow the occupation,
but occasionally has paid some attention to the
work of a carpenter and joiner.
774
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Believing that it is not good for man to live alone
Mr. Taber won for his wife Miss Mary, daughter
of Seeley and Arvilla (Seeley) Harger, to whom
he was married September 7,1857. This young
lady was born in New York and her home life and
educational privileges were similar to those of her
husband. She has had three children, to whom
have been given the names, Edwin M., George S.
and Charles J. The second son is deceased.
During his early years Mr. Taber did much
chopping and logging and other pioneer work. He
has so carried on business affairs as to secure the
confidence of those with whom he has had dealing,
and his sterling integrity is well known. Industry,
perseverance and good management are attested
by the fine condition of his property and the
goodly number of acres included in his farm.
Mr. Taber has served as School Director and has
always shown a warm interest in educational affairs.
He is a believer in and a supporter of the princi-
ples of the Republican party. He is a member of
the Farmers' Mutual Fire Association and is classed
an.ong the most intelligent and thrifty agricultur-
ists of the county.
<^ IfcARREN WOODWARD is one of the prom-
\rj// inent business men of Owosso, being a
^f/^ manufacturer of as well as dealer in furni-
ture, and also carrying on the undertaking busi-
ness. He was born in Steuben County, N. Y.,May
27, 1840, and is the third son of William A. and
Miranda (Wing) Woodward. Ilis father was born
in Cohocton, Steuben County, September 5, 1809,
and was a son of Lyman AVoodward, a native of
Brattloboro, Vt., and of English descent. The
mother of our subject, Miranda Wing, was born in
Middlesex, Yates County, N. Y., SeiHember 14,
1812, and was the third child of Elnalhan and
Hannah (Watkins) Wing, natives of Massachusetts.
The parents of our sul)ject wore married .Tanuary 2,
1832, and removed to Owosso, Mich., in 1869.
The gentleman of whom we write was educated
in his native county, attending the village school,
after which he took an academical course at the
Rogcrsville Seminary. At the age of eighteen he
began teaching school and followed this work for
three years. His last school numbered one hundred
scholars. He began his business career as an archi-
tect and builder in 1862 and followed it for four
years. He came to Owosso in 1866 and began the
manufacturing of sash and doors, associating him-
self in this business with two of his brothers, under
the firm name of Woodward Bros. They purchased
the planing-miU of White Bros, and continued the
business at the same stand, adding to it the manufac-
ture of furniture and building up a large business.
In 1890 he sold his interest to his elder brother, L.
E. Woodward and retired from the firm.
In July, 1890, Warren Woodward establisned his
|)resent business of furniture dealer and undertaker,
in which he carries a large and complete stock of
the finest goods, and in connection with which he
still continues manufacturing to some extent. His
present location is on the corner of Maine and Ball
Streets, where his business occupies four floors.
From his long experience in the manufacture of
furniture and his thorough knowledge of the busi-
ness, he is enabled to serve th-j public most satis-
faetordy.
Mr. Woodward was married in 1864 to Miss
Dora Faulkner, a daughter of John P. Faulkner, of
Steuben County, N. Y. She died in July, 1868,
leaving one son, Elbert W.. who is his father's chief
assistant in his business. The lady who now pre-
sides over his pleasant home became his wife in
1871. Sjie is Agues, sister of his first wife. By
this marriage three cliiltlreM have come to bless
this home, namely-: Francis II., who is now a stu-
dent in Uie high school; L. Fay died May 8, 1885;
and Dora P., at home.
The gentleman of whom we write has lield
numerous positions of trust and responsibility, to
which he has been chosen by his fellow-citizens.
In 1868 he was Alderman of the First Ward, has
served as member of the School Board for six years,
is a prominent member of the Shiawassee Agricul-
tural Association and President of the Hoard.
He is also a member of the Board of the Young
Men's Christian Association and President of the
Board of Trustees of the Congregational t hurch.
He is identified with the Owosso lodge, No. 88,
PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
775
I. O. O. F. Hia commodious and attractive home
is the center of a plensant social life and within its
walls he and his delightful familj' welcome the
friends who are drawn to them by their true-
hearted and congenial dispositions. Politicnlly he
has alw.ays been a Republican.
— >->^^<:^^^^:5<^
r-V
IJGO WESENER. Many citizens of Shia-
wassee Countj-, who are worthy of notice
in this Album are not native-born Amer-
(^) cans, but have proved themselves true and
worthj' adopted citizens by making their homes
permanently in this country and taking upon
themselves the duties and allegiance which the
Nation expects of those who would identify them-
selves with our people. Among such we count
the gentleman whose name heads this paragraph,
a capitalist who has retired from active business
and is now managing the valuable estate which he
has gained by years of persevering industry and
thorough-going enterprise. He possesses consid-
erable proi)crt3' in Saginaw, also in Owosso, owning
the three story block known as the Wesener Block,
consisting of three store rooms, and also some
Bne residence properties, including the one where
he resides. He was born in the city of Werne,
GermaPN', July 2'J, 1830, and is the only son of
.Joseph and Johanna (Knipping) Wesener. The
father was a dealer in real estate and died in the
old country when our subject was but twelve years
old. The boy attended school from the age of six
to that of fourteen years and remained with his
mother until he reacihed his sixteenth year.
The 3'outh now entered the German armj' for
one year but was held for three years on account
of the revolution in Germany. After his discharge
he emigrated to America in company with his
mother, sister anil brother-in-law. He landed in
New York City, where he staid four months and
from there came directly to Michigan, making
his home in Saginaw for some twenty-seven or
twenty-eight years. He then engaged in business
for himself and continued until the outbreak of the
Civil War when he enlisted in ConiiKiny K, Fifth
Regiment Michigan Infantry, under the command
of Col. Terry.
The regiment w.as assigned to the Army of
the Potomac and at its organization he was chosen
Second Lieutenant. Upon their reaching Fort-
ress Monroe Lieut. Wesener was taken sick and
was placed in a hospital for some weeks. He finally
resigned his position as Second Lieutenant and
was discharged on a surgeon's certificate. He re-
turned to- Saginaw and there engaged in the dry-
goods business. He finally drew out his interest
in the store and in 1875 came to Owosso where he
bought the stock of goods which was being carried
by Mr. Goodhue and continued the business at the
same stand. A year later this merchant moved into
his own building on Washington Street, where he
remained until 1885, when he sokl his stock to
Brown & Mahaney and retired from the mercantile
business. He soon after erected the Wesener Block,
a fine building three stories in height with base-
ment, since which time he has lived a retired life,
looking after his business interests in Owosso, East
Saginaw and West S:iginaw.
The marriage of Mr. Wesener, in December 1835,
was with Miss Bertha Wingut, of Saginaw, a native
of Germany and daugl.ter of Ferdinand Wingut.
They have had nine children, only three are now
living, viz: Hugo G., a book-keeper for a large
lumber firm in East .Saginaw; August C, a clerk
for Osburn Bros, in Owosso; John A., a graduate
of the I'niversity at Ann Arbor and now Professor
in two medical colleges of Chicago, where lie holds
the Chair of Chemistry; Bertha M. died at the a<'e
of nineteen, in 1889; she was highly educated and
and a fine singer, and her untimely death from
typhoid fever was a heavy blow to this affectionate
family. They also had a daughter Elsie who lived
to be eight years old and ilied six years .ago: Ferd-
inand died at nine years of age; the others died
when ([uite 3'oung.
The political allilialions of Mr. Wesner are with
the Republican party and religiously he is con-
nected with the Congregational Church. He is a
member of the Owosso Lodge No. 81, F. A A. M.,
and of Chapter No. 87, R. A. M., of the Corn una
Conimandery, Lodge No. 21. K. T. He is also idcn-
tilicd with the t^uackenbush Post, No. 25, G. A. R.
776
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
His pleasant home at the corner of Michigan and
Clinton Avenues is finely situated and the center
of a pleasant social circle. The sister of our sub-
ject was tlie wife of Dr. Lewis Fiankc, of Saginaw,
Mich. She died in 1885, leaving eight children.
Mr.Wesener's mother brought to the United States
over 120,000. She died in 1890 in her ninetieth
year, having belonged to a family who are noted for
long life, many of them living for nearly a century.
#-^
-<f'^^
'^ AMES D. SANDERSON, who is engaged in
farming on section 2, in the town of Sciota,
claims New York as the .State of his
nativit}'. The date of his birth is March
4, 1823, and the place LeRoj', Genesee County.
His ancestors were early established in New Eng-
land and his parents, Pliny and Lydia (Weller)
Sanderson, were natives of Massachusetts and Con-
necticut respectively. Their marriage _was cele-
brated in the old Bay State and after a time they
took up their residence in Genesee County, N. Y.,
where they made their home until 1836. In that
year they removed to Ohio, settling in Riclilield
Township, Lucas County, on a farm where the
mother spent her last days.
After the death of his wife Pliny Sanderson came
to Shiawassee County, Mich., where his death oc-
curred some years later. His last days were spent
in the home of our subject. By occupation he was a
farmer, which business he followed throughout his
entire life. He became quite well o£f but through
unfortunate business transactions lost much of liis
property. He served as Cai)tain in the War of
1812, and in politics was a Whig and later a Re-
publican. In liis religious views he advocated the
teachings of the Christian Church of which he was
long a member. The family of Pliny Sanderson
and his wife numbered six children, four sons and
two daughters — Sallie, Lydia, David, Jonathan,
James D. and William.
We now take up tlie personal history of our sub-
ject, who in the usual manner of farmer lads was
reared in the State of his nativity until thirteen years
of age, when he accompanied bis parents on their
emigration to Ohio. His education was received
in the schools of New York and Lucas County,
Ohio, and his education thereby acquired has been
largely supplemented by reading and observation.
He remained at home with his father in Ohio until
1852, when be determined to try his fortune in the
West and came to Michigan. He cist his lot with
the early settlers of Shiawassee County, and pur-
chased eighty acres of land, from which he de-
veloped a farm that has since been his home. Only
two acres of the land were partially improved at
that lime but now the plow li.as turned the entire
sod, and rich and fertile fields are seen in the place
of the once wild and heavy timber. The first home
of the family was a log cabin which Mr. Sanderson
built on his arrival, but that primitive structure
h.as long since been replaced by a good frame resi-
<lence, a view of which is shown on another page
together with otlier buildings necessary for the pro-
per management of the farm.
As a helpmate on life's journey, Mr. Sanderson
chose Miss Luc}' Richmond, and on the Itli of
March, 1849, the words were pronounced that
made them man and wife. At the time of her mar-
riage, Mrs. Sanderson was living in Maumee City,
Ohio. She was born in Summit County, that
State, December 21, 1830, and is a daughter of
John and Salinda (Martin) Richmond. By tlieir
marri.age six children have been born but they lost
their eldest cliild, a daughter, Salinda. Tlie living
are Orice, Lydia, Allen, James and Edrice. Lj'dia
married Henry Bolton and lives in Rush Townshi[),
this county, where he owns one hundred and four
acres; Orice became the husband of Ella Isham and
they own a farm in Saginaw County, this State;
Allen B., who married Clara Cobb, owns and oper-
ates forty acres iu Sciota Township; James R. mar-
ried Anna Brown and they also live in Sciota
Township, where he has sixty-seven acres; Edrice
W., who was united in marri.age with Eva Emery,
resides with his wife under the parental roof.
Both Mr. .Sanderson and his wife are members of
the Universnlist Church and in the social world
they rank high, liaving man3' warm friends who
greatly esteem them for tlieir sterling worth. In
politics he is a Republican and a member of the
Patrons of Industry. He hiis taken no active part
RES.OF MR. J.D.SANDERSON, SEC. £.,SCIOTATP^SHlAWASSEE CO., MICH.
:-r^a>o^->;:'-^-r--
.xES.OF WILL BALC0M,SEC'S.4fiL5.,SCI0TATP,SHIAWA.5SEE CO.,MICH
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
779
in public life but has devoted his entire time and
attention to his business interests and with great
success. He is now the owner of one of the finest
farms in Sciota Townshii), its well tilled fields, good
improvements and excellent buildings, all indicat-
ing the enterprise and tlirift of the owner. For
almost forty years he has made his home in this
community anrl therefore justly claims the honor
of being an eye-witness of Shiawassee County's
growth. But he has done more than this, for in
the upbuilding and development of the county he
has borne an active part.
W)ILL A. BALCOM, one of the wideawake
and enterprising young farmers of Sciota
Township. Shiawassee County, residing on
section 4, has f ()ent his entire life on that farm,
which is the old Balconi homestead, having been
purchased bj' his father in 1850. His |)arents,
Charles and Caroline f Hills) Balcom, were natives
of New York and came to Michigan in April, 1850,
locating on the farm where our subject now resides.
The mother is now deceased but the father is still
living and makes his home with his son. He is a
Republican in politics, and one of the esteemed
early settlers of the community. Of the five chil-
dren of the family the eldest and youngest are now
deceased, namely: Cornelia A. and Eva A. The
surviving members are Walter C, Julia E., and
Will A.
The subject of this sketch was born September
11, 1854, and under the parental roof spent his
boyhood days. As soon as he was old enough he
began work upon the farm and the occupation to
which he was reared be has chosen as the means
whereby to obtain his livelihood. He is now the
owner of the old homestead which comprises one
hundred and eleven acres of land, ninety of which
being divided into fields and highlj' cultivated, are
yielding a golden tribute to his care and labor. He
possesses excellent business ability, and allows
nothing to come between him and his duty. Never
for a month at a time has he been away from his
farm. He is enterprising, industrious and progres-
sive, which characteristics arc sure to win prosper-
ity.
On the 14th of November, 187(5, Mr. Balcom led
to the marriage altar Miss Annie IMontague, of
Victor Township, Clinton County, where their
union was celebrated. The lady is a native of
Canada, and a daughter of Henry and Mar^' (St.
Clair) Montague, natives of Canada of English de-
scent. The home circle includes this worthy couple,
Howard E., their ten year old son, and Charles
Balcom, the grandfather. Their residence a view
of which is shown on another page, is a neat and
substantial two-story frame dwelling, comfortably
and tastefully furnished, and supplied with manj-
of the comforts, and some of the luxuries of life.
By those who know, the farm is acknowledged
to be one of the best in the township, and the many
improvements seen thereon arc monuments to the
thrift and industry of Mr. Balcom or his father.
As a citizen, our subject is luiblic spirite<l, mani-
festing a commendable interest in all that pertains
to the welfare of the community, and aiding in all
enterprises that arc calculated to upbuild or ad-
vance the best interests of town and county. There
are many who hold him in high esteem, and those
who have known him from his boyhood and have
been witnesses of his entire life are among his
stanchest friends.
ANDERVILLED.GROW. The attention
/ \\\ ^^ every stranger in Owosso is attracted
to the handsome (Jrow Block, the finest
business structure in the city and a credit
to Owosso. It was erected by the gentleman
whose name heads this paragraph, a modest yet
successful citizen who h.as from small beginnings
accumulated a comfortable competenc}' through the
exercise of honest industry', unswerving integrity
End undaunted perseverance. He was born in
Cortland County, N. Y., in the town of Homer,
January 16, 1831. He is the second son in a family
of four children. His parents are Stillman T. and
Derinda (Graham) Grow, being born the former in
780
I'ORTUAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Connecticut in 1806 and the latter in Cortland, N.
Y. Slic (lied in Oaidand County, Mich., when her
son was twelve years old. The father followed the
double avocation of agriculture and the ministry
and was for forty years a preacher in the Baptist
Church. His faliier, Elisha Grow, was of English
descent, anil .Stillinan (irow spent most of his
mature jears in Micliigan, dying in Genesee
County, in 1887.
The subject of this sliclch was eight yeais old
when he removed with his parents to Michigan,
maising iiis home in Springtield Township, Oakland
County, where lie attended the comniou-schools
for five years. Ilis parents then removed to Atlas,
Genesee County, where the father died in 1887.
Here the family resided for some years. The mar-
riage of Mr. Grow in his twenty-third year united
him with Eliza Mitchell, a lady of Atlas, who was
boru in Niagara County, N. Y. and is a daugiiler
of George Mitchell.
After marriage the young couple made their
home in 1854 in Sliiawassce County, locating on a
farm in Bennington Townsliip, where Mr. Grow
carried on farming and stock raising. He made a
si)ecially of sheep-raising, iiavingan excellent flock
of slieep of two hundred or more and remained on
the farm in the successful pursuit of agriculture
until April, 1887, when he removed to Owosso.
Tlie family of Mr. Crow consists of four children,
tliree sous and one daughter. The eldest, Frances,
is now the wife of William Rood; Lasell married
and resides in Owosso; Wray is also married; the
youngest, Lynn, is at liome. In 1890, Mr. Grove
erected tiie fine building whicli is known as Grow
lUock, which is tiuce stories and a basement in
height and 44x85 feet on the ground floor. The
first floor is occupied by stores and tlie second
rented out for oflices, while the third floor is used
as a public hall called Grow Hall, which place of
assembly is a great convenience and credit to the
city. Mr. Grow resides in a comfortable home on
Gute Hill. The house faces upon Gutc Street.
The grounds comprise some five acres and since his
retirement from active farming he has devoted
himself largely to fruit raising and has upon this
place choice fruit of all descriptions. VV^hen he
began life for himself his capital did not exceed
$300 and be has gained all his handsome property
through his own exertions, seconded by the efforts
of his devoted wife. This lady is possessed of a
lovely Christian character and is an active member
of the Baptist Church at Owosso. Mr. Grow is
identified with the Owosso Lodge, No. S8, I. O. O.
F. In politics he is a Republican.
-^-^^
W^.ILLIAM I. CARUSS, the present ellicient
Road Commissioner of Greenbush Town-
ship, Clinton County, is a native of Wyom-
ing Count}', N. Y., and w.is born December 23,
1830. His parents, Henry C. S. and Temperance
Caruss wei'c both born in New York State, and his
paternal grandfather was an Englishman and was
in the British Army during the Revolutionary War.
His maternal grandfather was a soldier on the other
side.
The emigration to the West of this family was in
1833 and here they found a home in OaUrand
County, and became pioneers of that region. The
mother died soon after coming there, but the
father lived until 1884 when he died. The children
were reared there, and there our s'nbject was reared
to manhood. He saw all the rough sides of pioneer
life and suffered with many of the children the
deprivations of scanty education and limited social
advantages. Mr. Caruss' education is that which
he mostlj' has himself obtained through a habit of
reading, which he has indulged in through life.
Upon May 15, 1858 Mr. Caruss took to himself a
wife, in Oakland County. His bride bore the
maiden name of Caroline Hosner, and she was- a
native of Oakland County and a daughter of
Thomas Hosner, an old settler there. One son only
blessed this union, DeLoss. In 18G5 this family
emigrated to Clinton County, an<l made their home
upon the farm where Ihey now resi((e upon section 7,
Greenbush Township. Here they began life anew
in the woods in a log cabin and gained the ex|)eri-
ences of the pioneer.
Through all years since our subject has come to
Clinton County he has been a useful and prominent
citizen, being always ready to serve his fellow-
PORTRAIT AND lilOURAPHlCAL ALIJUM.
7«1
citizens in any way wliich would promote the best
Hood of tiic eomiiiunily. lie has been lli^jliway
(,'ommissioner of the townsliii) anil is a Republican
in bis political views. His one liundreil and forty-
live acres of land are in a sijleiitUd condition, beinjj
thorouj^hly cleared and well cultivated. He is
identified witli the Masonic order in which organiz-
ation he is well known. Mr. Caruss has the repu-
tation of being the most efficient Highway
Commissioner this township has ever been so
fortunate as to elect, and he has probably ilone
more than any man within its precincts to bring the
highways up to their splendid state of efliciency,
and receives the gratitude of the community for
this invaluable service, while he has the coafidence
of the entire business community for his inlegiity
and honorable dealings.
ULLIAM B. MtCALL. I'eriiaps no better
representative of both agricultural and
mercantile interests could be selected
among the citizens of Duplain Townshi]) than Mr.
^>IcCall, of Elsie, who was born in Owosso, Shia-
wassee County, this Stale, October C, 185'J. His
intilligent and worth}- parents were bolii born and
l)roughl up in Westmoreland County, Pa., and
bore the names of John H. and Angeline H.
(Byerly) McCall. Tliey were early settlers in
Michigan, as they came to this State April 30,
1859, and made their home upon a farm near
Owosso. Here the father carried on agricultural
pursuits in connection with auctioneering.
No startling events or unusual occurrences mark
the boyhood and youth of our suliject. He had
the advantages of a common-school education, but
beyond that was not favored in the educational
line. As a dutiful son, he ma<lc his home with his
parents, serving them as best he could through his
minority, learning from his father the best methods
of farming and growing up to a vigorous and ro-
bust manhood. His father died in October, 1880,
the very month in which his son reached his ma-
jority, and his grave is to be found in Owosso.
The son now began life for himself as a farmer
upon the old place in Owosso Townsliip, and car-
ried on the work tliere until four years ago, when
he found a puichascr for his property, and dispos-
ing of it, moved into Owosso and entered into
business with Lawrence, Ilamblin it Co., running a
general store at Elsie. After three months'
experiment Mr. McCall decitled that he would [)re-
fer to be more independent in his work, and he
bought out the firm and undertook the business on
his own account.
The marriage of Mr. McCall with Miss Anna
Strchle, of Owosso Township, was solemnized April
20, 1881, and has resulted in the birth of throe
children — Nellie M., born March I, 1883: Myrtle
May, October 21, 188G; and Glen Ellsworth, De-
cember 10, 1888.
The subject of this sketch is carrying on quite
successfully his venture in the mercantile line, and
handles groceries, queenswarc and crockery, dealing
largely also in farm produce. In his political views
he is a Republican, and one of the most active men
in public affairs in the village, lie has been made
a village Trustee, and he takes an active interest
in educational matters, promoting by hl.s counsel
and voice the upbuilding of the schools of the
place. lioth he and his intelligent and amiable
wife have been for the past four j'cars active
and earliest members of the Methodist E|)iscopal
Church.
JAMES II. GLNNISON. Among the fami-
lies of early settliirs who came to Clinton
County, none probably excel in solidity of
character an<l a worthy ambition the family
which is represented liy our subject. The father,
Elihu Gunnison was born August 28, 1803, in
Newbury, N. II. After clerking for a time in a
store he removed when a young man to Lansing-
burg, N. Y., and there learned the trade of a comb
maker. He came to Michigan in 1829, making
most of his journey on foot and settling in .Superior,
Washtenaw County, ami there established and car-
ried on a store. His marriage March 1 1, 1833 was a
worthy union with a lady of high intelligence and
great loveliness of character. Her maiden name
782
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
was Ruth Ann Pr^'ei- and she was born near Batavia.
N. Y., M:i3 15, 1815. This union resulted in tlie
birth of eight children, seven of whom grew to
maturity and bore the following names: Alfred G.,
James II., ArsaniusB. Hannah E., Joseph W.. Ann
L., and Nancy Livonia. The parents of tliese chil-
dren tlirough all the trials of pioneer life main-
tained a high standard for their children, and
sought for them above all things, the attainment
of a lofty character and a sound and liberal educa-
tion.
James H. Gunnison was born in Victor Town.-
ship, Clinton County, May 21, 1837, and is the
second white child born within the limits of the
county. His early education was taken in the old
schoolhouse under the rate bill system and the
teacher of the school boarded round. When a
little older he and his brother Alfred, two years
older than himself attended school at the Wesle3'an
Methodist Seminar}' at Leoni, Jackson Count}', and
the two brothers walked back and forth whenever
the}' went home and boarded themselves at Leoni.
They also went to Lansing and worked for their
board while attending the public school there for a
j'ear. They attended the State Normal .School at
Ypsilanti, Mich., for three or four years walking to
and from home when they made their visits home
and boarding themselves at Ypsilanti. The}- also
attended for three years in the same way the Agri-
cultural College after it opened at Lansing.
The young man remained at home until he was
about twenty-four years and then went to Knox
County, 111., and taught school for two winters,
working on a farm during the summer month.
While there lie took a horseback trip to Iowa. He
then returned here and settled on the home place
which he carried on for his father until the death
of that parent when it came to him by will.
The marriage of James H. Gunnison with Celia
Southworth took place September 29, 1864. This
lady was born in Saline, Mich., on Christmas Day
1843 and was reared in that village. Her parents,
Luther and Sarah A. (Graham) Southworth, were
natives of New Hampshire and Ireland respectively.
Mrs. Southworth was born in the North of Ireland
and came to America when a girl of thirteen. Her
husband was a shoemaker by trade and came to
the West in 1862 and owned forty acres of land
on section 27, DeWitt Township, where he died
November 29, 1879, at the age of seventy-three
years. His wife Is still living and makes her home
at Lansing, having passed her eighty-second year.
The wife of our subject died November 12, 1889.
She was an active worker in the Methodist Church
here, and a lady of lovely Christian character. Her
daughter Hallie, born in 1871, a young lady of un-
usual beauty and accomplishments and endowed
with a liberal education keeps house for her father.
The subject of this sketch has one hundred and
forty acres in his home farm, over one hundred of
which are under cultivation. lu politics he was
long a Democrat but is now an earnest Prohibition-
ist. He has served .as Highway Commissioner and
ran for County Treasurer on the Prohibition
ticket in 1890. He is an active member of the
Sons of Tein|>erance and also of the Farmers' Alli-
ance, of which he is now President of the County
Organization. He was the first Worthy Master of
the Sons of Temperance and helped to organize it.
He gave $100 to help erect the building which is
used together by that temperance organization and
the Methodist Episcopal Church. He will attend
as State Delegate the National meeting of the Sons
of Temperance which is to be held in Saratoga,
N. Y., in July, 1891. He is a member of the
Masonic order which he joined in 1863. His pleas-
ant home is delightfully shaded by large forest
trees which he has preserved for their beauty. He
is a man of excellent mind, broad education and of
a most genial and kindly disposition, being wide-
awake to the interests of his neighbors and of all
with whom he comes in contact.
"S-i'I'i'S"
I
|7 OMAN WILCOX. In noting the present
11 ((§) appearance of the country included in Clin-
JL^ ton County one docs not alw.ays remember
that it is not a work of chance, but that it required
arduous toil on the part of the early settlers to
bring about the present condition, .and that they
are entitled to the undying gratitude of their suc-
cessors, who can scarcely realize the privations
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM
783
thej' endured. Among those who have had a part
in the self-denying toil b^- means of which Cireen-
bush Township was reclaimed from the wilderness
is Liunan Wilcox, who has long been living on
section 36. In the spring of 1849 he cut the first
stick of timber on a tract of land here, and as soon
as a little clearing was made put up a log cabin
about 16x20 feet in dimensions. From that time
he has resided on the same farm, but long ago ex-
changed his cabin home for a more convenient and
attractive residence.
The paternal ancestors of our subject were En-
glish, and it is supposed that his mother also de-
rived her descent from citizens of the mother
country. His parents, Jabez and Dorcas (Louns-
bury) Wilcox, were born in Connecticut and were
living in New Haven County when their son Lu-
man was born, January 15, 1811. He and asisteri
Mrs. C. C. Wilcox, of Bingham Township, are tlie
onl^- survivors of the parental family. When
he was fifteen years old our subject accompanied
his parents to Monroe County, N. Y., where he
attained to man's estate. He received but a very
limited education as far as schooling goes, but
gained much practical knowledge not found in text
books. January 1, 1834, he was married to Miss
Lucy Richards, a native of Cortland County, N. Y.
and daughter of Obadiah and Asenath Richards.
In due time there came to the young couple two
children, upon whom they bestowed the respective
names of Earl and Hannah. When the daughter
grew to maturity she became die wife of H. B.
Smith.
In 1837 Mr. Wilcox removed from the Empire
State to Portage County, Ohio, and established
himself about eleven miles southeast of Ravenna.
He remained in the Buckeye State until the time
already noted as the period when he became a citi-
zen of Michigan. Here he and his efficient wife
toiled and [ilanned, gradually seeing the result of
their efforts and the fruition of their hopes in the
better appearance of their own property', the ttdded
comfort of their home, and the increase in the
society of the neighborhood. He owns about one
hundred and eighteen acres of good land, and his
farm is a standing monument to his capability and
industry, as when he came liither he had very little
means. The journey from Ohio w.as performed in
a twohorse wagon in which a limited supply of
household goods were packed.
For several years Mr. Wilcox served as Super-
visor of Greenbush Township, and he has also been
Highway Commissioner, Treasurer and Justice of
the Peace. He and his wife belong to the Christian
Chuich, and Mr. Wilcox is a Prohibitionist in poli-
tics. Both are connected with the Clinton County
Pioneer Society, and are highly esteemed by .all
who know them .and understand how well they have
siieut their lives and how useful they have been.
»*^>«^>t?»
<tf5<^»<^<f-^
<* jiALLlAU P. SCHANCK, one of the old set-
\/\l/ '-1<^''* ff Clinton County, now resides in St.
W^ John's, where he is engaged in raising
standard -bred horses and buying and shipping
stock. With his partner, W. T. Church, he has
charge of a largo and handsome meat-market. He
was born near Fredcricktown, in Knox County,
Ohio. His father, Peter, and grandfather,AVilliam,
were Eastern men, the father being reared in New
York and having learned the trade of a mason.
He married after emigrating to Knox County, Ohio,
and carried on both masonry and farming, having
a fine reputation as a brickl.ayer and plasterer.
Mr. Schanck was not entirely satisfied with his
surroundings and decided to locate at some other
point, so he took a trip on foot, in January, 1849,
in company with Addison Ilulse, of Greenbush
Township. After prospecting about the}' decided
to buy land in Essex Township, Clinton County.
They returned to Ohio on foot and in April Mr.
Schanck returned to his new home by team and
wagon. The roads were very bad and in some
places he had to cut new roads, and he was seven
weeks on the journey'. Often he could make but a
very few miles a day. He finally reached the de-
sired location and took up one hundred and sixty
acres of land and built a log house. He worked at
his trade and hired others to cultivate his land for
his work was very much needed. Atone time there
was not a house in Majde Ivupids that had been
plastered by any other hand than his. He also did
784
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
tcfiiiiins and dicw luinber with his ox-team from
Elsie to Imild tlio (iist house in Maple Rapids. Me
worked also at his trade in St. John's in those early
times.
Mr. Schanck had not l)cen in the new country long
before the whole family was stricken with the ague,
lie was unalile to work for some lime and the}'
sar ver3' hard times. When the next pajment on
the farm fell due he was unable to meet it and was
obliged to sell some forty acres in order to gel the
ifelOO to pay for what was left. Later when more able
to purchase he bought the same property again for
?<1,600. The original one hundred and sixty acres
arc now well improved. He died in 1887, on the
25th of April.
The wife of Peter Schanck and the mother of our
subject, bore the maiden name of Ilachael Jcflfrejs.
She was born in New Jersey'. Her father, Parsons
Jeffreys, was a weaver by trade which he followed
in connection with farming in Knox Count}', Ohio.
His wife was a daughter of Capt. Dickerson, who
served in the Revolutionary War and was of Ger-
man descent. He trained his daughter to be a fine
weaver and she was able to manufacture cloth for
the family in the early days. She was a devout
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and
died in 1885. She was the mother of five children.
Our subject came to Michigan when only four
years old. He remembers distinctly crossing the
Maumee River on a scow. He was early set to
work on the farm and when eleven years old was
counted as a full hand in following the plow. He
early took charge of the farm, releasing his father
to do mason work. He helped clear up the farm
and had a notable record in the neighborhood as an
ox-driver. He went to school in the winters until
he reached the age of sixteen j-ears and then he was
put to work, driving a team from the woods to St.
John's and other places on tiie Detroit &, Milwau-
kee Railroad, hauling staves. In 18G1, when eight-
een years old he went to Kansas, hiring himself to
a brother-in-law who was in the livery business at
Ft. Scott. He stayed there only three months and
then came back to take charge of two hundred
acres of land in Essex County which belonged
to his brother-in-law. In the fall of 18G.J he went
to Color.ado, going by rail to fifty miles beyond
Dubuque, Iowa, then staging it to Omaha; there he
engaged to handle freight and drove five yoke of
wild steers to Denver. He afterward went to
Central City, and engaged in mining in the Pewa-
bic mines. In July, 1866, he started out prospect-
ing, crossing the wilderness and snowy ranges of
mountains into a corner of Utah, after which he
returned to Central Cit}'.
When out prospecting, our subject with a party
of eight, stumbled onto a troop of Indians. There
were thirty of the warriors and they at once sur-
rounded the whites and searched them. They found
that they had fish with them and said "White man
steal my fish, I take his biscuit," and the}' did,
taking most of their provisions from them and let-
ting them go. In the fall the young man returned
to Iowa and took the railroad for home.
In the fall of 1867 Mr. Schanck entered into a
matrimonial alliance with Miss INIar}' C. Helms,
who was born in New York. The young married
couple settled on a farm in P^sscx where they lived
for three years and in 1870 went to Isabella County
and purchased an hotel, whicli the}- managed for
thirteen months. Mr. Schanck then bought a stage
line from Jit. Pleasant to Clare, and from Mt.
Pleasant to St. Louis. He managed the business
for about fifteen months and it jjaid him well until
1873. In 1874 he worked at rarming and lumber-
ing in the pine woods and in 187G he rented his
father's farm on shares for three years, and during
a part of that time took charge of three hundred
and twenty acres in Essex Township. For ten
years he managed the largest farm of any man in
that vicinity.
Our subject gradually dropped his farming in-
terests and located in St. John's, purchased a resi-
dence and other property in the city and entered
into p.artnership with Mr. Church. This firm en-
gages largely in buying, feeding and shipping stock
antl also in raising standard horses. Among their
finest horses arc '-Charles Dickens" sired by "Je-
rome Eddy," "Lucy M." with a record 2:29J and
"Belle Jackson."
Mr. Schanck has but one child, Orby, who is at
home. The father belongs to the Free and Ac-
cepted Masons at Mai^le Rapids and is a member
of the Grange at Essex. He is a Democrat in his
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
785
polilicnl views but. not radical. lie has liad liie
tender of some township otiices but declined liiem
as he preferred to devote his attention to his busi-
ness. He is a very enter|)rising man and lias made a
success of life, beginning in this new country when
St. John's was a mere hamlet and had but one small
store. He lias seen hard times in pioneering and
has a corresponding enjoyment of the comforts of
the present time.
TNAM, who IS engaged in
ling on section 2, Sciota Town-
vassee Count}', has spent his en-
tire life in this community. He was born on his
father's farm near liis present home, February 5,
18'>"J, his parents, Barnet J. and Melinda (Cone)
Putnam, being early settlers of the county. His
father was a native of New York, and in 1836,
came to Michigan. Not long afterward Miss Cone,
a native of the Buckeye State, sought a home in
this locality, they became acquainted and were mar-
ried in Sciota Township where they are still living.
Unto them have been born four children — Adell
E., Edson B., Frances M., and (ieorge B., and the
family circle yet remains unbroken.
No event of special importance occurred during
the boyhood of our subject. As soon as old enough
he was put to work upon the farm where he labored
during the summer season, while in the winter he
attended the district schools where his education
was acquired. He was also a student for two years
in Ovid, Mich., and for a short time pursued his
studies in Valparaiso, Ind. He afterward taught
several terms of school in this county but farming
lias been his life occupation. He remained with
his father and gave him the benefit of his labors
until twenty- two years of age when he began farm-
ing on his own account. On the 2d of July, 1885,
he was united in marriage with Miss Emma A.
Moulton, of Middlebury, this county. The lady
was born in Steuben Count}', N. Y., and is a
(huighlcr of Hiram and Betsy (Ilaight) Moulton.
Her father is now deceased but her mother still
survives him and is living in Middlcijury.
Mr. and Mrs. Putnam began their domestic life
upon their present farm and their home has been
brightened by the presence of two children, sons —
Mark K., aged four j'cars; and Earl M., three years
of age. The farm upon which tiie family resides
and which Mr. Putnam .owns, embraces one hun-
dred and ten acres of valuable land on section 2,
Sciota Township, about 8.5 acres of which is un-
der cultivation and well improved. He raises all
kinds of cereals adapted to this climate and is
meeting a good success in his line of business.
He is a well-informed man and a great reader, thus
keeping conversant with all general topics of inter-
est aud with political issues as well. In politics he
is a supporter of the Prohibition partj'. In 1890,
he was a candidate for the otiice of Supervisor of
his township. The election resulted in a tie and on
drawing cuts Mr. Putnam was found to be the suc-
cessful candidate. So ably and well did he fill the
ollice and discharge its duties that in 1891, when
again made a candidate, the election returns showed
him to have won by a majority of fifty-three.
Both Mr. Putnam and his wife are members of the
Methodist Church and he also belongs to the Pa-
trons of Industry. He is a wortlij' and valued cit-
izen of the community who takes an active interest
in everj'thing pertaining to the advancement and
welfare of the community and is an upright, hon-
orable man whose life is in liarmon_v with his pro-
fession. He has thereby won the confidence of all
with whom he hos come in contact and is both
widely and favorably known.
MLLIAM I. IIINMAN. The owner of the
^-,lll farm located on section 30, Caledonia
^>^ Township, Shiawassee County, was born
December 20, 1823, in Canada. His father was
James Hinman, a native of New York State. He
w.as a carpenter by trade but later in life became a
farmer. His mother was Bailey (Bonestecl) Hin-
man, a native of Canada. After their nvirriage in
Canada they removed to New York wher(! they
made their home in Rochester until he came
to Michigan. Mrs. Ilininaii died .May 12, 18.52,
786
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
and three years afterward Mr. Hinman came to
Michigan where he worked at his trade, first build-
ing a house for a man in Genesee County.
In the fail of 1855 the father of our subject came
lo lliis county and settled on section 30. He, how-
ever, soon after sold this and after moving to two or
three places he returned and died here shortly before
the breaking out of tlie Civil War. lie had been a
soldier in the War of 1812. The couple were mem-
bers of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church, of which
the father was a Class Leader, Steward and Trustee.
In politics he was a strong Democrat. They were
the parents of four children, three of whom are
living — our subject, John B. and Henry .S.
At an early age the gentleman of whom we write
removed with his father from Canada to Rochester,
N. Y., where he grew to manhood. He lived at a
distance of two miles from the schoolhouse and until
the age of thirteen years had a poor chance to ac-
quire an education. After that time he spent only
one winter in school, beginning life for himself at
the age of fourteen.
At first Mr. Hinman was employed on a farm and
later as a laborer on public works, being engaged
on the Genesee Valley Canal, his uncle, Col. Walker
Hinman, having a contract on tlie same. This gen-
tleman has recently died at the age of ninety-six
years. Our subject at the age of twenty -one years
began learning the cari)entcr's trade; he then
formed a partnership with his father and elder
brother and the three took contracts together.
Ill October, 1855, our subject came to Michigan
and located on his present farm. The conditiora
of the roads may be judged of from tiie fact that
lie had to pay 130 to have two loads of goods
drawn from Fentonville to this place. That
year tlie farmers were hauling their wheat from
Caledonia to Pontiac and got forty-five cents per
bushel for it. The next year he helped to build
the freight house in Owosso, the railroad having
been finished to tiiat point on the 15lh of .luiic.
The farmers took their wheat and emptied it into
the cars, receiving $1.22 per bushel for it.
At the time Mr. Hinman settled on his present
Iilace there were no improvements, whatever, it
being a dense forest. He himself helped to cut
the road that passes his lioine. He built one of the
first frame houses in this locality. lie divided his
time between his trade and the work of clearing
his farm, which now consists of fifty acres of land,
forty-five of which are now under cultivation. His
present residence was erected seven years ago. He
was his own architect and builder and has erected
a very attractive, convenient and commodious
home.
On the 7th of October 1847, our subject was
married to Sarah Jane Frazer, a daughter of James
Ci. and Mary G. (Hawkins) Frazer, the former being
a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Connect-
icut, in which State they were married. They
soon came to Pittsford, N. Y., where they resided
until they removed to Illinois in 1853. Mrs. Fra-
zer's death occurred in 1861 and her husband fol-
lowed her in 18C7. They were the parents of nine
children, six of whom are now living.
Mrs. Hinman was born September 26, 1827, in
Monroe County, N. Y. In her girlhood she was
full of enterprise. At the age of thirteen she was
no longer dependent upon her parents and ever
after until her marriage provided herself with the
necessities of life. In their early married life Mr.
and Mrs. Hinman lived in Rochester, N. Y., for
eight years and then came to this State, of which
they have ever since been residents. They are tiie
parents of iwo children — Frances A., whose natal
day was May 14, 1850, and who became the wife
of William A. Richardson; they live in Owosso and
are the parents of two chililren — Mabel Leora and
Ivah W. The second child, William James, was
born June 9, 1855, and died October 22, 1876.
Both children received a common-school education
at Corunna.
The family arc kind!}'. Christian people and fol-
low the Golden Rule, being ever ready to lend a
helping hand to those in need. Mr. Hinman is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
at Corunna. He has ever taken an interest in pol-
itics, having formerly been a Republican but is now
a strong Prohibitionist, being ardent in his work
in the [larty. The famil}' were formerly members
of the Good Templars. Mr. Hinman has been
Highway Commissioner here.
Our subject and his estimable wife have experi-
enced mail}' of the hardships incident to pioneer
4^^
n^>
</n-
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
789
life, but lliere are some fc:iUires wliicli uaii now be
enjoyed as savorinii: strongly of the ludicrous. Tlie
first night spent in Ibis loeality llie family slept
in a log house, owned by .loiin B. Ilinman, where
there were evidentl3- no provisions made for ;i large
fauiily, but by stretching a i)ijint tliey accommo-
dated them and nine persons slept in one bed.
They lived in a shanty, which afforded but slight
protection from rain or cold, for six weeks.
Mr. Hinraan's father was Captain of a eom)5auy
of farmers in Canada and after the War of 1812
they held themselves in readiness for dc'fen.se
against being taken by the British army for serving
in the American ranks.
\t)OFlN BENNETT. Honorable industry al-
ways travels the same road with enjoyment
and duty, and progress is altogether impos-
sible without it. The idle pass through life
leaving little trace of their existence, but the in-
dustrious stamp their character upon their age, and
influence not only their own, but succeeding gen-
erations. The career of Mr. Bennett may be
pointed to wiiii piideby his posteritj', for not only
has be been a successful agriculturist but at the
time when the Union was threatened, he offered his
services in behalf of his country, and on Southern
battlefields fought for freedom and equal rights to
all. lie was a brave soldier, and his military rec-
ord can be pointed to with pride by his friends.
Mr. Bennet was of English descent. His pater-
nal grandfather, John Bennett, was a native of
England, and he and liis good wife, Ann, reared a
family of five sons and three daughters. Among
the former was Joseph, who was born in England
in 1817, and there married Sarah Walkins. Of
this union the following children were born: John,
Cynthia A., James J., Henry P., Joseph R., Will-
iam, Charles and Herbert. In 1813 the father
ci.rae to America, locating fiist in Canada, and ten
years later removing to Detroit, whence after
spending one winter he went to the village of St.
Clair. After three years he returned to Canada for
a year, and then coming to Port Huron lived in
Michigan until his death, which occurred in Ionia
County. His gt)od wife, now seventy years olii,
still resides on a farm in that county.
The father was a Methodist in faith, l)ut at the
time of his death was connected with the United
Brethren Church. He followed both farmiug and
preaching during the years he spent in Clinton and
Ionia Counties, and was universally esteemed for
his many noble qualities of heart and mind. Ik-
had a commission from the (^ueen of England as
Ensign Bearer. In early life he was a teacher, and
was an English professor in Calais, France. A
thorough scholar and linguist, he understood
French, German and Latin, and was well versed in
Greek and Hebrew.
The subject of this sketch was born November
26, 1840, in London, England, and when two
and a half years old was brought by his parents to
Canada and afterward acconi|)anied them to Mich-
igan. He remained with them until he reached his
majority, accompanying them in their various re-
movals, and assisting them in the farm work. After
he started out for himself he worked on a farm for
H. L. Porter, in Gratiot County. He continued
with this gentleman until August 15, 1862, when
he enlisted in the United States service in Com-
pany' G, Fifth Michigan Cavahy, and served until
May 30, 18G5. He was with the Army of the Po-
tomac during the entire period of his services, and
is personally acquainted with Gov. Alger, of Jlich-
igan, who was Colonel of the Fifth Michigan Cav-
alry until near the close of the war, when he wiis
promoted to be Brigadier-General. Mr. Bennett
participated in the following eng.agements: Littles-
town, June 30, 186.'}; (Gettysburg, Monterey and
Williamsi)ort, Md., Boonesborough, Culpepcr,
Haccoonford, Robertson River, James Cit^', Brandy
Station, Buckland Mills, and Morton's Ford, Va.,
the raid to Falniount, Kilpatrick's raid, the battle
of Trevilian Station, and many engagements of
minor importance. Our subject was slightly
wounded in tlie right shoulder, and Las ever since
had poor health. He returned to his home at the
close of the war, having been honorably discharged.
For about eighteen months he rented a farm in
Lebanon Townshi|p, Clinton County, and on l>e-
790
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ceniber 1, 1866, purclmsed the farm where he now
resides. This estate comprises eighty acres of fine
and fertile soil, and is consiilered one of llie most
pleasant homesteads in the count)'. It is embel-
lished with substantial buildings, and in 1885 a
counnodious residence was erected \>y Mr. Bennett
for the abode of his famil3'.
A few montlis after returning from the field of
war, Mr. Bennett was married August 15, 1SG5, to
Samantha Murwin, and one son was born to them
— Clifton J. The wife died in 18G9, and on Jan-
uary 2, 1871, Mr. Bennett was again married,
clioosing as his wife -Mrs. Melinda Blaine: Of this
happy union one child has been born, a daughter,
.Sarah M. Mr. Bennett is a member of Billy Be-
gole Post, No. 127, G. A. R., at Maple Rapids.
Formerly" he was a Republican, but he now adheres
to the Democratic part3^ lie has served his fel-
low-citizens in various official capacities, has been
Justice of the Peace for five j'ears, and has also
served as .School Moderator and School Director.
He joined the Methodist Church at the age of six-
teen J'ears, and has since been a faithful member of
that organization. The other members of the fam-
ily belong to the Baptist Church.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Bennett appears
in connection with this biographical sketch.
ARSIIALL HAND. It is doubtful if Clin-
ton County has a resident more highly re-
spected by his acquaintances than Mr.
Hand, whose home is on section 1, Olive
Township. He is now engaged in farming, and is
successfully operating one hundred and seventy
acres of land which forms one of the best regu-
lated and most thoroughly developed farms in the
county. On every part of the estate the visitor will
find evidences of good judgnuMit, and the buildings
are substantial and neat. Mr. Hand has not always
been engaged in farming, but has had much experi-
ence as a school teacher, and as a public odicial, as
will be seen by the perusal of the accomp.inying
paragraphs.
The Hand family came from New York to Michi-
gan, and in the Empire .State its members had
lived for several generations. Jonathan Hand,
grandfather of our subject, was born there, and so
too was his son Hiram, the j'car in which the latter
entered upon the stage of human existence being
1816. 'I'hat gentleman married Jane Sutfin, who
was also a native of the Empire State, and born
May 18, 1821. To them were born four children,
the eldest of whom is Marshall. He opened his
eyes to the light in Yates County, N. Y., March
10, 1841, and was just entering his teens when his
parents removed to this State. His father took up
forty acres of Government land on section 1, Olive
Township, being among the first to settle in the
locality. Deer and other wild game still abouniled
in this region. Mr. Hand died April 24, 18G0, but
the mother of our subject is still living.
Marshall Hand began his education in his native
State, and after he came to Michigan had to pursue
his studies in a log schoolhouse much more primi-
tive than the buildings at his old home. When he
was seventeen years old he began teaching, his first
school being in the Krei)ps district, where he did
nearly all his work. The first three months were
taught for the sum of 125, but before he had given
up pedagogical work he received as high as $40
per month, which was first-class wages for the time.
He taught twenty-three terms, all but two of which
were in the same district, and many who studied
under his direction acknowledge the benefit they
derived from his teachings, not only on the topics
written of in their text books, but on the principles
of true living. Mr. Hand was nineteen years old
when his father died and he had to take the place
of his parent as best he could and look after the in-
terests of the family. He did not give up teach-
ing, but devoted himself to that work during the
winters only, living upon the homestead and carry-
ing on farm work.
In the fall of 1880 Mt. Hand was elected Regis-
ter of Deeds for Clinton County, and in order lo
discharge his duties with the utmost faithfulness,
he removed to St. John's, and began his official
work in January, 1881. He was re-elected in 1882,
and was the only county official on the Republican
ticket who made tlie race that year. He continued
in the ollice until January, 1S85, and then spent
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
791
several months aiding his successor in discharging
the duties of the station. In tiie fall ho returned
to the farm, where he ha5 remained, devoting him-
self with renewed energy to his agricnltural work.
In 186S Mr. Eland was married to Miss Martha
A. Isahell, a native of this State, whose wedded life
was brief, as she died in April, 1801). Mr. Hand
lived a widower some seven years, then in 1876
was married to Miss Mary E. Faucett. She too
was born in this State. To this union there have
been born two children, May and Verne. As in
timated in mention of his official work, Mr. Hand
is a steadfast Republican. He was Clerk of Olive
Township fivej'ears in succession, Supervisor seven
consecutive j'ears, and at another time served in
the latter capacity one year. He was Township
Superintendent of Schools one year, and is now a
member of the Board of Review. He stands high
in the community, and his opinions are valued and
his society sought, while the influence of his life
ami character extends far beyond his home.
^^^EOROK I). KIPP. Among the residents
III g-, of Clinton County, may be found many
^^^J) men who began their career at the bottom
of tlie financial ladder and having climbed upward,
round by round, until the}' have reached a height
far above the level from which the_v started. One
of this numlier is Mr. Kipp, an enterprising farmer
of Olive Townsliii). His hoini^ fatra is not so large
as some, but is made valuable and attractive by a
complete line of substantial farm buildings and a
homelike residence; while elsewhere he has other
real estate and "much goods." In Saginaw County,
he has eight}- acres of land and he has given his
eldest son an equal amount there, and in Clinton
County his landed estate consists of one hundred
and twenty acres.
Tlie father of our subject was James Kipp, a
native of Wayne County, N. Y. who came to this
State in 1833 and carried on farming in Wayne
County some ten years. He was then called hence,
at the early age of forty-two years. His wife,
mother of our subject, was known in l.er maiden-
hood as Mary Westfall, and she loo was born in
the Empire State. She lived to the good old age
of eighty-two years, |)assing away in 1889. Our
subject was born in Wayne County, this State,
January 12, 1834, and passed his boyhood and early
youth amid the surroundings of a comparatively
new region. His home was on a farm and his
schooling was obtfuned in the home distr'cl, where
he pursued the curriculum usual under such cir-
cumstances and gained a practical knowledge of
the important branches only. He was bereft of his
father's care when in his tenth year and in his
youth became possessed with a desire to visit the
Pacilic Coast.
When but nineteen years old young Kipp ni.ade
his arrangements for a journey westward and left
Wayne Station Maich 27, 1854. The Missouri
River was crossed May 7, and the party picketed
their horses in the American Valley in Northern
California, July 15. They had seen two hundred
Indians but had had no trouble with the red men.
The experiences common to all travelers across the
plains by the overland route, have been related so
often that we will not enter into detail. Suffice it
to say that Mr. Kipp takes pleasure in recounting
to interested listeners the scenes and incidents of
his memorable journey. He remained in California
two years working in the mines, and returned by
the ocean route, bringing with him as the result of
his labors iji 1,800 worth of the |)recious metal for
which men strive.
Mr. Kip[) next spent five years working in a
grist-mill in W.ayne (bounty and after learning the
miller's trade had charge of a mill three years. He
next bought a farm in Kent County but ere long
sold out and changed his place of residence to
Clinton County. In 1864, he bought a tract of
woodland from which he has developed the fair
fields of his present home. He swung the ax
manfully, grubbed industriously, and soon began to
see the result of his labors in a clearing that grew
until it extended over the entire acreage. Various
buildings rose on the farm as need came for
them, until arrangements were perfected for the
convenient carrying on of all farm work.
Mr. Kipp was married in Wayne County in 1857,
to Martha Reed, who died in 1861 leaving one
792
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
child — Jesse. In tlie same county Mr. Kipp con-
tr.acted a second matrimonial alliance, wedding
Thankful Axtell. Of this union there have been
born five cliildren, named respectively: James,
Mar3% Emma, William and Albert. The last named
has spent the past two 3'ears in St. John's. The
present Mrs. Kipp is a kindly capable woman,
whose home is well kept and whose friends are
many and true. Mr. Kipp has served his neighoors
in the capacity of Commissioner of Highways and
done well for the traveling public. He is a Demo-
crat and has acted as a delegate in various con-
ventions. One of the most distinguishing traits
is the care with which he meets every obligation
and the promptness with which he takes up a note,
never letting one pass the time it is due.
J ^ AMES K. DAVISON, a typical farmer of
the progressive and thrifty class, occupies a
farm on .section 11, Essex Township, and
has an excellent position among the men of
Clinton County. He possesses a good business
ability as well as agricultural skill and his land is
well tilled, furnished with good buildings and
adorned with suitable features, such .as forest nnd
orchard trees, etc. He is a native of Macomb
County, this State, and was born May 2, 1845, to
Andrew and Sallie (King) Davison. His father
was born in Connecticut and his mother in New
York and his ancestors are supposed to have
been Scotch. His father was an early settler in
Macomb County, coming to the State some time
in the '30s, when but little h.ad been done toward
the development of the physical resources of the
Territory. The parental household included seven
children, of whom three only now survive — George,
living in Montcalm County; Nancy, wife of Charles
D.Rice, whose home is in Essex Township; and
James K., our subject.
The latter was educated in the common schools
of Macomb Count}' and has supplemented the
knowledge gained therein by a course of reading
and keen observation of n)en and methods, thereby
becoming well informed. He was quite young
when the Civil War began, but was anxious to aid
in defending the flag and when not j'et twent}'
3ears old he entered the army, March 27, 18C5.
He enlisted in Company G, Sixteenth Michigan In-
fantr}', and did guard dut}- principally in Virginia
until the close of the war. He was In Washington
during the Grand Review but did not i)articii)ate
in the parade. His discharge was leceived in July,
1865, and he leturned to his native State to resume
the arts of peace and pursue an honored calling.
In 1881 he settled upon his present estate in Clin-
ton County, which consists of eighty acres.
During the month of September, 1874, Mr. D.a-
vison was married to Miss Stella Bentlcy and some
time after her loss he won Miss Katie Perr^' to
brighten his home. His marriage with his present
wife occurred in November, 1880, and mutual hap-
piness has been the result. Mr. Davison is of a
somewhat conservative nature but ever ready to
lend a helping hand to enterprises that will beneflt
the people of this section and shows a greater de-
gree of genuine public s|)irit than is usual among
farmers. At present he is a member of the Board
of Review. He is a Mason, belonging to a lodge in
Maple Ra|iids. In matters of national import he
casts his ballot with the Republican party, but in
local elections considers the candidate rather tliau
the political i)latform on which he stands, believing
that the [lartles differ so little on minor points that
the man is the all-important thought. He is more
than ordinarily successfid in the affairs of life and
has an honorable place among his associates.
^/OHN COWELL, deceased. This martyr
upon his country's altar, who died of star-
vation in the rebel prison, was before his
iiji^// enlistment a resident of New Haven Toww-
shii), Shiawassee County. Mich., and was born in
Ottawa County, Ohio, April 14, 1825. He re-
ceived at the hanils of his parents a good common-
school education, but his father died when he was
a little boy and the child came to Macomb County,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
793
Mich., to live with liis uncle, L.-iiiciiis IT.iskins, a
farmer and miller, who was the owner of a carding
machine, saw-mill and grist-mill.
John Cowell remained with his undo and learned
the trade of a sawyer, but in 1813 purchased eighty'
acres of wild land, part of which lie cleared and
then made sale of, going from that section to Ml.
Clemens, Mich. In 185.5 he came to Shiawassee
County- and settleil upon a farm of eighty acres on
section 30, a tract of unbroken land which he pro-
ceeded to clear of timber. He ii.ad ahead}- chosen
his partner for life in the person of Margaret K.
Tapking, a daughter of Ernest and Sophia (Felsta-
liousen) Taiiking, who were Hanoverians from
Germany. Margaret was their eldest born, her
natal day being October 27, 1827, and she was twelve
years old when her famil}' came to America and
from that time has made her iiome in Macomb
County.
To John and Margaret Cowell were born two
daughters and four sons, namely : Andrew, Juni-
etta M.,^Lar3- M., Edward C, Henry F. and Eugene
S. John Cowell was a Democrat in his views, but
was what was honorably known in war times as a
War Democrat. His heart beat warmly for his
country's flag and he sprang to the defense of his
nation's honor, enlisting under Capt. Geo. A. Drew
October 11, 18G2, in Company G, Sixth Michigan
Cavalry, at Grand Rapids, Midi., and was mus-
tered in by Lieut. Col. J. R. Smith, October 11.
1862, at Grand Rapids, Mich. He went from the
latter p'ace to Washington and was in service
with his regiment for a year and was captured by
tlie enemy, October 10, 18G3. His capture took
jilace at Culpcper and he was taken first to Libby
Prison and tlien to Andersonville, where he suf-
ered the unspeakable horrors of that prison pen.
He died of slow starvation, expiring April 17,
1861, thus sealing his devotion to his country with
bis life.
Mrs. Cowell has carried on her farming oper.a-
tions with good success and has a line farm and
good buildings. Slie added to the old farm in 1889
some forty acres, which are situated on section 30.
There are about ninety acres of the land cleared
and thirty still in timlier. She is a woman of
truly religious life and l)clief and a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and through her
man}' trials has enjoyed the consolations of Chris-
tianily. Owing to poor health she does not now
take as active a part in church matters as she did
in former years.
^1/ ^ S. MY RES. The gentleman who owns the
jVl farm on section 21, Vernon Township, was
^ born in Erie County, N. Y., in Clarence
^) Hollow, June 14, 1810. His father was
Peleg Myers, a native of Pennsylvania and a miller
by trade. He died a young man. His grandfather,
Stei)hen Myres, vvas also a native of Pennsylvania
and a farmer. Our subject's mother, whose maiden
name was Nancy Sample, was born in New York,
and was the mother of three children, one daughter
and two sons. Stephen, eldest son, resides in Oak-
land County, tliis State. Marv, the wife of James
T. Durling, resides in Milford, Oakland County.
The mother of our subject was united in mar-
riage a second time, becoming the wife of Phineas
Baits, and from this union there were two daugh-
ters and one son. The eldest, Josephine, is now
the wife of Halsey Toncray and resides in Dowagiac,
this State; Lillian is the wife of Daniel Hollister
and resides in Detroit; the son, Smith Baits, mar-
ried Lydia Estler and resides in Dowagiac, Mich.
Mr. Myres is the second child of the first marriage
and was only eight j'ears of age when he came to
Michigan. His Orst school days were spent in
Milford, Oakland County, and be finished in the
Ypsilanti Normal School at the age of eighteen
3'ears, after which he at once commenced teaching
school.
His first attempt at teaching was in Livingston
County, and lie also followed his profession in
Oakland County, after which he taught successively
two years at Parshallville, having two teachers;
Hartland Centre two j'ears; and at Brighton, where
he had four assistants. While at Hartland he was
Townshii) Superintendent of schools two years.
He has followed the profession of a teacher for
twenty-eight years. Six months were taught by
794
PORTRAIT AND CIOGRAPtJlCAL ALBUM.
him in Durand, after coining to Shiawassee County,
and his last school was at District No. 3, Vernon
Township,in said countj'; it was linown as the Homes
School District. In 1883 Mr. My res gave up
teaching and went to fanning, in which avocation
he has met with flattering success. In 1871 he
was united in marriage to MW.s Franc Ilarbacli, a
native of Michigan, having been born in Holly,
Oakland County, June 2, 1846. She was the
daughter of Franklin Harback, and spent some
j'ears in teaching. Mr. and Mrs. Myres became
the parents of one child, Jessie, who was born
April 16, 1875, and who died at the age of
eighteen months.
Mr. Myres is a Democrat in politicks and the peo-
ple of his township have shown their confidence in
his integrity and intelligence by electing him Super-
visor in the year 1883, which office he has held for
eight successive terms. He has also been, and is
at the present time, School Moderator of District
No. 4. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity,
Durand Lodge, No. 161. At present Mr. Myres
is a general farmer, devoting his time and atten-
tion to the fertile acres that surround his home.
He enjoys the pleasant consciousness tlist he has
done what he could to aid u<any to a higher posi-
tion in life than they would otherwise have occu-
pied .
-^^'
•iT?OHN B. HINMAN is the owner of and resi-
dent on the farm located on section 30, Cal-
edonia Township and was born July 3, 1826,
in Canada. His father was James Harve}'
Hinman, a native of New York State, where he
was horn November 17, 1793. His mother Bailey
Bonesteel, was born May 16, 1796, in Canada, where
she met and married iier husband. The young
couple resided there nearly twenty years, and then
removed to Ruciicsler, N. Y. The mother's death
took place Ma J' 13, 1852, and in 1855 the family
came to Michigan, the father's death occurring
December 17, 18G2. They were the parents of four
children, all of whom were boys.
Our subject was his parents' third child. He re-
ceived a district-school education and was about
ten J'ears of age when the family removed to
Rochester N. Y. When about thirteen years
of age he left home and went to work on a
farm until lie had reached his nineteenth year. He
ihen bought his time of his father and continued
to work for himelf on a farm. On October 24, 1 852,
he was united in marriage with Harriet A. Wicking,
a daughter of Ethelbert and Mary A. (Comber)
AVicking, both natives of County Kent, England,
his natal day being in 1810 and hers in 1812.
Their marriage took place in England and their
emigration to America occurred in 1841, after
which they settled in Rittsford, N. Y., where he
devoted him.self to farming and made a permanent
liomo. Mr. and Mrs. AVicking died resi)ectively
in 1860 and 1887. They were the parents of
eleven children, seven of whom are now living.
They were Episcoi)alians in church preference and
the mother was for many years a teacher in the
parish school in England. Mrs. Hinman's father
was a stanch Democrat in politics.
Mrs. Hinman was born March 22, 1835 in Eng-
land, where she received the advantages of a dis-
trict-school education. At the time of her mar-
riage she was a resident of Rochester, N. Y. In
1853 the family came to Michigan and settled in
Genesee County on a new farm. Our subject
built a frame shanty which was intended as a tem-
porary dwelling and immediately began the work
of clearing his tract of land. There they lived for
two years and then removed to the farm wiiich
they at present occupy. It also was new land and
comprised fifty acres of heavy timber land. There
were no roads and thcj- were obliged to make
their way Ihiough the woods to the neighbors,
guarding against losing themselves by blazing the
trees.
The amount that they paid for the land took all
they had and the months and even years that fol-
lowed were [)assed in a hand to hand struggle with
poverty. It was often a question how the mouths
should be filled. When Mr. Hinman moved into
the county with his family his wife drove to their
future home from twelve miles beyond Flint, find-
ing her wa}' through the forest b}' marked trees.
They stopped at Corunna and tlien proceeded to
the farm where they at present reside. One can
I'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
795
imagine tlie feelings of the wife as she (ksceniled
before the unfinishoil log house in wliieh tlieie was
but a single room, oni^- one door and an nnshingled
roof. Mv. Uininan's brother William and family
came at about the same time and for several weeks
they all lived in tiiat one room. Our subject
brought the first hogs, cows and liens into this
neighborhood. The pigs were very small and had
to be treated much like babies, being fed with a
spoon.
Mr. Ilinraan was obliged to work out for others
in or(]er to get means to support the family. At
odd times he devoted himself to clearing his land.
At first they had to bring their drinking water
from a distance of half a mile. The first team
they had was a yoke of calves, and Mrs. llinman
used to gather field sorrel for pics, '^he had no
lard and was obliged to make her pastry of butter-
milk and saleratus. But pies were luxuries to be
enjoyed only on lare Sundays. Our subject's
farm is now all improved and in a high state of
cultivation. They have lived here for thirty-six
years and now live in an attractive house that is
very different from the one room cabin. His pres-
ent home was built fifteen years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Hinman have never had children.
Both are members of the Episcopal Church at
Owosso, of which ho has been Treasurer and
Warden for a number of years. Oar subject is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
in which he has held several offices. He is actively
interested in politics, being an adherent of the
Democratic i>art3-. He was in early days a Path-
master.
In pioneer times Hour was not alwa3's easy to
be gotten. The family of whom we write were at
one time out of this staple article, and Mr. Ilin-
nian's father, who lived with them made a trip to
Owosso with his ox-team in order to procure the
fiour. He secured a barrel on credit, the barrel
costing him $9. As Mr. Hinman rolled the barrel
over the doorsill he made the discourop;ing remark:
"There goes the cow," but the wife '.vas deterinine<l '
that that docile and and useful animal should not
be sold, as it was not in the end, for she secured
enough to pay for the fiour b^- nursing a sick per-
son for a period of four weeks. It is a satisfaction to
know that such privations as these we have men-
tioned, were bravely endured and that success and
comfort is the resullof their hard labor.perscverance
and patience. Mrs. Hinman's brother, James Wick-
ing, was a soldier in the late war, being a member of
Company C, One hundred and Kifteentli New York
Infantry. He w.ns a mounted Orderly to Dei)Uty
Provost Marshal Gen. George S. Batclielor, and
died in the discharge of his duty June 17, 1863, at
Port Royal, S. C.
Mr. and Mrs. Hinman, though having no child-
ren, have alwa3-s been very charitably disposeil in
regard to providing for unfortunate and homeless
children, having at various times cared for sixteen.
Their home is known far and wide as the '-House
of Refuge for the homeless."
&m?^^\
ii^E^EiP
iHEODORE A. LAUBENGAYER, a success-
ful business man of Owosso has one of the
neatest and most attractive drug stores in
Central Michigan. It is not only fitted up hand-
somely and arranged with taste but his manage-
ment has also secured the confidence of the com-
munity and given him a large custom in his native
city. He was born March 9, 1859 and is the old-
est son of John F. and Sophia (Gerner) Lauben-
gayer, both of whom are natives of Germany, who
emigrated to the United States previous to their
marriage and were united in the bonds of matri-
mony in Ann Arbor, Mich.
This German-American citizen became a gradu-
ate of the pharmaceutical department of the Slate
University, where he took his diploma in 1845. He
opened up a drug store in Owosso in 1857 on the
same site where his son's store now stands. His busi-
ness was carried on in a small frame building in
which he continued until his death in 1887 when
he leached the age of fift^'-twoj caij. He began busi-
ness with limited means and achieved a g(jod suc-
cess. His wife and three children survive him, two
sons and a daughter, namely: Theodore A., Ma-
tilda D., (Mrs. Harry Osburn) and Alfred G.,a jew-
eler with the Chicago Watch Company.
Theodore A. Laubengayer spent most of his
796
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
school daj's in Owosso and then entered the State
University where he pursued liis studies for
eighteen mouths, being able to shorten his couise
on account of having assisted liis father for some
lime in the store before going to the University.
The young man now returned to his native iiome
and continued with his father until the death of
that parent when he succeeded in the business. In
1889 he built a fire brick block which he now oc-
cupies, a three-story building occupying 22x90
feet on the ground floor.
The marriage of our subject in 1873 united him
with Miss Nettie Leonard of Kenton, Mich., a
daughter of Mr. Harry Leonard. This worthy
couple are members of the Lutheran Church and he
is a Republican in his [jolitical views but a conser-
vative one. He is also identified with Lodge No.
181, Knights of Pythias.
'^^"
'S^^^IKRCE DYNES. Probiibly few farmers of
11) Sliiawassee County are better kuown than
^ Mr. Dynes, who is a highly respected citi-
/ \ zen of Owosso Township, and has always
been a hard worker and shrewd manager. He has
after hardships and toils achieved a satisfactory
success, and now has one of the finest farms which
the county affords. He resides on section 35, of
Owosso Township, and cultivates two hundred and
fifty acres of land, one hundred and five of which
are in Bennington Township, two miles from the
home. A view of the homestead, which is under
fine improvement, is presented in this volume.
The subject of this sketch w.as born in County
Down. Ircl.and, December 5, 1826, a. id is the son
of Oliver and Mary (McCormick) Dynes. When
twenty-five 3'cars old. Pierce in companj- with his
sister Mar}', who now resides in New York, came
to America. He found employment with a Mr.
Stanley in Monroe Countj', N. Y., and worked for
him for tiirec years at $9 a month. He then came
to Michigan and secured the land where he now
lives. He has paid for this property out of his own
savings, as he had no capital with which to begin
life except his own pluck, push and perseverance.
When he came to this countr\- it was indeed an
untamed wilderness. There were then but two
stores in (Jwosso, and only one house on the road
between Mr. Dynes' farm and that village. He
bought eighty acres, paj'ing |!160 for it. and im-
proving it to such an extent that it is now a frirm
of great value and worth each year in its products
many times the mone^' which he then paid out.
Three years after coming to the Wolverine
State young Dynes took to wife Sarah Jane, a
daughter of Thomas Thompson. This intelligent
and faitliful helpmate died October 3, 1883, under
ver^- distressing circumstances. She was driving
with her son Thomas and came near to wiiere a
steam tliresher was in operation. The engineer
was requested to move a little farther from tlic
roadway so that tlie team miglil pass in safet3', but
he declined to move, telling tiiem to drive along
and that it would be all right; but just as the team
was passing the machine the escaping steam fright-
ened the horses and they began to run. Mrs.
Dynes was thrown out and fell under the wheels of
the wagon which went over her, breaking her hips
.and inflicting internal injuries. Help cameatonce
and she was lenderiy carried into Mr.Hopkins' house
and her iuisbind and medical aid were at once
summoned. Drs. Perkins and Knapp soon arrived
upon the scene, but could do nothing more than
to administer opiates to relieve her agony. She
scarcely regained consciousness and four or live
hours later breathed her Lost after intense suffering
This terrible calamity has given Mr. D3'nes a
blow which he cannot efface from his life. This
faithful companion had for 3'ears labored together
willi him for Uie attainment of a pleasant home
and a comfortable independence, and just .as their
ambition was gratified it is indeed hard that she
should be taken away by so api)arently needless a
calamity. It has saddened her husband's life and
left a gloom upon the home.
The f.amily of Mr. and Mrs. Dynes consisted of
the following children: Robert, who died when
three years old; Henry, who lived to be twenty-
seven years old and passed away September 12,
1887; Sallie, now Mrs. George McKinzie. of
Owosso; Thom.as, who lives in Bay City; Jennie,
who is Mrs. Miles Wiggins, of Owo.sso; John, who
RESIDENCE OF PIERCE DYNES , SEC. 35., OWOSSO TR, 5HI AWAS5EE CO. .IVflCH
RESIDENCE OF SYLVESTER BEEBEE, 5 EC. 23. GREEN BUSH TP, CLINTON CO.,MICH •
RESIDENCE OF M. G. PHO EN IX ,SEC.34. BENNINGTON Tf., SHIAWASSEE CO., MICH.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
799
has a farm in Bennington Towiisliip; and Riciiard,
Maggie, Lnla and Raymond, who are all at home.
Mr. D^'nes is a devout member of the Episcopal
Church and a man whose upright life and earnest
oiiar.acter justl3' meet tiie ai)proval of an intelli-
gent conscience. Were it not for tiie blow wliich
has fallen ui)on him in the death of his wife, life
would have only enjo^ ment and comfort for him.
Ijy^ AXFIELD G. PHOENIX. One of the
finest farms in Shiawassee County is that
located on section 34, Bennington Town-
ship, and owned by M. G. Plioenix who
was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., April G,
1830. He is the son of Ralph and Catherine (Daw-
son) both of New .Terse}'. They came to St. Jose|>h
County, this State, and located near White Pigeon
in the year 1835, where the mother still re-
sides. AVhen our subject was but seven years
of age the faniilj' remove<l to Washtenaw County
where they remained for two jears. The father
being taken away when his son was but six years
of age, his uncle, Lyman Bennett, took him into
his family at the age of seven and brought him to
Shiawassee County, where he remained un'il he vvas
sixteen years of age. At this age the boy felt the
responsibility of manliness and determined to go
to his mother in order to assist her as much as pos-
sible. This he did and returned to White Pigeon
where he remained until 1854.
It is .said that early impressions have a lasting
influence both upon the mind and affections, and it
is evident that Shiawassee County appealed to our
subject for in 1855 he returned and i)urchased
eight}' acres of land. At the time he moved on his
farm it contained a log house, about which was a
small clearing. He paid $1,100 for the place, going
in debt to the extent of *450. He was soon mar-
ried to Mary Card and began the work of life in
earnest. Because of his straightened circumstances
he had unusual didiculties to contend with. A
team was a luxury not to be thought of and Mr.
Phoenix broke land for other parties for three or
four years, chopiiing wood on his own land in the
winter. The farm now contains one hundred and
twenty acres with good improvements. He has his
house charmingly located on a commanding emi-
nence from which can be Iiad a view of the sur-
rounding country. He built this residenc; upon
which he expended $1,200 and added a fine barn
which cost him #1.100. His farm is well watered
b}' means of pipes leading from a reservoir that is
Qlled by a wind engine and the water is conducted
to barns and sheds for stock. He has about eight
hundred rods of tile and his farm is exceedingly
well drained. The reader will notice on aiiothi r
page a view of his attractive homestead.
JNIarch 29, 18G5, Mr. Phoenix entered into a sec-
ond contraetof marriage, this time to Miss Wealthy
Brandt, a daughter of Frederick Brandt, who was
born in Perry Township August 2(1, 1847. Our
suliject has a pleasing family who are useful and
prominent members of the community. The eldest,
Jennie, is t!ie wiTc of Charles R. Bemiss and lives
on the farm, being about thirty years of age;
the others are Bertha, who has reached the age of
nineteen years, and John who is now nine years
old, Mr. Phoenix is a Republican in politics and
is an ardent advocate of the measures that go to
make up the jjlatform of that party. He is one of
the prominent men of his township, having declared
his ability by the way in which he has surmounted
the dilHcullies of pioneer life and the success that
he has made in a business way.
YLVESTER BEEBEE, a venerable septua-
genarian and a time-honored pioneer of
Clinton County, residing ou section 2.'i,
Ureenbush 'J'ownship, is a native of Herki-
mer County, N. Y., where he was born Ajjril 14,
1820. He is a son of Silas and Antha (Pardee)
Beebee, natives of New York Slate. His paternal
ancestors are English. Our subject was reared to
manhood in his native county and has pursued
farming since his boyhood. He received the rudi-
ments of an education in the early schools of New
York, which he attended in winter only as he was
the eldest son of the family and could not be
800
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
spared from the farm work in the summer after he
became old enough to assist liis fatlier. The latter
was very limited in financial resources and unaljle
to hire tiie help which would have relieved our
subject from labor, so he cheerfully turned his en-
ergies toward helping to support the family. How-
ever, he took what schooling he could get and
constantly improved his opportunities for self-
education and has throughout life been a thorough
and systematic reader of the journals of the day.
Mr. Beebee was first married in New York State
in 1846. His wife, Abby Ann Vincent, a native of
New York State, became the mother of two chil-
dren— Emma L., the wife of William Bird, who
resides in Duplain Township, Clinton County, and
William F., who makes his home in Greenbush
Township. The wife was snatched from his side
by death while they still made their home in New
York. The marriage of Mr. Beebee to his present
wife, who was known in her maidenhood as Clara
Osborn,took place April 17, 186 L To them were
born two children — the daughter Antha A., now
the wife of Frank Green, makes her home in Ovid,
Mich.; the son, Charles E., has been called from
earth.
The subject of this sketch came to Clinton County
from Pennsylvania in 186,5. He first resided in
Essex Township but in 1870 he came to Greenbush
Township and located on the farm where he now
resides. Here he has forty acres of excellent arable
land in a good state of cultivation. A view of this
pleasant homestead ai)pears on another page of the
Album. Mr. Beebee has risen from the poverty of
his boyhood to the possession of a handsome prop-
erty and all that he has is the result of his perse-
verit g industry, enterprise and integritj'. He has
also through all his struggles maintained the repu-
tation of a good citizen and a man of honor and
has the respect of the entire community.
The citizens of Greenbush Township testified to
their appreciation of Mr. Beebee's character by
electing him Justice of the Peace in April, 1873, and
re-electing him every four years up to the present
time, thus keeping him in continuous service, as he
is now serving his fiftii term. The "Squire" as he
is called, is eminent throughout all that region for
the judicial knovvlege which he displays in his office
of Justice of the Peace. His decisions have be-
come proverbial for their fairness and are at .all
times rcndei'cd from an unbiased ami unpredjndiced
standpoint.
P^or nine 3'ears Mr. Beebee has been serving as
School Director and was School Moderator of his
district. Both he and his worthy wife are highly
esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and are counted among the most useful
members of societ3'. He enjo3'S the full confidence
of all who have had dealings with him in business
and is considered one of the most prominent citi-
zens of Greenbush Township. It is with pleasure
that we represent this aged pioneer in this volume
among other luiblic-spirited and influential citizens
of Clinton County who have done so much to de-
velop Central Michigan and have by their labors
and wise enterprise converted what was once a
wilderness into what may be styled the "garden
of the West" for its beauty and productiveness.
^S
E^-
ICllAKL E. CARL AND. This gentleman
is prominently identified with the business
interests of Corunna and with the various
projects by which the welfare of Shiawas-
see County is advanced. He has been for some
years engaged in mercantile puisuits and he has
become one of the leading dealers of the city. In
1879 he built a substantial block, one hundred and
twenty feet deep and divided it into two stores.
Here he has a large stock of dry goods, groceries,
crockery and queensware, boots and shoes, car[)ets,
wall paper — in fact everj'thing in the line of gen-
eral merchandise that is likely to le called for.
Not only the main floor, but the second story is
used, and in every part of the establishment the
work is systematiz(^d and the employes courteous
and obliging. Mr. Garland has a partner in the
business, his .associate being hit ne[)hew, John Car-
land, who first eng.aged with him in the sale of gro-
ceries. The present extensive business has grown
out of the old trade and the firm of M. & J. Car-
land is now the oldest in town.
Mr. Garland was born in Kinsale, County Cork,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
801
Ireland, .Inly 12, 1835, and was Imt a cliild when
his parents emigrated. His fatl-er, Miehael far-
land, was born in the North of Ireland, but had
been taken to Connty Cork wlicn but a child, his
parents removing on aoconnt of the Rebellion of
1708. Michael grew to manhood and learned the
trade of a tanner and currier in County Cork, and
there married Mar^- Allen, who was liorn in Ban-
don, County Cork. They came to America in
1836, voyaging from Cork to Boston, and being
nine weeks on route. Mr. Carland worked at his
trade in the "Hub" a short time, then made his
home in Mexico, Oswego County, N. Y., a few
years. In 1838 he came to Detroit and worked at
his trade as an emi)loye of the Kirbys. His wife
died there in 1839. and the family was scattered,
but in 1840 he returned to Mexico and with a rel-
ative became interested in a tanner^'. He was in
business there until 1816, then returned to Detroit
and again worked at his trade for a time. He r.cxt
bought a farm in AVashtenaw County, and during
the winter, while ciossing one of the small lakes
near his home, he was drowned, his boilj' not be-
ing recovered until spring. He was one who took
a decided stf nd on all questions which he took in-
to consideration. In politics he was a Democrat
and in religion a Catholic.
There were six sons and daughters born to the
parents of our subject, but only two survive —
Michael an<l Alice, the latter a widow of George
Sumner, of Sylvan, \Vashtcnavv County. One son,
Richard, who was a soldier in the Second United
States Artillery, was lost at sea, off Cape Ilattoras.
from the steamer "San Francisco." John, the
fourth child, was Captain of Company H, Twentj'-
Third Michigan Infantry and rose to the rank of
Major. He served through the Civil War and
was later appointed Second Lieutenant in the Sixth
United States Infantry and did duty in the Sioux
camjiaign, the various stations at which he was
posted being Fts. Hall, Douglass, Leavenworth
and Abe Lincoln. His death occurred at Frank-
fort, this State, in February, 1890, after he had
gone on the retired captain's list. He had located
in Shiawassee County in 1856, and farmed in Ven-
ice Township two years. He then studied law
with S. T. Parsons in Shiawassee County, was ad-
mitted to the bar and was holding the offlce of
Justice of the Peace when the war began. He
raised a company during the early days of 1862,
and from that time until the close of the war was
in the Carolinas and the West. From 1865 to
1867 he practiced his profession in Corunna and
from that t'me until near his demise he was in the
Regular Army. His ccnnection with that branch
of the service covered a period of twenty-three
years and during twelve of them he was Regi-
mental (^luarterinaster and Commissary, having
charge of the subsistence and arms of the regi-
ment.
John Carland was married in Mexico, N. Y.,
to Emily Calkins, who diei) in Corunna before the
Civil War, leaving two sons, lluce and seven years
of age. The^' wore reared by their uncle Michael
and given every possible oi)portunity to become
educated. One of them, John K., after being
graduated from the Corunna High School, read
law with Judge J. B. Shipraan, of Coldwatcr, and
then with John G. Hawlej-, of Detroit. He was
admitted to the bar and in 1877 went to Bismarck,
Dak., where he w.as City Attorney and Mayor.
He was appointid United States District Attornej'
for th(i District of Dakota in 1885, and liy Presi-
dent Cleveland was made Associate Justice of the
Supreme Court of tlie Territor3- of Dakota. When
the Territory was admitted to the Union as two
States, his official station necessarily became void.
He is now engaged in [nactice in Sioux Flails, S.
Dak. He was also a member of liie Conslitulional
Convention of North Dakota and was Chairman of
the Judicial Committee. The other son, Willis
W., went West in 1876, and was in the Govern-
ment em[)loy during the Custer campaign. He af-
terward located in .Miles City. Mon., where he held
the offices of Deputy Clerk of the U'nited States
District Court and Treasurer of Custer Count3'; he
is now engaged in the real-estate business in Chi-
cago.
The subject of this sketcth lias no recollections
of an earlier period than his residence in Detroit.
He lived in New York some six years and in 1816
he returned again to this State, crossing the lake
on the schooner "Essex." That summer he be-
came cabinboy on the ''(ien. Anthony Wayne,"
802
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
whicli plied lietween Buffalo nnd Toledo, and in th'»
winter he .vent to Port Huron and made iiis liorae
with tlie late Elijah Birch. Ho liad a curiosity to
go to Detroit to see his old acquaintances, and
found liis sister Alice in the emplo}- of James F.
.Toy and then learned of tiie death of iiis father.
His sister persuaded him to live in the same family
as herself and during the next two ^-ears he staid
with Mr. Joy and attended school. He then went
back to Mexico, N. Y., and made his home with
his father's former partner until 1850, when he
again came to this State. His sister in the mean-
time liad become the wife of Mr. Sumner, who was
foreman in a tanning and currying establishment
in Van ISuren County. Young Carland became an
a[)prentice there, serving until 1852, when he joined
a company to cross the plains.
The party was organized uniler Capt. George
W. Peacock and the outfit consisted of ox teams
and wagons. They trr.veled through Southern
Michigan, Northern Indiana and Illinois to Ottawa,
went down the river to St. Louis on a steamer,
then on to ''St. Joe," where the}' crossed the Mis-
souri River on a flat boat. The3' made their way
across the Western plains, striking the South
Platte at Ft. Kearne}', subsequently' crossing the
North Platte and Sweetwater. AVhen within eighty
miles of Salt Lake, Mr. Carland .and four others
left their train and went to the Mormon capital,
where our subject hired out to work at liis trade.
He was quite contented, but five weeks later met
a relative who persuaded him to go on to Cali-
fornia. His employer at Salt Lake was a promi-
nent Mormon and Mr. Carland did some work
on the Temple. He was there when the fifth anni-
versary of the entrance of tiie Mormc5ns into the
Salt Lake Valley was celel>rated, July 21, 1852.
Mr. Carland and his friend had one horse which
they used in turn, traveling in company with a
fieighter of whom they hired board. At Bear
River, forty miles north of Salt Lake, his wagon
broke down and he returned them the monej' they
had paid him and also gave them some provision.
The two continued their journey alone and made
their way through to the Big Meadows at the Sink
of the Humboltlt, where Mr. Carland hired to a
horse trader. He crossed the desert with him.
passed up the Carson Valley and across the Sierra
Nevad.as, and reached Stockton, Cal., b}- way of the
lone Valley. There he was discharged and going
to Sacramento he traveled on foot to Placervilie.
where he s|)ent the winter in mining. He spent
the ensuing tw'o years in the neighborhood of
Mormon Island, Sacramento County, still engaged
in mining, and then went to San Francisco and se-
cured employment with the Pacific Mail Steamship
Conipanj-, running between San Francisco and
Panama. He was on the route until the sjjring of
1858, when he made a prospecting tour to British
Columbia, taking special note of the advantages of
the Fnizier River region. Thence he returned to
Sacramento and for a jear was engaged in ranch-
ing in the subuibs ot that city.
Mr. Carland next returned to San Francisco but
during the summer of 1859 worked on a farm near
San Jose, then going again to San Francisco and
entered the employ of Howes & \V3Miant, general
commission merchants. In the winter of 1860 he
made a trip to Washington Territory, in an oyster
schooner which loaded in .Siioal Water Bay. and
the next spring resumed his work in the couimis-
sion house in San Francisco. He was there when
tlie rebellion began, and with his employers and
others undertook to enlist, but wlien told that they
would be sent to fight the Indians on the plains,
all decided not to become soldiers. In December,
1862, Mr. Cailand sailed for New York via Pan-
ama, and reaching the American metropolis, Jan-
uary 3. 1863, came at once to Shiawassee County.
Here he was married January 28, to Miss Sarah K.
Calkins, a daughter of William A. Calkins, a well-
known farmer whom he had known since childhood.
The bride was born in Mexico, N. Y., and was a
well bred and ca|iable woman. .SIjc died Ai)ril 26,
1872, leaving three cnildren. The living children
are Emily, now the wife of A. J. Erb and residing
in Manistee, Mich., where he is engaged in prHctic-
ing law; Kittie, a teacher in the Corunna High
School, who studied here and attended Albion Col-
lege two years; a daughter, Sarah E., died at
the age of one j'ear, and M,ajor, twin of Sarah, who
is a telegraph operator in the employ of the Mexi-
can Central Railroad in Old Mexico.
In the spring of 1863, Mr. Carland went to
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
803
Grand Rapiils and became engaged in a tannery
owned b}' Mr. Taj-lor. In the fall ho went to Ven-
ice Townsiiip, Shiawassee Count}-, and spent the
winter, and the next spring took charge of Mr.
Scott's tannery at Coo[)ersville, Ottawa County.
Another winter was spent in Venice Towusliip, and
tiie following spring lie located in Corunna and
began work as a mason. In August following, be
and his former schoolmate, M. Ormsby,became part-
ners in the grocery business, but in 1868 Mr. Car-
land disposed of his interest in the firm and in the
fall engaged in business alone. lie soon after took
his nephew, John, into the business and the work
has gone on as before noted.
In 18t!7 Mr. Garland built a residence and he
can justly claim of having one of the most beautiful
homes in Corunna. He made a second marriage
in 1872, the ceremony taking place in W-nice
Township and his bride being Miss Elizabeth Mc-
Laren, who was born there. This marriage has
been blest by the birth of twochildren — IJessie and
Charles S. Husband and wife belong to the Meth-
odist Kpisco|)al Church, and Mr. Carland is a
Knight Templar and a Mason of the Royal Arch
degree. He is a Democrat and has frequently been
a delegate to county and .State conventions.
When Corunna became a city he was elected Al-
derman and served several terms. He h;vs been
a member of the Board of Education almost con-
tiiiuousl}' since he settled here, and has been
President [)art of the time. He belonged to that
body when the present schooliiouso was built.
During one year he served as Supervisor of the
First Ward.
UDOE AMA.SA ANGEL HARPER, is a
prominent figure among the old settlers of
Corunna and was for eight j'ears Judge of
the Probate Court. He has a beautiful farm
of one hundred and twenty acres adjoining the
corporation of this city and makes his home in
Corunna. He was born at .Junius, near Seneca
Lake in Seneca County, N. Y., October i:», 1833.
His father, Alonzo, was born near Ft. Ann, in
Washington County, that Slate, and his grand-
f.alher, Robert, was born in Vermont, and was a
W.ashington County, N. Y., farmer, when he left
home to take pait in the War of 1812. In 1835
he removed from Seneca County to Lodi Township,
Washtenaw County, Mich., where he became a
prominent man, being Su|)ervisor of the Township
and Justice of the Pe.ace, and occupying other
official positions until his death.
The father of our subject journe^-ed with his
father by team from Seneca County, N. Y., to
Michigan through Ohio, crossing tiie Maumee
Swamp. Upon reaching Lodi he located some land
in heavy oak openings and built a lo^j house witii
mud and stick chimney. In 1876 he removed to
Norvell, Jackson County, where he engpged in
farming and where he now resides in his eight^--
first vear. He has long been a |)romineiii member
of the Baptist Cliuieh and his political sympathies
are vvilli the Democratic part}-. The inotlier of
our sulijcct, Julia Cornell, was born in Washington
County, N. Y., and was the daughter of William
Cornell, a soldier in the War of 1812. Her dcatli
took place April 3, 1891, when cight3-two years of
age. Of her eleven children, nine now survive, to
mourn her loss.
The first recollections of our subject are of
Michigan, as he was veiy young when he came here.
He was early set to work guiding oxen and (Uiing
other hard farm tasks. Both he and his lather
were excellent shots and often brought down a
deer for the family larder. The log schoolhou.se,
and somewhat later niore convenient and more
thorough schools at Chelsea furnished his oppor-
tunities for education.
Soon after the young man completed his twenty-
first year he engaged in the general merchandise
business at Chelsea, going into partnership with
his uncle, Mason Har[)er. C)ne year later he bought
out his uncle and continued for five years in busi-
ness by himself. In 1858 he sold out his business
and leaving Washtenaw County, located in Wood-
hull Township, .Shiawassee County, where he bought
eighty acres of nevv land upon which he worked
for three years. After selling this propurty he
located in Perry Township, where he bought a farm
of one hundred and twenty- acres, which he culti-
vated for some time. He then started in business
804
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
with general merchandise at Perry, until he was
elected Township Clerk. He filled this office for
three years and then that of Township Treasurer
for four j'cars. He became Superrisor in 1873
and continued consecutively in that office until
1880. He "was for a long while Chairman of the
County Board. In the fall of 1880 he was nomin-
ated for Judge of Probate Court on the Republi-
can ticket and being elected he took charge of the
office January 1, 1881, and made his home in Cor-
unna. He was re-elected in 1884 and continued
serving until January 1, 1881), when he declined
further re-election.
Judge Harper is now devoting himself to the
improvement of his farm of one hundred and
twenty acres and to the breeding of fine stock. He
breeds Perclierons and also thoroughbred roadsters
and full-blooded and graded animals of other kinds,
and has a fine grade of Merino sheep. His home
is a handsome brick residence, adorned with taste
and pleasantly situated. His marriage in Chelsea,
October 9, 1854 united him with Cornelia J. Bur-
chard, the daughter of Uickson Burchard, a native
of New York, who came to Michigan and located
in Sylvan Township, Washtenaw County, about the
year 1837. He was a Whig, Abolitionist and Re-
pulilican, and was one of the successful pioneer
farmers. He was also a member and an influential
one in the Protestant Methodist Church and died
in 1866. Mrs. Harper's mother bore the maiden
name of Adelia Becker. She was a native of Scho-
harie, N. Y., and died in 1858. Mrs. Harper was
))orn in liradford County, Pa., January 7, 1836,
and came to Michigan in 1837. Her education was
completed in the Academy at Grass Lake, Jackson
County, Mich.
'1 lie two children of Judge and Mrs. Harper are
Myrtle I)., who graduated at the Corunna High
School and engaged in teaching until her marriage
with John J. AVilkinson, with whom she now re-
sides in Omaha, Neb., and Ilattie E., who is a grad-
uate of the same school and then look a position
with her father as Registrar of the Probate Court,
which position she now occupies under Judge Bush.
The Judge is a prominent Mason and has attained
the rank of Knight Templar; he has been Secretary
of the Commandcry for two years. He is a demitted
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
from Perry. lie is an influential Republican both
in the county and this part of the State. He held
the office of Ma3-or of Corunna in 1888-89.
When on the United States Grand Jury he was one
of the jurymen in the great tobacco suit with
Rothschild. As a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church he is active and interested in all
church work and occupies the position of Trustee.
-^
OHN A. BARRINGTON. The man who
sawed the first board that was manufactureil
in Greenbush Township, Clinton County
and ground the first bushel of wheat, which
was turned into flour here, is still residing in this
townsliip, and his name appears at the head of this
sketch. Me is a prominent and influential citizen
of Eurckn, and was born March 16, 1816. His par-
ents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Ailment) Barring ton,
were liorn in Ireland, where he also first saw the
light. They brought him with them to this country
when he was an infant of some eighteen months,
and the family found their first home in the New
World in Susquehanna County, I'a.
Having passed his early boyhood in this section
the youth learned the trade of a carpenter and
joiner, and being naturally of a mechanical turn of
mind took up architecture. This work he followed
for many years and indeed until 1880, when he
l)lanned anil put up for himself the last house
which was erected under his hands, in which he now
resides. His business has brought him largel}' into
contact with the outside world and he has gained
much in this way as well as by a course of extensive
re.iding, all of which has aided in supplementing
the education he received in his school days. When
about seventeen years old he went to Mississippi
and resided there for several years, after which he
visited Kentuck}'.
While living in Kentucky Mr. Barrington made
the important clioice of a companion for life, and
in 1841 he was married to Serei)ta Squires and a
happy domestic life now began. Several children
came to cheer the hearts of these parents, but have
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
805
all liuLMi taken from tliem hy death as was alsotlieir
inotlier in 1878. His union with Llie present Mrs.
Banington was solemn izod Januarj- 23, 1879. He
was then wedded to Mrs. Frances Tinklepaugh,
widow of Eli Tinkle] )angh. This lady is a native
of Lenawee County, this Slate, where she was born
November 1, 1840, and is a daughter of Benson
and ISIary IMiller. Mr. Miller died some years ago
and somewhat later his widow married Nathan
Ellis and now resides in Essex Township. Mrs.
Barrington's first, marriage occurred in 18G2.
It was in 185G when Mr. Barrington and his first
wife came to Eureka, Mich., and here he soon built
a sawmill and afterward a gristmill, and was thus
the first mill-owner in Eureka. He carried on this
business for a great manj- years and did a large
amount of custom grinding. He employed steam
power and had three sets of burrs and he had a
large trade for many miles around.
Our subject is independent in his political views
and votes for the man in whom his judgment sees
the best protector for the interests of the people.
He owns eighty-five acres of land in Greenbush
Township, and eighty acres in Gratiot County this
State. He has been pre-eminently successful in
business and may well be classed among the hon-
ored and respected citizens of the county.
JT AMES M. VANAL'KEN is the son of one of
I the early pioneers of Michigan who came to
li this State in the old Territorial days. This
,^j_^ son, James, was a native of New York,
being born near Lyons, Wayne Countj', February
9, 1820. The father, Lewis, was a native of New
Jersey,' who removed to Monroe County, N. Y.,
when quite a j'oung man and came to Michigan in
18;55, making his home in Superior Township,
Washtenaw Count}', on a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, one hundreil acres of which was under
cultivation. He sold it and came to Newburg, Shia
wassec County. He was a Democrat in his politi-
cal views and a man who was ever respected for
his integrity and uprightness. He lived to the ex-
treme old age of ninety-three years, four months
and fourteen days.
Anthony ^'anauken, the grandfather of our sub-
ject was a native of New Jersey' and a soldier in
the Revolutionary War. After that military' ex-
perience, he settled down upon a New Jersey farm
and lived to a good old age. The mother of our
subject bore the name of Jane Westfall. Her son
does not know her nativity but remembers that
his parents were married in New York. The mother
lived to be eighty-o'ie years old. Sixteen children
gathered about their heartnslone, eight daughters
and eight sons, all of whom grew to manhood and
womanhood with the exception of one child.
The son James was si.Kteen j'ears old when his
parents decided to come West and ho traveled with
them through Canada with team and wagon. His
schooling was received in New York and his school
books consisted of Webster's spelling book and the
New Testament. He was lia|)pily married Decem-
ber Ifi, 1841, to Elizabeth Bentley, a native of Ni-
agara County, N. Y., who was born January 17,
1822, and came to Michigan when agi"l of fifteen
years.
After young \^inauken was married he under-
took the charge of his father's farm for one j'car
and then rented a place for three years in Washte-
naw County, after which he came to Vernon Town-
ship, Shiawassee County, where he now resides.
When he took the place there was not a tree nor a
bush cut upon it. He built the cheapest kind of a
log house, and roofed it with shakes. The dimen-
sions of the house were 18x21 feet on the ground.
But luxuries were not what this young couple ex-
pected. They were looking forward to the future,
and were willing to work hard and do without
many things to which Ihe^- had been accustomed
in childhood, and it was not long before one hun-
dred and twenty acres were cleared and under cul-
tivation. In the early days Byron wiis the nearest
town to this early home and Pontiac was for a
long while the nearest railroad station.
To Mr. and Mrs. Vanaukon there came no chilil-
ren of their own, but they brought up one child,
Henry W., son of Thomas and Melinda Smith,
whose mother died when he wsis four weeks old.
He w.as born March 10, 1851, and when he had
806
rORTKAlT AND BIOGRArHICAL ALBUM.
grown to manhood mairied Carrie Palmer, of A'er-
non Township, a native of New York Slate. Four
little ones blessed this home, F;ila Belle and Jim-
mic living with their paicnts, the other two having
died of diphtheria when quite young.
It is ever a pleasure to record the life of an\-
couple so worthy and so genial as those of whom
we have just spoken. Mr. Vauauken has been a
hard working man and has with his own hand
cleare<l and improved the one hundred and sixty
acres which belongs to his home farm. He carried
his activities far beyond the limit of raost men in
advancing years, and was known to cut four and
one-half acres of heavy grain with an ordinary
cradle after he had reached the age of sixty-one
years. His good wife has been to him indeed a
helpmate in everj' way anfi she is known through-
out tlie neighborhood as a true-hearted friend to
everyone who comes within tiie reach of her influ-
ence.
'if]OHN WALSH. The gentleman who owns
the farm on section 8, Bennington Town-
ship, Shiawassee County, was born in County
Down, Ireland, May 23, 1823. His parents
were Tliomas and Grace (Todd) Walsh, and he was
the fourth of a family of leu children, all of whom
lived to l)e grown but one. who died at the age of
ten; five are liviiiij al the present writing, (1891).
In 1847 our suliject came to liie United Stales in a
sailing vessel, proceeding at once to Birniiugiiam,
Oakland Coiinly, where he was soon after followed
by other members of the famil3'.
On (irst coming to this county Mr. Walsh
worked out by the month, ^10 being considered at
that lime ample remuneration for his services.
March 23, 181'.!, he was married at Birmingham to
Elizabeth Ann Todd. This lady was born in
County Down, Ojlober 13, 1826, her father being
John M. 'I'odd, and her mother Grace (Montgom-
ery) Todd. In 1>S!.'> the family located upon a
farm two miles east of the town. Mr. Walsh oper-
ated as a lenter for lifteen years, and then coming
to Bennington purchased one hundred and sixty
acres in the year 1865. The lime of his advent
into the county was made memorable by the occur-
rence of Lincoln's assassination just previous.
At the time Mr. Walsh purchased the farm sixty
acres were improved, and there was a log house
built upon it. Now he has one hundred and forty
acres under cultivation, and owns a fine large house
which was erected in 1881 at a cost of ^2,000. He
also has a barn upon his place which is 40x80 feet
in dimensions with a basement in which to store
grains; this he built at a cost of $2,000. A view
of these buildings and the rural surroundings ap-
pears elsewhere in this volume. It is conveniently
arranged with tanks and windmill and has all ap-
pliances for making a farmers' life as comfortable
as possible. He has fine sheds for his cows and the
place as a whole is regarded as the finest in the
township. It is located at tiie pleasant and con-
venient distance of three-quarters of a mile south
of Benningtoi).
Mr. Walsh has two sons, John Thomas, who was
born January 2.T, 1851, and William, RLarch 2,
1859. The latter has always lived on the farm and
is equally interested with his father in conducting
the same. He is a steady man with progressive ideas
concerning agriculture. Travel has a fascination
forhimandin his various trips through the coun-
try, having visited Lake Superior, Dululh, Chicago,
Washington, D. C, Ml. Vernon and other places,
he has imbibed ideas that have been of use to him
in his home life. This son is as yet unmarried.
John Thomas married IMyra I'ond, and lives in
Owosso wiiere he is engaged in the grocery busi-
ness.
A great many sheep and hogs are fattened upon
the farm of Mr. Walsh, and these are siiippcd to
the large cities wiiere thc3' find a ready market.
They average one hundred head of sheep per year.
The members of the family belong to the Presb^--
terian Church, and are generous supporters of the
same. Mr. Walsli and iiis sons are Uepul)licans
in politics, and the father lias held several minor
township offices.
Everything about Mr. AValsh's place indicates
amiiiticn and energy. His fences and buildings
are in the best of order; his commodious tool house
is a model of neatness and contains implements
that are (lerfect. His sheep barn and in fact every-
m.
'.^^"4
RESIDENCE OF JOHN WALSH , SK. 8, BENNINGTON TP.SHIAWASSEE CO.MlCri.
- ^■;ca:
"SPRING BROOK FARM ." RE5. Of M.5. SMITH ,SEC.34,,VLRN0N TP,5HIAWA5SEL CO,MICH .
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
809
thing about the place is kc'iil u|) in excellent style.
Much of the success of the owner of this fine farm
is owin": to the business qualifications of liis estim-
able wife, :i lady wiiose ambition is to help others
by her noble and elevated example.
>i--«-f=^^=«-M-
^ ARC'ELLI'S S. SMITH, proprietor of the
"Spring Brook" faini, is an intelligent and
liigldy respected agriculturist of ^'ernon
Township, Shiawassee County, having a
fine farm on sections 3:5 and 34. He had his birth-
place in LeRoy Townshii), Jefferson County, N. Y.,
and was born February 28, 1830. His father,
Thom.as Smith, was a native of Connecticut, was
born in March, 1805, and came in early childhood
to Jefferson County. There he was reared and
learned the practical work of a farmer which he
chose as his calling in life. He is now eighty-six
years old and resides in Vernon Townsliii) to which
he ca-ne in 1848.
The grandfather of our subject, Kiihraini Smith,
was a native of Massachusetts who removed to
Connecticut and afterward to Jefferson Count}',
N. Y., where he died. He did much in the service
of liis country, driving a baggage wagon in Wash-
inj.'ton's army during the Revolutionary War and
serving as a private during the conllict of 1812.
He drew a pension until the day of his death, which
occurred when he was seventy-nine years old. He
was respected both for his political and religious
views in which he was earnest and outspoken, being
an old-line Whig and a Preebyterian.
Moliiida McCrea, who married Thomas STuith and
becaDie the mother of our subject, was born in
Lewis County, N. Y., and was called from ear!li
when she was about forty years old. Her father,
Isaac McCrea, a native of Canada, where he was
reared, was a fanner and came to Li wis County,
N. Y., at the time he was married, afterward rc-
raoving to Jeft'erson County. In the boyhood of
our subject lie h. ad the unusual happiness of having
two grandfathers aiid one gieat-grandfather all
living in Jefferson County, within a mile of each
otiier. His grandfather on his mother's side was
also a private in the War of 1812 and lived to be
eighty years old, dying in Jeft'erson County on a
farm where he had lived for nearly fifty ^-ears.
The parents of our subject were married in Jef-
ferson Count}', N. Y., and there they remained for
twenty years, coming to Vernon Township, Shia-
wassee County in 1848. They built a log house
and cleared and improved the farm. Their nine
children grew to man's and woman's estate and are
now all living except two daughters. Marcellus is
the eldest child and was reared in his native place
until he reached the age of nineteen years. His
schooling was taken in a little village calle<l Evans'
Mills. He came with his father to Michigan in
1848, but three years later was taken still more
severely with the Western fever and went to Cali-
fornia by water, going by the way of Panama to
San Francisco and from lliere to Stockton, entering
the mines. He made from twenty-live cents to *1
a day and remained there for nearly three 3'ears.
Although he did not make a fortune he did clear
enough to jjurchase the farm where he now resides,
which he bought upon his return in 1854.
Cornelia Andrews, a native of New York, who
was born May 18, 1831, became Mis. Marcellus S.
Smith, July 13, 1855. This cstimvJ)le lady came
to Michigan with her parents when a little girl of
nine years. She was the mother of seven children,
two daughters and five sons: Lola M., is the wife of
D. A. Ross, a large lumber dealer of Bay City,
Mich.; Frank A. a bachelor, lives in California;
Forrest J., a teacher for seven years in Shiawassee
County, married Allie Vanakin, also a teacher;
Fern C, a professor in (iladwin, Mich., married
Dora W. Mills; May died at the age of two years;
Mason M. resides at Pittsburg, Pa., and although
not yet twenty-two years old is trusted very largelj'
by his employers, the firm of A. Sperry, for whom
he buys lumber; (!ale H. died at the age of two
and one-half years. Mrs. Smith, the wife of our
subject was called from earth August 27. 18'J0, and
her body lies .-it rest in the Lovejoy Cemetery in
Vernon Township.
Our subject located where he now resides imme-
diately after his marriage. There was then no
building on the place 1iut in six weeks after the
wedding day the house was completed and the
810
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AJ.BTTM.
young couple began their home life therein and
proceeded to clear and improve the place. Mr.
Smith has three hundred acres of well-improved
land, two-thirds of which is under the plow. He
started with one hundred ar.d twent3' acres and is
now so comfortably situated as to be able to retire
from active work and let his son Forrest J. manage
the farm. He built his present attractive residence,
a I wo-story frame building, commodious and roomy,
at a cost of $1,500. A view of this pleasant place
is shown elsewhere in this volume.
The political convictions of Mr. Smith lead him
to affiliate with the Democratic party. He was at
one time an Odd Fellow, but withdrew from that
order some years since. He has one of the best
barns in the township, which he built in 1888 at a
cost of $1,200. He is proud of his children and
justly so, as they are intelligent and useful, eacii in
his own way, to the comnuiiiit}' in wiiicli they live.
None of his sons ever use tobacco or liquor in any
way.
FREDERICK LIMAN HALL. The gentle-
j man of whom we write was long a pro-
_ prietor of one of the finest farms in Duplain
Township, Clinton County. He was born Decem-
ber 18, 1817. His father was Frederick Hall and
his grandfather was Benjamin Hall, who came
originally from Connecticut. Mr. Hall was by oc
cui)ation a wagon maker and also a carpenter. The
nomadic instinct seemed strong within him, for he
spent a considerable number of \'ears in traveling.
Born in Can.nan Township, Columbia County, N.
Y., in early youth he went to Newfoundland and
thence he went on the sea, spending six months as
a sailor. He made a tour of tlie Southern States
of our country, afterward coming North and buy-
ing land in Columbia County, Wis. He spent
about one year in that State.
In early lif(! Mr. Hall was united in marriage to
Mar^- G. Barnes. She also was born in Canaan
Township. Columbia County, N. Y.,.Tuly 27, 1828,
and was the daughter of Earl Barnes and Marv
(Goodfellow) Barnes. The young couple's wed-
ding day was the 2!Hii of March, 1850. After they
had taken up the burden of life togethei' they came
to Clinton Count}' in 18."j3 and located on section
35, Duplain Township. In less than two years the
family moved to Columbia Couutj', N. Y., where
they resided a term of seven years and then re-
turned to their home farm here. Wlien they came
to this place there were only twenty acres of land
cleared and a small log cabin containing but a sin-
gle room. With brave hearts they went to work
clearing the place and endeavoring to give it a
home-like air. There is no hyperbole in saying
they went to work with brave hearts, for bears
were plentiful at that time and panthers screeched
in the woods near tlie house. There were frequent
visits from Indians, who, if not hostile, had to be
watched lest they carry off the edibles that were
necessary for family use. The guns stooil read}-
for immediate use.
For many years the railroad nearest the home of
our subject was not closer than Ponliac, and often
when the necessities of life gave out they had to be
replenished with the gun and fish-hook. There
were indeed many dark days. The wild beasts and
Indians were not the onl}' foes to be feared, but
there were frequent forest fires which threatened
destruction to the little home. In 1865 Mr. Hall
built the home where they have since resided and
they have constantly been adding improvements,
until it is now one of the most attractive farms in
the county. Mr. Hall died September 20, 1872,
and was buried at the Colony cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Hall were the proud parents of
nine children — Winfield S., who was born June
23, 1851; Grace, born October 6, 1853, and who
died in Wisconsin, May 30, 1854; Luc}', born
July 7, 1855, and died September 22, 1857;
Frank B., born January 20, 18G0; Adella, born
September 25, 1803, married W. O. Towne
and lives in Ithaca, Mich.; Herbert was horn
September 30, 1866; Minnie 0., January 20,
1867, and Edwin E., May 2, 1868. Minnie is a
teaclier in the High School of Ovid. The farm is
now conducted by the son Frank, who is an en-
thusiast over fine stock, of which he owns some
high-grade animals. The boys have had only a
district-school education, while the sister, who is
now a teacher, attended the Ovid High School and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
811
finished at tlie Norma! School of Flint. The
special crop laiserl on the far.n is wheal, of which
they put in one hundred acres Last fall. The prin-
ciples of the family are Republican in polities.
The father of the family was at one time Super-
visor of the township. The eldest son has been
for the past four years Treasurer of the township,
which position he h.as filled not only acceptably to
the people but with honor to himself.
<[i^^;RANCIS M. EMMKUT. Thousands of men
lis^^ took part in the contest in the dread war of
1^ the Rebellion in which brothers were pitted
against each other, and each one of those has a
history that is full of diamatic interest to the chil-
dren of to-d.ay who are taught to reverence the
American fiag as the symbol of freedom for which
their fathers fought. Our subject is one of a fam-
ily whose members were eng.agcd in the desperate
struggle. He now enjoj-s the peace and quiet of
an agricultural life, devoting himself to stock-rais-
ing and agriculture on his fine farm on section 5,
Fairfield Township, Shiawassee County.
Ohio w.as Mr. Kmmert's native State. He was
born there in Cuyahoga County, October ."), 1855.
His parents were George William and Klizaljeth
(Killian) Emmert, natives of (iermany, in whi'^h
country they were married. Their family num-
bered two children before they left Germany, On
coming to this country they first settled in New
York, where they resided two or three years. Here
the father plied liis trade, which is the ancient and
historic one of a potter. He did not remain long
in New York, moving to Ohio, where our subject
was born. There the father engaged in farming,
and when the original of our sketch was about
eight years of .age, his parents again tried to better
their circumstances by removing to Michigan.
On coming to this State, the Emmert family
located in Gratiot County, near the present home
of our subject. In the year ISOl the father enlisted
in the arnij' and served about one year, when he
was honorably discharged on account of ill-liealth
there contracted. During the intervals of farm
work, our subject received but a limited education.
He was, however, naturally bright and intelligent,
and picked up a great del.
Francis M. Emmert is the fcjurth in a family of
five children. His eldest brother, William P.,
served in the army over three years, and took an
active part in many of the i)rincipal battles of tlie
war. He was a participant in the desperate strug-
gle at Gettysburg, and also at Chancellorsville. At
his death he left a family of three children. His
interment took place in the Ford Cemetery, in Elba
Township, Gratiot County.
The gentleman of whom we write, was married
December 2C, 1878, to Miss Nannie G. Osborn,
daughter of P. W. and Marilla (.Vutles) Osborn, of
Fairfield Township, Shiawassee County. Four chil-
dren have come to them, filling their homes and
hearts with hope and promise. They are named
respectively — Mark, Lelah B.. Fred Boyd and
Oliver. Our sidiject has ninety-eight acres of laud,
all well improved. A part of this land is in Shia-
wassee County, and a part in Saginaw County.
The original of this sketch is in his political pre-
ference a Rr;publican, and has been appointed by
his party as Assessor of the school <listrict in which
he lives; he h.as also been -lustice of the Peace of
the township, lie became an Odd Fellow in Feb-
ruary, 18i)l. Mr. limraert's family arc highly re-
spected in the community, and are well worthy of
being chronicled among the rei)rcsentative citizens
of the township.
^-^^^^;i;^^t^^7<f^
•^ J^;1LLAKI) R. DUURY. This gentleman
T Avf ^^^ '^''"^ much to build up this part of the
Vp// country, b'oth by his own work and by his
enterprises, which have given employment to.many
men. His family also has been one which has
hel|)ed forward the comnuinity in numerous wa\».
Mrs. Drury is in many respects a remarkable
woman, having uncommon business ability and
being a lady of fine appearance and commanding
address, and one who makes a good impression upon
all who meet her.
This gentleman, whose postoflice address is Ben-
812
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
nington, Shiawassee Countj', was born in Norwood,
Peterboro County, Canada, Marcli 5, 1837. His
X parents, Nathan and Elizabeth (Rice) Driiry, na-
tives of Vermont, settled in Canada after their
marriage. Nathan Drury died in 1862, in Nor-
wood, Canada, and his good wife survived twenty-
nine years, dying at the advanced age of ninety-flvg
years, one month and nine days, she having been
born in tlic year 1796, in Vermont. In 1822 she
was married to Natiian Drury. She liad eleven
children, four sons and seven daughters of whom
six survive. Our subject is the fourth in the fam-
ily. He came to Ovid in 1862, and in the follow-
ing year bought the mill of Bennington and pro-
ceedi'd to slock and operate it. This he carried
on until 1882, employing from eight to fifteen
men. He finally replaced the old mill with a
new one, but after two or three j-ears that was
burned and he erected a third one, which now
stands.
In the spring of 1867 Mr. Drury opened up a
store, putting up a new building, where the post-
office now is, laying in a general slock, including
everything needed in a country town. Mrs. Drury
took charge of the store and carried it on for
nearly eighteen jears. In the fall of 1867 Mr.
Drury was appointed Postmaster and continued
in this office until 1874, when he resigned in favor
of George D. Palmer at the same time tint he sold
out his store.
In 1868 our subject was made railroad agent and
held the position for nine years until the office re-
quired an operator. Ho did much outside business
for the railroad, especially in buying wood, and
was frequently promoted, receiving at one time
^.3,000. He was also agent for the American Ex-
press Company for thirteen 3-ears, and did a large
business in buying and shipping wheat, liandling
all that was sent from that point. He also shipped
large quantities of lumber and had about $15,000
capital invested. He started in business with only
5>300 which he had earned by working out by the
day and month. During this time he had purchased
two hundred and fift3' acres of land, of which he h.id
improved about two hundred acres.
When Mr. Drury sold out his business he re-
moved to a farm one-fourth of a mile west of
town and put up buildings at the expense of ^1,. 500.
He lived on that place for six years and spent one
year in town. He has four hundred acres and has
farmed exlensivel}', raising both grain and h,av,and
sometimes sells one hundred tons of the latter com-
modity. There is one hundred acres in his home
farm, and he has three other tracts of eighty acres
each, and a forty-eight-.icre tract.
The marriage of our subject took place Decem-
ber 4, 1866 in Detroit. His wife bore tlie maiden
name of Ellen M. Wight, and she is a daughter of
Don C. and Hulda (Session) Wight. She was born
in Windsor County, Vt.. September 19, 1841.
Her parents are natives of the Green IMouutain
State and of English aneestr3'. Mr.Wight's father,
BenonI, and grandfather, Jabez, were born m Eng-
land. The family removed to Michigan in 185G,
and settled in Commerce Township, Oakland
County. They came to Owosso in 1854, and dur-
ing the same j'car removed to Bennington. He had
been a miller and at once went into partnership
with Mr. Drury for a year, while he improved his
farm. After this he retired from business. He
died Maj' 20, 1885, at tiie age of seventy-four
years, and his wife passed away November 14, 1888,
at the age of seventy-six years. He was a man
who enjoyed life and was public-spirited, well in-
formed and successful in business. He had five
children: Ellen M., Mrs. Drui-y; Austin E., who
was taken prisoner at Sister's Eerry, Ga., while on
a scouting expedition; he was Lieutenant in the
Black Horse Cavalr}-, and was shot down and killed
after being taken prisoner, at the age of twenty-
two; the third child died in infanc}'; the fourth
was Erances .Juliana; Albert H. died when seven
yeixi's old. Erances became Mrs. Ulysses Buck and
died at Tidioute, Pa., in 1872.
Ellen Wight began to teach in her fifteenth jear
and afterward attended the Stale Normal .School at
Ypsilanti, and from the time she was nineteen until
her marriage she devoted herself cntirolj' to teacli-
ing, being engaged in Oakland, and also at Grand
Rapids. She drew up contracts and legal papers
for j'earsTor all the neighbors, and was com-
plemented by attorneys for their completeness.
No children have blessed this home, but Mr. and
Mrs. Drury have adopted two who have indeed re-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
813
warded iLeir kindness. Lennn Ellen, now Mrs.
Nile Brown, of Perry, was adopted when thirteen
months old and was married May 18, 188(5. in her
eighteenlli yeai ; and Leroy, who was adopted in in-
faiiey and is now in his tenth year. Jlr. Driiry
wa.s brought up a Presbyterian in his religious faith,
and his wife is a Universalist with leanings toward
Spiritualism. They now live in the house erected
by Mr. Wight. They both belong to the order of
the Patrons of Industry, and until quite latel}' Mr.
Drury was a Republican, lie h.as been remarkably
successful in every business which he has under-
taken and he is highlj' respected.
^ €^-B-
/^ALEB ME.\D. The original of our sketch,
[if^^ wiioowns the farm on section IG, Caledonia
■^^r Township, Shiawassee Count}', was born
January 19, 1836, in Luzerne County, Pa. His
father was Daniel Me.ad. a native of New York
State, a carpenter and builder liy trade but a farmer
by occupation. His mother was Hannah (Green)
Mead, also a native of New York State. Their
marriage took place in Pennsylvania and there
they resided until 1843, thence removed to Ohio and
settled in Lucas County upon a perfectly new fHrm.
In 1853 they came to this State and settled in Cal-
edonia Township on a timbered farm that was also
entirely new. They began their home by building
a log house and about it began the work of clca"-
ing. In 1860 the father died, after which the
mother returned to Ohio and died there in 1861 at
the age of fifty years while on a visit to her friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Mead were the parents of
thirteen children, six of whom are now living.
They were both members of the Baptist Church.
Daniel Mead took an active interest in the political
events of the day, whether local or national. In
the early days he was a Wiiig and later joined the
Republican party. For some time he was a Direc-
tor of the school district and when temperance
princijiles were not so general as they now are, lie
declared himself strongly in favor of prohibition.
He was necessarily a hard working man, for in the
early history of the country it was the survival of
the fittest, and only he succeeded who had bodily
strength and moral netermination to go through
successfully what he iiad undertaken. As he could
give his children little else, lie was ileteriniiied tliat
they should at least have the advantage of good
schooling and thus be fitted to make a waj- for
themselves in the world.
The subject of our sketch was seven years of
age when his father removed West to Ohio and ten
years later they came to this State, after which he
worked on a farm, his wages going to his father.
At twenty one he began to work for himself, al-
though lie often added his efforts to those of his
father in order to help toward the sup[)ort of the
family. He thus- continued until his marriage
which took place in 1859, when he was united to
Eliza Stewart, a daughter of George and Anna
(Hess) Phyilliiere. At the time of her union with
our subject she was a widow As her name indi-
cates, she was of French descent and a highl} edu-
cated woman. Mr. Pliyillan-e was a weaver bj-
trade and came to Michigan in 1854, settling in
Caledonia Township on section 17, on a wild farm.
Both her parents are now deceased, the father pass-
ing awaj' at the age of ninety years. They were
the parents of six children, three of whom are now
living. Mrs. Mead was born in New York in 1832.
Afler marri.age our subject settled on the farm
where he at present resides, which comprises eighty
acres. This w.as at the time partly improved. He
however owns but sixty acres now. At one time
he was the owner of one hundred acres, but gave
forty to his son. He has cleared two hundred an<l
fifty acres of land and h.as done a large amount of
other hard work. Our subject and his wife are
the parents of three chihiren: Otis, who is married
to Ida B. Parling and lives on section 16. He has
a famdy of two children who are twins — Adelia
and Amelia. Adelia is the wife of D. E. Setten
and lives on section 17; she has a family of four
fine boys. Amelia is the wife of Truman Hanip
and lives in Owosso; she has two chihiren. Mrs.
Me.ad died in 1863. In 187i) he was again mar-
ried, this time to Caroline Quay, a daughter of
Richard and Hannah (.lackson) Quaj', the former a
native of the Isle of Man, the latter of Ohio. They
came to this Slate about 1850 and settled in Venice
814
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Township where they both died ; they were the
parents of nine children, seven of wliom still live.
The present Mrs. Mead was born in 1851 in Venice
Township, this county. Our subject and his wife
are the parents of eleven children, seven of whom
are now living. They are: Carrie M., Maude L.,
Berle, Piltiiel, Nina, Lctlic, Florence, and a son,
Hugh B., who, though adopted, is like one of their
own children.
Mr. Mead is a memijer of the Royal Templars at
Corunna. .He is a member of the II. F. Army
Post, No. 160, G. A. R. at Corunna. He has al-
ways taken an interest in local politics and is an
ardent advocate of the Republican party. At
present he is serving in the capacity of Road Over-
seer and has been elected Justice of the Peace, but
refused to qualify.
In 1862 Mr. Mead enlisted in Company H, Twen-
ty-thiid Michigan Infantry. Me enlisted August
G, of that year as a private but was soon promoted
to the rank of .Sergeant. Tlie regiment was or-
ganized at .Saginaw and sent to Kentucky under
Gen. Manson. It took an active part in chasing
the rebel Gen. Morgan all over Kentucky, Indiana
and through the fields of his operations. They
then went East into Tennessee under Gen. Scho-
field and later under Gen. Burnside in the Knox-
ville campaign. Mr. Mead served under Gen.
Thomas in the action against (icn. Hood at Atlanta,
Ga., and from there he went to North Carolina
where his regiment were engaged in skirmishing
with Morgan, also at Paris, Ky. They were also
in the engagement at Campbell Station and at the
siege of Knoxville. They were participants too
in the Atlanta campaign and were under lire from
May 6 to September 2d. Our subject was engaged
in the buttles of Franklin, Nashville and Atlanta.
At Ft. Anderson, N. C, he was present at the
capture and surrender of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston.
The regiment was posted in North Carolina at Sals-
bury until Juno, 1865, when our subject came to
Detroit, where he received his discharge, thence
came home. lie never missed a single battle during
the three years in which he was in the war in which
his regiment engaged. In the charge at Resaca a
piece of shell passed through his left side and arm
and tore a corner off from a book in his pocket and
also tore the under part of his sleeve. It then re-
bounded !ind struck a new recruit in the stomach,
killing him instantly. In his armj' experience of
three years Mr. Mead was never off duty excepting
two days. His wife died while he was iu the army.
He returned home to bui-y her and then immedi-
ate!}' went to the front. It is by such men as
these, whose grit and determination never acknowl-
edged defeat, that the L'nion was saved.
P
>^aSH ^.^-^«#^.^sf-.<tf4*^
whose name heads this sketch was born
1^— ^ April 2, 1836, in AVaterford Township,
Oakland County, this State. His father, Stephen
Hawkins, a native of Cooperstown, N. Y., where
he was born .May 8, 1800. He was a carpenter and
joiier by trade, but later in life devoted himself to
farming. Our subject's mother was Elvira( French)
Hawkins, a native of New Ham|)shire, and there
born May 12, 1800. They were married in New
York, where they resided until they ca-ne to this
State in 1835. For a jear they made their homo
at Pontiac, in Oakland County.
For two years Stephen Hawkins lived in Owosso,
wliere he built the tirst houses that had chipboards.
From there he went to Corunna, where for two
years he worked at his trade. He then purchased
from the (iovernment llie farm on which he now
resides. This was in the year 1835, but he did
not move on to it until 18-10. At that time there
were but few families in Shiawassee County and
not more than one farm that boasted any improve-
ments in the township. His present Hnel3'-dcvel-
opcd farm was then a dense wood, abounding in
wild animals, such as deer, bears, wild cats and
panthers, and Indians.
Mr. Hawkins, Sr., flret settled on ninct}' -seven
acres, which was solid timber land. In the midst
of this he built and occupied the second log bouse
in the township. He immediately began clearing
this farm with the intention of making it a per-
manent home. From time to time he added to his
farm until he nov aggregates two hundred and
twelve acres, one hundred and sixty of which are
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
815
under cullivation. Physically Mr. Hawkins was
a strong man of robust constitution, and the hard
work incident to pioneer life suited him. He built
many houses in the townsliip, among which were
three sclioolliouses. He also afterward built the
residence in which his son at present resides. Mr.
Hawkins passed away from this life April 10, 1885;
his wife preceded him onl^' a few days, her death
having occurred April 5. 1835.
The parents of our subject brought into the
world four cliildren, thrae of whom are now liv-
ing. They were members of the Baptist Church.
The father always took an active interest in poli-
tics, at first casting his vote with the Whigs and
later with the Republicans. In an early day he
was appointed Highway Commissioner and also
Townshi|) Treasurer. He helped to lay out some
of the |irinci|ial roails in the counlj' and was also
actively engaged in the organization of the town-
ship. His interest was paramount in educational
matters as he felt that therein l.aj' the greatest
promise for the future of our nation.
Our subject attended tlie district school in his
early youth and has never spent much time away
from home. At the age of about twenty-five years
he assumed tlie charge of the farm, which he has
since conducted with most admirable success. In
1865 he was united in marriage witli Jenn3' Moore,
a resident of Shiawassee County. Previous to her
marriage she had made her home witli her brother-
in-law, M. Green, who then held a Government
office in the Treasury Department at Wasiiington,
D. C, and who is now Postmaster at Los Angeles,
Cal.
Mrs. Hawkins was born in New York State
August 10, 1843. She was vvell educated and on
first coming to Michigaii taught school for several
years. She is the mother of six cliildren — Harr^'
S., Edniiiiid .M., Maude, Grace, Ilena and Sumner.
Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins appreciate the importance
of educational advantages and lavish every oppor-
tunity of improvement upon their children. The
second son, Edmund M., holds a certificate to
teach. He has been a member of the local School
Board .
The gentleman of whom we write has ever I)een
actively inlcregted in politics, always casting his
vote with the Republican party. For three terms
he was Township Treasurer and also held the of-
fice of Highway Commissioner. He is a standing
delegate to the county conventions and prides
himself on never having missed a vote at any elec-
tion since reaching his majority. Our subject
and his wife are charter members of the Royal
Templars.
Mr. Hawkins is the proprietor of the old home
farm and devotes himself to that most profitable
class of farming in the Central Slates — general
agriculture. He has a high grade of sheep, his
favorite breed being Merino; he also has some
line Durham cattle and Clydesdale horses, than
which there are none better in this vicinity. He
has some fine "Jim I'lske" horses. Mr. Hawkins
has enjoyed the advantage of continuing the pro-
gress on a farm which his father had previously
imi)roved. He does not believe, however, in stand-
ing still and all inventions in agricultural imple-
meats or new breeds of animals find their wa^' in
a short time to this place.
L A R K S M I T II. Clinton County is the
home of a goodi}- nuniber of young and
progressive farmers, none of whom occupy
a more prominent place in the social circles of
their neighborhood than the one above named.
He resides on section 2U, Watertown Township,
where he owns eighty-seven acres of fine land in a
high state of cultivation. To his enterprise was
due the building of the first silo in the township
and in other ways he has shown that he believes in
kcciiing up with the times an<l getting out of the
old ruts whenever modern genius can gain an
advantage over the former ways.
.Mr. Smith is a son of Henry and Cassie (.Keys)
Smith and a grandson of Jonas and Lucinda Smith,
who were natives of New York and of German
descent. His grandfather came to Michigan in
April 1840, and located on section 29, Watertown
Townsliip, on land now owned by George Smith,
Esq., uncle of our subject. Of the family five are
now living — Sarah, wife of the Hon, David Clark,
816
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of Eagle Township; the father of our subject;
George, Hiram aud Susan, wife of George E. King,
of Watertown Township.
Henry Smith was born iu New York in 1831,
was reared on a farm and learned the trade of a
carpenter and joiner. In 1857, some 3'ears after
having come to this State, he married a daughter
of James Keys, a pioneer of Calhoun County and
a native of New York. The daughter was born
in the county named in 1837 and by inheritance
and training has traits of character and habits of
thought and life that have made her useful to her
family and acquaintances. She is of Scotch
descent and the name of her ancestors was origi-
nally McKeys but the prefix was dropped man^-
years ago. To Mrs. Smitu there have couie four
children, but Keys, the first-born, died in infanc}'.
The second child is the subject of this biograph-
ical sketch; the next are Myron and Myra, twins,
who were born November 9, 1803.
The gentleman with whose name these brief
notes are headed vvas born August 6, 1861, and
had the usual school privileges open to the youth
of the State in the last few decades. In 1884 he
began farming on shares the land of his uncle
George and in 1890 bought tiie property on which
he now lives and removed thereto with his mother
to preside over the household. He is meeting with
success in general farming and his future is bright
with promise. In political sympathy Mr. Smith
is a pronounced Democrat.
• — »f4f^°^ — '
AMUEL SHUSTEH h.as a fine farm and
excellent farm buildings on section 15^
Rush Township, Shiawassee County. He
was one of tlie pioneers of this section and
located his farm by means of a i)ocket compass. He
has always been a great worker and is well known
in tlial way throughout the township. He was born
in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, .luly 11,1821. His
father, .John, a farmer, was born October 4, 1800,
in W.asliingt(.in County, Pa. He moved to Ohio at
the age of fifteen years with his father, and when
seventeen years old his father died, and a guardian
was appointed over the. son.
In October, 1820. .lolm Shuster settled on a farm
of one hundred and sixty acres which had been
given him by his father, and six j'ears later sold
this property and resided in Carroll County until
he bought eiglity acres in Tuscarawas Countj'. He
afterwards exchanged for propeit}' in Hardin
County, acquiring one hundred and sixty acres
there in 1839. Here is wliere he died in 1880.
When he first locdted in Tuscarawas County he
settled in the unbroken forest and within the mem-
ory of our subject there was at one time but one
wagon in the township where they lived.
John Shuster was a Democrat in his political
views. He belonged to the Rifle Company, wliich
was a part of tlie State Militia. His marriage in
1820 gave him a wife in the person of Elizabeth
VVingate, a daugliter of Henry and Mary Wingate
who had ten sons and three daughters, of whom
Elizabelli was the tliird in order of birth. Twelve
children constituted the houseliold of John and
Elizabeth Shuster and our subject is the eldest of
the numerous flock.
Very scanty opportunities for education were
offeied to Samuel Shuster and he attended school
in all only seven months and seventeen days. He
started at the age of twenty-one to work out by
the month at ^10 a month. He took a job of clear-
ing land, chopping five acres for ^25, half in money
and half in wheat, and succeeded in clearing it in
twenty and one-half days. This was in Hardin
County, Ohio. For several years he worked at
different points and at various avocations. He had
learned the plasterer's trade and was employed in
that a part of the time. He moved to Ada, Ohio,
and built a house and resided there two years.
Coming to Michigan in 1854 Mr. Shuster located
his own land, built a house and cleared the timljer.
He drove a pair of steers from Ohio to a ])oint
near where Henderson now stands. He was mar-
ried November 29, 1849, taking as his wife Eliza-
beth Main, a daughter of Timothy and Mary
(Giliiin) Main, wlio were from Southeastern Ohio.
Elizabeth was the eldest of the family of two sons
and four daughters and vvas born January 29, 1830.
Mrs. Elizabeth Shuster died December 24, 1859,
. ,.;rv. ''*^!^^o.
-3i*V
>^~'lf^^^\
:^-;,:.-,y^i>:^.-i^:t;.-a»ag^gsaSMfeS»fcS6^;t£iafc^ ■■.:^^^
RESIDENCE OF THEODORE H . COX , SEC 13. , ESSEX TR, CLINTON CO.,MICH
^jr 1^.-J ..»■ -.-^ ..».J^-<
RESIDENCE OF 5 AMU EL SH U STEP, SEC. 15., RU SH TP.,SHI AWAS5EE CO.. MICH.
PORTUAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
819
leaving to her husband three sons, Sanford, Anson
and John.
JJuring the following ye.ir Mr. .Sinister w.is iinilL'd
in marriage wiili Mrs. Lucy (FrecMnari) Riisli. 8lie
is a daughter of Richard Freeman of English birth,
the father of twelve children of whom Lucy was
the second, being born in 1835, in Oakland County,
Mich. She has presented her husband with five
children, namely: Elizabeth, .lane, Athclia, Leslie
and Edna.
'S\r. Shuster has been a member of the Grange
and held office in it, and has also been a member
of the Patrons of Industry. He calls himself an
Independent in politics and was a Democrat until
the organization of the Greenback part^' which he
then joined. For thirteen 3'ears lie was in the
oflice of Highway Commissioner. He has a good
house and faim buildings and one hundred and
forty of his two hundred and forty acres are in a
high state of cultivation. His residence, a view
of which is presented on another page, is a two-
story brick structure, surrounded by a lovely lawn
and numerous convenient outbuildini;s.
THEODORE H. COX. Perhaps no resident
If/Sv of Essex Township, Clinton Count}', is bet-
^^'■' ter Known than the gentleman above named,
who has always been a useful member of the soci-
ety in which he moves, and has made warm friends
wherever he has lived. He has resided at his pres-
ent location since 1869, where he li.ns a fine farm
embellished with first-class buildings. The sur-
roundings and furnishings of his cozy homo are
indicative of the intelligence and good taste of
those who occupy it, and the hospitality dispensed
under its roof is widely known and greatly enjoyed
by tlie many friends of the family. A view of
this pleasant homestead appears in connection with
this biogra|)hical notice.
A native of Lenawee County, this State, Mi.
Cox was born October 29, 18.39. His parents,
John and Jane Cox, were natives of Pennsylvania
and his father was a soldic;- in the Black Hawk
War. He was one of the early settlers of Lenawee
County, bu3'ing land from the Government and
settling in the woods. Amid scenes of [lionecr life
our subject was reared to manhood and aided his
father in the development of the farm. When a
mere child he lost liis mother by death. He re-
ceived the rudiments of an education in the early
district schools of the county, and the instruction
there gained, although veiy meagre, gave him an
impetus which has led him to pursue a good course
of reading and acquire extensive information on
all subjects of general interest.
The marriage of Mr. Cox, Decem])er '.), 1866,
united him with Sarah A. Freer, who was born
April 26, 1847, in Lenawee County. This estim-
able lady is the daughter of James C. and Matilda
Freer, both natives of the State of New York. To-
Mr. and Mrs. Cox have been iiorn eight children,
namely: Alzina M., Jennie, now Mrs. Adelbert
Blackney; James L., Eddie and Fr::nk (twins);
Willie, deceased; Hattie and Nina. The various
members of the family are highly respected in so-
ciety social circles and Mrs.Co.x; is prominently iden-
tified with the Ladies' Aid Societj-, and a consistent
Christian. With her husband she has encountered
the usual hardships attending a pioneer life, and
now reaps the reward of sj'stematic labor in a com-
fortable and pleasant surroundings.
In thespringof 1869 Mr. Cox removed from Len-
awee to Clinton County and settled n[)on the farm in
Essex Towiishii) where he now resides. He bought
eighty acres of heavily-timbered land, paying ^950
for the property. Immediately after purchasing
the place he began his improvement and erected a
log house which has been his home from that day
to this. He cut the first tree that was chopped
down on tiic place and did much pioneer work.
As the result of his untiring exertions he now owns
one hundred acres of good land; he is a fine type
of our self-made men, as he entered upon his career
as a farmer with but little means, an<) only by per-
servcrdiicc, coupled with good judginent, has made
his way u[) to a position of importance among the
most substantial men of Essex Township. Politi-
cally he is a Republican and a public-spirited citi-
zen. His pleasant and obliging disposition has
820
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
won him the esteem of a large circle of acquaint-
ances in this county, anfl his liouorable life lias
gained their [)erfect confidence.
^^
E^
^/USTIN W. BKCKWITIL Supervisor and
firmer on section 2, Victor Townsiiip, Clin
ton County, was born in Charlemont, Franii-
lin County, Mass., September 30, 1823. He
is a son of Ebenezer and Mary A. (Nash) Beck-
with, both natives of the same town as their son.
The paternal grandparents were Edward and Eliza-
beth (Dart) Beckwilh, both natives of New Eng-
land, wiio died in Franklin County, Mass. Edward
Beckwith was one of the Revolutionary heroes.
The malcrnal grandparents were Jose|)h and Mary
(Giles) Nash, who were New Eluglanders. The
grandparents on both sides were members of the
Baptist Churcli. The parents of our subject lived
most of their lives in Franklin County, ]\I.->ss.,
where they were born and reared.
These worthy parents spent their last days in
Michigan with our suliject. The father was a
farmer all his lifetime, and a man of limited means.
In early life he was a Democrat, and later a Repuli-
lican, but never took part in politics. Botli lie and
his wife were members of the Baptist Church from
early years. They had five ciiildren — Mary M.,
Justin W., Eunice N., James N. and Joseph E.
Justin is now the only survivor of the family. He
remained with his father on the farm until about
twenty years of age, after which he engaged in
work in a scythe snath factory until 1862. He
then sold out his interests in Massacliusetts, anil re-
moving to Clinton Count}', this State, bought the
farm where he now resides, a tract of some one
hundred and twenty acres. He has cleared up
about eighty-five acres, and has placed good im-
provements upon it. He has a good farm, is out
of debt, and all he owns is the result of his own in-
dustry and enteri)rise.
Mr. Beckwith has been a Republican all his life
long, and cast his first Presidential ballot for James
K. Polk. He has held the ollice of Justice of the
Peace for twenty-four years continuously, and is
now serving his eleventh term as Supervisor. He
is identified with the Patrons of Industrj', and with
the Grange, iind both he and his intelligent wife arc
consistent membeis of the Congregational Church
at Victor.
The subject of this sketch was married July 13,
1846, to Miss Sarah Upton, of Charlemont, Mass.,
where she was born June 4, ISU). She is a daugh-
ter of Pallas and Tripheua (Hathaway) I'pton, na-
tives of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. U|)ton came
West and spent their last days at the home of a
son, James Upton, in Clinton Count}'.
Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith have had three children:
Flora A., now the widow of Emmet Jamison, and
the mother of two children; Paul and Blanche.
The Rev. Clareiice A., a Congregational minister,
is now stationed at West Roxbury, a suburb of Bos-
ton. He took his college education at Olivet Col-
lege, and then two years in the theological course
at New Haven, Conn., and one year at Bangor,
Me., taking a diploma at each institution. He mar-
ried Miss Eugenia Loba. a higlil}- educated and ac-
complished lady, and a graduate of Olivet College.
Thoy have one child, Paul. Osborn L. is a farmer
and lives with his father. He took his schooling
in the district school and High School of St. John's,
Mich., and married Miss Ella Green, a native of
Victor Townshi|). They have three living children
— Marcia, Lloyd and George. One son, Raymond,
is deceased.
JOSEPH H. COPAS, a live and successful
business man of Owosso and the President
of the Association of Englishmen of Shia-
wassee County, is a man who is a representa-
tive of the sterling intelligence and business
acumen and promptitude which make the best
class of liritish -American citizens. He is also a
man of genuine popularity, vvhich is no doubt due
to the genial good fellowship which is one of his
distinguishing characteristics.
This gentleman, whose meat market and packing
establishment are said to constitute the largest con-
cern of the kind in the State, outside of Detroit,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAI'HICAL ALHUftl
821
started his business in 1864. He is a native of
Knglaud, born in Somersetshire, October 4, 1844.
He is the tliird son and fifth ciiild in a family' of
eleven, the offspring of William E. and Elizabetli
(Billet) Copas. Both parents were reared in Eng-
land and spent their lives in their native land.
The son attended scliool in Gloucestersiiire,
walking three miles to and from home and gaining
only a common school education. At the age of
thirteen he started out on his own account, work-
ing at various kinds of employmont and engaging
for awhile on the Great Western Uiiilroad in Eng-
land. In April, 180;'), he sailed from Liverpool,
England, landing at Castle Garden in New York
Cit3', making the trip in seventeen days. He came
directly West to Oakland County, making his first
stop at I'ontiac but after three months going on to
Owosso, where lie worked for three years for
George B. Hughes in the butchering business, hav-
ing worked some at this calling in England.
In 1868 the young man started in business on
his own .iccount in a small way, oi>ening a meal
market on Exchange Street wiUi whicii, after four
years of experience, he connected a pork packing
establishment. This he began as he did his market,
in a modest way, and has built u[) his business lit-
tle by little and thus made it a marked success.
He built his present store and packing house in
1878. It is 22x132 feet on the ground llo(jr and
comprises two stories. The frmit of the main floor
is used for the retail market and the rear and the
second story accommodate the packinghouse. He
superintends personally every part of the business
and has the cutting, pickling and smoking all done
under his own eye. He has a wiile and extensive
business connection and sliii)s to man^' distant
points. He carries on the business on a strict finan-
cial basis, and is proud to say that he always pays
one hundred cents on the dollar in every transac-
tion. His concern is called tiie largest in Jliclii-
gan outside of Detroit.
The maiden name of Mrs. Copas was Jane How-
lands. She is a native of Wales and came to the
United States some years ago, making her home in
Owosso. Five children have come to bless the
home of .Mr. and Mrs. Copas, namely: .lames II.
and Albert E., who are both assisting their father
in his business, the tatter being book-keeper. The
two younger children, (ieorge W. and Jennie E.,
are still at school. Mary Ann died at the age of
six years and six months. The political |)refer-
ences of our subject are with the Democratic party
and he liolds staneiily to the principles embodied
in the (ilatform of that organization. He and his
family are all devout and earnest members of the
Episcopal Church, in which he acts as Vestryman.
-^^
^Ip^RANK FEATIHORLY, an intelligent and
jLi^; highly respected resident of Hazekon
Ji "^ Township, Shiawassee County, resiiling on
section 16, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1852, and
is the son of John Featherly, a shoemaker who was
born in New York, in 1805. The fatlier of our
subject received the rudiments of a common school
education, and remained with his parents until
1826, when he learned his trade as a shoemakei-,
anil having thus [irepared for the responsibiliiiys of
life W.1S married the following year to Sabra
Knight, a daughter of Charles Knigh;,. Mr. Knight
had a family of rive sons and three daughters, of
whom Sabia was the first Ijorn, her natal year being
1815.
John and Sabra Featherly became the parents of
lliiee daugluers and four sons, and our suljject is
the sixth child and fourth son of this group. The
father came to \'enice Township,Shiawassee County,
in 1861, and uhe following year bought forty acres
of wild land on section 16, Ilazelton Township.
He died in 1872 and his good wife survived him
until 1888. His political views were embodied in
the declarations of the Itepublican party.
The subject of this sketch received the usual
common-school education and assisted iiis parents
until he reached the age of twenty-one. He had
purchased a half interest in 1866 in eighty acres of
land which is situated on section 15, and in 1872
he received forty .acres of the old farm. He has
disposed of part of his land and his farm now com-
prises eighty acres.
His happy marriage in 1879 unitefl him with Es-
tella Connel, a daughter of John Coniiel, of Hazel-
822
PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAfHlCAL ALBUM.
ton, who migrated from Ireland in 1855 and settled
in Canada, lie was the father of seven children,
four sons and tlirce daughters, and Estella is his
second cliild, being born in 1861. Mr. and Mrs.
Featherly have tliree interesting children, Floy,
Dora and Pearl. Their happj' home is sheltered
behind tlie walls of the old log house which grants
more comfort and health to itsoccupants than many
a more pretentious edifice.
Mr. Featherly is a thoughtful and jjrogressive
man and devotes much time to reading. He is
identified with the Patrons of Industry and is Pres-
ident of the Township Union. The doctrines of
the Republicaa party embody his political views,
and he is earnest and hearty in his advoeac}' of the
party with which he is identified, but is in no sense
a seeker for office.
'^>^>^^^^^^rfZ^^--^
jgs^ AMUEL E. GILLAM, M. D. Unless it
^^^ be in the ministerial field there is no higher
%JlJSI '•yi'^ ^^ educated, skillful and useful hu-
manity than can be found among the
medical practitioners. The work in wliicii tlie
physician is engaged calls for some of the most
sterling qualities of character and depth of mental
power, and he who can gain and retain the high
esteem of those among whom he labo.'s proves him-
self a true man. It, therefore, affords the bio-
graphical writer pleasure to recount, even briefly,
the deeds of a successful pliysician an i surgeon.
Such IS Dr. Gillam, of St. John's, who has a large
and lucrative practice in both branches of his
work and is said to receive more calls than any
other medical man in Clinton County. He has
many surgical operations to perform and has a
high rank as a wielder of the scalpel and surgeon's
knife.
As giving some faint idea of the hereditary
characteristics of Dr. Gillam, it may bo well to
speak of his ancestors for a generation or two. His
grandfather, John Gillam, was born in Ontario,
Canada, and went thence to New York and was
married near Palmyra. He came to this State as
early as 1833, and was one of the pioneers of Ing-
ham County. He secured raw land in White Oak
Township, and settling in the woods, built a log
house and cleared a farm of two hundred and
twenty acres. Being a meclianic, he also put up a
blacksmith's shop and worked at the trade. He
died at the age of fifty-five years. His wife be-
longed to the Everett family, of New York, and
her brother, Samuel Everett, was one of the con-
tractors and builders of the Erie Canal. She died
in Fowlerville in 1866, when eighty-seven years
old.
In tlie family' of the couple mentioned was a
son, George W., who was born at Orchard Creek,
near Palmyra, N. Y., and was a mere boy when he
came to Michigan. He was reared on the home
farm and learned the blacksmith's trade from his
father. AVhen grown to manhood he located in
Plaintield and carried on a sho)) there until 1867,
wlien he came to Elsie, Clinton County, and en-
gaged in the sale of general merchandise. Later
he removed to Ovid, where he continued in mer-
cantile business until 1889, when he sold out and
located in St. John's, retiring from business. He
is a Class-Leader and a very active member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and has gained special
prominence as a promoter of religious work. He
has been a delegate to various conferences.
The wife of G. W. Gillam is a native of Ontario,
Canada, and bore the maiden name of Margaret
Turner. She is a daughter of John Turner, a
Scotchman, who was educated for the ministrj' as
a Presbyterian, but came to America, and after liv-
ing in Canada for a time located in this State and
united with the Methodist Episcopal Churcii. He
was pastor at different times in Michigan, Indiaii.i
and Illinois, and died in the last-named State. The
mother of Mrs. Gillam bore the maiden name of
Boice and was born in Ireland. Her father was
the founder of the linen works at Montreal, Can-
ada, and was a very prominent citizen. The fam-
ily name was formerly Du Boise and undoubtedly
the ancestors some generations back were from
France. Mrs. Gillam is now sixty-five years old.
She has three children — Samuel E.; Mrs. Anna E.
Doolittle, of Owosso; and I5ertie, who died in in
fancy.
Dr. Gillam was born in White Oak Township,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALB[JM.
823
Insjlinnj CounU', April "26, 1845. ami retired in
I'laintiold, Livingston County, from tiie age of
eleven years. He li.ad good school advantages,
and having an apt mind and love of study, he
was able to enter the Miciiigan St,ate Normal School
at V|)silanti, wheu but fifteen years old. He at-
tended there three years, and while a student enlisted
in the Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, known as
the ''Normal Regiment," but could not obtain the
consent of his parents to go to war, and so re-
main at home. He engaged in teaciiing and for
several years followed the profession at intervals,
laboring in both district and graded schools.
From early years he iiad been desirous of studying
medicine, and when eighteen began reading in tiie
office of Dr. P. L. Schuyler, of Iosco. He did
not quit teaching but pursued his studies in con-
nection with his professional work.
In 1866 young Gillam entered the University
of Michigan as a student in the medical deparrt-
ment, and worked his way through college, being
graduated in 1869 with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine. He then began practica at Elsie, Clin-
ton Count3', remaining there until 1877, and tiien
going to New York in order to take a clinical
course in the Ikllcvue Hospital Medical College,
was graduated in March, 1878, then returning to
Elsie, settled up his business there and in March,
187'J, opened an office in St. John's. Here he has
remained, working u|) a large practice and secur-
ing a reputation that is highly creditable. He built
a pleasant residence when he located here and it is
presided over by sympathizing and capable com-
panion and helpmate. Mrs. Gillam w.as known in
her maidenhoocl as Miss Rose A. Finch, was born
in Williams County, Ohio, and is the daughter of
Peter Finch, one of the early settlers of Clinton
County, Mich. She is a well-educated lady, and
as a school teacher was highly valued. She is a
member of the Congregational Churcii.
In adilition to his property in St. John's, Dr. Gil-
lam owns large tracts of valuable pine and oak land
in Cleveland an<l Desha Counties, Ark., and is inter-
ested in real estate in various places. He is surgeon
for the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Rail-
road, an<l is President of the United States Board
of Pension Examiners of St. John's, with which
he has been connected since 1S86. Since 1873 he
has been connected with the Stale Medical Society,
and is President of the Clinton County Medical
Society-, which he helped to organize. Socially he
is a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chap-
ter at St. John's, Mich.
eEORGE J. BUSH, a well-known farn
, Essex Township, Clinton County, ai
son of a highly-res|iectod pioneer, wai
,^^EORGE J. BUSH, a well-known farmer of
and tlie
i-as born
in the township where he now lives, November 11,
1842. His father, David Bush,was born in Dutch-
ess County, N. Y., and came to Clinton Count}- in
1836, taking up (iovernment land on section 33.
Here he did genuine i)ioneer work, building up a
home in the woods, erecting a log shanty and
bringing his goods and family' from Detroit with
the aid of an ox-team. To that city also he went
for most of his supplies, and to Ionia he took his
grain to be ground.
David Bush cleaved the heavy timber from his
land, cultivated it and soon began to raise good
crops on what was but a short time ago a wilder-
ness. His death occurred in 1876 and was a sad
and sudden bereavement, as he was killeil while
helping to raise a large frame barn in the neigh-
borhood, being accidentally struck by a pike pole.
His wife, Albina Frink, of New York, was born in
Genesee Count}' anrl is still living, enjoying a
hale and hearty old age, and is the mother of two
children.
Our subject was born in the shanty which was
built by his father upon his first coming to Michi-
gan. For several years there was no school near
enough for this boy to attend, but he finally went
to a log school-house which was two and one-half
miles from home. Here he sat on slab seats and
wrote with a quill pen at the old-fashioned writing
desk which was fastened to the wall. He was an
invaluable help to his father, and assisted bravely
in clearing and improving the farm. He was hap-
pily married in 1872 to Rebecca Chase, daughter of
Daniel B. Chase, and has one daughter, Birdella,
who is now a young lady. Mr. Bush is prominent
824
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
in Republican circles and is often sent as a dele-
gate to county and district conventions. He is
ako identified with the Ancient Ordcf of United
Workmen, and botii lie and liis good wife and
daughter find a field of labor in the Christian
Church, to which they belong. He has one hundred
and twenty acres of excellent land in a fine state of
cultivation and in addition to general crops raises
all kinds of live stock.
HARLES SEXTON, a resident of Dniilain
,, Township, Clinton County, prominent in
^^>y both agricultural and commercial circles,
was born in Waterbury, New Haven County, Conn.,
on December 12, 1829. His parents, Henry You-
mans and Roxa (Adams) Sexton, were natives of
New York City and Connecticut respectively. The
father was brought up in New York City, and the
mother had her training and education in the city
of Waterbury. The father owned a farm and
also pursued his calling as a clockmaker and re-
pairer, and he was assisted by his son in the farm
work.
The subject of this brief biography came to the
Wolverine State when he was in his twenty first
year, and located in August, 1850, on section 13,
Duplain Township, Clinton County. As he was the
eldest of his father's family and his help on the
farm was early demanded, he had not opportunities
of going to school as he would otherwise have had.
He, therefore, received no more than a very ordi-
nary common-school education. He began life as
a farmer when he came to Clinton Count}', and here
took up one hundred and sixty acres through the
purchase of a soldier's bounty* land warrant, mak-
ing his selection in Duplain Township. Two 3'ears
later he exchanged this property with his father for
the eighty acres on section 13.
His union for life with Nancy M. Lewis was cele-
brated October 7, 1852. This lady is a dauglilcr
of William and Abigail Lewis, whose home was on
a farm in Brunswick, Medina County, Ohio. Eight
children came to make this home a happy and joy-
ous one, namely: Martin 15 , born ,1uly 27, 1853;
Alice A., August 18, 1855; William J.. March 28,
1860; Harry L., November 22, 1862; IMelvin M.,
April 14, 18G4; C4eorge E., August 8, 1867; De
Forest, July 25, 1874; and Ernest J., IMarch 26,
1878. Of this happy hou.sehold, Martin, William
J., George and DeForest have been called to a
better land ; Alice is now Mrs. ( ieorge C. Meecher,
and resides in Otsego County, INIich.; Harry lives
in Cleveland, Ohio; Melvin is married, and like his
chler sister resides in Otsego County; and Ernest
is at home with his parents.
lilver since coming to this part of the country
Mr. Sexton has been engaged in agricultural pur-
suits and has operated a threshing machine for ten
seasons. He has also sold organs, pianos and sew-
•iug macliines. He has long been interested in
stock-raising and keeps a number of excellent cows
.supplying milk to the cheese factory. He has filled
the office of Chorister in the Baptist Church at
Elsie for more than thirty years, but within two
j'ears past has felt it incumbent upon him to with-
draw from this position of responsibility.
Mr. Sexton was at one time Constable, and for
six years has filled the position of Highway Com-
missioner. Until a few J'ears ago he ranked himself
as belonging to the Republican party, but now
stands with the Prohibitionists and attends most of
the Prohibition conventions in the Suite.
'ij SRAEL MEAD, a well-known and prosperous
|| resident in Duplain Township, Clinton County,
(li was born in Chester, near Lake* George in New
York, March 30, 1811. His father, Nehemiah Mead
was a farmer by occupation and brought his son
up in his own line of work. The mother Zilpha
Wilcox Mead, gave to her son the inheritance of a
sound constitution and an honest love for work
but could not give him good educational advan-
tages as the family was so situated as to debar him
from such oi>porluuities. Most of his education he
has had to attain for himself since he reached his
majority.
When our subject w.as a mere infant his father
removed to Washingtt)n CouTitj', N. Y., and five
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
825
j'ears later transferred his lioiiie to AVaj^ne C'ounly,
the same State. The younjj man remained witii
his parents until he reached iiis majority, and then
d('ei(ied to come West. Tl}is was in tlie ohl Terri-
torial days and our subject arrived in Novi Town
ship, Oakland Count}-, in 1832, thus becoming one
of tile sterling |)ioneers of that region. That county
was then an unbroken wilderness, and tiie new set-
tler could scarcely find even a cabin within its
confines. He took up a place of eighty acres to
which lie afterward added forty acres more. He
was then a man of Herculean strengtii and wonder-
ful endurance and during the twenty- five years
when he made his home in Oakland County he ac-
cora[)lished marvels in subduing the wilderness and
bringing his land from the condition of a forest to
that of a rich and productive farm. He placed
u()on tills land an excellent house, fine barns and
ever}' appurtenance necessary to carry on a farm.
Previous to his migration this young man had
taken to himself a wife in the person of Livisa
Knapp, who became Mrs. Mead in May, 1831. Five
children blessed this home, but one only of that
little circle, Lovilla, remains to clieer tlic heart of
her father. The four others, Loretla, Maria, Sam-
anlha and Andrew lie with their motlier in the
"city of the silent." Mrs. Livisa Mead passed
awa}- from earth in 1844.
The second marriage of our subject uaitcd liim
with Clarissa Austin, of Oakland County, and by
her lie had nine children, namely : Phojbe, Mary,
Ja}', Mark, Eliza, Cora, Milton. Clarissa, (who died
in infanc}') and Frederick. The mother of these
children died about eighteen years ago.
Mr. Mead removed from Oakland County, to
Clinton County, in the year 1855, and located on
tlie place where he now resides, which was then
also a wilderness. He had to cut his way tlirough
the woods to his new liome, and only a few inhab-
itants were then to be found in the liounds of the
county. He has thus done double iiioneer work.
He lias cleared about one liundred and forty acres
out of the tliree liundred and seventy which lie
took when he first came to the county. He designs
to give this place to his children, when his time
comes to resign his earthly possessions. His young-
est son and iiis daughter Lovilla make their home
with him as does also the husband of the daugh-
ter. He is a sturdy specimen of the old fashioned
farmer of the early days of Michigan, and calls
himself a "square toed Democrat." He keeps ten
head of horses and some very line ones anil a small
herd of good cows. He has held school oflBces and
some other townshi)) positions of trust and respon-
sibility.
• (xjo '
iHOMAS H. LEMON. The name that heads
this sketch is that of a gentleman who for
^y many years lived on a farm on section 14
Shiawassee Township, Shiawassee County. He was
the eldest son of .John and .lulia Ann (Trowbridge)
Lemon and was born December 1, 181G,in Steuben
Count}', N. Y. He was married December 8, 1842,
in Oakland County to Hope A. Smith and the next
month, January 7, reached Shiawassee. Previous
to his marriage he had secured a tract of land, in
1839, on section 15, in company with his father.
The tract comprised one hundred and sixty acres
and upon it he built a house that was the first home
of the young married couple. Here he settled in
January, 1843. and the following June his father
came and settled on the same tract.
About this time Mr. Lemon and his wife returned
to Oakland County, but in 1845 they came back to
Shiawassee County and built on the other eighty
acres, remaining here until 1851 when hite health
failed him and he was obliged to make a change.
He removed to Newburg where he opened a grocery
store and soon enlarged it to a general merchandise
stock continuing in this business for about two
years. Then in com()any with Daniel N. Sabin he
opened a store at Shiawassee in 1854, remaining
thereuntil 1859. He disposed of his business at
the time above mentioned and secured the farm
upon which he at present lives. It at lirst com-
prised seventy-nine acres. His boys were growing
u)) and he felt that farm liie was more conducive
to the cultivation of manliness and vigor than town
life. He lived upon his farm until the time ot his
death which occurred December (>, 1880.
Mr. Lemon was never a strong man physically
and during the latter part of his life was a great
826
POltTEAIT AMD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
sufferer. Persoimlly he was of medium size and of
slender build witli ixiiid blue eyes and a bright in-
telligent expression, and he was a eharitable man
who disliked ostentation. Socially he was genial
and loved his fellow-men and was beloved by
them. In politics he was a Democrat. He bad not
attached himself to any ehurcli although religiously
inclined, lie was a strong sup|)orte:' of schools and
in fact of everything that was a means of advance-
ment. Before his death he had added to his farm
until it aggregated one hundred and sixty acres.
The wife of our subject, Hope A. (Smith) Lemon
was born in Tro_v, N. Y., September 1, 1823. Her
parents were Samuel and Marcia B. (Collier)
Smith, the former a native of New Hampshire and
the latter of Vermont. They came to Michigan in
1824, settling seven miles from Detroit on the
Pontiac turnpike. In 1832 they removed to a farm
in Oakland County, where the father died in 1862
at tlie age of eighty-Bve years. His widow sur-
vived him but a few years, dying in 1871, at the
. age of seventy-nine. She hud made her home for
the last four years of her life with Mrs. Lemon.
The father of our subject continued to live on the
farm which he had bought in company with his son
until his death, which occurred in 1816. His widow
died in April, 1864. They had eleven children of
whom our subject was the eldest. The next was
Sarah P., who became Mrs. Llisha Brewster and
died in 1859; Martha married D. N. Sabin and re-
sides near the homsste.ad; Minerva is now Mrs.
Collins Sergeant; .lolin died in 1876 and his widow
resides in Corunna; Benjamin lives in Byron;
Joseph is in business at Corunna; James is on the
farm; Charles lives in Lansing; Edward resides near
the old farm; Julia is the widow of Wallace W.
Moore, and lives near tlie homestead. Mr. Lemon's
son-in law, Elislia Brewster, was the second Sheriff
of the county.
Mrs. Thomas II. Lemon presented her husband
with several children, namely: Delia 1!., now Mrs.
Williafti Devereaux lives on the homestead ; Melvin
E. died when four years of age; George C. lives
on part of liie old farm; Samuel J. is living in the
neighborhood; Ella L. died at the age of twenty-
four unmarrieil; Mareia A. who is Mrs. H. M.
Rippcy is living near; Adell RL, who is Mrs.
George M. Winnie of Caledonia Township, and
Tom E. lives near the old home.
Mrs. Thomas H. Lemon is a woman of rare in-
telligence and of prepossessing appearance and
presence. She still lives on the farm. Her son-
in-law, William H. Devereaux resides on the place
with her. By the death of a half-brother in 1885
she received a han(iSome fortune. This brother
had been for many years an invalid and his fortune
iiad accumulated for a space of fifty jears in the
hands of trustees. This windfall could not have
(•(line to one better suited for its wise disbursement
tiian Mrs. Lemon. Charitable and kind she is ever
guided by good judgment and discretion in all her
acts. Mrs. Lemon's eldest daughter, Mrs. Delia
Devereaux, wiio w.as born in O.akland County,
April 23, 1844, makes an exceedingly pleasant
home for her mother. She was married in Decem-
ber 1863 to Mr. Devereaux, who was born in
Rensselaer County, N. Y., January 26, 1827. Their
family consists of Hal L. who lives near, .aged
twenty-six jears; Nellie L.. died at the age of fif-
teen, her natal day being INIaj' 25, 1883; Derward
E. at thenge of twentj- is at home.
C,<;^HARLES L. BENEDICT, a young and pros-
periius farmer who owns and o|ierates one
^ hundred and twenty acres of choice land in
Essex Township, Clinton C'ounty, was born in that
same township June 28, 1868. His father was
George A., was also born in the same townshii) in
1843, and the grandlather. Nelson, was a native of
New York, w|jo came to Clinton County at an
early day, soon after tiie migration to that county
of his brother, Hiram Benedict, who gave his
name to what is known as the Benedict Plains.
George Benedict died about 1880 at the age of
thirty-seven years. His wife, who bore the name
of Laura Eldred, was born in Ohio, and is now the
wife of George Fo.x, a wealthy stock-dealer of
Maple Rapids, Mich.
The subject of this brief sketch is the only child
of his parents and was reared on the old Benedict
homestead. He received his education in the
/
i^<.niii.a,iim
'c^ccJ^T/iyi^ /M^l/ ouyrH^ .
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
829
Ihiion scliools of Mnple Rapids, and after his
father's death, which occurred when the boy was
on!}' twelve years ohl, he continued to reside on
the farm witli his niotiier. He was liappily mairied
in I 887 to Miss Hattie .lones, wlio was l)()rn in Es-
sex Townsliip in )8G',», andis the daughter of Kli
and Helen Jones, botii natives of New Vorl< vvho
came to Essex Township at quite an early daj-. Tlio^'
now reside in Durand, Midi., where Mr. Jones has
an interest in a sawmill.
Two cliildrcn. Nemo and Leta, liavc been sent to
brighten the homo of Mr. and Jlrs. Benedict.
Their home is pleasantly situated and very attract-
ive to the passers-by, and within its four walls m.ay
be found a happj' household. Mr. Bcneillct is a
stirring, energetic young man, and his push, [iluck
and perseverance will effect great things in the fu-
ture. He easts his vote according to his best judg
ment for the man who he thinks will do best for
the community.
-^^
eALYIN BENJAMIN. Few residents of
Lebanon Township have so strong a claim
on the consideration of the readers of this
volume as Mr. Benjamin, whose portrait appears
on the opposite l>age. lie has borne an honorable
part in the public affairs of a great commonwealth,
and has successfully |)riisecuted a farmer's career.
His home is on one of the tinest farms in Clinton
Count}', and there every convenient structure, first-
class machinery and farm implements, and high
grades of stock may be seen. The estate con-
sists of thre(! hundred and eighty acres, which,
when covered with growing crops, present an ap-
pearance of |)rosperity not to be surpassed in Mich-
igan. Mr. Benjamin at one time owned six hun-
dred and forty acres, but has given one hundred
and twenty acres to three sisters, and has alsogivcn
very liberally to those in need.
From New York State, of which he w.as a native,
the father of our subject, Nathan Benjamin by
name, came to Oakland County, Mich., at a very
early day. Li 18,'Jt he located in Ionia County,
whence lie removed to Clinton County-, and there
spent his last days. In the Empire State he was
married to Cliloe Tyler, and a large family of chil-
dren was born to them, named as follows: Sylves
ter, who died at the age of thirty-five years and
twenty-seven days; Calvin, Alfred. John, Sophro-
nia, Mary, Minerva, Lucy and Sarah. Tlu^ father
followed agricultural pursuits during his entire life
and was a faithful member of the Ba[)tist Church.
He took a lively- interest in the growth and pros-
perity of his adopted home, and contributeil liber-
ally of his means to this end. Every enteri)rise
calculated to .advance the interests of the people, so-
ciall}', morally and financially, received liis unquali-
ificd support, and his death on January 27, 1867,
was a loss deeply felt and widely mourned. He
died at the age of sixty-nine years, eight months
and twenty-five da3-s. His wife, the mother of
our subject, passed from (^arth January 18, 18C7,
aged sixty-five years and two months.
Calvin Benjamin, of this sketch, was born in
Oakland Township, t)aklan<l County, Mich., Feb-
ruary 2, 1831, and three years later was brought b}-
his parents to Ionia County, where he remained
until 1852. The fanjily then removed to Lebanon,
at that time a v.ast wilderness. They endured the
hardships common to those d.ays, and Calvin w.as
early initiated into the labor incident to clearing
and improving a farm. Being fond of adventure
and a man of spirit, it was natural that Mr. Ben-
jamin became a victim of the gold fever, and
started with some con [lanions to seek his fortune
in California. There for some time he engaged .as
a miner, and now wears a ring .as a choice relic of
the gold he dug.
In 1855, having .accumulated some wealth, .Mr.
Benjamin returned to Lebanon, where he has lived
the life of a farmer until the present time. He takes
pride in raising fine stock, in v.iiich he li.as been
more than ordinaril-y successful. F'or years he has
maintained the (irinciples of a devoted Christian
and is a member of the United Brethren Church.
A man of unceasing toil, strict integrity, and pos-
sessing a genial and charitable nature, he has con-
tributed largely to the promotion of religion and
its works, not only in his own locality, but in oth-
ers far away. Just across the ro.ad from his com-
fortable home, reared high above it, looks down
830
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
the spire of a inoflest church, one of the fruits of
his charitable nature, aud erected in 1881. Besides
building this edifice, Mr. Benjamin has contributed
largely to the erection of nineteen others.
In Matherton, Mich., on Januar3' 2, 1884, Mr.
Benjamin was united in marriage with M. Annette
Mather. The bride was the daughter of Vcrnura
and Sallie (Ticknor) Mather, and the granddaugh-
ter of Buckley and Edna (Perry) Mather, natives
of New York. The grandparents reared a family
of two daughters and four sons. After the death
of Buckley JNIather in the Empire State, his widow
was married a second time to a Mr. Stevens, and
came West to Illinois, wliere she died. Vernura
Mather was born April 12, 1817 in New York, and
in 183G migrated to this State and purchased land,
which he traded for property in the East. Return-
ing to New York, he sojourned there until 1867,
when he again came to Michigan and remained in
Matherton until 1884. Later he removed to Al-
bion, where he now resides. The village of Math-
erton was named after Asaph Mather, a brother of
Vernum.
The wife of Vernura Mather, who was known in
maidenhood as Sallie M. Ticknor, was born in 1823
in Lebanon, N. Y., and was the daughter of Orrin
Ticknor, a native of Connecticut. She was mar-
ried to Mr. Mather in the Empire State in 1843,
and four children came to bless their union, viz:
M. Annette, George, Elbert and Cora. All are liv-
ing excepting George. Elbert is pastor in the
Methodist Episcopal Church at Battle Creek. He is
a graduate of Albion College, class of '88, afterward
completing his education at the Uni versityof Boston.
He was united in marriage with Annie E. Stevens
June 30, 1891, at Atchison, Kaa. The bride is a
graduate of Albion College, and for two years a
teacher of languages in Streator, 111. Cora, who is
a graduate of the Albion College, class of '87, and
teacher of languages in Marshalltown, Iowa, is a
teacher, and has been principal of the High School
in Legonier. Mr. IMatlier was a merchant in New
York, but has been a lumber dealer in Michigan,
and now lives retired from the active duties of life.
He .and his estimable wife are both members of the
INIcthodist Episcopal Church.
Mrs. Benjamin was born Jul^- 11, 1844, in Ca-
yuga Count}', N. Y., and received a good educa-
tion in the common schools of her native State and
in the academy at Groton, N. Y. In 1864 she
came West to Illinois, wiiere she taught school at
Chatham for five j'ears. She also followed that
profession in M.atherton, this State. A most estim-
able woman, she has proved an efficient helpmate
to her husband, and possesses those traits of char-
acter which have drawn around her a large circle of
friends. Her home is one of the most hos[)itable
in the count}-, and is the frequent resort of the
friends whom she and her husband have attracted
to them during their long residence in the commu-
nity.
'jf AMES SELDEN McBRIDE. a noteworthy
citizen of Owosso Townshij), who resides on
section 18, was born near Mahoning, Mercer
I County, (now Laurence County) Pa., Octo-
ber 15, 1835. His father who bore the name of
James McBride was also a native of Pennsylvania,
and a son of Samuel McBride who was born in
County Antrim, Ireland, and came to America
during the Revolutionary War. This emigrant
indulged a natural antipathy to England and soon
enlisted himself against the crown and with the Col-
onists. He served with distinction in Washing-
ton's Army throughout that period of conflict, and
made his home at its close in Washington County,
Pa., whence he removed to Mercer Count}-, in
1796.
Jane AVick was the maiden name of her who be-
came the mother of our subject and she was born
in Youngstown, Ohio, where her ancestors were
pioneers. During the early j-cars of our subject
the family resided in Pennsylvania, and his fatlier
died there in 1867. This son is the5'oungest in a
family of six, of whom four are now living. His
early years were passed mainl}' upon a farm and he
took his education in the common schools of that
day. His efforts were necessary in carrying on the
affairs of the fainilj^ and he gladly aided his mother
in every way possible.
While still a young man, Mr. IMcBride engaged
in mercantile life in which he was occupied sue-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
831
ccssfull}' for five years. At the age of Iweutj'-four
he was happil}' united in marriage with Miss Mory
Offutl, who was born March 30, 1840, in Laurcnoc
County, Pa. Their marriage tool< place November
3, 1859, and tiie young couple made their home in
Pennsylvania until 18G8, when the^- settled at Tul-
lahoma, Tenn., where for three years Mr. McIJride
was cnijaged in selling general merchandise in con-
nection with his farming operations.
Prior to this time and during the speculative
period of the war, when the oil excitement was
running at fierce heat, Mr. McBride suffered the
common affliction and speculated largely in oil and
oil lands. The termination of the war i)Ut a stop
to advancing prices, and sales falling off, he found
himself but a small gainer by his efforts in that di-
rection. Not being able to cultivate a healthy love
for the people of Tennessee (which .State was in a
chaotic condition for years after the close of the
war), he sought a more congenial clime, and hav-
ing an opportunity to secure his present farm of
one hundred and twenty acres, he removed to .Shia-
wassee County in the fall of 1871.
In addition to general and mixed farming oper-
ations, Mr. McBride has become a breeder of
thoroughbred stock. His herd of Jerseys is one of
the best in the counly and he gives consideraljle
attention to dairj' interests. He uses the submerged
system in his creamery and the prizes taken by his
choice butter during the last few j-ears fully attest
the excellency of his system and management. Ilis
product has been awardeil first prizes at a number
of State fairs and dairy shows.
As a breeder of the now famous Durock Jersey
swine he stands foremost, having sales for his ani-
mals throughout the I'nited Stales and Canadii.
His farm also is in a highly improved condition.
Politically he is a Republican and has been Justice
of the I'eace for eight years. He is fiequenlly
chosen to attend county or Stjite conventions, and
enjoys the fullest confidence and esteem of his
neighbors ami associates. His children are James
N., who graduated at the State University in 1888
and was awarded the second prize of %100 offered
by the American Protective League. This he ,
won while still a junior in college for a compet-
itive essay on Protection, al! his rivals being mem- i
bers of the senior class. He is the popular editor
of the Owosso Times, and in 1890 his name was
prominently mentioned as a candidate for State Sup-
erintendent of Public Instruction. The second
son is Quincy, who is interested in stock-breeding
with his father am! is at present traveling as a
commercial salesman. The daughter is named
Eva, and became the wife of Burt Munger, and
she died in California in 1888. Mr. McBride and
his excellent lady arc earnest and active members
of the Presbyterian Church in which they find a
bro.id field of infiuence and activity. The family'
is esteemed as one of the most reliable anil intel-
ligent in the county.
♦^^E
E^
<S^THAN DOAN. Whether it is that the con-
La) ditions of agricultural life in Michigan re-
ilL^/ semble those of the State of New York we
cannot state, but it is a fact that many of the early
settlers of New York have removed to this State
and carry on a successful business in farming.
Our subject, who is a native of New York and
wlio emigrated to this State at a comparatively
early date, owns a farm on section 12, Caledonia
Township, Shiawassee County, of which county he
has been a. resident for thirty-five j-ears.
Our subject's father w.as Jesse N. Doan, a native
of New York. His mother was Elizabeth (Bra-
ford) Doan, also a native of the same State as her
husband. They were married in their native .State
and came to Michigan in 185 1, settling in Gaines
Towushii), Genesee Counly, their claim being wild
land that they had purchased from the Govern-
ment.
Mr. Doan, Sr., was a cooper 1)3- trade, which is
always a lucrative business in a new settlement and
although he devoted himself to farming his ser-
vices were ever in demand in his trade. He w.is a
soldier in the War of 1812. He ilid not live long
after coming to this State. His decease occurred
in 1853; the niolhcr died in 1854. They were the
parents of twelve children, four of whom are now
living. During their lives thoy were consistent
members of the Bai)tist Church, in which the father
832
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
was an active worker, holding various offices in
lliat body before he came to this State. Politically
he was an old-line Whig.
The natal day of our subject was August 18,
1840. his birth[)lace being in Cayuga County, N.
Y. He was only eleven years of age when the fam-
ily came to this .State and at fourteen years lost
botli parents, after which he was obliged to begin
the struggle for life for himself. He helped others
with farm work until he reached his sixteenth year,
when he began learning the cooper's trade and
continued to follow tliat iu connection with farm-
ing for a number of years.
In 18C1 the marriage of our subject took place,
his wife's maiden name being Elizabeth Derham, a
daughter of Henry Derham, of whom a sketch will
be found in that of Alfred Derham. in another part
of this Ai.iuM. Mrs. Doan was born August 3,
1843, in England. After marri.ige the young
couple settled on foi-ty acres of land on section 12,
(Caledonia Township. It was a little wilderness,
liaving in its midst a tiny board sliant^', but the
liearls of the young people were not disin.ayed. The
wife beautified the iiorae without as well .as within,
besides doing the manifold duties of a housewife.
They had no money at their command and knew
that all tliat they could expect from the future must
be made by the work of their own hands.
Mr. Doan lias now one hundred and twenty acres,
of whicli one hundred .acres are under cultivation.
His claim was originally heavy timber land and the
work of clearing w.as not small. In 1881 he built
his present residence at a cost of •i<l,.")00. It is a
sweet, cozy little jilace and proclaims the love of
home that its builder li.is. In 1880 lie built a large
barn ai a cost of $750. All the improvements
tiiat his farm at present boasts he has made him-
self. The work of general farming is carried on
in a thorough manner.
Mr. Doan and his wife are the parents of six
children. They are: Albert H., Nancy M., Adella
M., Fred J., Charles W. and Edith E. The eldest
son is the husliand of a lady whose name was Cora
Craig and lives on section 13; Nancy is the wife
of Samuel Galloway and lives in Ilazleton Town-
ship; one child, a boy, is at once her care and
pride; Adella is the w-ife of Clarence Cudle^' and
lives on section 18, Venice Township; Fred J.
married Alice Brown and lives in Venice Town-
shi|); the two youngest children reside at home:
they have all received the advantages of a good ed-
ucation and Mrs. Galloway was foi'merly a te.acher.
Our subject luid his wife are members of the
Methodist Episeoiial Church and are also workers
in the Sundaj'-school. He is Trustee, Steward and
has been Cl.ass-le.ader for sixteen years, and has
been Superintendent of the Sunda^'-school, also
conducting the Biljle-Class. Mrs. Doan, too, is a
teacher in the Sunday-school.
The original of our skeoch is much interested in
local .as well as national politics and events. He
is an adherent of the Republican party, believing
in the right of its platform. Mrs. Doan h.as much
executive abilit3- and h.as been President of the
Ladies' Aid Society of her church, presiding over
the same with dignit\. At the time of Mr. Doan's
settlement here there were more Indians than white
men and wild animals abounded. Roads were not
then laid out and he heljied to chop and clear most
of the present roads iu this locality*. Like the ma-
jority- of early settlers, for 3'ears he was a great
sufferer from fever and ague.
<y70HN Q. PIERCE, one of the influential
citizens of Greenbush Township, Clinton
County, makes his homo on section 21. where
he owns one hundred ami thirty-two acres
of land. This projjcrty has been accumulatetl b^'
a series of well-directed efforts, and it bears im-
provements which stamp it .as the home of a man
of intelligence and good judgment. The evidences
of woman's refining tastes are not lacking, and al-
together the farm is attractive to passing strangers
as well as to those who know and esteem its occu-
pants.
The birthplace of Mr. Pierce was Orleans County',
N. Y., and his natal day January 4, 1828. He is a
descendant of old New England families. Arelas
Pierce, his father, having been born in Vermont,
and Matilda (Steadman) Pierce, his mother, in
Massachusetts. He grew to manhood in the county
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
833
of Ills birth, spending his earl}' j'tars on a farm and
acquiring the riulinients of an education in theiHs-
trict schools. He subsequently attended the acad-
emies in Albion and lIoll3', N. Y., and in the latter
made a specialty of civil engineering. In 1849 he
look up the work to which he had deci(ied to de-
vole himself, on a branch of the Galena & Chicago
Railroad, one of the first in Illinois. For a score
of years he was au engineer and surveyor for rail-
road corporations, and during that time visited a
number of States and worked for some of the best-
known companies in America.
Mr. Pierce spent two years on the preliminary
survey and construction work connected with the
enlargement of the Erin Canal, having charge of a
division between Gasport and Shelby Basin, with
headquarters at Middleport. He also was the en-
gineer on the con.slruclion of a branch of the Erie
Road between Buffalo and Hornellsville, N. Y. He
was chief assistant of the New York and New Eng-
land Railroad between Milwaukee and Putnam;
later he was Chief Assistant Engineer of the Con-
necticut Valley Railroad from Hartford to Say-
brook. AVhen he gave uyi the profession, in 1873,
he was Chief Assistant Engineer of the Massachu-
setts Central Railroad between Boston and Boyls-
lon, and had a tine reputation as a civil engineer.
In the spring of 1875 he went to California, intend-
ing to locate in that .State, but after a sh'jrt stay
changed his mind and settled in Michigan. He
chose Clinton Count}- for his future home, and
bought land on which he has since been living. In
connection with farming he carries on stock-rais-
ing quite extensively, and markets a good grade of
horses and cattle.
In 1855 Mr. Pierce was married to Miss Julia
Benneti, who bore him three children, none of
whom are now living. He made a second marriage
June 1, 1874, his bride on this occasion being Miss
Mj'ra Kc3's, daughter of Horatio N. and Allhea
Keys, of Orleans County, N. Y., wliere she was
born September 23, 1849. Three children have
been born of this union, but only one is living,
John (I., Jr. The parents of Mrs. Pierce were born
in the New England .States, and her mother is still
living in New York. Her father departed this life
in 1887. Mr. Pierce is identitied with the Repub-
lican part}'. He and his wife are active and re-
spected members of society, manifesting an interest
in the welfare of the people among whom they
have made their home, an<l doing what they can to
aid in elevating the status of the community, ma-
terially and intellectually.
((?^ QL'IRl-^ ISAAC D. HANNA, one of the
^^^ earliest pioneers and a tcember of one of
lll/^j Ihe most intelligent families of Shiawassee
County, resided on section 19, N'cuice
Township. His father, Richard, was born in New-
berg, Orange Counlj', N. Y., in 1797, fud for the
past lifly ye.irs has been a farmer, before that being
a carpenter and joiner. He still lives at the age of
ninetj--four years in Crawford County, Pa., and
has all his f.aculties in good condition. His mother,
Sarah (Barton) Ilanna.a native of Dutchess County,
married Richard Ilanna in New York and resided
in Cortland County until her 'leath iu 1827. Two
only of her four children now survive, our subject
aud Sarah, Mrs. Rogers. The second marriage of
Richard Hanna gave hira seven children, and all
but one of them are now living, lie volunteered
to serve his country during the War of 1S12 but
was not called into action.
Our subject's birth was in Cortland Counl}^,
N. Y., March 2, 1822, and he lemained at home ac-
quiring a district school education and being em-
|)loyed upon the farm until he reached his majority.
He cut the first slick that was felled upon his fa-
ther's farm in Crawford Count}', Pa., and wiien
twent^'-one j'cars old was given a portion of his
father's farm and settled u|)on it. In 1843 he mar-
ried Cynthia Kingsley a daughter of Orren and
JNIargaret (Buchanan) Kingsley, the mother being
a native of New I'Drk and the father of Connecli-
cut. Bishop Kingsley (now deceased) was Mrs.
Ilanna's eldest Ijrother.Tnd they had another brother
who was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mr. Kingsley died in 1870 and his wife
followefl him six 3'ears later, leaving seven of their
twelve children lo mourn their loss.
Mrs. Isaac Ilanna was born in June, 181(1, in
834
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Oneida County, N. Y., and there received so good
an education as to be able to teacli. She occupied
the desli of the teacher for eleven terms, mostly in
Pennsylvania and New York, and after marriage
lived for four years in Pennsylvania. Keturning
to Livingston County, N. Y., the young couple
occupied a farm f(>r four years then spent one year
at Rochester and returned to Pennsylvania and
pursued farming. In 18G0 they came to Michigan
and settled upon a farm in Genesee County, coming
to this county five 3'ears later and making their
home where they now reside. It was then a tract
of one hundred and ninety-six acres, only eight}'
of which was roughly improved. For ten years
they lived in a shanty and then built the house
now occupied by the son. Fifteen years ago thej'
built their present attractive and commoiiious
home and all other improvements which ma^' be
seen on this farm have been placed there by Mr.
Hanna. He now has seventy -six acres, all but two
of which are improved.
Three of the five children of Squire Hanna and
Cynthia, Ids wife, are now living, namely: Richard,
who married Ilattie Yerkes, and with his wife and
one child lives on section 18; Almeda, the wife of
William Minto, who lives at Corunna and has four
children; Sarah, the wife of Edgar Slocum and the
mother of two children, lives in Caledonia.
The Methodist Episcopal Church is the body of
Christian worshipers with which the Hannas are
connected. In this Mr. Hanna has been both Stew-
ard and Class-Leader, and also Superintendent of
the Sunday-school. Mrs. Hanna also takes an
active part in church work and has for some been
teacher of the Bible Class. Mr. Hanna has been a
member of the local school board and is active in
promoting the interest of education. He is a worker
for the Democratic party and his first vote was cast
for Henry Clay for President. He is serving his
third term as Justice of the Peace and has been
Commissioner of Highways for five years.
Excellent educational advantages have been fur-
nished to the children of this household, and they
gladly avail themselves of this opportunity'. The
father has now retired from active work, giving
over into younger hands the heavy toils of a far-
mer's life. He has done a great amount of work
in his day and has always been a strong and robust
man. Only seven years ago when he was over
sixty he waded through two feet of snow for some
distance to see a stump from which he and his fa-
ther had cut a tree forty-seven years before.
Squire Hanna has a pleasant remembrance of those
early days and loves to recount the adventures of
pioneer life.
EZRA SMITH, M. D. A pr.acti
healing art, who has a reputati(
-' tion tiiat extends beyond th
■^f^ZRA SMITH, M. D. A pr.actitioner of the
tion for erudi-
beyond the locality in
which he lives, is the gentleman whose name is at
the head of this sketch. He resides in Judd's
Corners. He was born January 2, 183G, in Candor
Township, Tioga Countj', N. Y. His father was
Jesse D. Smith, a native of Connecticut and born
in 1797, a farmer by calling. Our subject's mother
was Lucinda (Sanford) Smith, a daughter of Eze-
kiel Sanford. Her birthplace was Tioga County,
N. Y. Her death, which occurred in 1843, was an
irreparable loss to her son who was tlieii but seven
years of age. Our subject is one of four children,
three of whom are living.
The Doctor remained in Tioga Count}' until he
was eighteen years of age, when he commenced the
study of medicine. He had previousl}' received
an academic education in Tioga and Alleghany
Counties. In the latter county he attended the
Alfred Academy. He studied and read for one
and one-half years under Dr. Sutherland of Candor,
N. Y. and then went to New Haven, Conn., where
he studied under Prof. Charles A. Lindsley, now
professor of Theory and Practice in Yale College.
(Jur subject entered Yale and took the complete
course and was graduated January 11, 1857, taking
the degree of M. D.
After finishing his college course he of whom we
write opened an ollice in Fair Haven, Conn., and
there continued until the sjjring of 1861, when he
was recalled to his childhood's home in order to see
to his fatiu'r's estate of which there was a farm and
a hotel. Here the Doctor located and continued his
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
835
practice until 1865. Wiieii in 1868 he came to
Michigan he had but seventy-tive cents in iiis
pocket, having lost his |)ri)i)ertj' in litigation, lie
locaterl in Ilazolton Township, wiiere he began
practice and lierc continued until 1877. Dr. Smith
then removed to Flushing, Genesee County, open-
ing an office there and continuing in the practice
of his profession until 1885. Three years after
this ho was engaged in handling a stock of drugs,
having to relinquish his practice on .account of ill
health, caused b}- lianl riding in severe weather and
over a very large circuit. At this time of his life
he h.ad a very narrow escape from death as a result
of his severe riding. The original of our sketch
then came to this place where he has since remained,
engaging in farming and doing a limited practice
in his profession. His farm, which comprises but
fifty-five acres, is all under cultivation and is a
perfect garden spot.
On October 24, 1872, the Doctor was united in
marriage with Mrs. Emma Eliza Perry, widow
of Lynuin Perry. She was a native of Vermont
where she was born .luly 11, 1828, her parents
being Moses and Elizabeth (Bessey) Fuller, the
former a native of Vermont and born February 5,
1789; the latter was of Scotch descent and born
November 19, 1794. After marriage Mrs. Smith's
parents resided in New York where the father died
in 1834. The mother came to Michigan and made
her home with Mrs. Smith, passing away from this
life in January, 1879. They were the parents of
twelve children, only two of whom are now living.
Mrs. Smith came to Michig:in in 1865 and settled
at Grand Rapids where she lived until 1808, thence
removing to Hazelton Township. One child is die
fruit of her former marriage; he is Alphonso Perry,
born December 15, 1856. He united himself in
marriage with Delphine Monroe and now lives on
section 35, Hazelton Township, his home being
gladdened by tlie presence of two children — Jesse
S. and Florence. Mrs. Smith's first husband died
in September, 1871, having been a farmer all his
life. During the war he look part in the strife on
the Union side. His death was caused by an acci-
dent which occurred wiiile building a bridge and
which resulted in concussion of tlie spine.
Doctor and Mrs. Smith are uicmbers of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at Judd's Corners
where he is Trustee. He is also chorister having a
fine voice and much :il>ilily as a leader. He is a
meml)er of the Royal Templars and is ranged on
the side ot temperance. He has liecn appointed
Health Officer of Hazelton Township. When the
Doctor first came to this township the family were
poor and lived in a log house three miles back in
the woods. There were no roads near and Ihcy
were obliged to cut the roads out for themselves.
At this time the Doctor made baskets and also a
cutter of saplings that he himself got out from the
woods. He was thereafter known as "Basswood
Doctor."
^^
-4-
■^jAMES S. COLBY, a retired farmer of
Owosso, Shiawassee County, Mich., was born
in Granby Township, Oswego County, N.
Y., March 14, 1822. His father, Daniel D.
Colby, was a native of New York, and a fanner by
occupation, and a son of William Colby, a Revolu-
tionary soldier of Scotch-Irish extraction. The
mother of our subject, Elizabeth Singer, was a sis-
ter of the notable I. M. Singer, the inventor of the
Singer Sewing Machine. She was a daughter of
Ailain Singer, of Dutch descent, and was born in
Rensselaer County, N. Y.
Both the father and the mother of our suliject
remained on the farm in Oswego County, and there
spent their declining years. The father was born
in 1799, and passed away in 1884. In 1874 he was
bereaved of his wife, whose natal year was 1800.
They were the parents of eleven children, of whom
our subject was the eldest of seven sons and four
daughters, eight of whom are still living. They
were all born in Oswego County, and two of them
are living in ftlichigan, one in Missouri, and the
others in their native State.
He of whom we write was trained in the pr.acti-
cal work of farm life, and attended the district
school when he could be spared from tlie farm.
Being the eldest son, he was his father's mainstay,
and remained under the parental roof until he had
reached his twenty-second year. When he came
to Michigan he made his first home at Pinckney,
836
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Livingston County, and in 1844 established him-
self there in the coopering business, and the last
3-ear of his residence in Livingston County kept
hotel.
Mr. Colby removed to Shiawassee County in
1854, and located on a farm six miles south of
Owosso, in the township of Shiawassee. Here he
devoted himself to raising sheep, and in cultivating
the more promiuent cereals such as wheat, oats and
corn. His farm consisted of three hundred and
twenty acres, and he continued u))on it until 1881,
when lie removed from the farm to Owosso. He
owns three farms which are operated by tenants.
Mr. Colby w.as married in iS'ovember, 1843, to
Eliza Nelson, who was born in Oswego, N. Y., in
1826. Five children were born tf) them, namely:
Gaylonl F., who is now a farmer ; Clarence D., who
has an extensive farm in Ingham County, this
State; Hudoliih •!., who owns a part of tlie old farm
in this county; Leola L., who resides at home; and
Nellie, the wife of Clarence Edgerton, a farmer
living near Grand Ra])ids.
The present Mrs. Colby was a widow, formerly
Mrs. Harriet Durgen of Saginaw. Mi-. Colby is a
stanch Democrat in politics, and has made a grand
and successful struggle with the ditticulties of life,
having begun his career witli very limited means.
He h.is now .'iccuinulated a handsome property, and
has one of the finest brick residences in the city,
with all the modern improvements.
•i^®-
^^g-
^m-
lEORGE M. COLBY, a prominent and well-
known resident of WoodhuU Township,
:^[ Shiawassee County, was born in Granby
Townshii), Otsego County, N. Y., July 2, 1831.
His father, Daniel D. Colby, a native of New York
State, was born in 1799 and !iis grandfather Wil-
liam, a native of New Hampshire, was born in ITGO.
He enlisted in the Revolutionary War when six-
teen years old and served through tiio whole period
of conflict, carrying to his grave a British bullet
which he received at the battle of Monmouth. He
was a pensioner of the Government until the day
of his death. He carried on a farm of some sev-
enty-five acres, was the father of eight sons and
three daughters, and ailded to this number one
.adopted daughter. In his later years he was an
earnest and devoted member of the Methodist
Church. His wife died in 1835 and he survived
until 1847. The family is of Irish descent and
their original ancestor came to this country in
Colonial times.
The father of our subject owned the homestead
farm but sold it in 1836 and bouglit a farm in
Oswego County, seven miles from Oswego Cilj'.
In early life he was a Presbyterian and later a
Methodist. He was a man of strict integrity and
always religiously inclined. His death occurred in
1883 when he was eighty-four years old. Like his
father he was a Democrat but after the breaking
out of the war he became a Kepcblican. He held
the oHice of Justice of the Peace and was consid-
ered a .Justice of more than usual ability-, frequent-
ly trying cases from Oswego City.
The wife of Daniel Colby was Elizabeth Singer,
a sister of Isaac M. Singer, the inventor of the
Singer Sewing machine. She was born in Renssel-
aer County, N. Y. in 1802. Plight boys and four
girls completed the number of her children. aU of
whom she h.ad the happiness of rearing to mature
years. They were James S., Edwin R., Eleanor
M., (Mrs. Mason), Polly A.. (Mrs. Place), Eliza-
beth, (Mrs. Erwin). George M , Archelaus -■\., John,
Lydia E., (Mrs. Dean), William D., Charles C. and
Ernest B. She was in earl}' life a Presbyterian
and later a Methodist, an<l was beloved and respect-
ed by all who knew her for her sterling Christian
character and real goodness of heart. She and her
husband had the great happiness of celebrating
their golden wedding, December 4, 1869, since
which time she has passed awa}-.
Adam Singer, the maternal grandfather of our
subject, was of German descent and as far .as known
was a native of New York Stale. His father, the an-
cestor of this family, came to New York from Ger-
many, and w.as a millwright and carpenter. He
used to tell about being behind the redoubts during
the Revolutionary War. He built many mills in
New York and Ohio and in other States and died
in New York in 1856 after completing his four-
score years.
RESIDENCE or CHARLES W . BAUERLY.5EC . 18., DE WITT TR^CLinTON CO., MICH.
HlSIDLNCE of GEORGE M , CO LB r . 5EC. ^^. , /VOODHULL 1 R,SH lAVVASSEE CO. ,lvl ICH .
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
839
Our subject wns roared upon the fnrm and cdii-
catc'l in the district school, and altliougli he worked
out some before reacliing his raajorit3- lie really
began life for himself at that time. He came to
Michigan in 1852, journeying b}' boat to Niagara-
then took cars to Buffalo, boat to Detroit and cars
again to Dexter. He made his first home at Pinck-
ney, wlicre he had a brother living, but after a year
and a lialf tliere he came to Shiawassee County.
He was married July 31, 1855 to IJachael A'an-
Riper, who was born in Lodi Township, Washtenaw
County, February 18, 1835.
The parents of Mrs. Colby were Andrew J. and
Catherine (Dubois) VanRi[)er, the former, born in
New Jersey and the latter in Ulster County, N. Y.
They became early pioneers of Washtenaw County,
settling there in 1831, while Michigan was still a
j-oung territory'. After doing much to subdue the
land in their new home they moved to Shiawassee
Countj' in May, 1847, and made a farm here. Mr.
^'anRiper owned four hundred acres here besides
giving each of his four children a generous tract of
land. He was a hard worker, a Democrat in i)oli-
tics and a Presbyterian in religion. He died here
in Septemlier, 1888, when eighty-three years old.
His faithful and devoted wife had preceded him to
the other world in 1876, when she was seventy-four
years old.
Mr. and Mrs. George M. Colby have been bless-
ed with seven children, but have also been sorely'
bereaved, having lost all but two of these children
in early infancy. The two surviving are Cather-
ine E. who married Enoch Carl, lives on a farm in
WoodhuU Township, and is the mother of one
child. Hazel, and Charles M., who yet resides at
home but has eight}' acres of his own land. Charles
M. is very ingenious and can turn his hand to anj'
work presented to him. When our subject look
the farm upon which he now lives it had no im-
provements upon it, and he built a log-house which
at that time was considered the best in the town-
ship. He used to keep a good many travelei'S wlio
would come in at all times of the night. He built
his barn in I86C and the house in wiiich he now
lives in 1880. He carries on mixed farming on his
estate.
Mr. Colljy is -.x Democrat in his political i)rinci
pies and atfllialions and has held some minor town-
ship oHices. lie is now De|)u'.y Sheriff and was
Assessor for this school district for over twenty
years. He is agent for the Shiaw'issee Mutual In-
surance Company, also for the Niagara Company
of New York and the Fire and Marine Comi)any of
Detroit. He also does collecting. He is a member
of the (jrange, belongs to the Patrons of Industry,
and is connected with the Masonic Lodge at Wil-
liamston, Ingham County. He is a One man and
his good qufilities and enterprise make him known
favorably throughout all this region.
A view of the pleasant homestead of Mr. Colby
is presented on another page.
'• ' *a-
ellARLES W. BAinORLY. Among the
highly-res|)ected and thriving (ierman-
American farmers who have made their
home in DeWitt Township, Clinton County, we
are pleased to present at the head of this sketch
the name of a man of more than ordinary intelli-
gence and geniality of temper and manner. To
have the respect and thorough liking of his neigh-
bors, as Mr. Bauerly has, is sometiiing in which to
feel a just [)ride.
Mr. Bauerly was born at Wurtemberg, Germany,
November 15, 1837. His fatiier, John M., who
was born in 1804, was a wagon-maker and gun-
smith by trade, and came to America in 1837,
thirteen years before he brought over his family.
He settled first in Saline, Washtenaw Count}', and
engaged in wagon-making. Subsequently he re-
moved to Jonesville, Hillsdale County, where he
worked at his trade until his death in 1881. Many
of his wagons have done good service all through
Michigan, and some have crossed the plains to
California, as there was a great demand for his
thorough work during the gold excitement of 1849-
50. He was a Lutheran in religion, and a Democrat
in politics.
Caroline Deyle, the mother of our subject, be-
came the wife of John M. Bauerly, in 1832. She
reared three children — Fred, Gottlieb and Charles
W. Like iier husband, she h.is been an earnest and
840
rORTKAIT AISD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
conscientious member of the Lutheran Church,
and is still living in Washtenaw Count}'. Our
subject was thirteen years and eight months old
when he came to America with his mother and
older brothers, and he well remembers the jour-
ney, which was a great undertaking, as they were
forty-three days on the ocean, and eighteen days
journeying from New York Cit^- to Jonesville,
Mich., by way of the lake. He had attended
school in Germany both in the common schools
and also in a Latin school, where he took a five-
years' course, and where the requirements were
exceedingl}' strict. After reaching this country
he was in school at Jonesville for four months,
and in Washtenaw Count}' for three months.
When our subject started out for himself he
worked for ten j-ears for John Schneeburger, and
in 1862 came to DeWitt Township, Clinton
County, and bought eighty -six acres of land. Ujion
July 15, 1852, he took a step which has been
greatly blessed to him and to all with wiiom he
is concerned. It was his marriage with Catherine
Hepfer, who is an excellent housekeeper and a de-
lightful, motherly woman. She, like himself, is a
native of Wurtemberg, German}', and was born
July 24, 1842. Her parents, Jacob and Mary
(Walter) Hepfer, came to America in 1847, and
settled in Washtenaw County, Mich. Mr. Hepfer
was a poor man, but had the carpenters' trade and
a resolution and ability to work ha'-d. He rented
land for four years and then bought a small tr.act.
and coming to Clinton County in 1866, settled in
DeWitt Township. Both he and his good wife
were Lutherans and people of earnest Christian
character. She was taken from him by death in
1873, and he was called away upon Christmas
Day, 1875. They were the parents of five chil-
dren— Jacob, Conrad, George, Mary and Cath-
erine.
Nine children have cheered the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Bauerly, seven of whom are now living,
and all are at home except two. Lydia is the
wife of Valentine Neller, a farmer and carpenter
in Olive Township, Clinton County. The remain-
ing children are William, Edward; Carrie, who
married Jacob Schlenker, a butcher of Lansing;
Mary, Charles and Henry. The parents of these
children have been members of the Lutheran Church
from childhood.
Although our subject began life with nothing
but his pluck, perseverance and industry, he now
owns one hundred and forty-six acres of as fine
land as there is in the county, and ii.is a pleasant
large frame residence, the main part of which he
built in 1867, and to which he made additions in
1882. On another page appears a view of this
residence, which stands back from the road about
scvonty-five yards and is pleasantly situated. He
built his large red frame barn in 1878 and his
granary in 18S0. His home is an exceptionally
happy one, and his children arc deservedly the joy
and pride of their parents, as ihey are more than
ordinarily bright .ind intelligent, and make home
happy for one another.
Along with the prosperity and happiness which
h.is been his, Mr. Bauerly has h.ad some bitter with
the sweet. In 1867 he had his leg crushed by a
falling timber while raising a building, and lay in
bed for sixteen weeks, while his doctor bill grew
rapidly to the proportions of §195. Our subject
was elected on the Democratic ticket as Supervisor
of DeWitt in 1880, and served for six years as
Township Treasurer and was appointed for one
year to fill an unexpired term. He served for two
years as Highw.ay Commissioner, and is now
and has been for eight years on the Board of
Review.
■^I ARKD L. HOLBROOK is one of the farm-
ers and stockbreeders of Clinton County^
whose name is well-known among that class,
and whose reputation in business circles is
excellent. He is the owner of two hundred and
eighty acres of land, the home farm comprising
eighty acres on section 36, Green bush Township.
This tract is well improved and the home is sup-
plied with creature comforts, and the entire estate
is made attractive by the good judgment shown in
its control and the fine appearance of the crops
which grow there. Mr. Holbrook ti.as a half inter-
est in two fine stallions, his [jarlner in their owner-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
841
ship being Mr. William Bird of Dui)lain Towiishii).
One of tbese animals is a French coach horse,
'•Homer", a six-year-oM weighing thirteen hundred
and sixty pounds and valued at ^"i.OOO. The
other is a Norman Percheron called "Colin," whose
weight is eighteen hundred pounds and value as
many dollars. Both arc imported and rank among
the best-bred horses in the county.
Mr. Ilolbrook is probal)ly of p]nglish ancestry
and is of New York parentage. His fither, P^dwin
M. Holbrook, came to Clinton County in 1842,
traveling the entire distance in a two horse wagon.
He spent a short time in DeWitt Township, then
established his home in Greenbush on section 36,
and there opened up a tract of wooilland. His
first dwelling was a log cabin some 18x24 feet, and
in it he dwelt until about 1864. He then put up
a substantial frame house, in which his widow is
living with the family of their son, .Tared. Mr.
Ilolbrook breathed his last April 29, 1887, leaving
a record of useful and active pioneer work and pub-
lic service as a Justice of the Peace and good citi-
zen. Mrs. Holbrook bore the name of Charlotte
Cobb. When they reached their Michigan home
the husband had but twenty-five cents in nione^',
and they of course p.assed through some scenes of
self-denial and arduous toil while securing and
perfecting their home.
The subject of this sketch is the only surviving
child of those born to his parents. His natal day
was February 9, 1843, and his birthplace the coun-
ty in which he has aquired so good a name. Grovv-
ing to manhood amid the scenes connecleil with
the early development of this section, lie not only
witnessed the progress here, but bore a hand in it
from his boyhood. He received bis education in
the early schools of the county and counterbalanced
the limited curriculum by gathering much informa-
tion regarding other topics from his parents and
associates. He has always been engaged in farm-
ing and has so conducted his affairs as to command
the confidence of those with whom he has <lealings
and gain the reputation of a man whose word is as
good as his bond.
In 18G4 Mr. Ilolbrook secured a Christmas pres-
ent of more than ordinary value, it being a wife
whose maiden name was Mary E. Bcurniann. This
lady is the daughter of William and Elizabeth
(Pierce) Bcurmann, is a native of this .State and
has a brother and sister living in Clinton County,
whose names are Milton and Eva. Mr. and Mrs.
Ilolbrook have five living children named respec-
tively, Louis, Lemuel, Edith, Ethel and Blanche.
They have lost two sons — Edwin and Lero}'. Mr.
Holbrook votes the Republican ticket. He has
served as School Inspector of Greenbush Township
and a member of the Township Board of Review, but
his time is generally given to his private affairs and
to a share in such enterprises as all public-spirited
citizens take an interest in.
UGUSTUS C. ROBINSON, a farmer and
resident of Riley Township, Clinton Coun-
ty, is the prosperous owner of one hundred
and sixty acres of as fine lanil as there is
in the county. It is all improved and upon it is
one of the handsomest dwelling houses in this part
of Michigan, which was built by the subject
of this sketch at a cost of over ^5,000. It is
surrounded by a beautiful lawn and is most delight-
fully situated.
Mr. Robinson is the son of Jonathan and Han-
nah (Moody) Robinson, natives of Maine and New
Hampsliirc respectively, who in their youth moved
into New York with their parents, where they be-
came acquainted and were married. They located
their new home in Steuben County anil there Au-
gustus was born October 10, 1827. He was brought
up on a farm and in 1836, when he was about nine
years old, they removed to Toledo, Ohio, and the
following year removed to Hillsdale County, Mich.
Here he grew to manhood and took iiis training in
the practical work of farm life but had few advan-
tages educalionallj', attending tlie district school
for a short time only. In 1848 young Robinson
won in marriage the hand of llannaii Wilcox, a
daughter of David P. Wilcox a native of the State
of Connecticut, where the daughter was also born.
After marriage the young farmer carried on his
work in Hillsdale County, but sold the form there
early in the '60s and brought his wife and two
842
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALHUM.
cliil(li-en lo Clinton County. But be now felt the
call of duly to rush lo arms for the defense of his
country and he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-
eighth Regiment Michigan Volunteers.
This regiraeul was sent to Nashville, Tenn., and
there formed a part of Gen. Thomas' Army. After
the second hatlle of Nashville it was transferred to
Washington, D. C, and thence by boat went to
Morehead City, and in the spring of 1865 joined
Sherman's Army at (loldsboro, N. C. After the
surrender of Gen. Joe Johnston the regiment was
divided and Company K and his Company A were
placed on detached duty at Charlotteville, and
from there went to Dallas and Lincolnton, N. C.
In December, 1865, he was discliarged and mus-
ttred out of service at Washington, D. C. The
young veteran now returned to his family in Clin-
ton County and the following si)rin<; purchased the
farm on which he now resides. Five children have
been granted him, namely: Eva who died at the
age of eleven years; Adelbert who died at the age
of twenty-three years, of consumption. Oscar D.
lives on a farm of eighty acres in Riley Township;
Ida is married to Frank Scott and resides at home
witli her parents; David P. is unmarried and also
lives at home. Mr. Robinson believes in the prin-
cii)les of the Republican party and is ardently in-
terested in its progress and development. He is
a member of the Joseph Mason Post, G. A. R.
and is ever earnestly desirous of the welfare of
all old soldiers.
HARLES L. DEAN. The difficulties of
pioneer life so elicit the sympathies of
^iJ' those who arc accustomed to the comforts
and lu.xuries of the ])resent day that it seems par-
ticularly depressing that such great responsibility
and difficulties should make grave young lives.
Children who were left wiliiout |>arents in tlie early
days appreciate tlie responsibilities of life much
more than elder people do in this day. Our sub-
ject, Cliarles L. Dean, was born in Pultency, Steu-
ben County, N. Y., (October 21, 1844. His parents,
William Thomas and Mary Dean, moved to Shia-
wassee County in 1856 and settled in Woodhull
Township upon a new farm. Tlie mother died in
the fall following their coming into the State and
the father soon returned to New York. He now
lives at Grand Island, Hull County, Neb.
The original of our sketch w.as the third child in
a family of nine, eight of whom lived to be grown,
two of these only are in Shiawjissee County.
Charles C. Dean of Laingsburg, who was thirteen
3-ears of age when his mother died and who after
that sad bereavement made his home with his
brother in-law J. M. Beardslee.
The subject of this sketch began his struggle
with life at the tender age of ten years. He worked
for Mr. Beardslee three years and at the age of
sixteen went to live with Alexander Place at Pitts-
burg where he remained until he enlisted in the
army on August 5. 1862.
Mr. Dean's war record is connected with that of
Company H, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry of
which John Carlin w.as Captain and M. W. Chapin,
Colonel. He served until the close of the war
under Buell and Bra<jg in Kentucky and Tennessee
and was with Sherman until the battle of Johns-
boro when his regiment was sent b.ack with Thomas
after Hood with Scholield in command of the cor|)s.
After the winter's campaign the regiment rejoined
Sherman at Raleigh. They nuade a forced march
from this place to Wilmington which they reached
February 22, 1865. From here the}' marched one
hundred and forty miles from Wilmington to join
Sherman and engaged in the first battle at Camp-
bell Station. Here our subject was wounded and
was compelled to lie for three weeks in the conva-
lescent corps near Knoxville. The last year of
the war he was detaileil to be a color-bearer. Mr.
Dean served his country faithfully during that
desperate period of bloodshed and on the close
of the war was discharged July 20, 1«65 by general
order. He draws a i)ension of ^6 per month.
After returning from the war our subject worked
for the first two or three years in the service of
farmers and finally purchased eighty acres of land
in section 32, Bennington Township. Sixty-five
acres of this tract was cleared at the time of his i)ui-
chase. He [laid for |)art of his farm in labor.
From time to time he has adilcd one hundred and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
843
twenty acres to tlio original tract which lie lias
inosll}' improved himself.
Mr. Dean was married in 1869, to Miss Martha
A. lieardslee. .She was horn on the old homestead
in this county December 1, 1844. Her father had
died in 1860 and her mother on May 24, 1886, be-
ing in the cighly-fifth year of her age. Mr. and Mrs.
Dean have had four cliililren wliose names are
Florence G., born September 14, 1872, and died
when four months old; ,Iohn M., horn November
1, 1873; Jessie V., May 1, 1878; Charles J.,
April 6, 1881. 'riic little family of children
are verj- bright and promise to take a high stand
both socially and in a business way in the commun-
ities where their lives may fall.
The gentleman of whom we write has a very
pleasant home which he has improved with taste
and judgment. It has been acquired by hard labor,
as he had nothing but what he (;arneil to begin with,
having at the time of the pureh.ase of his farm
only %400 which he had saved from his wages with
which to make the first payment, but by his indus-
try- and energy be has succeedeil in clearing bis
farm and has made of it a most desirable home
place.
> AMKS ANDERSON. A visitor to the agri-
cultural districts of Clinton County will see
many well-improved farms, which give evi-
dence of the thrift and good judgment of
their owners, and indicate that prosperity has
crowned the efforts of many farmers in this part of
Michigan. One of the estates of this description
in Essex Township consists of eighty acres on
section 11, which is owned and occupied by the
subject of this biographical sketch. Mr. Anderson
is a man who may be taken as a type of the nation
which has for centuries inhabited the northern part
of the island of Great Britain, and made the name
Scotchman, synonymous with thrift, determination
and decision of character.
Ayrshire, Scotland, was the birthplace of Mr.
Anderson, and his natal day was August 12, 1828.
His parents were (iabriel and Sarah (White) Ander-
son, who instilled into his mind anil heart good
principles and a firm belief in the value of indus-
trious and frugal habits, and who taught him to be
strictly honest and just. He received a good com-
mon-school education and served an apprenticeship
of three years in a wholesale and retail mercantile
establishment, and was then employed by the firm
as assistant bookd<eeper for one ^ear. lie has
therefore practical knowledge of business affairs,
and is a first-class book-keei)er.
When seventeen years old young Anderson
enlisted for ten years in the First Royal Scotch
Infantry of the British Army, and w.as stationed at
Glasgow. He was one of the soldiers authorized
to quell the celebrated riot in that city in 1848, and
was afterward sent to Halifax, N. S., where he was
stationed nearly Ihree years. During that period
the great fire in Halifax occurred and he witnessed
the conflagration and ha<l some work to do in pre-
serving order. While in Nova Scotia he was
assistant schoolmaster of the regiment to which he
belonged. He was finally ordered home, and hav-
ing landed at Southampton, England, proceeded
to Winchester, eighty miles south of London, where
he bought his discharge, i)aying £20.
In 18.")2 Mr. Anderson took passage at Glasgow
on a sail vessel which reached New York after a
voyage of forty-three days. He directed his foot-
steps-westward, and reaching Wayne County, this
State, was employed as a collector for several
months. He subsequeni-ly worked as a farm hand
for several years and also assisted in making pot-
tery. During several seasons he sailed on the
Great Lakes, but finally, in 1860, he settled at his
present i)lace of residence, 'i'he land upon which
he located was covered with forest trees against
which the ax of the settler had not been swung
and not an acre of its soil had been improved. In
the work th.at was necessary to reclaim the property
he had some hardships to undergo and he looks
back upon many hours of earnest and arduous
labor. •
The year that saw Mr. Anderson located in
Clinton County saw him setting up a household
with the lady of his choice, Miss I'liebe Lyon,
daughter of Conger and Sarah Lyon, who were
numbered among the carl}' settlers of Essex Town-
844
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ship. To Mr. and Mrs. Aiulerson there have been
born six children, four of whom are now living —
Sarah E., Mary V., Wilton C. and Roland S. Tlie
elder daughter is the wife of Ruby Philips and
Mary married Edwin Aniiis.
Mr. Anderson possesses the love of liberty char-
acteristic of the Scotch and is thoroughly in
sympathy with American ideas. During tlie Civil
War lie sympathized ardently with the defenders
of the Union and finding that the trouble was not
easily' settled he enlisted December 12, 1863, in
Company- A, Twent}' -third Michigan Infantry, and
became a part of the Twenty-third Corps in the
Arm J- of tlie Cumberland. He followed the leader-
ship of the gallant General Sherman on some hard
fought battle-fields and tedious marches, and every-
where and alwaj's showed his devotion and courage
as a brave man ought. At the battle of Resaca he
was struck in the right ankle bj' a piece of shell
and within a half hour was wounded in the left
arm by a cannon ball. He is now receiving a small
pension from the Government, on account of these
wounds. He took part in the siege of Atlanta and
in the battles of Nashville, Raleigh and others, and
his discliarge shows that he was present at twenty-
eight heav}' engagements. He had the fortune to
be present when Gen. Johnston surrendered and he
recalls the incident with vivid interest.
For thirteen months after hostilities ceased Mr.
Anderson served as First Sergeant of the Twenty-
eight Michigan Regiment, being transferred when
his own regiment went home, doing dut^' at Raleigh,
N. C. He was honorably discharged June 6, 1866,
and returned to his home and family. He is identi-
fied with Billy Begole Post, No. 127, G. A. R., at
Maple Rapids, and for several j'ears has been Adju-
tant. For nine years he served as Highwaj- Com-
missioner of Essex Township and he has stood as a
candidate for Register of Deeds for Clinton County,
but was defeated b)' Mr. Beers. He exercises the
right of suffrage in behalf of the principles laid
down by the Republican party, bejieving that by
so doing he is serving the best interests of the
nation. He is well veised on the social and politi-
cal questions that agitate the minds of the people,
and is a firm believer in keeping up with the sjjirit
of the times, both in personal culture and in public
affairs. He and his family are well respected by
all who know them and arc considered worthy of the
confidence and esteem of all.
EWIS PEARL. The Pearl family is recog-
^ nized as one of prominence in Clinton
^ County, and it affords the publishers of this
Album pleasure to represent the member above
named. lie has an unusual interest in the history
of this section, as he was born in Ovid Township
and his parents were among the pioneers of 1838.
The}' came from New York, where both were born,
and spent seven j-ears in the township named,
after which tlie3' made their home in Greenbush
Township. Their first home here was a log cabin
on section 25, but after some years tlu-y occupied a
different dwelling and finally- built the fine brick
house that now adorns the farm.
The Hon. Stephen Pearl, father of our subject,
was of Scotch ancestry', and his wife, Am.arilla Hor-
ton, was of English descent. The husband served as
Treasurer of Clinton County for a number of
years and was also Drain Commissioner for a long
time. He represented the district in the State Leg-
islature one term. His influence on the commu-
nity' was not confined to his official record, but v.as
deepened by his character as a man and the fact
that his habits were worthj- of emulation. When
he began his pioneer work here he was a poor man,
but when called hence he left a comfortable estate.
The oil] homestead is now held jointly by his
daughters, Mrs. Eliza McKnight and Mrs. Emma
Faxon. The onlj' other survivor of the family is
he of whom we write, who was the first-born son.
The Hon. Mr. Pearl departed this life April 7.
1 889, and thus was removed from Clinton County
one of her best and most honorable citizens.
Our subject opened his eyes to the light June 16,
1844. Among the pictures in the gallery of his
memory is that of Indians passing to and fro, large
tracts of unbroken forest and the rude homes of the
early settlers, and he also recalls many incidents of
his school life, when only a rudimentary education
could be obtained in the neighborhood. A spirit
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
845
of self-reliance and a mental as well as pln-sical
vigor generally accrue from such surroundings as
those in which Lewis Pearl grew to manhood, and
in his own career this fact has been demonstrated.
He was married August 13, 1865, to Miss Martha
J. Foss, who was born in Ontario, Canada, Novem-
ber 2, 1841. Her parents were Philip and Cather-
ine Foss, who came to Clinton County in 18G2 and
made tlieir home in Duplain Township a number
of years, then removed to Montcalm Count}', where
they are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Pearl are the
parents of three children: Stephen O., born Apiil
6, 1867; George L., September 21, 1878; and
Cnlherine E., May 9, 1881.
For about four 3'ears Mr. Pearl was a partner of
Stephen D. Rowell in the foundr}' business, under
the style of Rowell ife Pearl, and for several years
he carried on the sale of merchandise. With these
exceptions his time has been devoted to farming,
and he now has a good jiroperty consisting of two
hundred and sixtj' acres in Greenbush Township
and one hundred and sixty acres in the Upper
Peninsula. He has also a third interest in one
hundred and thirty five acres in Eaton County.
Mr. Pearl has taken some part in transacting the
public affairs of the locality in which he has lived,
having been Drain Commissioner of Greenbush
Township and having served one year as Super-
visor of McMillan Township, Luce County, in the
Upper Peninsula. He has always favored those
projects which would build up this section socially
and materially, and he and his wife are well known
and highly respected in their locality. Mr. Pearl is
identified with the Patrons of ludustr}, and politi-
cally is a Republican.
^ 1^ I L L I A M L. TALLM AN. Among the
\/\/// y^"''^ ^'^''^ progressive farmers of Eagle
V^^ Township, Clinton County, there is none
who enjoys a larger share of [)ublic esteem than
the subject of this sketch. He resides on section
15, where he has a heautiful farm consisting of
two iiundred and twenty-four acres upon which
numerous improvements have been made. A home-
like residence and a full line of outbuildings, to-
gether with orchards and forest trees beautify the
farm, and add to its value as a place of residence.
The place is well stocked with modern machinery
and first-class implements of all kinds, and well-
kept stock grazes in its pastures.
Akins Tallman, father of our subject, was born
in Warren County, Pa., September 22, 1810. His
parents were Elihu and Lucretia (Perkins) Tall-
man, natives of Connecticut and New York, re-
spectively, who were married in the latter State in
1788, and removed to Pennsylvania in 1789.
Akins Tallman was reared on a farm in the timber
country of Pennsylvania, and never attended school
after he was eight years old. He worked for his
father until after he was of age, and Maj' 27, 1832,
married Samanlha Dix. The union resulted in the
birth of fifteen children, of whom the following
grew to maturity: Christopher C, George W. (died
at the age of twenty -four), Amanda R., Melvina J.,
William L., Samantha L., Alpheus W., Julia M.,
and Lawson D. who was killed in a sawmill near Big
Rapids in 1880. During the '40s Mr. Tallman re-
moved to Ohio, and in 1853 came to Michigan. He
located on a farm now occupied by his son Will-
iam, and carried on agricultural work here until
1883. He then removed to Grand Ledge, where
he is now I'ving, respected by all his neighbors. In
1877 his wife Samantha was called to a brighter
world, and .June 26, 1879, he was married to his
present wife, Mrs. Sarah Pennington, widow of S.
Pennington.
The gentleman whose name introduces these para-
graphs, was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, Jan-
uary 9, 1879, and labored for and with his father
until he was of age. He attended the district
school, Portland High School and Lansing Acad-
emy, and became much better grounded on topics
in text books than is sometimes the case with farm-
ers' sons. He also acquired a thorough knowledge
of farm work, so that when the homestead came
into his possession he was able to carry it on sys-
tematically and successfully. He is interested in
the social orders to some extent, and is a Master
Mason, belonging to Grand Ledge Lodge, F. & A.
M. His political association is with the Republican
party. He has a happy home presided over by the
846
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
lady who became his wife October 22, 1872. Mrs.
Tallman was known in her maidenhood as Miss
Sarah Adams, and is a well-informed, kindly aud
capable woman. Three children have come to bless
the happy union, but one wa.s taken from them No-
vember 12, 1886, his death occurring from acci-
dental causes. The deceased was Glenn L., who
was born September 1 1, 1871 ; the living are Grace
E., horn July 3, 1876, and Matie F., born March
8, 1885. .Since the above was written there has
been a fine daugliter ad<lert to brighten the home
of our subject and his wife, born June 13, 1891.
"T^ICIIARD WATI:RS. The attention of the
lyir reader has doubtless been attracted by the
!Ei IV view on another page, of the pleasant
^^ homestead belonging to Mr. Waters.
Clinton Count}' has no finer farm than the one
which is pleasantly situated 'm section 27, Lebanon
Township, and which is opeiated b}' the subject of
tliis sketch. The estate comprises nearl}- two hun-
dred acres and is embellished with a substantial set
of buildings, among them a commodious residence
of modern style of architecture, and such out-
buildings as are needed for the storage of grain or
slielter of stock.
Mr. Waters is one of our British American citi
zcns who reflect credit .alike upon the land of their
birth and the country of their adoption. His fa-
ther, Robert Waters, a son of Samuel Waters, was
born in 1808 in England and was one of four chil-
dren, viz: William, Richard. Robert and Sarah.
Upon attaining to jears of maturity he was united
in mairiagc with Ann Fisher, a daughter of James
Fisher, an Englishman. Mis. Waters was one of a
family of live daughters, namely: Ann, Sarah,
Margaret, Hannah and Mary. Mr. Fislier emi-
grated to Can.ida about two years before his death;
Mrs. Fisher survived her husband onl}' two years.
To Robert and Ann (Fisher) AVaters were born
eight c-hildrcn.of whom five are now living, as fol-
lows: Ann, William, Margaret, Richard and Han-
nah. The children who died were named Betsej-,
Caroline and Elizabeth. After the birth of the
three oldest children the parents emigrated to
Canada, where the father died in 1861. The widow,
who has now reached the age of seventy-five, is
living near Jackson, Mich. Mr. Waters was a farmer
by occupation during his entire life and was an
earnest member of the Methodist Church.
Richard Waters was born June 16, 1844, in
Canada, and as his father died when he was but
seventeen j-ears old he was compelled to start out
in life for himself while still quite ^'oung. He first
worked on a farm by the month and took jobs as
he could get them. When his father's estate was
settled he received fiflj' acres of the land which that
parent had taken up in Canada. The young man
sold his inheritance, putting his capital in business
and engaging in the running of an hotel in Gray,
Canada. He remained there for two j'ears and
afterward pursued tlie same business in Wilming-
ton for the same period.
The marriage of our subject, Mr.rch 24, 1864.
united him with Agnes, daugliter of James and
Christie (Clark) Todd, natives of England. Mr.
and Jlrs. Todd had a large family of children, as
follows: Walter, Isabella, Joseph, Fortune, Chris-
tie, James, Agnes and Martha. Mrs. Waters died
in Canada in 1871, and after her djccase the family
removed to Michigan, making their home for one
year in Washtenaw Count}'. Mr. Waters was mar-
ried a second time in 1872, choosing as his wife
Mrs. Fortune Wardrope, the sister of his former
wife. To tlicin the following children have been
born: Albert, Ernest, Alice M., and (icorge, de-
ceased. Mrs. Waters is a lady of intelligence and
refinement, and highly esteemed in the community.
Upon locating in Washtenaw County, Mr.
Waters entered land and in 1873 purchased over
one hundred acres where he now resides. He has
added to his first purchase until he now owns one
hundred and eighty-six and two-thirds acres. He
has been greatly prospoied in his undei takings, for
he started with almost nothing and has attained to
his present influential position among the farmers
of Clinton County, by the exercise of industry
and good judgment. When he was first married
his capital consisted of $200. The farm which he
pre-empted on coming to Michigan was all dense
forest, which he cleared and put in a fine state of
residence: or Stephen rowell , sec 36.^greenbu5h tp., clinton co.,iviich.
RESIDENCE OF RICHARD WATERS , SEC 27., LEBANON TR, CLINTON CO., MICH.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
849
cultivation. The buildings which have been erected
upon his estate cost about $4,000 and tlie entire
property constitutes about as liandsonie a farm as
there is in Lebanon Townsiiip. Besides pursuing
general farming Mr. AVators raises Durham cattle.
Sociall}' he belongs to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, being a member of Lodge No. 19, at
Fowler. He is a Republican in his political views,
but has never desired or souglit office, preferring
domestic quiet to the cares of |)ublic position.
(g:^ TEPHEN D. ROWELL, one of the leading
^^^ citizens of Greenbush Township, Clinton
^xJLM ^'*^""tyi '* located on section 3G, wliere lie
lias a fine farm of one hundred acres. A
view of his residence and surroundings, which are
unusually attractive, appears on another page. He
has gathered around him many of the comforts
and conveniences which belong to modern farm
life, and is successfully' prosecuting the labor to
which he determined to devote himself when he
was ready to take up the work of life, lie is a
native of Livingston County, N. Y., born April 7,
1837, and is one of the five children that comprised
tlie family of Samuel and Sally (Pearl) Rowell.
The father of our subject was born in New
iingland and the mother is believed to have been
a native of New York. In 1837, they removed
to Michigan, settling on the farm now owned by
their son Stephen. It was then in the dense forest,
remote from a settlement and with neighbors few
and comparatively distant. Mr. Rowell put up
what became known as Rowell's foundry, and in
connection with the work of developing his farm,
manufactured plows, iiarrows, cultivators and land
rollers, those being articles for which there was a
demand in the new eountr}'. He died iiere in the
spring of 1883. Besides our sul)ject the living
members of his family are: Hannah, wife of T. C.
Averj, and Sarah, wife of Byron Brown.
The subject of tliis sketch was but an infant
when brouglit to this State and his earliest recol-
lections are of scenes of pioneer life. Ho was too
young to know anything of the journey, but has
been told that his parents left Springwatcr. N. Y.,
when he was a month old and traveled the entire
distance to their new home in a one-horse wagon.
West of Detroit they were obliged to cut their own
road through the brush, as there was only a trail,
and sometimes not even this to follow. When old
enough to attend tiie pioneer schools the lad did so
and gained what knowledge he could under the cir-
cumstances, but was necessarily obliged to be con-
tent with a limited amount or to add to it by self-
effort. He chose the latter and by reading has
kept himself in touch with the world at large. Dur-
ing his boyhood he began working in the foundry
with his father and in due time had learned all the
departments of the work and also that of the farm,
where his labors were also of service to his father.
For several years he carried on the founciry, a part
of the time alone and a part with partners. The
building is now used as a cider-mill.
In 18511, Mr. Rowell was married to Miss Sarah
Stottle, who was born in Niagara County, N. Y.,
and whose parents, Peter and Rachel Stottle, were
natives of the same county. Mr. and Mrs. Rowell
have but one child, a daughter, Lucy, who is now
the wife of Stephen Keys. Although he was reared
to believe in the principles of Democracy, his
father having been their sujiporter, Mr. Rowell
became convinced that the Republican part}' was
nearer right and gives his iuQuence to that organ-
ization. He has always been interested in edu-
cational |)rogress and has served both as Director
and Moderator in his district. Mrs. Rowell is a
member in good standing of the Christian Church.
LFRED CRICKMORE. One of the prom-
f^'fUl inent men in Shiawassee Countj- who has
made a signal success of agriculture is the
gentleman whose name heads our sketch,
and who resides on his farm on section 11, New
Haven Townshi|>. He w.as born in Washtenaw
County, this State, November 2, 1844. His
father was Robert Crickmore, a native of London,
England, where he was born in 1810. He received
a common-school education in his native land, and
850
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
at the age of twentj'-threc came to America, where
he worked in New York State for one 3 ear, tlience
coming to YpsilantI, Mich., where he purchased one
hundred and twenty acres of wild land. He began
to clear it with much energy, but was taken sick
and lost his farm. On his recovery he went to
Oakland County in 1845, and purchased eighty acres
of land in West Bloomfield Township. This was
entirely unimproved land, and he at once devoted
himself and his energies to clearing it. In 1860
he added forty acres to his original purchase.
Our subject's father, Robert Crickmorc, remained
in West Bloomfield Township until 1886, when he
sold his farm and went to Pontiac where he now
resides, having purchased a most -comfortable
home. He is a Methodist in belief, and in politics
an adherent of the Democratic part}'. Before
leaving his native land he was married. His wife
passed away before he came to this country, and in
1837 he again took upon himself the obligations of
matrimony, being united to a lady whose maiden
name was Mary Neat, a daughter of James and
Elizabeth Neat, of Washtenaw County, this St.ate.
Mrs. Crickmore is of English parentage, and is one
of eight children, being the second child and only
daughter, her natal year being 1817.
Our subject's parents were blessed with ten chil-
dren— five daughters and live sons — of whom our
subject is the third child and third son. Alfred
Crickmore received a common-school education.
He remained at home until he was twenty-seven
years of age, for several years being engaged in
buying and selling cattle. In 1871 he rented a
farm in Oakland Count}-, on which he lived three
}-ears, then he removed to another farm where he
staid one year, after which he came to New Haven
and purcliased one hundred and sixty acres located
on section 11. At the time of his purchase tlie
land was perfectly wild, but is now entirely under
cultivation.
In 1861 Alfred Crickmore was united in mar-
riage with Susannah Daudison,who was a daugh-
ter of Robert and Frances (^Trollop) Daudison.
They were natives of England, and h.ad five chil-
dren, one son and four daughters, of whom Susan-
nah was tlie fourth child. She was horn December
16, 1850. Our subject aud his wife have but one
son, Frederick B., M'ho was born in 1871. Mrs.
Crickmore is a member of the Wcslej-an Methodist
Church. The subject of our sketch is a Patron of
Industry. His political preference was given to
the Democratic party until 1886, since which time
he has been a Prohibitionist. He is a strong sup-
porter of his party, but does not aspire to office,
although he has been frequently urged to accept
such. He is particularly interested in breeding a
good grade of Leicestershire sheep of which he has
over one hundred head. He also has some fine
thorough-bred Berkshire sv/lne and is greatly in-
terested in breeding Sliorn-horn cattle, of which
he now has eight heail, all registered or eligible to
be. He has good barns and buildings and his farm
is thoroughly well improved.
-►^-+#^^=€-^4-
^p^EOROE D. KINGSLEY. Our subject w.as
born at Northville, W.ayne Count}", this
G
V^^ State, October 22, 1841. He w.os the son of
Dennis and Delia (Bain) Kingslpy. His father was
from Rutland Count}', Yt., and was a merchant
in Medina. His mother was from Orleans. N. Y.,
After the father came to Michigan, which was iu
the year 1835, he engaged in farming. He located
in Wayne County at once, where he resided until
1867. Our subject's early life was passed on a
farm in Wayne County. Ho was afforded a good
common-school education, but did not receive any-
thing more from his parents. The war beginning
soon after he was a man, he enlisted August 18,
1862, in Company D, Fifth Michigan Cavalry,
under Col. Alger, afterward (ien. Alger.
Mr. Kingsley's war record began by being sent to
^■irginia, where he joined Sheridan's army under
the immediate command of Gen. Custer. He was
with the Army of the Potomac through all of its
terrible fighting up and down the Shenandoah
A'alley. He was a participant in the battle of Get-
tysburg, wiiose bloody field left desolate so many
Northern and Southern homes. He was also in the
seven days' fight in the AVilderness, at Pt. Conway,
Kellcy's Ford, Culpeper, Pony Mountain and
Whitesford. He was also in the engagement of
f
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
851
Winc'liostcr in whicli Sheridan rode twent}- miles to
checic the tide of defeat. Tlie iiistuiic old town
whicli now lies like a jewel on the green bosom of
the Shenandoah Valley was then washed with blood.
Fair women and young girls wore on tlie battle-
lield, succoring and nursing the wounded and
dying. Pictures like these, of which there were
so many in Mr. Kingsley's long experience, will
never be forgotten. He was discharged from
service July 4, 1865, having served about three
years. He was at Washington at the Grand Re-
view, and his company started with Custer to the
West, but did not get further than Leavenworth,
Kan., where our subject w.as mustered out, and
from Detroit, where he went immediately, be con-
tinued to Northville, remaining at home for one
and one-half )'ears.
Mr. Kingslej- came to Clinton County April '21,
1867, where he bought a tract of land on section
27, Duplain Township. Clinton County was all
unbroken woods at the lime, and in the midst of
the virgin forest he built himself a log cabin. Li
telling the stor^' of his early experience here, he
says his cabin was six logs high on one side, and
eight on the other. Large game at that time wns
as abundant as small game is now. Deer were
plentiful, and the larder had often to be replen-
ished by means of the gun and the seine. He be-
gan clearing his land in the summer of 1867, and
finished cutting the timber from twenty acres which
he planted in wheat. He lived in the log house
about six j-ears, and then built a frame residence,
which is commodious and comft)rl:iljle. His farm
is made attractive with shade and fruit trees, and
there are two fine maples on his place near the
house, which, planted in Centennial year, socm
to have grown under most auspicious circum-
stances.
The gentleman of whom we write was married
Ai)ril 17, 1867, to Kate Killins, of Northville,
Wayne Count}', Mich., and a daughter of Richard
Killins. The couple have no children, and have
bent their energies toward making their farm a
model one. One of the notable features of their
place is a fine orchard, and he has stock, of which
he is justly proud. lie pays most of his attention
to grain-raising. In politics Mr. Kingsley is a
Democrat. He has never sought office of any
kind, believing that he who sows and reaps con-
scientiously is just as much an honor to his coun-
tr}' as he who makes the laws. He is a Grand
Army man, and belongs to the Clinton Encamp-
ment, No. 35, and Caton Whitney Post No. 32 ; also
to Lodge No. 97, I. O. O. R, and Clinton Kn-
campraent No. 35.
AP.ON B. P:LLSW0RTH, a well-known
farmer of Antrim Township, was born in
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, November 21,
^ 1832. His father, Benjamin Ellsworth,
a native of Yates County. N. V., came to Ohio
many years ago and after quite a residence there
removed in 1866 to Mcllenry Count}', 111., where
he died in 1877 at the very advanced age of sev-
enty-nine years. He was a farmer by occupation.
His father, William W. Ellsworth, was a native
of New York and a Revolutionary soldier of Ger-
man descent. Tlie mother of our subject, Rebecca
Sheffield, was born in New York and died in 1881
when she had reached the same age to which her
husband had attained at the time of his decease.
Three of their four children are still living.
Farm training and the district school provided
the education of our subject. He went to the log
school-house and sat on the slab seats and studied
earnestly to gain what he could during the time
tliat could be spared from the farm. Until he was
Ihirty-fdur years of age he remained at home and
cared for his jiarcnts. In February, 1865, he came
to Shiawassee County, Mich., and located on a farm
on section 3, Antrim Township, when all this
region was a dense forest. He built a house aiid be-
gan his life in the woods in cheerful Midependeiu-e.
In his purchase of one hundred and seventy acres
he was obliged to go in debt but he succeeded in
paying for it all and added to it nearly one hun-
dred acres more.
The marriage in 1855 of A. 15. Ellsworth and
Juliet Christian of Ohio resulted in the birth of
five children, namely: Louisa, the wife of llciiiy
Peach, a neighboring farmer; Perry and Percy,
852
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
(twins) of whom the former is married and lives
near the father's home; Elmer and Maud. The
family home stands in a beautiful little natural
grove of oak openings and the father of the famil}'
is known to all his neighbors as a well-informed
and intelligent man, one who is wide-awake to
matters of public interest and capable of exercising
good judgment. His farm is in an excellent con-
dition.
Mr. Ellsworth was by his early inclinations a
Whig and cast his first Republican ballot for
Abraham Lincoln. lie is frequently appointed
delegate to county conventions and is looked upon
as one of the prominent men of the part^' in his
locality. He has been identified with the Masonic
order since 1875. He began life with no means
and now has a farm of two hundred and sixty-two
acres. He has alwa3S raised American Merino
sheep and has as flue a flock as can be found in
tiie county. lie also breeds good horses and has
just begun to take an interest in Holstein cattle.
He is one of the truly self made men who are
worthy of the respect of their fellowmen.
eHARLES E. GRISSON. The late Mr.
Grisson belonged pre-eminently to that
class that makes a State noble and prosper-
ous. No man stood higher in the community and
none more richly deserved commendation for a
life whose influences were ever on the side of mor-
ality, virtue and religion, and whose efforts always
were to build up the section in which he lived in
every legitimate way. He was prominently identi-
fied with financial institutions in Sv John's and had
a conspicuous position in connection with the niili-
tarj' affairs of the State. During the Civil War he
devoted his time and strength to tlie service of his
country, being one of those who enlisted during
the summer of 18(51 and served until after the
close of the great conflict.
The parents of Mr. Grisson were Ferdinand and
Sida (Near) Grisson, the former a native of Ham-
burg, Germany. That gentleman emigrated to
America in company witli several brothers. On
his way to Michigan he stopped in Seneca County,
N. Y., where his marriage took place. He and
ins faithful wife were among the flrst settlers in
Livingston County, this State, and he named the
township in which they made their home in honor
of his birthplace — Hamburg. He located on a
farm, but soon drifted into jjolitics and occupied
official positions for years. During a protracted
period he was Postmaster at Hamburg, in which
town bis death occurred.
In that place our subject was born, February 6,
1841. He had good school privileges, first at his
iiome and later in the Universit^^ of Michigan,
where he was pursuing tlie classical course when
the Civil War began. He was not content to re-
main in the North when there was need of valor-
ous action elsewhere and he enlisted June 20,
1861, as a private in Company D, Fourth Michigan
Infantry. September 1, 1862, he was comniissione<l
Second Lieutenant in the Twenty-sixth Michigan
Infantry and May 4, 1863, rose to the rank of
First Lieutenant. A still higher commission —
that of Adjutant, was given him April 15, 1864,
and July 29 of the same year he was appointed
Captain. The upward steps in his rank were
awarded as his fitness was shown, and on March
13, 1865, he was breveted Major of United Slates
Volunteers for gallant and meritorious services in
the field.
Maj. (irisson had not escaped the forfeits gener-
ally paid by a soldier, but had been wounded
prior to his receiving the commission of Captain,
tlie field of Spottsylvania being the one on which
he w-as stricken. A shot penetrated the left king
and he was confined to the hospital for some time,
but recovered and rejoiaed his regiment. When
hostilities ceased he was retained on Gen. Jliles'
staff, and was riiudly mustered out, April 19, 1866.
lie had been one of the guards who had charge of
Jefferson Davis at Fortress ^Monroe. After his re-
lease from the service lie took an active part in
bringing up the standard of the militia in this
State. He was chosen on Gov. Bagley's staff for
two terms and then served successively on that of
Gov. Crosswell and Gov. Jerome. His position
gave him the title of Colonel, by which he was
known to all his friends. Military tactics were a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
853
hobby with liini ami he was proficient in all that
l)erlaincd thereto. He was President of the State
Military Board and was an active menilier of the
Grand Arm_v of the I!ei)ublic. The Post in St.
John's was named in his iionor and Charles K.
Grisson Post, No. LjG, ranks high in res[)ect to the
continuance of all military drill.
After tiie war Mr. Grisson made his home in St.
John's and for a short time was engaged in the |
grocer}' business. He tiien became Teller of the
First National Bank, witii which he remained
eleven years. In 1877 he and Alvin Shaver started
a private bank, known as Sliaver <fe Grisson's Bank,
and carried it on until the death of the Colonel,
when it was merged into the State Bank. For
years he held tiie position of Village Treasurer
and at the time of his decease he was the incum-
bent of thai oUice. He was Chief Engineer of the
Fire Department, took a deep interest in educa-
tional affairs and promoted the interests of the
schools in various wa3's. In Masonic circles he
was ver3' prominent and when called from time to
eternity he was State Commander of the Knights
Templar. He had also been a Notarj' Public for
years. In politics be was an ardent Republican,
stanch in his belief in the worth of the principles
of the party and well informed regarding ever}'
issue of the day and that which led to it. His
death occurred November 20, 18S2, and cast a
gloom over the entire community. The funeral
w.as conducted according to the beautiful burial
service of the Episcopal Church, of which he was
Vestryman and had long been an .active and liberal
member.
In Lockport, N. Y., May 30, 1877, Mr. Grisson
was married to Miss Frances E. Dunn, who sur-
vives and still makes her home in St. John's. Mrs. {
Grisson is of New York State ancestry in the pa-
ternal line, both her grandfather and her father, ,
David R. Dunn, having been born there. Tiic lat- '
ter was a lumberman who dealt extensively in that
commodity as a wholesaler in New York City, but
made his home near Lockport and also carried on
business there. The remote ancestors were from
England. Mr. Dunn died at the earlj' age of
thirty-four years. His wife was Laura Spaulding,
who was born at Peru, Berkshire County, Mass.,
and whose last years were spent in Lockport. She
was a member of the Congregational Church. Her
father, Harvey Spaulding, was a native of Mass.a-
ehusetts and died in Vicksburg, Miss. His father, in
turn, was a Rcvolutionar}' soldier.
Mrs. (Jrisson was born in Lockport and reared
there, near Niagara Falls. She received a liberal
education and has kept up her reading so .as to
have a good knowledge of passing events and the
progress of mankind in science, art and literature.
On the demise of her companion she was left
with a competency and her home is made at-
tractive by the good taste with which she uses
her means. She is a member of the Episcopal
Church, and has high standing in the communit}-.
»i^
-m^'
\f^'RED A. TRAVIS, Pii. C, is a practical
liiife^ pharmacist and dealer in drugs and medi-
JL, cinesin St. John's, where the firm of which
he is a member carries the largest stock in Clin-
ton County. Travis & Baker own a building two
stories high in which to prepare and displii}- the
goods which they dispose of by wholesale and
retail. They buy a large part of their stock di-
rectl}- from the manufacturer and supply smaller
dealers found about them. They also carry paints,
oils and wall-paper, and besides the main build-
ing liave a storehouse for such articles as they
wisli to remove from their main stock. Mr.
Travis, in addition to his undivided interest in
the building above mentioned, has some valuable
real estate in IMuskegon.
The ancestral home of the Travis family was in
White Hall, N. Y., where both the grandfather
and the father of our subject were born. The
former owned large tracts of land in the East and
boats on the lakes, and w.os a more than ordinar-
ily successful man. W. D. Travis, father of our
subject, was a hardware merchant in his native
place and is still living there, now in his fifty-
fourth year. For a short tin)e he was located in
Litchfield, Ohio. His wife, Nettie Brooker, was
the daughter of Warren Brooker, a farmer. She
died in her native i>lace in 1864, leaving two chil-
Hr,!
I'OIM'UAir AND lUOfJIlAI'IMCAL AIJUIM.
(llXTl — (ilir mihJiM'l mill im inrniil, in ihiii.h, TIic
fllMuT \n II Kc|illl)licilll ill |ic.|ilii'. :iImI is U villllfjd
ullldiil ill WIliU! Mull.
Tlic Miilijccl, of UiJM notice vviis lioni in l.iU'li-
(li'lil, Ohio, Miiicli K, lK(;i, 1111(1 wiifii liiH iiKdliiT
iliitd wiiH I)I(iiikIiI, Io I\[ii|)I<: HiipiiiM, lliiN SliiU', to
lid (!iirc(l Cor ii.y IiIm mini, Mih. VVilliiiiii A. Nixon.
Wlicn l,vvclv(! yciHo olil lu' wim Hciit lo Ann Alitor
to iillcnil lilt! uniinnmr niid lli;{li Scliooi, ami In."
took two (lilTi'ii'iil, comwH of Mliidy— llid KiiKliBli
hikI liiiMiiii'HH, iilUiou){li lie iliil iiol Ki'iulinild. ilu
N|iciil l,lic HnniiniM'H in ii ilnin hIoii! iinil in \HHi
I'litt'icd tlid iihiiriiiiii'cntiiMd (Iciiiirlindiil of llic I'ni-
vi'ihity of Micliixiiii. Ilf lirciiinii llioronxlily vi'indd
In |)liiiniiiic.v mid in 1H8I iccdivud liin di-jiivc.
Ill IHHri Mr. 'rmviii lioiinlit. out Dr. IJiij-f,', who
wi'M one of llic |iro|Mii'lorM of u drii;^ Hloro in SI,.
.IoIiii'm, mid the llrni of MoDoniild A' Triivis car-
ried on llic liilMiiicHH for llirrc yciu'M mid ii Inilf.
Mr. 'I'mviH l.licn Kold mil \i> U. M.SIicI mihI lie
and Uwil ^cnllcniiiii lM>iif;lil mil, Mr. (Idler and lliii
linn of Nixon \ Co. wnK finined. Afler ii yt^iir in
lliiH conniMlion lie lioii;,'lil drii>,' nIoich in Itliiu-a
and roiii|ieii rcHlieclively and openiled liolli, willi
lieiel(|iiarleiM in llie foriiier |ilnce. In .lime, IH'.tll,
* Mr, 'I'liiviH diH|Miscd of liiii iiilelcslH lliere Mild
lion;;lil llie old hIIc in .SI, .lolin'N mid llie prcsenl
diiij,' linn wiiH formed. Al thai lime lu- iiol only
HC'cnred llie liilildiii;; Inil llie hIocU, lo vvliicli lie
lidded II freili .siipiily of siicli j^iiodM ii:f lie t,lioii;;lil
luiecKMiiry.
Ill Mii|ile Wajiids, .lime 10, IH«(J, Mr. 'I'raviH wmh
married lo M Ims ('arrie llewill, flnnnliler of Isaac
llewiU, an old rcHidciil (d' (Minion Coimlyaiid ii
well Known iKiiiUei. Mis. 'rriiviM wa.s horn nl
Maple liapids, ohiained ,i |mrl of her ednealioii in
Ylisilaiili mid was ;;iiiiliialed from Mr.s, Nohle'.s
Soiiiiniuy in Delroil. She is ii lady of rare inlei-
lixenee, rellned and >;raeioiiH, and wilh liel Iiiim-
liiind liiiH a liirye and pleasmil circle of friends.
'I'liev have one ehild—MiUKUCrilii.
Mr. Travis is one of llie stockholders iii ilie
Nalional Hank of Si. lolin's and llie ( 'liiilon Coiinly
SaviiiKH Itiink. I le is a Knij^lil 'rciii|iliir, helon>{.
Inn lo the Coinmaiidery in SI. .lolin's, mid he is a
iiieliiher of the Slate riiarmiieeiilii'iil Society. Al-
Ihoiedi mil M |ii)lilii'ian in llie ordinary seiiao of
Ihe word, li(^ gives oarneitl heed lo IIk' iBftiies of
lln! ilay mid feels assured Ihal llii: Uepnhlic'iin
party slaiidH on the hesl f;roiiiid, and tJierefore
joins wilh il liearl and soul. Ilig piM'Holial ipi.'ililies
ami iriiils of cimrneler iin^ siieli ns to seeiire
friends, and in hiislness relalions Ik; is iTf;ar(h'd
iiH vvorlhy of the posilion lie has reached -thai of
one of Hie iiiosl proiiiineiil dril^^j^i.-ls in llie eoiinly.
(il JkylLldAM \V. DIONNISis ntiinhered ai ij^
\fj// *■'"' ''''■'^'''''"''' "'f "vid, Clinloii Coiinly,
\y\y upon whom Dame l'"oitnne has lieslowed
her filVOI'O so pleiiteouslj- thai lliey are .'ilile lo
ecasi' from foil mid enjoy the eiillure and pleasure
Uiiil comes from travel, nienl.'il pursuits, ,'iiid asso-
ciiilion Willi ollieru of relini'd lasies. lie is in ri!-
ceipl of an income amply hiillleicnl for his wants,
and lii.s dwelliiif,' is fninislicil with re(,'aril lo the
ureiitliro coinforlH and inlelle<-lii:il eiijoyinenls of
its inmikles. One of the proinineiil features is a
colleclion of well-selecleil vohimes, from llie pa;,a'8
<if which the llioiif{hls of men of mental power are
to he read an<l infonnalion olilaiiii'd re^.-irdin^
sciiMice, iirl and liL-lory.
Mr. DciiniH wii» horn in Onond.af^a ( 'oiinly, N.
v., .lanii.'iry '^.''i, IHIO, and his early years were
spent upon the farm of his parents, .liuuih mid Mary
(Itowcn) Dennis. His ednealioii was eonlineil lo
the eurriciihim of Uk^ coiimioii school imlil he had
arrived ill lliu ngi! of Iwenly, when he entered (Icii-
i^see C'olle^e. In lliiil iliHliliilion hi? lemained three
years, perfeclinj; him.self in a .selected course of
slmh'. 'The Civil War iilTected llie pliins of the
youii<; iiimi, wliiisi! iirdor in his country 's helialf led
him into the iiriiiy ns ii iiieinher of C'oiii|>aiiy D,
One Hundred iind Mighly-einlil New ^'ork Infan-
try. He wa.H Onh'riy SerKcant, .'uid the part of the
great hody to which lie helonged was known as the
Army of the I'olomac. He was present as an active
p:irlicipiml nl t.he hatllcs of l'"ivo Forks, VVeldon
Uailroad, Stony Uiin, Ilalcliie's Hun, and in llie
spring of IK(!.") the corps to which he lielongcd li'il
ill the chase after tJeii. I'ii'kell. Among incidenls
of special interest reciilled hy Mr. Dennis is the
POUTIIAIT AND mOGUAl'lllUAL ALBUM
866
8CIMU' of Uio siiri'i'iulcr of (Ion. Loo sU AiiimniMlliix,
Mtid llio (innul Koviow in \Vn.sliinf{liin.
When Ilio war was over Mr. Dennis wii.s sent. Id
Now Yoik Id 1)0 p.'iid olT, .Mnd ho Mion ontoroil into
nM'i'ivinlilc liii.sinoss !it Livoniu Sliition, Livingston
('iMiiily. I)niin<i Ilio inlininistriilion of I'l'osiilont
.lolinsoii lio was :i|i|inin'.i'(I I'oslniaslvi. In. Inly,
I.S(i(!, lie I'anio lo llii.s SlaU^ and looatod in Oviil,
wlitic III' Ml. onoo hojjan spooulatinjj in roid oslal.o.
In IHdM 111' was a|)|ic)iiil,t'd l)c|iul,y ShcrilTand lUioil
Mio |)la(a! to tl\c suliisfaolion of his hu|ioilor, .'uid Iho
liiwahidinjf olonionl of sooiol.y. lie li.id Ihmmi
slndyinj; law and in IsTit hr was adniillcd li> llu^
hai" of Cliiilon Couiily. Ilo was a oh)si^ sliidoiil.
and (lid iiol iH'aso his roadirifi; and study wlion his
lioonso was j;i'aiili'd, hnt coiiliMui'il l,o apply liini-
solf, fjaininj; oonslanlly in knuwlcdm' of logal [vvU-
nioalilios and liroad undoislandinfj; of prinoiplos of
ocjuily. Kaily in llic 'SlKs IMr, Dennis liei'aino iii-
torostod in the Imniiei' trade, and I'oi' a doead<' In^
oiK'ialod extensively al Dotioil nml (illier points.
'I'ho wifo of Mr. Dennis w.as Unouii in her maid-
onhoud as Miss Lorena I\L Uowen, and her former
homo was in Spencerporl, N. Y., near Iho city of
Uoclioat.or. 'I'liere I heir inarriago was solomnizod
Folirnary 22, IHIIil. The union has l)oon lilessed
by Ihroo eliililren: Willis U., horn P'ohruary 2(!,
ISdS; \'ienna L., March H, 1M71, and Isthel I'.erlJia,
.lidy H, 1.S7.'). Willis is miuiied liiil, still lives with
liis parents, and N'ienna is est.alilished in a happy
home of hei' (iwn, williln I he lindls of the ecuintv.
Mrs. Dennis is a true hidy, <\'ipalile, well-read,
a^roeahlo and kindly, and her friends are many and
ainooro.
As the possession of so lino a lilirary vvouhi iii-
dioato.Mi'. Dennis is a hixdiwoim, and he spends
nnieli liiiK' pi>rin;^ over his <'h(iie(! volume.^. In
IHHH ho truvoled oxtonsively in the lioeky l\loun-
liiin n';;i()n, visitiuf; Colorado, Ut.ah, Ori'jfon.
\Vashin;;lon inid ( ':diforni:i, as well as lh<^ St'itesof
Kansas and Nehraska. 'I'lu^ next ye.ar he spenl
some moidlis in JMirope, his visits there inelndiriK
li',n;.;land, Ireland, Seollimd, Wales, P'raneo, ( ier-
niany, Switzerland, lieli;ium,and Italy. Ilealtended
fh(^ I'aris Ivxposilion, and ^a/,ed upon such noted
scenes as Iho iiay of Naples, Ml.. N'esuvius, the
ruins of I'mnpen ami the ( 'atheilr.al of ,S|. I'clcr,
l''r<in) cvory |H)ssil>le place lu' lir(inj>iit some relio
of his trip, and his caliinot of eiiriosilies is of nn-
nsu.al intei'ost, ineltnlin;L;' ,'is it does articles yalherod
from many parts of our ciwn l:uid .'oid rinin foieij^n
oonnlrios. Ono of the ehoieesi souvenirs is a papei-
sijrned liy his (ienorid, in the form of a rocoipl. for
oighly-oixht prisoners of w.'ir. Another is a piooo
of wood thai onei> was a part of the ship in vvhieh
the f^allant ('apt. Perry achieved the victory on
Lake Kiio in IHI.'I. Of Ihoso hroiijiht from aliroad
tlu^ most, valnalile are ;i. small ^'lass head from a
cloak worn hy (^neen I'lli/.alielh, and a ((uill pen
from Ihe li.'ink of Kii;^land. The (list of Iheso was
purloined liy Mr. Dennis from a j;,armenl in the
Towel of Liindoii uln'ii Ihe nuard was "olf his
Kuard." Mr. Dennis has .also a i|iiill pen fr
(iomna, Swil/.crland, lava from Mt. N'esuvins, and
relies from the historic cities that wore hnried liy
the ernplioii (if Ih.'il volcano in the year 1.S71I. Dur-
ing Ihe winter of I SDO 11 1 Mr. Dennis and wife
made a Soutliorn trip, visiting nearly every Suuth-
ern Slalo.
— 'm'm —
|X an'ii:l I
I J) of Owe
l^ C'oMUtV,
MIUI'IIV. Treasurer of the oily
osso, Mich., was horn iu Krankliu
Mass., ill the town of lOrvin^;, April
■">, \X,^>\. lie is the son iif .lerciiilali and I'illen
l\Lirphy, hoth of whom are natives of liclaud, who
canu- to I.Ik- LuitiMl iSlal.es when (piil.e youny and
fettled in Massachusetts, where l.|ie\' were married.
After marriajje they settled in iMviiif,', where
they spoilt most of their lives, I. hen removed to
Allidl, M.'i.ss,, where the mother die(l. The f.'ilher's
(lealh occuri'e(| in Spriu^;ll(dd, Mass. 'I'liey wore
the parents of eifrlil. children, our siilijecl liein;; the
I liird in iMimlier.
The sulijecl of this skeh^h passed a porMon of
his .school days at ICrviiiL;, RLiss. , and later went lo
A I hoi ill that .State. Mis lirst work was in a eotluii
mill where hi^ remuiiie(l fdr two years. Mo then
learned the l.radc of uplndslerin/i; fiirnilure and
followed this until IHVlI when lie drifted West to
Miclii^^an and soon after (MUuin;^ lo Detroit, went
to work for D. 1\L Lsl.oy &. Tooloy in their manufac-
turiuf; t'<""!""'.V> *^'"'l'i"^' "'■ ''I"* Inulc. In 1H7K
he came to OwDsso and c(mtinne(| in the employ
856
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of Mr. Estey for some eighteen montlis longer, and
then engaged in house painting for three years.
After this he entered the employ of Woodard
Brothers at Owosso as head finisiier in tlie furni-
ture department. After five or six years he tlicn
went to Bancroft, Mich., where he embarked in
furniture and undertaking business but sold out
this business at the end of twelve months.
Mr. Murphy returned to Owosso and for three
years followed the business of house painting at
the end of which time lie started in business with
a fine stock of wall paper, paints, oils, varnishes,
brushes, window sliades, fixtures and room mould-
ing, lie was married November 14, 1881, to Miss
Mary Harvey, of Lansing, Mich., a daughter of
James Harvey, formerl}' of Canada and a native of
Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have had five ciiild-
ren: Klla 1\L, Kate, Agnes E., Mary, and James E. the
latter having died. Mr. Murphy was elected Treas-
surer of the city of Owosso in 1891 and is a stanch
Democrat, taking considerable interest in local i)ol-
itics and being sent often as a delegate to county
and Congressional conventions. His pleasant home
is situated at No. 720 West Elizabeth Street.
."^^sr*-
ILA.S N. PIERCE, a leading and represen-
tative farmer of the town of Sciota, Shia-
wassee County, residing on section 10 and
an honored veteran of the late war, was
born in Naples, Ontario County, N. Y., March 17,
1839. His parents, Jerry W. and Eliza (New-
comb) Pierce, who were also natives of the same
county, removed to Steuben County, N. Y., when
our subject was a mere lad and settled in the town
of Cohocton, where they spent the remainder of
their lives. Mr. Pierce was a carpenter and mill-
wright l)y trade, and owned and operated a grist-
mill for many years. In his business career he
met with excellent success, for beginning life with
no capital he worked his way upward until he was
the possessor of about $.'50,000 worth of property.
He not only had to cotitond against poverty and
other obstacles which arose in his path, but depend-
ent upon him for support from Ids tenth year was
his blind mother.
A manly, courageous boy Jerry W. Pierce de-
veloped into a self-reliant man and the prosperity
which crowned his efforts was richly deserved.
Although his educational advantages in his youth
were very limited, by reading and study in leisure
hours he became a well-informed man. He took
active interest in educational matters, believing
that good schools are essential to good citizenshii).
In politics he was a Whig and Republican, and in
religious belief a Universalist, although he was not
a member of any church. However, he was a
liberal contributor to churches and charitable insti-
tutions and was a man of honor, integrity and
sterling worth. He died in 1866, at the age of
sixty-seven years. His wife long survived liim,
passing away in 1889, at the age of eighty-two
years. She was a member of the Meihodist Church
and a consistent Christian woman, who won the
love of all with whom she came in contact. Of
the family of six children, the two eldest, Harvey
and .Jonathan, are now decensed. Jonathan was
wounded in the battle of Morton's Ford, Va., Oc-
tober 11, 1863, and was never heard from after-
ward. He was Captain of Company I, Sixth New
York Cavalry, and was breveted Jlajor. The sur-
viving members are: Silas N., Henry C, Jerry W.
and Eliza L.
We see our subject as a youth working upon his
father's farm during the summer, and attending
the district schools of the neighborhood during the
winter months. ITnder the parental roof he re-
mained, assisting his father until twenty-two years
of age, when in the autumn of 1861 he offered his
services to his country, and enlisted as a private of
Company C, Sixth New York Cavalry. He served
with the Array of the Potomac for about two 3'ears
and three months, and on re-enlisting in the same
regiment and company he was made Orderly Ser-
geant. A few months later he was promoted
to the rank of First Lieutenant, and served in that
capacity for about a year, when he was made Cap-
tain of Company (!. Capt. Pierce commanded the
company until after Lee's surrender, when in June,
1865, he was honorably discharged, after nearly
four jears of faithful service. He participated in
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
859
the battles of Aiitietam, Fierterieksburg, Chancel-
lorsville, Gettysburg, Falling Waters. Wiklpriicss,
Trevilian Station and Winchester, where he re-
ceived a gunshot wound in the side which forced
lira to remain in the hospital for six weeks. He
.vas present at the capture of Early's army, and
vook part in the two days' figiit at P^ive Forks,
Va., after which there was Ogliling and skirmish-
'iw, but no important battles, until Lee's surrender,
'lich Capt. Pierce witnessed. He was a faithful
.dier, true to every duty and alwa3's found at
i post discharging every task imjwsed upon him
with the utmost 6delity. His service was one of
love and patriotism for his country, and although
he has never fully recovered from the effects of
his wound, the Government has not been solicited
to pa3' him a pension in recognition of his services.
When the war was over Capt. Pierce returned to
New York and formed a partnership with his
brother, J. W., thev together operating the home
farm and a sawmill, and also engaged in mercantile
business at the same time with another brother,
H. C, until the fall of 1879. The connection was
then discontinued and our subject went West on a
prospecting tour, traveling over Kansas and other
Western States. No localit}- pleased him as well as
Shiawassee County, Rlicb., .and in consequence he
here purchased land. In 1870 he bought two hun-
dred and seventy acres which lie improved and cul-
tivated, but a portion of this he has since sold, and
now owns ninetj'-seven acres of vrduable land.
Capt. Pierce devotes his entire attention to farm-
ing and Ikis one of the finest homes in this part of
the county. A view of the estate with its princi-
pal buildings is presented on another page. Nearly
all of the improvements placed upon his farm are
the result of his untiring labor, and liis Iiome with
its entire surroundings indicate the thiifl and enter-
prise of the owner. One large barn furnishes
ample shelter for his stock, and the other outbuild-
ings are in keeping with this. Among his fellow-
townsmen Capt. Pierce is regarded as one of the
prominent and representative farmers of the com-
munity, as well as a valued citizen. He has been
honored witli several local offices and is now Treas-
urer of Sciota Townshi)). At tiie ballot box ho
supports the Republican party, and is well informed
concerning the political issues of the day. Socially
he is a member of Henry Dcmming Post, No. 191,
G. A. R.. of Laingsburg.
On the 25th of February, 1875, Capt. Pierce was
united in marriage with Miss Rhoda A. Welch, of
Cohocton, Steuben County, N. Y., whom he had
known from childhood. The lady is a native of
that county, and a daughter of Daniel and Sally
M. (Spike) Welch, who spent their entire lives in
that community. To Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have
been born six children — Anna, who died in infan-
cy; Lucy E., Theada A., Dora N., who died at the
age of four 3'ears; Jerry W. and Howard N. The
family have a pleasant home pleasantly situated
near Laingsburg, their residence being a two-
story frame dwelling, commodious and of sub-
stantia! appearance. Hospitality there abounds
and the friends of the family are many.
— •*> <|3"'^' *■"
CHRISTIAN WOLTER, a self-made man
. who is cngageil in general farming on sec-
lion 16, Sciota Township, Shiawassee County,
is of German birth. His parents, Frederick and
Dora (Iloramon) Wolter. were also natives of Ger-
man}' and never left that land. His father was an
overseer and contractor. In their family were
seven children of whom Christian is the fifth in
order of birth. He first opened his eyes to the
light of daj' on the lOlh of February, 1829, in
Mecklenburg, Prussia, and was reared to manhood
in the place of his nativity. His educational a<l-
vantages were limited but he has made of himself
a well-informed man by reading, study and observa-
tion. He worked as a driver and teamster in Ger-
many and when twent3'-nine 3-ears of age, in 1859,
sailed for America with the intention of tr^'ing his
fortune in this country.
Mr. Wolter located in St. Clair, Mich., where
some years previous Miss Sophia Foss had settled.
She was a childhood's acquaintance of his and the
same year of his arrival they were united in mar-
riage. Seven children graced their union: Mary,
Emma, Herman, Henry, Frank, Cora, and LeRoy,
all of whom ai'c living with the exception of
Emma.
860
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Mr. and Mrs. AVolter began their domestic life
in St. Clair County, Mich., upon a small farm
which he owned and there resided until 1861, when
selling out they came to Shiawassee County. Mr.
Wolter purchased eight}' acres of land on section
16, Seiota Township, where he has since resided.
Only fortj' acres had been partially improved but
wiWi characteristic energy he began its develop-
ment, soon transforming the laud into rich and fer-
tile fields, and as prosperitj' crowned his efforts and
his financial resources were increased he extended
the boundaries of his farm until now one hundred
and twenty acres of valuable land pay a golden
tribute to his care and cultivation.
When Mr. Wolter landed in New York City, he
had only $100 and that he had saved from his
wages received as a teamster, but he came to Amer-
ica with the determination to succeed and has la-
bored untiringl}' to that end. He is now the owner
of one of the finest farms in Seiota Township, its
neat appearance indicating careful management
and thrift on the part of the owner and the many
iinproveuienls standing as monuments to his thrift
and industrj'. On another page of this volume
appears a view of the residence which is a line two-
story frame structure, in the rear are good barns
and outbuildings sucli as are found on a model
farm. An apple orchard covering two and a half
acres fields luscious fruit in season and small fruits
keep the talile sn[)plied with delicious dishes. Mr.
Wolter deserves great credit for his success in life
and his example might be followed with profit by
ina.iy of tiie j'ouths of to-day. lie and his wife
belong to the Lutheran Church; in politics he is a
Republican but has never taken an active [lart in
political affairs.
~ • oCi> •
I^AMUKL B. ROWLEY is a farmer and
'^^^ stock-raiser of some prominence in Clinton
County, and especially among the people
of Essex Township, where he is located.
He has a good farm of eighty acres on section 11,
wliich was reclaimed by him from the virgin forest
and made fit for the habitation of an intelligent
and enterprising family. Mr. Rowley located here
in 1868, a few months after his marriage, and he
and his faithful wife endured some of the priva-
tions incidental to life on a new farm, even when
thecountr}- around was comparatively well settled.
They have been rewarded for their labors b}' se-
curing a comfortable home and the means with
which to gratify their reasouaVile tastes and join
in good works.
The parents of our subject were natives of the
Empire State and their names were William and
Martha. Their home was in Chemung Count}',
where their seventh son, Samuel B., was born
Apiil 30, 1837. Of the parental family the only
other survivors are: Augustus, whose home is in
Ogle County, III.; Erastus, who lives in Chemung
County, N. Y. ; and Gordon, living in this State.
Our subject pursued his studies in the district
schools and from his earl}' boyliooil took part
in the farm work in which his father was engaged.
He attained to his majority in his native State,
which he left in 1858 to come to Michigan. For
a time he worked on a farm in Clinton County,
but in 1860 he went to Pike's Peak, Colo., and
engaged in gold mining.
Mr. Rowley remained in the gold fields a year,
during which time he did fairly well in his search
for the precious metal. In the spring of 1862 he
returned to this Slate and in the fall enlisteil in
the First Uniled States Lancers, Company D. For
a number of months he was stationed at Detroit,
doing State guard duty, and he was discharged in
April, 1863. After that event lie went to New
Mexico and found employment uuiler the Govern-
ment as a freighter, his business being to haul sup-
plies for the use of the sohl'ers. He was thus
engaged more than six months and at one time
while crossing the plains his party had p. brush
with the Indians and two of tiie men were killetl.
He saw two white men at Ft. Lyons, Ark., that had
been scalped by the Indians and let go. Mr. Rowley
next took up farm life, in which he has been suc-
ceeding, as before indicated.
Mr. Rowley was fortunate in securing for his
wife a lady of culture and refinement, who has an
escellont reputation as a school teacher. She was
known in her maidenliood as Miss Clara Clarke,
and is a native of the Emiiire Slate and daughter
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALHUM.
8G1
of Morris Clarke. Slie hccaiue the wife of our
subject April 4, 18G8, and liieir union has liecn
blessed b\' the birth of tliree children — Wiliiani,
Arthur and Zorah. The last named has been re-
moved from them by death at the age of seven-
teen j'ears, and is sadlv missed and mourned by
her many friends and bereaved parents.
iMrs. Rowley is a humble and devout Christian,
her membership being in the Christian Church,
which her husband also attends. Mr. Rowley is
a member of the Essex Farmers' Club, and is
likely to be found joining in public-spirited enter-
prises and movements in which the neighborhood
is interested. He is a firm believer in the pi'in-
ciples of the Republican party and never fails to
oast his vote with others of like faith. He is a
hospitalile, genial man, and his efforts at entertain-
ing his friends arc ably scconelcd by his wife, and
their home is the scene of many social gatherings.
EVI B. SHADDUCK. This gentleman is
^ one of the representatives of a pioneer fami-
ly of Clinton County, than whom none are
more favorably remembered. His parents were
Andrew and Sarah (French) Shadduck, who were
occupying a farm when he was born, June 11, 1857.
Until sixteen years of age his life was spent in a
manner customary to farmers' sons and at that earl}-
age he started in business for himself, renting
the homestead. He had obtained a fair education
and by strict attention to business and the judici-
ous investment of his earnings he has acquired a
goodly share of worldlj^ possessions. From the
time he rented the farm he attended to all the busi-
ness affairs of his father.
In October, 1878, Mr. Shadduck w.as married to
Miss Adalaide Holbrook, the .accomplished daugh-
ter of Russell Holbrook. Mrs. Shadduck was born
September 23, 1857, in this State, to which her
father had come from New York. She has borne
her husband two daughters, both at home on the
beautiful farm on section 24. The daugiiters are
Cora 15., who was born July 4, 1880, and Minnie
A., September IG, 1885. They arc being given
b
such educational opportunities as are suited to their
3"ears, and their ]1arents are liestowing great care
upon their home training, teaching them the court-
esies of life and guiding them in good principles.
.Mrs. Shadduck belongs to the Methodist Kpiscoi)al
Churcli of Wacousta. Mr. Shadduck is an active
Republican and he is now filling the ollicial station
of Supervisor of Eagle Township.
The father of our subject died at his home in
Clinton County, January 24, 1891, aged eighty-
one years and ten days. From a sketch of his life,
read at his funeral, we quote the following: "The
late Andrew Shadduck was born Januarj' 15, 1810,
on a farm on the banks of the Hudson River, near
Albany, N. Y. He was the son of Thomas and
Maria Shadduck and the youngest of a family of
si.K children. His mother died when he was about
two years old and three years later his father mar-
ried Miss Annie Buck, from New Hampshire, anil
this excellent woman gave him a mother's care for
some years. When Andrew w:!S seven years old,
the family removed from New York to New Hamp-
shire and rented a farm. The season was very
cold and frosty, the crops failed, the family were
poor, had no money, very- little provision and onlj'
one cow. One of the old Blue Laws was that each
family should be taxed to pay the ])riest. His
father could not paj^ the tax and the cow was
driven off and sold to pay the priest. This event
seemed darkl}^ cruel to the child and always re-
mained a vivid reality in his memorj-.
" Soon after the family removed to Brown
County, N. Y. Andrew now went to live with his
uncle John Sliadduck, who was a farmer, lumber-
man and shingle-maker and while there he went to
school in the winter. He had to walk two miles
through the snow and wind to a log hut where
school was held. For more than eight months in
the years he helped to saw timber, pack shingles or
work on the farm, and did everything a brighl,
strong boy could do. When he was twelve years
old, a man came to his uncle from the woolen mills
at Preston Hollow, on Catskill Creek, looking for
a boy as an apprentice. Young Andrew suited and
it was arranged that he should go anci work In the
mills, where he was bound to remain five years.
At this mill the wool was taken just as it was she-
862
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ared from the sheep and made into finished cloth,
and he learned the whole business from cleansing-
carding, dyeing, fulling and pressing tlie cloth. He
went to the mill early in the morning and the day's
work was not done until nine o'clock at night. He
served his full time and was said to be a skillful
workman, but he never worked another day at cloth-
making.
'• Mr. Shadduck left the mill and went to live with
Dr. Brewster, a farmer and physician. This excellent
Doctor was one of the truest friends the young man
had ever found. While he kept him quite hard at
work on the farm, he still found time to care for
his intellectual and moral training. He remained
with this good man and wife five years, receiving
what was high wages tlien 1*9 per month. Through
all his life the names of Dr. Brewster and his wife
were held in loving remembrance and he often
spoke of them. It was during his stay with them
that he became a Christian. In the spring of 1832
Mr. Shadduck went to Genesee County, N. Y., to
his sister's home, near which he bought a piece of
limbered land — a part of what was known as the
Holland Purchase. He worked hard early and
late, in heat and cold, clearing his land and build-
ing a house and barn. October 3, 1833, he married
Sarah French and thej- made their home on the
new farm until two years had passed. He was then
told by two men who passed, that his farm was
sold and title was not good, and this proved to be
true.
"This was in the fall of 1835 and the next s|)ring
Mr. Shadduck decided to go to Michigan and buy
land there. All his wealth was $50 and while
crossing Lake Erie he felt that he did not know
where he was going, only somewhere in the vast
wilderness of the territory of Michigan. He pray-
ed earnestly that God would show him where to
go and he always believed the Lord led him to the
beautiful location which was home to him for over
fifty years. He experienced all the hardships of
pioneer life, the i)rivation and toil of which can
hardly be realized by the present generation. His
wife died in 1866 and in 1874 he married Mrs.
Sarah Nilcs, who died in 1889. During his last
sickness he demonstrated that deatii shall not sepa-
rate us from the love of God. He said his soul
was in perfect peace and he was glad to go and be
with his Savior. He had lived surrou.nded by his
sons and daughters, who deeply mourn the loss of
a loving, generous father. His sons are Dan ford
ai.d Levi B., and his daughters, Mrs. Phebc Sch-
nepp, Mrs. Margaret Patterson, Mrs. Marintha
Strong, Mrs. Jane Nilcs, Mrs. Axella Ring and
Mrs. Lucina Allen. "
W. FRASIER, a retired farmer and stock-
J9*Ol I'aiser of Hazelton Township, Shiawassee
flii County, residing on section 16, had his
birthplace in Westford, Cedar County, N.
Y., May 4, 1820. He is a son of Phillip Frasier. a
native of New York, born in 1783, and he received
a common-school education. His wife bore the
maiden name of Plucbe Robbins and was a daugh-
ter of John and Phoebe (Hicks) liobbins. They
were natives of New York and had a family of ten
children, six of whom were sons and four were
daughters, Phoibe being the eldest, having been
born in 1798.
Phillip and Phoebe Frasier were married in 1812
and a short time after this interesting event tlie
young husband left his bride and entered the ser-
vice of his country in the War of 1812. He served
in the engagements at Kingston and Cooperstown.
At one time he was shot across the back but not
hurt seriously. Six sons and four daughters made
up their household, of whom our subject is the
fifth child. He had limited advantages for educa-
tion and when fifteen years old was allowed to try
his fortune for himself. He began by working on
farms and doing teaming.
In 1844 the young man purchased some land
which he sold two j'ears later and purchased another
tract tvhicli he kept until about the time when he
went to Michigan, when he disposed of it. His
trip West was made in 1854, coming by way of
Buffalo to Detroit, and as he brought his own team
with him he drove from that city to Hazelton. He
at first ))urchascd eighty acres of school land and
fterward added forty more on section 21. This
was all an unbroken forest and the nearest neigh-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
863
bor east of him was tbree miles distant, but toward
the south tiiere was a neighbor within two miles.
During that first fall Mrs. Frasier and Mrs.
SiJCars, who was her nearest neighbor, took it into
their heads to make a visit to a cousin of Mrs.
Frasier who lived five miles away from them
directly through the forest. This cousin was Mr.
Job Knight, of New Haven Township, of whom a
sketch will be found in this book. The ladies look
an ax in hand and started on their way, blazing
tlie trees as they went so that they might not get
lost. The}' made their journey in safety, being
aided in finding their way by the stakes which had
been driven by the surveyors to mark the section
lines.
To Mr. and Mrs. Frasier have been born four
children, namely: Susan, George, Alexander and
Esther. Mr. Frasier is a Democrat in his political
convictions. Before coming West to live he had
made a trip down the Oliio River and up the Mis-
sissippi, where he ascended the Kankakee River
and selected a farm. He then went on to what is
now known as Chicago, where at that time the
steamboat wharf was simplj' a dock made of posts
driven into the ground and covered with poles
and slabs. From there he went to what is now
Saginaw, which compared very favorably then
with Chicago. From tiierc he went on to Detroit
and Bufifalo and then returned home.
^ ^-*^-
/p^EORGE W. GOSS. one of the old settlers
r|| (^=-, of Vernon Township, Shiawassee County,
^^ji|j residing on a fine farm on section 20, was
born in Lenox 'lownship, Madison County, N. Y.,
October 27, 1829. His father, Joel B. Goss, was a
native of Ohio, born January 24, 1805. When
about fourteen years of age he was bound out to
learn the trade of a blacksmith. At the age of
twenty three, he w.as married at Oswego, N. Y., to
Philinda Whitney who was born in New York,
April 27, 1808.
The parents of our suljjeet remained for awhile
in New York and then removed to Oliio in 18.'}2 to
the village of Millgrove, where for two years he
carried on the blacksmith's business. At the cud
of that time he removed to the village of Ra3'mond,
Jackson County, Mich., wliere for some two years
he worked at his trade and carried on a meat
market.
\'enice Township, Shiawassee County, this State,
was the next home of Joel 15. Goss, his family be-
ing the first to move into tliat township. Tliey
built a log house and establislied tliemselves tiiere
for two years, and then sold out to Nelson Ferry
and moved into the north part of the township, and
partially improved two farms. He then traded
farms with Mr. C. Wilkerson in Vernon Township,
and after two years' residence upon that property
removed to Owosso. After living at various places
in Shiawassee County, he went South, dying in
Arkansas, December 14, 1876. He was a prominent
man in political, social, school and church circles.
He was a Democrat in his party allilialioiis and was
Supervisor of Vernon Township for three years
and Justice of the Peace for a long term. He lield
both school offices and road offices and was the
Class-Leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He and his worthy wife were the parents of six
children, five sons and one daughter of whom our
subject is the eldest.
He of whom we write was seven years old when
he came to Michigan with his jiarents and his latest
school days were spent in District No. 3, Vernon
Township. When he w?s twenty-one j-ears old he
undertook indepen(ieiit work as a farmer. After
his father went South lie had charge of the family.
She whom he chose as his life companion was
C'bloe Hovey, the tenth in tlie family of twi^lve
children of Horace Hove}'. The marriage took
place Novembers, 1851. Mrs. Gops is a native
of Manawa}' Township, Portage Count}', Ohio, her
natal day being April 29, 1838. After marriage the
young couple made their first home wiiere thoy now
reside, upon which Mr. Goss has made nearly all
the improvements. Their five children were named:
Rebecca, born October 25, 1862, the wife of Wil-
liam H. Davis, residing in Vernon Township; Laura
D., born July 22, 1864, the wife of Arthur C.
Woodward, residing in Schuyler County, N. Y. ;
(Jeorge F., born August 28, 1 867, married Nettie
Carry and resides in Vernon; Ellie M., born Sei)lem-
8G4
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
bar 13, 1873, resides at liome. Tiie oldest child,
Hiittie E., born April?, 1857, died June 16, 1862,
in hor early cliiidliood.
Mr. Goss lias one liundrcd and seventy acres of
finely improved land, one hundred and forty of
whicii are under cultivation. Here he carries on
general farming and keeps a large flock of sheep.
He was Townshii) Treasurer in 1857 and 1858, and
has been (School Director and Assessor besides
holding some road offices. He has been Class-
Leader for thirty years in the Methodist Episcop il
Ciiurch and is Steward in the same. He has been
Church Trustee and Sui)erintendent of Sundaj--
school several times and is an active worker and
a liberal contributor to church purposes. His wife
and daughter are also active in church work. Mrs.
Goss is the tenth in family of twelve children, all
of whom grew to man's and woman's estate. It is
a curious fact tiiat in tlie order of their birtii tliej^
came as follows: Three daughters and one son;
three daughters and one son; and three daughters
and one son. The parents of Mr. Goss were mem-
bers of the First Methodist Episcopal Church that
was formed in the count^^ of Sliiuwassee. and
their daughter was the first that died in the town-
shi)) of Venice and the second that was buried in
in the cemetery.
-4^^f^-
^,OAH LONG. Among the fine "farms in
Venice Township, Sliiawassee County, that
on section 6, belonging to Noah Long is one
of the best. Our subject, though not a native of
this State might be called a pioneer, having moved
here at an early day. He has experienced many
of the hardships incident to pioneer lifo an<l his
stay here lias not been devoid of adventure lliat
has its exciting and frequently ludicrous side.
Our sul>ject's father was Noah Long, a native of
rennsylvauia, in wiiich State he was a farmer. His
mother was Elizabeth (Burge) I^ong, a native of
German^'. Tliey were married in Pennsylvania
and tiiore resided a number of years. They then
removed to Ashland Count}', Oliio, in which State
thej- were pioneers. There Ihe^' made a permanent
home and full}' improved the farm on which they
located before tlie death of the father which oc-
curred in 1854. His wife survived him a number
of years, slie dying in 1870. Thirteen children
came to them and were at once their joy and care.
Five of this number are now living. The family
were members of the Wesleyan Church. In [)oli-
tics Noah Long, Sr., was a Wiilg.
The original of our sketch was born February
15, 1825 in Ashland County, Ohio, where he at-
tendeil the district school and in vacations and out
of school hours doing tiie work upon the farm that
is understood to belong to a farmer lad. lie re-
mained at home until twent3'-one years of age, get-
ting from his father a good knowledge of practical
farming. At twent3'-two years he started out for
himself, working for others by the month.
In 1847 Mr. Long was united in marri.age to
Emeline Fox, a daughter of Aruna and Ruth (Smith)
Fox, both of whom were natives of Massacliusetts
in which State the}' were married and tlien removed
to Wayne Count}-, Ohio, where they settled upon a
rudely imjjroved farm. There they made a per-
manent home, bending their efforts toward cultiva-
tion of the farm and the production of crops tiiat
would give an income tliat would sustain life.
The father died in 1840, the mother in 1872. They
were the parents of five children, two of wiiom
only are now living. The mother had united her-
self with the Presbyterian Church. Politically,
the father was a Whig. Their daughter, Mrs.
Long, was born January 13, 1832, in Massacliu-
setts and was an infant when taken to Ohio. There
she received the advantages of a district-school
education. After marriage our subject and his
wife lived in Ohio for two years and in 1850 came
to Shiawassee County, this State, and settled u[)on
one hundred and sixty acres where they now live.
The country was raw and new, the nearest road
was at a distance of three miles from their home
and there was no scliool house nearer than live miles.
They were surrounded with dense woods whicli
were penetrated by no roads for years after their
advent hither. There were plenty of Indians and
wild animals.
Their first home was a small shanty which Mr.
Long himself built. When they first came to the
1
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
865
State they had very little money and that was spent
for only the necessities of life. The first year Mr.
Long chopped three acres and planted it in corn.
As he had no proper implements he was obliged to
use an old ax in his planting. Since that time he
has chopped and cleareil one hundred acres of his
Land.
For four j'ears our subject had no help outside
of his own hands, his fust investment in a beast of
burden being an ox-team. The country was sparsely
settled for ^-ears and frequently they saw very hard
times. In those da^s he frecpienlly carried one
* hundred pounds of meal from Corunna through
the woods for a distance of six miles to his shanty
on his shoulder. He used to split rails and in the
absence of horse and cart carry them where he
wanted them on his shoulders. The largest trees
in wiiat is now a very fine orchard, Mrs. Long
raised from ihe seeds.
The first log iiouse built by Mr. and Mrs. Long
is thirty-five j'eavs old and yet stands. Two years
ago he built his present residence which is a com-
fortable and commodious house. They now have
one hundred and twenty acres, all of which is im-
proved and besides have helped their sons to make [
a start in life. Mr. Long no longer carries on his
farm, renting it out to a good tenant. Nine chil-
dren have come to the Long home to make it re-
sound with their merr^' voices. Eight of these are
now living. The3' arc: Taylor Lorg, who took to
wife Lydia Angus and resides in Clicsaning, Sag-
inaw County, this State; the^- have six children.
Ruth, wife of George Pearsall, lives on section 7,
Venice Township and has seven children; Martin,
who was uniteil in marriage to Cora Simons lives
in Vernon and has one child; Ezra, who is married
to Elva Escott, lives on section 7; Ida is the wife
of Elba Pcmber and lives in Ohio: she li.as one
child. Myron married Annie Castle and lives on
the home farm; his familjr comprises two children.
Elva is the wife of Kred Stewart and lives in the
State of Washington. Minnie is the wife of George
Chavey and lives in Caledonia Township. The
children have all received the advantages offered
by a district school. Mrs. Long is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Long is a
Republican in politics. When the family came
here there were twenty-four voters in \'enice Town-
ship, lie has been ajtpointed to the oflice of Road
Overseer which post he has held for a dozen years,
during which lime he has done efficient service,
remembering well from earl^' experience the great
disadvantage that poor roads make in a country.
Although advanced in years, both Mr. and Mrs.
Long enjoy good heallli and the [jrospecls are that
the)' will live to be useful and ellicicnt members of
societ}' for many years longer.
Mrs. Long tells an interesting stor}- of her eldest
son who was lost in the great forest when he was
quite a small boy.
§0L. EDGAR P. BYERLY, oneof the veter-
ans of the Civil War and now Justice of the
Peace of Owosso, w.as born in Westmoreland
County, Pa., near Pittsburg, November, 10, 1812.
He is a son of Adam H. and Jane (Brush) Byerl)',
both natives of Westmoreland County, Pa., in
which they were reared and married. The father was
of German and Irish extraction and the mother of
Scotch descent. The father was a merchant, bank-
er and farmer and died in his sixty-eighth. year.
He is the son of Jacob Byerly who was also a nat-
ive of Pennsylvania and born in the same county
as our subject in which county also was born Rob-
ert Brush, the maternal grandfather.
In 1849 Adam H. Byerly removed with his fam-
ily to Eagle River, Lake Superior, Michigan, in
which he settled and helped to organize the coiintv
of Houghton and was Superintendent of the ClilT
Mine, owned by the Pittsburg and Boston Mining
Co. He then managed the business of the com-
pany up to the year 1854. when he removed to
Owosso and helped lo organize the First National
Bank. He was a stockholder and director at the
time of his death which occurred in March, 1885,
when he was sixty-three years old.
Edgar P. Byerly was the oldest of the three sons
and two daughters in his parental home. Part of
his school days were passed at I'ittsburg, p.nrt of
them in Lake Superior and the remainder in Owosso.
In 18C1 he became messenger for the American
866
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Express Company on the Amboy, Lansing iVr Trav-
erse Bay Railroad, continuing in this worlv for a
year.
The military experience of our subject began in
July, 1862, when lie enlisted in the Fourth Michigan
Cavalry under Col. Minty. The regiment was as-
signed to the army of the Cumberland and took
part in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga.
He remained with his regiment until December 8,
1863, at which time he was transferred and pro-
moled, being commissioned as First Lieutenant in
the Tenth Michigan Cavalry and the following year
he was made Ca))tain in the same regiment. He
remained with this regiment until the expiration
of its term of service, receiving his discharge Nov-
ember 11, 1865.
Upon his return to Owosso, Capt. Byerly em-
barked in the mercantile business in which he con-
tinued until 1874 during which period he was en-
gaged in breeding fine roadsters and trotting horses.
For eight years he served as Alderman for the
Third Ward, and was Deputy Sheriff for eight
3'ears and Deputy United States Marshal for four
years during the administrations of Garfield and
Arthur. On February 1, 1891, he was appointed
Colonel on Gov. Winan's Staff, Aid-de-camp and
Treasurer of the State Military Board.
Col. Byerly was married January 28, 1875, to
Miss Martha F. Decker, of Owosso, ]\Iich., who
was a native of the Empire State. Col. Byerly 's
political views lead him to affiliate with the Demo-
cratic party. He is a member of the (^)uackenbush
I'ost, No. 205, G. A. R., also of the Loyal League
of the State.
— ^^^m- —
£\ RS. LAURA A. PATRIDGE, owner of the
extensive Patridge dairy farm, two miles
north of the city of Owosso, is a lady of
many admirable characteristics, and one
who is doing much to build up the interests of her
adopted home as is evidenced by the extent and
magnitude of her farm. This most desirable prop-
erty is considered by those competent to judge to
be the handsomest and finest farm in the .State of
Michigan. It is certainly a model farm in appear-
ance, accommodation and conveniences. The two
hundred acre tract lies along the east shore of the
Shiawassee River and consists of gently undulating
fields of grain and meadow land. The most com-
manding spot was selected as the site for building
the home, and few farms can boast of so extensive
or admirably arranged dwellings and barns. Build-
ings have been erected at a cost of upwards of
112,000 and the immense stock barns are supplied
with every convenience that modern ingenuity can
devise. The farm is now devoted to the dairying
interests, and about thirty cows are milked regu-
larly, over three hundred quarts of milk constitut-
ing the yield.
This lady is a daughter of Arnold D. and Mary
J. (Milks) Pierce and was born at West Seneca,
Erie County, N. Y., September 29, 1850. Her
father's family is one of much historical promin-
ence and is traced in unbroken lines back for six
hundred years. Her fatlier is still living at Buffalo,
N. Y., at the age of seventy- five years. His other
child, Herbert, lives near that cit}'; Susan M, the eld-
est daughter died in 1874.
Our subject was married December 7, 1869, at
at Willink, N. Y., to AVorthy M. Patridge, a native
of Hamburg, N. Y. They resided at West Seneca
until they came to Michigan in November, 1887.
Mr. Patridge visited this region and had been
much impressed with the location and beauty of
this land, and after returning to New York Mrs.
Patridge's father purchased it and presented it to
his daughter. For four years she has made this
her home and her kindly disposition and willing
hands have endeared her to hundreds of friends.
She was happy in the enjoyment of all that could
make life delightful until the family circle was per-
vaded by a sense of unrest, which resulted in an es-
trangement between herself and her husband, who
now live apart. Her daughter, Carrie Dell, who is
loyal to her mother's affection and interests makes
her home with that parent, and her husband, Mr.
G. Mason Getuian, is the ellicient overseer of the
affairs of the farm. Miss Susie is also with her
mother.
Mrs. Getman first saw the light May 9, 1872,
and was married January 14, 1890. Her husband
was born October 27, 1866, and is a son of George
/
(n
0~y\
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
869
H. Getman and Ellen C. (Sniitli) Getman. His
parents at one time owned this beautiful property
but are now residents of Warner, S. Dak. One
child, Mattie Belle, born October 24, 1890, is the
crowning blessing of this union. Mrs. Patridge is
a lady of culture and refinement and a noble woman.
She has great capacity to enjo}' and her aspirations
have no half way ground. She has hosts of warm
friends and admirers and is a marked character in
Owosso Township.
'=r^
S^*
'|/_^ ART L. UPTON. Perhaiis no better repre-
)|) sentative of the agricultural community of
Clinton County can be found than in the
subject of this biograpluc.il notice, whose
portrait is presented on the opposite page. It may
be doubted if the entire county contains a more
public-spirited, intelligent and eltieient farmer, or
one who has always taken a greater interest in
everything calculated to advance the good of the
communitj'. He has ever manifested an interest in
those movements which would advance the mater-
ial prosperit3' or elevate the intellectual status of
the community', and his influence has alwa3's been
on the side of right and justice. lie has a farm on
section 10, Victor Township, which, although not
containing a large acreage, is one of the best im-
proved in the community.
Before giving an outline of the main events in
the life of Mr. Upton it may not be amiss to briefly
mention his lineage. His paternal grandparents,
Elias and Esther (Newell) Upton, were natives of
RLassachusctts. The maternal grandparents were
Josiab and Triphena (Newell) Hathaway, the for-
mer a soldier in the War of the Revolution. The
immediate progenitors of our subject were Elias
and Triphena (Hathaway) Upton, both natives of
Heath, Franklin County, Mass. They knew each
other from childhood and spent most of their lives
in their native count}'. They came to Michigan in
1857 and passed their last da3S in the liomc of
a son, James, in Clinton County. The fatiier was
a soldier in the War of 1812, and in politics was
first a Whig and later a Republican. He and h's
wife were members of the Congregational Church.
Although the}' never accumulated wealth they were
enabled to live in comfort and pass their declining
years quietly and happily.
The family of which our subject was a member
comprised eleven children, namely: Triphena, Em-
ily, Sarah, James, Josiah, Hart L.. Hannah, John,
Martha, Roswell and Caroline. They are all living
excepting John and Martha. Hart L., of this sketch,
was born in Heath, Franklin County, Mass,. June
23, 1827, and remained with his father upon the
homestead in Alassachusclts until he re.ached his
majority. Later he was for six years employed in
a scythe snath factory, and afterward commenced
to farm upon the old homestead. There he fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits for a few years, but
wishing to try life in the farther West he removed
to "N^ictor Township, Ontario County, N. Y., and
worked on a farm there for eighteen months.
In 1856, in company with his brother James,
our subject came to Michigan and bought the farm
where he now lives. Soon after he located here
he built the house which is still his home. About
seventy of his ninety-three acres are in a high state
of cultivation and he has given his entire attention
to the improvement of the land. All the present
embellishments are the result of his judgment, and
his character is shown in the efforts he has made
to rerider his home attractive as well as remunera-
tive.
In December, 1863, Mr. I'pton joined the army
as a private in Company I, Twenty -seventh Michi-
gan Infantry. It first wintered with the army of
the Eastern Tennessee under Gen. Burnside in the
Ninth Army Corps. The following spring the
regiment joined the Army of the Potomac in which
it continued until the close of the war, being mus-
tered out near Washington City, July 26,1865. He
received his final discharge in Detroit, August 7,
of the same year, .iraong the important engage-
ments in which he participated were the following:
the Wilderness, Spoltsylvania Court House, North
Anna River, Bethsaida Church and Cold Harbor.
At the last mentioned place he w.as put on detached
duty but was soon afterward taken sick and for
five months was confined in tiie hospital in Ports-
mouth Grove, R. I. In Febiunry, 1865, he joined
870
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
the regiment at Pelerslmrg, Va., but lias never
regained liis former liealUi and since lie left the ser-
vice has been debarred from manual labor, in con-
sequence of which he draws a pension of ^3U per
month.
In politics our subject is an ardent Republican
and cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fre-
mont. He has never held office, preferring domes-
tic quiet to the excitement of political life.
Socially, he is a member of the Henry Damming
Post, No. 192, G. A. R., at L-iingsburg. On Octo-
ber 7, 1«52, he married Miss Nancy Dole, of Ash-
field Township, Franklin County, Mass.; this esti-
mable lady was born in Shelburne Township,
Franklin County, Mass., October 4, 1832, and is
the daughter of Orpheus and Polly (Thair) Dole,
both natives of Franklin County, M.ass. To Mr.
and Mrs. Upton have been born three children,
one of whom survives, Fred R., a fasmer, who
married Miss Elva Troop and has two children,
Ruth and Leroy. Minnie S., deceased, was the
wife of George Grove and left one son, Bert H.
The son Dean died in infancy.
MIOMAS W. BALDWIN, a prominent ex-
soldier of the Civil War, and Supervisor of
Olive Township, Clinton County, for eight
years past, was born in Ogden Township, Monroe
County N. Y., March 19, 1842. His father, Elon
W. Baldwin, emigrated from New York to Ply-
mouth, Sheboygan County, Wis., where he died in
1852, at the age of thirty-four years. He was a
man of powerful frame and great muscular strength
but this very fact made him somewhat reckless in
his exertions and he strained himself in lifting a
heavy burden and his death was the result. He
was one of the first settlers in that section of the
country, and he had to go sixteen miles through
the woods with an ox-team to Sheboygan to buy
his provisions. He laid out the cemetery and was
the first man to be buried in it. He occupied the
responsible position of Supervisor of his townshij).
Cynthia S. Webster was the wife of Klon W.
Baldwin and the mother of our subject. She is a
native of New York and is still living at the good
old ago of seventy-five years. Five of her chil-
dren are yet living, of whom our subject is the
eldest. Lie received a common school education,
such as could be obtained in the pioneer log school-
house. He was an apt scholar and [)lanned to take
a college course, but when the war broke out he
enlisted in the service of the country. He had,
however, spent one year in the institute at Parma
Corners, jMonroe County, N. Y., which was taught
by Prof. Clark, the author of Clark's Gram-
mar.
The 3'oung man enlisted August 20, 18C2 in the
Third New York Cavalry, Company A, umler Col.
Sira^n Mix. He took part in the battles of Kings-
ton, Goldboroiigh and Yarboro. He partici[)aled
in the great raid of Wilson's Cavalry in Norlh
Carolina and Virginia and was taken [jrisoncr near
Richmond, October 4, 18G4, having been entirely
surrounded by a detachment of Longstreet's di-
vision. He was at this time Sergeant and had
charge of a line of pickets. He spent tlie first
night in Richmond and the following d.ay was re-
moved to Salisbury Prison, where he was confined
for five long months. A part of the time while he
was there the prisoners numbered ten thousand.
Little was given them except corn bread, and now
and then a weak imitation of rice soup. When he
was finally released he weighed onl^- seventy
pounds. While he was a prisoner one attempt was
made to escape, but it proved unsuccessful. He
was excused by the surgeons fiom further service,
and reached home in June. 18G5. He had enlisted
as a private and was promoted to various ollicial
positions.
Our young hero came to Clinton County in 1.SG8,
and located in the woods in Olive Township, i)ur-
chasing a farm where he how resides. Not a tree
had been cut on this land and the entire country
was a wilderness, where deer and other wild game
abounded. The marriage of our subject with
Marion A. Smallcy, of New York, took place in
18G6. She was a native of Parma Township, Mon-
roe County, N. Y. Mr. Baldwin is a Democrat in
his political views and has been a delegate to
county'. Senatorial and Congressional conventions.
PORTRAfT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
871
and takes an active part in local politics. He
served as Drainage Commissioner one year, Clerk,
three years, and Supervisor for eight years. He
was also for one year. Chairman of the County
Board. He has been a candidate for the Legisla-
ture but as his party was in the minority lie was
unsuccessful. He is a member of the Grand Army
of the Republic and was the first Master of the
Clinton County Grange and also of the suliordin-
ate Grange, which position he lield for several
years.
ENRY PEACH. A "hustler," is the term
that is used by bis neighbors to describe
this industrious, enterprising and successful
}i^) young farmer whose beautiful farm and
elegant home are so great an ornament to the
Townsiiip of Antrim, Shiawassee County. He was
born in Newberg, Shiawassee County, November
C, 1854. His father was an Englishman, being
born in Somersetshire in 1828. He served for
seven years as an apprentice at tailoring and after-
wards worked at his trade in England but came to
America and located at Pontiac, Oakland Count}',
this State, in the hopes of doing better at his chosen
calling. He subsequently removed his shop and his
home to Newberg, which was then a thriving town,
and in 1858 he purchased forty acres on section 34,
Shiawassee Township, which was at the time com-
pletely covered with heavy timber, and here he
began his first experience in farming.
The father cleared and improved his little farm,
adding to it from time to time as his means would
permit, and at his death in 1883, he owned two
hundred acres of land in a highly improved con-
dition. He had been for some 3'ears a member of
the Christian Church, and was a prominent and
entori)rising man and one highly respected. He
was not onl}' res|)ected but beloveil, for lie showed
his good will to his neighbors by "lending them a
hand" whenever it was in his power to do so. His
faithful wife, Susan Woodtliorp, a native of Lin-
colnshire, England, is still living and two of hci-
four children also survive the father.
The subject of this sketch took his early training
on the farm and in the district school, and remained
at home until he reached the age of twenty-two,
after which he took charge of the homestead for
several years, but purchased bis present farm on
section 3, in 1877. After this he carried on both
farms for a time.
Henry Peach was united in marriage with Louisa
Elsworth in December, 1876. This lady was born
in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and is the daughter of
Aaron and Juliet (Clinton) Elsworth, both of Ohio,
who came to Michigan and settled in Shiawassee
County in the early days. Both are yet living and
are engaged in carrying on farming. Two children
Eva and Emma, have come to bless the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Peach. The beautiful home which
he erected in 1884, is one of the most attractive in
the township, and the other farm buildings attest
the thorough management of the sj'Stematic farmer.
His largest barn which was erected in 1879 and the
other which was built in 1882 are both commodi-
ous and capacious. He raises fine stock, especially
sheep and has one of the best flocks in the town-
ship. He is a Republican in politics and a man who
is interested in public alTairs.
UjILLIAM IL PHELPS was born on the old
homestead, section 20, Shiawassee Town-
^^' ship. May 6, 1814, and is one of two chil-
dren who were born to his jiarents. His earl}- life
was spent at home in preparing for his manhood's
career. He enjoyed all the educational advan-
tages common to that time and was ha[)py on the
home place until he reached the age of twent3'-onc.
In December, 1804, he joined a company at Michigan
Citj- and was one of the Mechanics' Corps from
Chicago, under Capl. Lewis Niles, in the War of
the Rebellion. The company was sent to Nash-
ville, where our subject was engaged in liuilding
breastworks and such other work as would be inci-
dent to the duties of the l\[ecliaiiics' Corps. While
thus engaged he was taken sick at Nashville, where
he lay for a short time in the hospital, being ill with
typhoid fever. He was discharged and brought
home on a bed, ,Iunc 15, 1805.
872
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
During Mr. Phelps' early life, while at home on
a farm, in the winters he flid the cooking for the
men in his father's lumber camp, for his father was
largely engageii in getting out timber on his own
laud in Genesee Connt3'. After his return from
the war he rented a farm for a period of three
years, having united himself in marriage, July 3,
1865, to Miss Edna Hendee, of Venice. She was a
daugiiler of William B. and Sophia (Potter) Hen-
dee, who are still living in the village of Vernon.
Mrs. Phelps' family' settled in Shiawassee Countj-
about 1850, having formerly lived in New York,
the father being a native of Vermont. The mother
was born in New York.
Mr. Phelps was engaged for the three j-ears in
which he rented his farm in supplying lumber
camps with feed and provisions in Saginaw County.
He also dealt in feed, flour, hay, etc., sometimes
supplying as raan^' as twelve camps. He was also
the proprietor of a feed store at St. Charles, of
which he and his father were partners for three
years. In the fall of 1867 he bought the farm
upon which he at present resides, the same that his
grandfather, .lames Phelps, had settled upon in 1833,
this land having passed through five transfers in
the meantime. The original barn erected by his
grandfather is still standing. The farm at first
contained forty acres, but now has one hundred.
In 1876 Mr. Phelps erected a comfortable and
attractive nine-room house, which makes a most
delightful dwelling for his family and it is a
most inviting meeting-place for his many friends.
He is at the present time devoting himself to gen-
eral farming. He has good stock, among which
are many fine thoroughbred Jersey cattle.
Our subject is a Republican in his political pref-
erence and has usually been sent as a delegate to
the State Conventions. He is not, however, in any
sense a politician and has refused all olliccs that
have been offered him. He and his wife are active
members of the Maple River Baptist Church. He is a
Prohibitionist, but not in favor of a third party.
No children have ever made their advent into the
famil3% but Mrs. Phelps has assisted in the rearing
of her sister, Lena 1). Hendee, who lived with them
from tliirteen years of age until her marriage, which
occurred October 21, 1883. She is now Mrs. Or-
son Sugden, of Shiawassee County. William Rose
has also been a member of the familj- from the age
of twelve 3'cars until he had attained to his twen-
tietii j'ear. He is now a resident of Hazleton.
'• ' ^5-
':^
^1 OSEPH H. BOBBINS, of the Bobbins Table
Company, Owosso, is one of the best known
citizens of that city. The works of tliis
company were started in 1873 upon a small
scale by Benjamin F. Bobbins and his son, Joseph
H. They were at first located on State Street and re-
moved to their present location,in 1878,on the corner
of West Main and Bobbins Streets. In 1885 his
father died and he took his sou, Joseph, Jr., into
partnership. At that time the present firm known
as the Bobbins Table Company was formed. The}'
are well- placed and have a fine outfit, availing
themselves of all the latest improvements in ma-
chinery' and the best methods of transacting busi-
ness.
The subject of this sketch was born in Alleghanj-
County, N. Y. February 13, 1844. He is the
3'oungest son of Benjamin F. and Mar^- A.
(Rideout) Bobbins, both of whom were natives of
New York. The Bobbins' ancestr}- is Scotch and
the Bideout family came from Holland originally.
The parents of our subject had six children, onl^y
Joseph H. surviving. His schooldays were spent
in his native county until he reached the age of sev-
C'lteen years, after which he drifted West, traveling
through several States.
In 1868 he came to Owosso and there learned the
trade of a cabinet-maker witii N. H. Robinson, and
worked at this trade until 1873, when he began tiie
manufacture of tables. As his business has in-
creased he has extended its works and increased its
capacitj'. His main building is 40x100 feet in di-
mensions and is two stories in height. It has two
wings, 36x80 feet, and is all heated b\- steam. The
machinery is driven b}- an engine of fifty-four-
horse power. He employ's forty-five men the year
round and his output of tables is on an aveiage of
about two hundred a week, for which he finds a
ready sale. His tables enjoy a reputation of su-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
873
pcrior style ami finish and it is with ditliculty he
can supply the demand as fast as the orders come
in.
Mr. Roljliins was married in 1866 to Miss Knima
Jones, of Waupiin, AVis. Tliis lady is a daughter
of William M. Jones and is a native of New York.
To their happj' home five children have come,
namely': Joseph H., Jr., Charlena D., who is book
keepei' -for her father; Evora H.; Elbert W. ; and
Benjamin P. Mr. Robbins has served for the past
eight years as Alderman for the Fourtli Ward.
He is a Republican in his political convictions and
earnestly supports that p.art}'.
^ ^
(i=T'RANK WE8TC0TT, the efficient Postmas-
l^lgi ter of Vernon, Shiawassee County-, and the
l^ owner of a hardware store at that place, is
.accounted one of the leading business men of the
community. The history of his life is as follows:
He was born in Genesee County, Mich., on the 26th
of December, 1852, and is a son of A. F. Westcott,
ft native of New York, born in Jefferson County,
April 26, 1829. His father is a tinsmith by trade,
and throughout the greater part of his life has fol-
lowed that business. He first came to Jlichigan in
1850, and located in Pontiac, Oakland County,
where he worked .as a tinner until his removal to
Flint. He embarked in business for himself in
Byron, Shiawassee County-, and located in Vernon
in 1861, establishing a tin shop at that place. He
is industrious and is an enterprising business man,
who by his own efforts has made all that he now
possesses. It was not long after he had located in
this county before hie fellow-townsmen recognized
his wortii and ability, and called upon him to fill
a number of public offices of honor and trust. He
has served as Justice of the Peace, Township Clerk,
President of the Village Board, and for the long
term of twenty years was Vernon's popular Posl-
m.aster. As a public official he has proved true to
every dut)' devolving upon him, and won the con-
fidence and high regard not only of his friends but
of those opposed to him politically. He supports the
Republican party at the liallot box, and socially is
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows. On the Itli of July, 18.o2, Mr. Westcott suf-
fered tlie loss of an arm, two fingers and an eye
by the premature discharge of a cannon while en-
gaged in aiding in the celebration. He now resides
on a farm in Vernon Township, and is one of the
honored and highly respected citizens of the com-
munity.
The wife of A. F. Westcott and the mother of
our subject was in her maidenhood Miss Catherine
E. Stone. She was born in Jefferson County, N.
Y., March 22, 1834, a'.id belongs to a family noted
for longevity. Her father, Solon Stone, who was
born in Massachusetts, on the 19th of March, 1801,
is now living at the advance<l .ige of ninety years,
and still retains his mental and physical faculties
to a remarkable degree. He resides witli his daugh-
ter in Vernon Township. His mother reached the
extreme old age of ninety-six years. The family
of Mr. and Mrs. Westcott numbers three children,
two sons and a daughter.
The eldest and the only surviving child is our
subject. His entiie life has been spent in this
State, and under the parental roof he remained un-
til sixteen years of age, when he began clerking in
a hardware store. Subsequently he was emploj'ed
as a salesman in a drug store for four years and
while serving in that capacity gained the exj eri-
enee which has proved of such benefit to him in
his after life. He embarked in business for him-
self in 1874, in connection with his father on a
very small scale but so well has he succeeded and
so rapidly has his business grown that be now car-
ries a stock valued at -$3,000. He possesses the
essential characteristics of success, is enteri)rising
and progressive, sagacious and far-sighted, courte-
ous in manner and fair in all liis dealings.
In 1875, Mr. Westcott was joined in wedlock
with Miss Mary E. Porter, a native of this Stale,
born in Macomb County, June 22, 1856. She is
the youngest of a family of eight children. By
her marri.agc one child has l)een l)orn, a daughter,
Nellie E., born July 21, 1883. This worthy couple
rank high in the social world, having many warm
friends throughout the community, and their home
is the abode of hospitality. Mr. Westcott Is one of
the iirominent citizens of Vernon, favorably known
874
rORTKAIT Ai^D BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
both in social and business circles. He bas the
interests of the village at beart, and liberally aids
in all enterpdses calculated to upbuild and benefit
the communitj' or promote the general welfare. In
politics he is a stanch Republican, and has held the
office of Clerk of the Village Board. For twenty
years his father filled the position of Postmaster.
In 1889 Frank Westcott was appointed Postmaster;
he displaj's the same fidelity and promptness in the
discharge of everj- duly that characterized his fa-
ther's administration and is justly- popular. In his
social relations he is au Odd Fellow and also a
member of the Knight of the Maccabees, of Ver-
non.
^AVHJ L. PUEGLE, the popular and effi
cicnt Supervisor of Grcenbush Township,
Clinton County, represents one of the
early families of this locality and is worth-
ily succeeding his father in the duties of a farmer
and citizen. He is a veteran of the Civil War and
as such commands the respect of lovers of their
country wherever he meets them. His home is on
section 12, of the township named, and the property-
that be owns and operates there consists of eighty
acres supplied with various improvements, such as
fit it for the residence of a family' who enjoy home
comfort and social pjeasures.
Before sketching the life of our subject we will
make brief mention of his progenitors. His pater-
nal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812.
His father, Isaac Eacgle, was born in Morris County,
N. J., January 27, 180G. and married Jane Night-
ser. In 1835 he emigrated to Ohio and for a
number of years his home was in Knox County.
Late in the '40s he made a second remov.il, travel-
ing with a team and wagon to Clinton County, this
State, and consuming some thirteen days in the
journey. The family spent the first winter in
Essex Townsliip, coming to Grcenbush Township
in the S[iring of 1849 and settling in the woods on
section 11. AVliite settlers were still few and
Indians were the principal neighbors of the Eaegle
family. The hardships incidental to pioneer life
were endureil by lliem and they are able to recall
verj' vividly the scenes of those daj's. For many
years Mr. Eaegle served as Justice of the Peace
and his decisions were based upon the broad law of
justice and brotherly kindness. Politically, he was
a stanch Republican. His family consisted of nine
children, those now living being David L., John
L., William, Abram, Isaac X. and Mary E.
David L. Eaegle was born in Morris County, N.
J., April 6, 1833, and was scarcely more than an
infant when his parents went to Ohio. He came to
this .State when al)out fifteen j'ears old and attained
to his majority here, taking a part in the develop-
ing processes in which his father was engaged, and
adding to his education whenever circumstances
permitted. The schools of the time did not afford
opportunities for extended stud}' but in the ground
work of English education the pupils were thor-
oughly taught. In his early manhood our subject
went to Whiteside Count}', 111., to work on a farm
and when the war broke out he enlisted there, en-
rolling his name in the Ui'ion Army, August 7,
1861, and becoming a member of Company B,
Thirt}'- fourth Illinois Infantry.
The first real battle in which Mr. Eaegle fought
was Shiloh, which occurred on the anniversary of
his birth, April 6, 1862. It was not the way in
which he was accustomed to celebrate, but he was
willing to make an exception, as he full}' realized
the nation's need. Soon after he was engaged at
.Stone River, and during the battle there he and
fifteen comrades were ca[)tured by the rebels and
taken to Libby Prison, where the}' passed several
months in confinement. After enduring the usual
hardships of prison life Mr. Eaegle was paroled and
sent to Annapolis to await exchange. He finally
returned to his company and regiment and subse-
quently took part in the battles of Mission Ridge,
Resaca, Ga., and Bentonville and made one of
the gallant sixty thousand who marched with
Sherman to the sea. On the 23d of December, 1863
he had veteranized, re-entering the service in the
same company and regiment in which he had first
gone to the front. He enlisted as a private and
passed through the various stages of promotion to
the rank of First Lieutenant, receiving his com-
mission as such from Gov. Oglesby of Illinois,
November 7, 1864. At the conclusion of the war
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
875
lie took |)arl in the Graiul Review at Washington
and not long after returned to this State, having
received his discbarge .Inly 18, 18()5.
Mr. Eaegle secured a companion in life June 10,
18G6, being married on tliatd.iy to Carrie C. Tripp,
a daughter of Edwin anil Margaret Tripp, early
settlers of Clinton County. Mrs. P^aegle's mother
is still living iu (ireenbush Township. To ]\Ir.
and Jlrs. Eaegle there have been born three chil-
dren, one of whom, Elza E., is deceased. The
living are Linnic J., and Lielle, the former now the
wife of C. A. Putt. The daugiiters have been care-
fully instructed by their mother, who is a lady of
more than ordiuar}- intelligence, and both parents
have made it their aim to prepare them as well as
possible for useful careers in life.
Mr. Eaegle is now filling his second term as
Township .Supervisor and in former 3ears he has
been Treasurer three terms and Highway Commis-
sioner one term. He is an enterprising, public-
spirited man and a valued member of society. He
is connected with the Masonic order and the Grand
Army of the Republic and easts his vote with the
Republican part}-. Mrs. Eaegle is a member in good
standing of the Evangelical Church and is highly
esteemed by her acquaintances.
W EWIS BRYANT. This well-known resi-
ffS) dent of Clinton County has been carrying
^ on the work of an agriculturist here for
man}' years, and has made a good living, and,
what is far better, has won the regard of his ac-
quaintances by his upright life. He is one of those
to whom the present development of Essex Town-
ship is largely due, having brought a tract of land
under cultivation, and borne a part in the toils and
privations to which all early settlers were subject.
His estate consist of eighty acres on section 1, and
bears good buildings, adequate for every need, and
the other improvements that befit it. The farm
work is carried on according to approved and tried
methods, and results in line crops and a conse-
quently satisfactory income.
The birtliiilace of Mr. IJryant was Seneca Count}',
N. Y., and the date of the event September 17,
1825. His parents are John and Anne (Hodge)
Bryant, natives of New York and Connecticut re-
spectively, and now living in this State. The
mother, who is with her son, is in her eiglit}--fifth
year, and the father, whose home is in Clenaugh
County, is two years older. Of the nine children
born to them there are five living beside our sub-
ject, namely: Daniel, Mrs. Louisa Phillips, Mrs.
Jane Barret, Mrs. Mary Gardner, John and Helen.
In 1841 the [larents came to Michigan and located
in Washtenaw County, where they resided a num-
ber of years. After making their home in other
places they finally came to Clinton County.
Our subject received but a limited education, his
attendance being confined to the schools kept in
the primitive log cabins of his youthful days, and
he is mainly self-educated. Like many another
man similarly reared, he is well informed on all
general topics and converses well regarding them.
He was sixteen years old when he accompanied his
parents to this State, and he grew to manhood
amid pioneer scenes and took a considerable part
in the work that was going on around h'm. Habits
of industry, sturdy princi|)les and worthy aims
flourished in such soil, and he became a man of
sterling merit. In the spring of 1852 he removed
to Clinton County, and located on section 2, Essex
Township, but ere long changed his residence to
the section on which he now lives. His home was
in the woods and three hundred Indians were
camped in the vicinity, their tepees being conspicu-
ous from some points of view. They were friendly
and gave no trouble except, perhaps, by undue
familiarity.
December 25, 1816, Mr. Bryant and Miss Loui.sa
Hollenbeck were united in marriage, and nobly lias
the wife borne her part in the duties that have lain
before them. She was born in New York, August
20, 1825, to Cornelius and Fannie Hollenbeck, who
were of the old Knickerbocker stock, and witli
them she came to Michigan when eleven years old.
From that time until her marriage her home w:is in
Wayne County. Her brother and sisters who are
living are: Harriet, wife of William Wyman :
George; Sophia, wife of Solomon W}man; and
Sarah, wife of .hinics (irubaiigh. Mr. and Mrs.
876
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Bryant bad five cliilclren, but the onlj' survivor is
John F. Emma L. Morrison, daughter of our sub-
ject, died July 13, 1889, when thirty-one years of
age. Slie was the wife of W. J. Morrison.
Mr. Br\'ant has served .is School Dircector, and
takes part in various movements that tend to pro-
mote the general welfare. lie casts his vote in the
interest of Democracy. His sterling integrity is
widelj' known and his word is relied upon .as
closely as his bond. He and his estimable wife
have many warm friends, and the general wish is
that they maj' enjoy many more years of happiness
and prosperity.
eHARLES H. SAYRK,a prominent citizen of
Shiawassee County, whose farm is located
on section 25, of Vernon Township, first saw
the light of d.ay in Yates County, N. Y., his natal
day being April 3, 1835. His father, Lewis Sa^'re,
was born in Steuben County, N.Y'., and there he was
reared to manhood and took to wife Zillali H. Ben-
edict, whose native place was Orange County, the
same State. After marriage they made their first
home in Yates County, N. Y., and their first home
in the West was in Vernon Township, Shiawassee
County,this State. The father entered a tract of
land on section 24, where not a tree had been cut,
nor a road put through. He cut logs enough to
build a house, 18x24 feet, on the ground, and clear-
ing the forest proceeded to plant a crop. He
fenced his farm and i)Iaced upon it many improve-
ments, making it his permanent home until his
deatii which occurred in 1874. Lewis Say re was a
sturdy Democrat in his political views and a man
who was honored by his neighbors. He filled the
office of Justice of the Peace for sixteen 3ears with
great acceptability and profit to his constituency.
He was Supervisor during one term to fill a va-
cancy, and also acted as School Assessor. His
widow is still living, liaving reached the good old
age of eighty-two years. They were the parents
of three children, two sons and a daughter.
The subject of this sketch is the second child of
his parents, and was only six years old when he
was brought by them to Michigan. He went to
school but little in his Eastern home and his first
schooling in Michigan took him through the woods
three and a half miles to a log building, which is
the one known as the Lovejoy schoolhonse. He
completed his education in District No. 8, of Ver-
non Townsliij). He remained faithfully with his
father, .assisting in the farm work until he reached
his twenty-fifth \ear when he established a home
of bis own. Tiie marri.age of C. II. S.ayre to
Judith De Mund occurred June 1, 1865. This
estimable lad^' was born in Seneca County, N. Y.,
December 10, 1844, and is the eldest daughter of
Joseph and P^lizabeth (Wyckoflf) De Mund. Her
father, who was a native of New Jersey, survived
until the jear 1883, and her mother, a native of
Seneca County, N. Y., is still living, and makes her
home in Vernon Townshi[).
Immediately after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sayre
located in the place where their home now stands
and lie engaged in tlie sawmill, and in the w.agon
woodworks business, making woodwork for w.igons,
plows and cultivators. He found this a business
for which there is a demand and lie h.as continued,
in it up to the present time. He built a mill on
section 25, and carried it on in connection with
farming. His father and brother Daniel were both in
partnership willi him, the former for some eigliteen
3'ears, and the brollior for seventeen years, but
Charles finally bought them out, and has continued
the business successfully alone. The children of
Mr. and Mrs. Saj'rc are two daughters and two sons :
]\Iary, the wife of C. E. Sherman, resides in Xcv-
non Township, and the other three, Fred D., Frank
J. and Lorena M., reside at home. Four hundred
and forty acres of excellent arable land constitute
the farm of Mr. Siyre, but of this he has given his
son, Fred, one hundred and twenty acres. All of
his land lies in Vernon Township, except eighty
acres which he owns in Presque Isle County. He is
doing a general farming business in connection
with his milling industry, and has a fine flock of
one hundred and twentj' siieep, in tlie raising of
which he is successfully engiiged.
Until quite recently Mr. Sayre espoused the doc-
trines of the Democratic part}' but he now votes
for Prohibition. For fifteen 3'ears he was School
Assessor. He is a member of the Methodist Epis-
SAW- MILL . SOUTH pF_ g£5lJ}£AlC£^^
RESIDE:MCr OF C.M.SAYRL, SEC . 25. ./CRWOl 1 TR.SHIAWASSr.t CO.,,VIICH
^F5'DEUCE G!- ERFORD NASH , SEC 26., LEBANON TR, CLINTON CO., MICH
RESIDENCE or AUSTIN RY0N,SEC.3.,SCI0TA IP. , S H I AV>/ASS EE CO., MICH.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
879
copal Chmcli of Gaines, Genesee County, and was
for some time Trustee of that organization. Some
years ago he was identified witii tlie Masonic
fraternity, both at Bj'ron and also at Gaines,
but is not at present connected with anj' order.
His residence which is pleasant I3' located cost some
$2,000. A view of this attractive rural abode ap-
pears on another page. Mr. Sayre also owns a house
and lot in Durand. He is a man who is higlilj'
esteemed and cordially liked by the community in
general, and his genial nature and strict integrity
make liim prominent in both social and business
circles.
-^^<^®-°^"
USTIN RYON, who is engaged in general
farming and stock-raising on section 3, in
I J the town of Sciota, Shiawassee County, is
a native of this State. He fust opened
his eyes to the light of day in Merango Township,
Calhoun Count}', on the 16lh of November, 184G,
and is the fifth in a family of seven children born
unto Daniel and Jlahala (Stanhope) Ryon. His
parents are more full}' mentioned in the sketch of
Luther Ryon, which appears on another page of
tills work. Austin spent the first nine years of his
life in Calhoun County, and then with the family
came to Shiawassee County, where he has since
made his home. He was reared to manhood upon
a farm in the town of Middlebury, and in the dis-
trict schools of the neighborhood he acquired his
education which has been greatly supplemented by
reading in later years, thus making him a well-
informed man.
At the age of twenty-two years, Mr. Ryon left
the parental roof and began life for himself. He
secured employment in the neighborhood as a farm
hand and worked in that capacity for two years,
during which time, by industry and economy, he
accumulated a sufficient sum to enable him to pur-
chase forty acres of land, which constitutes a part
of his present farm. The entire tract was covered
with timber, but he at once began to clear and im-
prove the same, and in course of time his labors
were rewarded with abundant harvests. As his
efforts were crowned with prosperity and his finan-
cial resources were increased, he extended the
boundaries of his farm until it now comprises
eighty acres; sixty-five of which are under a high
state of cultivation, and with the exception of ten
acres of that amount, all lias been cleared by his own
hand.
The land is divided into fields of convenient
size, and upon it are to be seen the latest improved
machinery and good buildings. Elsewhere in this
volume appears a view of his commodious frame
residence and barns, which are models of conve-
nience. The former is SSxGO feet in size. We
wonder more at Mr. Ryon's success when we know
that he had nothing with which to start out in life
save a three-year old yoke of cattle. His prosper-
ity is due entirely to his own efforts and is justly
merited, for he has lead an industrious, useful and
honest life. As a citizen he is true to every duty
devolving upon him, and whether in public or pri-
vate life, his associates alike hold him in high re-
gard. He is a member of the Patrons of Industry,
and himself and wife hold membership in the
Methodist Church. In politics on question of
national importance he is a Democrat, but at
local elections he votes for the man whom he
thinks will best fill the ofBce, regardless of party
ties.
On the lOth of December, 1871, a marriage
ceremony performed in Middlebury Township
united the destinies of Austin Ryon and Miss
Catherine Kief, who is a native of London, C'an.a<la,
and a daughter of Arthur and Helen (Britt) Kief.
Their union has been blessed with two children,
sons — Arthur and Elmer — who are still at home
with their parents. The Ryon household is the
abode of hospitality, and the members of the fam-
ily are occupying an enviable position in the
social world, where worth and merit are received as
the passports into good society.
., : ;g^J#^^e..^
^ AMES WOOD, Jr. Rush Township, Shia-
wassee County, may well be considered rich
in sons who nobly did their duty in the
conllict for the supremacy of the old Hag.
Among these we are pleased to name the gentle-
man whose name heads this paragraph and whose
880
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
fine farm is located on section 3G. Ho was born in
Wayne County, N. Y., January 30, 1830. His fa-
ther, James Wood, a New York farmer, married
Emeline Wood, daughter of Squire Wood of New
Yorii, a soldier in the War of 1812. He had six
children three sons and three daughters of whom
Emeline was the eldest. One of her brothers took
part in the Civil War and died of starvation in a
rebel prison. She became the mother of two chil-
dren, our subject and his brother Joel.
James Wood, Sr., died the year after the birth of
our subject, and the following year, 1837, his
widow auc^ her parents came to Wheatland, Lena-
wee County, Mich. Afterward Esq. AVood came to
Shiawassee County, and buying forty acres in 1858,
made his home here until his death a few years
later. He was a stanch Democrat in his political
views and an earnest worker for the principles of
the party.
James Wood, Jr., began to work upon the farm
when he was thirteen or fourteen years old and his
opportunities for schooling were indeed meager.
In 18G.5, when he was then twenty years old, he
bought a farm of fifty- five and one-half acres on
section 36, of Rush Township. This land was all
woods and the young man proceeded to clear it
away.
The marriage of our subject in 1866 united his
fortunes with those of Ellen Dutcher, a daughter
of Robert Dutcher, of New York, the father of
twelve children of whom Ellen was the sixth, being
born in 184G After becoming the mother of three
chiklren, George, Lester, and Ellen G., she died in
1872. In 1874 Mr. Wood was a second time united
in marriage, taking as his wife, Isabel Galloway, a
native of Ireland, whose natal year was 1846 and
who came to tiiis countr}' with her parents when a
little child. Robert and Nancy Galloway still live
in Owosso, Mich. To James and Isabel Wood have
been granted one daughter.
In 1890 Mr. AVocd built a handsome and com-
modious residence and everything about his place
shows him to be f, progressive and practical man.
His political convictions ally him with the Republi-
can party, for which he is quite a worker. His
military career began in 1864 when he enlisted in
the Twcntj'-sevcnth Michigan Infantry. He was
seul to Washington, then to Cit^- Point and took
part in the battle of the Wilderness. After this
battle he was transferred to Company A, Second
Michigan Infantry. During the liattle just referred
to, Mr. Wood was at the front as lie was also eiur-
ing the subsequent engagements, up to the lime of
the liattle of Petersburg.
Arriving at Petersburg on the night of June 10,
our subject was placed in charge of the works upon
the next day and was twice shot, once in the neck
near the jugular vein, and once in the shoulder,
this latter ball going through and lodging in the
spine where it is still located. He was carried off
the field and sent to the hospital at Mt. Pleasant
where lie remained until winter, when he came to
the hospital at Detroit. In March of the following
year he went back to his regiment at Petersburg
and was there until the close of the war. He went
directly from Petersburg to AVashiugton where he
did garrison dutj- until July 30, when he was mus-
tered out of service and returned home. He soon
bought the farm upon which he now resides and
has made it his home up to the present time.
^ RS. JESSIE WHITE, the well-known
widow of John B. White, who resides on
section 23, Fairfield Township, Shiawassee
County, is a native of Ontario, Canada,
and was born February 7, 1842. She is tlie daughter
of James and Turnbull (Renlon) llermister, na-
tives of Scotland, where they were reared and mar-
ried. She is one of the younger children in a fara-
ilj' of eight snd has two brothers and one sister
still living in Canada. Some of her nephews have
followed this branch of the family into Michigan.
Her brothers wiio are living are William Hermis-
ter, of Warkworth, Canada, and John Ilermister of
Orilla, Canada, both of whom follow agriculture as
their life work.
John B. AVhite was a Canadian by birth and his
natal day was February 23, 1832. His j)arents
were Natlian and Helen (Blizzard) White. His
father was born in New York and his grandfather
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
881
in England. Mrs. White had been acquainted with
the brother of John B. in Canada but she met liini
who was to become her husband first in Michigan
where slie had come to visit u brother who was then
living there.
Tlie marriage of .Jolm B. While and Jessie Iler-
mistcr took place March 23, 1SG6, and they at
once went to house-keeping in a log house upon
the farm which Mrs. White still calls her home.
Mr. White had previously owned land in .St. Clair
Count}', but he sold it and bought llie eighty acres
where the house now stands. lie afterward bought
forty acres on section 26. B^' the marriage of this
worthy couple three children were boru, name!}':
Mary,born March 30, 1868; James N., May 18,1872
and Mabel J., March 13, 1875.
Mr. and Mrs. White had not been given any-
thing njore than a fair common-school education
and it was their earl}' and earnest desire that their
ciiildreii should have more than tliemselves of tliis
precious [)reparation for life's duties and enjoy-
ments. They have therefore given to them excel-
lent advantages which have been impi'oved to good
purpose. The daughter, Mary, has been teaching
for some five or six j'cars and is doing well in her
chosen prufession, and Mabel, the younger daughter,
has just graduated from the Ovid High .School and
expects to begin teaching during the coming sea-
son. These two daughters and a son make their
home with their mother who was bereaved of her
husband by death, February 16, 1887. His dealii
was caused by that terrible disease, cancer of the
stomach.
The husband of our subject was one of quite a
numerous family, as his father was twice married,
John IJ. being one of the children of the first mar-
riage. His full brother, Hiram, lives near Basselt,
Chickasaw County, Iowa, and has three children.
He was at one time a resident of Farfield, Iowa.
Of the second marriage there are three children liv-
ing in .St. Clair County, Mich., namel}': Harriet,
Mrs. McArthur; .Sara, the wife of William Owens
and tlie mother of three children; Henry, who is
married and has two children. Mary died leaving
five children to the charge of her bereaved liusband,
Richaid Lankin. Cynthia married Joel .Snicads
nd left four children. George was a soldier for
four years and there is no certainty as to what be-
came of him, although the last time he was heard
from he was in Iowa.
Mrs. White was one of a large famil}' of sisters.
Three died unmarried, Agnes, Jane and Mary.
Betsey, Mrs. Edward IMiillips, lives in Coburg, Can-
ada and has five cliihlrcn living. Turnbull, mar-
ried John Hicks and lived in Percy, Canada, but
is now deceased; slie left seven chihlren. Mrs.
White and her chihlren find tlicir great happiness
in their domestic life as they arc more than ordi-
narily S3mpathetic in their aims and wishes.
RTHUR M-. HUME, M. D. The healing
(@//j|i ;irt is one of the most gracious in tlie long
catalogue of professions. In it a con-
scientious man with a love for S3'mpathy
with his fellow-beings has a scope for his natural
kindness of heart and personal dynamic force that
enter into but few other phases of life. Dr. Hume
was born in Medina, Lenawee County, this State,
July 16, 1859. He is the son of Alonzo S. Hume,
a native of New York State who removed to Lena-
wee County in 1836. The father of our subject was
born in 1812 and was the son of Moses Hume, a
native of Massachusetts. His great-grandfather
Hume was a soldier in the War of the Revolution
and as he was a .Scotchman by descent doubtless he
was one of the many who were least willing to give
up the struggle. His father was a native of .Scot-
land. The mother of Dr. Hume was Elizabeth
Hopkins. .She was born in Reading, England, and
emigrated to America when but fifteen years old.
The father died in Lansing December 6, 1889, and
the mother of Dr. Hume died in Corunna, Shia-
wassee County, June 9, 1888.
Oursubject is the 3'oungest of nine children born
to his parents. He passed his youth on the farm,
where he attended the common schools until he
was prepared to enter Oak Grove Acailemy. Here
he pursued his studies for three years. He then
began teaching at the early age of sixteen, which
work he alternated with attendance at school him-
self. In this way he finally completed his education,
882
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
after wliicli he read merticine with Dr. W. C. Hume
of Be 11 u ill {4 ton. He then entered Detroit Medical
College, from which he was graduated in March,
1881. He first located at Jliircellus, Cass County.
Mich., where he began his practice. In 1881 he
removed to Bennington, where he continued until
October, 1883, when became to Owosso formed a
partnership with Dr. Jabez Perkins, a prominent
physician and surgeon of tiie place and the firm is
now known as that of Perkins Ar Hume. Both
gentlemen have an extensive practice in town and
country.
Dr. Hume was married in January, 1882, to
Miss Ida M. Norris, a daughter of Willard Norris
and a native of Owosso. Two children brighten
and make cheerful their pleasant home. They are
Ethel D. and Harold A. The Doctor is a member
of the State Medical Society and also of the Amer-
ican Association. He is a member of the Owosso
Academy of Medicine and also of the Clinton
County Medical Society. He belongs to the
Owosso Lodge, No. 81, F. <fe A. M., of which he
has been Master for two j-ears; also the Owosso
Cliapter No. 89, R. A. .^I. For the past four years
he has been a member of the Board of Healtli in
which body he had done efficient work, being in
the advance in all questions regarding sanitary
precautions for the public benefit. He is a Republi-
can in jiolitics. His pleasant home is located at No.
o2G East Exchange Street.
^
E^
^^EORGE D. MASON, County Treasurer of
llf (_— Shiawassee County, is a young man of un-
^J^J) usual ability and intelligence, being well
educated and wide-awake and the possessor of an
excellent judgment and good sense in business
affairs. He is one of the very youngest of county
ollicials in tlie State, having been born in Owosso
Township, this countj', October 3, 1868. His fa-
ther, Ezra, is a native of tlie same township and
his grandfather, Ezra L. was an earl}- settler tiiere,
coining from New York Stale about 1839, and
bringing on his family at a lime when only two
other households had been iucated witliin the
bounds of Owosso Township. In his later years he
resided in the city of Owosso and handled real
estate. For a number of \ears he was Supervisor
of Owosso Township and for a long while was
County Surve^'or. He was a man of Ciiristian
faith and character and was connected witii the
Baptist Church. His political afliliations were with
the Republican partj'.
The father of our subject grew up in Owosso
and after taking what education he could obtain in
the district schools, pursued a course of stud}' at
. the commercial college in Ann Arbor. He then
took charge of a farm and at different times filled
positions of trust and tesponsibility, being Count}'
Surveyor for nine years and being for some time
Supervisor of Owosso Township and also the
Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors.
After serving as County Treasurer from 1887 to
1891 he returned to his farm. He was for twelve
years Secretary for Shiawassee County of the
Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
The motiier of our subject is a native of New
York Slate and the daughter of tiie Rev. S. II.
Davis, a pioneer minister of the Baptist Church
who now resides at Durand, this county. She is a
Presbyterian in her religious faith. Her four chil-
dren who were all sous are as follows: Our sub-
ject; Edward L., now a member of the Sophmore
Class at the University of Michigan; Frank was
killed by an accidental shot in June, 1888; and
Fred is still at home.
After attending the district school and gradu-
ating in the Perry High Sciiool in June, 1885,
George D. Mason taught in Rush Township. His
first teaching was when he was a little over fifteen
years of age. After .assisting his father in his ca-
pacity of Secretary of the Insurance Company, he
became, January 1, 1887, Deputy County Treas-
urer. In these two capacities as assistant he really
did the business of the Treasurer of the county and
.assistant to the Secretary of the Insurance Com-
pany and did it so well that in the fall of 1890
befoi-e he was twenty-two years old he was nomi-
nated on the Republican ticket for the oflice of
County Treasurer and received the election, enter-
ing upon his office New Year's Day, 1891. He is
ideiiti(icd with the Free and Accepted Masons and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
883
Willi the Kuiglits of the Maccabees, and in politics
is a true blue Republican. He is an active and
earnest member of the Presbj'terian Church of
Corunna in which he occupies the position of Trus-
tee as well as of Treasurer. He is an unusually'
bright and capable man for his years and has no
doubt a splendid future before him.
-^^
[(^ ARTIN L. CORBIN is one of the progres-
sive farmers of Watertown Township, Clin-
ton Countj', wliere he resides on section
22. He has one hundred acres of finely
improved land, upon which he has placed excel-
lent farm buildings and all the accessories which
mark a well-managed farm. He is the son of
Henry H. and Polly (Edgerton) Corbin, natives
of the State of Connecticut, who soon after their
marriage removed to Monroe Countj', N. Y., where
Martin L. was born June 21, 1830.
The subject of this sketch grew up upon his
father's farm in New York and remained at home
until he reached his majority. Three years later,
in 1853, he was united in marriage with Frances
Lamberton. He and his bride came to Michigan
the following year and made their home in Water-
town Township, but a great trial soon befell Mr.
Corbin in the death of his beloved wife, April 16,
1859. Siie departed, leaving him with one son —
Fred L., who was bo.-n September 10, 1856. This
young man is now married to Hattie Boylan and
resides in the same township with his father, upon
eighty acres of land.
January, 1800, saw the second marriage of our
subject. He was then united with Martha J.
Lowell, a daughter of Josiah and Johannah Lowell,
who were i)ioiieers of Michigan. Mr. Lowell came
to Clinton County in the year 183'J, and in 1840
brought his famil}' into what was then a wilder-
ness. They came at that time from New York
State, where Mrs. Corbin was born Se|)tember 2,
1828. For further details in regard to this fine
old pioneer family see sketch of Olhnian Lowell
in tliis book.
The marriage of this worthy couple has been
blessed with five children, three of whom are now
living: Mary F., born January 0, 1861, resides at
home with her parents. She prepared for teaching
by attending school at Grand Rapids, Lansing and
Ypsilanti, and has taught about ten terms of
school. Frank IL, who was born November 8,
1803, died November 6, 1865; Harry L., born
June 20, 1865, died August 4, the same year;
Clara A., born July 29, 1866, became Mrs. John
Hunter and resides in Watertown Township; Hat-
tie, born January 6, 1870, was graduated in the
class of '90 of the State Normal School at Ypsi-
lanti, and has been teaching in the Center School,
Watertown Townsiiip. In politics Mr. Corbin is
a Jeffersonian Dem(xrat and takes an intelligent
interest in political movements and ))ublic affairs.
He and his wife have been for a long time mem-
bers of the Watertown Grange. Thej' were char-
ter members and are active promoters of all move-
ments in the interests of the farming community.
\T/AMES W. WOODWORTH, a prosperous
farmer of Ovid Township, Clinton Countj',
was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., July
9, 1857. He is a son of John and Louise
(Peterson) Woodworth, both of whom were na-
tives of New York. His father was engaaed in
agricultural pursuits but, altliough living in the
country, was ambitious that his children should
have the best advantages for education, and after
giving this son all the available help in the com-
mon schools, sent him, at the age of eighteen years,
to a seminary at New Marlboro, Mass., at which
institution he remained for three years. After
leaving there he attended for one 3'ear Eastman's
Business College at Poughkecpsie, N. Y.
When our subject was only eight years old his
parents removed from New York to \'irginia and
located at Richmond. He resided in that (ilaco until
1879, wiien he removed West, making his honie at
Abilene, Kan., where he took a farm and carried
it on for about five years. After this he removed
tc) Jliciiigan and engaged in farming in Ovid
Township, where he has since resided. He has a
884
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
place of ninety-two acres in a high state of culti-
vation and well iroproverl.
The subject of Ibis sketch was united in mar-
riage May 20, 1884, with Emma H. Wright, of
New Marlboro, Mass. She was a daugiiter of S.
W. Wright, a merchant of that place. This happy
marriage lias resulted in the birth of three beauti-
ful children, all of whom are living and in health,
and are a constant joj' to their faithful and de-
voted parents. Helen was born July 20, 1885;
Margaret, May 20, 1888; and Alice, March 8,
1890. Mr. Woodworth's political convictions are
in accord with the doctrines of the Republican
party and he is intelligent in his views on political
matters, and earnest in the advocacy of his own
principles, but is not in any sense an oftice-seeker,
and has never held anj' office in this township.
His interest in educational matters may perhaps
be considered as pre-eminent over that which he
shows in oilier public affairs, and he desires not
only for his own family, but for all the youth of
his township, the best possible opportunities for
preparation for future usefulness. He is a good
judge of stock and keeps flnc animals of various
kinds.
/nS GOULD, M. D., one of the most popular
citizens and genial men of Henderson, has a
fine drug store in that village and also fills
the ollioe of Postmaster, as well as dealing in gen-
eral merchandise. His birthplace was Genesee
County, N. Y., and the date of his nativity, De-
cember 28, 1847. His father, Jason Gould, was a
farmer and blacksmith, and was born about tlie
year 1823, in Rensselaer County, N. Y. He re-
moved to Western New York when it was a new
countr}' and came on to Michigan in 1854. He had
been united in marriage in 1846 to Grace E. Cor-
bett. Her parents, William H. and Loretta E.
(Wright) Corl)clt were from Eastern New York,
and wero the parents of eleven children.
I\Irs. Jason Gould, who was born in 1834, cinu-
late<l her niotlier's oxami)]o and was also the motlier
of (eleven ciiildrcn. J.ason Gould came lo Hrancli
County, Mich., and in time he gained the i)ossession
of a farm and cleared it and made his home there.
He is now a hale and hearty' old gentleman of
nearly seventy years, and a stanch Democrat, his
influence being felt markedly among his neighbors
in Branch County. The paternal grandfather of
our subject bore the name of Otis Gould and was
a farmer and dair3'man in Massachusetts, where he
was born in 1790. He married Dollie Searles, who
was born in Eastern New York about the year
1792, and eleven children was also the number of
their household. He was a Democrat in his politi-
cal views and he and his worthy wife were devout
members of the Baptist Cliurcli and died in West-
ern New York.
Young Otis Gould received a common-school
education remaining a schoolboy until the year
1864 when he enlisted in the army. He like many
of his young companions felt his heart stirred
during the days of the Civil War and finally could
no longer restrain his patriotic impulses and en-
listed in January, 1864, in Company M, Eleventh
Michigan Cavalry. He first went to Detroit and
then to Lexington, Ky. He was attached to the
Western Army and was in the engagements at Mt.
Sterling, June 9, and at Cynthiana. the 12th of the
same month. He assisted in breaking up John
Morgan's band and then went to the forks of the
Cumberland, where they camped out. In October
they were sent to guard King's Salt Works. Our
subject was wounded by a bullet in the right arm
and was left on the field when the army retreated,
and was captured but being taken to a prison hos-
pital was sent to Richmond where he was exchanged
and forwarded to Annapolis. Receiving a furlough
he went home for awhile but on the lltli of De-
cember returned to Annapolis. He received an-
other furlough in January and remained until
March 11, when he reported at Kalamazoo and
thence was sent to Detroit and back to Tennessee
when he met his regiment at Lenore Station. Eroin
there the.y went to I'ulaski and in July were mus-
tered out of service.
Dr. Gould took up the study of medicine in
1873 at Fremont, Ind., under Dr. Lyman Abbott.
He afterward took lectures at Ft. Wayne and be-
gan the practice of medicine in 1879 in Indiana.
In Julj' of the same year he came to Michigan an<l
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
885
settled nt Charlotte, Chesaning and Oakley, suc-
cessively, and in 18S3 he came to Ilendersun where
he pursued his i)ractice until quite recenll}-, his
health requiring' that he should give it up. This
gentleman is prominently identified with the Odd
Fellows, being a member of Kmanuel Lodge, No.
153 at Henderson, and he is Surgeon of T. C. Crane
Post, No. 128, G. A. R. of this village. He is a
Republican in his political views and h:is the good
will of his fellow-citizens to a more than usual de-
gree.
In 1888 Dr. Gould was united in marriage witli
Mrs. Lillie (Davidson) Kephart, of Lo Roy, Os-
ceola County, Mich., who had one son, Ilugli,
b}' her first marriage. This l.idy is a dangiiter of
James L. Davidson, of London, Canada. One son,
Glen ()., h.is been granted to him and his .accom-
plished and amiable wife.
as. ALLISON, who carries the finest and
most complete stock of jewelry in St. John's,
' Clinton County, was born in Oakland
County, Mich., June 11, 184C, and his earliest
recollections are of the pioneer scenes of frontier
life. His father, Samuel, was born in New York
of Quaker pai-entage. He was descended from two
brothers who came from P^ngland and settled in
New York. About 1830, Samuel Allison, who had
been engaged as a farmer in New York, came to
Michigan accompanied by his family. He took up
one hundred and sixt}' acres of land in Avon Town-
ship, and commenced its improvement. In 1855
lie sold this piece of property and removed to
Norlhvilie, Wayne County. Ten years later lie
located in A'ernon, where he died in 186C. He was a
Democrat, in politics, and a faithful member of
the Christian Cliurch.
Il.attie (Waterbury) Allison, the mother of our
sul)ject, was born in Sanford, Conn., and died in
Lapeer, Mich., at the ripe old age of seventy-nine
years. The subject of this notice was reared on
his native homestead until he was nine years old,
when he accompanied his parents to Northville,
Waj'ne County, and there was a pupil in the graded
scliools. When seventeen he commenced to learn
ihe jewelry business and worked in various jilaces
at his trade. In 1867 he removed to Ionia and
started in the business for himself, continuing for
twelve years until 1 879, when he came lo St. John's
and bought out the establishment of R. B. Kmmons.
He now carries on a lucr.ative trade in his chosen
avocation and is well known as a reli;ibie dealer in
diamonds, jewelry, watches and clocks, etc. His as-
sortment of diamonds is especially fine.
Mr. Allison was married in Owosso, in 18()8, to
Abbie E. Gould, daughter of the late Col. E. Gould
of Owosso. Mrs. Allison was a nati\'e of Ohio, and
has borne her husband three children — Robert G.
who is in the jewelry business with our subject;
Louis B. who belongs to the class of '93 in the State
Agricultural College at Lansing; and Nellie G.
Mr. Allison is a stockholder in the State Bank of
St. John's and in the Owosso Savings Bank. He
is a Vestryman and Warden in the Episcopal
Church of St. John's. Politically he is a Democrat
and has served as delegate to county. Stale and
judical conventions. Socially be belongs to the
Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Knights
of Honor.
W EWIS UHRBROCK. This gentleman holds
I (j^) a position among the proinine.it and thrifty
J^^-^v German-American citizens of Clinton
County, and we take great pleasure in presenting
to our readers an account of his life and character.
It is impossible within the limits of a volume like
this to follow his career in every detail but an out-
line will be given which will indicate the promi-
nent features, and the reader will be able to fill out
the picture by his own imagination. The home of
Mr. Ulirbrock is on section 33, Greenhush Town-
ship, where he has been living since the fall of
1869. He is the fortunate owner of one hundred
and eighty acres of fertile land, which is under cul-
tivation and supplied with a line of well con-
structed buildings.
The natal d.a^- of Mr. Uhrhroi-k was December 3,
886
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
1 828, and his parents were John and Maiia Uhr-
brock, natives of the Fatherland, where their son
was born and lived until twenty-five years old.
The lad received a good education in his native
tongue and when of suitable age entered the army,
in accordance with the law of tlie Empire, and
spent two years in camp and field. He was appren-
ticed to a cooper and spent four ^-ears in becoming
acquainted with his trade. When he decided to
seek a broader field for his labors in the country
across the sea, of whose advantages he had heard
much, he emliarked on a sail-vessel which was six-
tj'-fourdays in reaching New York. After arriv-
ing in the New World he began to pick up the Eng-
lish language and is able to transact all business
in this tongue. When he came to his present farm
he found two acres of cleared land here and the
balance of the estate he has denuded of its forest
growth since he took possession.
The wife of Jlr. Uhrbrock was known in her
maidenhood as Catherine DeVries. She became the
mother of seven children, five of whom are living,
namely: Anna, Maggie, Flora, John and Louisa.
Mr. Uhrbrock is a member of the Lutheran Church,
and in politics is a Democrat. He has gained the
reputation of an honest, industrious man, whose
word is reliable and whose perseverance and good
management are fittingly attested in his fine estate.
•^^E
E^^
<Sl IjfclLLIAM AVIDEMAN. AVhatever the nat-
\^// ^^'^^^ advantages of a country, ils liistory
WW must depend upon tiie men who have re-
sided there, and by their energy and ability added
to the original facilities and attractions. The gen-
tleman whose name introduces these paragraphs,
altiiough not an old settler of Clinton County, has
been for nearly a decade identified with its pro-
gress and is known as the owner of a fine farm on
section 7, Grecnbush Township. A traveler here
cannot fail to be struck with admiration for the
farm, it is so well cultivated, so finely improved
and stocked with such good animals and a number
of niodein machines. Inquiry reveals the fact
that it consists of one hundred and si.\ty acres of
valuable l.md, and is the home of Mr. Wideman.
The reader will notice with pleasure a view of this
rural abode on another page.
The Buckeye State claims Mr. Wideman as her
son, and in Medina County his birth occurred
March 31, 1839. His parents John and Barbara
Wideman, were natives of Pennsylvania, but when
children accompanied their parents to Canada,
where they were married. Later they removed to
Medina County, Ohio, and cleared a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres. Thej' had a family of
eleven children, and our subject has three sisters
and one brother now residing in Gratiot Count}-,
this State. Mr. Wideman passed his youth in
Ohio, aiding his father at home and receiving the
advantages of a common- school education. He
keeps himself well informed as to general events
and news of the da}-, and having a decided taste
for reading, gives decided evidence of culture and
intelligence.
In 1809 Mr. Wideman removed from Ohio to
Michigan, and resided for a time in Kalamazoo
County. Thence he went to Newark Township,
Gratiot County, and there made a home in the
woods, clearing a space upon which to build a home.
During the years of his residence there he accom-
plished much pioneer work and saw the primeval for-
ests give place to broad fields of cultivated land, a
sparsel}' settled region become populous and thriv-
ing towns dot the wide expanse. In the fall of 1883
he came to Clinton County and made his home
upon the farm in Grecnbush Township where he
now resides. He started in life at the bottom of
the ladder and by industry-, energy and persever-
ance has attained to the possession of a handsome
property, and has gained the respect of the entire
community-.
On January 29, 1871, in Gratiot County, Mich.,
occurred the ceremony which united in the hol}-
bonds of wedlock William AVideman and Harriet
A. Barrus, the daughter of Robert T. and Harriet
A. Barrus. The happy union was blest by the
birth of five children, as follows: Lena, Glen, Jen-
nie, Millie and Robert B. The children are nil at
honie and are receiving excellent educational ad-
vantages in the public schools. The loving wife
and devoted mother passed from earth July 13,
^iVia^t^-.
.««:i*<A*C^ta,
RESIDENCE Of WILLIAM WIDE MAM , SEC . 7. , GREEN RUSH TR,CLINTOIJ CO., MICH
^i»j!<,,»,e^~^'^.'^ ■'.■ '^.-i. -^i^-^s^^: - r^-'^ ■ ■ : :^r!*s&-^
RESIDtiiCE CF- GEORGL A . r lU NTUUTl , SEC. £j.^r/!l LyDLEDURY TR.SH lAWASSLE CO . ,IV1ICH
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
889
1885, mourned not only by Ler family, but liy her
many friends in the community. She was higlily
esteemed for Ler social graces and noble qualities
of heart and mind. Religiously she was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and labored
earnestly for the spiritual welfare of the neighbor-
hood.
In his political views Mr. Widemaii is a Repub-
lican and a man of deep intelligence in the dis-
cussion of public matters. He bears an honorable
reputation among his neighbors and fellow-citizens
and is looked upon as a man of much capability,
who has contributed his quota to promote the
growth of the county, and has aided in elevating
the moral status of the community. His fine farm
attests to the presence of a thoroughly systematic
manager and is universally conceded to be one of
the best in Clinton County.
^^EORGE A. HUNTOON. Shi.awassee County
ill <^m) contains many beautiful estates, but none
^^S) arc more comfortable than that of Mr.
Huntoon, a fact wli'ch will be apparent to the reader
when he glances at the view of this fine farm pre-
sented on another page. The thrift of the owner
is indicated by the many substantial buildings
which combine utility and neatness, the chief among
them being an elegant residence. The most ap-
proved methods of husbandly are used in the cul-
tivation of the estate and the large barns arc taxed
to their utmost every season with the grains which
a bountiful liarvest yields. Even a cursorj' glance
will convince tlic observing passer-b}' that agricul-
ture is here both an art and a science.
Mr. Huntoon is proud to say that lie is a native-
born citizen of the State of Micliigan. He was
born in tlie township of Walerford, Oakland
County, September 17, 1845, and is the son of
Daniel and Mary (Staulake) Huntoon. The father,
who followed the occupation of farming, had been
|)rcviously married, and hy his first union had three
children — riiilelus, Piiineas and Horace. 'J'lic
mother, wlio came to tiiis counliy from England,
was also previously' married, and by her first iius-
band, whose name was Marshall, she had two chil-
dren, John and Jane. When our subject was onl^'
four years old he was orphaned by the death of his
father and was reared under the devfited care of his
mother. He had no brothers or sisters of his own.
When quite young Mr. Huntoon came to Shia-
wassee County. Although he attended the district
school and atterward went to the schools of Cor-
unna and Owosso for about two years he did not
have the advantages in the educational line which
are given to the youth of to day. In 18GG he
commenced work for himself on the place where he
now lives, it having been previous!)' purchased with
property left him by his deceased father and was a
tract of one hundred and sixty acres of heavily
timbered laud. Upon this he has made the im-
provements which now mark it as one of the best
farms in the county.
On November 17, 1875, Mr. Huntoon and Miss
Harriet A. Ilerrick, a native o'f Middlebury Town-
ship, this county, were united in the liolj' bonds of
wedlock. The mother died .July 17, 1887, leaving
two children, who are still at home with their fa-
ther. They are tlva L., born November 13, 1873,
and Charles H., August 19, 1879. The second mar-
riage of Mr. Huntoon was solemnized October 9,
1889, when Miss Jennie C. Ilerrick, of Middlebury
Township, this county, united her destinies with
his. Mr. Huntoon erected his two-storj- brick resi-
dence in 1876, and about the same time erected
the handsome barns which adorn his farm. One of
his barns measures 44x50 and has eighteen-foot
posts. He is now building a new barn for grain
and sheep and it will be 25x56 feet with eighteen-
foot posts. His grain barn with shed is 29x75 feet
with the same altitude. He also has a corn house,
a carriage house, and a tool house 16x30 feet. He
is greatly interested in tlic cultivation of fruit and
has a line orchard.
In political matters Mr. Huntoon believes in the
[irincipies of the Republican party and has for
eleven years held the ollice of Township Clerk. He
also takes an active interest in educational afifairs,
has given his children a thorough education, and
his daughter is now attending scliool at Ovid. He
prefers home life and tlic luirsuit of his agricultural
890
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
interests to the meeting's of lodges or societies. He
has always hired more or less help in the carrying
on of his farm and especially in the clearing of the
land. For some time he has been successfully en-
gaged in the sale of windmills, pumps and tanks
throuu;hout the neighborhood.
GEORGE OLIVER, a prominent farmer of
Tatertown Township, Clinton County, re-
sides on section 15. His farm is finely im-
proved and has upon it two sets of farm buildings,
and various accessories of a well-kept farm. He is
the son of George and Ellen (Pott) Oliver, natives
of vScotland. They were both born in Roxbury-
shire, and were married there before removing to
Canada. They located in the County of Leeds^
Canada, where the subject of this sketch was born,
his natal day being the 6lh of August, 1819.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon a
farm and received but a very limited education as
there were but few schools in that region during
the time of his boyhood. He learned to read and
write and after be grew to manhood wisely devoted
all Ills leisure time to the improvement of his mind
and his advancement in knowledge, and in this
w.ay has been able to accomplish a great deal, and
may be called an exceedingly well-read man when
we consider his early opportunities. When he was
twenty-one 3'ears old he learned the trade of a
carpenter and joiner and worked at this for about
twelve years.
The marriage of Mr. Oliver took place in Aug-
ust 1848. He was then bap[)ily united with Re-
becca Clow, a daughter of Peter Clow. Her par-
ents were also of Scottish birth and came many
years ago to Canada, where this daughter was born
in the county of Leeds on March 15, 1824. This
marriage has been blessed with the birth of seven
cliildren, who are all living. The oldest son Peter
C, lias been twice married. His first wife was a
Miss Clow and after her death he married Miss
Biddlecom. He followed the vocation of a car-
penter and resides in Lansing. Ellen, Mrs. Cron-
kite, lives in Riley Township, this county; George
R., married a Miss Morgan and lives in Waterlown,
this township. Phoebe was married to Mr. New-
som and is now a widow and makes her home with
her parents. Theresa married Mr. Kulilman and
now resides, a widow, in Gratiot Count}', this State.
Margaret S. is a teacher by profession and makes
her home with her parents. She was educated at
Ovid and Lansing, this State. Albert W. is mar-
ried to Miss .lenne, and now lives on the farm
which he conducts for his father.
Mr. Oliver is a Republican in his political views
and intelligent in regard to matters of public inter-
est, but does not seek office. The family are
members of the Methodist E|)iscopal, Congiega-
tionaland United Brethren Churches in which they
are influential and where thej' find a broad field of
infiuence and labor. Mr. Oliver came to Michigan
in February, 1865, and at once settled upon the
farm where he now resides.
^^^^^:i?^^i^:5^^
-t-**^--
^^ HANDLER B. CHALKER. Among the
(if^L prominent farmers of Shiawassee County
^«^7 who, after years of arduous toil, have re-
tired from the active duties of life and arc now
spending their declining years in the enjoyment of
the comforts which they have accumulated, especial
mention belongs to the gentleman whose name in-
troduces this brief biographical sketch. He owns a
fine farm on section 3, Vernon Township, which
for many years he actively cultivated and im-
proved, but which is now rented. It comprises
one hundred and six acres, and is embellished with
all modern improvements. The residence is com-
modious, while the outbuildings are such as are
always to be found on the estate of the progressive
farmer.
It will not be amiss, before entering into the de-
tailed account of the life of Mr. Chalker, to record
a few facts concerning his forefathers. His grand-
father is supposed to have been a native of Massa-
chusetts. He was a tanner and currier by trade and
served in the Revolutionary War. Nathaniel
Chalker, father of our subject, was horn in Massa-
chusetts in 1780 and was reared in Vermont. He
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
891
served in the War of 1812. When he attained to
man's estate he emigrated as far west .as New York,
where he located in Seneca County on a farm, and
remained many years. During the early history of
Mieliigan he came hither in 1837 and settled in Ver-
non Township, Shiawassee Coaiitj'.
The farm upon wliicli the father of our subject
located was unimproved and in the midst of primi-
tive surroundings. He at once commenced its ini-
provement, built a small log house, and gr.adually
evolved a ple.asant homeste.id from the hitherto
unattr.ictive place. Here the remainder of his life
was passed and he died at the age of seventy -two
years in 1852. Politically, he was a Democrat and
in liis religious affiliations belonged to the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church. Tiie mollier of our subject
bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Corry and was
a native of New .Jersey, where she was re.ired to
womanhood. She cspeiieuced all the hardsliipsof
pioneer life and died at the age of eighty-four.
The parental family included four children, three
sons and one daughter, all of whom lived to mature
years and married. Of these our subject is the
eldest child and he w.as born in Seneca County,
N. Y., October 23, 1813. He was reared in his na-
tive State, receiving a good common-school edu-
cation and remaining witli his parents until he was
twenty-three. He was married April 12, 1837, in
New York, to MissPhehe Sickles, who was born in
Seneca County, N. Y., September 6, 1813. Im-
mediately- after their marri.nge the young couple
came to Shiawassee County, and settled on the
place where he now resides. It wfis then a wilder-
ness, inhubiled mostly by Indians. The family' were
soon comfortably domiciled in a log house which
Mr. Chalker built and which was 20x24 feet in
dimensions, and in that [nimitive abode many
happ3- years were passed.
Five children came to bless the home of our
subject and his estimable wife, .as follows: Mary,
the wife of John Patchel, resides iu Vernon Town-
sliip; Ellen and Alexander B. are deceased; Jane
resides at home. Mrs. Chalker died July 7, 1874
and her remains were interred in the Vernon Cemc-
ter}'. She w.as a woman of noble character, whose
kindness of heart and hospitable nature were uni-
versally appreciated. Mr. Chalker cast his first
Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson and is still a
firm Democrat. He has served his fellow-citizens
in various ollicial capacities, has been School In-
spector, Justice of the Peace twenty years, Super-
visor ten years, and w.as Town Clerk at an early
day. For many years he has been a Mason, an<l
holds membership in the Blue Lodge at Vernon,
Roj'al Oak and Corunna.
"5-Hi-=^^^-H-J-
m
^' AMES HAIRE is numbered among the pros-
perous farmers of Ovid Township, Clinton
County. He has a fine tract of land con-
sisting of oiie hundred and twenty acres
fi'eed from stumps and stones and placed in condi-
tion to raise crops of high gi ade and large qu.antity.
A thrifty orchard adds Its value and beauty to the
scene, and farm buildings of various kinds are
arranged at suitable points. In other d.ays Mr.
Haire took considerable interest in breeding trot-
ting horses but Is not now engaged in that work;
he however still retains his liking for good sto'jk
of all kinds. He li.as done much of the work
necessary in order to fit a forest or wild plain for
cullivation and knows what hard work is as well as
any man in the neighborhood.
In the paternal line Mr. Haire is of Irish stock
and Ills father, John Haire was born on the Emer-
ald Isle. His mother, Eliza (Covert) Haire, was
born in Yates County, N. Y., and the home of the
good couple was on a farm. For some time they
lived in McConib County, then spent a short time
in Livingston County and in 1857 came to Clinton
Countj'. Here the father died in August, 1882, and
the wife in March, 1884. They were the parents of
six children: Margaret, Hannah (deceased), James,
our subject, Cornelia, Selcslia and (J eorge (deceas-
ed). Our subject was born in McCorab County,
May 14, 1847, and passed his boyhood amid rural
scenes. He obtained a district-school education,
going to the temple of learning nearest his home
in Ovid Township and in the intervals of study
helping to improve the property on which he now
lives. When the family canic liillier but little of
the acreage was cleared and it has been the aim of
892
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Mr. Hairc to continue the work until the whole is
in proper conflition. He has succeeded and also
added to the extent of the farm, and at the same
time has bought and sold land in various parts of
the State. He now has town property in Ovid
and St. John's and lie also loans money.
In 1872 Mr. Haire went to Nebraska and took
up eighty acres of Government land where the
town uf Hastings now stands. He divided his
acres into town lots .and thus disposed of them,
then getting rid of all his interests there returned
to this State. He spent some two years in the
Southwest but was quite content to make Michigan
his permanent home. Mr. Haire is a supporter of
tiic principles laid down in the [ilatform of the
Democratic l>arty. He takes much interest in liie
promotion of the cause of education, altliougli he
derives no direct benefit from better schools, as he
is not an attendant and has no sons or daughters
to send. However, a man of good intellect and
the American spirit of progress must needs be
zealous for others and for the general advantage,
and so Mr. Haire is awake to public improvements.
-^-^■1^-
GRACE M. SKINNER. It is with pleasure
that we present to our readers a sketch of
one of the most prominent, wealthy and in-
(^|) fluenlial farmers and stock-raisers of Clin-
ton Count}', who resides on section 22, Essex Town-
ship, and is a native of W.ashington County, \i.,
where he was born October 16, 1811). He is a son
of Harvey and Hannah (Searles) Skinner, the former
being English, and the Latter Scotch by birtli. He
is the youngest of their thirteen children.
^ When three )'cars old the subject of this sketch
lost his father by dcatii, and when fifteen years old
he, with his mother and other members of the fam-
ily came West and made their home in Lenawee
County, Mich. There he lived for three years, af-
ter which he returned East, residing for several
years in Livingston County, N. Y. In 1839 he
again came to Michigan, and for several years made
his home in Elaton County, and came to Clinton
County in 1852, settling on his present f.arm, where
he has ever since resided. Here he owns manj'
broad .acres, and his farm is among the best in the
county. He has done much pioneer work, for be-
sides developing this farm he cleared up a farm in
E.aton County.
Mr. Skinner's first marriage united him with Ur-
sulla Reeves, who bore him six children, four of
whom are now living, namely: Emily, Mrs. Frank
(Uranch), Horace, Ilarvey and Abel. He married
for liis second wife Mrs. Eliza Everts, by whom he
had four children, namely: John, Alice; James, a
graduate of Ann Arbor University and Superin-
tendent of Lapeer, Mich., schools; and Eliza. His
present wife w.as before their marriage, Mrs. L. C.
Taylor, and by her he h.as one child. Sterling.
Mr. Skinner is one of the representatives pio-
neers of his district. He is a public-spirited man
and a leading member in the Congregational
Church in which he has for many years served as
De.acon. His political atliliations are witli the Re-
publican party. Our subject raises Durliam cattle,
and Fercheron horses in connection with general
farming. He has for some time r.aised Poland-
China, Suffolk, Essex and Berkshire hogs, but is
not now handling much of that kiml of stock. He
began for himself when fifteen years old, and al-
though his early educational advantages were mea-
ger he has by means of persistent and intelligent
reading given himself a generous education, and
made himself one of the intelligent men of his
townsliii), .as well as achieving success .as a farmer.
"if) OHN MEACHER was born in Worcestershire,
England, February 6, 1824, and is a son of
Thomas and Sarah (Woodman) Mcaclicr,
both of whom are natives of tlie same local-
ity. The father was by occupation a farmer, and
the boj' came to America with iiis [);irents when but
twelve years old, making his home in Cuyahoga
County, Ohio, not far from Cleveland. Before
coming to this country, John attended a boarding
school in England, and up to the time of his emi-
gration had excellent school advantages which he
s.ndly missed after coming to the New World.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALP.UM.
893
Tliomas Meacher marie his home upon a farm
near Cleveland, and when iiinetccn j'cars old the
son took an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade
and followed tiiis calling for about ten years, lie
cuiue to Mieliigan in October, 1853, and took up a
tract of eighty acres in the wilderness. lie had to
cnl his way more than three miles througli the
woods to reach his land. His deed is signed by
President Franklin Pierce.
Miss Caroline Clement, became the wife of John
Meacher, September 2, 1818. This lady had been
living in Cleveland, but was originally from Eng-
land. Six children were born to her, namely:
George C, born February 14, 1850; Harriet E.,
December 26, 1852; Frank, .Inly 3. 185(5; Eraily,
January 19, 1858; Charles J., April 14, 1861; and
Agnes, February 18, 1864; Fredie, wlio died when
but three years old. The other children have estab-
lished homes and families of their own. Their
motlier was called away from earth April 16, 1882.
Mr. Meacher has made all tlie clearings, and put
in all improvements which now appear upon his
farm, and lias seen great changes and experienced
severe hardships. The Indians were numerous
when he first came here and cara[)ed upon the river
banks. He tells of game being plentiful, and at
one time he and his brotiier-in-law had sixteen
deer hanging up in his yard, and could not sel)
them nor give them awa^'. He is a Republican in
his political views, and has ailhered consistently to
the doctrines of that party. He can remember with
interest tlie days when Fredeiiek Douglas used to
speak in lliis county in defense of the ami-slavery
principles, and realizes the great change which has
taken i>lacc in public ::entiment since the days when
that noble and al)le lilack man was subject to mob
law.
•J^^-
<S iiilLLIAM M. WARREN. "He who buil.ls
\,-J// well builds for the future." The gentle.
^^/¥j man whose name heads our sketch and wiio
died June 4, 1891, showed that in building up a
character he intended his good deeds to live after
him. William M. Warren ■ was born March 20,
1812, in Fishkill, Dutchess County, N. Y. At the
early age of fourteen he bought his time and found
employment on some of the most important public
works then in progress in that State. Mr. Warren's
father died when their son was sixteen years of
age. His motlier lived to be eighty-two years of
age. Tlie parents were of P^nglish and Scotch
origin and our sutjject was the eldest in a family of
eight. The parents were Comstock Warren and
Sarali (Scotield) Warren. Their family were Will-
iam M., Hannah, Jacob, Isaac, Maria, Abby, George
and Carrie. All of the children lived tj be grown.
One sister, Abby, is now Mrs. Rufus Rowland, of
Flint. Our subject is the only one who lives in Shi-
awassee County.
In his early business life Mr. Warren showed him-
self competent and trustworthy and won the esteem
of his employers. Wlien twenty years old it was his
intention to go to Michigan and he had started on
the way but was persuaded to defer the journey
for a time. March 5, 1833, a few days before he
wastwenty one years old he married Laura Sprague,
of Hannibal, Oswego County, N. Y. Siie died at
Bancroft, October 10, 1884. Coming to Mieliigan
from New York in 1836 their married life here
continued for forty-eight years. At their golden
wedding eighty-two guests gathered in their home
to celebrate their anniversary'.
In 1835 Mr. Warren was for a few months en-
oaired in business and showed such enterprise,
shrewdness and integrity as promised success in
that line if he had followed it. He came to Mich-
igan in Se|itcmljer, 1H36, with his wife and only
child and settled in Shiawassee County. Mr. War-
ren often said that if he had not learned in New
Y'ork wliat diiching could do for a country he
would not have remained. He proved himself
earnest and enterprising as a [lioneer and an efli-
cient helper in some of tiie leading improvements
of that early day. He helped build the first mill in
the county, drew into it the first log and heliied
saw the first board. This mill was at Shiawassee
Town. He also helped to build the first mill in
Owosso and was one of the three men who sowed
the first wheat in the county. He bought the seed
wheat at White Lake on a return trip from Detroit.
Mr. AVarren was the father of seven children,
four sons and three daughters. They are Olive L„
894
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Sarali, George W., John S., Ahby J., Charles H. and
Edwin A. Of these all survive him except one
daughter who died in infancy. Tlic eldest child is
now Mrs. II. A. Hart, of Bancroft; the eldest living
son is connected with the Phelps Lumber Company
at Big Rapids, and the Agricultural Improvement
Compan}-. John lives at Pomona, Cal., wliere he
is a minister of the Methodist Church and doing
efticient work as an evangelist, being well known in
various parts of the country as a most eloquent
preacher. He was graduated at the University at
Ann Arbor and then entered the Normal School at
Ypsilanti and after that was for some time a teacher.
The fifth child is Mrs. A. G. Warren, who resides
in Bancroft. The youngest, Edwin A., whose home
is in Sturgis, this .State, is a music teacher of a
wide reputation, traveling through the South wiiere
he gives concerts. His wife is a temperance lec-
turer.
The original of our sketch first settled on forty
acres one mile northwest of Bancroft. Here he
remained seven years. He added to his farm until
he had three hundred acres, a part of the original
tract having been platted and added to the city.
He gave land for a railway station, arranging that
certain trains should stop at iiis home. For fifteen
years previous to the building of the railroad no
did teaming for the Ball Company at Owosso, being
overseer for some time of from fifteen to twenty
teams. He was an ardent supporter of Abolition.
Mr. Warren was in advance on all questions con-
cerning public health and well-being. He made a
particular study of drainage and in his Inter years
did much to drain the lower country, especially in
and around Bancroft. In (lolilics Mr. Warren was
a Republican having voted for William H. Harrison
in 1840. He was well informed and always capa-
ble of o-iving an intelligent opinion on all public
matters. Mr. Warren was one of the members of
the Baptist Cliiirch to which he united himself
when fifteen years old. Later, however, he trans-
ferred his membership to the Methodist Churcli in
which he remained until his death.
As a farmer in Micliigan our subject was always
most successful; he seemed to have an innate knowl-
edge of the requirements of nature and so fed his
fields tliat in return they always yielded him the
largest crop. He built a very pleasant home in
which he dwelt until the death of his wife, after
which he lived with his son Charles. In 185.5 Mr.
Warren purchased a large tract of Government
land at Big Rapids, recognizing the advantages
that the place must certainly some time be from a
manufacturing point of viesv. His son George
platted this tract after the town was started and it
is now very valuable.
-^•^^f^^^;^^^^^^^
-V-
ICHARD TOMPKINS. Among the fore-
most pioneers of Duplain Township, Clinton
County, we find a number of British-Amer-
ican citizens who brought to their adopted
home the sturdy industr}' and manl3- self-reliance
which characterizes the yeomanry of the British
Isles. This class h.as ever been among the best
emigrants which have favored the Western country
with their life labors and we are pleased to make
mention of Richard Tompkins,who was born in Ox-
fordshire, England, July 12, 1832. His father,
Edward, was born in Blackthorn, Buckinghamshire,
and his mother, Mary Coppock, was a native of
Milton, Oxfordsliire. The father was in his early
years a baker but during tiie boyhood of our sub-
ject he managed a farm upon which this bo}' spent
his earl}' years, continuing with his parents until
he w.as twenty-five years of age.
Young Tompkins did not have the advantages
of a liberal education but attended the parish
schools until he was fourteen years old. He came
to America in 1857 and located in Commerce
Township, Oakland Countj-, and worked on a farm
there about five years. In 1862 he came to Clin-
ton County and purchased a farm of fortj' acres in
Ovid Townshii). He resided there for two years,
tlien sold his propertj' and bought the |)lace where
he now resides on section 35, Duplain Township.
He found that five acres of his land had been
chopped, and with that exception he has cleared
the entire place except a small portion which he
has left for firewood.
Tlie matrimonial union of our subject with Mar-
garet McClintock was an event of great importance
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
895
in the life of tlic young man. It took place April
9, 1864. The laily had hei- girlhood home in Ovid
Township, Clinton County, and she became the
mother of eight children: Sarah, born February 3,
1865; Charles E., December 23, 1866; .Tohanna C.
September 20, 1868; Alice C, February 3, 1870;
Mary B., February 10, 1872; Herman, November
2y, 1874; Pearl, July 1, 1877, and Raymond R.,
December 29, 1879. His wife died January 12,
1891, and left this large family of children witii
their father to mourn their loss. Her children all
survive her. Sarah is now Mrs. William Ncal and
Johanna is the wife of Thomas Woodworth, of
Duplain Township. Both of these j'oung men are
farmers. Mr. Tompkins has given his undivided
attention to farming ever since he came to this lo-
calit}-. He raises a variety of crops and makes
corn, wheat and all the cereals prominent in his
work. He is a Patron of Industry and is much inter-
ested in the workings of that fraternity.
'\tl OEL SYLVENUS WHEELOCK, M. D. This
successful and prosperous physician of Han-
croft was born in Lockport, N. Y., March 9,
1848. His father, Joel Wlieelock, a native
of New York was a farmer and the son of an Eng-
lishman. The mother, Lois Chase, was also a nat-
ive of New Y'ork, and now makes her home with
her son.
The youth made his home under the parental
ro(jf anil had reached the age of flfteen, when he
came to Michigan, making his home with his uncle,
Lewis VVheelock, owner of the Saginaw Salt Works.
For three or four years he woiked by the month in
a saw-mill and then went into iiartnership with his
employer, building a mill at Coleman Station, which
he conducted until on account of failing health he
sold out ills interest when he was twenty-eight
years old. Finding that it was necessary to seek
a different spliere of laboi he decided to study
medicine, although he made a success of his mill-
ing operations. He attended the Adveotist College
at Battle Creek, and in 187') entered the Home-
opathic Medical Department of the State Univer-
sity at Ann Arbor. Tliree years later he graduated
in the class of '78. Among his classmates are
Profs. AVood and McLauiihlin, now belonjrinw
to the faculty of the University; also Dr. Olive, a
prominent physician of Detroit.
The young Doctor opened up his practice at
Holt, Ingham County, Mich., remaining there some
four years and in 1882 came to Bancroft where he
has built up a fine practice, mnking a specialty of
g3'necology. He has met with admirable success
and has an extensive practice.
The lady who presides so graciously over the
home of Dr. Wheelock, bore the maiden name of
Zilpha Rosannah Baiie\'. She is a lady of fine
presence and attractive appearance and is exceed-
ingly popular and greatly admired by all who
know her. They were united in marriuge April
24, 1872, in Midland County, Mich., which was
her home. Her parents were Leonidas P. and
Prudence (Bugby) Baile}- and she was born in Ni-
agara County, N. Y., April 27, 1854. She took
her higher education at the Normal school at Ypsi-
lauti and taught for one terra. She was induced
to take up the study of medicine on account of Dr.
Wheelock's frail health, as they feared that he
might be laid aside from his profession, and she
wished to prepare herself to care for the family if
it should prove necessary. She graduated from
the Michigan rniversity of Ann Arbor and has
since been in active practice, being unsually suc-
cessful ill her work.
The chililrcn of these two able physicians are as
follows: Edith P., born March 2S. I 875, and Lois,
April 20, 1885. Edith is in the High School and
will graduate next^'ear. She is a flue musician and
a 3'oung lady of more than ordinary attractions as
she inherits the intellccUial ubility and charming
physique of her mother. The mother is a |irouiin-
ent worker in the Woman's Christian Temperance
Union and lectured ably before the county conven-
tion. They are members of the Slate Homeo-
pathic Association. Mrs. Wheelock is especially a
student of hygenic conditions of living, and lec-
tures occasionally on subjects in this line. She is
said to be an im[)ressive and iileasant speaker and
has a manner of unusual refineinent and cultiva-
tion. Their pleasant hojne in the heart of the vil-
89 C
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
lage Is the center of much domestic and social en-
joyment. Both the Doctors are public-spirited and
wide-awake to the interests of the community, both
local and natiouiil, bein^ Republicans in their pol-
itical views witli strong prohibition tendencies.
-^'> ♦:|3"C|:« *. —
E
LI GALLUP, one of the prominent farmers
of Eagle Township, Clinton County, is tlie
fj fortunate owner of two hundred acres of
fine land on section 35. He bougiit this tract in
1856, when not an ax liad been swung against the
trees that clothed it and no part of its soil had been
turned by the plow or spade. It is now a well im-
proved farm under a high state of cultivation, and
nearly all divided into fields from wliicli good
crops are garnered at the proper time. A small
part is left in woodland. Tlie farm is well stocked^
both with domestic animals and good machinery
and its owner is carrying on tlie work of general
farming systematically and with pleasing success.
A view of this pleasant homestead appears in con-
nection with this biographical notice.
Eli Gallup, Sr., father of our subject, was born
in Stonington, New London County, Conn., and
was of Welsh ancestry, although the family had
been established in America in a very early day.
The grandfather of our subject was a Corporal in
the Revokitionary Army and served notice on the
citizen soldiers to report for duty. Corporal Gal-
lup had four brothers who were Revohilionary
pensioners also. The father of our subject lived
to a green old age — ninety-one years — the date of
his demise being May 1, 1882. His wife bore the
maiden name of Sally Crary.
Eli Gallup, of this sketch, was born in Alban}-
County, N. Y., April 27, 1821, and was reared on
a farm, receiving only a district-school eilucation.
He worked for his father long after his majority
and did not establish a home of Ins own until 1854,
when in his thirty-fourth year. He then married
Anna Honor, an estimable woman, whose price has
indeed been "far above rubies" and whose children
"rise up and call her l)lessed." The children of
Mr. and Mrs. Gallup are Mary, Ella and Ambrose
E., of whom we note the following: Mary was born
Maj' 13, 1858, and is now the wife of Fred. W.
Shuart, a farmer ne.ir Portland, and the mother of
two children; Ella was born September 21, 1862,
married John Niles and lives in Grand Ledge;
they have one child; Ambrose was born August5,
1866; he is single and living with his parents on
the old homestead, of which he has charge. He re-
ceived a good education and takes quite an active
part in politics and is sound in the i)rinciples and
policy of the Democratic party, which he served as
a dehgate at the last Stale Convention. Being a
young man with special ability as an organizer, he
is bound to take high rank among the working
members of the party.
Our subject and his son are equally ardent in
their attachment to the Democratic party. Mr.
Gallup is a Mason and at one time was a member
of the Chaiiler at Portland; on his withdrawal
from that bod^- he became a charter member of the
Chapter at Grand Ledge. The family' has held
membership in the Christian Church and are not
only earnest and conscientious in the ordinary
affairs of life, but show a very charitable disi)osi-
tion and abiding interest in the welfare of those
around them. The farm of Mr. Gallup is cut by
the Detroit. Lansing it Northern Railroad and his
facilities for shi|)ping produce are excellent.
, : sS^^J^i^c : .^
RED ABERLE, one of the stirring business
^^ men of Owosso, having a wareroom and
office on Comstock Street, where he deals
in hides, pelts and tallows, is a native of the city
where he now resides, and first saw the light Janu-
aiy 22, 1861. He is the only son of Jacob and
Earneslina Aberle, both natives of Germany. His
mother died in Owosso when the boy was only five
years old. The father migrated to the United
States in 1848, before his marri.agc, and landing in
New York City, came directly to Michigan, locat-
ing in Ann Arbor for awhile, where he met and
married the lady who became the mother of this
son.
Soon after their marriage the parents of our sub-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
899
jcct removed toOwosso and the father started a tan-
nery on Comstock Street, where he built up a
large business, continuing in it up to 1884. At
that time he moved to Uoulder, Col., where he is
the proprietor of the Brainard Hotel.
The subject of this sketch took his schooling at
Ovvosso and became an apprentice to the tanners'
trade. After six years he established himself in
his present business. He is well versed in the de-
tails of his trade and has built up an excellent
business, and has a good connection, shipping to
different [)arts of the country nnd commanding
good prices.
Mr. Aberle was married February 28, 1883, to
Miss Carrie Gabler, of Fremont, Neb. She was
born in Iowa and is a daughter of Christian Gab-
ler. Her parents were natives of Germany and
became early settlers in' Iowa. One son, Roy, has
crowned the union of this excellent couple. Mr.
Aberle is the owner of considerable valuable city
property, and takes a pride not only in his business
but in the prosperity of the town.
E SPENCER ROBINSON, one of the old
settlers of Antrim Township, owns one liun-
4 dred and sixty acres of choice land on sec-
tion 9, upon which he located thirty-four years ago
when it was a wilderness. In productiveness
and neatness of appearance it is not outdone
by any farm in the township. Mr. Robinson came
to Antrim Township in the fall 185C, and then lo-
cated tlie land upon which he moved the fallowing
.spring.
The young farmer built a shanty, and like most
pioneers, began at the bottom round of the ladder.
During these many years he has not been idle, .is
is attested by the general ai)pearance of his farm,
of which he raaj- well feel [iroud. Tlie elegant
farm house, well furnished throughout, and the
good, sul)stantial barns and outhouses all sjieak for
the industry of the owner.
Mr. Robinson is a native of Micliigan, being
born in Lodi Township, \yaslitenaw County, Feb-
ruary 8, 1833. His father, Loami, was born in
Maine in 1799, was reared in Vermont, and re-
moved to Caj'uga County, N. Y., where he was
married to Isabel Edmonds, a native of Massachu-
setts, who was born in 1808. In 1831 he came to
Michigan and located Government land in Lodi
Township, Washtenaw County, upon which he set-
tled and proceeded to improve it.
Loami Robinson lived upon this farm for
several j'ears and finally removed to Ann Arbor,
where for some j'ears he lived a retired life, dying
there in 1870. lie was an honored pioneer and a
man who commanded the respect of everybody
who knew him. His fellow-citizens placed him re-
peatedly in the office of Supervisor and other
official positions. He was a zealous member of the
Christian Church and for many years a Deacon.
He was a representative man in the highest sense of
the term and a representative farmer.
The mother of our subject was an ardent Christ-
ian woman, who died in 1888. having been the
mother of thirteen children, nine of whom are yet
living. Some of them are filling prominent posi-
tions, one of them being the principal of Detroit
public school. Our subject was horn in the log
house which his father had l)uilt in the woods
and covered with elm bark, two years previous.
He received most of his education in the pioneer
log schoolhouse of that day and made the most of
his opportunities, being able to teach school wiien
he was nineteen years old. After he became of
age, he worked for himself for a fevv j'cars, and in
the fall of 1856 came to Antrim Townsi)ip and
purchased his present farm. He was married
July G, 1854, to IMiss Alalilda Isabel, who was
born in Lodi Townsliip, Washtenaw County, this
State.
The political convictions of Mr. Robinson have
led bim to affiliate with the Republican parly, and
he is unusually well informed ui)on the political
issues of the day. He is not a seeker for office,
but has been called upon to administer various
local offices, such as Clerk and School Inspector.
He raises good grades of stock, and Shoi-t-horn
cattle have been favorites with him, but of late he
has interested liimself more especially in Jerseys.
He has some fine specimens of Porcheron draft
horses. He began life with limited means
900
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM,
and has made a success of his efiforts in every
(llrection, not only in his farm life, but in liis deal-
ings with his fellow-men. Both his and his excel-
lent wife's company are highly esteemed in social
circles, and are welcome additions to the con-
gregation at Morrice, where they attend church.
The genial charity of spirit exhihiled by Mrs.
Robinson makes her beloved b}' the whole com-
nuinit}'.
.RANGE WHITLOCK. For half a century
this highly respected man has made his
home in Clinton County', and he has seen
the country developed from what was but a wilder-
ness, with here and there a clearing and a little
village springing into life, to a vast region of fine
farms and beautiful towns. In I hat which his eyes
have seen his hands have participated, and in re-
calling the stirring incidents of pioneer times he
can rejoice that he was able to do a pari in the
noble work that was carried on. He is now, in his
declining years, receiving an income suflicient for
every want, his efforts having resulted in securing
to him a fine estate on section 27, Greeubush Town-
ship, riis farm consists of two hundred and forty
acres and he has given each of his children a fair
start in life.
Chittenden County, Vt., was the birthplace of
Mr. Whitloek and his natal da^' was March 25, 1813.
Ills parents were Joseph and Milly (Wasson) Whit-
lock, natives of Connecticut and Canada respect-
ively, and on the father's side he is of English
lineage. He is the eldest of the surviving children
of his parents, the others being Mrs. Sarah A.
Thomas, a widow living in Shiawassee County;
Millie A., wife of Minor Chipman of Owosso, and
Betsey, who married L. R. Comstock and lives in
Owosso. "When but ten 3ears old our subject left
his father's roof and started out in the world, hir-
ing out to Horace Sprngue of Addison County,
Vt., as a farm hand. He worked for that gentle-
man nearly four years, receiving several months
schooling each 3ear. He was obliged to look out
for opportunities for study and managed to attend
the district school in Superior, this State, in the
winter of 1838-39. He is mainly self educated,
not having had liberal advantages, but having
been well grounded in practical branches during
his early years.
In the fall of 1838 Mr. Whitloek came to this
Slate and bought one hundred and sixty acres of
land from the Government, at the usual price of
$1.25 per acre. The land was in Clinton Count\',
in a locality uninhabited save by Indians, and not
wishing to take up his residence here Mr. Wliil-
lock went to Washtenaw County where he remained
until 1840. A few families having located within
a comparatively few miles of his purchase, and he
thus being able to find a boarding place, he came
back to Clinton County and entered upon his pio-
neer labors. He hewed down forest trees, removed
stumps and brush, and by the aid of a sturd}- team
of oxen began to cultivatS the soil. Energy and
perseverance conquered and by degrees a licautiful
farm look the place of the former wilderness.
While working for his own interest Mr. Whitloek
exercised the hospitality and spirit of true broth-
erly kindness which were almost universal among
pioneers, and thus became known far and near as
one worthy of respect and friendship.
In the fall of 1845 Mr. Wliitlock secured a con-
genial companion in the person of Miss Phebe A.
Hiscock, with whom he was united in marriage
November 25. His bride was born in the Empire
State, to Isaac and Phebe i^Crandall) Hiscock, and
is distantly related to Senator Hiscock of New
York. A few mouths after their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Whitloek settled upon the farm, wnere a
comfortable log cabin had been built, in which
they resided until 18GG. That year saw them
sheltered in a more modern residence, convenient
and substantial, which still affords them shelter.
In the course of time there came to brighten their
home three children, who were named respectively
Orange A., James W. and Jhuy E. The daughter
is now llie widow of Floyd Coleman, w lio formerly
lived in Clinton County.
Mr. Whitloek lias been Highway Commissioner
of the townshii) and for many years has been ably
serving as Justi<'e of the Peace. He possesses a
logical and judicial mind and his decisions in cases
that have come before Uim have become proverbial
rORTKAIT AND BIOGRAI'HICAL ALBUM.
yoi
by reason of their fairness and honesty. He has
been interested iu whalover piumised to be for the
public good and at all limes ready to bear a part
in work tt;nding toward that object. He has been
Treasurer of Keystone Grange in Greenbush Town-
ship and his son William has been Master of tiio
same societ}'. Mrs. Whillock is an esteemed mem-
ber of the Baptist Church. Husband and wife
have many sincere friends in this localitj' and may
well be classed among the representative pioneers
uf the neighborhood, eminently worthy of repre-
sentation in a biograi)hic'al album. Mr. Wiiitlock
was chairman of the Board of the Farmeis' Mutual
Fire Insurance Con:pany of Clinton and Gratiot
Counties for twenty-two years in succession, and
has been Justice of the Peace for forty-five years
with the exception of probably six months.
^(^pLNEY A. CHAPIN, Postmaster at .St.
John's, is one of the most prominent among
the young men of the city. His father.
Charles A., was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y. The
grandfather, Volney, w.as born in Burlington, Ot-
sego Countj-, that State, April 21, 1803. His early
years were spent upon the farm, and his opportuni-
ties for an education were limited. When seven-
teen years of age he was apprenticed to the black-
smith's trade, but not liking his master, he ran
away and went to Moravia, N. Y., where he be-
came an ap[)rentice in the works of Jethro Wood,
the reputed inventor of the cast iron plow.
After learning the trade and working a few years
as journeyman, Mr. Volnej^ Chapin's first business
venture was at Ogdensburg, where he carried on a
foundry in partnership with George Ward, of Mo-
ravia. He continued in business until the summer
of 1831, when, with his wife and son, Charles A.,
he removed to Rochester, and established a foun-
dry which he carried on until the spring of 1833.
In June of that year, he brought his family to
Michigan and located at Ann Arbor. He bought
a foundry- of Samuel A. .Sperr^-, which had just
gone into oi)oration. He formed a partnership
with Joaalhan Hussy, of Moravia, N. Y,, which
continued for about ten years under the firm name
of V. Chapin & Co. All the coal and iron that
were uscil in those early days and up to 183'J, were
brought from Detroit by wagons, and such were
the conditions of the roads, that it took from four
to six days to make the round trip. This put up
the price of these commodities to an extravagant
figure and made the foundry business an expensive
one.
From a small beginning this business grew t() be
large and successful. Their plows were sent into
adjoining States, and the^' made the gearing and
machinery for most of the mills iu Michigan. From
1843 to 1846 Mr. Chapin was sole owner, and em-
ployed sixty men in the manufacture of plows,
mill machinery, saw-mill engines and boilers, thresh-
ing machines, separators, stoves and tinware. In
the summer of 184G he sold a half-interest to a Mr.
Loomis, and the business was managed under the
firm name of Chapin & Loomis. A few ye.'.rs later
Charles Tripp was admitted to the firm, and his
name added to that of the other partners, and in
1859 Mr. Chapin sold out his share of the business
to the new partner.
In 1844, in connection with George Ward (his
old partner), Volney Chapin built the spring mills,
of Ann Arbor. In 1846, with his brother-in-law,
Col. Daniel Sloan, he bought the water-power of
Judge S. W. Dexter, known as the yellow mills.
On this they built the Dover Mills which are now
owned by Thomas Birket. In 18ol he bought one-
half interest in the paper mill in the lower town
from J. H. Lund. This he sold to his son, Charles
A., in 1852. Two years later he purchased an inter-
est in this business, which was then managed under
the name of Lund, Chapin A Co. They built a
new paper mill at Geddes, and the business was
carried on until 1865, when it was discontinued.
Mr. Volney Chapin, Sr., was also largely inter-
ested with his son Volney and F. E. Jones in a
business which was carried on under the name of
Jones, Chapin & Co. They had branches at Niles
and Decatur, Mich., Ciiicago, 111., and Davenport,
Iowa. He retired from this firm a few years before
his death. His business in salt and lumbering in
the Saginaw Valley was very extensive, and he was
a large dealer in pine land, owning at one time some
902
rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
six thousand acres in Saginaw County. He gave
his name to Cliapin Township in that county, and
had large manufacturing interests there, in the mail-
ing of himber and shingles. He was one of the
most prominent, liberal and public-spirited men in
W.isiitenaw County, and none was more respected.
The marriage of the grandparents of our subject,
Volney and Chloe (Sloan) Chapin took place in
Rochester, N. Y., in 182S». The lady was a resident
of Newport, Herkimer County, that State. In
1839 and 1840, this gentleman was the Treasurer of
Washtenaw County, and at one time was President
of the First National B:ink in that city. From
1860 to 18G4, he was Treasurer of the University
of Michigan.
The father of Volney Chapin, Sr., was Dan, who
was born in Bennington, Vt., June 16, 1768. He
married Dobora Wright in Otsego County, N. Y.
His father was Gad Chapin, who served in the Col-
onial War against the French and Indians, and
held a commission as Captain from Kiiig George
III. He settled at Bennington, Vt.. and in the
Revolution served with the Vermont troops. In
1789 he came with his family to Otsego County,
N. Y., where he settled on a farm about twelve
miles from Cooperstown. The Chapin family are
to be found in the early history of Massachusetts.
Deacon Samuel Chapin, the progenitor of all who
bear this name in America, removed from Boston
to Springlield, Mass., in lG12,and in October, 1652
he was appointed one of the magistrates of Spring-
field.
The mother of Volney Chapin the younger, was
Miss Fannie E. Kingsley, a daughter of the Hon.
James Kingslej', who was among the first attorne3-s
to practice law in AVashtenaw Couniy. He was
born in Canterbury, Conn., January 6, 1797, and
reared and educated at Brooklyn, in the same
county until the age of nineteen years, when he
went to Providence, R. I., and i)ursued his classi-
cal studies at lUown University. He then studied
law at Brooklyn, and was admitted to the bar. In
1823 he went to Virginia, and was engaged as a
private teacher in the family of Ludwell Lee, a son
of the famous Richard Henry Lee. Three years
later he went to Mississi|>pi and made his liome in
the town of Grand Gulf, but soon after the yellow
fever broke out and he concluded to try the climate
of Michigan. He came on foot from Detroit to
Ann Arbor in the fall of 1826. In .January of the
next year lie began to practice law in that city, be-
ing the lirst as has been said to be admitted to
practice in that citj-.
In 1830 the Hon. James Kingsley was married
to Lucy Ann Clark. In 1828 he was appointed
Judge of the Probate Court of AVaslilenaw County,
which responsible olHce be held for eight years.
From 1830 to 1833 he was a member of the Legis-
lative Council of the Territory of Michigan, and in
1831 he was appointed a Trustee of the University
of Michigan. He was elected to the Lower House
of the State Legislature in 1837, and the following
year and from 1839 to 1842 he was a member of
the State Senate. While belonging to that body he
drew up, in 1842, the first charter for the Michigan
Central Railroad by which it went into operation,
lu 1848 he was again a member of the State Legis-
lature, and in 1850 he was a prominent member of
the Constitutional Convention. He became one of
the regents of the L^niversity of Michigan in 1852,
belonging to the first set of elected regents, which
position he held for six years. He was again in
1869 and 1870, a member of tiie Lower House,
which was the last otlicial position held by him. He
was the second M.ayor of Ann Arbor. About the
year 1872, he removed to his farm near Corunna,
where he resided until August 10, 1878. He tiien
had an amputation performed at Ann Arbor, from
which he died August 17. He was one of the most
prominent men in the State.
The mother of our subject still resides in Ann
Arbor, and is a member of the Episcopal Chui'ch,
to which her husband was also attached, and where
he served as Vestryman. The}' were the parents of
three children, of whom our subject is the second
born. He was born in Ann Ai'bor, September 19,
1857, and here he w.as reared and educated, being
a graduate of the High School, in 1876, when he
was eighteen 3'ears old. He then came to St. John's
and engaged as a clerk for Asher Tcachout, in the
dry-goods business. He served in this capacity
until 1881, when he became Assistant Postmaster.
In 1887 he engaged in the grocery- business buying
out James Richarilson, and forming a partnership
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM
903
Willi a Mr. Madison iiinier lliefinu name of L'li.ipin
A Madison. This enterprise lasted for about a
year, when our subject sold out bis interest and
took tlie position of Assistant Postmaster under J.
M. Frisby. March 9, 1891 he received bis com-
mission-as Postmaster, in which ofiicc he well ful-
fills bis dutj-, and makes every effort to accommo-
date the public and forward the business interests
of the town. He is a prominent and active mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church, and in his politics is
a Republican.
AUGUSTUS PARKER, a well-
and popular citizen of Bancroft lias
he office of Justice of the Peace for
nearly sixteen years, greatly to bis own credit and
the well being of the community. He was ap-
pointed Postmaster of B.ancroft, October 1, 1889,
and is a popular and efficient official. He was
born August 24, 1843, in Marion Township, Liv-
ingston County, Mich., his parenis being David and
Sarah M. (Rust) Parker both natives of the Empire
States who removed to Michigan in 1829 and came
to Shiawassee County, making their home in An-
trim Township in 1859.
The father of our subject was a man of strong
character and clear convictions of duty and receiv-
ed many local olHces at the hands of his fellow-
citizens. He was Township Clerk and also Super-
vior, and filled for four years the office of Slieriff,
to which he was elected in 1868. He was a strong
and ardent supporter of the Government during
the dark days of the Civil War. He spent eight
years in Owosso where he was interested in the brick
yards and passed away January fi, 1888, at the age
of seventy-eight years.
George A. Parker was a soldier in the Civil War,
enlisting in Company A, Tenth Michigan Infantry
under Capt. H. S. Burnett. He was mustered into
service at Fliut, February 12, 1862, and was sent
to Hamburg Landing, Tenn., where bis regiment
was attached to Grant's Army. He w.as in action
at Corinth, Shiloh, P>oonsville, luka, Ilunlsville
and Nashville to Stone River, Chattanooga and all
the engagements of Sherman's march to the sea in-
clufling the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, under
Sherman's command. At Kenesaw Mountain he
received a gunshot, the ball passing through bis
right elbow and he was sent to the hospital. He
was kciit one year in the Post (Juartermaster's office
at Louisville, Ky., on detached service as a clerk
and was mustered out after the surrender of Lee's
army under general order No. 161.
During the time that Mr. Parker was in the
army ho did much detail service. At one time at
Farmington, Miss., he was detailed to carry from
Col. Lum directions to the Loorais battery to change
position. He was knocked down bj' a shell bursting
' near him, and retired to camp with the sight of his
right eye impaired, which resulted in the loss of
same.
This br.ue soldier returned to Michigan and be-
gan farming. He was given the office of Under
Sheriff under bis father and attended to bis busi-
ness for four years, after which he returned to the
farm but in 1880 came to Bancroft where be has
been for some time in the produce business, ship-
ping apples, potatoes etc. He has shipped as many
as seventy-seven thousand bushels of potatoes and
and forty-seven thousand barrels of apples in one
season and has a broad and extensive line of cus-
tom. He has bandied Shropshire sheep to a con-
siderable extent. He has sixteen acres of land
adjoining the village of Bancroft which he has
platted and made thereof an addition to the vil-
lage; his farm consisted of one hundred and one
acres.
Mr. Parker was married October 10, 1868 to
Miss Florence L. Gaylord, a daughter of John and
Hannah (West) Gaylord, who were the first set-
tlers on Indian Reserve at Mags Bridge in 1852.
Mrs. Parker's natal day wau March 1, 1814. Two
children have come to bless this home: Hugh W.,
now a young man of twenty -one is assistant Post-
master and carries on a stationery and notion store
in connection with the post-office. Ethel is a
charming child of ten yeais. Mrs. Parker's mother
makes her home in this household and has now
reached the age of seventy-three years. Mr. Gaylord
dieil in 1886. He was a man of earnest Christian
character and a member of the Congregational
904
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Cburcli and litul filled the position of Postmaster
at Burns for nearly twenty-five years. Mr. Parker
ranks iiigli botli as a citizen and in polilieal circles.
Mrs. Parker is a lady of intelligence and refinement
and their beautiful home in the suburbs is the
center of a delightful social life.
■^UDGE MATTHEW BITSFL The Judge of
Probate of Shiawassee County, is one of the
youngest men holding such an office in the
/ State, and the fact that he was chosen for so
responsible a position gives conclusive evidence of
the good opinion of his associates and acquaint-
ances. In his case, as in that of many a man of
note in thriving towns, the foundation of knowl-
edge and power was laid in the district school and
the fields that comprise the home farm. The hab-
its of application and industry were acquired and
a sturdy independence gained, and when better
opportunities for stud^' were at hand the 30ung
man was ready to take advantage of them and as-
similate that which he read for his future good.
From worth}' ancestors ho inherited an inclination
toward the higher things of life and his home
training deepened his aspirations.
The paternal grandfather of Judge Bush bore
the same given name as himself. He was born in
Englanil, emigrated to America and carried on
farming in Ulster Countj', N. Y. lie was a soldier
in the War of 1812. His wife lived until 1886,
surviving him many years and attaining to the
venerable age of ninety-two. Peter M. Bush, father
of the Judge, was born in Ulster County, and was
engaged in farming near Marbletown until 1877.
He then sold his land, tame to this State, and spent
the remnant of his days at Stanton, Montcalm
County, dying there in 1879. Years ago he was
an Abolitionist and he was afterward identified
with the Republican i)arty. His religious home
was in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Elenor Mayes, was born
in Roxbury, Greene County, M. Y., and died at
Edmore, Montcalm County, Mich., in 1884. Her
father, ICdward Mayes, was also a native of Greene
County and was a farmer and drover. The Bush
family consisted of five children, three daughters
and two sons, and Matthew was the second in order
of birth.
The birthplace of Judge Bush was at Marble-
town, Ulster County, N. Y., December 6, 18.53.
His time up to the age of seventeen years was
spent like that of other lads living on farms, and
he then began teaching in the district schools. He
followed the profession two years, then learned
telegraphy in the store of Winter Bros., at Ron-
dout, which was connected by telegraph with an-
other establishment in Kingston. During this time
he had charge of the newspaper department about
two j'ears, then took a station on the Wallkill Val-
ley Railroad, being agent and operator at Shawan-
gunk. He had been there but a few weeks when
he was taken sick with the measles and was obliged
to give up work. When he was able to resume
active duties h.e determined to take up law an<l
August 12, 1873, began the study vvith Messrs.
Launsbery & DeWitt, of Kingston, both of whom
afterward bceame members of congress. Accord-
ing to the existing laws of New York it was neces-
sary to serve a clerkship of three years in a reputa-
ble law oflice before being entitled to admission to
the bar. The statute was complied with b_y Mr.
Bush, and in September, 1876, at Saratoga, he re-
ceived his license to practice.
The initial work of the young lawj'er was done
at Kingston, where he remained until 1879. He
then turned his footsteps Westward and located in
Vernon, Shiawassee County, where for a jear ho
was in partnership with Alex McKercher. He then
practiced alone until the fall of 1888, when the Re-
publicans of the county nominated him for Probate
Judge. Proving successful in the race he at once
made preparations for assuming the duties of the
office and entered upon his work in January, 1889.
The term is one of four years and during the per-
iod that has alreadj' elapseil Judge lUish has gained
credit by his faithfulness and good judgment in
administering the duties which belonged to him.
He still owns his residence at Vernon and has an-
other in Corunna, to which place he removed in
order to be near his office. The first position of
an official nature that he held in the State was that
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
905
of President of the village of Vernon, but lie has
frequentl\- actcil as a delegate to the Hepublican
conventions, both countj' and State, and has been a
member of the Republican County Central Com-
mittee. He has always been a Republican and he is
very firm in his political faith.
Judge Bush was first married to Flora Mc-
Kercher, by whom he had one son Walter M. She
died of consumption in May, 1885. The present
wife of Judge Bush bore the maiden name of An-
nie E. Veruey and w.as married to Mr. Bush at
Vernon in March, 1887. She was born in Lero}',
Calhoun County, and educated in that place and at
A'ernon. Her father, the late Rev. James Verney,
was a minister of the Congregational Church and
she is an earnest member of that religious body and
has been an etiicicnt worker in the Sunday-schools
of Vernon and Corunna. She is the mother of
two children whose respective names are James V.,
and Russell A. Judge Bush belongs to the Blue
Lodge in Vernon and Chapter in Corunna, and is
a Knight Templar, enrolled in a Commandery at
Corunna. He is also an Odd Fellow with his name
on the roster of a lodge at Vernon. He is social,
intelligent and cordial in his bearing, and his
friends are b}' no means confined to the members
of his own party.
^-._-.a4«^.^>i<s — ,
'^
AMES HEATH. It is a delight to the
biographer who is seeking out the promi-
nent men of such a county as Shiawassee to
enter the home of a man like James Heath,
so whole-souled and hearty, and so full of the milk
of human kindness. He is, although of Northern
birth, a man who is typical of the gentlemen
farmers of the border States of Kenluck}', Missouri
and Arkansas. His farm is located on section 25,
Shiawassee Township, and it is well worth a visit
to see it in its well-kept condition, showing so
plainly the hand of a genuine faimer.
Our suliject was born in the city of Rochester,
N. Y., February 18, 182!). His f.athcr, James,
was a native of Berkshire County, Mass., and a son
of Aaron Heath, a native of England, and a Revo-
lutionary soldier. His mother, JIary Ann Mann,
was born in New York. James was the second in
a famil}' of four children, who were by name:
Maria, who died in Ohio; James; Mary, the widow
of J. C. Rogers, of Owosso, arid Lewis W., who is
known as Captain Heath, of Grand Rapids. This
son was a captain in the army and inspector of the
Postoffice Department under (iovcrnor Cosgrovo.
One son, Nathan, by a former marriage lives in
Sylvania, Ohio.
The Rev. James Heath, the father of our subject,
was known far and wide as a noted revivalist and
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He
had remarkable abilities and was in demand as an
assistant to pastors throughout New York, Ohio
and Michigan. He began to preach when a boj'
of sixteen years and was active in ministerial work
for fifty two years. lie was a prominent man in
the church, a strong Abolitionist and progressive
in his ideas. During the latter part of his life he
attached himself to the Protestant Methodist
Church, as the Methodist Episcopal Church was
too conservative on the anti-slavery question. He
died in 1861 at the age of sixty-eight, passing his
last days with his son James in Lenawee County,
Mich.
When our subject was only six years old, the
family removed to Ashtabula County, Ohio, and
at the age of sixteen years he learned the trade of
a cooper, and followed it for ten years in Cuya-
hoga County, Ohio. In 1858 the young man re-
moved to Lenawee County, Mich., and purchased
one hundred and twenty acres in Medina Township,
where he lived for five years. In 1864 he came
to Shiawassee County, where he had two hundred
and twenty-eight acres of fine land, one mile north-
east of Bancroft.
Upon this farm which now consists of one hun-
dred at.d fifty acres of finel}' improved land, there
is situated a commodious home, which is beauti-
fully located in a very fine natural grove and which
cost !J2,000. All outbuildings which arc necess.ar}'
for the successful carrying on of a farm m.ay be
found here. One barn measures 36x36 feet and
the other 32x42. The farm is located on both
sides of the Shiawassee River, and is conseciuently
906
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
finely situated for raising stock, in which Mr. Heath
takes great pride. He is breeding Hambletonian
horses, and one of his 3"0ung animals sold not long
since for $475, and he frequently sells for 1300,
they being sired by old "Louis Napoleon." He
also has very fine driving horses and alvvaj's takes
premiums at fairs. His farm is also well stocked
with fine wool sheep. He is a support of agricul-
tural fairs and is always selected as a judge of
horses. He is a Republican in his politics, but not
at all an oflice seeker. His mother lived with him
until her death in 18G8, at the age of sixty-eight
years.
The Lady who presides over this beautiful home
and extends its hospitality to the friends of the
family, was united in mairiage with our subject
October 11, 1854, her maiden name was Julia Wal-
ton, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Andrew
Walton, a New Yorker, who is still living on a farm
in Ashtabula County, Ohio, at the very advanced
age of ninety-six years. The children who have
blessed this happy home arc: Charles, living in
Burns Township; Sarah; Fred; Lewis, who lives in
Owosso; F'rank, in .Seattle, Wash.; Elgiva; Wini-
fred. Sarah is Mrs. C. Case, of Shiawassee Township ;
Fred lives in Dakota; Winifred is a student at the
High School at ISancroft, and is taking a musical
training, having an excellent voice wliich gives
promise of producing great results under the edu-
cation which is being given her. Mrs. Heath and
Elgiva are prominent members of the Congrega-
tional Church.
-S^^
\f^ R. COLIN Mccormick, of Owoss(, was
born in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada,
September 3, 1848. He is the sixth of nine
children of Duncan and Mary (Kerr) McCormick,
both of Scotch descent. The boyhood of our sub-
ject was spent upon the farm and in the district
schools of his native county, until he reached the
age of sixteen years, when he began teaching and
continued four years, after which he went to Toron-
to and gi'aduated in the Normal School. He then
took up the study of medicine entering the ollice
of Dr. J. D. Van Valsor, of Blenheim, Ontario. He
took his first course of lectures at McGill medical
college at Montreal, Canada, and the second and
third courses in the State University of Michigan,
taking his diploma in 1872. In 1873 he located in
Dansville, Ingham County, this State, and took
charge of Dr. Sherwood's practice for several
months while that gentleman was absent taking a
course of lectures. After this he made his home in
Bennington, Shiawassee Count}' and remained there
for two years.
In June, i875. Dr. McCormick located perman-
ently in Owosso, where he has built up an excellent
practice, and has made his mark in the profession.
His marriage with Miss Mary A. Crawford took
place in December, 1875. This ladj' is daughter of
Donald and Mary Crawford, of Duart, Kent Coun-
ty, Ontario, Canada. Five children have been sent
to cheer and enliven this home, namel}' Minnie,
Nellie, William CUadstone, Anna and Maggie
(twins). The mother of these children died May
26, 1889.
Dr. McCormick served the city of Owosso one
term as Mayor, being the incumbent of tliat oflice
in 1883. He was also the Secretary of the Board
of Education for three years from 1880 to 1889
and Health OlHcer a number of terms. He was
elected Censor of the Detroit Medical College and
he is a member of the State Medical Society and
was Secretary of the Owosso Academy of Medicine
for seven years and President for two years. He
was a stockholder in the First National Bank. His
present residence on Exchange Street is a handsome
brick edifice, which was built in 188G, and is situ-
ated in extensive and pleasantly arranged grounds.
This honorable gentleman is a member of the
Owosso Lodge No. 88, I. 0. O. F., also of the
Oriental Encamiunent No. 59, and has held all the
offices in that body, lie also belongs to the Canton
Semper Fidelia No. 9, of which body he has been
five times elected Captain. He is also identified
with the Ancient Order of United Workmen No.
48. He occupies the position of Examining Ph}--
sician for several of these bodies. He is a member
of theUniversity Alumni Club of which he has been
elected Vice-President. Me operates a good farm
of between eigiity and one hundred acres and i)ays
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
909
some attentiou to stock of good grades, cs[ieciall3-
horses. He was for six years chairman of the Re-
publican city committee. His residence is among
the best in the cit}-, being modern in its style of
arciiilecture and having all modern imi)rovements
for the comfort and convenience of the family.
-^^
<», IMLLIAM A. ALDRICII. Among the well-
\/\/// '^"own families of Walertown Township,
^^^ Clinton County, none are more favorably
mentioned than the Aldrich family. The subject
of this sketch whose portrait appears in this con-
nection resides on section 32, where he is engaged
in cultivating his father's farm of one hundred and
twenty -six acres. This Land is in a high state of
cultivation and h.as upon it two good sets of farm
buildings. It was all unbroken timber when it
was purchased by Silas Aldrich, the father of our
subject, some thirtj'-six years ago. The father still
resides on the farm, which he has cleared with the
help of his son William. This son was then so
young as to be too small to give hia father the
necessary help, but they together sawad boards
from their trees to build a small platform, ujion
which the boy stood while he Iielped in drawing
the cross-cut saw through the trunks of the trees.
William Aldrich was twenty-one j'ears of age
when he learned the wagon-makers trade, and he
followed this business for some nine years, but in
consequence of the failure of his father's health he
returned to the farm where he liiis ever since re-
sided. His father was the son of William and Mary
(Blew) Aldrich, who were natives of Rhode Island,
where he w.as born. His early rearing and educa-
tion, however, were carried on in Rochester, N.
Y., as his parents removed to that place when he
was only two years of age. His father w.as a sold-
ier in the War of 1812.
The father of our sultjcct was born August 17,
1812, and on A|)ril 13, 181 1, he was married to
Martha M. Nelson, a daughter of William and
Hannah Nelson, who were natives of New York,
where she was born November 13, 1821. This
marriage was blessed with the birth of three chil-
dren: Frances F., born December 2, 1817, is now
the widow of W. F. Ajjpleton, and resides at Grand
Ledge, Mich.; Mary born in 1855, died at the age
of nine years; William A., the subject of this
sketch, was born February 22, 1852, and on August
19, 1876, he was united in marriage with Sarah J.
Clark, a daughter of .John W. Clark, whose parents
came to Oakland County, Mich., at an early day.
She was born in that county, December 13, 1859.
Three children have blessed the home of our
subject and his noble wife, namely: Silas M., born
September 27, 1878; Herbert C, September 29,
1884, and Mary Izella, November 7, 1887. In pol-
itics Mr. Aldrich is a Democrat, and he is a mem-
ber of the Farmers' Alliance.
-^1-
m-
\f/OHN W. BRYANT. Among the represen-
tative and time-honored pioneers of Clinton
County and indeed of Central Michigan who
i^// are worthy of representation in this Album,
it is with pleasure that wc name the venerable gen-
tleman whose name heads this brief sketch. His
home is on section 0, Greenbush Township, and he
is a native of Seneca County-, N. Y., where he was
born, January 11, 1824. He is a son of Daniel
and Orena (Roberts) Bryant. His mother was a
native of New .lerscy and this is her eldest son.
When about five or six years old the subject of
this sketch migrated with an uncle to W.ayne
County, Mich., and there resided a short time bo-
fore coming to Clinton County. In the fall of
1836 he came with his uncle, Samuel Foreman, to
De Witt Township and remained with him until jie
was of .ago, as his parents both died in the Fast.
He received but the scaniiesl rudinionts of an edu-
cation, as the log schoolhousc of that d.ay did not
furnish as systematic and thorough a training as
was desirable, but he has always paid a great deal
of attention to matters of public interest and iius
been a thorough reader, and in that way has gained
for himself the benefits of an intelligent under-
standing of many questions.
The marriage of our subject took place in Wayne
County, this State, in August, 18IH, Ills bride
910
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
was Frances E. Phillips and she became the mother
of one daughter, Josephine, who is now the wife of
Dwight S. Morrison. Mr. Bryant settled upon the
farm which he now occupies waj' back in the '50s.
This laud was then practically a dense woods
and the first liome was in a log cabin where the
familj' endured great hardships and did thorough
pioneer worli. He has seen the country grow from
a wilderness to its present highly cultivated state.
When Mr. Bryant came to this region St. John's
contained only a log hut or two. He has helped
to organize the township and improve it in manj'
ways. He has served on the School Board and lias
taken his part in organizing the ranks of the Re-
publican party in this region. Although he can-
not in any sense he called a politician, yet the prin-
ciples of this party receive tlie endorsement of his
judgment and he is active in promoting its prog-
ress. Both he and liis good wife are representative
pioneers of this region.
Mr. Bryant owns a half-interest in one hundred
and twelve acres of land and is a successful man in
the conduct of his affairs and tlie attainment of a
fine prop©-ty. All the citizens of the township
join in wishing a calm and peaceful period as the
closing epocli of the lives of this venerable and
praiseworthy couple.
•^^E
yALTER FLOATE. Among tlic prominent
^\f\JI/ '*^^'^' politicians, leading agriculturists and
rejiresentative citizens in whom tlie read-
ers of this Ali!U5i will be truly interested is llie
subject of tills sketch. He resides on section 2,
?]ssex Township, Clinton Count}', and is a native
of Sussex County, England, being born there Jan-
uaiy 26, 1829. His parents, John and Sarah (Skin-
ner) Floate, were both natives of England, and
they reared this their only son in his native count}'.
He received but a limited education, and from
early 3'outh engaged In farming, but lie early im-
bibed a love for reading, and has kept liimself In
touch witli tlie live issues of the da}'. In 1853 he
emigrated to America, taking p.sssage at London
on the sail vessel called ' 'The Congress," and after.
an ocean voyage of forty-two days he landed in
New York City, and coming to Michigan settled in
Macomb County. There he resided for several
years and finally came to Clinton County, in 18G6,
establishing liimself on the farm in Essex Town-
ship, upon which he now resides.
Mr. Floate owns eighty acres of fine land which
he has brought from the condition of a wilderness
to a state of cultivation, and upon which he estab-
lished a happy home. He was married April 13,
1855, to Mrs. Sarah A. (Sill) Holmes, a native of
Connecticut, who was born October 15, 1827. This
lady is a daughter of James and Harriet (Rock-
well) Sill, both natives of Connecticut. Her pater-
nal ancestry is Irish and her maternal English. Her
grandfather Sill was a Revolutionary soldier. Mrs.
Floate lost her father when in her second year, and
her mother lived until April 13, 1885, when she
died at the home of our subject.
To Mr. and Mrs. Floate have been granted four
children, namely: Charley J., Ira H., George M.,
and Lizzie M., who is now the wife of Ray Sessions.
Mrs. Floate had been previously married and was
at the time of her second union the widow of Mi-
randa Holmes. By him she had three children,
two of whom are now living, namely: Livona,
(Mrs. James Vosper,) and Jetora (Mrs. Thomas
Anderson.)
Mr. Floate has served as Commissioner of High-
ways for Essex Township, and was elected Justice
of the Peace, but not desiring office failed to qual-
ify as he prefers the quietude of home life. He
is a member of the Farmers' Club of Essex Town-
ship, and served as its first President two years.
He is also prominently connected with the Stock
Breeders' Association of Clinton County, and for
two years served as its President. He raises fine
Merino sheep an<l has always taken an active inter-
est in promoting the progress of the agricultural
class, either socially or industrially.
Our subject is a Republican in politics, and is
identified as a charter member with the Ancient
Order of United Workmen of Maple Rapids, the
first organization of that kind in the State. He
lias served as Slaster Workman in this order, and
is identified with the Clinton County Pioneer So-
ciety, as is also his intelligent and worthy wife, and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
911
they are both looked upon as amouor the leading
members of society in their township. lie had only
twent}- shillings left in his poei<et when he reached
Macomb County, Mich., and it is tiirough iiis own
unaided efforts that he lias acliiovcd tiie prosperity
■which is his to-dav.
^ AVID B. GREEN, a prominent resident of
Middlebury Town.ship, Shiawassee Countj',
was born in Warren County, N. J., July
18, 1840. He is a son of William T. and
Catherine (Brands) Green. His father's family
was originall3' from France and came to America
with Lafayette, at the time of the Revolutionary
War. His mother's people were from German}',
but his parents were both born and brought up in
New Jersey. His father was by occupation a far-
mer and our subject lived with his parents until
the war broke out and then enlisted. The family re-
moved to Michigan when the boy was twelve years
old and located in Oakland Township, Oakland
County. Our subject had only the advantages of
a common-school education, attending the coun-
try schools in the winter. In the spring of 1862
he removed to Shiawassee Counl}- and located in
Middlebury- Township.
In August, 18G2, the young man enlisted in
Company E, Fourth Michigan Cavahy, under Col.
R. II. G. Mint}', and was sent to Louisville and
thence to Nashville, where they joined the Army
of the Cumberland, following Bragg in his retreat.
The first general engagement was at Stone River,
at Lebanon, December 31, 1862; then at La-
vergne, and Rover, Tenn.; then in succession at
Liberty, Penn., McMinnville, Middletown, Shclby-
ville, Tenn., Cliickamauga, Rossville, Ga., Cross-
roads, Tenn., Mission Ridge, Kingston, Dallas, Lost
Mountain, Big Shanty, Noondaj- Creek, Kencsaw
Mountain, the siege of Atlanta, Lovejoy Station,
Lost Mountain (againU^ome, Double Bridges
and Macon. ^^^
The detail from the comiiany to which Mr.
Green belonged, captured Jefferson Davis, May 10,
186.5. He was the second man on the ground
when that notable was captured. During all the
service through which he passed he never received
a wound nor was obliged to be in the hospital, al-
though he had a narrow escape at Cliickamauga.
He was mustered out of service in Nashville, Tenn.,
July 1, 1865, and reached home July 10.
After reaching home this young veteran began
farming and improving his place and was married
on November 4, 1867, to Mariah Rogers, of Brook-
lyn, N. Y. He has three children: Kiltie E., born
May 14, 1870; William II., September 19, 1868;
and Grace S., April 29, 1875. His chihlron are all
living and at home with their parents. Mr. Green
has a fine farm of one hundred and seventy acres,
in a high state of cultivrition. In politics he is a
Republican and has hold the offices of Township
Clerk and Treasurer and is now filling his second
term as Supervisor. He belongs to the Order of
Odd Fellows and takes an active interest in educa-
tion, giving his chihlivu the best advantages avail-
able and furnishing his eldest daughter instruction
in music.
i'LVESTER E. SCOTT, a grandson of the
first actual settler in Clinton County, was
born October 23, 1838, in DeWitt Town-
ship. His grandfather, David, was born
in November, 1779, in Litchfield, Conn., and being
left an orphan at an early age, was throvvn upon
the world to earn his own livelihood. Coming to
Michigan about 1825, he settled on a farm a mile
and a half south of Ann Arbor and continued to
reside there for eight years. When he came to
Clinton County, October 4, 1833, he took up land
from the Government where Ihe village of DeWitt
now stands, built a log cabin and went to work to
clear the land. He hart' then no neighbors within
forty miles of his home. He was a hard worker
and farmed extensivcd}'. owning at one time some
eight sections in this vicinity, lie built a double
log house which he used .as a hotel for emigrants
and it w.as the pioneer hotel of thai region. His
home w.as indeed in the wilderness surrounded by
wild animals and Indians. lie could si)eak the In-
912
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
diaii language and was friendly and neighborly
with the red men. He died jMay 7, 1851, at the
age of seventy-one years.
Eunice Forbs, the grandmother of our subject,
was born at Shoreham, Vt., January 14, 1780, and
died May 7, 1840. She and her husband were both
of the Univcrsalist faith. The}' were the parents
of eleven children, six of whom grew to maturity.
Her son, Sylvester, the father of our subject, w.as
born August 29, 1806, in Genesee County, N. Y.,
and coming with his parents to Michigan in 1825,
remained with them until about the time they re-
moved to tliis county, to which he followed them
in 1834. He built a log house on a. farm a quarter
of a mile from DeWitt, and was engaged in im-
proving his land when he was killed by an
accident in the first sawmill which was ever
erected in the county. His death occurred
April 22, 1838, when in his thirty-second year.
His wife, whose maiden name was Sophroaia Cooley ,
was born in Massachusetts in 1811, and bravely
carried on the farm and brought up her sons after
the sad death of her husband.
The subject of this sketch attended the district
school in the log schoolhouse under the rate bill
system. He spent the days of his boyhood upon
the farm and among the Indians. Somewhat later
he rented a farm in the neighborhood, a part of
which he afterward bought. His marriage took
place July 31, 1864. His bride, Mary Winans,
was born in Livingston County, Mich., August 12,
1841. They have had two children. Their eldest,
Theron, died in infancy and the daughter Beatrice
L. is at Albion College, Mich., taking a course in
music at the Conservatory. Mr. Scott is an excel-
lent farmer and upon his fine farm in the outskirts
of the village of DeWitt and situated upon a beau-
tiful street, wiiich is lined with large maple trees,
stands his attractive and commodious frame resi-
dence. He has two large frame barns and other
outbuildings suitable and necessary to the carrying
on of a farm. Ninety-five acres of his one hun-
dred and fifteen are under the plow and he carries
on mixed farming. His house was built in 1868
and his barns, one in 1854, and one in 1878. Both
lie and his worthy wife are efficient and happy
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with
which they have been connected six and ten years
respectively. He is in no sense a politician yet is
deeply interested in the movement of both local
and national affairs. He was a Democrat until
1875 and since then has been a Prohibitionist.
rlhM AURICE COLEMAN is another of the
\\\ British-American citizens of Duplain
w Township, Clinton County, one who has bj-
his life of sturdy industry and undaunted
courage and perseverance, shown himself a credit
alike to the land which gave him birth, and the
country of his adoption. He was born in Somer-
setshire County, England, November 23, 1860, and
is a son of Charles and Maria (Rice) Coleman.
His parents were born and brought up in Devon-
shire, his father at Hatchbecham, and his raotlicr
at Fiugrave. The father was by occupation a
blacksmith, and gave his son a common-school
education. After remaining with his parents until
he became of age the young man began life for
himself by working on a farm in England.
Our subject decided to come to the United
States in the spring of 1875, and after spending
two years in Onondaga County, N. Y., in work
upon a farm, he decided to go still farther West,
and made his home for two years and a half near
Shipman, Macoupin County, 111., where he pursued
farming labors. After that he came to Michigan,
and located in Duplain Township, Clinton County,
where he remained about five years. He then went
to "torn and bleeding Kansas," and spent three
years in Wabaunsee County, engaged upon a
ranch.
Returning to Michigan and locating in Duplain
Township, this young man determined to establish
a home of his own. and was married March 2,
1887, to Alice F. Lowe, of this township. Two
children crowned this union, the eldest B^'ron, born
July 7, 1888, died October of the same year. The
second, Joseph C, born July 15, 1889, still lives
to be the joy and delight of his parents. IMr.
Coleman has been on this place now for about
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
913
three years, anrl is culUvaling a tract of about
sixty acres. He has never sought office of any
kind, but takes a lively interest in politics, and is
an adherent of the Prohibition party.
^m-
JfOHN WOODWORTII, a citizen of Ovid,
Clinton County, Mich., was born March 21,
1815, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth
Woodworth, both of whom died when he
was a mere boy. He was then bound out in tlie
County House of Albany County, N. Y., as he was
born in Albany. He afterward lived with Samuel
Rue, of Saratoga County, and remained with him
until he reached his majority. During his minor-
ity he received only a common-t^chool education,
but after he became a man he took some supple-
mentary schooling.
After striking out for himself this young man
followed farming at Clifton Park, Saratoga County,
and later came to Michigan in 1837, locating in
Hillsdale County. He remained here two and one-
half years, and then leaving the State the fall Gen.
Harrison was elected President, he returned to his
native county. He was there married on February
3, 1847, to Louisa Peterson of Clifton Park, and
he now has five children, three sons and two daugh-
ters. They are b}' name, Margaret, born August
22, 1849; James W., July 9, 1855; Belle, Decem-
ber 3, 1858; Robert C, November 1-2, 1862; and
Frederick, April 4, 18GG. These children are all
married except Robert, who lives in (Jhio, and
Margaret makes her home in Virginia. The three
others reside in Michigan.
Mr. Wood worth removed to Virginia in 1865
and located near Seven Pines, the scene of the cel-
ebrated battle. He lived on a farm there until
1881, wiien he returned to Michigan and located in
Clinton County. For some time he managed the
farm where his son now resides, and then moved
into Ovid, wiiere he has since resided. He has
now retired from active business. He has always
been a Re))ublican since the formation of that
party, and has held a number of offices in Rich-
mond, Va. lie was a member of the County Court,
Coroner, Commissioner of Highways, and Commis-
sioner of the Poor. He was also appointed by
Gen. Canby as Commissioner of tlie Revenue.
One interesting fact in the life of our subject is
that although his father's family was broken up by
the death of the parents, and the five children were
scattered to different places, where for many j'ears
they were ignorant of each others whereabouts,
they have at last come together again by accident,
after a separation of sixty years, and have had a
re-union. Those living are now residing in Mich-
igan, two having died since the re-union; at that
time their combined ages aggregated three hundred
and fifty j'cars.
S^M ATIIIAS FEDEWA. The name of Fedewa
is familiar to many citizens of Clinton
County, as the family has been connected
* with the work carried on here, for a num-
ber of years past. The member whose life history
it is our purpose to sketch in these paragraphs, is
a farmer on section 30, Dallas Township. His es-
tate consists of one hundred and ten broad and
fertile acres, which was reclaimed from its wild
condition by his personal efforts. He not only
cleared and l)rokc the land but he has put up the
various buildings which now adorn the property.
The parents of Mr. Fedewa are John and Annie
(Shaffer) Fedewa, of whom mention is made on
another page in this volume. On the farm they
now occupy he was born April 30, 1819, and his
entire life has been p.assed in Clinton Count}-. He
pursued the usual course of study and on the farm
learned much that has been of. practical benefit in
the work to which he decided to devote himself.
His home was with his ])arents until he was about
twenty-six years old, when he married and estab-
lished himself on an eighty-acre tract given him
l)y his father. To this he added other acres, and
the success with which he has already met, gives
promise of still greater prosperity as time goes by.
The marriage rites between Malhias Fedewa and
Mary A. Thelen were solemnized Ma;)- 18, 1875.
Tlie bride is a daughter of .lohn Thelen, who was
914
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
l)orn in Germany ami is numbered among tiie early
selUers of Clinton County wherein he breathed his
last. The Thelen family incliides three sous and
three daughters. To Mr. and Mrs. Fedewa eight
children have been born and the lively group con-
sists of Joseph, Edward, William, Barnard, Annie,
Albert, Nicholas and Ludwig. The parents are
devout members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Fed-
ewa belongs to the Democratic party.
^
r^
EN.TAMIN F. KANN. One of the men
most prominently interested in the growth
of the village of Morrice, Shiawassee
County, is the gentleman whose name heads
our sketch. He is the owner of the flouring-mills
and large general store, and deals laigely in wool
and grain. He was born in Genesee Count}', N.
Y., April 24, 1843. His parents are proud of the
fact that they were among the lirst pioneers to
come to the great State of Michigan. His father,
Albert W. Rann, is a native of New York, and was
born at Alexander, Genesee County, N. Y., May
31, 1818, same townshii) and county in which his
son was born. The father, who was a farmer, came
to Michigan in 1847 across the lakes, thence by
wagou to Shiawassee County, where he located on
section 35, Perry Township. Starting from Alex-
ander on the 9th of November, 1847, erected
a log house and moved into it January 1, 1848.
Only an old settle.- can realize what it was to
find one's way through a perfectly wild country, to
a new home where there were none of the features
of civilization, no roads nor anything else indicat-
ing human companionsliii), with unbroken forests
on every side. Hewing down the heavy timber in
a little space they built a log house and gradually
cleared the stumps away from the house, which
was a source of great wonder to the Indians, who
visited them very frequently. Many have been
the times when the larder needed replenishing that
the father of our subject has stood in doors or
gone not far from the house and killed deer, the
meat of which he prepared for family use, and the
pelts of the animals were sold to the trading posts.
He traded and milled at Byron, and later at Will-
iamston.
It is a work of years to clear and put under cul-
tivation a farm, and Mr. Rann's father found his
time fully occupied in clearing land, and providing
a subsistence for his family. He now owns one
hundred and ninety acres of land which is under
a fine state of cultivation. The aged couple cele-
brated their golden wedding April 14, 1891. His
wife was Mary Ann Bridger ; she was of English
origin and came to America with her father and
mother, and four sisters and brothers, when but ten
years of age, starting from England April 8, and
landing in America June 1, 1829. She is the
mother of four children: Ellen V., who married
Oliver S. Smith; our subject; Benjamin F. ; Flor-
ence E., who married F. B. Gardner, and Henry
E. The parents are adherents of and believers in
the Universalist faith. The father is a Democrat,
and has been Justice of the Peace for a number of
years. They are both still living on the old farm
on section 35.
The original of our sketch was brought to this
State at the tender age of four years and was
reared in the wilderness. He first attended the log
school and was later advanced to the dignity of a
frame schoolhouse, where they had slab benches
and quill pens. The school was conducted on the
rate bill system. He began business for himself at
the age of twenti-three when he engaged in farm-
ing. He purchased ninety acres in Ingham County,
just across the line. Here he resided for four years,
and then removed to Rami's Mills a place on the
father's farm and built the first grist-mill ever
erected in Perry Township. In 1872 this mill was
operated by steam, and he so continued it until
1878, when he located at Morrice, and January 21,
1878, started the mill which he at present is con-
ducting. It w.as at first a three run of stone mill,
but in 1889 I'e i)ul in the machinery for a patent
roller process and it now has a capacity of turning
out sixty barrels per d.ay. He sold his farm in
Ingham County in 1887, which place he had pre-
viously rented for several 3ears. On coming to
Morrice Mr. Raun built a fine two-story brick
store which he rented for four years, and then
opened as a general merchandise store. At the
PORTRAIT AND lUOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
915
time he was residing at Rann's Mills he was the
proprietor of a store, conducting this for three
years, from May, 1K75, to May, 1878. In both his
stores he carried a good stock of groceries, cloth-
ing and provisions, m.aking of it a general stock.
Mr. Rann was married December 25, I8G6. The
lady's maiden name was Ellen A. Lovejoy, and she
was born in Hillsdale Couutj-, this State, August
7, 1841. They have had five children: Earle L.,
Morton, M. Belle, George A. and Theo F. Our
subject is a Democrat in politics and a strong ad-
herent and believer in the Universalist faith. He
has held the office of Justice of the Peace for eight
years and for one year has been Township Super-
visor and Village Trustee, and President of the
village for six years. He is a member of Perry
Lodge, No. 150, I. 0.0. F., and a charter member
of P.ancroft Lodge, No. 138, K. P.
Mr. Rann has been one of the most energetic
men in building up the town in which he lives.
He buys grain and ships it. besides flour, to the
New England States, Buffalo and Detroit, and he
has a fine Eastern trade. Earle L., the oldest son
is now associated in the business. Both the elder
sons are graduates from business colleges.
iDWIN H. LYON, a prominent attorney of
St. John's, was born in Scio Township,
Washtenaw County, Jul}' 7, 186L His
father, Charles W., was born in the same county
and his grandfather, Lorenzo M.. came there in
1832, wlien a young man, from New York City,
where he was born and where he had been a clerk.
He entered laud in Scio and made it his home, tak-
ing to wife there Lena Lane, of Binghami)ton, N.
Y. He engaged in farming until he retired from
business and ended his days in Ann Arbor in the
year 1888. His ancestry had been in New York
for three generations.
Charles W. Lyon attended the Normal School at
Ypsilanti and followed teaching for some 3'ears, al-
thougii his general avocation was farming. In
1866 he came to Clinton County, where he carried
on a farm and at the same time a sawmill, having
purchased a sawmill called Lyon's Mill. In 1880
he sold this property and came to St. John's, where
he remained until 1889, and then again made an
exchange of property and took charge of a saw-
mill at Conwn}', Enimett County, where he manu-
factured jiine and hemlock lumber, under the firm
name of W. C. & E. H. Lyon. He now resides at
St. John's.
The mother of our subject, Sarah M. Lyon, was
born at Medina, Ohio, in November, 1811. The
grandfather. Royal C. Lyon, was a native of Rut-
land, Vt., where he was a blacksmith, and came in
the early days to Medina County, Ohio, and thence
to Michigan, becoming one of the carl}' settlers in
Bengal Township, Clinton County. He settled
here about the year 1850 and carried on his trade
as a blacksmith as well as being one of the pioneer
farmers.
The parents of our subject had five children:
Willard C, the [)artner of our subject, who resides
in this city; Edwin II.; Mark, who was accidentally
killed on the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad at
Grand Rapids; Ida M., who resides at home; and
Fred M., who is a wanderer and has no certain
abiding place. Edwin was reared in Washtenaw
County until five years of age and then came with
his parents to Bengal Townshij), where the father
was operating the mill at L3'on's Mill. He was ed-
ucated in the district schools and trained pracli-
call}' upon the farm and in the sawmill. At the
age of fourteen he entered the High School at Ann
Arbor, then was graduated at the St. John's High
School after three years' study. He afterward en-
tered the liteiary department of the University of
Michigan, where he took his diploma in 188-1, with
the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy.
The young man now entered the employ of his
father in the im|)lement business and commenced
the study of law with Cook & Daboll and in July,
1886, was admitted to the bar. He had already
formed a partnership with Rlr. Cook, whicii contin-
ued till the death of that gentleman, when he went
into partnership, in 1887, with another attorney,
under the firm name of Fedowa & Lyon, which part-
nership continued until January, 1891, since which
time he has carried on his profession alone. He
has an extensive practice in St. John's and vicinity
916
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
and is one of the most highly' honored and es-
teemed attorneys in the count}'.
Our subject and liis brother, W. C, were at
one time in the implement business together, but
exchanged that business for a sawmill. The lady
whom he made his wife in 1888 was Alice Maxam
by name, a daughter of Lero}' and Cynthia Maxam.
She was born in C)nondaga County, N. Y. This
lady was a graduate of the St. John's High School
and taugiit'for some time before her marriage both
here and in Colorado. She was a lady of fine abili-
ties and broad culture and was deeply mourned, not
only by her family but by the community, when
taken away by deatli, September 4, 1890. Mr.
Lyon served as Circuit Court Commissioner from
1887 to 1889. His political views are expressed in
ihe platform of the Democratic party and although
not an office-seeker he is esteemed as one of the
strongest men in the party, and his good judgment
and afifabilit}' give him a broad and enduring influ-
ence.
KM ORRIS ORMSHY. Among the reputable
I iW ™^° ^^'"^ '" their conduct uf business raat-
I] i* ters and the duties belonging to tlie vari-
* ous relations of life have acquired a worthy
name, should be mentioned Mr. Ormsb}', who has
been in business in Corunna, Shiawassee County,
since t!ie summer of 1 865. He is the oldest grocery
dealer, in respect to his business life, in the city,
having been continuously engaged in this line of
trade since August of the year mentioned. He is
also agent for the American and National Express
Companies and be has been useful in his day and
generation as a trustworthy public servant and
church worker.
Mr. Ormsby is of Irish extraction, but the family
was established in America manj' j'ears ago. His
father, Pliilander Ormsb^-, w,^s born in Wliitestown,
N. Y., in 1800, and when eighteen years old went
Oswego County and established himself on a farm
near Mexico. He imi)roved land tlicre and fol-
lowed farming until his death in 18,56. He was
one of the strong Abolitionists whose belief caused
so much agitation in political circles. His religious
home was in the Baptist Church and he was a Dea-
con from his early manhood. The mother of our sub-
ject bore the maiden name of Luna Halsted, and was
born in Oneida County, N. Y. Her last years
were spent in this State and she died at Corunna
at the home of her j-oungest child Morris Ormsby.
The birthplace of our subject was in the
vicinity of Mexico, Oswego County N. Y.,
and his natal day July 26, 1836. His early
j'ears were passed amid the usual rural sur-
roundings, and his school privileges were limited
to an attendance during the winter months, while
the summers were given to various duties belong-
ing to farm life. When liis father died he took
charge of the seventj' acres of land comprising the
homestead and operated it until 1865, when he
sold and came to Corunna. A few months later he
was established in business iiere with M. Carland,
and the connection continued until 1869. Mr.
Ormsby then bought out liis partner and until 1872
carried on the grocery trade alone. He then took
his nephew, F. Howlett, in as a partner, and put up
a brick store, into which they moved a stock of
goods In September. During the centennial j'ear
Mr. Ormsb}' .again became sole proprietor of the
establishment, and lias carried on tlie business alone
since that time. He carries a stock of crockery
and wall paper, in addition to staple and fancy
groceries, and has a tliriving trade. In February,
1888, he became agent for the American Express
Company and in May 1891, the business of the
National Express Company was placed in his
hands.
In Mexico, N. Y., July 6, 1856, Mr. Ormsby
and Miss Mary E. AVhitman were united in mar-
riage. The bride w«s born in the town of Oswego
and was the daughter of Orange Whitman, a black-
sniitli. After more than thirty 3-eais of wedded
happiness, she was called hence August 19, 1889.
Tlie3' had two sons born to them who died previ-
ous to their removal to Michigan. Mr. Ormsby
was City Treasurer four years in succession and
was Supervisor of the Second Ward in Corunna,
one 3'ear. Wiiile holding the latter position he w.as
Chairman of the Committee of Public Buildings
and Grounds and others. He was a member of the
Scliool Board one term. In his early years he be-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
917
longed to the Abolition party and wlien tliere was
no further need of lliat element in politics lie 'oe-
came a Republican. In 1886 be was convinced
that the liquor traffic was the most im[)ortant sub-
ject for legislation and he abandoned the Republi-
can ranks and became a Prohibitionist. He was
a delegate to county and State conventions
while working with the Ue))ublicans. While in-
terested in all matters which [jertain to public wel-
fare, Mr. Ormsby has been more active in church
work than anything else. He belongs to the
Methoilist Episcopal Church, in which he has been
Steward and Trustee. Having a love of and talent
for singing,he has been Chorister for a quarter of a
century and his voice still leads the choir.
|EV. WILLIAM C. ALLEN, the pastor of
St. John's Congregational Church, is an
Englishman by birth, having been born
!i^ September 2G, 1843, in Canterbury, Kent,
England. His father, Thomas, was born in Kod-
ferd, Lancastershire, and was a veterinar}- surgeon,
living at Canterbur}'. When a j'oung man he was
in the English army and served under the Duke of
York. He died at Canterbury at the age of sixtj--
one years. The family is of Norrann descent.
The mother of our subject, Elizabeth Clark, was
born in London. Her father was a native of Edin-
burgh, Scotland, but made his home in London in
early life. They were members of the Church of
England. Elizabeth Clark Allen died in England
when her son was but three years old, and his fa-
ther died one year later. He was then brought up
by his eldest sister, Elizabeth Philips, who resided
at Dundock. Ireland. Of the sixteen children of
this family only eight grew to maturity. William
was educated by his sister in the National schools
and a private academy until he reached the age of
fourteen years. He then, in 1857, enlisted as a
volunteer in the English army. He served his first
five years in the second Royal Cheshire Militia,
with quarters at C'hcster. In 18G2 he re-enlistcd
for twelve years, as a private in the Thirteenth Hus-
sars.
In 1866 the young soldier came to America dur-
ing the Fenian raid and was located in Canada, be-
ing most of the lime in Toronto. He served until
1868 when he purchased his discharge and began
the study of ministry. He took a four years' course
in theology under the Toronto pastors, being en-
gaged in preaching at the same time. He was
regularly ordained to the ministry, June 11, 1873,
at Toronto. He remained tliere for some years
and then went to St. Catherine's. He located at.
Saugatuck, Allegan County, Mich., in 1877, and
was pastor of the Congregational Church there for
fifteen months. Thence he went to Wel)ster, Wash-
tenaw County, and was for four years [lastor of one
of the oldest churches in the State. In 1883 he
spent nine months at St. Ignace in the Upper Pen-
insula and there built a church. From there he
weut to Leslie, Ingham Countj^ and was pastor of
the church there for four years, and helped them to
erect a neat and commodious house of worship. He
spent fifteen months in East Tawas and in Se|)tem-
ber, 1888, was called to St. John's as pastor of the
Congregational Church, which built for him in
1 890 a neat and attractive parsonage.
The marriage of the Rev. Mr. Allen with Miss
Rebecca Sylvester took place in Toronto, May 26,
1871. This lady was born in Toronto and is a
true helpmate to her husband in his pastoral work,
being possessed of a noble Christian character. Mr.
Allen's musical abilities are on the same par of
excellence with his public talents and he has a high
reputation as a performer upon the flute and cor-
net.
'jflOIIN BLASS, a resident of St. John's, Clin-
ton County, was born in Columbia County,
N. Y., October 18,1819. His grandfather
/ was John 1. Hlass, of New York, and his
great jriandfather was one of three brothers who
came from German^'. The father, Jacob Blass,
came to Indiana and settleil in LaPorte and subse-
quently removed to Michigan, where he died about
1875. His wife, Anna Vanderwocker, a native of
New Y'ork, died in 1820. With the exception of
two half brothers and two half sisters our subject
918
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
is now the only living representative of bis father's
family.
This boy was reared upon the farm and had a
walk of nearly two miles to take to reach tiie
school. He lived with his grandmother until
about twelve years old, when he began working
for various farmers by the month or job as he
could get employment. After he was eighteen
years old he went to learn the trade of carpentry
and when he had it partly learned he struck out
for himself and followed this line of work for about
twenty-two years. Having accumulated some
means he began buying and selling land in the
counties of Wayne and Cayuga, N. Y. He finally
kept a tavern at Wcstbury, N. Y., for some three
years, and afterwards sold out and came to Michi-
gan, making his home near Cold water and work-
ing at his trade. He subsequently bought a farm
which he improved and disposed of.
In 1864 Mr. Blass went to Idalio and spent one
summer in the gold diggings in the northern part
of the Territory. He tlien returned to this State
and prospected for land in Nortiiern Michigan,
but finally returned to this part of the State-
and purchased a farm near St. John's. He sold
this property and bought a tavern in Olive Town-
ship, Clinton County, which has long been known
as the "Muskrat Tavern." After carrying this on
for about two years, he sold it and purchased the
farm where he now resides on section 9, Olive
Township. Most of it was unbroken and he has
done much pioneer work in clearing and improv-
ing it.
The first marriage of our subject took place
November 28, 1845, at Phelps, N. Y., and his wife
died December 18, 1865. Of her three children
the oldest, Densel, died in the war. Oscar is in
the boot and shoe business in Cliicago, and Edgar
is now deceased. The subject of this biogra-
phy was a second time married, Februarj' 22, 1867,
to Ophelia Emery, of Michigan, who died April 2,
1869, leaving one child who has died. Mr. Blass'
third marriage took place July 3, 1870, his wife
being Lury A. Jason, of Ohio. One daughter,
Millie, is the result of this marriage.
Mr. Blass is an earnest and hearty advocate of
Republican principles and is a member of the
Grange. He began life without means, and being
a man of great energy and push has been quite
successful. He now owns one hundred and twenty
acres of land and raises all kinds of stock. He has
made liis monej' by buying and selling land and
various methods of trade. The especial pride of
the home of this family is the daughter Millie, who
is now a fine young woman and one who deserves
and receives the warmest praise of all who know
her. She is efficient and cap.ible in domestic affairs
and a universal favorite in society.
-^
Ml ft,ILLIAM F. BEEBJ:E, a prominent young
\rJ// farmer and stock-raiser on section 23, o'
'J^xy Greenbush Township, Clinton County,
where he owns one hundred acres, is a native of
Madifon Counlj', N. Y., where he was born July
3, 1853. lie is a son of Sylvester and Abby Ann
Beebee, natives of New York. He has been rcai'ed
to manhood in this county .having come hither with
his parents when a j'outh. He received his educa-
tion in practical life on the farm, and his book-
learning in the district schools, which in those da\^s
were sadly deficient in the many advantages that
are now enjoyed by the children of Michigan. He
is mainly- a self-educated man and is well-read and
thoroughly well-informed in regard to topics of
general interest.
The marriage of Mr. Beebee, January 1, 1877,
united him with Odessa Green, a daughter of Will-
iam and Sarah Green, of Greenbush Township.
The father died some 3'esrs ago and the mother is
again a widow, having married for her second
husband David Blank, now deceased. To Mr. and
Mrs. Beeboe have been born three children: Nora
L., born January 27, 1881, Bertha M., February
18, 1887. .and Emma E., September 9, 1890.
Mr. Beebee is a Republican in politics, and while
not an office seeker, is intelligent in his under-
standing of the policy of his party and is earnestly
interested in its progress. He is wide-awake on
matters of local enterprise and is one of the active
promoters in cverj' movement which lends toward
the elevation of society and the future good of the
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
919
county. He is earnestly in favor of progressive
movements in education and looiis to tlie interests
of the rising generations He is prominently iden-
tified with the Knights of Honor at St. John's and
lie and his valuable wife are highly respected mem-
bers of society.
The subject of this sketch is well-known, not
only in his township, but also throughout this part
of the county, for his sturdy integrity, industry
and enterprise, and for the good success which has
met his efforts. He enjoys the unfailing confidence
of the business community. Further mention of
his venerable father, Sylvestet Beebee, the well-
known Justice of the Peace, appears elsewhere in
this Album. Mrs. Beebee is a member of the
Ciiristian Church at Eureka.
<il jf/ H. COLE, a merchant and ex-Slieriff of
\/vli ^^liifiwassee County, is now engaged in
^i/^' general mercliandising in Corunna, and is
accounted one of the most influential and enterpris-
ing citizens of that prosperous town. He was born
in Brownviile, Jefferson County, N. Y., July 2.5,
1813. His father, William N., was a native of the
same county and the grandfather, William, was a
native of Vermont and served in the War of 1812
at Sackett's Harbor. He afterward became one of
the early settlers in Jefiferson County and owned a
large tract of land there. He died at the age of
seventy-five years.
The father of our subject emigrated from Brown-
viile, N. Y., to Shiawasese County, this State, in
1867. He made his home in Caledonia Township,
and there bought improved land, and later pur-
chased a farm of two hundred and fort)' acres in
Vernon Townsliip. He is now eighty years old,
yet bright and active and able to do a good da3''s
work. He keeps up his interest in public affairs
and is an earnest Republican in his political views.
His wife, Laura Buncc, was left an orphan at an
early age and w^as reared by her uncle. Judge Bunce,
who was one of the first to locate in St. Clair
County, and who laid out Port Huron and Pon-
tiac. He was a surveyor and could talk the Indian
language, and became Judge of St. Clair County,
and was esteemed one of the most able men of the
of his day in Michigan. He attained to the ex-
treme age of one hundred and two years. When
he reached his one hundredth year the occasion
was celebrated at his home by a gathering of the
most noted men of the State. He was bereaved of
of his wife in 1848. The only sister of our sub-
ject is Hattie, Mrs. Merrick, of Franklin County,
N. Y.
After attending a common district school in Jef-
ferson County, N. Y., the subject of this sketch
spent one winter in the academy at Ft. Covington.
When the war broke out he was strongly inclined
to join the army and finally <lid so in 1863, volun-
teering In the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery,
Compan)' L He was mustered in at Sackett's Har-
bor and joined the Army of the Potomac under
Sheridan in the Valley of the Shenandoah. He
was in many skirmishes and fights and in the en-
gagement at Bermuda Hundred, his artillery lost
one-third of its men. They were then placed
upon provost duty until June 18fi5,and during the
next month were mustered out of service.
In the spring of 1866 this young veteran soldier
went to Oskaloosa, Iowa, and engaged in farming
for two years. He then bought a farm of eighty
acres within the corporation limits of Corunn.a,
Mich., which he managed until 1875. He grad-
uallj' drifted into the stock business and for three
years managed a market. At two diflferent times
he was in the livery business and for two years
Under-Sheriff under Kelso. In the fall of 1884 he
was nominated Sheriff on the Democratic ticket
and received the election and being re-elected
served until January 1, 1889. He purchased, in
April, 1891, the dry goods, grocery and notions
business which had been under the management of
Mr. Eveleth.
Miss Mary Jones, of Brownviile, N.Y., became the
wife of Mr. W. H. Cole in 1865. Her parents,
Silas and Sarah A. Jones, were prosperous farmers
of Jefferson Count}^ N. Y. Three children came
to bless this home. The}- arc William N., who is
at home; also Laura, who is with her father in busi-
ness and Blanche who is still at home. Mr. Cole is
often sent as a delegate to county and State Dem-
920
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ocratic conventions. He is a Kniglit Templar and
has a handsome badge of that order which was pre-
sented to him by his Deputies. He also belongs to
the Knights of Honor of Corunna.
-^^
\f> AMES SLEETH, M. D., one of the well-
known ])rofessional men of Byron, Shia-
wassee County, and editor and publisher of
yjfj the Byrou Herald, was born in County
Monaghan, Ireland, in August, 1823. He is the
second son of Robert and Susan (Gamble) Sleeth,
who emigrated to America in 1838 and made their
home on a farm in Commerce Township, Oakland
County, where they spent the remainder of their
lives. lie and his worthy wife were earnest and
devoted members of the United Presbyterian
.Church and they were farmers in comfortable cir-
cumstances. His political convictions led him to
alliliate with the Republican party.
The subject of this sketch was the second in a
family of eleven children and was fifteen years old
wiien his parents emigrated to America. He re-
mained with them on the farm in Oakland County
until he reached the age of twenty-three j'ears,
when lie went to Milford and began reading medi-
cine with Drs. Foote and Morey. He afterward
took two courses of lectures at the medical depart-
ment of the Western Reserve College of Hudson,
Oiiio, graduating from that institution in 1850.
The young man then came to Byron and began
practicing medicine, but after one year removed to
AVhite Lake, Oakland County, and after practicing
two years returned to Byron, there continuing in the
practice of his profession until the spring of 1863,
when he joined the arm3- as an assistant Surgeon
under a commission in the Sixth Michigan Cavalry.
He remained with that regiment in the Arm}- of the
Potomac until the close of the war, at which time
it was sent West to Ft. Laramie, Wyo., and re-
mained there until October, 1865, when he was dis-
charged and returned to Byron.
Dr. Sleeth then engaged in the drug business for
about four years and after spending one winter in
Corunna moved again to Byron and attended to
legal business and taught school until the inaugu-
ration of Hayes' administration when he was ap-
pointed Postmaster at Byron, and he held that
ofHce for eight years. After this he started the
Byron Herald which he has since published, mak-
ing it a neutral paper. He read law and was ad-
mitted to the bar at Corunna about the year 1859,
and has since given more or less attention to the
practice of the legal profession. He has held
numerous township offices .and was elected Coroner
of Shiawassee County in 18'.)0, but would not qual-
ify .as he did not wish the office. He is a. Repub-
lican in his political convictions and is identified
with the D. G. Royce Post, No. 117, G. A. R. at
Byron.
In December, 1854, Dr. Sleeth was united in
marriage with Frances E. Kelsey, of Bj'ron. .She
was born in Fairhaven, Vt., in the year 1827,
and was the youngest daughter of Curtis and
Betsey Kelsey. B}- this union there were born three
children, namely: Carrie E., Minnie and Philip S.
The first named is now the wife of William Mc-
Donald; Minnie is the wife of J. T. Emmett, of
Howell, and Philip has been called to the other
world. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sleeth fire members
of the Presbyterian Chuich and are respecteil and
esteemed members of society.
] ACOB HOOVER, a resident of Essex Town-
ship, Clinton Count}-, and the father of a
large, intelligent and prosperous family, was
born in Mercer County, Pa., October 6,
1826. His father, who was also named Jacob, was
born in Pennsylvania in. 1196 and moved to Ma-
honing County, Ohio, where he managed a farm
until his death, which occurred in 1870. He was
a successful farmer and a consistent member of the
Lutheran Church. The mother Christina Bush,
two of whose five children are now living, died be-
fore her husband.
The subject of this brief sketch was reared upon
a farm and took his education in the district school,
passing many hours upon the slab seats in the log
school-house and jirofiting much by the earnest and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
921
thorougli drill of Ibose pioneer sciiools, which
made up in thoroughness what they lacked in a
broad and comprehensive course of study.
When the youtli reached his eighloentli ^ear his
father generously gave him his time and he hired
himself out upon a neighbor's farm for $10 a
month. After five years of work in this way he
went into the iron mines in Mahoning County,
Ohio, for about seven years, then farmed on shares
for six years. He came to Michigan in 18()5 and
purchased a farm in Essex Township, Clinton
Count}-, and moved upon it two j'ears later. This
land, which was then covered with forest, he has
cleared and improved and one of his first move-
ments was to erect a log house. He at first pur-
chased eighty-nine acres, to wliich he has adiled
forty-eight more.
Tiie marriage of Jacob Hoover to Cynthia Ague
was solemnized in Edinborough, Pa., in the year
of 1849. They became the parents of fourteen
children of more than usual promise, and have
found in them true parental comfort and J03'
and have been bereaved of only one of their large
(lock. Orin, the eldest, married and lives in Ash-
ley, Gratiot County, this Stale; Christina J. is the
wife of Lero}' Jones, a farmer in Bengal Township;
Charles is married, and like his elder brother, lives
in Ashley; Cynthia is the wife of Charles Jones, a
farmer in Saginaw County; Loran A. is deceased;
Eva is leaching at Maple Rapids; William and
Harrv are at home; Maggie, a dressmaker, and
Mar}', a stenographer and typewriter, are in Chi-
cago; Seth C. is still unmarried; Myrtle is attend-
ing school at Ashley, and Maude and Ralph are at
Lome with their parents. To every one of this
large family their parents have furnished oppor-
tunities for a liberal education.
Mr. Hoover is well known in Re[)ublican cir-
cles and has more than once been sent as a dele-
gate to County and district conventions, and for
several ycavs ably filled the office of Highway
Commissioner. He is identified with the Ancient
Order of United AVorkmen and has been a Mason
for twenty years. Both he and his admirable and
worthy wife are active members of the Christian
Church. He began life with no means except his
own resolution and his manly strength and lie now
possesses one hundred and thirty-seven acres in a
splendid state of cultivation and a commodious
and attractive home. Besides general crops he
raises all kinds of stock.
The parents of Mrs. Hoover were Abram and
Jane (McChesney) Ague. They were both natives
of Pennsylvania, where they spent their earlier
years, but came to Ohio and made their home there
many years ago. They have both long since been
called away from life.
ILAS A. YERKES, a prominent citizen of
Bennington Township, Shiawassee County,
settled on his farm on section b, in the fall
of 1848, having at that lime one hundred
and sixty acres from his father all in wild land. He
began to improve it and secured eighty acres more
which now comprises the body of his farm, with
the exception of a small portion which was platted
and sold as lots. He brought with him a team and
a little money from Oakland County, where he had
lived in Novi Township since 1827.
The'parents, William and Hester (Dennis) Yerkes,
were both from Nevv York, the father being born
in Pennsylvania, and the mother in New .Jersey.
After their marriage in New York, they came lo
Michigan in 1825. William Yerkes was bereaved
of his wife in 1880, when she was eighty-two years
old, and he died in 1885 at the very advanced age
of ninety years. He was a prominent man in the
•ommunity, and had served in the Territorial Legis-
lature, and afterward in the State Legislaliire for
two or three terms. He took up Government land
and lived on it until his death. His ten children
all grew lo maturity, and established homes of their
own. They arc named — Joseph, William P., Mary,
John, Silas A., Robert, Charles, Stephen, George
and Harrison.
The subject of this sketch remained at home un-
til he was twenty-one, and then took possession of
the land which his father had secured from the Gov-
ernment. He had been West locating land for
the Eastern people, and had secured forty acres in
that way. He carries on general farming, and pays
922
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
some attention to stock-raising. He breeds Ham-
bletonian horses, and bred ''Ray nerd" whose record
is 2 :27. He also has "Maggie Yerkes," a mare of
great promise. His political views lead him to
affiliate with the Republican party with which he
has voted continuously since 1856. He is active
in public affairs, althougii a sufferer in health, hav-
ing been a victim of sciatic rheumatism for thirty
years.
The marriage of Silas Yerkes with Eleanor Ann
McCarty, of Owosso, took place August 18, 1849.
This lady is of French and English descent, and is
a daughter of Abram F. and Eliza (Andrews; Mc-
Carty, who settled in Owosso in 1847. Their
daughter was born in Ohio; her children are: Will-
iam F., who died at the age of seven; and Hettie
Eliza, now Mrs. T. Jay Perkins, who lives on a farm
and whose husband is a partner in the spoke fac-
tory of Owosso. Mr. Yerkes carries on his farm
by the help of hired men. He is a Sj'mpathizer
with and supporter of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mrs. Perkins was born March 22, 1854,
and married September 5, 1883. They resided for
awliile in Northville, Wayne County, where Mr.
Perkins was conducting a mercantile business, but
after two years returned to Bennington, where he
became a member of the Greer & Perkins manufac-
facturing company, buying out the Owosso Spoke
Factory.
Mrs. Perkins is an accomplished and enthusiastic
equestrian, and divides her time between her hus-
band and her horses. She has her own horses, and
is breeding Ilambletonian Clay and Olmedo Wilkes
horses. She has two Louis Napoleon colts, and is
well posted on horse records. She takes a great
interest in driving, and has been largelj' instru-
mental in erecting a capacious liorse barn upon the
farm which is admirably arranged to accommodate
a number of horses, having separate box stalls, well
ventilated and lighted. She is an intelligent l.idy,
and handsome and of stately presence.
The history- of Mr. Yerkes and liis wife would
be incomplete without some reference to their an-
cestry. The Yerkes family in this country origin-
ated with two brothers, who came from Holland and
settled in Philadelphia many years ago. "Baron"
Yerkes, the street railway magnate is a near rela-
tive of our subject. Farmington, Conn., was set-
tled in 1640 by John and Mary Andrews. The
genealogj' of this family- has been prepared by the
Rev. Alfred Andrews, of New Britain, Conn. That
gentleman is the father of the Andrews Bros., of
Chicago, who are so well known in business circles
as manufacturers of school supplies. The genealog}'
shows an unbroken line from this first American
John Andrews through Joseph and Joseph, Jr.,
William, Miles, Jason and Eliza (Andrews) Mc-
Carty to Eleanor Ann McCarty, now Mrs. Yerkes.
■ifJOHN WESLEY CHASE. The owner of
the farm on section 16, Shiawassee Town-
ship, Shiawassee County, is the gentleman
whose name heads this sketch. He was
born in Luzerne County, Pa., June 13, 1830. His
father was John N. and his mother Eliza (Carney)
Chase. She was a native of Luzerne County, Pa.,
the father of Maine. John Chase, Sr., died at
Ontario, Ind., some fourteen years ago. His widow
survives, having attained the age of eigiity-three.
Our subject's parents settled in Cass Count}-,
this State, near Niles, in 1831, and about 1834
went to Will County, 111., where they located
about thirty miles southwest of Joliet. About four
years later they went to LaGrange County, Ind.,
and in March, 1841, came to St. Joseph County,
this State, where they settled on the southeast cor-
ner of the township, where they lived until our
subject was about thirty-eight years of age.
la 1850 Mr. Chase made the overland journey
to California, where he was engaged in mining at
Sutter's old mill during the years 1850-51. His
efforts were crowned witli fair success and he re-
turned to St. Joseph County in 1852. Here he set-
tled upon a new farm to which he bent his efforts
to improve until 18G8 when he came to his present
place. Mr. Chase has one hundred and sixty acres
in his farm, part of which was improved when he se-
cured it. He is engaged in general farming. He mar-
ried, January 1, 1854, in St. Joseph County, Miss
Sophia Pha-nix, who was born in Tompkins County,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
923
N. Y., and who has two brothers living at not a
great distance from her. Maxwell E. resides in
Brighton Township and Henry Phojnix lives in the
neighborhood of Mrs. Chase.
Our subject and his estimable wife were the
parents of several children, whose names are as
follows: Emma, now Mrs. George Hartwell, of
Benington Township; Mary, the widow of Charles
Mosley, who lives at home with her mother; Katie,
who is Mrs. Dennis Morris, of Newbiirg; John, at
home; Jane, who is Mrs. William Banks, has been
a teacher for several years in the home district;
Pha?nix, who is in business at Owosso ; Ralph, at
home, and Charles, also at home. Our subject is
not connected with any church, although his father
was a ju'ominent Methodist in pioneer daj's. The
gentleui.an of whom we write was Justice of the
Peace in St. Joseph County, Mich.
<|i7 lEUT. CHARLES FOWLER. The varied
I (©) wants of men give rise to differing lines of
dJ^^ trade, in which men of ability can fii,d room
for the exercise of their peculiar talents and so
become prominent and prosperous. A glance over
the town of St. John's will show the stranger a
number of first-class establishments, one of wliich
is devoted to the sale of hardware, plumber's and
gas fitter's goods, and the manufacUire of tinware.
A full line of shelf and heav}' lianlware is carried,
and the other departments of the business are
equally complete. This establishment, wliicii is the
largest of the kind in the place, occupies five floors
of a double store and is under the direct control
of its proprietors, Charles Fowler and Cooley E.
Ball.
John Fowler, grandfather of our subject, was a
native of Cambridgeshire, England, and spent his
entire life there ongaged in the work of blacksmitli-
ing. His son James, father of our subject, was
Ijorn at Gravely in 1815, and learned his father's
trade. He carried on a shop for some time in
Huntingtonshire, whence he came to America in
1851. He lived in various places, looking about
for a location that pleased him, and finally settled
in Tonawanda, N. Y., where he carried on a shop
until 1870. He then came to this State and made
his home with his son, our subject, until his death,
in 1881. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah
Bodger, was born at Covington, Cambridgeshire,
England, and died in the East during the Civil
War. They had six children, Charles being the
first-born. His sister Hannah, Mrs. Bourne, died
in Schoolcraft, this Slate, and Sarah A., now Mrs.
Taylor, is living in Graadville, tlie other died very
young. In Fenstanton, Huntingtonshire, February
18, 1840, Charles Fowler opened his eyes to the
light. His life to the age of twelve years was
devoid of any incident of unusual interest, as up to
that time he studied and played as do most lads.
He then decided to "• paddle his own canoe " and
made his way to New York and thence to Cow
Bay, L. I., and for ten months worked aToong the
oystermen on a sloop. He then returned home and
for three years was in the employ of a Mr. Stoddard.
In 1856 he came to this State and made bis home
in Genesee County near Goodrich, working at
various occupations as he found opportunity', being
ready to turn his hand to anything and being
handy with implements of various kinds. He
attended school winters until he was nineteen, when
he began teaching and soon after he became a
student in the State Normal School at Ypsilanti.
Young Fowler was at Ypsilanti when the war
broke out. In August, ISO , he came to St. John's
and entered the employ of Mr. Charles Kipp, for
whom he worked until July 22, 1862. He then
enlisted in the Twenty-third Michigan Infantry and
was mustered in at Saginaw, Septemlter 11, as a
private in Company A, and ai)pointed First Ser-
geant that day. He received a commission as
Second Lieutenant, December 17, 1862, and was
assigned to Company C, of the same regiment, was
promoted to First Lieutenant of the same company,
February 4, 1864. In July, 1864, he was offered
his choice of a commission of Captain or one of
First Lieutenant and Quartermaster; he chose the
latter and he thus became a member of the Colonel's
staff with same pay as Captain. Some of the occas-
ions on which he did valiant service were during
Morgan's raid, the battle at Campbell Station in
November, 1863, the siege of Knoxville and the
924
rORTKAIT AMD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Atlanta campaion. After following Sherman's
fortunes in that memorable series of marches and
engagements, he returned to Nashville with Gen.
Thomas and then marched to Clifton, was sent to
Washington, tlien to Alexandria, and finallj'
rejoined Sherman at Goldsboro. He next marched
to Raleigh and was present at the surrender of that
city and was afterward quartered at Salisbury, N.
C, until July 1, 1865, when he was sent North to
receive his discharge at Detroit, July 20. He was
one of the fortunate few who escaped the illness or
wounds whicli detained them from their commands,
and was never off dutj' while he was a soldier.
When the war was over Mr. Fowler returned to
St. Jolin's and until March, 1868, was clerk in the
hardware establishment of Kipp<fe McFarland. He
then became a partner in the firm and in 1870
another change was made, the style then becoming
Kipp ife Fowler. In 1876 the firm of C. Kipp &
Co. went into effect, Mr. Fowler being one of the
three members. In 1884 the senior member sold
his interest to his companions and Fowler and Ball
have since carried on the business. Mr. Fowler
lias a pleasant home where a wife and two children
greet him when business hours are over. Mrs.
Fowler bore the maiden name of M. Janet Irisb,
and was born in Groveland Township, Oakland
County, where her marriage took place in 1866.
Slie is a daughter of Manley Irish, an agriculturist
there.
Mr. and l\Irs. Fowler have had four children.
Those now living are Leah, who was born in 1873
and is a high school student of the class of '92, and
Robert D., a bright lad somewhat younger than his
sister. The deceased are Charles M., who was born
in 1868 and died in 1886 and Fred H. who was born
in 1869 and died when four years old. Charles
was an extremely bright and promising youth,
whose early decease cast a shadow over the school
with which he was connected, and left an inefface-
able cloud in the home of his parents. When
fk called hence he was pursuing the last year's course
in the High School.
Mr. Fowler was tillage Trustee six years, then
President two yeais and is again serving in the
former capacity. He belonged to the School Board
nine ^ears and was chairman of the committee when
s^
the present building was put up. He is an hon-
orary member of the fire department and is one of
tiie directors and shareholders in the gas company.
He belongs to Charles E. Grisson Post, G. A. R.,
and is one of lis most popular comrades and equally
well liked in general society. Politically, he is a
stiinch Repul)lican and lie has served as a delegate
to county, State and congressional conventions.
I/OSKPH J. HUFFMAN, one of the noble
defenders of our country during the Civil
War, whose fine farm is situated on section
12, Rush Township, Shiawassee Count}', was
born in Portage County, Ohio, May 4, 1841. His
father, William Huffman, a farmer, was born in
Pennsylvania, near Reading, March 28, 1818, and
received a common-SLliool education. He came to
Ohio with his parents, and was married about
1838 to Margaret Ruff, of Colunibiaiia County,
Ohio. She was born March 28, 1815.
The parents of our subject in.ade their early
home in Kdinburg Township, Portage County, until
1844, when they went to Hancock County, Ohio,
and bought eighty acres of land. They did not
hold liiis long but sold it and purchased another
farm in the vicinity, where the father died in 1864.
The}' had ten children, three daughters and seven
sons, of whom our subject was second in order of
birth.
September 13, 1866, was the wediling day of
J. J. Huffman anti Surah J. Fricks, a daughter of
Daniel ai;d Matilda (Martin) Frick, who had four
sons and three daughters, of whom Sarah J., tTie
second in order of age, was born December IS,
1845. Our subject and his wife liought eighty
acres of land in Hancock County, and lived there
for some twelve years, coming to Michigan in
1878 anil purchasing eighty acres in Rusli Town-
ship. Two lovely daughters have graced their
home, Lillian J., who is now the wife of William
F. Johnson, and Ada M. who remains with her
parents.
Mr. Huffman has for some time been identified
with the Indeiicndeut Order of Odd Fellows in
RE61uLli:c ur DZuiNllS SNlDEF<. oF:C. I j.,wl.D[.^L3URr TP,, SH.A\V.A^':Et C0.,M1CH.
RLSIDEMCr. ur J.J. HUFFMAN, SFCli-.^XlJoH TP. . 5i i ! AWA^LCt E JO.,|vHCH.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
927
wliicli he 1ms been Trensurcr anrl is now Vice
Grand. He is a Republican in his politics and has
been Treasurer of the township for four years and
h.as also held offices in connection will; the scliool
matters. In 1880, he bought forty acres of land
and in 1883 added forty more, all on the same
section", and now has one hundred and fifty-one
acres, one hundred and twenty-live being under
cultiv.ation. He started with no capital and has
made a good farm and home by his untiring exer-
tions and good management.
In August, 1861, Mr. Huffman, then a youth not
having reached his majority, enlisted in Comi)any
A, Fortj'-ninth Ohio luf.antry. His regiment was
ordered South and he was present at the following
engagements: Pittsburg Landing, Siege of Cor-
inth, Murfreesboro, Stone River, lles.ica, Chicka-
maiiga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Picket's Mills,
and Kenesaw Mountain. He went as far as Atlanta
and then returned to Nashville witli Thomas' Div-
ision, in pursuit of Hood. The following spring
they were sent to San Antonia and Gonzales,
Tex. From there they proceeded to Victoria,
where the}' received their discharge November 30,
1865. When leaving Nashville, Tenn., for Texas,
our subject was promoted to the office of First
Sergeant. Mr. Huffman's experiences in the war
have left him with some serious afflictions which
most certainly point to his deserving a pension but
he has never received one. He suffers greatly
with catarrh and also with heart disease, and his
deafness w.as caused by the Bring of a cannon near
him.
The attention of the reader is invited to the
view of Mr. Huffman's homestead, presented on
another page.
^^AYTON B. RKED, a retired farmer and
capitalist of Owosso, Mich., was born in
Rootstown, Portage County, Ohio, January
28, 1820. His parents were Abraham and Sily
(Hitchcock) Reed; the father was born on the
27th of March, 1777, in Kllington Township, Tol-
land County, Conn., and the mother December 17,
of the same year. In connection with seven other
families this couple soon after marriage removed
with wagon and by the aid of oxen and horses
from Connecticut to Ohio, settling in the Western
Reserve camping by the w.ay and being forty-two
days on the road, finding their new home in the
green woods of Portage County. There they
cleared away the trees, cultivated a faun and spent
the remainder of their days. The father died on
January 6, 1849 and the nKjther passed away June
27, 1834.
Ten ciiililren clustered about the fireplace in this
pioneer home, four sons and six daughters; of
this household there are oul}' four living, three
sisters and our subject. He attended school at
Rootstown and began his business days as clerk in
a store and after some experience there he set out
through the West to peddle goods, going to country
stores and having a regular circuit, following the
business thirteen years. He afterward started in
dealing on his own account in dry goods, adding
such other stock as is found in country stores and
continued in Rootstown in this business for five
years, after which he sold out and became a travel-
ing salesman for James Ward it Co. of Niles, Ohio.
After serving that firm for several years he entered
the employ of a New York house in the hardware
line, traveling through Ohio and later being sales-
man for Manning, Roman & Co., of Meriden,
Conn.
Mr. Reed came to Shiawassee Countj', in 1866,
and locating in Caledonia Township bought, a farm.
In December, 1890, he sold that property and
moved to the city of Owosso where he h:is since
resided, looking after his general business and
transacting loans. His marriage took place June
22, 1842. His wife who bore the name of Helen
S. Bariium, was born in Rootstown, Portage County,
Ohio,June 22,1825. Her mother w.as.luliet Postwick,
who was born April 9, 1797, in Hinesburg, Chit-
tendon County. Vt. and lived to the .age of ninety
years. Her father, Samuel Barnum, w.as born in
Vergennes, same county, July 21, 1796, and lived
to the good old age of eighty-live years.
Mr. and Mrs. Reed be<'ame the parents of two
children: Juliette A., a graduate of the High
School at Corunna, now the wife of Albert West
928
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of Owosso and Laura H., wife of Walla H. IIol-
maa of the same city. Mr. Reed has been Justice
of the Peace and Supervisor of Caledonia Town-
ship for several terms. Politically he is a Demo-
crat but cannot be called in any sense a politician.
He is also a member of the Corunna Lodge No. 61,
1. O. O. F. Tiie family resides in .i beautiful, at-
tractive residence at No. 519 Mason Street East.
: ■■-^o^- c
pjljENJAMIN F. SMILEY, a prominent resi-
'^\ *'*2"*' o^ Greenbush Township, Clinton
i County, was born February 7, 18.35, in
Tuscarawas Count}', Ohio, and is a son of
James and Elizabetli (Burrell) Smiley. His father
was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of
Maryland, and they were j)ioneers in Ohio. They
had a family of eleven children and the following
are now living, an honor to their parents and a
benefit to the communities in which thej' move:
Robert B., living in Kansas; John, in Davis County,
Ind. ; our subject is next in order of birth ; Thomas,
in Davis County, Ind.; Marshall and Susan, (Mrs.
M. S. Itskin) in Tuscarawas County, Ohio; Jane in
the same county ; Keziah, wife of J. A. Ilostetter,
in Canal Dover, Ohio; and Jame^s M. and Racliel,
(Sirs. M. J. Flood) in Tuscarawas Countj-, Ohio.
Mary A., is deceased.
The subject of this sketch engaged in farming
from his early boyhood and growing up in his na-
tive count}', took such educational advantages as
he could there find. He is principally self educated,
as the necessities of farm life kept him at home
much of the time and when he attended school the
lack of system in the schools of those early days
prevented him from making rapid [jrogress.
His marriage in 1860, May 30, with Elizabeth
Putt, was an evenly of great moment in the life of
the young man and was the beginning of a domes-
tic life of more than usual happiness and prosper-
ity. His wife was born in the same county with
himself and they had grown up together from
childhood and their long acquaintance made a
foundation for mutual happiness. She is a daugh-
ter of Daniel and Barbara Putt. Her father is
still living but her mother has passed away from
earth.
Five children have been sent to bless the home
of our subject, three, Clara, Robert L., and Clark
P., have been called to the better world. The two
who remain to cheer the hearts of their parents are
Olive F., and Charles. Mr. Smiley removed his
family from Ohio to Michigan in the spring of
1881, and soon decided to make his home on sec-
tion 22, Greenbush Township, Clinton County.
He and his wife have by their efforts accumulated
most of their property and now own one hundred
and twenty acres of as fine land as there is in the
township, all under thorough cultivation.
In political matters our subject sympathizes vvith
the Democratic party, but he is not a strictly party
man, and is willing to work with his fellow-c'tizens
of any party for the social and industrial improve-
ment of that section of country. He has served
as School Assessor in his district and is ever wide-
awake to the educational interests of the young, as
he is anxious that his children and the children of
his ueiglibors shall have a better start in life than
their fathei's had. Both he and Mrs. Smiley and his
son and daughter are earnest and devoted members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and take an
active part in social life. He is well-known for his
sterling integrity in business matters, and enjo3-s
the confidence of his neighbors.
GEORGE C. REEVE is a farmer in Water-
town Township, Clinton County, residing
on section 26, where he owns a fine farm of
one hundred and ten acres, well improved and fur-
nished with fine farm buildings. His dwelling
house is attractive and pleasantly situated, is fin-
ished in hard wood and has all the modern im-
provements. He is a son of Thomas and Sophia
(Butt) Reeve, nativesof Cambridgeshire, England,
where the subject of this sketch was born February
11, 1810, and where he was reared upon a farm.
The mother of our subject died when he was
onl}' four years old, and liis father marrying again.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
929
the bo}- was brought up b^- bis slepmother. Up
remained at home until he was eleven years of age
wiien he, with his father's family, came to America
in 1851, and located in Clinton County, Mich. In
1864 George Reeve won the hand of Jennie Reynor,
who has been to him a true lielpmate and who pre-
sides over this beautiful liome and shares witli him
the fruit of their toil. Their marriage took place
July 2, 1864. and the union has been blessed by
the birth of five children — Agues L., born May 7,
1866, married Stellian Wilson and resides in Ing-
ham County ; Herbert H., born November 22, 1 868,
married Gracie Gillett and also resides in Ingham
County ; William R., born January 16, 1870, re-
sides at iiorae with ills jiarents; Claude B., born
.September 18, 1876, and George C, February 14,
1881.
Mrs. Reeve is the daughter of William and Han-
nah (Ring) Reynor, natives of the Empire State,
where she also veas born July 22, 1844. Her pa-
rents came to Michigan in 184G and located in
Eagle Township, Clinton County. Her fatiier en-
listed during the Civil War and was killed while
in the service.
Mr. Reeve bouglit the farm where he now lives
in 1864. It was then all timber land, and he has
thoroughly cleared it and placed upon it the im-
provements which now make it rank .as one of the
finest farms in Clinton County. His residence and
buildings are handsome and attractive and show,
without doubt, the hand of a thorough going
farmer and efficient business manager. He takes
quite an interest in social affairs and is a member
of Lodge No. 33, A. F. <fc A. M., and of Franklin
Council No. 211, Royal Arcanum, in the same
city.
J^^-
^^ ETII E. SHELDON, a retired farmer, is one
the most prominent and influential citizens
(if \'prnon. P'rom the active part he takes
in public affairs he has become widel}'
known throughout tiie eommnnity and we feel as-
sured that this sketch of his life will be received
with interest bj' his many friends. He is a native
of the Buckeye State, born in Portage Count}', Oct-
ober 14, 1834. The family to which he belongs
was founded in America during Colonial days. The
paternal grandfather of our subject, Samuel Shel-
don, followed farming throughout his life in his
native State — Connecticut, and lived to be ninety-
four years of age when he was thrown from a horse
and killed. He was a leading citizen of the com-
munity in which he made his home, a man of pro-
nounced convictions, of irreproachable character
and forfift}' years served as Deacon in the Ba[)list
Church, being one of its most active and faithful
members.
Seth Sheldon Sr., the father of our subject, was
born in Suflield Townshii), Hartford County, Conn.,
and became one of the early settlers of Portage
Count}', Ohio, whither he emigrated when about
twent3'-fivc years of .age. He married Julia Ban-
croft, a native of Windsor, Hartford County, Conn.,
and a daughter of Benjamin Bancroft. Unto them
were born three children, two sons and a daughter.
The father died in Ohio, in 1835. He was a Whig
in [(olitical sentiment. Mrs. Sheldon, who has since
married Martin Post, is still living and luas reached
the ripe old age of eighty-one j-ears.
Seth Sheldon, their youngest son and the subject
of this sketch was only a year old when his father
died. His mother afterward again married and the
family came to Michigan when Seth was a had of
six summers, locating on section 12, Shiawassee
Townshi|), in this county. The first home of the
family w.as a log cabin and the}' lived in true pio-
neer style, enduring many of the privations and.
disadvantages such as are incident to frontier life.
Afterward Jlr. Sheldon returned with his mother
and sister to Connecticut, where he spent about
two years and then again came to Shiawassee
County, Mich. His education was completed in
the scliools of Flint and at the .age of sixteen he
starte<l oui for himself to fight life's battles. He
commenced work .as a farm hand, working b}- the
month the first j'ear and in the succeeding autumn
and winter attended school. He then secured em-
ploymenl as clerk in the store of John Simonson,
with whom he remained for three years, after which
he spent one year in a general store in Owosso.
Subsequently he was employed in a store in Sliia-
wassee Township, after which he went to Iowa and
930
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
embarked in business for himself as a general mer-
chant in Solon. The year 1856 witnessed his
return to Shiawassee County, whereupon he inir-
chased a farm on section 13, Shiawassee Townsliip,
which he operated for two years, boarding at a
neighbor's as there w.os no house ujjon the place.
In 1858, Mr. Sheldon was united in marriage
with Miss Helen M., the third child of Henry and
Abigail (Merrell) Woodward, both of whom were
natives of the Empire State. Mrs. Sheldon was
born in Byron Township, Genesee Count}-, N. Y.,
October 28, 1841, and with her parents came to
Michigan in 1844. Her father gave his life for
bis country during the late war, dying in Knox-
ville, Tenn., but her mother is still living at the
age of seventy-one years. The young people be-
gan their domestic life upon the farm on section 13,
and for many j'ears made it thei r home. Through
their united efforts and their industry and enter
prise they acquired a handsome property and as his
financial resources increased our subject extended
the boundaries of his farm until his landed posses-
sions now aggregate three hundred and twenty-two
acres, all of which Is under a high state of cultiva-
tion and well improved. He carried on general
farming and stock-raising with excellent success
until 1887, when he retired from active business
life and removed to Vernon to enjo^^ the fruits of
his former toil.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon have been born
eleven children, eight sons and three daughters as
follows: Herbert L., who was born July 30, 1860,
died at the age of three years; the second, an in-
fant son, died in 1861; Charles Wilbur, born Jan-
uary 1, 1863, died the same year; Clara Isabel, born
June 30, 1864, is studying music in Ann Arbor;
Kate Klizabeth, born Sc[)tcmber 26, 1866, is the
wife of J. A. Curtis, a clerk in one of the Vernon
stores; Arthur F., born May 1, 1868, is now a
student at Ann Arbor; Eddie, born May 18, 1872,
died the same year; Charles E., born November 5,
1873, Bertha Irene, August 11, 1875, George R.,
May 11, 1878, and Harold B., February 21, 1884,
are still at home.
In former years, Mr. Sheldon was a Democrat
but is now a supporter of Republican principles
and the present efficient President of the Village
Board. He is also president of the School Board
and under his able administration the schools are
fast attaining a high degree of excellence. The
cause of education has ever found in him a friend
and other enterprises calculated to benefit the pub-
lic also receive his hearty support. He is Master
of Vernon Lodge, No. 279, F. & A. M., and is also
connected with Chapter No. 21, R. A. M. of Cor-
unna. As before stated became with his family to
Vernon in 1887, erecting at that time a pleasant
residence at a cost of ?2500. The Sheldon house-
hold is noted for its hospitality and the members
of the family rank high in the social world. He
whose name heads this sketch is one of the most
prominent and honored of Vernon's citizens, for
by an upright life he has won the confidence and
best wishes of all with whom he is brought in con-
tact.
^AMES OSBQRN, one of the prominent mer-
chants and prosperous citizens of Owosso, is
now at the head of the firm of Oshorn &
(^^y Sons, dealers in Avy goods and carpets. His
natal day was May 21, 1840, and his birthplace
Mcadville, Pa. His father was John M. Osborn,
a native of the same State as his son, being born in
Meadville, January 18, 1812. He there grew to
manhood, receiving a common-school education
and being trained in practical life. His father was
a soldier in the War of 1812, during which service
he died, and the great-grandfather of our subject
was a Revolutionary soldier.
The Osburns came originally from England and
made their first settlement in Connecticut. Jane
(Morris) Osburn, the mother of our subject, was
also born in Meadville, Pa., April 24, 1819. Iler
father, David Morris, was of Welsh descent. Af-
ter her m.arriage to the father of our subject the}-
settled in their native town and there John Osborn
engaged in the mercantile business and the manu-
facture of hats, being a practical hatter by trade.
In 1857 John Osburn removed with his family
to Owosso, Mich., and there engaged in the dr}'-
goods trade, thus becoming one of the early mer-
chants of that village. This business he carried on
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
931
(hiring his residence in Owosso, taking his sons into
the liriii with him and remaining active in the bus-
iness up to the time of his death, which tools place
April 27, 1891. His faithful companion through
life departed this life three days later, passing
awaj- April 30, 1891, and both were buried in the
same grave. Thej- were active and devoted Chris-
tians and were identified with the Congregational
Church, which they had ever liberally supported.
They were the parents of seven children, five sons
and two daughters, six of whom lived to reach the
pge of maturit}'.
The elilest son, Morris, a retired merchant and
farmer, is a man well known in this section and
liis biography will be found elsewhere in this vol-
ume; Charles Y. is the Collector of the port of Mar-
quette, Mich ; Fred is a partner in the store with
his brother James; Emma, now deceased, was mar-
lied to ^Ir. Rodney Mann; Ariann, also deceased,
was the wife of G. L. Dimick; and Arthur died at
the age of five months.
James Osburn pa.sscd his school-days in the city
schools of Meadville, Pa., and afterward entered
the academy there, from which he was graduated
in 18.^7. He then entered his father's store and
assisted in selling goods and continued to reside
with his parents, accompanying them to Owosso
and after reaching manhood taking an interest in
the store. When his father retired from business
the two brothers, James and Fred, together bought
out the stock from their father, but preferred to
continue the firm name as before.
The dry-goods establishment of Osburj) & Sons
is a large double store, 52x100 feet and three stor-
ies in height. The business occupies two floors, with
a well selected line of dry goods, carpets and
clothing. The marriage of our subject took place
August 9, 1881, to Ella Larzelere. She isa daugh-
ter of S. B. and Elizabeth A. Larzelere, the family
being of French descent and Mrs. Osburn being by
birth a native of New i'ork State, whence she re-
moved with her parents to Ypsilanti when she was a
young girl. She is the mother of one son, James L.
Mr. Osburn has serveil his city as Alderman of
the First Ward for eight years and was elected
Mayor of the city of Owosso in 1878. He was a
Stockholder and Vice-President of the Second Na-
tional Bank before it was re-organized into the
Owosso Savings Bank. He is prominently identi-
fied with Owosso Lodge, No. 81, A. F. & A. M.
Politically he is an Inde|)endent Republican.
Both he and his charming wife are prominent mem-
bers of society and are earnest and devout mem-
bers of the Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Osburn
is Vestryman.
V.^\ ARTIN VAN B. SIMPSON. The family
to which our subject belongs is one of the
oldest in the county of Shiawassee, and one
of the most notable. This representative
resides on section 18, Owosso Township, and was
born in Ovid, Seneca County, N. Y., January 10,
183G. His parents, Lewis and Enay (Say re) Simp-
son, were both natives of New York, the mother
being a daughter of John Sa3're. Six children
gathered about their fireside, our subject being next
to the 3'oungest. Of the four sons and two daugh-
ters all but one are still living.
In 1842 the father of this household came to
Shiawassee Count}' and secured a homestead upon
the land where his son Edward B. now lives, a tract
adjoining the farm of Martin. The father passed
away from earth in 1866, at the age of sixty-two
years. His faithful wife tarried longer than he,
dying about twelve years ago. In 1842 they had
no neighbors nearer than six and one-half miles,
and were thus isolated from companionship, as the
family was situated on the northern border of the
settlement. In those trying days she proved her-
self a thorough and brave pioneer and won the re-
spect and admiration of all who knew her.
At the age of twenty-three, Martin Simjwon be-
gan life for himself and a few years later set up his
own home. He was married March 6, 1861, to
Miss Aurora Munger, a daughter of Philander and
Abigail Munger, who came here from New York
twenty-two 3ears ago, and spent the remainder of
their days in Owosso Township. Mr. Munger died
in 1866, and his widow survived until thirteen
years ago. At the time of his marriage the young
man secured the farm upon wliich he now lives,
932
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
and which has been his home from that day to
this.
The domestic happiness of Martin and Aurora
Simpson was not to continue long unbroken, for
the call of patriotic duty roused tlie young man
and led him to enlist in defense of the old flag.
He was mustered into the United States service
October 11, 18G3, as a private in Company U, Sixth
!\lic'higan Cavalry. His command was attached to
the Army of the Potomac, and he was detailed to
brigade headquarters, and was on hospital duty
much of the time. In consequence of this he was
not sent into battle as was the body of his regi-
ment. He was discharged at the close of the war,
having experienced no injury except an accidental
pistol wound which had shattered the end of his
thumb.
ISIr. Simpson buried his first wife in November,
1874, and she left as her legacy to him one child,
Alpheas, born June 23, 1867, who is now a son of
mature years and at home with his father. Alpheas
Simiison has entered the matrimonial slate, having
been united October 23, 1887, with Miss Nora
Toby, to whom has been born one child, Aurora,
who. bears the name of the departed grandmother,
and who has reached the charming age of three
years.
The second marriage of Mr. Simpson, which oc-
curred March 20, 1877, brought to preside over
his home Ann Mungcr. a sister of his former wife.
She died four years later, being a victim, as was
her sister, of that dread disease, comsumption.
The third marriage of our subject occurred in
1873, his bride being Miss Hulda Hammond,
daughter of Dennis Hammond, of Laingsburg. She
died in October, 1887. No children resulted from
the last marriage.
Mr. Simpson has seen many of life's trials and
met with misfortunes, yet he stands to day as one
of Owosso's substantial men. He is now so situ-
ated as to be able to reap the benefits of a life of
labor, and to enjoy the comforts of the handsome
properly wliicli he has been able to accumulate.
Several of his father's family are located near him,
his brother, Edward, living on the old homestead,
where Iheir early days were i)asse(l, and one sister,
Susan, being Mrs. (ieorge T. Hall. Mr. Hall was
one of the early settlers, and while a person of
marked characteristics and idiosyncracies, is a man
of character and usefulness and a highly respected
citizen. His estimable wife is one of the really
substantial and whole-souled women of Shiawassee
County, whose life is full of love and sunshine.
Of the other brothers and sister, the eldest, Mary,
married George Collier, of Owosso, and died at the
age of twenty-eight years, a»d Charles is a Metho-
dist minister and in charge of a church at Ml. IMor-
ris, Mich., while Henry is a merchant at Gladwin,
this State.
Mr. Simpson is a Republican in his political
views, and while he has never figured as a poli-
tician in the sense of an office-seeker, he has
ever taken an active interest in public .affairs and
the advancement of the county and State.
"— ^ •>^^- <■
\i7 UCY G. DOANE. Were it in our power
il 1?^ to throw on the page of this Album in life
JLA\v^ colors animated with the spirit of their
various times, [)ortrails taken from tlie family his-
tories of our patrons, we doubt if any would tran-
scend in interest tliat of the family of Mrs. Lucy
(Guilford) Doane, who resides on section 28,
Owosso Township. For centuries past the ancestry
on both sides of the house has numbered in its line
a succession of men and women who have ever
been potent factors in their communities.
Let us glance at the first portrait on the paternal
side. It is that of Earl John Doane, whose name
!is is seen by reference to the Doom's D.ay Book
hiis been bequeathed to the son of each generation
with the exception of a short break of tiiivtj' years.
Earl John was a stanch Briton and as valorous in
heart as with the use of the sword, even thougli he
decked his sturdy, rotund English body in rare
Flemish lace, rich brocades and velvets, as was the
fashion in those days. The Doanes were manl}'
men .and when a strong arm or trenchant pen were
required for the honor of Church or State they
gave their services gladly. One of the lineal
descendants of the family was a secretary under
Gov. Winthrop.
I'ORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
933
The mother of the husband of the subject of our
sketch, Gilbert G. Doane, was Lucy Harmon,
daughter -of' one dr the oldest and most highly
esteemed Colonial families of the State, of whom a
special historj' is being prepared. Gilbert G.
Doaue was born September 12, 1810, in Pawlet,
Rutland Count}', Vt., and September 2, 1846, at
Mexico, N. Y., married the charming Miss Lucy
Guilford. Mr. Doanc' died October 30, 1885.
Mr. Doane inherited the literary tendencies of his
family. He received his education in his native
tongue, began his career as a teacher in New York
State, and tbough he suspended his teaching for a
time, taking up the editorship of a newspaper and
tlie manufacture of paper, so great was his love for
his work that he resumed it on removing to
Owosso, being acknowledged throughout Michigan
as a liberal educator with liberal and progressive
ideas.
In 186-1 Mr. Doane became attached as Head-
quarter Clerk in the Army of tlie Cumberland, for
from the first he had been convinced that the prin-
ciples of abolition were the only ones that would
save the standing and honor of America among
the nations. Naturally interested in the politics of
his country, his study of law and civil Government
gave him an insigiit into national affairs attained
by but few men.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Doane attest the
influence that intellectual pursuits in the parents
wield over the children. Tiiey are all cultured,
educated men and women. They are Evoera L,
now Mrs. J. Perkins, M. D., of Owosso; Liola A.,
wife of .James Carson, of Owosso, who was a prom-
inent educator and conducted a summer normal
school at his own farm; Etta C, widow of the
Rev. Henry Marden, who went as a missionary to
Central Turkey, Asia. She accompanied her hus-
band and remained there ten years. Prior to her
marriage she was a tcaclier in the Owosso school.
They started back to the United States for a vaca-
tion, but on the way hither the husband was seized
with an epidemic fever to which he succumbed
and dieil, being buried in May, 1890, at Athens,
Greece. Mrs. Marden is now (1891) making a
visit to her childliood's home and will soon return
to Turkey as a missionary. Charles and Ella
Doane still live on the home farm, having a pleas-
ing family of four children, John., Emeline, Etta
and Elsie.
Mrs. Doane's family, the Guilfords, were among
the first settlers in Connecticut, having received a
tract of land from the Crown in 1634. The place
was given the family- name, which it still retains.
The family have ever held a high and honorable
position in the history of the State. The fatlier of
Mrs. Doane, Franklin Paul Guilford, was born
June 4, 1804, at Fair Haven, Washington Count}',
N. Y. When twentj'-one years of age he was
united in marriage to Saraantha Manley, June 26,
1825, at Dresden. His wife was born June 4,
1801, in Benson, Rutland County, Vt. Mr. Guil-
ford was much interested in public matters, but
never an oflice-seeker. He was formerly an ardent
Whig and a stroug anti-slaverj' man. He settled
in Michigan in 1849 in the present homestead with
Mrs. Doane and her husband, where he remained
until his death, May 17, 1880. He was killed
before the terrified eyes of his daughter Sylvia
while trying to stop a runaway team. He caught
the horses b}- the head but was himself so violently
struck by the pole that he was instantly killed.
He was a devoted member of the Baptist Church.
His family are Luc}', Sylvia, Amanda Kidder,
George W., Marcia and George Paul. Sylvia and
George Paul still remain on the old homestead.
ry(_^ ()RACE N. KEYS, the well-known bank
cashier in Ovid, Clinton County, has made
his home in this place since 1882. He is
still quite a young man, but his fiifancial
ability is recognized, and liis integrity as a man ap-
preciated by those among whom he has made his
home. He was born in Holley, Orleans Countj',
X. Y,, August 8, 1858, and is descended from old
New England families. His parents were Horatio
N. and Altliea fBeebee) Keys, natives of Connecti-
cut and Vermont, respectively. The father was a
merchant tailor, and then for ten years a merchant
in New York, and during the hater years of his life
w.as engaged in farming. The son received com-
934
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
mon-school advantages prior to his sixteenth year,
when lie bejjan to take up the duties of manhood.
In the sprinof of 1876 Mr. Keys came to this
Stale and locating in Clinton County near St.
Joiiu's, for a time worked on a farm. He then be-
came clerk in a <lry-goods store in the county seat,
holding the place until 1879. his employers being
Dunn & Upton. At lliat lime he began in the
banking business as clerk and book-keeper in the
First National Bank of St. John's, in which he re-
mained until March, 1882, when he came to Ovid
and was employed I)}' De Camp, Upton tV- Co., un-
til November, 1884, when the First National Bank
of Ovid was organized. Mr. Keys became a Di-
lector and Cashier, nnd is still acting in the respon-
sible position, maintaining his place in the minds
of the people, and promoting the stability of the
institution in which he is interested.
Mr. Keys was married Uecember 15, 1887, to
Anlha, daughter of E. De Cami), of Ovid. His
wife has enjoyed excellent advantages, both in the
way of education and home care, and is a relined
and estimable lady. Mr. Keys is a Republican and
his first Presidential vole was for .lames A. Garfield.
He has been '\'illage Trustee one term, but has in the
main given his attention strictly to business and to
the reasonable enjoyments of the social circle that
he frequents.
"if/ABEZ TREADWELL HOUSE, one of the
venerable citizens of Bennington Township,
Shiawassee County, was born in Herkimer
/ County, N. Y., January 21, 1817. His father^
Conrad House, was of German origin but was
born in this country, and his mother, whose maiden
name was Hannah Newell, was born in Alassachus-
ctts.
Jebez House is one of a family of seven children
all of whom grew to maturity, and five are now
living. Samuel lives at Owosso; ftlary Abigail is
the widow of Francis House, a distant relative;
Althea, Mrs. Erasmus Lombard of Plymouth,
Mich.; Azuba, Mrs. Calvin Mitchell of Northtield,
Mich. ; Maria, the eldest, who died three years ago
in Illinois and P>erett B., who died in 1876, at
B3ron, Mich. In 1844 the family made their home
at Ann Arbor. The father died at the age of
eightj'-three in 1875 and the wife hail passed away
a few weeks previous when seventy-seven years
old.
At the age of seventeen our subject left his home
and lived with Mr. William Ambler in Wayne
Count}-, N. Y. For four or five years he clerked
in this gentleman's store, and then took a slock of
goods to Fort Wayne, Ind., and sold it all out
within seven months. He then went to Plymouth,
Mich., and worked in a shop making fanning mills,
for three years there and at Detroit. Buying a
farm in Salem, Washtenaw Count)-, he spent six
years u[)on it, eullivating the farm and occasionally'
building a mill as there was a demand for them.
He built a saw-mill at Hieksvilleand cut one mill-
ion feet of plank for the i)lauk road from Detroit
to Lansing. After a year he sold this mill, but
carried on one on his farm where he also had a
blacksmith shop. When he sold this property he
rented for two years from his brother-in-law in the
same township.
Upon New Year's Day, 1862, he made his new
home on a one hundred and twenty-acre tract
which he had purch.ased the previous fall. This
farm was partial I}- improved and he traded the
crops on his Washtenaw County farm for the crops
which he found upon this and paid in addition
$2,900. There is a wind-mill upon the farm which
feeds a reservoir at the house and also one at the
barn. He has a fine large orchard and makes a
special crop of peaches, selling some seasons from
$.500 to $600 wortli. This crop he has found very
profitable in helping him out with the year's ex-
penses. At one time he signed a note of *3,000
for a minister, who was unable to pay it, antl it
was upon the peach crop that he depended to help
him clear the indebtedness. He also raises broom
corn and makes brooms, sometimes selling $200
worth per season.
Mr. House was married at Pl3mouth, Mich.,
when twenty-two years old. His bride was Mary Ann
Roc, who lived onl}- three months after marriage.
His second marriage took place November 3, 1841 ,
at Plymouth. He was then united with Lydia
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
935
Gorton, who was born (it Henrietta, Monroe
County, N. Y., April 10, 1820. Her parents,
Thomas and Hannah (Straiglit) Gorton were na-
tives of New York, who settleil in Wayne County,
Micli., in I83G.
Tlie children of Mr. and Mrs. House are as fol-
lowing: Samantlia, Ella, Major, and Lillie. Tlie
eldest daughter is now Mrs. Pliilander Punches,
and lives near her father; £;ila, is Mrs. William
Jennings, whose husband is Overseer of the county
farm, and Lillie is Mrs. Clayton Thomas, and with
her husband lives at home witli her parents. Five
children have been called lo the better world,
namel}': Everett, who died in infanc}^; Caroline,
at the age of three years; Edsel, at the age of
twelve; Frank, when fifteen years old; and Willie,
when twenty-one. This son enlisted to serve in the
Civil War and died of measles at Grand Rapids,
having been gone from home only six weeks. Mr.
House is a Prohibitionist and was formerly a Re
publican and has always been a strong temperance
man. He uses no tobacco and has not tasted tea
nor coffee for ten years. He and his family are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to
whicii he has belonged since he was seventeen years
old and he holds the oflice of Steward in that body.
> — €~*-^-
R. HARRINGTON. The owner of a fine
farm located on section 5, Vernon Town-
ship, was born in Ontario County, N. Y.,
October 26, 1814. His father, George
Harrington, came to Michigan in 1831, first to
Farminglon Township, Oaklaud County, labor-
iously making his way througli the forest growtli
with an ox-team, by which he brought his family
hither. Here he bought forty acres of land upon
wliicli he built a log house. The ten years during
which he remained on tins place were fraught with
incident and hard labor. After clearing this farm
he moved to Shiawassee County, and located in
Vernon Township, where he spent the remainder of
his life. He was a Democrat in politics and was
instrumental in getting many of the early improve-
ments. He was appointed Road Commissioner
and did much to open up the way for later em-
igration. He was a Mason and a member of the
Royal Arcanum.
Our subject's mother was Miss Sally Bristol, a
native of New York State. She attained to the good
old age of seventy years and was proud of having
been the parent of eleven children, two daugliters
.and nine sons, of whom Mr. Harrington is the
second chilcj. His first sciiool days were spent in
New York and he came with his parents to this
Stale when seventeen years of age and remained
wiih them, assisting in clearing aud cultivating the
farm until he was twenty-seven years old. During
this time he also worked at the carpenter's trade.
On JNIarch 22, 1821, Mr. Harrington was mar-
ried to a lady whose maiden name was Sarah A.
Clark. She was a native of Rhode Island, having
been born in the city of Providence. She was the
eldest daughter of Jacob and Sally (Hopkins) Clark,
who were also natives of Rhode Island. Her par-
ents came to Michigan in 1833, and located in Oak-
laud County, Novi Township, where they remained
for three years and then came to Shiawassee
County, settling on a farm in Vernon Townsliip
where Mrs. Clark died at the age of about thirty-
nine years. Mr. Clark married for his second wife
a Miss Anna De Wolf. He died at the age of eighty-
four years.
The original of our sketch settled in Vernon
Township, and thence went to Livingston County,
Mich. VThere he remained about eight years, thence
went back to Shiawassee County, in 1856, where he
located on the place where he now resides. At
the time of his location there were no improve-
ments whatever on the place. The first house he
built was a little frame dwelling, 10x24 feet. The
subsequent years were passed in clearing and im-
proving the farm, in i>lauting and reaping, that go
to make up the days of a farmer's life. Our sub-
ject and his wife are the parents of the follow-
ing children; Orlan M.. who resides in Ovid; Em-
ma the wife of Newton Strong who make their
home with our subject; one who died at the age of
seven years, and one child who died in infancy.
Our subject has eighty acres of well-improved
land, and is a general farmer. He is an enthusias-
tic supporter of all measures that promise good to
936
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
the community. Mr. Harrington, who is by court-
esy given the title of Doctor throughout the
county, has by his genial manner won frienils wher-
ever he has been. His tenacity of principle and
purity of purpose by right give him a place in the
high esteem as well as the affection of his fellow-
•S^^"'
JOHN THOMAS COOPER, who resides at
the old homestead on section 1, Bennington
Township, Shiawassee Count}-, was born on
the home farm August 24, 1853. His early
educational advantages were those of the children
in his neighborhood, and as Michigan is particu-
larly progressive in educational matters and prides
herself on her district schools, tiiey were good. In
1872 our subject attended the Normal School at
Ypsilanti, where he was graduated after taking a
three years' course. He belonged to the class of
'75, of which there were ten graduates. During
this period he devoted himself to the full English
course. His classmates are, as a matter of course,
much scattered and are making themselves names
and fame in various parts of the couuliy. One i^
Juilge Edwin Haug, of Detroit.
The subject of our sketch began his career .as a
teacher. His first school was in District No. 6,
Bennington Township. He taught for ten consecu-
tive winters, in the summers working for his father
or brother on the farm and in 1876 at his father's
death took entire charge of the home place, con-
ducting the farm exclusivelj' since 1886. He is
recognized as an educator of prominence through-
cut the State and for a number of j-ears has had
many calls to be in attendance at county institutes
where he was engaged in teaching special branches.
The frail state of his health, however, compelled
him to give up this work. Although Mr. Cooper
now devotes himself to agriculture he is deepl}'
read in literature and keeps himself well posted in
current events. He lias a fine library of the English
and American authors, in the perusal of which he
takes the greatest pleasure.
The original of our sketch was married Maj' 7,
1885 in Shiawassee Township to Miss Blanche
King, daughter of Harvey and Sarah (Barnes) King.
Her grandfather was the Rev. Silas Barnes, one of
the pioneer ministers of the Baptist persuasion in this
State. Mrs. Cooper was born in Ashtabula County,
Ohio, August 10,1863. Her father died wlien she
was three years old, lier mother surviving liim only
ten^'eais; the daughter at the age of thirteen entered
the family of an uncle. Dr. Horace Barnes, of Ionia,
where she remained for five j'carsand then changed
her home to that of her aunt Mar}^ Reynolds, wife
of the Rev. G. M. Rej'nolds, of Shiawassee County.
Here she lived until her marriage with Mr. Cooper.
Mr. Cooper has one hundred and twenty-nine acres
of land, which was the old homestead. He devotes
most of his attention to stock-niising, taking much
pride in the fact that he has some of the finest
blooded animals in the county. He owns a regis-
tered Short horn, bred b^- J. W. Ilibbard, having
an Oxford strain of the Strawberry- Roan family.
Our subject is a Republican. His fellow-towns-
men have their confidence in his integrity, intelli-
gence and judgment by electing him to the most
honorable positions that the township can give.
He has been Township Superintendent of Schools
and Inspector of the same for man}- years. Al-
though Mr. Cooper's household is destitute of chil-
dren it is one of the most agreeable in which to
visit. The head of the family is a man of unusual
intelligence, culture and refinement, and the wife
a lady whose sweetness of disposition and bright,
genial manners endear her to all who know her.
C5^ LINTON J. HILL is the only son of a
worthy sire, Cortland Hill, and was born in
^^/ Bengal Township, Clinton Count}', Mich.,
December 5, 1838, being the first while male child
born within the limits of this county. His father.
Judge Cortland Hill, was born in Tompkins Count}',
N. Y., in 1811. He was reared upon a farm. He
attended school for only one-half day, but after
he became of age he taught school for several
years both in New York and Penn.sylvania. He
obtained his education by his father's lireplacc and
studied both Greek and Latin. He came toMichi-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM
937
gall about 18.3d.iud took up Government land near
Homer, Calhoun County; he sold this land, buying
near Charlotte. Eaton County, and subsequently
transferred his property rights to Clinton County,
where he purchased three hundred and twenty
acres on section 31, Bengal Township, for wiiich be
paid 82 an acre. In 183G he was married to Lu-
cinda Rease, a native of Montgomery County, N. Y.
She was a lady of frail form and delicate aiipcar-
ance, and many of her friends in the East thought
that a man who would take so frail a creature into
a desert could have no affection for the wife of his
choice, but her husband learned that bone and
muscle did not make a heroine and tlia!. she had the
nerve and grit to kill a bear and drive a gray wolf
from her door with her broom.
When Cortland Hill came West with his bride
lie left her in Detroit while he built a log shaiitj' on
his land, being thus the first settler in what is now-
Bengal Township. Indians were numerous but
peaceable, and wild game was plentiful. He did
his own clearing and chopping for a number of
years, and his te.ira was a yoke of oxen with which
he went as far as Pontiac to mill, an i later to Ionia.
After his first three children were born and they
began to have religious meetings in the neighbor-
hood, Mr. Hill bought an old horse and they all
went to meeting on his back, the parents being
sandwiched in between the three children. When
they reached the church their neighbors envied
them because they could go on horseback, while
the others came to the service on foot.
In 1841 Mr. Hill removed to De Witt, then the
county-seat of Clinton County, where he engaged
in tlie mercantile business for four ^-ears and then
returned to his farm where he lived until his death,
which occurred January 3, 1888, in his seventy-
eighth year. He was Judge of the Probate Court
for six years and served as Deputy County Clerk for
two years. He was a Democrat in politics and was
a candidate for the Legislature, but his party was in
the minoritj' and he failed of election. For many
years he was Justice of the Peace and was Super-
visor of Bengal Township for several years. In
his office as Justice he was more than ordinarily
wise in his decisions and was familiar with tlie law
of the land. He was a prominent member of the
Grange an<l took an active interest in the order,
making many speeches throughout the State in its
behalf.
Judge Hill was an intelligent student of the
Bible and a lecturer upon astrouomj'. He was for
a number of years connected with the Free Will
Baptist Church, but that society' became extinct in
his locality and he never after united with any
church. He was a man of excellent habits anil was
never known to utter an oath or use a b3'-word of
questionable sound. He was held in the highest
esteem by all who knew him. He was the Presi-
ident and one of the most active members of the
Pioneer Societ}' for more than a dozen years. For
forty years he was Postmaster of the Bengal post-
otlice, which at his death was discontinued. He
purchased a water gristmill in De Witt in 1818
and repaired and operated it for two years.
The mother of our subject died February 5, 1888,
just a few weeks after the ddhth of her faithful
husband, with whom slie liad celebrated their
golden wedding during September of the previous
year. She was a conscientious and devoted mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and at the
time of her death was almost seventy-two years old.
She was the mother of six children, five daughters
and one son. In the words of the father, written
at the time of the celebration of their gohlen wed-
ding, "These live daughters, amiable, affectionate
and lovel}', the joy of our hearts and the pride of
our lives — these five daughters whom we fondly
hoped would steady our faltering steps in life's de-
cline, are all gently sleeping in the cemetery."
The subject of this sketch is now the only sur-
viving member of this family. He was reared on
the old Hill homestead and educated in the old
log schoolhouse, never attending but one term in a
frame schoolhouse. After he was eighteen years old
he entered Olivet College where he spent seven
terms and then took one j'car at the State Agricul-
tural College. He remained at home untd of age
and taught for some time. Subsequently he bought
and sold stock and speculated in land for two or
three j'ears.
In 1868 our subject v.'as united in marriage with
Delight Lyon, of Ohio, who died May 1, 1874,
leaving one son — Tyler. Mr. Hill's second mar-
938
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
rlage occurred in the fall of 1875, when he was
united with Lora Seaver, a native of Oneida County,
N. Y., whose parents brought her to Michigan
when she was about a year old and who have since
passed away. Two children blessed his marriage
— Ray, who has died, and Dell. Mrs. Hill is
an earnest and devoted member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Mr. Hill a Democrat in his
political views and has been a member of the
Masonic order for more than twenty-five j'ears.
He has a fine farm of five hundred and twenty
acres and has for several years raised Short-
horn cattle, Percheron liorses, Merino sheep and
Poland-China hogs. His boyhood life in the forest
developed a fondness for hunting. He killed scores
of deer in this township, and since they became
scarce has followe<l them north and now makes
regular trips north every fall to engage in this
sport. He is a man of more than ordinary intelli-
gence and a prominent and influential citizen in the
community.
-^'-^^'
M. KILBOURN is a prominent druggist
^) and real-estate dealer in Corunna. He owns
11, the building in whicli his drug store is lo-
cated, and carries a large and carefully-selected
slock of drugs, medicines and druggists' sundries,
carefully dispensing the former and taking pains
to have only those which are reliable and pure. He
deals in farm lands to some extent but his chief
real-estate l)usiness is in connection with Riverside
Sub-Division, which adjoins the county seat and
extends to within a half mile of Owosso. It com-
prises land on section 20, Caledonia Township, for-
merly known as the D. B. Reed farm. It was
bought by Mr. Kilbourn in September, 1890. The
scheme of the new sub-division occurred to him
and Mr. Eveleth and thirty acres of land was
platted. Some of it was sold almost immediately
after being placed on the market, and Detroit par-
ties replatted a tract acquired by them.
Mr. Kilbourn is a descendant of families of the
Kinpire State, his fattier h.iving been born in Frank-
lin and his mother in Oswego County. Tlie latter
was a daughter of Harry Huntington, a millwright
who died in Ingbam Count}', this Stale, in 1859.
Her maiden name was Amanda Huntington. The
father was reared on a farm and after his marri.age
removed to Shiawassee County, this State, and was
engaged in farmiug in Perry Township until 1865.
He then S(jld his farm and came to Corunna, as-
suming an interest in a iilaning-iuill, and sash, door
and blind factory. Here he died in 18G8 at the
age of forty-eight 3'ears. The widow remained
here until 1887, then went to Seliua, Cal., where
her younger son Charles is in the drug business;
her death occurred there the following year.
Fred Kilbourn is the elder of two children born
to his parents and his natal day was January 10,
1854. He was born on the farm in Perry Town-
sliip and lived there until he was eleven years old.
He attended the Coruiina High School after tlie
familj' removed to the county seat, but when he
entered his teens was obliged to go to work. He
spent two years clerking in the genera! merclian-
dise establisliment or Simons Bros., tlien went to
Portland and worked two years. He next spent a
year in a grocery store in Lansing, then returned
to Corunna and became a clerk for Dr. Alsdorf.
In the employ' of that gentleman he spent four
years and then began business in parlnershii> with
George Shattuck. This was in 1877 and the linn
of Kilbourn it Shattuck was in force two 3'ears.
The senior partner then assumed the entire interest
and since that time has licon carrying on his busi-
ness alone. Mr. Kilbourn owns a residence and
five acres of land in Corunna, and a forty-acre
farm with excellent improvements in the vicinity.
In the city of Detroit in August, 1886, Mr. Kil-
bourn was married to Miss Alma Croarkin. This
lady was born in Dexter, W.nslitenaw County, and
completed her education in the Sacred Heart Col-
lege at Detroit, from whicli she was graduated in
due time. She is a communicant of the Catholic
Church. ]Mr. and Mrs. Kilbourn are the happy
parents of two bright children, named respectivel}',
Kathleen and .lohn. Mr. Kilbourn is a Mason and
in politics is independent. His cliaracter and
ability have been recognized b}- his fellow-men
and he luas been called ui)on to serve them in [losi-
lions of responsibility. He has been Alderman
two years, was Supervisor of the First Ward one
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
939
j'ear and City Treasurer two years. In 1883 he
was elected to the hi.£,dicst ))osition within the gift
of the people of C'orunna and sat in the Mayor's
chair during the ensuing term and again in 1890.
Ilis official stations give evidence of his reputation
in business circles, and the competence he is secur-
ing proves that he is a good manager and full of
en erg}'.
<^l OHN A. JOHNSTON. Fairfield Township
is noted for producing some of the finest
slock in the county, and one of the fai-m-
ers who have given most intelligent atten-
tion to this industry whicii is .at present proving so
luciativo to all who are engaged in it, is the gentle-
man whose name is at the head of this sketch, and
who resides on section 12, Fairfield Township, Shia-
wassee County. Besides his interest in stock-rais-
ing he is a general farmer and has a pleasant and
well-improved place that compares well with any
in the county.
Mr. Johnston was born in Brecksville, Ohio,
July 1, 1845. lie is the son of Joseph and Mar-
garet (llampson) Johnston, natives of Penns3'lva-
nia but of Irish parentage. His grandparents on
both sides were natives of Ireland. His paternal
grandfather was Edward Johnston and his mater-
nal grandfather was William llampson. The
grandparents emigrated to this country at an e.arly
day, and their children became scattered through
the Eastern Slates. Mr. Johnston's father removed
to Cuj-ahoga County, Ohio, with his parents when
he was six 3-ears of age, his birth d.aj' being April
1, 1806. There he was reared on a farm, and on
reaching manhood married, but did not long make
Ohio his home, coming to Kalamazoo County, Mich.,
in 18;j0. Our subject was the j'oungest of a fam-
ily of five cliildren, all of whom were born in Ohio.
Three of them are living, two in Kalamazoo
County. Our subject was four years old vvhen
his parents removed to Michigan, and he became
familiar with all branches of farm work.
October 9, 1870, the gentleman of whom we
write was united in marriage to Miss Susan Bly,
daughter of Philip and Mary Ann (Ramsey) Bly,
natives of London, England. They were, after
coming to this country, residents of St. Joseph
County, this State. Our subject continued to live
in Kalamazoo County for about seven years after
his marriage when he concluded to better his for-
tunes b}' removing to Shiawassee Count}'. Here
he has purchased eighty acres of land which lie has
earned by his own individual efforts. Mr. John-
ston is favored, in that he has a better education
than the average farmer, having had unusual ad-
vantages both in e.arly school days and in home
training. He has one child who gladdens his home
and for whom he looks into the future with great
expectancy, as well as some natural paternal anx-
iet}'. This child is a daughter, Pearlyette, who is
the wife of Lewis Loynes, and lives on the home-
stead. She has two children to whom she has
given the names of Joseph and John.
Our subject casts his vote with the Democratic
party. A brother of Jlr. Johnston formerly lived
in this township where he was the owner of one
hundred and twenty acres of land, but on March
10, 1890, he died. Mr. Johnston is much cng.aged
in stock-raising, having some fine blooded animals.
He finds this a most lucrative business and a sure
offset to any failures that may be in crops.
C«l IVILLIAM H. POTTER, who is proprietor
\,-\/// of a harness shop in Ovid, is a native of
ft/^ the township, and was born June 2, 1864.
His parents are John A. and Mary J. (Brown) Pot-
ter, who were born in New York and Michigan
respectively. The father was a merchant and in his
store in Ovid the son obtained commercial training
and learned the details of business life. In the
schools here the lad pursued his studies until seven-
teen years old, and he then entcrc<l the busines col-
lege in Valparaiso, Ind., and was graduated after
diligent use of a year and a half of time. Return-
ing to Ovid he took a position in the banking
house of Sowers &: White, and kept the books of
the establishment about eighteen months.
Mr. Potter then decided to enter the business
world as a principal instead of an employe, and be-
940
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
gan to look about for a good opening, and going to
Kdmore he was emploj-ed by his fatlier, who kept
a hotel there a twelvemonth. He then returned to
Ovid and in January, 1890, opened up a harness
shop. He is doing well financially in this enter-
prise, and is gaining the reputation of an honest
and reliable dealer. The goods sent out from his
shop are well made, of good material and excel-
lent workmanship, and the demand is increasing.
May 28, 1885, Mr. Potter was married to Miss
Cora H. Brokaw, of Ovid, daughter of Charles P.
Brokaw. Two daughters have come to brighten
the happy home — Beulah, born November 28, 1886;
and Kate Clice, July 7, 1889. After due consid-
eration of the political question Mr. Potter decided
to throw his influence with the Republican party,
and thus his vote is cast. In April, 1891, he was
elected Town Clerk, and he is carefully' and intelli-
discharging the duties of his office. He and his
wife are held in respect by their associates, and are
looked upon as additions to social circles where the
educated and well-l)red gather.
-^ '^"<^* —
JOHN REED. No State in the forty-four
gives greater encouragement to a man who
desires to devote himself to .agricultural
life than does Michigan. Its resources are
large and its climate is adapted to the cultivation
of many crops. As a fruit-growing country it is
unexcelled, although in this respect it is not given
the credit it should have, because it is superficially
considered loo fur north for the perfect develop-
ment of fiiie fruit. Our subject is one of the
thousands of fanners who have proved that the
resources of their State arc almost without limit,
he having most successfully carried on a large farm
for a number of years.
Mr. Reed's farm is on section 7, A'ernon Town-
ship. Our subject was born in Tompkins Count3-,
N. v., in Ithica Township, January 11, 1820. His
father was William K. Reed, a native of Bucks
Count}-, Pa. He was born in 179G and his son is
proud of tlie fact that his father was a soldier in
the War of 1812, from which he carried a most
honorable wound. When but a boy lie went to
Tompkins County where he remained until 1823,
thence coming to Michigan in 1836, where he set-
tled in what is now Vernon Township. The town
was not then org.anized. He located on section
17, on whijh tiiere were no improvements whatever,
Mr. Reed being compelled to cut the road through
for himself for the greater part of four miles.
Mr. Reed took up the land from the Govern-
ment and at the time he entered upon his claim not
a stick of timber had been cut on his place. He
cut the logs and built a shanty that served for their
habitation for a number of j'ears. His time was
necessarily spent in clearing up the place and it
w.as necessary that tiic family sliould ever be vigi-
lant for there were wild animals in abundance
prowling around their very door. Here he re-
mained until the age of seventj-four, when death
overtook him. In early daj's he was a Whig in
politics and held the office of Highway Commis-
sioner, probabl}' not because of his party iiicliii.a-
tion, for there were only seventeen voters at the
time the town was organized. The first town
meeting was held at Mr. Reed's shanty and all the
voters of the town were at that meeting. The
gentleman was Poormaster at one lime and also
Patlimasler, in wliicli cajjacit}' he attended to the
opening up of the roads. He was a member of the
AVesleyan Methodist Church and vcr}' active in
the work.
Our subject's grandfather on the paternal side,
Abijali Reed, w.as a native of Ireland and a wheel-
wright by trade; he came to America when a young
man and lived to be seventy years old. Our sub-
ject's motlicr, Minerva (Wolcott) Reed, was a na-
tive of Bradford County, Pa., and w.as born in
1794. She reached the good old age of seventy-
eight }-ears and was a co-worker with her husband
ill tlie primitive settlement and the organization of a
church. They were married at Ithica, Tompkins
County. N. Y., and were tlic parents of nine chil-
dren, six sons and tliree daughters, four of whom
are now living. Our subject was the eldest, then
followed William J., George W.. Hamet A., the
wife of John Tunison and who resides in Vernon
Township. Our subject's school days were spent
in Dryden, N. Y. After he finished his school
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
941
work be came to IMicliigan witli his father at tlic
age of sixteen. He helped to clear the farm in
Vernon Township and remained with liis father
until twent3'-one years of age when he bought the
farm where lie now resides. He cut the logs and
built a shanty in preparation for the home to which
he was so soon to bring a young bride. He was
married July 3, 1S44, to Mary A. McCollum, a na-
tive of Tompkins County, N. Y. She was born
February 2, 1823, and is the oldest child of the
family. Her father and mother were Abram and
Jane (Gilmore) McCollum.
After Mr. Recil's marriage he took up his resi-
dence in a log house. He lived In the shanty for
one and a half }'ears, after which he built a good
log house in which he lived for nine years, when
he replaced it by a frame dwelling to which he has
added until he now has a fine large home. One
hundred and fifty-nine acres stretch away from the
house and one hundred and fifty acres of this dur-
ing the summer months are verdant with waving
grain. All these improvements have been made
by our subject. Mr. Reed and his estimable wife
have had six cliildren. The two eldest, Louisa and
Dexter, are deceased. Ellen is the wife of William
H. Howd, and resides in the village of Vernon ;
Marion is deceased; Charles E. is a mechanic re
siding in Georgia. The youngest son is also de-
ceased.
Mr. Reed is at present not engaged in iin}' busi-
ness. He rents his farm on shares and enjoys in
his old age the fruits of his long years of hard
labor. He is very i)roud of some fine stock which
he has. The Republican party is the one of Mr.
Reed's choice. He has been School Director for
twelve years and Highway Commissioner for four
years.
^^EORGE W. EMMONS, a retired farmer, is
111 ^w7 ^'"'' oldest settler in St. John's, Clinton
^^Jjl County. He owns one hundred and twenty
acres inside the corporation of this city, and is the
gentleman who laid out and platted the Emmons
Addition. His father, Philanous, was born in
Calskill, N. Y. He w.as a cooper and mason by
trade. He carried on his trade in Romulus, Sen-
eca County, N. Y., where he resided until his death
at the age of fifty years. His wife, Susan Wilkes,
was born there and came to Michigan and passed
away from earth in Bingham Township, this
county, when ninety-tive j-ears old. In her later
years she was tenderly cared for and cherished b3'
her son, our subject, who was her main support.
She had lived a godl^' life and was connected with
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Of the eight children in the parental home our
subject was the fourth in order of birth. His
birthplace was Romulus, N. Y., p.nci his natal day
September 12, 1823. He attended the district
school until he w.as twelve j'ears of age and then
was bound out to George Rogers, and came to
Michigan, making his home in Novi Townsliip,
Oakland County. His coming to the West was in
1836. He remained with Mr. Rogers until twenty-
one years of age, and for a few years after reach-
ing his majority. He worked for a tract of eighty
acres of land which Mr. Rogers valued at $100.
This is the land upon which he now resides.
In the fall of 1844 the young man came to St.
John's, making the journey from Howell on foot,
through the unbroken wilderness for fifty miles.
He has always been fond of hunting, and even in
those early daj's was a good shot. He now be-
longs to the Si. John's Hunting Club and goes to
the Lake Sujicrior region on the Northern Penin-
sula every fall for sport, spending about two or
three months there. In Oakland County in the
early days he was in at the death of three bears and
a fourth one he killer! all alone, attacking him
with dogs and rifle, and shooting him down. He
killed scores of deer and has some fine stags'
heads mounted as ornaments of his beautiful home.
The same 3'ear that he came to this county he re-
turned to his former home and engaged in work
for some of the farmers, but tliree years later he
returned and l)egan to cut the timber. He blazed
a road, which afterward became Lansing Street, in
St. John's, and felled the first trees in this locality,
being here tiirec years before another settler came.
But it was too lonely to establish a home and he
returned to his old neighborhood.
It was in IS.').') that Mr. Kmmons (inally made
942
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
his i)ermaiient boine on tlie land which is now .St.
John's. Here he built a log shanty with basswood
boughs for roof and began to improve the land.
After clearing twenty acres he i)Ianted it in wheat
which yielded him enough to eat and to sell for
his greatest necessities as well as seed for next
year. Afler he had raised his first crop his period
of greatest povcrity was over, for he has always
had enough to supply his needs from that day to
this.
About three years after this young man built
his shanty other settlers came to St. John's and
established a settlement. He has since added to
his farm and has now one hundred and sixt}' acres
in a fine condition. He laid out one hundred
acres, which he platted as Emmons' Addition to
St. Jolin's. This he sold as village lots and has
done considerable business in botli real estate and
negoti.ating loans. He has some of tiie best lots
in tlie city. His first shanty was liis home for four
years. He then built a frame house, which yet
stands. He built a larger liomo somewhat later
wliich he moved away in 1884, and erected one
of the finest brick residences in the city. The
grounds occupy a whole block and the build-
ing cost some * 10,000. Here our subject and
his wife dispense a cordial and graceful hospi-
tality. The home is a beautiful one and is ar-
ranged and adorned in exquisite taste. His first
marriage took place in DeWitt, Clinton County,
in November, 1855. The lady's name before
marriage was Mary J. Morton.
The second marriage of Mr. Emmons took place
in Nankin, Wayne County, this State, in Febru-
ary, 18f)5, and he w.as then united with Mrs. Cor-
nelia Pate. His third marriage took place at De-
troit in February, 1872. Mrs. Emmons bore the
maiden name of Mary J. Chase. Her father and
grandfather, both of whom bore the name of Ben-
jamin, were residents of Portsmouth, N. H. The
great-grandfather was one of the Revolutionary
heroes and both father and grandfather followed
the trade of a cooper. The father came to Ohio
many years ago and served his country for five
years in the Florida War. After coming to Mich-
igan he was married at Detroit, and then went
to Maine for si.x years. Later he returned to De-
troit, where he now resides at the age of seventy-
two years. He is a Democrat in politics and a
member of the Christian Churcli. His wife was
a native of Wurtcraburg, Germany, and bore tlic
name of Christina Bessenger. She is a daugh-
ter of Micliael Bessenger, who came to America
when his daugliter was only two years of age, and
w.as a gardener in Detroit. This worthy and intel-
ligent couple were tiie parents of ten children, of
whom this daughter was the fourth. She was
liorn in Portland, Me., December 8, 1848, and was
two years old when the family removed to Detroit.
Siie is a lady of superior capabilities, true culture
and great loveliness of disposition, and is an orna-
ment in the social life of the city.
Five beautiful children make glad the hearts of
these parents: Mamie, George W., Grace C. Fred
C. and Clarence H. Their mother is an earnest
and consistent member of tiie Cluistadcl|>liian
Church. Mr. Emmons has been a Trustee of the
village for seven years and village Assessor for
one year, and was one of the most active citizens
in establishing a capable fire department. He has
a large interest in the Lansing Building & Loan
Association and also that of Detroit. He is a
straightforward Democrat and a man who is imlc-
pendent in his views.
-©^<^^-»^~
VfjOHN J. P. GERARD Y, who li\
17, \'enice Township, Shiawa
ivcs on section
lawassee County,
is one of our foreign-born citizens who is
truly welcome to our land, for he has proved
himself worthy of a home in the "land of the free."
His father, J. J. (ierardy, was a native of the de-
partment of LaMoisellc, France, and was a mer-
chant and farmer. The great-grandfather was of
Italian blood. The mother of our subject, Susan
(Johannes) Gcrardy, was a native of France, in
which country the parents spent their lives and
where they lie at rest. Our subject is the only one
now living of their household of five .sons and two
daughters. Three of their sons served in the French
Army. A brother born in 1811 entered the army
in 1829 and served ti\o and one-half years.
PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
943
Tlie subject of this sketch was horn May 11,
1826, ill Fiance, and was thoroughly educated bolli
ill elementary and college courses. After complet-
ing his college education he was engaged for a
lime in mercantile business at Metz and in 1814
entered tiie army. During iiis militaiy career he
W.1S at Strausburg in the First Battalion of siiarp-
siiooters. lie w.is sent to a shooting scliool at St.
f)mer, France, near Calais, wliere for nine months
lie tooli rille practice and he was for three months
at Briancon upon the Switzerland frontier. He
went to Africa in a new l)attalion, llie Kigiitli. and
landed in Algiers in IK 17 and lielpcd all throiigii
tlie war. In 1849 he returned to the First Battal-
ion and was engaged in the conquest of the city of
Rome against Garibaldi. After driving out that
brave Italian they returned in 1850 to Africa and
engaged in war there. On August 11, 18y2, he
received his discbarge and returned to France,
having been i)romoted from private to Sergeant of
the lirst class. lie had lost his parents during his
absence and he proceeded to settle up his affairs the
same j'ear and embarked at Havre November 1.
Mr. Gerardy passed seventy-two ilays upon the
ocean and landed at New Orleans, La., and was
engaged for some time in the Lu.\eml)erg Hos|)ital
in tliat city. In June, 1854, lie married Mary A.
Luchcnbubl, a native of Bavaria, who was born
aliout the year 182G and came to America two years
before her marriage. They continued to live at
New Orleans until April 1 of the following year,
when tliey sailed for New York City, being twenty-
tvvo days on the voyage. They spent the season
in Medina, N. Y. and in October came West, spend-
ing two weeks in Flint, and in November, 1855,
came to .Shiawassee County and settled on the farm
which they now own. Eighteen of its eighty-two
acres had been already cleared but there was no
building except a log house u|)on it.
Mr. Gerardy was not used uo roughing it "•in the
bu.-ih" and scarcely knew how to endure the hard-
ships of pioneer life, but bravely went to work and
cleared the land as he could from time to time. He
now liiis one hundred and twenty-two acres, seven-
ty-five of which are improved. In 18G8 he built
his residence at a cost of 1^800 and the barn was
built in l.S5'J. The orchards lie set out some twen-
ty-eight years ago. Two disastrous forest fires vis-
ited him, the first being the more severe, and dur-
ing it he and his wife liarl a trying experience.
They were lost in the dense smoke and wandered
for several hours with a lantern, trying to find
their home, although they were not more than fif-
teen rods from it during all that time. Indians,
deer, wolves, foxes, bears and panthers ahdundcd in
those days.
In 1883 the devoted wife and mother passed from
the busy scenes of earth, mourned bj' all who had
the pleasure of her acquaintance. To her and her
husband nine children li.ad lieen liorn of whom six
are now living, namely: John 1'.. who is married
and lives at Durand; Maiy, the wife of Nelson La-
May, a farmer, who lives west of Byron and has one
child; Helen, wife of Charles 'I'aplujuse, foreman
in a lumber yard, has two childrcm and lives in
Owosso; Alfred, who married Mary Mann, and has
two children, they making their home in Flushing,
Genesee County; Theodore, a fainter, who married
MaryE. Wlieelock, and lives nearliis father; Kittie,
the youngest daughter, is at home and keeps house
for her father. To all the children the parents
extended every possible ojiportunity for a good
education.
Several social orders claim Mr. Gerardy as an
active member; he belongs to the Blue Lodge,
Cliaiiter, Council, and Comniandery of the Masonic
Order at Corunna, and has held the ollice of Scribe
in the Chapter, and Standard Bearer in the Com-
mandeiy. He has long been a member of the lo-
cal School Board, and filled the Moderator's Chair
for nineteen years. He has always taken an inter-
est in political movements and votes the Demo-
cratic ticket. For eighteen years he has been Town-
ship Clerk, for sixteen j'cars he served as Notary
Public, and has also been Overseer of the High-
ways. In looking back over his life lie realizes
that he has had some great blessings, although he
has seen some hard times. It is a matter of regret
to liiin that he was notable to attend the last sad
obsequies or perform the last services over the
remains of his parents, his four brothers and two
sisters, but he was absent from them at the time of
their death. In 1854 while in New Orleans he had
yellow fever, and after coining to this Stale suf-
944
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
fererl from the Michigan fever and typhus fever
in 1857.
In the fall of 1853, Mr. Gerardy enlisted in IS'ew
Orleans, La., in the Tnited States Army for war
vfith Mexico, but the difficulties being adjusted
between the two governments he was discharged
shortl}' after enlisting. He also made the pilgrim-
age to the old city of Treves in Prussia at the ex-
bition of the Holy Coat in 1844, at which time he
saw the crutches used by the young countess of
Droste-Vischcring in the cathedral of that citj'. It
will be remembered that this young countess was
claimed to have been healed by miracle.
^
¥^;ARNER BUNDAY, the popular Mayor of
St. John's, and a prominent grocer, comes
of English ancestry. His father, who bore
the same name as himself, was born in Pennsylva-
nia, but was reared in the State of New York. For
a time he was eng.iged as a teacher in Ontario
County, but later operated as a farmer. In 1837
he came to Michigan, entered and improved land
in Hillsdale County, where he owned one thousand
acres. He was a member of the Congregational
Church. The mother of our subject, Betsey Gard-
ner, was born in Ontario County, and died in Hills-
dale County.
Five children were born to the parents of our
subject, namely: John A., Cornelia G., AVarner.
Pluube A. and George F. He of whom we write
was born in Canandaigua, N. Y., in 1835, on Janu-
ary 5. His first recollections are of Hillsdale
Count3\ whither he was brought by his parents at
the age of two years. He received his education
in the pioneer log schoolhouse which prevailed at
that time, but his opportunities were limited,
as he was early set to work. He remained
under the parental roof until he was twenty-
one j-ears old, when he engaged in farming for
himself.
Purchasing a farm of one hundred and fift^'
acres, Mr. Sunday devoted his time to its improve-
ment until 1863, when on account of ill health
he sold out. Later lie engaged in the general mer-
cantile business in Somerset until 1868. when he
sold out and came to St. John's. He is the olilesl
merchant in this thriving place and has operated
continuously hero since his first arrival. For a time
he was doing business in the dry -goods line, but now
carries a full line of groceries and does some whole-
sale business.
Mr. Buiida^' was (Irst married in Woodstock,
Lenawee Count}-, in 1863 to Miss Annie E. Flint,
a native of Woodstock, and the daughter of .loscpli
Flint. Two children came to them — Wallis M.
and Madge G. The second marriage of our sub
ject united him with Miss Annie M. Campbell, and
was Solemnized in Madison Count}', N. Y., in
1877. In 1891 Mr. Bunday was elected Mayor,
and has efficiently filled this the highest office
within the gift of the people. He has also served
as School Director, and as Count}' Superintendent
of the Poor three terms. Socially he belongs to
the Free and Accepted Masons and is a Knight
Templar. He votes the Republican ticket and has
served .as delegate to county and State inventions,
also on grand and petit juries.
f^ ANIEL A. SUTFIN. Among those who
have long been identified with the interests
of Ovid Township, Clinton County, is the
gentleman above named, who landed here
April 29, 1853, and located on section 31. He
had not money enough to pay the teamster for
transporting him from Detroit, but in lieu of
mor:ey he had a determined spirit, physical
strength and the encouragement and womanly aid
of an estimable wife. The first year he cleared
enough land to make a potato patch and a building
spot, and little by little he added to the tract until
he had eighty acres ready for cultivation. When
he came hither wild deer and turkeys would run as
close to his house as ten feet, and a daughter was
once attacked by a coon within fifty feet of the
door and dragged the animal nearly to the house
before she could get loose. After living on the
farm a quarter of a century, Mr. Sutfin sold it and
removed to suction 11. There he partly improved
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
945
tbe place on which he lived six ye;irs, then ijecame
a resident of Ovid, and now owns and occupies
three acres of Patterson's Addition.
As will be seen, Mr. Sutfin has been engaged in
agricultural pursuits — a line of work to which he
was reared, as his father was a farmer, and he early
learned how to till the soil and manage a farm.
He was born in Yates County, N. Y., March 22,
1825, and his parents were James and Maria (Ellis)
Sutfin. His father was born in Pennsylvania, and
when eleven years old began his residence in Y'ates
County, N. Y., where the lady who became
his v/ife was born and reared. Our subject re-
mained with his parents until he was of age,
spending much of his time in farm work, and hav-
ing only common-school advantages. Much of
the knowledge he now possesses has been gained bj'
him since his marriage. During seven successive
summers he w.as a boatman on tbe Erie Canal, and
thus got his stait in life. AVhen he came to this
State, Jackson was the nearest railroad point to the
locality he had chosen, and he set up his home in
the forest and endured the usual hardships while
improving his land. The years have been spent in
stead}- industr}', and even now when he is growing
old, he is by no means idle. lie has been able to
give his children good educations and has lived to
see them happily married and settled in comfort-
able homes. Bereft of the companion who made
his home happj' for many years, he is now living
alone, but surrounded by children and friends.
April 24, 1842, Mr. Sutfin was married to E. M.
Wilcox, who was born in Orange County, N. Y'.,
June 29, 1823, but at the time of her marriage was
living in Y'ates County. After sharing his for-
tunes nearly half a century, she breathed her last,
October 11, 1889. The record of the children of
Mr. and Mrs. Sutfin is as follows: Perry W., born
February 25, 1843; Jane, February 4, 1845; Mary,
February 25, 1847; Emily, November 8, 1849,
Augusta, December 15, 1851; Eliza, May 19, 1854;
Lewis, October 30, 1857; George. October 29,
1859; Emmet, May 24, 1864; D., December 25,
1866; Charles, December 25, 1871.
Mr. Sutfin has held but few oflices, except that
of School Trustee, but was Drainage Commissioner
two years. In exercising the right of suffrage he
uses a Republican ticket, as he has long been con-
vinced that that party embodies the truest prin-
ciples of political polic}-. He has secured the
respect of his acquaintances by a quiet, industrious
life and by the care which he has taken to do for
his children that which would enable them to do
well for themselves and society-.
MBROSE G. COWLES, M. D. Prominent
not only in professional circles but also in
( i social matters and church work is the well-
known physician whose name stands at the
head of this paragraph. He makes his home in
Durand, Shiawassee Count}', and from that point
extenils a wide practice which calls him in various
directions. He was born in Wood County, Ohio,
in the wilds of the Black Swamp, on the banks of
the Maumee River, his natal day being June
2, 1846. His father, David R. Cowles, was born
in 1805 in McGrawville, Cortland County, N. Y.,
was there educated and carried on his trade as a
wagon maker.
In 1845 David R. Cowles removed from New
Y'ork to AVood County, Ohio, and theie cari-ied on
his trade, but he was not satisfied with that wild,
swampy country, and about a year later removed
to Michigan, reaching New Hudson, Oakland
County, in 1847. Here he again made himself
useful in wagon-making, for which there was a
great demand and but a small su|)ply. He made
his home in that country until the fall of 18G.>,
when he removed to Shiawassee County and lo-
cated on an unimproved farm on section 28,
Vernon Township. Here he built a frame house
and cleared away the forest and made his home
until his death, which tof)k place in 1880. He was
a strong Abolitionist before the war and became
an ardent I{ei)ublican afterward. He was a faith-
ful Christian man antl an active worker in the
Methodist Episcopal Church to the time he was
eighteen years old.
The faithful mother of our subject is still living,
and resides in Vernon Township. She bore the
moiden name of Lydia A. Swartz, and was liorn In
946
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
New York in 1814. She had but two sons, the
Doctor and liis brotlier William. Tlie latter re-
sides on the farm with his mother. He being the
older of the two boys, entered the army at the age
of eighteen, serving three years, taking [tart in the
battles of C'hickamauga, Missionary Hidge, and
other like bloody battles.
The parents of our subject brought him with
them to the Wolverine State when he was an infant
of but one year, and his flrst schooling was taken
in New Hudson, his first teacher being that wor-
thy pioneer instructor, Haniet Barrj'. He con-
tinued his studies at the Union School at Corunna,
taking a special course in the Normal room. Being
now qualified to teach he began that work, teacliing
in the winters, heli)ing his father through tlie
summer and attending Normal School through the
fall, carrying on work in this \\a.y for ten years.
At the same time he undertook the study of medi-
cine. Later he attended the Universit3' of Ann
Arbor for one term and took a full course in the
Bennett Medical College, of Chicago, whence he
graduated in 1878, locating the same year where
he now resides. Here he has built up a practice of
which any physician may be proud.
Dr. Cowles entered the stale of matrimony in
January, 1880, his bride being Harriet Mclntyre.
She was born in New Hudson, Mich., March 17,
1850, and had ma<le her home lieie until marriage.
A great calamitj- befell the young couple during
the first year of their marriage, as the Doctor brought
home infection from a diphtheria patient and his
wife took the desease in its most malignant form
and thereby lost her hearing and in consequence
her speech has also departed. This trouble came
to them onl}' eight weeks after their marriage, and
it has been borne with remarkable Christian forti-
tude and submission. No children have blessed
this home.
The Doctor has a beautiful farm of eight acres
which was his father's old homestead. He is a
Democrat in his political views and is identified
with the Masonic order, belonging to Durand
Lodge, No. 161. He was Superintendent of the
schools in Vernon Township for seven j'ears, and
is an active worker in the Epworth League, which
is the Christian Endeavor Society of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He is also a member of the
Independent Order of Good Templars, and is Secre-
tary- of the Masonic lodge. Dr. Cowles has been
tiie medical officer for the Chicago & Grand Trunk
Railroad and also for tiie Detroit & Milwaukee
road for seven years, and for the Cincinnati, Sagi-
naw it Mackinaw Railroad since it was built.
tM-'^-M-:
'^EORGE E. KING, the subject of this sketch,
has one of the most beautiful forty acres
^^^ij) farms in Watertown Township, Clinton
Count}-. It is situated on section 15, and is im-
proved with line buildings. This gentleman is the
son of David and Electa (McKey) King, natives
of New York State. He was born in Niagara
Count}-, that State, and lived there until he was
fourteen years of age when he started out to work
for himself. He was earlj- orphaned as his mother
was snatched from him when he was only six
months old, and he lost his father's protecting
care at the age of eight years.
George King was born April 18, 1837, and
came to Michigan in 1852. After spending some
time in Clinton Count}', he went to Lansing and
clerked in a store of J. I. Mead, who was one of
the leading merchants of Lansing at that time.
He remained there only one year and in 1854 wont
to Wisconsin. After a year he returned to Clin-
ton County, and bought the fort}' acres upon
which he now resides. It was then an unbroken
forest and lie has brought it from that condition
to its present highly cultivated state. He was
now considering the subject of matrimony and
felt it necessary to provide a home. He built a
small log house on his clearing and prepared fur
housekeeping.
On the 17th of December, 1857, George
E. King and Susan Smith were united in
marriage. The bride was a daughter of Jonas and
Lucinda Smith, pioneers in this section of Michi-
gan. An opportunity to do well in Wisconsin
now induced the young coui)le to go there instead
of settling in tlic home they hud i)ro|)aied, but af-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
947
tcr two j'ears upon a farm tliere they came back to
Clinton County to their home. Here they have
resided from that day to this. One son only has
come to enliven and cheer their home, Frank Smith
King, who was born December 23, 1859.
On September 27, 1882, this son took to wife
Miss Susan Easton, a daughter of Orvill Easton, of
Clinton Count}'. They reside on section 33, Wat-
ertown Township, and have one daughter, Josie
M3'rl, born November 11, 1886. a beautiful little
girl in whom her grandparents delight. The son
has a fine farm of sixty-five acres which he is car-
rying on prosperously and it is near enough to the
parents' home to enable them to liave frequent
social intercourse and family reunions.
The political views of our suljject are embodied
in the declarations of the Republican party and he
is a stalwart defender of the policy of that organi-
zation. His intelligence and character are such as
to make him a leader among the party men of his
locality, and he is a delegate to most of the Slate
and county conventions. He has been Township
Clerk for seven years and Highw.ay Commissioner
for one year, and in this capacity did some excel-
lent work which redounds greallj' to his credit.
Among other enterprises he built two iron bridges
.across the Looking Glass River.
<jf; AMES H. CALKINS. Many of the prom-
inent men in the business centers in Southern
Michigan are now found among those who
were born in this State and Owosso is no ex-
ception to this rule. Tiie gentleman whose name
heads this sketch was born in Genesee County, Mich.,
So|)tcmber 15, 1848, and is a son of Caleb Calkins,
a native of Xew Hampshire whose natal da}' was
November 20, 1804. He pursued farming all his
life and died in August, 18G0. The grandfather
of our subject was also Caleb Calkins and was of
Welsh descent, the family belonging to the early
settlers in New England.
Caroline Piper is the maiden name of the mother
of our subject, and she was born in Connecticut,
,hinc 12, 1804. Her father, Samuel Piper, was of
German descent. Soon after her marriage with Caleb
Calkins, February 22, 1825, they removed from
Vermont to Genesee County, N. Y., and afterward
made their home in Jlonrfie County, this State.
In 1840 they moved farther West, going to
Michigan and settled on a farm in Genesee County,
where they lived until the death of the father in
1 860, and the mother passed away a few years
later. They were the parents of thirteen children,
nine boys and four girls and ten of this large cir-
cle grew to maturity and six are still living. Our
subject being the youngest of the family.
The school days of .lames H. Calkins were passed
in Genesee Count}', Mich., in the district school
and in manual training upon the farm. He was
but a lad of twelve years, when he was bereaved
of his father. He began work in the lumber
regions of Northern Michigan, entering the saw-
mill and lumber camp when only fifteen j'ears old,
doing a man's work much of the time. He remained
liierc till his twenty-first year. On leaving the Sag-
inaw Valley he returned to Genesee County and
began work at the carpenter's trade which he con
tinned to follow until 1871, when he came to
Owosso and continued in the same line of work for
two years.
At that time Mr. Calkins turned his attention to
setting up machinery in flouring mills and contin-
ued in this and as Superintendent for Dewe}' ife
Stewart, of Owosso, until 1891. In the fall of
1890 he formed a partnership with D. M. Estey
under the firm name of P^stey & Calkins, engj.aging
in the manufacture of lumber in the north part of
the State in Bay and Gladwin Counties. The firm
owns a tract of land of about eight thousand acres
and Mr. Calkin spends most of his time in looking
after their lumber interests. The company' has two
large sawmills, one on the tract of timbered land,
and one at Pinconning, Bay County. The marriage
in 1871 of James H. Calkins and Addic Brown was
celebrated at Clayton, IMich., at the home of the
bride's father, James E. Brown. This young bride
died three years later leaving one daughter, Maud.
In 1878 Mr. Calkins married his present wife,
Charlotte E. Imlioff, of Owosso, a daughter of
Henry and Eliza R. ImliofF. Mr. Calkins hiis served
as Supervisor of the Second District of Owosso and
948
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALHUM.
was elected Mayor of Owosso"in tlie spring of 1887.
He is a metuber of Lodge No. 81. F. & A. M.,
Cliapter No. 89 R. A. M. and Corunna Comniand-
eryNo. 21. He is one of the directors of the
Owosso (Savings Bank and his political views are
in accordance with those of the Republican party.
-^^
v^sDWlN EWER WHITE was born at Men-
m don, Monroe County, N. Y., February 12,
/pl — ^ 1 858. He is descended from Scotch Presby-
terian stoflv on his father's side, wliile Ills mother is
of (^>uaker ancestry of English descent. From tliese
two sources come that indomitable v/ill and energy
coupled with high conscientiousness of character
and purpose for which the subject of this sketch is
noted.
Tiie (irst fifteen years of Edwin E. White's life
were spent on his fatiier's farm in New York State,
attendance at the neighborhood scliool alternating
witli tlie arduous duties of farm life. In 1873, lie
began study at tlie East Hloomfield Academy, N.
Y., remaining there, liowever, but two j'ears, when
be removed to Ann Aibor, Mich. There, in the
fail of 1875, lie began his preparation for entering
the University of Miciiigan. The line of study he
selected was the classical course, in wiiich, in 1878,
he was duly graduated from the Ann Arbor High
School and his name was one of the first to be en-
rolle<l on tlie books of the University in tlie fall of
that year. The class with wliicli het^itered college
was the largest tliat had yet come up to the Uni-
versity', being something over ^wo hundred and
twenty-five strong. He entered ui)on his studies with
earnestness and enthusiasm and early in his course
manifested a predeliction for historicil researches
and examination in the field of Political iScience.
The opportunities for pursuing these two branches
of study were perhaps unequalled at any American
College or Unive'siiy at the time he was at college
and to say that he improved the opportunities to
their fullest extent would be relating only what
actually occurred.
While Mr. White was so earnest and conscien-
tious as a student, he was equally so in his atten-
tion to athlet'c matters and to whatever concerned
the general welfare of his class or of the Univer-
sity. He was honored with the highest gift in the
power of the students, being elected in 1881, to
the Presidency of the Student's Lecture Associa-
ciation. In his social relations he was always the
whole-souled, companionable boy, and was an en-
thusiastic member of the Sigma Phi Society, one
of the leading Greek letter secret fraternities at
Ann Arbor. Instead of taking the Bachelor's de-
gree in 1882 with his class, he decided to continue
his studies for aholher ^ear with especial attention
to Constitutional Law and history. Accordingly
in 1883 the degree of Master of Arts was conferred
on him. During the last two years of his course
betook lectures in the Law Department of the Uni-
versity.
In the year of his graduation, Mr. White was ad-
mitted to the bar, and took up his residence in St.
Paul, Minn., where he at once obtained a position
in the legal department of the Northern Pacific
Railroad. His stay at St. Paul, however, was but
a b) icf one, and at the end of five months he re-
moved to St. John's, where he entered into part-
nership relations with the Hon. Samuel S. Walker,
under the firm name of Walker tt White, and en-
gaged in the business of loaning funds on real-es-
tate security.
On April 22, 1885, Mr. White was married to
Miss Mary R. Morey, at her mother's home at Lima,
N. Y. The lady with whom his fortunes were
thus happily joined has more than proven herself
the valuable liel|imate of her husband, and has
gained the love and admiration of all the people
of St. John's during her six years' residence therein.
Since the removal of Edwin E. White to St.
John's, he has rapidly accumulated wealth, and is
already ranked among the substantial business
men of the town, being at present a Director in
the State Bank, of St.. John's, the Durand Land
Company, the State Bank, of Carson Cit}', and
various other banking and business enterprises.
He is actively engaged as Secretar}' and Treasurer
of the INIichigan Mortgage Comi)any, Limited,
and on him devolves, to a very large extent, the
management of the important affairs of this concern.
i He has been a member of the Common Council of
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM,
949
St. John's, and at present holds the responsible of-
fice of President of the vSchool Board. His wide
acquaintance with and deep interest in educational
matters are already being felt and appreciated by
his townspeople, and the improved condition of
the Public .Schools is a matter of universal com-
ment.
Mr. White still retains his studious habits, and
his greatest delight is with his books. His library
is conceded by all to be the finest in Clinton
County, and in matters of historical interest is
really one of the most valuable in the State.
PC. HOLLEY, M.I)., of Vernon, w.is born in
Seneca County, N. Y., August 9, 1821), and
is the son of Ransom AV. and Sarah (Clark)
Holiey. The father, who was born in February,
17U7, in Delaware County, N. Y., was reared in
Seneca County, the same State, whilher lie wont at
the age of six years. By trade he was a carpenter
and joiner, and was a large contractor while in
Ovid, N. Y. He erecteil several tine churches in
the State of New York, a Methodist Episcopal in
Ovid, a Presbyterian in Aurora and a Dutch Re-
formed in Palmer. He also built many handsome
residences, and a Masonic hall in Ovid.
In 1831 the father came to Detroit, Mich.,
and after several removals settled in Novi Town-
ship, Oakland County, on a farm. This was his
home until he came to Shiawassee Count}' in 1836,
taking up land from the Oovernment where
Vernon now stands, and building the second
log house In the place. Here he remained until
called hence by death. He attended the first town-
ship meeiing in Vernon Township and wis the first
Supervisor and one of the first Justices of the
Peace in the township. He was first a Whig but
afterward became a Republican. In 18.56, he was
elected County Treasurer, holding the olHce two
years. His death occurred in September, 1860.
Socially, Ransom W. Holiey was a Ro3al Arch
Mason and attcndoil tlie convention held at Albany
during the time of the Morgan trouble. He was
one of five men who organized the First Presbyter-
ian Church in the county, and he was appointed
as a committee of one to build the Court-house In
Corunna, for which he drew plans and superin-
tended the work. He continued a member of the
Presbyterian Church as long as it was in existence,
and when the Congregational Church was organized
he joined with It. There he served as Elder and
De.acon and remained a faithful member until his
death. The grandfather of our subject, Gideon
Holiey, was a native of New York, born in
Dutchess County.
The mother of our subject was known in maiden-
hood as Sarah Clark and was born in Providence,
R. I., October 4, 1789. D. C, the subject of this
sketch, was the fourth child born to his parents
and obtained his schooling partially in Northville,
Oakland County. He attended the common schools
until he commenced to teach at the age of eighteen
years. After teaching one year, he commenced
the stud}' of medicine and after reading two jears,
went to the Michigan I'niversity in March, 1853.
He has been a student in the New York College of
Surgery, and Jefifcson Medical College of Phila-
delphia, Pa. He has established a good practice in
Vernon and is well known as a faithful and reliable
physician.
In 1853, Dr. Holiey was united In marriage with
Rachel Y., the fourth child in the family of Stephen
and Merc3' (Madon) Rodgers, natives of Pennsyl-
vania. Sirs. Dr. Holiey was born in Farmington
Township, Oakland Count}', Mich., September 1,
1832, and was theie reared to womanhood. Her
father and mother, who are earl}' settlers in that
section of country, have passed away. Dr. Holiey
and his good wife are the parents of several child-
ren, Milton R., married Margaret Young and lliey
have six children. Their residence Is in Mecosta
County, ihis State. Florence Irene is the wife of
George I>. Clarke and the mother of four living
children. They make their home in N'ernon.
Lillian May married John Y. Martin and they live
in Caledonia Township, Shiawassee County; Clar-
ence M. is at home.
The Doctor Is a Mason, belonging to the Blue
Lodge at Vernon. He was engaged in the practice
of his profession in DcWltt about two years, and
in tirand Rapids, Mich., about four years. He and
950
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALUUM.
Mrs. Holley are members of the Congregational
Cliiircli, and lin has been Trustee and is now Deacon
in Uh' snnic. lie also served as Deacon of the
ciuiii'li in Grand Rapids. In 1886 he was Presi-
dent of the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine,
and also served as President of the Owosso Acad-
emy of Medicine two years. He was at different
times a member of the Union Medical Society of
AVayne, ()al<land and Washtenaw Counties. He is
held in liigh esteem and having always been con-
spieious for fair dealings vvith u\\ men, has justly
won the conQdence not only of his |)alients, but
also of the entire community.
'^^
\if?UDGE SHERMAN H. DABOI.L. In trac-
ing the history of men of mark, we find as a
rule that tliey were early thrown on their
own resources, and that their first expe-
riences were iu the face of adversity. The secret
of their success lies in the fact that tlieir combat-
iveness and will [lOwer were directed against the
untoward circumstances, .'uid thus the sterling-
virtues gi'cw to full strength in their characters. In
the history of no resident of St. John's, Clinton
County, is this more plainly demonstrated than in
that of Judge Daholl, who is now Circuit Judge of
tiie Twenty- iiinlli Circuit, having received his ap-
pointment at the hands of Gov. Luce in the sum-
mer of 1889. His duties have taken him into nine
counties outside his own, and everywhere attorueys
and papers speak in the highest terms of his ability
and justness and the rapidity witli which he dis
patches business. He makes no display, and mani-
fests no pride in his oflice, except in so far as it is
shown by perfect courtesy and the bearing of a
true gentleman. The young .attorney is treated
with as much respect as the old, and the law is ad-
ministered in a dignified and iuipartial manner.
• George DaboU, grandfather of llie .ludge, was
born in Connei ticut, and was the representative of
French and English ancestors. He was an early
settler in Rensselaer County, N. Y., wlieie his son,
George W., was l>orn and reared on a farm. The
sou became a school teacher when quite young, then
drifted into mechanical work in iron, and for some
time made agricultural tools. He went from his
native county to Brookfield, Madison County,
worked at his trade for awhile and then engaged in
the manufacture of Hour and feed. This work he
continued until his demise, March 1, 1878, when
sixty-two j-ears old. He married Lydia James, a
native of Nassau, N. Y., whose father, Amos
James was a native of the Empire State, and a
farmer by occupation. He wps a son of a Revo-
lutionary soldier, and his wife, whose maiden name
was Cidver, was the daughter of a patriot of '76.
Mr. James removed to Minnesota and died at Point
Douglas. Jlrs. Daholl reared three children, the
youngest of whom is the subject of this biograph-
ical notice. The eldest was Amos J., who enlisted
in the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth New York
Infantry in 1862, was in active service until he was
t.aken ill at Petersburg and died May 30, 1865,
while still connected with the army. The second
child is Latitia, now Mrs. Huey, whose home is at
Leonardsville, N. Y. The mother died in 1864, at
Point Douglas, Minn.
The natal daj' of Judge Dal)oll was M.ay IH,
1844, and his birthplace Nassau, N. Y. In that
i)lace and in West Stephentown he spent the j'ears
until he entered his teens and then iiis home was
on a farm in Madison County. He worked like
other farmer boys, attending school during the
winter niontiis, and having laborious occupations
during the summer. When fifteen years old he
entered the Brookfield Academy and made his w:iy
by spending the summers in farm work, as he had
his own expenses to pay. He was seventeen years
old when the war began, but like many another
Norliiern youth was not only intensely loyal, but
eager to battle for the Union, if not on Soulliern
fields, then with his arguments at home. In 1862
he was working for one of the class who became
knovvn as "copperheads" near Utica, and he and his
employer had frequent (lis|>utes over the all-absorli-
ing topic. He was in the field on a lo.ad of hay
when he heard the news of the second call, for
three hundred thousand volunteers. His employer
had often said that young Daboll did not dare to
go to the war, and now jokingly remarked that
here was a chance for him. The young man took
PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
951
it in earnest, left his load, and in spite of the ef-
forts of his employer to detain liiiii, and threats
that he would receive no pay for his past services,
went to his home, obtaiiieu his faliier's consent to
his enlistment and became a member of Company
G, One Hundred and Seventeenth New York In-
fantry.
V <s»Vn '^'^^ enrollment of yonng Daboll occurred July
jt*^ " 22, 1862. and he was mustered in at Rome, then
^^ sent to Washinijton and for eight months his work
1, was aiding in building forliticalions near the Cap-
''>i;>,>v ital. He then went to Norfolk by train, and under
*' the command of Gen. Gcd(^y, did duty on the
Nansemond River during tiie period of Longstreel's
attempt to capture Suffolk. The command then
returned to Norfolk and took trans|)iirts to Ciiarles-
ton Harbor, where he aided in building the battery
on Long Island that shelled the city. He also
helped to build the fort on Morris Island that bat-
tered down Fts. Sumter and Wagner. He was
present throughout the siege and witnessed the
(iring on Ft. Sumter. Various points on the East-
ern coast were visiU d in the course of tiie next
few months, one of the acts in vvliicii Mr. Daboll
participated being a raid to Hanover .lunction to
cut the railroads in order to prevent ieinforcemi;nts
from reaching Gen. Lee. He also took part in the
movement at Drury's Bluff, in the attempt of Gen.
Butler to cai)ture Richmond, and the battle of
Cold Harbor.
The division with a i)art of the Kiglitecn Army
Cor[)S took part in liie capture of the lleigiits of
Petersburg and then, being lelieved by tiie Army
of the Potomac, returned to Butler's division at
Bermuda Hundred, and soon afterward the reg-
iment was in line before Petersburg. Mr. Da-
boll was wounded in the early morning of July 4,
186t. He had been on duty during liie early part
of the night and was lying asleep when a shell
burst about one hundred yards from him, and a
fragment struck his right forearm. He was taken
to the field liospital, transferred to Hampton, tiien
to the steamer "Western Metropolis" and sent to
the general hospital at P't. Schuyler, N. Y. He re-
mained there about six weeks, during which time
gangrene set in, and the advi.sability of amputation
w.as seriously debated. However, by the cutting
away of flesh and the application of strong caus-
tics this extreme measure was avoided. Mr. Daboll
was sent to St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, and
remained there until October, when he was able to
rejoin his regiment, then stationed at New Market
Road. Va.. on the north l>ank of the James.
In December Gen. Butler's expedition to Ft.
Fisher occurred and Mr. Daboll i)arlicipated, but
after the reconnaissance w.as in the camp on the old
ground until early in January, when the command
was again sent to the fort, and this time attacked
that stronghold. The regiment to which he be-
longed led the advance in what was as hotly con-
tested a fight as history recounts. The com|)any
in which Mr. Daboll belonged was reduced from
twenty four to twelve men. The next experience
of Mr. Daboll was ;.l Wilmington, N. C, and he
then joined Sherman at Raleigh and after the sur-
render of Johnston received a furlough and re-
turned home to visit his dying brother. He started
to rejoin his regiment and met the boys in Albany
and was mustered out at Syr.icuse June 8, LSCj.
He returned to his lioine, and for about eighteen
miinlli was employed at liie harnessmaker's traile,
when his work was interrupted by the loss of two
fingers on the left hand. The misfortune was oc-
casioned by the premature explosion of a charge
of powder while celebrating the election of Gov.
Fenton.
Mr. Daboll then resumed his studies in the acad-
emy where he had formerly been, and also took up
the study of law under II. A. Bennett and II. M.
Aylesworth of New Berlin. He worked on a farm
tfiree days each week ami studied the balance of
llie time, and so became educated in English
branches and in legal lore. In November, 1868,
he was admitted to the bar and began practice in
New Berlin. A year later he opened his odice in
Brookfield, Madison County, where he labored un-
til 1878. In July of tliat year he came to .St.
John's and began practice, entering into partner-
ship with tlie late Anthony Cook, in April. 1879
— a connection that continued until 1HH2. Almost
immediately after his arrival here he took rank
with the best of the bar and maintained it as long
as he carried on private practice. He had charge
of some of the most important cases tried in the
952
rORTKAlT AJSD BIOGRArUlCAL ALBUM.
Clinton circuit, and was engaged on tbe defense in
tbree of liie four rauider trials liad in the count}'
since he became a resident.
The official life of Judge Daboll began in 1874,
when he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of 5Iad-
ison County, N. Y., for a term of three years. In
1880 he became a Circuit Court Commissioner in
this State, and served two years, refusing to run
a second time. When the Twent3--nintii Circuit of
Clinton and Gratiot Counties was formed he was
selected for tiie Judgeship by Gov. Luce, and since
thao time he has been one of the busiest men in the
.State. He is quick to see a point, and does not
permit long and useless discussions, although he
never refuses to hear all sides on important matters.
He has rendered some decisions which are of special
moment to wageworkers aad old soldiers, and is cer-
tainly entitled to their respect and consideration.
January 1, 1887, he was ai)poiiitcd (Juartermaster-
Geueral of the State with the rank of Brigadier,
with the rank of Brigadier and was re-appointed
two years later. He resigned to acceiit the appoint-
ment of Circuit Judge which he received August
6, 1889.
In New Berlin, N. Y., August 19, 1869, Judge
Daboll was married to Miss Elizabeth Campbell, a
lady of illustrious descent as will be seen by the
perusal of the following paragraphs. She was born
in Cooperstown, N. Y., September 1, 1843, educa-
ted at the New Berlin Academy, and taught in
private and public schools there and in Columbus,
Ohio. Her rare intelligence, excellent judgment
and charming manners make her an important and
useful member of society. For years past she has
been Secretary of the Woman's Relief Corps, in St.
John's, and she is likewise an official member of
the Ladies' Library Association. She is a member
of the Jipiscopal Churc'o, in which the Judge has
been Vestryman and Warden. They have one
child, Winnifred C. In the paternal line Rlrs. Da-
boll traces her ancestry to the Fourth Clan Camp-
bell of Argyie, Scotland, and on her mother's side
she is in the eighth generation of the direct de-
scendants of Gov. Bradford, of the Plymouth
Colon}', the connection being through his eldest
son by his second marriage, with Mrs. Alice South-
worth, who came over in the "Anne."
David Campbell, grandfather of Mrs. Daboll,
was born in Princeton, Conn., and was a man of
liberal education who did some literary work in
connection with farming. For some years his home
was at Florida, Herkimer County, N. Y.. where
David Campbell, father of Mrs. Daboll was born.
When but a lad David Cami)bell, Ji-., with a chum
named Gilbert, ran away to New York City.
Campbell became a pianomakcr and Gilbert an ap-
prentice at the printer's trade, and to the support
of the latter his friend contributed, as he made the
most money. Gilbert was destined to become a
prominent man. He went to California in the early
days, founded the Alta Odijornia. and was the
first member of Congress from tiie Golden State to
Washington, at the time when John C. Fremont
w.as Senator. He never forgot his friend Camp-
bell, to whom he had owed so much in their youth.
Mr. Campbell was for fourteen years foreman and
overseer in Boardman tfe Gray's piano manufactory
in Albany, and llieu for more than a decade had a
similar place with Ilaj'es & Co., of Norwich. His
eyesight then failed him and he wns obliged to
I abandon mechanical work, and in the spring of
1869 he came to Clinton County, this Slate, and
is now carrying on a farm in Grccnbush Town-
ship.
The wife of David Campbell, and mother of
Mrs. Daboll, bore the maiden name of Mary Brad-
ford and was born in New Berlin, Chenango
County, N.Y. Her grandfather. Perez Bradford, was
born in Woodstock, Conn., and served in the Rev-
olutionary ami}- between the ages of sixteen and
seventeen years. He took the place of his brother
George who had been wouu'ied — the family being
so patriotic that they wished to be represented. He
became a manufacturer of woolen cards, went lo
Otsego, then to Tompkins and later to Onondaga
1 County, N. Y., and finally engaged in agricultural
as well as mechanical pursuits. He died in Caze-
novia. His son, Fahius M., father of Mrs. Da-
boll, was born in Ilartwig, Otsego County, and
was a goldsmith and engraver. He was a very fine
workman. He continued his trade until he became
blind. He died in Binghamton.
Judge Daboll is a Mason, identified with the
I Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commander}' in St.
POKTRAIT AND IJIOGRAI'HICAL ALBUM.
'J53
.lolm's. He is also a memlter of the Kniglils of
Honor and the Ancient Order of I'nited Workmen.
In Grand Army circles be is prominent, doing
much work for the order, among other \va3's in
which he manifests his zeal being that of a speaker
for the order in many places. He has been Com-
mander of Charles E. Grisson Post three years,
and was Judge Advocate of the Miciiigan Depart-
ment for one year. Politically he is a Republican,
and he has been Chairman of the Count}' Central
Committee. He is an honest man, a learned and
upright judge, and has a pleasant smile and a
hearty- greeting to all, because having labored he
appreciates the toil of others and honors industry
and good citizenship.
-^=
•"^^s
'jfJOSHlAC. CURTIS. Prominent not only
in social and agricultural circles but also in
temperance and church work is the gentle-
man whose name appeal's at the head of
this sketch. He has been for many 3'ears identified
with the .agricultural interests of Vernon Town-
ship, Shiawassee Count}', where his farm is situated
on section 4, and he was born in this same town-
ship, September 12, 1843. His father, Caleb Cur-
tis, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., in 1806
and he chose for his wife Sarah Brown, a native of
the same county, born the year after himself.
They were married in Tompkins County, in 1825,
and made their first home in their native count}'.
Mr. and JMrs. Caleb Curtis in their early mar-
ried life removed to Pennsylvania, but afterward
returned to New York and from there started West,
spending some time in Ohio, but ultimately mak-
ing their permanent home in Vernon Township,
Shiawassee County, where they located on section
4, in 1836. There were then no improvements on
the place which consisted of one hundred and sixty
acres of Government land. Mr. Curtis [)roceeded
to cut down logs and build a homo. It was con-
structed on the prevailing style of architecture in
that section an(i at that lime, with log walls, b,irk
roof, bark floor, stick cliimney, and with the ample
dimensions of 18x20 feet on the ground. This was
the first house put up by the neighbors who came
together from the East and for the first three
weeks it sheltered eighteen souls.
Mr. Curtis built the first barn that was erected
in that part of the township, and made his home on
ihis place as long as he lived. He died in 1863,
and his faitliful wife followed him to the grave in
1889. Their remains lie side by side in the ceme-
tery of Vernon Township, and their memory is
cherished by all who knew and loved them.
Tlie father was a member of the Piesbyterian
Church in his younger days and was active in or-
ganizing the Congregational Church here. He
afterward joined the Methodist Episcopal Church
and S])ent his last days in its communion. He was
active in church work and a liberal contriijutor
with his means. He had preaching in his little log
house and in his barn, where they held their first
quarterly meetings, and his house was always a
home for all the Methodists who came that w.ny.
His wife was a life-long member of the Methodist
Church and active and earnest in her attachment
to its faith and worship.
Three sons and four daughters constitute the
children who gathered in this old log bouse and all
but one lived to manhood and womanhood. The
eldest, Benjamin B., lived to be fifty-two years old
and is now deceased. Julia T., the wife of William
Palmer, resides in Linden, Genesee County, this
State; Margaret L. died August 4, 1885, at the age
of fifty-one; Caroline J. died at the age of twenty-
two; Eliza M. is tiie widow of J. B. Smith; John
died when only two years old and our subject is
the youngest of the household.
The early schooling of J. C. Curtis was taken In
the log schoolhouse on section o, this townshii),
and be finished his school d.ays on section 4. He
started out for himself at the age of twenty and
had then accumulated about 8150. After the
death of his father he bought out the interest of
the other heirs in the old homestead and m.ade it
bis home.
The marriage of Mr. Curtis and Miss Mary M.,
daughter of Truxton and Charlotte (Packard)
(ioodrich, took place February 7, 1809. Mr. (iood-
rich was a native ofllutland County. Vt., and his
wife was born in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., where
954
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
tlieir daughter Mary was also born, April 6, 1844.
She grew to womanhood in her native county, and
came to Michigan in 1865. She hfid received ex-
cellent educational advantages and completed her
school days at a young ladies' seminary in Madrid,
St. Lawrence County, N. Y. Shetauglit school in
her native county for three years in the graded
schools and after coming to Michigan taught in the
district schools of Shiawassee and Ingham Coun-
ties. She returned to her home in New York and
was married at the Congregational Church of Nor-
wood, the Rev. George Hardy otflciating.
The father of Mrs. Curtis was a soldier in the
Civil War, serving in the Commissary Department
in the Ninety-sixth New York Infantry. He served
but one year and died before he could reacli home.
Her mother always remained in her native State
and lived to be fifty-three years old. After mar-
riage Mr. Curtis brought his bride at once to the
place wiiich is still his home. Thej' became the
parents of two bright rnd promising sons, Caleb
A., who w.as born December 5, 1869, resides at
home and is his father's mainstay, and Fred G.
was born August 1875 and is now growing up to a
strong and noble manhood.
Mr. Curtis has one hundred acres of well-im-
proved land which was his fatiier's old homestead,
and his present attractive resi<lence was built in
1882, at a cost of $1,500, and his barn at about
the same time at tiie cost of 81,000. He has ac-
cumulated a handsome projierty, which is all the
result of his earnest and persistent labors. He car-
ries on general farming and keeps good stock. His
Hock of sheep nural)ers from seventy-five to one
hundred head and he keeps from four to six
horses and from twelve to fourteen head of cattle.
His views of political economy accord with the
doctrines of the Republican party but he has of
late felt impelled to voice his temperance senti-
ments by voting for prohibition. He is a member
of the Royal Templars of Tcni|)erance at Vernon,
and both he and his good wife are earnest temper-
ance workers. He holds oflicc in the order and is
Counselor, the highest ofhce in the lodge. Mrs.
Curtis is a writer for the temperance paper which
is known as the Royal Tcmjjlar and they are both
earnest and efficient iuend)ers of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Mrs. Curtis was formerly a
member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Cur-
tis is a trustee of the church and has been ever
since it was built. He takes part in the Sunday-
school and was Superintendent in it for nine j-ears.
Mrs. Curtis teaches the primary' dci)artment.
F. WASHBURN. The St. -lohn's Mercan-
tile Company is widely known and tiie
gentlemen who have the most responsil)le
positions therein are prominent in business
circles. The gentleman above named is foreman
of the shoe department and is carrying on his part
of the work of the house in a thorough and sys-
tematic manner. His manners are courteous and
obliging and he is well liked by all who make iiis
acquaintance. The established rei)Utalion of tiie
Mcrcanlile Company gives assurance of the integ-
rit}' of its employes and a responsilile position
there is a letter of credit in the liest society of the
county scat. Had Mr. Washburn no other hold
upon the people of St. John's this would be sufli-
cient to insure him tlieir respect, but before he en-
tered the service of the INIercantile Company he
had become somewhat known here and already had
a good name.
Mr. W.ashburn w.as born in Madison County, N.
Y., of which his father, Marcus Washburn, was a
lifelong resident. His grandfather, Noah Wash-
burn, made an earl}' settlement there, removing
from his native place, Stafford, Coiui. He was a
soldier in the War of 1812. Marcus Washburn
married Sophia Parker, a native of Madison County
and daughter of Leonard Parker, formerly of
Stafford, Conn. Mr. Parker was a farmer and
speculator and owned a large amount of land.
Like (irandfathor Washburn, he fought in the War
of 1812. The mother of our subject ilied in 1877
and her husband in 188;?. The}' had five chihlrcn
and he of whom we write was the firstborn. His
natal day was August 21,1842, and he remained
on the farm until he wss seventeen years old, in
the meantime attending school and gaining a prac-
tical knowledge of the English branches.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
955
At the age mentioned youug Washburn became
clerk in a general store and spent two years there,
then about the same length of time in Salisville.
He nest took up work at the carpenters' trade and
after a few years became a contractor and builder
of private and public edifices. He carried on his
work in the East until 1878, then came to St. John's
and for two j'cars worked at his trade. In 1884
he was made Jlarshal and filled the olHce a j-ear
after which he opened a boot and shoe store, which
in 1889 he sold in order to accept, his present po-
sition.
At the bride's home in Auburn, N. Y., 1869,
Mr. Washburn was united in marriage with Miss
May Simons. This estimable lady was born in
Madison County, has a good education and is de-
voted to her famil}'. She has five children, named
respectively, Ray, Henry, Edith, Lewis and Minnie.
The first born lias a position with the Manufactur-
ing Company of St. John's. Mr. Washburn is a
Mason and a Knight of the Maccabees and in the
latter lodge is Record-keeper and Treasurer. Po-
litically he is a Democrat and he has been a dele-
gate to county conventions. For a year he was
Village Clerk, but his attention has generally been
given to business atTairs and the pleasures of social
anil domestic life, for which he is well fitted.
AVID H. SOULE. This well-known resi-
dent of Ovid is now carrying on the ice
trade, having control of the sale of that
commodity in the village and supplying it from a
l)on(l located on his own farm which furjiishes him
about one thousand tons per annum. In addition
to this business he carries on a farm of one hun-
dred acres, althougli his residence is in the corpor-
ation. Here as elsewhere he has taken great pride
in setting out shade trees to beautify his own home
and adorn the country. Mr. Soule has lived in
this countr}' long enough to be able to recall the
time when there were only trails through the
Woods; settlements were remote from each other
and oxen were in almost universal use, there be-
ing but few horses in the county. Identified in
various ways with the prosperity of the localit3-,
he has gained an excellent reputation and made
many friends.
Mr. Soule was born in Monroe County, N. Y.,
May 29, 1829, being a son of J. H. and Elizabeth
(Gage) Soule, both of whom wore born and reared
in the Empire State. The father was a carpenter
and joiner, but in his later days became a farmer
and the son spent his youth in a rural home. His
educational advantages were limited to the district
school of his day and his attendance confined to
the winter months. He resided under the parental
roof until he attained his majorit}-, then took up
farm life for himself in his native county. After
a time he opened a livery stable, which he carried
on for a couple of years, after which he sold it and
went to California. This was in 1852 and he re-
mained on the coast two years, driving a stage and
keeping a hotel, and for a time being ou the police
force.
In 1855, Mr. Soule came to Michigan and took
up pioneer labor in earnest, locating ou unimproved
land in Ovid Township, Clinton Count}'. His
home was on section 13, where he first cleared and
and improved a farm of eighty acres and after-
ward added to it another tract of equal size. The
father came to the State the same year as the son
and he too located in Ovid Townshii). In 1861,
iNIr. Soule built a saw mill which he ran six or
seven years, doing a business that was satisfactory
to himgelf and to his neighbors. He then began to
handle wild laud to a limited extent. After six-
teen years' residence in the country he removed to
the village of Ovid, where he carried on the Clin-
ton House a few years, during which time he also
ran a livery stable and sample room. Some nine
years ago he sold '.he hotel and removed to his
present resideiice, whicii is on Main Street south of
the river. While in the hotel business he built
more than half of the block commonly known aa
the Hotel Block.
Mr. Soule was fiist married to Mary E. Ilaight,
of Montgomery County, N. Y., who was removed
from him by death after twenty-three years of
wedded life. They had two children, Byron B.,
who w.is born in 18.')8, and Carrie Belle, born
956
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
in 1862. The son is now an attorney anti Jus-
tice of the Peace in the village of Ovid. After
living as a widower a decade, Mr. Soule was again
married in the fall of 1873, his bride being Miss
Emma Terrell of (Jvid, who died here in 1889.
For six years Mr. Soule has held the office of
Highway Commissioner and he has also been School
Supervisor, School Trustee and School Director, and
was Trustee in the village two years. He has always
been identified with public spirited enterprises and
advocates all the schemes which would benefit the
public, voting public bonds to support and up-
build them. His business enterprises are carried
on with energy and the success that he attains is
merited by his earnestness and zeal.
^l^ ON. J. B. F. CURTIS, M. D. is conducting
*^ public affairs as Mayor of Cornnna, Shia-
wassee County, and is an able physician
and surgeon, whose fame is not limited to
the communit}' where he now resides. He was
born in Wyoming County, N. Y., in the city of
Warsaw, November 17, 1839. His grandfather,
John C. Curtis, was born in Connecticut, and his
father, Edmond, was in the Revolutionary War
and the AVar of 1812. He was killed in the bat-
tle of Lundy's Lane. The grandfather was an
early settler on the Holland Purchase and later
removed to Erie County, where he died.
The father, who was a farmer b}- occupation, re-
moved to Erie County, N. Y., in 1846, and located
in Aiden. In 1859 he came to Michigan and set-
tled in Commerce Township, Oakland Count}', and
from there went to Flint, Genesee County, about
1862. In the latter city he was in ihe employ of
the City Commissioner of streets and public works,
a position which he held until 1881. He then re-
tired from life's active duties and at the age
of seventy-one years died at the home of our sub-
ject in 1888. He was first a Whig but ujion the
organization of the Republican party became a
firm follower of its principles.
Lydia (Ingersoll) Curtis, the mother of our sub-
ject, was born in Genesee County, N. Y., and was
the daughter of Samuel Ingersoll, a brave soldier
in the War of 1812, where he was taken prisoner.
He was a native of W.ashington County, N. Y., and
removed after the War of 1812 to Genesee County.
The mother resides in the home of Mr. Curtis.
The great-grandfather of our subject was Francis
Ingersoll, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. At
the age of seven years our subject accompanied
his parents to Erie County, locating in Alden Town-
ship and gaining a common-school education,
which was afterward supplemented by academic
instruction. At the age of nineteen he was grad-
uated from the academy and then helped his father
on the farm.
In 18.59 Dr. Curtis came to Michigan, locating
in Corunna, and the following year entered the
University- of Michigan. Wiien twentj' jears old
he began the study of medicine with Dr. Chase, of
Geneseo, N. Y., and was graduated from the Med-
ical Department of the Universit}- of Michigan in
the spring of 1862. He then returned to the Em-
pire State and enlisted in the One Hundred and
Fourth New York Infantry, of which he was as-
sistant Surgeon for six months; he was then ap-
pointed Hospital Steward for the One Hundred and
Second United States Cavalry. Until the fall of
18G5 he remained in the South taking charge of
the sick and wounded and barely escaped capture.
He was mustered out at Charleston, S. C, and dis-
charged in Detroit November 1, 1865.
Dr. Curtis came at once to Flint and opened an
office for the pr.actice of his profession. During
the time he resided in that city, until 1881, he
served in various public capacities. For six years
he was Alderman of the Second Ward, for three
years City Clerk, and one year Health Officer.
In 1881 he came to Shiawassee County, and prac
ticed in Lathrop for seven 3cars, since which time
he has been successfully following his profession
in Corunna. The Doctor was married in Lapeer
Countj' in 1863 to Miss Amelia Burbank, a na-
tive of Grand Blanc, Genesee County. Two chil-
dren comprise their famil}', Edmond T., a tcle-
gr.nph operator, and Francis A., both of whom
are are home.
In the fall of 1 888 the Doctor was nominated
to the .State Legislature on the Republican ticket
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
957
and was elected to represent the first district of
Sliiawassee County. He served acceptably on
various important committees, among them the
Committee on Municipal Corporations, Seliools for
tlie Blind, and was Chairman of the Committee
on Public Health. Ho belongs to the Grand
Army of the Rci)ublic, is a Mason, a Knight Tem-
jiiar, and belongs to the Royal Arcanum. He is
an influential Republican and has served as chair-
man of the Republican County Committee and
as a delegate to count}' and State conventions.
f~S\.\RXKY PEARCE, one of the most success-
y ful agriculturists of Clinton County, lives
in Olive Township, on a farm of two hun-
dred and twenty acres and has also one liundred
and sevent}' acres in Rilcj' Township. Like many
another nciw prosperous and well-to-do, he began
his career without capital other than his mental
and physical strength. It is eas}- to see what quali-
ties he has exhibited and what habits pursued,
espociallv if one visits his home and notes the
orderly arrangements and full supi)ly of impli-
ments here. The dwelling that shelters the happy
family is a large brick house, furnislied in good
taste and abounding with creature comforts.
The birth of Mr. Pearce occurred in Huron
County, Ohio, February 10, 1832, and the lad was
reared on a farm. He pursued his studies in the
district schools, wliicli he attended mostly during
the winter months, and when sixteen j-cars old be-
gan working on a farm at §'.) a month. His wages
increased as be grew older. He spent a year in
working on the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati
Railroad, and then resumed farm work and in addi-
tion to meeting his own expenses cared for his
mother whose second husband had died and left
her poor. In the spring of 1864 he came to this
State and made his first home in DeWitt Township,
Clinton County. He subsequently bought a saw-
mill in partnership with William Dills, and operated
it about five 3'ears, then purchased land on section
31, Olive Township, where he has since lived. He
has added to his land as success crowned his efforts
and now stands upon a substantial basis as a land-
owner and money loaner.
The parents of Mr. Pearce were Varney and
Mary (Rusco) Pearce. The former died in 1833,
when but forty five years old; the latter lived to
the age of fifty-six years. She was a member of
the Universalist Church. Her children by her first
marri.age were four in number and to her second
husband she bore five sons and daughters. The
wife to whom our subject owes the comforts of his
home and financial aid through lier judicious man-
agement of domestic affairs, bore the maiden name
of Clnrity L. Van Dyke. She is a native of Riley
Towushi|), is well educated and has a thorough
knowledge of domestic arts. Her marriage to our
subject occurred at her home in 1872 and the}' have
three living children and lost one in its infanc}';
tlie names of the survivors are: Alta, Josie and
Varney.
As would naturall}' be supiiosed, Mr. Pearce is
interested in the advancement of the farmers in
knowledge and social standing, and he therefore
identified himself with the Grange some time ago.
Politically he is a Democrat and he has done wli.at
he could to promote the interests of the part}- as a
delegate to various conventions. His life has been
marked by no unusual incidents, but has been a
continuation of years of honest and industrious
living such as affords an excellent example to
others.
The parents of IMrs. Pearce, William and Sarah
J. Van Dyke, were residents of Seneca County,
N. Y. In 1844, they came to Rile}', Clinton County,
Mich., accompanierl by their five children Lewis,
Mary Jane, James !M., Martha, and George II.
They lived with the family of Atwell Simmons
until they could clear up a s|)0t large enough for a
house, and then they erected a home. They were
two and one-half miles from neighbors for a long
time after moving to their new home. Charity, Mrs.
Pearce, was born in 1848. In 1851, another
daughter whom they named Sarah was added to the
household.
Mr. and Mrs. \'an Dyke saw very hard, discour-
aging times, as was generally the case with the
first pioneers. Her health w.as very poor for
several years after coming to Michigan. Although
958
POR'JRAIT AND BIOGUAPIIJCAL ALBUM.
stai-vation seemed almost to stare lliem in the face
they (lid not give up in despair or faint by the way-
side. With the united help of the older children
the dense forest gave way to broad I'lelds of wav-
ing grain. Many a time have the cliildren heard
their parents tell about being kept awake at night
by the howling of the wolves, and it was not much
more uncommon to see bears roving through the
woods than it is to see squirrels now.
In the fall of 1861, Lewis, uhe eldest son, enlisted
in the Third Michigan Calvary and in January,
1802, .James M,. enlisted in the Fourteenth Michigan-
Infantry. In the spring of 1862, Lewis was dis-
charged for disability, but in the fall of the same
year he again enlisted in the Tenth Michigan Cavalry
and staid until the close of the war. During the sum-
mer of 1862, .James was tiansferred to Company
L, First United States Cavalry. He had served
three years lacking three months when he w.as seen
to fall from his horse in battle and was never heard
from again. Mr. and Mrs. Van Dyke died in the
fall of 1878. there being only a few weeks' differ-
ence between the dates of their death. They left
six children to mourn their loss: Lewis, Geoi-ge H.
and Martha (Mrs. William H. If. Knapp), live in
Riley near the old home. Mary Jane, ( Mrs. Lewis
Smith), Sarah (Mrs. J. T. Oberry) and Mrs.
Pearce live in Olive.
^^
ERWIN EVELETII, a retired merchant and
prominent agriculturist and speculator in
,- -^ pine lands, has made his home in Corunna
for a score of years and has become widely known.
He bears a share in the municipal and educational
work of the county seat, as well as in her business
affairs, and while advancing his own interests is
helping to make this section more prosperous and
desirable than ever before. It is by the exercise
of unusually good judgment in making investments
Mr. Evcleth has become so successful as a land
operator, and bis holding of real-estate reaches up
into the thousands of acres. He owns pine land in
Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, and in Cale-
donia Townshi[), Shiawassee County, has three im-
proved farms with all necessary buildings. One of
these is included in the cori)orate limits of Corunna,
and is operated by Mr. Eveleth himself and he also
has an interest in farm lands in the North.
Charles Eveleth, father of our subject, was born
and reared in Massachusetts and went to New York
in his early manhood. He was married in Genesee
County to Mar}' Jones, who died in 1817 leaving
two sons and one daughter. After his marriage he
located on a farm, whence he came to this State in
1853, traveling l)y boat to Detroit, thence by rail
to Pontiac and by team to Grand Blanc. He rent-
ed a farm there and operated it five 3ears, then re-
moved to the vicinity of Flushing and after a time
retired from farm life and took up his residence
with his son, our subject, with whom he still lives.
He has now reached the advanced age of eighty-
four years. He is a member of the Baptist Church.
The gentleman of whom we write was born in
Genesee County^ N. Y., November 6, 1842, and
came to this State when about eleven years old.
He had attended the common school in his native
State and after the removal continued his studies,
but in the intervals of school work aided his father
on the home farm. In 1861 he went to East
Saginaw, then a small place, and found employ-
ment on the docks, checking for the warehouses.
He remained there five years, and then began specu-
lating in pine lands, buying for $1.25 per acre in
the northern part of the State, as well .as in Wis-
consin and Minnesota. He located at Flint, from
which place he carried on his enterprise, traveling
to different points, including the Southern States
and the entire Mississippi Valley east of the Father
of Waters. In 1871 he brought his family to
Corunna and established his home here. In 1886
he bought out D. Lowe and engaged in the sale of
general merchandise, carrying on the store until
April, 1891, when he sold to William Cole. He is
a partner of Robison Flinn, of Detroit in his land
business.
In Saginaw in the year 1866 the marriage of Mr.
Eveleth and Miss Jenny Block, an English lady
took place. To them have been born ten children,
seven of whom arc at home and unengaged except
in efforts for their own improvement and in the
lighter duties which belong to youth. Their names
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALHLM.
959
are William S., Grace, Nettie, Bui'r, Ralph, Nina
and Erwin, Jr. The older cbiklren are Lizzie, wife
of Fred North waj- and teacher in the Corunna High
School ; Florence, who married Jolin Drake, a farmer
in Caledonia Township; and Charles, who is clerk-
ing for Mr. Cole.
Mr. Eveleth is now serving for the second year
as one of tiie Board of Aldermen. He is President
of the Board of Education, on which he has had a
place five )'ears. He belongs to Blue Lodge No.
23, F. & A. M. in Flint, and the Corunna Tent of
the Knights of the Maccabees. After giving due
consideration to the political situation he became
identified with the Republican part^- and he has
seen no reason to transfer his allegiance, but on ihe
contrary he is a stancher member, if possible, than
in earlier years. He is not identified with any
religious body but attends services in the various
churches and contributes to the support of each
and all.
'[_^ .1. PATTERSON, Prosecuting Attorney
J, for Clinton Count}', and a veteran of the
^ late war, is prominent in legal circles, and
is well known in other counties as the at-
torney for the comi)lainant in the now famous
bount}' case of Smith vs. Alpine. He was born
near Frr.nklinville, Cattaraugus County, N. Y.,
December 19, 1839. His paternal grandfather,
Hon. .John Patterson, was born in one of tlie East-
ern States, of Scotch descent. The father of our
subject. Col. John Patterson, was a native of New
York, where he was reared. He followed his trade
as a tailor at Franklinville, and later at Rushvillc,
where he died.
Our subject's molher.Sall}' CVVinslow) Patterson,
was born in New Berlin, Chenango Count}', N. Y.,
and belonged to a substantial old Eastern family.
The death of the father left our subject's mother
with six small children dependent upon her. She
resided in Franklinville a few years, then returned
to New Berlin, and finally came to Michigan and
made her home with her children. The following
is a record of the six children included in the
family circle: Charles; Henry J., of this sketch;
William, who died in Salt Lake; Emma Love,
who resides in Pennsylvania; Hannah, who died
when only sixteen; and ftLiiy, who died in in-
fancy.
Our subjtct with his brother was early compelled
to make his own living and aid his mother with the
younger children. He w.as put out on a farm,
where he remained until he was sixteen, thoi'oughly
acquainting himself with every detail of farm life,
and taking advantage of every opportunity for
acquiring knowledge. In IS'iG he came to Michi-
gan with his benefactor, William Str'ong, with
whom he remained two years in this State., in the
meantime attending school during the winter sea-
son. He then returned to the East and attended
school in Pennsylvania. In May, 18CI, he en-
listed in Company G, old Third Michigan Inf-xn-
try, which was mustered in at (ii-and Rapids for
three years.
Many of the most iniportani, and decisive battles
of the war were participated in by our subject,
among them the following: Bull Run, first and
second engagements; Malvern Hill, Gettysburg,
Richmond and many others. At the close of the
war iie took part in the Grand Review at Washing-
ton, and was mustered out in IHG;'). He escaped
uninjured, although several times bullets had
pierced every garment he wore. The vcter'an regi-
ment was consolidated with the Fifth Regiment,
and the new Thii'd was formed. After the war,
Mr. Patterson returneil to Watertown and |)ur-
chased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres,
which he commenced to improve. That undertak-
ing he was compelletl to give ui) on account of his
health, and selling the place, he began the study of
law in 1870. After fully preparing himself for
the practice of his profession under his preceptor,
the Hon. Randoli)h Strickland, he was admitted to
the bar at St. John's in 1878. Four years hiter he
was admitted to practice in the United States
Courts. He has (ir.Tcticed in this and .adjoining
counties, and has the widest range of practice
of any lawyer in the county. He h;is been
largely engaged as a pension attorney, and in
the fall of 1890 was elected I'roseeuting Attor-
ney.
Mr. Pattei'ion was married :it Wacousta, in
960
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
January, 1861, to Miss Margaret Shadduck, the
(laughter of an early pioneer of Wacousta. Four
chil'lren have been granted to our subject and
his estimable wife — Minnie Streeter, Blanche
Streeter, Ambra and Iva. Mr. Patterson is a Demo-
crat, and has served .as delegate to county and State
conventions.
With reference to the bounty case mentioned
above, we quote the following from Mr. Patter-
son:
''In 1864 our .State Legislature said, by an act
passed on tlie 4lh day of February, that every sol-
dier who would enlist and was mustered into the
United Slates service, and properly credited where
he was enrolled, should receive $100 as a State
bounty. In the month of July following. Gov.
Blair said, by his proclamation, that no more
bounties could be paid, as the money raised for
that purpose had been exliaused. Consequently
hundreds of our boys in l)lue, who lef! their fami-
lies, homes and comforts to save the Union, with
the sacred promise of the people of the Slate that,
besides caring for their families, they should re
ceive the bounty if thej' would enlist and save
others from draft, have been carrying for twenty-
six long years these promises, in tiie form of cer-
tificates, and while our State has done many
generous acts toward the care of the unfortunate,
she never to this da\' has honored the sacred obli-
gations, a law passed by a Republican Legislature,
and who have, as a party, posed for twenty -six
long years as the friend of the soldier, and who for
all this long time failed to give the subject a passing
notice.
"A. J. Smitli, a crippled soldier, and for whom
I had contended for over twenty years that he
should be paid his bounty, made his petition to tiie
Supreme Court, calling upon that court to compel
the Auditor-General to credit and allow his claim.
This proposition was met, opposed and sneered at
by every State official, excepting Judge S. H.
Daboll, then acting quartermaster-general, and I
met the grand spectacle of a Republican law
unwilling to paj- bounties to Michigan soldiers,
resisted by Republican officials, and Republican
lawyers setting up among other things tlie uncon-
scionable pier, of ''statute of limitation." April
18, 1890, I presented the case to the court, and
Judge Chaplin, with his master mind, permeated
with its love of justice and its high regard for the
honor, dignity and equity of the law, wrote the
opinion, elaborately .and profoundly", deciding that
the State must pay."
•^ »:;|3"C|» •, —
HARLES A. BIGELOW, editor of the Mor-
erice Tribune, was born in O.ikland County',
Mich., November 10, 1863. His father,
.Spencer Biglow, was born in the State of New
York in 1818 and is s farmer by occupation. For
a while he worked in the cotton mills at Watertown.
Coming to Micliigan he settled in Oakland County
three miles east of Holly and resided there
about forty years. He w.asan carl}' settler there and
improved eighty acres of land. In 1878 he came to
Shiawassee County and purch.ased eighty acres in
Bennington Township, where he now makes his
home. He is a Republican in politics.
The mother of our subject was Mary Paj'ne and
was born in New York. Iler family- com|)riscs
three daughters and two sons, namely : Ella House,
Fllizabeth M3'ers, Sarah Kinney, Charles A. and
Walter. She is a member of the Congregational
Church and a consistent Christian woman. Our
subject w.as reared in Oakland County, and received
his education in the district schools of the commu-
nity. He began for himself at the age of eighteen
years and going to the vicinity of .Stanton, worked
in the lumber mills. In 188'2 he began to learn
the printers trade in the Clipper office at Stanton,
where he was employed about three 3'ears. After-
ward he sohl fruit trees during one season.
In 1886 Mr. liigelow came to Morrice and es-
tablished his present paper as the Morrice Sentinel.
but after running it \inder that name until October,
18'J0, it was changed to the Morrice Tribune. It
is a six-column folio, a bright, newsy sheet, and
cnjoj's a good circulation. The office is well
equipped with news and job type, and lirst-class
work is being sent out from its composing rooms.
Mr. Bigelow was married October 22. 1883, to Miss
Mary House, who w.as born in Bennington Town-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
961
ship, this county, m 18(52. One child has blest
their union — Stanley, now four years oM.
Mr. Bigelow is a Republican in politics although
his paper is independent. Socially he is a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Maccabees, No. 327, the Alliance and of the Good
Templar's lodge. Although still quite young in
life, his prospects are flattering and undoubtedly the
future contains many successes for him.
UGH W. MORRIS. The fine furniture es-
tablishment owned by Mr. Morris is among
the most attractive business houses of St.
John's. A practical mechanic and splendid
workman, he is truly a self-made man and in the
department of labor which he has chosen success
has crowned his efforts. He is a manufacturer of
furniture and picture frames, a dealer in plain and
upholstered furniture, and special goods made to
order. Mr. Morris was born in Charleston, Can-
ada, Februarj' 10, 1854. His father, Edward, was
born in Devonshire, England, while his grandfather,
also named Edward, was a native of Wales and
was a civil engineer by trade.
When the father of our subject was quite young
he was brought to Canada and was there appren-
ticed to a carriage and wagon manufacturer. He
became well-to-do and owned about one-half of the
town of Charleston, Canada. In 1860 lie came to
Michigan and located in Lexington, Sanilac County,
where he engaged in the manufacture of carriages
and wagons. He was a fine mechanic and was suc-
cessful in his business enterprises. He died in
1866, mourned by a large circle of acquaintances
who had learned to highly esteem his nobility of
mind and heart. The paternal great-grandfather
of our subject was a native of Scotland who
brought his family from the highlands of that
country to AVales.
Eliza Weston, as the mother of our subject was
known in maidenhood, was born in Lincolnshire,
England, and came to Canada when she was seven
years old. She has successfully engaged in the
millinery business and owns a farm of one hundred
and sixty acres in Sanilac County and considci'able
real estate. Religiously she is a devoted member
of the Methodist ?]piscopal Church. Her chil-
dren numbered eleven, of whom eight are
living. Hugh W., of this sk<;tcli, was reared in
Canada until the age of six years when he came to
Lexington. He received his education in the
graded schools of tlie town and afterward attended
the High School. In 1882 he began to serve an
apprenticeship of three years at the cabinetmaker's
trade, and later look instruction in drawing at
Lexington.
The valuable instruction which Mr. Morris re-
ceived during his apprenticeship he utilized as a
journeyman traveling through different portions
of this State. In 1875 he came to St. John's and
entered the employ of the St. John's Manufacturing
Compau3-, where his unusual abilities were soon
noticed. He began at the bottom of the ladder,
his stock in trade consisting of a small kit of tools,
ami his present unviable position is due to his pa-
tient efforts. He has always received the active
co-operation of his wife with whom he was united
in marriage in St. John's, in 1880. She was born
in this cit}' and bore the maiden name of Mattie L.
Broraard. After receiving an excellent education
at All)ion College she was engaged as a music
teacher with great success. They have two chil-
dren— Robert B. and Opal H.
Mr. Morris was for two years Trustee of St. John's
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and belongs to
the Knights of the M.acoabccs. He was Treasurer
of St. .John's Gun Club and is a fine shot and a
lover of hunting. Politically he is a Republican
and with his estimable wife enjoys the esteem of
the community.
-S3F?&i'
a LARK SMITH. We are pleased to present
, to the readers of this Ai.mi.M, a brief l)i<i-
> graphical sketch of a gentleman who has
made his mark in Bancroft in the line of news-
pai)er work. Mr. Smith is editor and projjrictor of
both the Bancroft Commercial and Periy Sun. He
was born in Elgin Couiitv. Ontario, Canada, Jan-
062
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
uarj- 15, 1866, and his parents, J. J. Smith and
Abigail (Courser) Smith, were also natives of that
province and are now living in Williamston.
The joutli was reared upon the farm and while
still 3'oung took a position in a printing office and
learned the trade of a compositor. He went to
Groton, Dak., in 1881 and to<'k a position on the
Groton Leader. He came to Michigan in 1878
and in 1883 went to Valparaiso, Ind.,and attended
the Normal .School. He continued there for two
or three ^-ears and afterward returned to Groton,
where he remained until 1889, when he came to
Williamston, Ingham County, Mich.
Tiie Bancroft Commercial was established in
October, 1890. It is a five-column sheet, well ed-
ited and attractive and independent in poIiLics. Jt
is a weekly paper published every Friday. Mr.
Smith assumed control of the paper Februar}' 4,
1891, and is pushing its interests with vigor.
>RLANDO B. SWAIN. The publisiiers of
the Album would fail in their purpose of
recording lives that have been useful and
are worthy of note, were they to omit mention of
the successful career of Mr. Swain. He owns one
of the best farms near St. John's, and for some
3'ears past has been carrying on the agricultural
implement business in the county seat. [le handles
all kinds of implements and during the nine years
in which he has been thus engaged he has but
added to the reputation he already had, that of an
honorable man, trustworthy in all business relations.
His home has been on section 21, Bingham Town-
ship, since 1857. and few living in this locality
have so thorough a knowledge of tiie progress of
St. John's as he. The town was just starting into
life and the railroad had just been built through
here, when he opened a blacksmithing shop on four
acres of land now included in his farm.
Orlando Swain, father of our subject, was born
in Saratoga Springs, N. Y., August 16, 1791. He
served in the War of 1812. He was a blacksmith
and followed his trade, with the exception of three
years whicli he passed on a whaling expedition
when a young man. He came to this .Slate with
his son and died here late in the '70s. His wife
was Gracie Wesgate, a native of New Hampshire,
who died in 1873. They had but two children — •
Orlando B. and a daughter who died at Port
Henry, N. Y. The son was born in that place
January 31, 1821, and attended the district school,
which was a large one, there bciug ninety-six
pupils under the care of a single teacher. His
fatlier was in limited circumstances and as soon as
he was old enough to work, he was compelled to
do so. He learned the trade at which his father
was employed and began his work at the anvil and
forge when he was quite young. From tlie lime
he was eighteen years old he took care of his
parents.
Wh'in Mr. Swain came to Clinton County he had
no money with which to buy land and he went up
to a point twenty miles above Green Bay and spent
two j-ears working at liis trade in a lumber camp.
He thus earned the wherewithal to pay for forty
acres, and returning, entered upon work at his
trade, while hiring his land cleared. But few
roads had yet been laid out in this locality-, and
wild game abounded, while Indians sometimes
camped near and hunted during the winter. Not-
withstanding the wildne^s of the country the lirst
forty acres l)Ought by Mr. Swain cost him $1,000.
He bargained for the property- and made his pa}'-
luents as fast as possible and then from time to
time added to it as his means would permit. He
now has three hundred and sixty acres on which
first class improvements have been made. For
twenty years after coming here he worked at his
trade and he then turned his attention to farming,
in which he had been interested, but not to any-
great extent personally.
In Port Henry, Essex Count}', N. Y., July 9,
1855, Mr. Swain was united in marriage with Miss
Harriet K. Conn. This lady was born December 5,
1834, and died February 21, 1889, after more than
thirt}- jears of happj' wediled life. The children
born to her were four in number, named respec-
tively: Frank C, Fred F]., John A. and Flora J.,
John is deceased. The living sons, with their
father, make hunting trips to the upper and lower
peninsulas and in one season have killed .is high as
VORTRAIT AND BIOttRAPHICAL ALBUM.
963
forty-nine deer, three bears and a beaver. Mr.
Swain and his wife gave their children the best
])(>ssible school advantages and in every way en-
deavored to Qt them for tiie dnties of life.
Mr. Swain was initiated into the M.asonic order
in 18,54 and has kept up an active connection with
that society. In politics he is a Republican and lie
is .assured that his p.nrty is the best calculated to
promote national welfare. He has served as Town-
ship Treasurer and Commissioner, in a manner
creditable to himself and his constituents, and has
many warm friends in the commonwealth which he
honors by his residence.
C=^E()RGK WKLLER. A man who engages
— , in mining is a producer who has no rival,
JJ for the metal that he digs from the earth is
the agent that procures for us most of tiie neces-
sities and all of the luxuries of life. Why the
work and the worker should be looked down upon
so frequently is a question that involve many
things, but certainly they are outside of the pro-
ducer himself. Our subject, who at present re-
sides on his farm on section 27, Venice Township,
Shiawassee County, was for several years a miner
in California, where he successfully brought much
of the precious ore to earth.
Our subject's father was Nathaniel Wellcr, a
native of New York, born in 1801 and a farmer in
calling. His mother was Nancy (Fleming) Wei-
ler, a native of Maryland born in 1S03. They
were married in Chemung County, N. Y., after-
ward resided in Cayuga County .same State. Nathan-
iel Weller died in 188G and his wife followed
him one year later. They were the [laronts of
seven children. Three of these are now living.
George Weller. the gentleman who is the orig-
inal of our sketch was born August 27, 1839, in
Cayuga County-, N. Y , where he received a dis-
trict school education. At the age of seventeen
years he emancipated himself from home rule and
went to California by way of the Isthmus of Pan-
ama. In 1H,5G he arrived at San Francisco. From
there he went to a place near Oregon. There he
began operating in the gold mines, remaining for
four j'ears. He was among a very rough class of
people and saw some very hard times. He then
returned to San Francisco and w.as a |)ilot upon a
schooner belonging to his brother for a few months.
Montgomery County, C'll., was the next scene of
his eflforls. There he purcli.ased one hundred and
sixty acres of unimproved land and held it against
a law-suit brought to oust the settlers. He after-
ward sold out his claim and went back to New
York State, after a sta^' of seven yea-s in the
Golden State. He staid at home in New York
State for one and one-half years, while there en-
gaging in farming.
During Mr. Weller's st.ay in California he under-
took to run a sloop from San Francisco to Henica.
While in the bay a stiff gale arose and for three
days the struggle between the elements kept iiim so
occupied that he had not time to partake of food
before getting into harbor. While there he was
an eye witness to the hanging of Corey and Casey
who were convicted for the murder of Richardson
and editor James King, respectively.
In February, 1868, the original of our sketch w.as
united in marriage to Achsah White, daughter of
Washington and Nannj' White, natives of New
York State. They resided in Auburn, N. Y., and
enjoyed a retired life as farmers. They were the
parents of eight children, six of whom are now liv-
ing. Mrs. Weller was educated at Auburn, N. Y.,
and received the best of musical instruction. After
marriage our subject remained in New York
for nearly a year, then in the latter part of 18G8,
came to this State.
The family of Mr. Wellcr proceeded directly to
Shiasvassee County where they purcliased forty
acres of land on the section above quoted. There
they bull' a house, 12xlG feet in dimeesions and
seven feet high. Two years later they hauled that
house by oxen to the farm where they now re-
side and here located upon eight}' acres of raw
land which had no improvements whatever. The
neighbors were few, only Indians occasionally com-
ing here to make sugar. There w.as plenty of game
and the larder need never be era[)ty of meat. A
bear was killed in the clearing near the house.
Mr. Weller <letermiiu'(l (o make a permanent home
964
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
here and set about clearing ofif his place. His wife
died Ju]y 7, 1879. By her lie is the father of five
children — Frances, Fred, Charles, Helen and
CrBorge N. The eldest child was born December
18, 1868, and is now the wife of William Voight,
living at Lennon; she is the mother of three child-
ren. Fred's natal daj' was October 23, 1869;
Charles O., March 4, 1872; Helen first saw the light
of day January' 24, 1874, and the youngest of the
family w.ns welcomed July 2, 1876.
Mr. Weller was again married June 22, 1881, this
time to Mary Sutton, a daughter of Benjamin and
Penelope (Gipson) Sutton, both of Englisii nativity.
They c.Tme to America in 1851, proceeding imme-
diately to this .State and settling in Oakland Coun-
ty, For twenty years they made their home in that
county and then came to Sliiawassee County, later
rc.iioving to Genesee County, where they now
reside, the father having attained the age of sixty-
four years; the mother fifty-nine years. They are
the parents of eleven cliildren, of whom nine are
now living.
Mrs. Weller was born November 25, 1859, in
Oaiiland County, where she received the advan-
tages of a district-school education. Mr. Weller
and liis present wife are tlie parents of twin boys
Ambert and Albert — born January 30, 1885.
Mr. Weller now has two hundred acres of land of
which one hundred and eighty acres are under
cultivation. Of this he cleared all himself with
the exception of fifty acres. When he began he
struggled against the disadvantages of poverty and
debt and he had to work nights as woU as d.iys
in order to free himself. He built his present res-
idence about fourteen years ago anil all of the
other improvements have been placed here by him-
self. Each year he raises a fine crop of strawber-
ries and has an orchard whicli covers two acres.
He carries on general farming and has some fine
stock. His sheep are registered Shropshires.
(_)ur subject is still llie head of the farm. He is
a Master Mason, belonging to the lodge at Auburn,
N. Y. He is also a Knight of the Maccabees of
Lennon, of which he is Sergeant. He has given
his children the advantages that were possible and
they have all taken the full course in the district
schools. The political issues of the day all have
a great interest for him. He affiliates with the Re-
publican part}'. He has been a hard-working man
and in this way has made a success of farming.
His children are all natural musicians. The relig-
ious inclinations of the family on both sides of the
bouse are with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
^ OB R. KNIGHT. The success that crowned
the efforts of the gentleman whose name
he^ds our sketch is due to the fact that since
settling in this State in a very early da3' he
has strengthened his position as a careful farmer
by the best principles of the conscientious and
Christian man. His farm, which is located on sec-
tion 11, New Haven Township, Shiawassee County,
is a verj' fine one, being cultivated to the highesi
degree. Job Knight was born in Chautauqua
County, N. Y., March 24, 1822. His father was
Jeremiah Knight, a farmer who was a native of
Rhode Island. His natal daj- was March 28, 1795.
After receiving the advantage of a common-
school education the father of our subject went
to Oneida County, N. Y., in 1803 and in 1813 set-
tled on what is known as the Holland Purchase in
Chautauqua County, wjjere he remained for twenty-
three years. He then went Lake County, Ohio.
He remained there seveial years when he decided
to come to Oakland County, Mich., which he did
about 1852. In 1855 he came to New Haven
where he purchased twenty acres; here his death
took place about 1858. He was originally a Meth-
odist in belief, then became a Mormon and finally
a Spiritualist. He was a preacher successively of
all these creeds. In politics he was a Whig and
on the organization of the Republican parly joined
its ranks. Mr. Knight was strongly attached to his
party but never an office-holder.
In 1816 the father of our subject was united in
marriage to Roba Fisk, a daughter of Hezekiah
and Roba (Walker) Fisk, who were natives of
Rhode Island. Roba was the eldest of fourteen
children, her natal year being 1796. Her father
died in 1828, his daughter following him in 1859.
Our subject had very good school advantages and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
965
at ihc n<ie of eighteen began life for liiuiself by
renting farms in Cayuga County in wliieli Ijiisiness
lie continued for several years. His advent into
liiis State was made in 1815 and was liecause of tlie
severe drouth which jxevailed in tlie East. He came
hither by way of Fairport to Detroit, where lie
worked for four montiis. tiience he went back to his
home, and getting his f:iniily came to .Soulhlield
Township, Oakland County, where he remained for
one and one-half years. He tlien removed to Rose
Township, same county, where lie remained for six
years. He there owned fifty acres of land which he
traded for eiglit}- acres here in New ILaven, coming
to this place January 1, 1859.
JMr. Knight was obliged to construct a dwelling
for his family on short time, for at that period
there were neither hotels nor dwelling houses near
at hand. He built a shanty 14x20 feet iu dimension
and there setting up his household gods and goods
began the work of clearing his farm. The little
home where they Hrst lived had a roof slanting in
one direction; the weather was very cold and the
warmth from within caused the snow to melt and
when the water reached the eaves it formed an icy
sheet both inside and without the south wall of the
cabin. In 1887 Mr. Knight added fifteen acres to
his farm and in 1889 five acres more.
When our subject first came to this State his
nearest neighbor lived at a distance of six miles
from him. He found his way to the farm by blazed
trees. Since settling in this place Mr. Knight has
seen raanj- changes, not only in the improvement
of the country but in the contour of the land itself.
The shanty that he at first built was on a ridge,
but the south part of his farm which now is a
fertile field in which wave the richest crops was at
that time a pond where he has seen the water two
feet deep and containing plenty of fish. He has
cleared about ninety acres of the farm.
In 1840 the gentleman of whom we write was
married to Maiy Morrison, daughter of .John and
Nancy (Kent) Morrison. They were natives of
New York and Nancy was the eldest of three chil-
dren, the other two being sons. Mr. and Mrs.
Knight are the parents of five children: Polly M.,
Orpha Eudora, Daniel F^dson, Emma Lulettc and
(Mary Ellen. Our subject an<l his wife are members
of the Christian Church, of which he is an Elder
and Trustee. He is also Treasurer of the Sunday-
school, of which he has been Superintendent for a
number of years, at the same time presiding over
the Bible class.
Our subject is a Patron of Industry, of which be
is Treasurer. Formerly he w.as a Republican in
I)olitical preference and under that party was
High Commissioner for two terms. Township Clerk
and Justice of the Peace. Since 1885 he has been
a Prohibitionist, taking an active part is the work
and progress of tlie part3'. Mr. Knight in one of
the most |)rogressive and successful farmers in the
township or county'. He has a fine residence and
good barns and his neighbors assert that he makes
more from his farm than any other man in the
county with the same number of acres.
In the early history of New Haven Township the
town meetings and elections were held on the same
day. When the first independent or circuit caucus
took place it was held in Jlr. Knight's sugar-
house, onl}- eight persons being present.
=^^ TEPHEN W. DOWNER. Among the older
citizens of North Lansing, Clinton County
who have retired from active life, we have
the pleasure of noting the gentleman whose
name stands at the head of this sketch. He is a
man of broad influence, both on account of his
character and as an old pioneer who has achieved
a decided and deserved success. Although con-
siderably past the allotted span of man's life he
is still active in his habits and faculties. His na-
tivity occurred August 19, 1815, in Sharon Town-
ship, Windsor County, Vt. His father, Erastus, v<'
was born in Connecticut in 1793, and his grand-
father, J.ason, was also a native of that State. The
great-grandfather, Arnold Downer, was a soldier
in the Revolutionary' War and lived to complete
his ninety-third year, dying in Vermont. His son,
the grandfather of our subject, although a boy of
sixteen at the time of the Revolutiouaiy War, en-
tered the service and was a jK-rsonal attendant
uiion (Jen. W.ashington. He died in Vermont at;
966
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
seveniy-nine years of age, having reared a family
of four eUildren and being a man of considerable
property. The family is of Scotch English descent.
The father of our subject earl}^ became inter-
ested in the lumber bi-siness at Lebanon, N. H.
After moving to Niagara County, N. Y., in 1833,
he bouglit and improved a farm, owning at one
lime two iiundred and three acres near Lewistown,
N. Y., in that county. His death occurred upon
the farm when he had reached the age of seventy-
nine vears. In religious belief lie was a Universa-
list. and in |)olilics he was a Democrat up to the
time of the war, after which he became a Repub-
lican. His marriage to ISIargaret Evans, a native
of Vermont, l)orn in 1793, brought liim six chil-
dren, three of whom grew to maturity, namely:
Esllier, Mrs. Woodbury; Stephen W. and Ziba A.
The sister, Esther, has passed away and the mother
died when eighty-six ye.ars and one month old.
Even to her later years she showed a deep inter-
est in religious matters and church affairs, being
a member of tlie Presbyterian Church. Her father,
Laban Evans, was a n:'.tive of Vermont, of English
descent.
When nineteen years old, Stei)hen Downer en-
tered into tlic lumbering business in New York
State, in which he continued for seven winters, and
during one summer ran a canal boat on the Erie
Canal between Buffalo and Albany. He also did
some luinbering in Canada. lie came to Michigan
in the fall of 1841, walking from Detroit to Clin-
ton County, after having reached that point by
boat. There he took up one hundied and sixty
acres of land on section 20, Bingham Township,
and built the first frame house ever erected in that
townshii). He bought a team of oxen anii ped-
dled tea, coffee, groceries and dry goods through
the country. He built a log shanty without using
a single nail. At that time deer were more plen-
tiful than domestic animals and Indians more nu-
merous than whites. One day our subject killed
with a club a bear which was trying to steal his
sheep.
After living upon this farm .seven years and
clearing some one hundred acres of it, Mr. Downer
removed to Farraington, in Oakland County, and
staid there one year, after which he retuined to
Clinton County and settled in DeAVitt Township,
where he resided until April 1, 1891, when he re-
moved, as has been before said, to North Lansing.
AVhen he took this farm it had no improvements
upon it and he had to build a frame shanty before
clearing it up.
The marriage of Ste|)hen W. Downer and Anna
Morton took place May 20, 1842, and was the be-
ginning of a life of more than usual domestic hap-
piness. Mrs. Downer was born in Oswego County,
N. Y., June 11, 1825, and is a daughter of Bishop
and EInora (Elderkin) Morton, natives respectively
of Rutland, Vt., and Connecticut. Mr. Morton
was born June 3, 1803, and his wife December 14,
1808, and were married in New York State. Up
to the age of forty- five he followed carpentry and
after that engaged in farming, coming to Michigan
in December, 1836, and locating in Tecumseh,
Lenawee County. They came to Clinton County
in 1845, and he developed there a small farm and
died at the age of sixty-three years. His wife fol-
lowed him to the grave after she had reached the
age of seventy-two. They were both earnest and
consistent members of the Baptist Church and were
the parents of eight children.
Mrs. Downer obtainc(T her education in the log
schoolhouses of Lenawee County. She became
the mother of three children, besides one adopted
daughter. The eldest, ISIargaret E., married John
C. Waller, a contractor and builder in Lansing.
They have one child, Margaret M., and have lost
two — Anna 1). and Florence G. Bishop E. has
been twice married, his first wife being a Miss
Clements, who was the mother of three sons —
Erastus C, Stephen W. and John II. Ills present
wife bore the maiden name of Slay Smith and has
two children — Earl Bishop and Leo Morton. This
son carried on a farm in DeWitt Township. Ei'as-
tus Morton died April 3, 1868, at the age of
twelve years. The adopted daughter, Katie B.,
married William Morgan and is now a vvidow with
four children — Anna M., Ora E., Florence E. and
Willie I.
]\Ir. Downer has thirteen hundred acres of land
in Clinton Count}' and ten houses in Lansing,
with which ten acres of land are connected. He
loans money quite largely, and when we consider
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
967
that he had less than ?200 when he came to Mich-
igan iiis business success is rcmaikal)!e. lie at-
tributes his "good luck" to hard work, good man-
agement and close attention to l)usincss. He and
his noble wife were the first cOuple married in
Bingham Townsliip, Clinton C'ount}^ He was a
Democrat in polit'cs previous to the Civil War,
since which he has been independent. He served
for seven years as Supervisor of his township when
living in Bingliam and was elected to tiie same
office in DeWitt. but resigned after qualifj'ing.
He also resigned the office of Justice of the Peace.
His wife, who is a lad}' of fine intelligence, was a
teacher for some time previous to her marriage.
WILLIAM W. WATSON, M. D., a prom-
inent young pliysician of Morrice, was
born in Delhi Township, Ingliara County,
this .State, July 12, 1862. His father, William B.
AVatson, was born in the State of New York, in
1827. of English descent, and was a farmer and
storekeeper. Coming to Michigan in 1844, he lo-
cated in Delhi Township, Ingham Count}', and pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he
made all the improvements. His possessions when
be reached this State consisted of about seven t3'-five
cents in money and an old horse. Until 1870 he
operated as a farmer, then opened a store in Holt.
Delhi Township. After he continued thus engaged
for a short time he resumed his farming pursul-ls
and now lives on a farm which be rents out. I'o-
liticall}' he is a Democrat and is a Universalist in
religion.
For twelve years the father served as Clerk of
the township and for eleven years he was Super-
visor. He was at one time candidate for the ollice
of County Treasurer and came within fifteen votes
of being elected. His wife bore the name of Pattie
Welch in maidenhood and was born in New York
State. They reared fourchildren: ICllen F.Green,
Emma Keller, Charles M.,a physician, and William
W., of tliis sketch. The hitter attended the dis-
trict school and supplemented the good common-
school education which he there obtained by
instruction in various institutions of learning,
among them the University of Valparaiso. He util-
ized the thorough education which he had received
in the profession of a teacher, which he followed
three terms in White Oak and Stockbridge.
On Miiy 20, 1883, Dr. Walson was married to Miss
Tillio M. West, who was born in the Em))irc Slate,
November 30, 186G. Two bright children have
blessed this congenial union. After residing on a
farm two years our subject began the study of med-
icine with his brother, C. M., at Lansing. With
him he read one year, next entered the State Uni-
versity and after a year spent there, became a stu-
dent i'l Hahnemann College, Chicago, where he
was graduated in 1889. Immediately afterward he
located here and h.as already become known as
an intelligent, skillful physician, fully alive to the
latest developments in the science.
In his political affiliations Dr. Watson is a Dem-
ocrat and has served with efficiency as Health Of-
ficer here. He is a member of the Masonic order
at Perry, in his practice he is an advocate of the
school of homeopath}' and is a memljcr of the State
Medical Society.
-•^-W
ylLLIAM H. ROBSON, an enferi)rising far-
mer who resides on section 8, Sciota Town-
ship, Shiawassee County, was born in
Ontario County, N. Y., September 23, 1863, and is
the son of John H. and Mary E. Robson. The
parents, who were natives of the State of New
York, came to Michigan about 1871 and settled in
the village of Ovid, Clinton County. Later he
bought and located upon the farm where our sub-
ject now lives. This was the home of the f.ather
until tlie spring of 1891, when he retuined to the
Empire State and now makes his home there. In
that State he was a farmer and saw manufacturer.
For a time, after coming to Ovid, he operated as
a merchant and also bought grain at that point.
Although he began life with small means he has
.accumulated a large property through the exercise
of perseverance and good judgment.
In politics the father is a Democrat and with his
968
rORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
wife finds a religious homo in the Prcsbj'terian
Church. Five eliildren were born to them, namely :
Adda G., William H., Charles K., Jennie A. and
John H., Jr. Until he was eight years old our sub-
ject remained in the Empire State, then came West
with bis father and spent liis youth in Ovid. In
1884 he located upon his present farm and has
since given iiis attention to agriculture. He had
received bis education in the Ovid High School.
He now has two hundred and forty-four acres, of
which one hundred and ninety are cleared and un-
der cultivation. The buildings are good and the
entire estate forms one of the best farms in the
township. It is located on tlie Clinton and Shia-
wassee Count}' line, five miles south of Ovid. Mr.
Robson is raising thoroughbred Cotswold sheep
and Durham cattle with considerable success. Po-
litically he is a Democrat. He is not married, but
his pleasant homestead is rendered brighter b}' the
presence of his sister Jennie and brotlier John H.
-€-*-^-
AY D. ROYCE. The gentleman who has
been ap|iointed by Uncle Sam to hold the
responsible position in Byron of guardian
/ of the mails, was born in Deerfield, Livings-
ton County, Mich., September 1, 1857, and is a
son of John and Hannah E. (Bentley) Royce,
natives of New York, of Scott, Cortland County.
They were married in Mundy, Genesee County,
this State, and later took up their residence in
Deerfield, Livingston County, where tliey lived
until 1868 when they moved to Argentine, Genesee
County, where the father died. His wife still sur-
vives him. Our subject's father was all liis life a
farmer and was in comfortable financial circum-
stances. In ids youth he was a Whig and later
became a Republican. Tlie high esteem in which
he was held in the community was evinced by his
election to numerous township offices. Both he
and his wife were members of tlie Presbyterian
Church, of which they were active and generous
supporters. For years he lield tlie position of
Deacon in the church.
Our subject's parents had eight children, namely;
Elsie, Eva, Llewellyn P., J. D., Orvili, Sarah C,
Eniii}' E. and Howard W. Jaj- D., who is the
gentleman whose name is at I lie head of our sketch
was raised in Deerfield, Livingston County, where
he remained until eleven years of age, then went
with his parents to Argentine, Genesee County, this
State. His early life was pnsscd on a farm until
lie had readied the age of eigliteen 3ears. During
this time lie had enjoyed tiie advantages of a com-
mon-school education at Byron. When eigliteen
years old he taught school for one term and then
took a position as clerk in a store and later tlie same
position at Bancroft and Milford. He was engaged
in the hardware business in Byron for two years,
lirst in partnership witli Austin Alcolt and later
witli M. D. Comstock. He went out of business
for a while, resting and recui)erating until April,
1881), when he received the commission of Post-
master of Byron, whicli position he still liolds. He
is a strong adherent of the Republican party under
wliich lie has held several town offices. He has
reached the third degree in the Masonic order and
is at present Master of the lodge at Byron. He is
also a Knight of the Maccabees.
Cliarmcd bj- the sweet face anil aniialjle manners
of Miss ^'ira Webster, one of the most attractive
young ladies of Byron and a daughter of Doctor
and Adelia Webster, lie wooed and won iier for liis
own in October 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Ro^ce have
been made happ}' Ijy the advent into their family
of one child, \'ernon W. Tliis amiable couple are
the center of a social life at Byron.
^^EORGE W. DEVEREAUX. This promin-
lll g— ent business man and farmer of Owosso is
^^M well known throughout this part of the
county as he has now been in business here for
many 3'ears, and his livery and sale stable is one
of the most popular institutions of the city. He
was b(nn at Rose Valley. Wayne County, X. Y.,
July 4, 1843. He is the youngest of a large family
of eleven children. His father, Stephen Devereaux,
was a native of New York and wns born in 1804.
He lived till the year 1.871 when he passed away at
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
969
North Newbiirg, Shiawassee County-, Mich. The
motlier, who was a daughter of William AValcr-
bury, of Englisii descent, was horn iu 1813 anci
died in 1885 at Pontiac, Oakland County, Mich.
The J)evereauxs are of French descent, the grand •
father being a native of France.
Stephen Devereaus removed with his parents to
Michigan in 1847, and located on a farm in West
Bloom field Township, Oakland Conntj-, and there
remained up to the year 18C8, when he and his wife
removed to Shiawassee C'liunl}- and made their home
in Shiawassee Township where they spent most of
their d.ays. The}- had ten children, four sons and
six daughters, all of whom lived to maturity.
Our subject and his twin brother spent their school
days in Oakland Countj', alternating the district
school in winters with working on a farm in the
summers, and removed with his parents to Shia-
wassee County when they made that change. He
remained with his paients until the death of his
father and being the youngest son he staid by his
motiier after that sad event.
In 1872 Mr. Devcreaux oi)ent,-d a livery and sale
stable which he carried on for three years, after
which he disposed of it by sale and began acting
as traveling salesman on the road. Subsequent to
this he clerked for awhile in a dry-goods store and
then began a livery business on Park Street, where
he keeps a good sup|)ly of horses, carriages and
buggies and every convenience wliich should be
found in a flrst-class stable, using some twelve to
fifteen horses in his business all the time.
The happy married life of Mr. Devereaux began
in 1872 and he was then united with Miss Antoin-
ette Brewer, daughter of Abram and Sarah Brewer,
who came to Michigan many years ago from New
York and became pioneers in Shiawassee County.
Mrs. Devereaux had her nativity in New York, but
most of her education and training was received in
Michigan. One son only has come to bless this
union — Floyd Lee.
Besides his business property our subject has a
fine little farm of forty acres near the city limits
and a ple.asant and delightful home. He is not
actively concerned in political movements but is
intelligently interested in them and feels it the
duty of every patriotic citizen to study to vote
intelligently and to be conscientious in exercising
his privileges of suffrage. The Republican party
represents the principles whidi he considers most
judicious and best adapted to the prospeiity of the
country'.
-fSR^-
y^^ HARLES D. HARMON, M. D., a successful
(|( medical practitioner of Laingsburg, was
^^^J born in Canastota, Madison County, N. Y.,
December 21 , 1830, and is of (rermau and Irish de-
scent. His father, Daniel B. Harmon, was a native
of Germany and at the age of twelve crossed the
Atlantic to America. He landed in this country
without a dollar in his pocket and with no friends
to aid him, but he possessed untiring energy and
perseverance and In the course of years became
wealihj'.
While residing in Vermont, Daniel B. Harmon
married Miss Electa Lillie, a native of Ireland, who
had come to this country when a maiden of six-
teen summers. Soon after their marriage the young
couple removed to Ontario County, N. Y., where
they resided until 1838, when they came to Miclii-
gan and settled at Whitmore Lake, Livingston
County. At that place Mr. Harmon built a ii^ill
and opened up a farm, but after a short time he sold
out and went to Howell, INIich., where he built the
Howell Mills. After operating them a short time
we next find him a resident of Shiaw.assee County.
At Antrim he erected what Is known as Wright's
Mills, which after carrying on for several years,
he sold to Walter and I. S. A. Wright, the pres-
ent proprietors.
Mr. Harmon's next place of residence was In
Argentine, Genesee County, Mich., where he bou<T|it
a large farm, devoting his attention to agricultural
jnirsults until his death, which occurred ij few
years after he located there. His wife survived him
some twelve years and died on the old homestead
at the age of fifty-four. Mr. Harmon had reacheii
his fort3'-eighth year when he was called to his final
rest. We have before mentioned that he became
quite wealthy, but before his death he lost lieavily
by going security for others. He was a carpenter,
millwright and gunsmith anil in fact a natural inc-
970
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRArUICAL ALBUM.
clianic, being able to turn his hand to almost any-
thing. He proved a valued and useful citizen of
every communitj' in wliicii lie resided and in poli-
tics was a Whig and Republican. In his church
relations he was a Methodist and his wife belonged
to the Baptist Church. In their family were eight
chililren: Cornelia E., Ciiarles D., Charlotte E.,
Clarissa, Ann., Lewis L., C'lark N. and Nancy M.
Dr. Harmon was a lad of only eight summers
when he accompanied his parents to Michigan.
His bo3iiood days were spent at work upon the
farm or in his father's mill until nineteen years of
age, when, having determined to make of himself a
physician, he began reading medicine with Drs.
Mixora and Webster, of Argentine, Genesee Count}-.
He also studied in Bi'ron, Mich., and in 1860 was
graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of
Cincinnati, Ohio. It w.as in April, 1861, that he
opened an office in Laingslnirg, anil from that time
u|) to the present he has continued practice at this
place, with the exception of about ten years, from
September, 1878, until 1888, when he was engaged
in the prosecution of his profession at Ft. Worth,
Tex.
At present Dr. Harmon has only office practice
and gives his whole attention to the treatment of
chronic diseases. He has been a constant student
of the profession, having ke|)t abreast with all the
discoveries and improvements connected with med-
ical science and to further Bt himself for his chosen
life work he pursued a course of study in the
Homeopathic Medical College of Lansing, Mich.,
which is now a part of the State University of Ann
Arbor. In the last-named institution he also occu-
pied the position of Professor of Anatomy for some
time.
In 1850 Dr. Harmon wedded Miss Mary C. Mid-
dlesworth, of Argentine, Mich., and unto them
were born four children: Charlotte E., Sarah A.,
Charles D. and Isaac H. On the 14tli of Septem-
ber, 1883, the Doctor was joined in wedlock with
Miss Bertha Shaedel, of St. Louis, Mo This lady
is a native of Baden Baden, Ciermany, and was ed-
ucated in that country, in Paris, France, and in
America, and speaks and writes the German,
French and English languages. Her culture and
refinement is manifested in her home and is shown
by the circle of friends she has gathered around
her, people of the highest worth and intelligence.
The Doctor is a stanch Republican, having sup-
ported that party since he went to Texas, prior
to which time he was a Democrat. He has never
taken any active part in political affairs, especially
in tlie sense of ollicc seeking, but keeps himself well
informed concerning the issues of the day. So-
cially he is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. His success in his professional ca-
reer is equalled only by his success as a speculator
in real estate. LTpon going to Ft. Worth, Tex.,
in 1878, he possessed a capital of about 89.000,
which he invested judiciouslj' and wisely in lands
in and near the rapidly growing city of Vt.
Worth. This propcrt}- has so arisen in value that
it is now worth *i75,000.
Upright and honorable in all his dealings, his
course has been marked with the strictest integ-
rity and fairness and he has won not only a hand-
some competency, but also the confidence an(i warm
friendship of those with whom he has lieen brought
in contact. He is an honored citizen of this com-
munity and it is with pleasure that we present to
the readers of the Album this brief sketch of his
life.
- OOP -
ENRV W. WEB.STER, President of the
fljij Clinton County Agricultural Society, is
a well-known horseman, paying particular
attention to the raising of standard-bred
animals, but also buying and shipping stock in
large numbers. His [irincipal shipping point is
St. John's, not far from which place he has a well-
improved farm. Indeed, he may be called a resi-
dent of the city, as the propert}- that he o|)erates
adjoins the corporation limits. He has other prop-
erty- which is carried on by a renter. Mr. Webster
feeds from four to live hundred head of sheep per
season, but on his farm the most consiiicuous ani-
mals are the equines.
The father of our subject rejoiced in the name
of Lyman and was a native of the old B.aj' State.
He can.e to Michigan and entere<1 one hundred and
sixty .acres of land which is now covered by Grand
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
971
Riipids. He liad been there but a short liiue when
the city starterl into life, and he liaded his (iiop-
erty for a tract tiiat was part prairie, on whicii he
located. This was ii7 Essex Township, Clinton
County, and the locality is still known .as Webster
Prairie, he having been one of the first settlers in
tiie township. He improved his land and followed
farming there until 1850, when he went to Califor-
nia by the overland route. He was three months
making the trii) and during that time slept under
the open sky. He worked in the mines in Sacra-
mento Valley for three j'ears and won a greater
degree of success than many. He then went to
Australia and for a year was in communication
with his family, to whom he sent money, but after
that time all communication ceased and his fate is
unknown. He had been one of the prominent of-
ficials of Essex Township and is well remembered
b_V the old settlers who remain. His wife, Dinimis
Stebbins, was born in Massachusetts and died at
tlicir home in Essex Township.
Mr. Webster, of this notice, is the youngest of
ten children born to his parents, and opened his
eyes to the light in Essex Township, March 22,
18l.i. He was reared on the prairie farm and at-
tended the district school whenever opportunities
afforded, although his educational privileges were
somewhat limited. When fifteen years old, having
remained at home, he took charge of the farm.
His mother bought a new eighty in the woods and
he and a brother cleared it. Before he was of .age
he bought the place and farmed it until 1884.
During th.at time he paid considerable attention to
stock-raising and when he sold the property he
came to St. John's and became a buyer and ship-
per. He subsequently bought t'ortj' acres in Bing-
ham Township, just outside the city, and eighty
acres in Dallas Townshi[), one and a half miles
southwest of Fowler. In 1886 he opened a meat
market in partnership with W. T. Church, to wliom
he sold his interest three years later. He subse-
quently bought into the firm again and later car-
ried on the business alone until Februar}-, 181)1,
when he sold out to give liis entire attention to his
other affaira.
Among the horses owned by Mr. Webster, are
some especially deserving of mention. '"Sir Crabb"
is a fine .animal, No. 11,218, and sired by "Sir-
ossco" by ".lerome Eddy."' His recoril is 2:1G 1-2
and his dam, "Belle Crabb," has a record of 2:34
1-2. He is a seal brown, fifteen and a half hands high
and four years old. A brown stallion four years
old, whose dam was "Membrino Bashaw," is one of
the fine steeds on the farm, and the gelding, "Henry
Lewis Boy," is another. The later is five years old.
Mr. Webster also owns a three-year-old gelding,
"Fred II.," by "Manchester," dam "Nellie Smith,"
and other .animals of almost equal value.
In February, 1870, Mr. Webster gained a faith-
ful helpmate and companion in Miss Mary E.
Wright, with whom he was united in Owosso.
She is a daughter of Isaac Wright, an early settler
in Antrim, .Shiawassee County. Mr. and Mrs.
Webster arc. the parents of one child — Edna.
They have a residence is St. John's, as well as good
and adequate buildings on the farm. Mr. Webster
is an Odd Fellow and Mason, and in the latter so-
ciety has risen to the Royal Arch degree. His po-
litical associations are with the Democratic parlv.
In 1888 he was elected Presitlcnt of the Agricult-
ural Society and h.as been retained in the i)osition
from year to jear. The society owns a twenty-
acre tract, with a half-mile track, and the county
fairs are second only to those of the State in their
exhibits and the valuation of premiums offered.
During the fall Mr. Webster occiq)ies a large i)art
of his time in work connected with the afifairs of
the soeiet}'.
■^^>i:^iki^tz-*-~
i
<if)OHN D. HENDERSON. The firm of J.
D. Henderson & Bro. is one of the best
known in or near St. John's and is carrying
on manufactures as great in extent as any
in this locality. The gentlemen arc proprietors of
the Bingham Roller Flouring Mill and the St. John's
Sawmill and our subject is also owner and operator
of a tract of farm land near the city. Their ttour-
ing-mill is fitted up with a complete roller process
and operated by steam, having a capacity of one
hundre<l and twenty-live barrels per day. The
product lias a first-class reputation and is shipped
972
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
extensively. In tbe sawmill both hard and soft
wood is cut and the establishment turns out more
lumber than any other in the count}'. The capacity
of this mill is ten tiiousand feet per day and the
most of it is consumed by local trade, although
some is shipped to a considerable distance.
Walter Henderson, grandfather of our subject,
was born in Scotland and was a fancy carver in
marble. He worked at his triide until he enlisted
in tiie English army and he then served as a soldier
twenty-two years. He was at Waterloo and was
wounded by a ball which crossed his nose and eyes,
injuring his sight. He served two enlistments of
eleven years each and during his connection with
the array was regimental bugler. After his second
term had exi)ircd he located at Leith, Scotland, and
worked at his trade some until he retired from ac-
tive life. He was a stanch member of the Presby-
terian Church. His son, John D. Sr., was born
near Leith in 1815 and when old enough to adopt a
vocation became a mechanic. He ran an engine for
Mr. Dawson twenty-two years and then was engin-
eer in the insane asylum in Edinboro three 3'ears.
He next filled the position of engineer in a flour-
ing-mill in Leith and left that place in 1856 to
come to America. For some time he was engaged
as a locomotive engineer on the Michigan Central
Railroad, making his home in Detroit and he then
became head engineer on a lake steamer owned by
Russell & Co., of that city. In the fall of 1858
he became night v/atchm.Tii at the depot and round-
house at St. John's and later for the manufacturing
company here. He then operated a stationary en-
gine, and after the burning of the roundhouse
■went to Pontiac. Although seventy six years old
he is still active and is employed in the roundhouse
at Pontiac. He is a Republican in polities and a
Baptist in religion.
The first wife of John D. Henderson, Sr.. was
Jane Motfitt, a Scotch lady, whose father was Robert
Mollitt. She died in St. John's, March 1, 1862.
She was the mother of twelve children, of whom
our subject is the fourth in order of birth. The
second union of Mr. Henderson was blest by the
birth of two children. The birthplace of our sub-
ject was Leith, Scotland, and his natal day January
16, 1845. When he was ten years old he was ap-
prenticed at rope and sail-making and served three
3'ears and eight months. All his schooling was re-
ceived at night scliools, but as his mother w.as well
educated he was encouraged by her to glean knowl-
edge from every possible source. Tiie family did
not cross the Atlantic with the father, but made
their voyage the next year. They left Leith, March
1, 1857, and going to Liverpool embarked on the
sailer "Martin Luther," Captain Gordon in charge.
The vessel was wrecked and the passengers were
picked up in the Bay of Bisca}' by the man-of-war
'■Tagus" and taken to Pl3'mouth. The}' remained
there eight weeks, until the disabled vessel was re-
paired, and were then seven weeks and three days
in crossing to Quebec.
During the voyage young Henderson made him-
self useful on board the vessel, his knowledge of
ropes and sails standing him in good stead. He
reached Detroit July 26, 1857, and for about eight-
een months worked at rope-making for a Mr.
Gallagher on the Grand River Road. He desired
to have a better education and attended school one
summer. In the fall of 1858 he came to St. John's
and found employment in the sawmill of B. Wriglit
& Son, beginning at the foundation of the business,
at the work of tail sawyer. He worked in the mill
two years, rising to the position of head sawyer
and becoming as well able as anyone in the estab-
lishment to lile and hang a saw and do other me-
chanical work. He acted as head sawyer and
manager until 1869, when he and his brother
bought the establishment and continued the manu-
facture of lumber there, and in 1875 they built
their present gristmill.
In St. Joiin's, October 11, 1865, the marriage
rites between Mr. Henderson and Miss Betsey A.
Talmage were solemnized. The bride was born in
Oakland County, near Milford, where her father.
Samuel Talmage, was an early settler. He carried
on farm work there for years, then came to .St.
John's, but is now living in Ovid. Mr. and Mrs.
Henderson have sis children, named respectively,
John E., Anna M., Carrie A., Bessie A., Agnes B.
and Jenny M. The son is now engaged in the
grocery and dry-goods trade in Pompeii, this State,
and the eldest daughter, wlio is a graduate of the
St. John's High ScOiool, is teaching in the Perrin
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
973
School. The younger children are still pursuing
tlieir studies, three of tliem being pupils in the High
School. It is the desire of their parents to give
them a thorough education and thej- are encour-
aged and aided bj' tiieir father and mother on every
possible occasion.
The farm owned by Mr. Henderson consists of
two hundred and fort^^ acres in Essex Township
and is well supplied with necessar}' buildings, strong
fences and good stock. It is devoted princfpally
to the cultivation of grains and the raising of cat-
tle and sheep. Mr. Henderson is a Mason of prom-
inence and high degree. He belongs to the Blue
Lodge, Chapter and Commandery in .St. Jolm's and
has passed all the chairs. He is a true-blue Re-
publican and has been a delegate to county con-
ventions. For seven or eight years he was iMa3or
of St. John's, iiolding his office during successive
3'ears except one twelvemonth. He was also
Trustee twelve years and is Chairman of the Water
Commission and an honorary member of the fire
department. The sj'stem of waterworks is an ex-
cellent one and much credit is due Mr. Henderson
for this fact, as he was President of tlie Commis-
sion when it was put in and had charge of the
work. In business and civic relations he has
equall3- displayed liis strength of character, the in-
tegrity and sturdy- enterprise of the true Scotch-
man, and the thorough sympalliy with American
progress, of one who has adopted lliis land with
his whole lie.irt. He is liheral and open-liearted,
always read} to take part in an enterprise which
promises to be beneficial, and in his social life is
good natured and popular.
if^^IIOMAS 1). DEWEY. Conspicuous among
the business men and principal citizens of
Owosso, Shiawassee Count}-, is Mr. Dewey,
of the firm of Dewey <fe Stewart, whicli carries on
two enterprises and is well known far beyond the
limits of the county. Tiie Owosso City Mills, of
which these gentlemen arc proprietors, were estab-
lished by them in 1850 (making them probably the
oldest firm in the State) with two runs of stones,
and as the county settled up and the city devel-
oped, its capacity was increased from time to time.
It is now fitted completely as a roller process mill
with a capacity of one hundred and fifty barrels
per day, and the products are sold throughout the
State. All kinds of grain are ground and diflferent
varieties of flour placed on the market. The name
of the mill is probably more familiar to many
whose use its products than those of its proprietors,
and the gentlemen themselves are perhaps best
known as the proprietors of the celebrated Owosso
Breeding Stables and Slock Farm of which further
mention will be made below.
The Dewe}' family originated in England and
three generations ago its principal members were
living in Vermont. In Rutland, that State, Apollos,
Jr., father of our subject, was born .September 20,
1795. When quite young he emigrated to Monroe
County, N. Y., with his parents, but removed
thence in 1822 to Oakland County, Mich., which
was then a wilderness. He chose as his wife Abigail
Wctmore, who at the time of their marriage re-
sided in Chili, Monroe County, N. Y., but was a
native of Middleton, Conn., born July 3, 1790.
She became the wife of Apollos Dewey, Jr., on
February 24, 1817, and four children were born to
them, as follows: John Wetmore, Thomas Dustin,
of this sketch, Mar}' Esther, and Nancy Baldwin.
The three \oungest children were born in Oakland
County.
The ancestors of our subject on the maternal
side emigrated from Holland, two brothers coming
from that country to America, the one taking the
name of Wetmore and the other the name of Whit-
more. John Wetmore served as a soldier in the
Revolutionary War and for many years followed
the se.as, gaining the title by which he was famil-
iarl}' known, that of Captain. For a long time he
resided in Connecticut, where he married Miss
Mahitable Clark. Later the}' removed to Monroe
County, N. Y., wliere they operated as farmers and
reared a family of eleven children. The dates of
the birth of John and Mahitable Wetmore were
September 19, 17G0and October 15, 17G0, respect-
ively. The paternal grandfather of our subject
was Apollos Dewey of the (Ireen Mountain State.
In 1822 the parents of our subject left Monroe
974
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
County, N. Y., for the wilds of Michigan, and
reaching OaI<lan(l Count}' established their home
on a farm which the husband operated for several
years. Thej removed to .Shiawassee County in 1839
and there spent the remainder of tlieir days. Mrs.
Dewey died in 1864, but the fatlier survived until
1881, when he passed from earth at the age of
eiglity-one years. He had long been a Deacon in
the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch and was highly
honored by his acquaintaiic(?s as a representative
farmer and an excellent man. Their family com-
prised two sons and two daughters, and Thomas D.
was llie second in order of birth. The others are —
John W., a resident of .Shiawassee County and
represented elsewhere in this volume; Marj' Esther,
wife of Mr. Trauger, living in Niles; and Nancy
B. who married C. D. Nichols, and lives in Berrien
Springs.
Mrs. Trauger, sister of our subject, was born
July 8, 1824 and on August 26, 1845, she became
the wife of Horace Hall, a Methodist minister. For
forty-two years the Rev. Mr. Hall preached the
Gospel, and during twelve years was Presiding
Elder, also serving twice as delegate to the General
Conference. He died at Niles, Mich., March 14,
1884. Two children were born of this union —
Lora O., born April 10, 1848, a graduate from
Albion College in the Class of '70 and a teacher in
the Soldier's Orphan Home at Atcliison, Kan.;
Olin D., born February 22, 1854, died at Lyons,
December 19, 1861. On September 22, 1888, the
widow married Henry Trauger, and they are at
present residing in Niles.
Tiie other sister of our subject, Nancy B., was
born January 5, 1834, and became the wife of Mr.
Nichols February 10, 1852. Their children are as
follows: Fremont Dewey, born September 22, 1853;
Charles A., December 1, 1858; Cora A., October 6,
1864, and John Dustin, November 21, 1866.
Thomas D., of this sketch, was born in Oakland
County, February 22, 1823, and began his school-
ing in a log building at BloomReld Center, where
lie sat upon a [ilank bench while conning his lessons.
When but seventeen years old he came to Shia-
wassee Countj' in the spring of 1839 with his par-
ents and entered upon a career of general farming
in Owosso Township. November 9, 1840, but a
short time aft-er coming to the county, the young
man entered the dij-goods store of C. L. Good-
hue, in the village of Owosso and remained there
as clerk for five years. He then bought out his
employer anrl carried on the business until 1852,
when he closcl out to give his attention entirely to
the milling business in which he had engaged with
Mr. Stewart two years before.
In 1870 Messrs. Dewey ct .Stewart opened their sta-
bles and two years later bought '-Louis Napoleon,"
a six year old stallion, that is still in service. This
animal is a Ilambletoniau in descent through
"Volunteer," and two years before his purchase by
his present owners li.ad made a mile in 2:36, a re-
markable record for a four-year-old at that period.
He was then owned by George B Alley, of New
York, and a standing challenge of ^2,500 per side
agai ist any four year-old in America was never
accepted. He is the sire of Jerome Edd}-, an ani-
mal that was sold to Henry C. Jewell & Co., of
Buffalo, N. Y., for ^25,000 and now stands at the
head of their stud.
The dam of "Jerome Eddy" was ••Fann}- Mapes,"
by ''Alexander's Abdallah," a son of Hambletoiiiau
No. 10. This mare was purchased by Messrs.
Dewe3 A; Stewart the year after they bought "Louis
Napoleon." The latter animal is also the sire of
"Charlie Hilton," whose record is 2 :17i, with a trial
mile of 2:14, and of the great two-year-old ''Uncle
Sam," who obtained a record of 2:3H in 1890. This
stallion is also grandsire of "Reno's Baby," which
has been well called the "equine wonder of the age"
and at the close of 1889 was the f.astesc average
speed producer ever developed in America. In
December of that year he made a record of 2:25^
as a two-year-old trotter, and six days later, of
2:24^ as a pacer, a feat never before accoraplislipd
b}' any colt of the same age. Messrs. Dewey it
Stewart also own "Bonnie AVilkes," ''Col. Mapes"
and ''George Milo,'' all line horses, of gooil pedigree.
In 1849 Mr. Dewey married Miss Philena S.
Gould, daughter of Amos Gould, of Cayuga
County, N. Y. Both her parents died in New York
when she was about five years old, after which she
was taken into the family of her cousin, Amos
Gould, of Owosso and reared to womanhood. She
was born in Cayuga Countj', N. Y., and died in
PORTRAIT AND HJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
975
Owussu Marcli 15, 1885. In 1888 Mr. Dewey was
niarried to his present wife, formerly Miss Eliza-
beth Cramer, a native of this State and a popular
nicmbor of Owosso society. In 1868 Mr. Dewey
was elected ]Mayor .\nd for some time he filled the
ollice of Justice of the Peace. Wliile in the town-
ship of Owosso he was Town Clerk, Highway
Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Constable,
Postmaster, and in the city both M.ayor and Alder-
man. His political allegiance is given to the prin-
ciples advocated by the Republican party. In busi-
ness he is enterprising and judicious, and in social
life he is genial and courteous.
LBERT B. MASON. He whose name is
.at the head of this sketch was for many
t ) j-eais the loved and loving consort of the
lady who is now the proprietor and owner
of the farm located in Owosso Township, Shiawas-
.see Count}'. He was born March 8, 1817, in Mon-
roe Count}-, N. Y. His father was Ezra Mason,
and his mother Esther (Boner) Mason. In 1839
our subject came Wpst with his parents. His
father had made a jjrospecting tour through the
SIftte before bringing his family hither, and se-
lected the Ip.nd which he at this time purchased
from the Government, paying ^1.25 per acre for
the same.
Two of the Mason families made the journey to
the wilds of Michigan together, which was a wise
provision, inasmuch as the country was so deso-
late, there being at tliat time only two families, the
Griggs and Wilkinsons, any place near. The mill-
ing was done at Pontiac, a long distance from
their residence. On reaching manhood, our sub-
ject was married to Miss Minerva Couitwright, who
w.as born in Monroe County, N. Y., July 16, 1822.
Her parents were Aaron and Mary (Van Sickle)
Courtwright. She united her fate with that of her
husband when little more than a child, not being
more than sixteen years of age. Mr. Albert Mason's
decease occurred June 3, 1887. He w.is greatly
mourned as a good man by acquaintances .as well
as the members of his immediate family. He and
his wife were the parents of six children, whose
names are as follows: Elisha. Frances, Mary,
Phoebe, Jane and John. Phoebe was the wife of
William .Stiff, of Benton, and died in 1875; Mary
is Mrs. John Babcock, and at present makes her
home with her mother; Jane is Mrs. Daniel Mil-
land, and resiiles in Gratiot County.
The father of the family was a Republican in
his political pi'eference, and a member of the
Protestant Methodist Church in religious predilec-
tion. The family has occupied the present home
since 1851. It is a handsome structure, erected a
few rods from the site of the original home-
stead. On coming into the country, his father's
family lived for some time in the little house of the
Simpsons until a shanty could be built that would
accommodate them. All lived for one year where
Shafer lives at the present time, the land having
belonged to Ezra, who had a family of seven chil-
dren. His widow is still living at Ovid, having
married a Mr. Woodworth.
^j»i»-
"if/OHN PEACH. This short biographical
sketch is given as a tribute to the memory
of hiui who was a loving father, affectionate
husband and prominent citizen in all these
various relations, in behalf of his son and the old-
est member of the children of this generation.
John Peach was born in Somersetshire, England,
March 13, 1829. His decease occurred April 13,
1883. His father was Thomas Peach, and his
mother Mar}- Ann (Buge; Peach. Both passed
away in Michigan at the age of seventy years.
Our subject came to the United States in 1851.
He had learned the tailor's trade, and on locating
in Pontiac, in 1853, was at once engaged in his
own (larticular line of w(.rk. About 1855 he
bought the farm which is still in the possession of
his family. It was located in Antrim Township,
Shiawassee County, and first only comprised forty
acres. Thereon he erected a log house in which
he lived until death. His landed property, how-
ever, had increased before that sad event until it
976
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
aggregated about tliree liuurlred acres, which bore
very fine improvements.
Mr. Peach was a Republican in his political lik-
ing, anrl although he was a quiet and unassuming
man, he was verj' successful in business. Several
years before his decease he suffered greatly from
ill health. His marriaue took place July 2!l, 1853,
being united at Milford to Miss Susan Woodthorp,
of Pontiac. She was a native of Lincolnshire,
England, being there boin October 4, 1829. Her
parents were Tliomas and Mary (Eliif) Woodthorp.
Mrs. Peach came to America in November, 1851,
and with friends proceeded to Pontiac, where she
was emplo\'ed as seamstress. The j'oung people
became acquainted in that village, and after mar
riage came directl}- to Ncwburg.
Quite a little family grew up about the parents
in their primitive home. They are Henry, who is
now the proprietor of the farm wiiicii iiis father
left; Ida, deceased; Lilly, deceased; and George.
The estate now comprises two hundred and forty-
two acres in the place where the residence is, and
one hundred and twenty acres more in the place
near by, which is rented. • They have a fine home,
which was erected at a cost of $4,000.
<v»^ ARNET J. PUTNAM, a farmer and pioneer
located on section 3, Sciota Township, was
f«3J))|l; born in Amity, Alleghany County, N. Y.,
'' January 25, 1826. He is the son of Cor-
nelius and Eliza A. (Johnson) I'utnam. The fam-
ily on the paternal side are of composite ancestr}',
being a mixture of French, English and German.
Tiie grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier and
was present at the battle of Saratoga at the sur-
render of Burgoyne. The |)arents on the maternal
side were participants of the War of 1812, hence
our subject's famil}' have given their full quota for
the defence of their countr3\
The parents f>f our subject was married in Clien-
ango County, N. Y., but later removcil to Alleghany
Count}% same State, wiiere they lived until Sep-
teinber, 1836, when tliey started out for the West
by the overland route, conveying tiieir family and
household goods on an ox-cart to Buffalo, where
they took shi|) for Detroit, the voyage occupying
eight days. They again started out with the ox-
team on the Indian trail for what is now Shiawas-
see County and settled on the farm which our sub-
ject's father secured wliile on a previous prospect-
ing tour. It comprised eighty acres of the west
half of the southeast quarter of section 3, in what
is now the townsliip of .Sciota.
On their advent in the place above mentioned
the land was a bit of nature's own making and
heavily limbered. They put up as soon as possi-
ble a log cabin which was 12x14 feet in dimen-
sions and guileless of a tloor. It was covered with
bark on the outside to make it warmer and in this
they lived for two or three years, until they could
afford a better residence. The whole family look
a pride in their new purchase and all bent their ef-
forts toward clearing up the place and making it
nt for civiliz;ttion. Here the family of five chil-
dren was reared and the parents of our subject
si»ent the remainder of their lives. The father
was a farmer all his life and a very hard-working
man. On landing in the counlrj' they had but a
small supply of provisions, co:nprising only one
peck of potatoes and sixpence in money, while the
nearest neighbor was six or seven miles distant
with a dense vvjlderness between them and the
nearest trading point was Pontiac, some sixty or
seventy miles away.
The original of this sketch is the eldest of five
children, being only ten years of age when his pa-
rents came to Michigan. He was denied the ad-
VMUtoges of an education, as the country was too
new to support schools and his parents were not
able to provide tutt>rs. He being the eldest son
much of the care fell on him, as his lather suffered
from ill health many years before he died. Mr.
Putnam remained at home until he was twenty-
seven years of age, as which time he married and
began life for himself. lie has lived in the vicin-
ity where ho now resides since coming to Michi-
gan and on his present farm since 1875. His farm
now comprises only seventy-seven acres, as he has
divided the greater portion among his children.
The original of our sketch is a man of wide
reading and well informed. He is politicall3- a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Democrat, and has received many official favors
from his party. Soeiaily he is a Free and Ac-
cepted Mason of the Third degree. In 1853 Mr.
Putnam was married to Miss Meliuda M. Cone, of
Sciota,Shiawassee County. She was born in Mohegan
Wayne County, Ohio, April 5, 1831. Our subject
and iiis lady are the proud parents of four children
— Dell E., Edson B., Francis M., and George B.
The history of the family is closely connected with
tliat of the State. Mrs. Putnam's father was one
of the men who helped survey IMirhigan for the
Government.
- — i^m—-
LNATHAN BROWN. From the beginning
agriculture has ranked among the most
J honorable callings. Earth is the gracious
mother that supitlies tiio needs of mankind and the
farmer belongs to tlie priesthood that intervenes
between giver of all and needy humanity. The
name that heads our sketch is that of one who be-
longs to the honored calling and wiio resides on
section 31, Venice Township, Shiawassee County.
lie has been very successful in every branch of
agriculture to wiiich he has turned his attention.
Ebenezer Brown, the father of our subject, was
a native of Tompkins Count)-, N. Y., where he was
born in 1790. He was a farmer by calling and in
the War of 1812 did efficient service as a soldier.
He was wounded at the battle of Ft. Firiu and his
services were recognized bj' the United States as
long as he lived b}' the award of a pension. He
filled the office of Corporal in the army. The
family on the paternal side are of Dutch descent.
Our subject's mother was Elsie (Woodruff) Brown,
a native of Connecticut and born in the year 1800.
The Woodruffs arc an old New England family,
their history being connected with that of the earli-
est settlers of that portion of the countrj'. Tiiey
were married in New York Stale, where they re-
sided a number of years, starting West in 1833.
They stopped in Ohio where they made a stay of
three years in Summit County. In 1836 they
came to this State and settled on section 4, Vernon
Township. It was an entirely new farm and there
was not a road laid out in the township. It was
necessary tiiat the family should be sufficient unto
itself for there were then no neighbors. In spite
of these discouragements Mr. Brown made a per-
manent home, his tirst dwelling being a log cabin.
During tlie years that intervened between his com-
ing to the State and his death he made great im-
provements upon the farm, cutting out the timber
and planting large crops. His death, which occur-
red before the Civil War, was accidental. He wsis
quite aged and sitting before the fire in an old
fashioned fire-place he is supposed to have fainted.
At any rate he fell face forward into the fire and
w.is shockingly burned. The niotlier followed him
in 1863. They were the parents of five boys and
four girls, of these four are now living.
Timothy Brown, one of the sons, served in the
Mexican War and after his discharge w.is anticipat-
ing great pleasure in his home coming. He was
taken ill at Louisville, Ky. and there died. Two
other sons, Archibald and Samuel, served in the
Civil War. Archibald died at Burnside Point,
Tenn. in the hospital and Samuel died in the hos-
[)ital at New Albany, Ind. The husbands of two
daughters also gave their lives for their country.
Our subject was brought up in the Presbyterian
Church of which his patents were members, the
father being a Deacon in the same. Politically' our
subject's father was broad in his views. He was
recogni/.eiL however, as being a good man and one
who would conscientiously discharge any duty re-
posed in him. He was a Justice of the Pcice for a
long time and also held the office of Postmaster,
he being the first one in Vernon Township before
the village of Vernon was established.
Our subject was born October 13, 1818, in
Tompkins County, N. Y. He remembers that in
corning West his father took the old Erie Canal to
Buffalo, thence went to Cleveland, Ohio, by steam-
er. At the time of their advent into tiiis State he
was eighteen years of age and he remainetl at home,
helping with the farm work until he reached his
majority wlien he started out for himself.
Mr. Brown's first venture in financial life w.is the
purchase of seventy-two acres of land, which he
still owns. He wsa obliged to go in debt for the
land, purchasing it on a contract to 'jhop and clear
and put into crop five acres per year until he paid
978
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
for it. He fufllled the coutract anri the land be-
came bis owti. At tlic same time he worked for
William Placevvay, the second settler in Venice
Township. We learn from our subject that the
agent told him that the owners were indebted for
highway taxes on the land and he made Mr. Brown
the offer that he should have the privilege to work
out the tax and apply it upon the i)ayment of his
land. He chopped out the clearing for the present
roads at $6 ))er acre an<l thus earned one hundred
and forty dollars which helped to pay for his land.
Although Mr. Brown left Ohio at so early an
age, the State evidently had attractions for liim, for
he went back at the time of a severe drouth and
brought back a wife. He was married January 1,
1842, to Matilda Brewster, a daughter of Plato
and Eunice (Osmond) Brewster, the former a native
of New York. They were early settlers in Cleve-
land, Ohio, and later moved to Northfleld, Portage
County, Ohio, where they both died. 'lUay were
the parents of ten children, only one now surviv-
ing. Mrs. Brown's father was a soldier in the War
of 1812.
The lady who became the wife of our subject
was born December 14, 1822, at Cleveland, Ohio.
On returning with her husband to this State after
their marriage she bent her efforts to making the
little log-house sis cozy and homelike as possilile.
Here they have lived ever since, with the exception
of three years spent in Corunna. IMr. Brown now
has one hundred and twenty acres of land upon
which there are good buildings. All the clearing
and improvements that are made upon the farm were
so pisced by his own hands. He estimates that
he has cleared one hundred acres of land for other
people besides superintending the building of his
own residence and outhouses. They arc the par-
ents of eight children, four of whom arc now liv-
ing.
Our subject's eldest daughter and child is Lucy
J., the wife of La Fayette Hall, who was born Jan-
uary 24, 1844, and lives in this township; they
have one child. Perry D. Brown, eldest son of
our suliject, was born July 12, 184C. He was united
in marriage to Klizabeth Fields and lives on sec-
tion 30; they have three children. Eunice S., born
November 4, 1848, is the wife of William Morris
and lives in Vernon Township, on section 11; she is
the mother of one child and also a child by a former
marriage. Alice E., born June 29, 1867, is the
wife of Fred Doan and lives at home with her par-
ents.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Method-
ist Episcopal Cliurch in wliich body he was a Class-
Leadev in Corunna for many years. He had been
a member of the Sons of Temperance and has ever
had an interest in politics, voting the Democratic
ticket formerly, but is now a strong Prohibitionist.
He was elected as the first School Inspector, has
been Township Clerk and also Township Treasurer
for seven years. He has filled the positions of Sup-
ervisor, Justice of the Peace and Constable for
man}' 3ears.
The original of our sketch has always been a
temperate man. What he has acquired has been
by his own efforts and by the hardest labor. At
an early day he suffered terribly from that dre.ad
scourge of the pioneer settler — fever and ague. It
is a pleasure to record the success of men who have
been so diligent in working not only for themselves
but for the good of others.
IIARLES M. HOUSE. A prominent place
among the business men of Ovid, Clinton
Count}', is held by Mr. House, whose good
judgment and enterprise are abundantly displayed
in the discharge of his duties as a citizen and a
business man. He is a native of New York, born
October 20, 1846, in Springville, Erie County. His
parents, Aliltou and Cassandra (Pierce) House,
were likewise natives of the Empire State and the
father followed the (jccupalion of farming. Until
he became of age our subject resided under the
parental roof, but at the age of seventeen accom-
panied his parents to Iowa, locating with theui near
Independence, Buchanan County. At the age of
twenty-one Mr. House removed to Pontiac, Mich.,
and took the management of the lumber yard of
E. M. Pierce, who later sold the yard to Henry
W. Lord. In this place our subject worked sev-
eral years. While in that city he met the lady
POIiTRAIT AND BlOGRAl'lliCAL ALBUM.
979
who on December 22, 1871, became his wife, and
who was Louisa Moore, the daughter of Canwell
Moore, of Pontiac. The 3'onng couple resided in
Pontine only a short time after their marriage,
removing thence to Corunna, this State, where our
subject, in company witii liis brotlier. (". W., opened
a Uimber yard and planing mill. After operating
it successfully about two years they lost it b}' fire.
Onr suliject rebuilt alone and failed.
Nextjwe find Mr. House engaged as a farmer
in Iowa for two 3ears, but Michigan had greater
attractions for him than that .State, and returning
to Ovid in 1875. lie worked foi- others about three
years. At that time he and Mr. Clark bought
out liis employer's business and ran it under the
firm name of N. J. Clark & Co. In 1887 Mr.
Clark sold out his entire interest to George S.
Huntington and the establishment has since been
operated under the firm name of House & Hunt-
ington, it being the only lumber yard in Ovid.
The members of the firm are widely known for
reliable transactions in business and enjoy an ex-
tensive patronage. Although several times Mr.
House has been absolutely insolvent he has over-
come the difficulties which surrounded him each
time and is now reaping the reward of persever-
ance. Although he is not a partisan in politics, he
is a firm Republican an<l has held various village
offices.
^^£
i^
W UCIUS E. GOULD. The gentleman of
I (©I whom we write is one of the well-known
iJ'— ^Y, citizens of Owosso, Shiawassee County,
where he carries on a flourishing business in loans
and real estate. He is one of the native sons of
the Wolverine State, being born in Antrim Town-
ship, Shiawassee County, September 8, 1817. When
only a year old his parents moved into the city
of Owosso, and this has been his home from that
day to this.
Col. E. (4ould, the father of our subject, w.as
born in the State of New York and there grew to
manhood. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania
and died in Owosso in 1881. They were the par-
ents of four children, three sons and one daughter,
of whom our subject is the eldest. After attend-
ing school at Owosso, he entered Olivet College,
where ho studied for two j-ears, after whieh he en-
tered the law department of the State I'niversity
and took his diploma therefrom in 1871. Return-
ing to Owosso, he commenced the practice of law,
and in 1872 was elected Circuit Court Commis-
sioner, a position which he has filled successfully
and with satisfaction to the peoi)lc for nearly twenty
years.
For a short time Mr. Gould was editor of the
Owosso Tiiufs, which he established in 1882, and
which somewhat later he disposed of by sale. Be-
sides attending to his legal business he now took
u|) work in the line of effecting loans and handling
real estate and insurance, and as this business
grew in his hands he has given himself largely to
it, although he has dropped from his attention the
department of insurance. He is a shrewd and
enterprising dealer, and besides attending to his
own [)roiierty he effects many sales for others. He
owns considerable property in the city in the shape
of lots.
Nothing in the history of Mr. Gould is more
worthy of note than his happ3' marriage with Jliss
Josephine M. White, of Owosso. This talented
and highly educated lady has opened an institu-
tion of learning which is known as the Oakside
School. This was established in 1883, and had its
first inception in the Col. Gould homestead, but
was removed to its present location at the corner
of Oliver and Pine Streets in 1885. Under the
principalship of Mrs. Gould and with the superior
instruction in music which is to be obtained from
Miss Nora P. Collins, it is no wonder that it has
attained to a degree of popularit3' exceeding the
warmest expectation of its founder.
This school offers liberal and S3Stematic train-
ing in the elementary English branches and such
instruction in history, literature, physics and higher
mathematics as is ordinarily given in a prepara-
tory school. Mrs. Gould, who is at the head of
this institution, is a most efficient teacher and a
most sympathetic friend to her pupils. Her pat-
ronage is to be found not only in Owosso. but
also in St. John's, Shiawassee, Adrian, Detroit, an<I
9«0
FOKTUAIT AND IJJOGRAFHJCAL ALBUM.
many other towns of Michigan. This family in
its various members has made its mark upon the
eommunit3' and its influence is far-rcacliing and
efifeclive in raising the standard of both social and
intellectual life.
y^lLLIAM G. HENDERSON is a member
of tlie Qrm of J. D. Henderson & Bros.,
^^Z proprietors of the Bingham Roller Flour-
ing Mills and the St. John's Sawmill and operators
of two hundred and forty acres of farm lands in
Essex Township. The reader is referred to the
liiography of his brother, J. D. Henderson, for an
account of their ancestry. He of whom we write
is the sixth child in the parental family' and was
born in Leith, Scotland, August 28, 1848. The
first nine years of his existence were spent in his
native land and he then accorai)anicd his parents to
the New World, reaching Detroit Jul^' 26, 1857.
Thence he came to St. John's, Clinton County, and
here he attended school, being one of the pupils in
the Union scliool during the first year that the old
building was occupied. He then began working in
a sawmill, first as a fireman, but soon as an engineer.
He combined the two parts of the work while in the
employ of S. J. Wright, for whom he worked
nearly all tiie time until 1869. For one year he was
fireman and engineer for a Mr. Lyons.
In 1869 the present firm was organized and the
manufacture of lumber has been carried on con-
tinuously. In June, 1875, the brothers began the
building of the flouring mill they now operate,
completing it in November, and making the first
run on the 12th of that month. They have an
excellent location and a substantial building, three
stories high with a basement. In 1885 the full
George T. Smith roller jjrocess was put in and the
present capacity of one luindred barrels per day is
none too great to supply the demand. The Hen-
dersons turned out a special family brand of flour
and besides the manufacture of this staple grind
feed in large quantities.
Mr. Henderson was married in this city in 1870
to Miss Mary A. Wells, daughter of Benjamin and
Eliza (Munger) Wells. Her parents were born in
Steuben County, N. Y., and her father was engaged
in farming there until they came to Shiawassee
County, Mich. He located in Venice Township,
where he improved and operated a farm. He died
there in 1802, aged fifty-two years. He was a
prominent citizen and official in liis township.
After his decease his widow made her home with
her children, and after the marriage of her daugh-
Mary, resided with her until near the close of her
life. She was on a visit to another daughter in
Shiawassee Count}' when she died January 22,
1885. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wells belonged to the
Free Will Baptist Church.
Mrs. Henderson was born in Venice Township,
Shiawassee Count} , received a good education and
was carefully instructed in womanly acquirements
and fine principles. Siie is the mother of seven
children; three are deceased, Mary L., Freddie W.,
Effle B. ; Louie M., Ina M., Hallie G. and Robert
G. Mr. Henderson is a strong Republican and an
earnest and active member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, in which he is Trustee. He is a
Knight Templar, enrolled in the Commandery in
St. John's. He has an excellent standing in l)usi-
ness circles and is a worthy coadjutor of the brother
with whom he is associated in business.
DDISON HULSE. This ex-Supervisor of
Greenbush Township, Clinton County, re-
siding on section 11, is a native of New
<^ York, as he was born in Tompkins County,
December 29, 1826. He is a son of Anthony and
Saraii Hulse and was early bereaved of his parents
losing his fatlier wlien scarcely five years old and
being deprived of a mother's care at the age of six
years. He then remove<l to Huron County. Ohio,
and after a few years made his home in Knox
County, the same State.
Most of the boyhood days of our subject were
passed in Ohio, and there he grew to manhood up-
on a farm. His marriage with Maimla A. Carter,
a native of A'irginia, brought to him five children,
four of whom are still living, namely: Sarah E.,
PORTRAir AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
981
wife of Dr. S. M. Posl; Charles A., Min.anl A., and
Phoebe A., wife of W. W. Ilodgc. Tiie son who
Las passed over the dark river was nanieil Wil-
liam H.
In 1849 Mr. Ihilse mie^ratcd from Ohio to Clin-
ton County, INIieh., and made his home in (ireen-
biisli Township, on the farm where he now resides.
He now owns one hundred and twenty acres of as
good land as is to be found in the county and iias
it all under excellent cultivation, lie is a self-
made man in the truest sense of tlie word, as his
early orphanage threw him upon his own resource^i.
lie has served as Township Treasurer for several
j'ears, and in his political views endorses the dec-
laration of the Repul)lican part}'. He is one of the
successful and representative pioneers of Green-
bush Township, and deserves and receives the uni-
versal esteem of all with whom he comes in con-
tact.
^i^^ ON. AMOS GOULD. The life work of
1) few men illustrates more graphically a
series of struggles and triumphs than does
that of Judge Amos Gould, of Owosso. An
honored and successful counselor, a faithful and
industrious practitioner, he has ever maintained
that reputation for fidelity to duty which is the
general characteristic of the American lawyer. His
acquirements were not attained as light and i<Ile
passtimes. Each advance step was taken after due
deliberation, and was then laboriously maintained.
Years added to his strength, and untiring industry
greatly increased his stock of knowledge, until in
the full and complete man we scarcely discern the
feeble beginning.
The knowledge of Mr. Gould's ancestry begins
with his gran<lfather, Capt. Kbenezer Gould, of
Killingly, Windhara County, Conn. He was a
young married man of good repute, by occupation
a farmer, who attained the rank of captain of the
militia during the Revolutionary War, and later
removed to Granville, Washington County, N. Y.
He purchased a large farm which he improved an<)
lived upon until bis death, which occurred about
1H08. Mrs. Gould, his wife, w.as a Miss Robbins,
of Connecticut, and became the mother of eighteen
children, who were at one time all residing under
the parental roof. The father of Amos Gould,
after his marriage, about the year 1805, to Miss
Polly Simmons, removed from Granville to the old
town of Aurelius, soutii of Auburn, N. Y., where
their son Amos was born, Dec. 3, 1808. The father
there purchased a farm and began the work of
clearing, to which he devoted himself with vigor
until called again to the early home to particiiiate
in the settlement of the estate of his parents. In
1813 he returned to his purchase in Cayuga County,
N. Y.
Amos has a vivid recollection of tlK>se early
days, and recalls distincily the War of 1812. On
their return from the East, troops vpere seen en-
camped along the Mohawk River. Farther west,
in Onondaga Count}', the camp-tires were burning
and a regiment of cavalry overtook the emigrants
on the route to their home, and having divided
rode swiftly p.ast and disappeared in the distance.
The son remained on the farm with his father
assisting in the labors of the husbandman, a .d de-
voting the winter to such study as was afforded by
the public school of the neighborhood.
From the age of ten years Amos developed a
fondness for reading, and c-'.gerly availed himself
of such material as was afforded by the ladies'
library established in the vicinity. One or two
))rivate collections were also accessible to him.
In 1824 an opportunity occurred of enjoying the
superior advantages of a school in Auburn, where
the languages were taught, and where he added
greatly to the limited knowledge of Latin he had
previously acquired. This continued with inter-
ruptions for two years, after which the academy
at Aurora, Cayuga County, opened its doors to
him, and in 1827 he entered the sophomore class
at Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y.
Mr. Gould pursued his studies until an unfor-
tunate circumstance caused the temporary suspen-
sion of that institution, when, lacking means to
enter another seat of learning, he engaged in teach-
ing in Auburn, N. Y. He also entered at this time
the office of William II. Seward as a student of the
law. Later he became associated with Theodore
982
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALIUTIM.
Spencer, son of Chief Justice S|)ei;cer, of New York,
and received as clerk, a compensation wliich mate-
rially aided him in his early struggles. His ad-
mission to the bar of the Supreme Court and
Court of Ciiancery of New York occurred in the
fall of 1832. He soon after opened an office, and
at once found himself in rivalry with the leading
talent of Western New York, including Judge F.
J. Jewett, of Skaneatcles, James R. Lawrence,
Judge B. D. Noxon, of Syracuse, and other noted
lawyers. He ultimately formed a co-partnership
with George Rathbun and continued it several
j'cars, the firm having enjoyed an extensive prac-
tice throughout the State.
The partnership was dissolved in 1840, and Mr.
Gould, having become involved and rendered lia-
ble for debts of his brother and brother-in-law,
who were merchants in Owosso, Mich., and unsuc-
cessful in business, concluded to go to that place,
and if possible, close up the matter liy the pay-
ment of the debts. He vvas also intluciicod by a
desire to enjoy a change of climale, and thereby
regain his health, which was much impaired by
close application to professional duties. He there-
fore made Owosso his residence in 1843. Two
years later he resun)ed the practice of his profes-
sion in Shiawassee and adjoining counties, and en-
gaged actively in its duties until 18C5, when he
surrendered its cares and profits to his brother and
former partner. Col. E. Gould, for whom he had
retained the business during his service in the
army.
While in practice in New York, Mr. Gould was
appointed Master in Chancery, by his friend Wil-
liam 11. Sewnrd, then Governor of tue State, and
later was made by Chancellor Walworth, Injunction
Master for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, the court
having been held at Auburn, N. Y. These offices
he held till his removal to Michigan. In the fall
of 1844 he was elected Probate Judge for Shiawassee
County, and in the year 18.52, to the Senate of the
State of Michigan. He was also Prosecuting At-
torney of the county, and w.as Su|)cr visor for toe
Township of Owosso from 1844 to 1850. Mr.
Gould has, since the Rebellion, affiliated with the
Republican party, but has ever made principle a
stronger motive than party in the casting of his
ballot. He has even been induced to change
his relations with one great party when its plat-
form and measures did not accord with liis views
of riglit. The State election of 1855 found him a
candidate of the Democratic party for the office of
Attorney General, but when circumstances arising
from the late war witnessed the withdrawal of
many of the strongest supporters of the party, Mr.
Gould was among them. He organized, in 1865,
the First National Bank of Owosso, and was from
that time its president, owning a majority of the
stock. He was also engaged in the supciintend-
cnce of his large farm of twelve hundred acres, and
the management of extensive land and lumber
speculations, which, at the advanced age of seventy-
two years, made hiui still an active man, and one
immersed in business enterprise. He was an earn-
est member of the First Congregational Church
of Owosso, and was one of its early founders. Mr.
Gould's spacious residence was filled with the
genial members of a lia|)pj' family circle. His wife
to whom he was united in 1841, was Miss Louisa
Peek, of New York State. They are the well-be-
loved parents of five grown so'is and daughters,
whose delight it is to comfort their declining years.
OL. E. GOULD, deceased, was born in Flem-
ing, Cayuga County, N. Y., Ai)ril 10. 1SI7.
He remained at home and worked with his
father on the farm until 1830, receiving in the
meantime such an education as the common schools
of his native town afforded. He then left the farm
and entered a store owned and mantiged by his
brother Daniel, in Scipio, Cayuga County'. In the
fall the stock was jiurt'liased liy his brother, Amos
and Ebenezer continued in charge of the store un-
til the spring of 1837, when he removed to Auluirn,
Oakland County, Mich., bringing the sUjck of
goods with him and opening a store in ihat place.
He continued in !)usiness there until Se|)temher of
the same _year, vvhen he brought the stock of goods
to this place, arriving in Owosso just forty ^ears
prior to the d.a}' of his death, it lias been ascer-
tained from books and papers he iiad preserved.
PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHJCAL ALBUM.
983
The store first occupied by liim in this i)lace was a
siu:ill building slan<ling near where Mr. StrubL-r's
I)oot and shoe store now is, at the corner of Ball
and Exchange Streets. The building is now part of a
dwelling house on Williams Street, east of L. D.
Wj-ncoop's.
In the fall of 1838 Ebenezor Gould formed a eo-
partnershi|) with David Fish, the firm taking the
name of Gould, Fish & Co., and during the same
fall Amos Gould built a store for thein on the cor-
ner of Exchange and Washington Streets, the same
store being now occupied b^- Flinch it McBain.
There the firm continued in business until the
spring of 18-13, when Mr. Fish retired and the Col-
onel continued !he business until the following
spring. 184J, when he sold out and retired froQi
the mercantile business.
In the fall of 1840 the firm of Gould, Fish & Co.
rented the old red grist-mill and the mill was run
by the firm until the fall of 1843, when it
was purchased by Amos Gould. The old red mill,
subsequently desuoyed by fire, stood near where
Dewey (ir Stewart's mill now is. Col. Gould was now
employed until 1847 in settling up his old business,
marrying in that interval, on Deceiiiber 2, 1845,
Irene Beach, of Shiawassee, daughter of Lucius
Beach. In the spring of 1847 he removed from
Owosso to a farm in the town of Antrim, near Mr.
M. B. Martin's, which is still in the family posses-
son, and he cultivated and improved that farm, oc-
cui)ying his leisure hours in the study of law, until
in the early part of 1850, when he came back to
Owosso and went systematically into the slud^- of
law in the oflice of his brother, Amos Gould. He
was admitted to practice at the bar in the fall of
1853, was taken into partnership by his brother
and did business for some j'ears under the name of
A. ik E. Gould. In the summer of 1860 Benton
Ilanchctt was taken into the firm and this partner-
ship continued until .(anuary, 1804.
In -luly, 1802, wlicn the Eighth Michigan Cav-
alry was being organized by Col. Copeland, under
authority from the War Department, the positif>n
of First Major was offered to Ebenezer Gould and
he at onoe accepted. He joined the regiment and
was mustered into service with it the latter part of
August, but the regiment did not leave the State
until the 4th of December following, then being
onl}' partly armed. It was then ordered to Wash-
ington, where they remained about a month. In
January, 1863. the regiment was doing (licket duty
at Fairfax and in that vicinity, in Virginia. Li
February' they were emplo3'ed on tiie Windham
raid to the Blue Ridge, north of Fredericksburg,
under command of Lieut. Col. Norvell. Col,
Copeland being elsewhere employed, was never
with the regiment after they entered Virginia. The
raid proved rather disastrous and unprofitable, hav-
ing only some trifling fights with guerrillas and
though they went in one thousand strong they
came out with but about three liun<1red; a large
share of the missing subsequently straggled back
to camp. About the 1st of March the regiment
had a fight with Mosby, in Luray Valley at Aldie.
At about this time Col. Norvell resigned and
though many otlicers and men of the regiment de-
sired and believed of right that Col. Gould should
have had the vacant position yet the command was
given to Col. Alger. Col. (iould had been previ-
ousl}' promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel. The
regiment was now formally attached to Gen.
Hooker's Army of the Potomac, Gen. Kilpatrick's
Division, Gen. Custer's brigade. Soon after, the
regiment for the fir.st time met regular Confederate
soldiers anil had a light at Plum th'eek, near Han-
over. On this occasion as on all subsequent a ITa Irs
of the kind Col. CJould had cliaige of the most im-
portant movements of the regiment. At I'liim
Creek he had command of the picket line and he
did his part so well that ever after he had the i)er-
fect confidence of (ien. Custer.
Now came Lee's attempt on Pennsylvania and
Geu. Kilpatrick's cavalry was sent thither to cut
off this attempt to reach New York anil on this ex-
pedition the^' ran, just at night, unexpectedly into
a rebel column of overwhelming numbers, where
they had to fight nearly all night to extricate them-
selves, which they did without serious loss. This
occurred on the last of .June. 'I'he cavalry hiid
previously been into (iettysburg and held it two
(lays. Then came the battle of (iettysburg, the de-
feat of the rebel army and the subsequent opera-
tions of the cavalry in pursuing and harassing
Lee's retreating army. On the night of the Itli of
984
PUUTKAIT AiSU BlOGRAl'HICAL ALBUM.
July the cavalry fought nearly all night under
Kilpatrick, near Emmetsbuvg, and captured 2,700
rebels with seven uiiles of wai^on train. On the
5tii, the cavalry encountered the head of the rebel
army and fought till 10 o'clock at night, when they
wereagain nearly surrounded and Kil|)atrick's dash
served to extricate thein. On the 6th, they had
another fight at Funkstown, in Maryland, and Col.
Alger was wounded in the thigh by a pistol shot
and the sole command of the regiment devolved
upon Col. Gould. Then followed a flght at Wil-
liamstown on the Potomac and then the battle of
Hagerstown, in which, while cliarging at the head of
his regiment, Col. Gould was wounded by a bullet,
that went through his leg just above his ankle, and
so disabled him that he hr.d to be carried off the field.
He was carried off by fS. J. Lockw^od. who, fiom
the time the Colonel went into active service, was
always near him, and we are indebted to Mr. Lock-
wood for this sketch of the Colonel's military ca-
reer.
Col. Gould came home as soon as he was able to
after he was wounded and he did not rejoin his
regiment again until they were in winter quarters
at Culpeper. He had not then recovered from the
effects of his wound sufficiently to be really Ut for
service, but he was better suited to be with his reg-
iment than to be absent from duty, though an in-
valid. In May, 1864, he was with his regiment
during the battle of the Wilderness and actively in
command, when, after crossing the Rapidan, the
cavalry was ordered to raid in the rear of the en-
emy. But little was accomplished \>y the raid, and
after coming from that ride. Col. Gould's disability
on account of his wound, to which had been added
the camp diarrhoja, had increased so that fur his
relief he was detached to take charge of dismounted
men to the number of about si.x thousand, proceed
to City Point and organize them. They went to
City Point,having in charge more than seventy miles
of wagon train and had to fight guerrillas nearly
all the way. He got little relief from his maladies
under such circumstances; nevertheless, when his
men were recruited he was ordered to move up the
north bank of the James, with the e.xpectalion of
going into Richmond. Kighting as far as thej-
went with rebel infantry, the movement was finally
abandoned and soon after, on the 10th of Novem-
ber, Col. Gould having about the same time been
promoted to the rank of Colonel, was honorably
discharged on account of disability. He never
fully recovered from the effects of the wound near
his ankle, the sore for a long time taking on an ul-
cerous character, in consequence of detached bones,
large slivers of which came from it j'ears after, and
when it did finally heal, he was ever after quite
lame. His camp malady, too, lingered with him,
with various Intervals of relief, until the last.
After the close of the war, in 1865, as soon as he
was able to attend to business, Col. Gould resumed
his practice as a lawyer and during the last ten or
twelve years he was ranked with the best in the
profession in this part of the .State. From 1867
until about a year before his demise, he had Mr. G.
R. Lyon as a partner, and on account of his health
he was obliged to gradually withdraw from the fa-
tiguing labor of the profession and limit his duties
to giving advice and counsel.
^^
\f^.YER PHELPS. The owner of a fine farm
on section 20, of Shiawassee Township, Shia-
wassee County, our subject is a native of
New York State, being born in Chenango County
October 9, 1811. Thus he is now (1891) an octo-
genarian. His son, who dictates the outlines of
this sketch, takes pleasure in chronicling his
father's efforts and successes through life. The
father of Dyer Phelps was James Pheli)s, a native
of England. His mother, Elizabeth (Fuller) Phelps,
was from M.assachusetts. His paternal progenitor
came over to America with his brother and served
in the Revolutionary War as Captain. He died
after being an inhabitant for many years of Mas-
sachusetts, at the age of ninety five years. Our
subje(;t came with his brother Silas to Michigan
in 1833, and located on section 20, Shiawassee
Township. Silas Phelps remained here until about
one year before his death, which occurred about
the year 1845, at the age of sixty-six years. Two
brothers. Mason and Milton, of whom Milton only
is now living, settled in Sciota.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
985
Our subject came to Micliigan as one of the
f>arly settlers in 1837, and secured bis present
farm, which he purciiased from Dr. ftliddlet, at
which time he bouglit eighty acres. He was mar-
ried in Erie Countj', Pa., when twenty years of
age, to Aimira Soddaj' and drove hither witii two
^ oke of oxen and one horse. Thej^ were seven
days in coming, being delayed greatly in their pro-
gress by the swampy condition of the land. They
were twenty-eight days altogether on llie road,
but fortunately were with two other parlies. Our
subject has ever since lived on the i)resent farm.
Losing his wife in 1854, a few months later he
was united with Betsey M. Bunch, widow of Tru-
man Bunch. She also died aliout 1874. He was
a thiril time married, November .5, 187G, to Mis.
Sarah Hearnden, widow of Robert Uearnden, who
was a native of England, She was an English-
woman by birth and paientage and came to the
I'nited States in 1849, and went to Shiawassee
County in the year 1866. B3' his Hrst marriage our
subject is the father of two children — Eliza .lane
and William IIenr_y. Mr. Phelps has never been
a politician, having attended wholly to the devel-
opment and improvement of his property. He
now owns one hundred and twenty acres of land
in first-class condition. Our subject has two sis-
ters living in Califoinia, and in 1854 he si)eiit a
delightful winter with them, and again in 1882,
with his present wife, he visited them. For the
past eight jears Mr. Phelps has been a gre.it suf-
ferer from rheumatism.
•^^
E^-
y^ ON. II. M. PERRIN. This prominent cit-
Ijl izen of St. John's, Clinton County, whose
services to the county as Judge of the
Probate Court have been of great value to
the community, his been a resident of this city for
many years. The firm of Perrin & Baldwin of
which he is the senior member consists of H. M.
and P. K. Perrin and A. J. Baldwin, and is doing
an extensive business in both law and real estate.
He of whom we write is a native of ilic Green
Mountain State and was born in Washington
County, June 23, 1829. His father. Porter Perrin,
was born in the same county and w.as engaged in
farming at Berlin, and his grandfather, Z. Perrin,
who was one of the early settlers of that county
and of French lineage, served in the Revolutionary
War.
Lucy Kinney was the maiden name of her who
became the mother of our subject. Her birth was
in Vermont, but her father, David Kinney, was a
Connecticut man who became a pioneer in Berlin
Township, Washington County, Vt. The mother
died in her native State, leaving many to mourn
her loss, as her amiable qualities and her character
as a devoted and lovable Ciiristian woman had en-
deared her to all with whom she came in contact.
She was a member of the Congregational Church.
Among her eleven children our subject was the
sixth in order of age, and to him were given the
best advantages for a liberal education.
After completing his elementary education
young Perrin studied at Theltford Academy, and at
the age of twenty-one entered Dartmouth College,
matriculating as a sophomore and graduating when
twenty-four years old, completing a classical course.
He took his law course at Albany at the University
of Albany and was admitted to the bar in 1854.
He then came West stopping with an uncle for one
j'ear at Terre Haute, Ind., and made his way to
Detroit in 1855, He remained there for two 3'ears
and in 1857 established himself in St, John's and
began the practice of law and he is thus fairly- en-
titled to be ranked as the oldest attorney in this
city. He h.as devoted himself largely also to real
estate and mortgages and has platted several ad-
ditions to the city. He also owns a farm in this
township, besides considerable city property.
The marriage of this gentleman in 18G2 brought
to his home a briile in the jjerson of Miss Mary
Ackley, who was born in Novi, Mich,, and is a
daughter of Samuel Ackley, a pioneer in Michigan,
To the Judge and his amiable and talented wife
has been granted one child only, their daughter,
Lu<'}', who is now Mrs. Palmer of this city. In
1865 this Senatorial district honored itself by
sending this capable and broad minded statesman
to the Michigan State Senate, and he is thus the
oldest Senator as well !is Judge in this region for it
98G
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
was between tlie years 1861 aprl 1865 tliat he sat
upon the bcncb of the Probate Court. The Con-
gregational Church is llie religious body with
wliich he lias connected himself and his counsel is
ever sought in church matters and his judgmetit
greatly relied upon. During the days of the war
he was for some time the Supervisor of the lown-
shi|) and he has also served one term as President
of the village. His political views are founded upon
Republican priuL'iplcs, but he is a man who relies
ui)on his own judgment in the matter of casting
his ballot and prefers lo be independent in that
matter when it seems to him that the cause of the
country would be better served therebj'.
_:^=@_
"i^^-
^1^ ^
LARK P. TABER. The gentleman who
owns and resides on the farm located on
section 26, Fairfield Township, Shiawassee
County, was born in Alexander, Genesee County,
N. Y., April 11, 1838. He is the son of Clark and
Rebecca (Peck) Tabcr, natives of Providence,
Saratoga County, N. V. The father was born
June 12, 18O0. Our subject's mothev died when
he was thirteen years of age. His boyhood days
were spent on a farm and he received but a limited
etiucalior. as his pari'nts were in straightened cir-
cumstances and at the age of sixteen he was obliged
to begin life for himself.
The gentleman of whom vve write came to Mich-
igan when he was nineteen years of age. The first
place where he stopped was in Kalamazoo Counlj',
where he worked on a farm until 1861. At that
time calls were made for volunteers in the Federal
Army ami our subject at once resjjonded, enlisting
in the Company I, Second INlichigan Calvary'. The
enlistment took place September 1.5, 18G1, and be-
tween the ^earsof 1802 an<l 1864 our subject w.asa
participant in ninety-eight engagements, some of
which were perhaps the most desperate and bloody
battles that the wt)rld has ever known. In many of
the engagements the loss of men was frightful and
the bloodshed on both sides was something to daunt
the heart of tiie bravest man. IMr. Taber had two
horses shot from under him. One was struck with
a minie ball and one with a cannon ball. He re-
enlisted on the 4th of March. 1864, in the same
company and regiment with which he was at first.
He was a participant in the battle of Chickamauga
and after doing houoraole service was discharged
September 1, 1865.
On leaving the army our subject returned to
Kalamazoo County, this Slate, where he worked for
one season and then went to New York. There he
staid two seasons, when he returned to Michigan,
bringing with him his aged father who w.as depen-
dent upon him for a living. This was in 186 7. In
the spring of 1868 he purch.ased his present farm
and in 1870 he assumed the responsibilities of mar-
ried life, making Miss Ellen Lincoln his wife. Their
marriage took place Febru.ary 28.
For many years Mr. Taber voted with the
Republican party, but of late tie Prohibition
party is the one of his preference. Having lost
his wife in 1881, Mr. Taber again married, Nov-
ember 27, 1883, his bride's maiden name being
Florence E. Smith, a daughter of Jones and Lois
(Peck) Smith. By bis first marriage he is the father
of two sons — Ray, born Aiiril 4, 1872, and Roy,
February 24, 1877. His i)resent wife has presented
him with a son — Ralph P., born August 19, 1885.
The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Taber. John
Smith, was born in 1795 and came to Batavia N.Y.
from Connecticut at a verj' early da}-. He was
twice married and by his first wife had three child-
ren: Simeon, Charles and Jerome. Simeon, who
married Catherine Paine, removed with his family
lo Michigan. Charles died at his father's home in
the town of Batavia and was buried in East Pem-
broke. Jerome, who married Maria Stamons and
had four cbihlren: John, Sarah, Alice and Rose,
died in the town of Alexander and was buried
in East Pembroke. After the death of his wife,
John Smith was again married, choosing as his bi"ide
Sally Jones, and three children were born to them:
Jones, Harriet and Sally. John .Smith died in Bat-
avia in 1840 at the ago of fifty-six years. His wife
died in August, 1865, when sixty-six j-ears old.
Both were buried in Hast Pembroke. N. Y.
Jones Smitli, the father of Mrs. Taber, was uni-
ted in marriage with Lois Peck, of Alexander, M.ay
24, 1855, and twoi-hildren came lo bless their home;
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
987
Florence and Lettie. Florence, now Mrs. Taber,
was born Julj' 14, 1856, and was married in 1883;
Leltie was married on January 17, 1883, an(l lliree
children have been given to her and her husband:
Bertha. James and George. On August 19, 1880,
Jones Smiti) fell from a ladder and suslaineil fatrd
injuries from whicii he died the following da}'. He
had attained the age of three-score and two years
and his mortal remains were laid away in Alex-
ander; thus enilcd a life of honor and usefulness-
His sister, Sally, died at the age of twelve, while
the remaining sister, Harriet, was married to Smith
Day in 1872, and they removed to Durand, Mich.,
where she died of consumption in 1879.
On the maternal side, Mrs. Taber is descended
from Elipluilel Peck, a valiant soldier in the Revo-
lutionary War. He was born in Connecticut, and
in the early history of York State settled in Saratoga
Count)', removing to Alexander in 1824 and set-
tling on tlie well known Peck farm, where he died
Ht the age of eighty-four years. By his wife Abi-
gail he had the following children: Nathaniel, Eli-
phalet, Samuel, Benjamin, Asa, Abigail, Rebecca,
Ruth and Eli. The latter, a native of Saratoga
County, came to Alexander in 1824, and located on
his father's farm. He married Nancy, a daughter of
John and Mary Smith, and their children were;
Walter, Asa. Polly, Pr'scilla, Adelia, and Lois;
the latter becoming in time the wife of Jones Smith
and the mother of Mrs. Taber.
\f7UDGEJ. H. CRANSON. This highly re-
spected and representative citizen of St-
John's, has long been known as an official in
this county, and is now the oldest Judge of
Probate in Alichigan. having sat on the bench since
Januar)', 1873. His father, John Cranson, a nat-
ive of Massachusetts, w.as in early life a carpenter
and cabinet maker, but finally drifted into buying
land and located upon a farm in Orleans County,
N. Y. In 1832 he came to Detroit and later
bought a farm in Penfield Township, Calhoun
Count}-, but before his death removed to Battle
Creek Township, that county, wher^ he had a fine
farm of three hundred and twenty acres. His
faithul and devoted wife, who was a native of
Massachusetts and bore the maiden name of Clar-
issa Bannister, died in Penfield Township.
Judge Cranson had his nativity in Orleans Coun-
ty, N. Y., April 16, 1832, and was reared in Cal-
houn County from the time he was nine years old.
His boyhood was passed iH)on the farm and at the
age of nineteen he attended the Wesleyan Semin-
ary at Albion, for a year and a half. After his
father's death the young man went to the Lake
Superior regions with an exploring party, and
somewhat later engaged in the work of contracting
and building, and put up a great many block
houses.
Returning to Battle Creek, young Cranson en-
gaged alternately in work and stud}- until pre-
pared for admission to the bar which was granted
him in Kalamazoo in September, 1857. The fol-
lowing sining he located in St. Jcjhn's r.nd began
practice as an attorney, serving also as Justice of
the Peace. In 1863 he enlisted in Company I,
Twenty-third Michigan Infantry' and took part in
the Georgia Campaign. He was mustered out of
this service in June, 1865, and w.as transferred to
the Twent^'-eighth Michigan Regiment with the
rank of .Second Lieutenant. He was then stationed
in North Carolina till June, 1866, when he re-
ceived his honorable discharge.
LTpon his return to St. John's.Mr. Cranson formed
a partnership with (ien. O. .S. S[)auldiug, which
existed a number of years. In 1872 he received
his election as Judge of the Probate Court and is
now serving his fifth term in that honorable of-
fice. He was happily married in 1869 to Miss
Elizabeth Swcgles, a native of Hillsdale County,
this State, and daughter of John J. .Swcgles, a nat-
ive of New York, who became a i)ioneer in Hills-
dale County, and was the Auditor-General of
Michigan from 1852 to 1853, after whicli he came
to St. John's and was the founder of this city,
platting and naming it. He built the mills here
and also the first store and hotel and died in 1861.
Mrs. Cranson received her higher education at
Hillsdale College and after leaving school pursued
f(jr some time the |)rofession of a teacher. To her
has been born one son, Robert E., and to him his
988
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
parents have given a liberal education. He at-
tended tiie Orciiard Lake School for liiree years
and is now pursuing iiis studies at the IScliool of
Mines expectinor to graduate in 1892. Tlie Judge
is a man of liberal views and broad judgment and
finds his political home in the Democratic party.
He has been for many years an official member of
the Episcopal Church and is identified with the
Knights Templar of St. Jolin's. His popularity
with the people is great and the satisfaction which
is generally felt throughout the county with his
work as a Judge, is a true indication of his value
in tills office.
ON. JOHN WET.MORE DEWEY. Happy
is the man who has lived a long life char-
acterized by uprightness of purpose, integ-
v^ rit3' of principle, and whose high mental
and moral standing is gratefully recognized by his
fellow-men. Such a man is Hon. John W. Dewey,
who lives on section 32, Owosso Township, Shia-
wassee County. He was born in Erie County. N.
Y., near Buffalo, June 3, 1818, and is the eldest of
four children, the otheis being: Thomas D., of
Ofvosso; Mar}' Esther, now Mrs. Trauger, of Niles;
and Nancy B., wife of C. D. Nichols, residing at
Berrien Springs. The parents of the gentleman of
whom we write, ApoUos and Abigail (Wetmore)
Dewcj', removed soon after his birth to Monroe
Couiity, N. Y., where they lived until 1822. They
came thence to Michigan by way of the lakes, ex-
pecting to take the first steamboat that sailed on
the lake. Quite a little colony started out from
New York together, it consisting of eleven persons,
Lemuel Castle and wife, Abner Davis and wife,
Mr. and Mrs. Niles, and Asa Castle, wife and daugh-
ter, with Ezekiel Cook. The party came to Oak-
land County, this State.
The parents of our subject were among the first
families to settle in Owosso. The nearest neigh-
bors were Clement S. Johnson, Lemuel Castle, Reu-
ben Griggs, A. B. Cliii)nian. Daniel Ball and B. O.
"Williams, ftluch must be left to the imagination
as to the early years of a young man in such a
sparsely settled country. The days were taken up
with hard work, such as hewing timber, building
rail fences, clearing stumps from the land and car-
ing for the stock, while the evenings were spent in
such diversions as singing school, spelling matches,
sleigh-riding in home-made vehicles, whose wolf
skin rugs the driver was proud of having made
with his own hands.
Mr. Dewey went back to New York to find his
wife, to whom he was married in 1844. She was
Miss Fidelia S. Mather, and tliei: wedding was sol-
emnized on May 30, in Ontario, N. Y. The young
l^eople began life together on the farm where he
still resides on section 29 and 32, Owosso Town-
ship, his father having given him two lots, and he
purchasing more until he aggregated two hundred
and forty acres, having given ^4 per acre for his
land, and paying for it by raising wheat which he
sold at thirty cents a bushel. His wife died June
27, 1845; she bad one child who died before the
mother passed away. On November 18, 1847, Mr.
Dewey married Mrs. Nancy Frink, a widow, whose
maiden name was Curtis. She was born in Madi-
son County, N. Y., October 12, 1818, and emi-
grated to this State in 1836, settling in Livingston
County.
If o children have blessed the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Dewey, but they have adopted four children
whom they reared with as great love and as con-
scientiously as though they had been their own.
The eldest of these children. Burr L. Curtis, was
nephew of Mrs. Dewey, and lived at home until he
was of age. He is now married and resides in Ben-
nington Township; Ellen Rouse, an orphan, re-
mained with them until she was twenty-four j-ears
old, when she married Charles J. Wimple, in
March, 1881; George P. Jenkins, who makes his
home in Pontiac, and Ida Norris, who mai-ried Dr.
A. M. Hume, lives in the city of Owosso. These
children owed to the tender care of Mr. Dewey and
his estimable wife real parental affection.
At present Mr. Dewey h.as two hundred and forty
acres of land which is under a high state of culti-
vation. He has not farmed for himself for fifteen
years, having rented his land to capable tenants,
and now enjoying the sunset of his life in seeing
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
989
the perfected frnit of his labors. He has a fine home
six miles southwest of Owosso, immediately adjoin-
ing the old homestead. The fertile fields are dotted
with fine stock that has been brought hither at much
cxi)ense, and selected with great care from the best
breeds in the countrj'.
In 1880 our subject was elected to the Legisla-
ture where he served for two sessions. The honor
was conferred upon him of appointment to the
Cliair of Commissioner of Drainage. In his pub-
lic work he always stood stanchly by the constitu-
tion of the State on all points. He was strongly in
favor of railroad grants for the development of
the northern part of the State. lie is not a Pro-
hibitionist, although he voted to sul)mit the ques-
tion to the people. He helped organize a society,
taking an active part in all matters that benefited
the county. He was paramountly active in school
matters, acting as Director for twentj'-five years,
and was a firm fiieud of all progressive educa-
tional effort.
Mr. Dewey is not a recognized member of any
cliurch, but has decided leanings toward the Metho-
dist denomination of which he is a liberal supporter.
He is a Rei)ulilican in politics, and bo.asts of hav-
ing voted for William Henr}' Harrison in 1840. and
for his grandson during the last cam|)aign. He is
a strong citizen, of whom the community at large
is justly proud.
ELI MARTIN. One of the most beautiful
homes in Shiawassee County is th.it of Mr.
Eli Martin. It is situated on the banks of
the Shiawassee River and its location is enough to
make anyone, however restless, charmed with the
beauties of nature. It is located on section 3G,
Cale<lonian Township, Shiawassee County. Its
owner first saw llie light of da}- May 9, 1835, in St.
Lawrence County, N. Y.
Our subject's father was Samuel S. Martin, a na-
tive of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he was
born March 4, 1801. During the greater part of
his life he pursued the calling of a farmer and lum-
berman. Ilis wife was Maria (Lytic) Martin, a
native of the same county in which he was born
October 10, 1806. They were married in New
York where they resided untd 1850, and then
eame to Micliigan. They settled on section 18,
Venice Township, this county, upon a perfectly
new farm. The^- began building a home here by
erecting a log house in the midst of the woods, be-
ing one of tlie first families of settlers in tlie town-
ship. Samuel Martin improved a large farm. He
was a large landowner and a man who made his
presence and influence felt in every community-
wherever he happened to be. His death took place
January 17, 1871. His wife followed him a few
months later — June 6, 1871.
The old couple were the parents of nine children,
seven of whom are now living. The cliildren have
been brouglit up under the influence of the Meth-
odist Church of which their parents were members
in Veinou, ever having contributed largely to the
support of the church and attending to many de-
tails that would otherwise have been overlooked.
For years they furnished the communion service.
He took an active part in political matters, in tiie
early part of his life being a Whig and later a Re-
publican. Under his party he was elected to tev-
eral offices in the township. He was Justice of
the Peace and Highway Commissioner for a term
of seven years.
Our subject received most of his educ.".tional ad-
vantages in Venice Township, here attending the
district school. He remained at home until
twent^'-two 3'ears of age and was soon afterward
united in marriage, March 25, 1857, to Sarah
Yerkes. a daughter of Titus an<l Helen (Lurcher)
Yerkcs, the former of whom was a native of Penn-
S3lvania, the latter of New York. Their marriage
took place in Wayne County and soon after, in
1831, ihey came to this Stale and settled in Lyon
Township, Oakland County, upon a new farm.
There they lived until 1849, having acquired two
hundred acres of land that at the time of their
leaving was well imi)rovcd. At the date above
mentioned the}' came to Shiawassee County and
settlcil on their present f.-vrm, which was then new
land, being at the time a perfect wilderness. Mrs.
Yerkes died January 11, 1859, her husband, August
10, 18G9.
900
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Ml-, and Mis. Yerkcs were the parents of eight
cliildren, Uiree of wlium are now living. The
children woie brought up in the Baptist C'hurfh of
which bod}' their mother was a member. The
father was a farmer and miller. He erected the
\'alley Mill at this place and also buill the dam
that crosses the river near his home. He Brsl set-
tled iii)on three hundred acres, of which he cleared
one hundred acres. He was a prominent man in
the township, taking an active.sland in every ques-
tion that affected the comraunitj'. Politically he
was a Whig and later a Reiiublican.
Our subject's wife, Mrs. Martin, was born March
5, 1838, in Lyon Township, Oakland County, this
Slate. She received the usual advantages to be
Lad in the district school and after graduating she
taught for a short time in A'enice Township. She
and her husband are the parents of four children,
three of whom are living. They are Titus S., who
was born April 13, 1861, and married Stella
Church who lives in this township; she has pre-
sented her husband with one son — Frank. John
Y., born June 8, 18f>3, and married to Lillian Holly,
whose home is in this township; Florence A.,
born October 5, 1868. The children were all ad-
vanced students of the Corunna High School.
Florence is a graduate of Olivet College, hav-
ing there devoted herself principally to music.
She is now a student of Hellniuth College, London,
C'lnada. It is her intention to attain to a high
position in that beautiful art which appeals more
tlirectly to the intellect than any other. She is
already acknowledged to be a remarkabl}- fine
pianist.
Mr. Martin has always been a strong friend to
such school measures as he felt would be of advant-
age to the men and women of the future. He votes
the straight Rcijublican ticket and although he is
held in the highest esteem by his fellow-townsmen,
he has never been willing to accept oflice, prefer-
ing to devote himself to his chosen calling and the
pleasures of home life. He is a model family- man,
his constant study being how he can beautify the
home and make it pleasanter for his family. He
now has four hundred acres of land under a high
degree of culture. All the buildings have been
placeil thereon by the family, lie h.as been inter-
ested in the lumber business in Saginaw County,
which he has carried on in such a manner as to re-
sult most profitably to himself. Mrs. Martin is a
very prepossessing ladj' whose sympathies and in-
terest are awakened by every measure that prom-
ises progress. The temperance question is one of
vital imi)ortance to her and she is an ardent worker
therein.
-J-
-^
■i-
VDABEZ CLOSK is a native of Scipio, Cayuga
County, N. Y. His natal day was Septem-
ber 17, 1820, and he is the son of William
Close, a native of York State. The mother
was born in Massachusetts; they were married in
Cayuga County, where the husband died in 1848.
The mother and part of the children came to this
Slate and settled in Burns Township, Shiawassee
County, but the old lady spent her last daj-s among
her children and died in Mundy, lienesee County,
this Slate. Mr. Close's father was a farmer all his
life and in politics a thorough-going Democrat.
The paternal grandparents of onr subject were
Jabez and Abigail Close, natives of Connecticut.
He was a Revolutionary soldier and settled in Ca^'-
uga County, soon after the Revolutionary War,
taking up a section of wild land. He was a tailor
by trade and varied his farm work by employing
his needle in making the homespun suits for his
neighbors as there was a demand for them. He
died upon his farm as did his wife. The maternal
grandparents were natives of Massachusetts but
died in Cayuga County, N. Y.
In those days the French rule of one had not
become the fashion in rearing a family. Our sub-
ject's parents had nine children, viz: Jabez, Eben-
ezer, Lydia, Lewis, Angelina. Delia, Louisa, Will-
iam and Eddie. Of these the original of our sketch
is the eldest. He grew up in his native town, as-
sisting his father on the farm during the intermis-
sions while he was not at school. He received a
good academic education and was fitted for college,
but his father's death prevented the fullillmenl of
this much cherished desire.
After finishing school Mr. Close determined to
fit himself for the legal profession and with this
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
991
object iu view he read law for about one and a
half years at Moravia, N. Y.. but was never ad-
mitled to the bar. In the year 1846, tiie country
was just recovering from a great tinancia! crisis
and social as well as commercial circles were in a
very unsettled state. The barriers to tlie great
West seemed not so insurmountable as the}' luid
been before, for now there vf as a golden purpose
in the distance that led to the opening up of a
vast extent of Western country. Mr. Close fol-
lowed the tide of emigration, coming to this State
where he located at Karmington, Oakland County,
in which place he remained one year and from
there went to Muudy, Genesee County, where he
bought a farm on which he lived until 1851, when
he sold out and came to Bj-ron.
While he of whom we write felt th.at liis legal
studies were a great advantage to him, he realized
that there would be more immediate returns in a
mercantile life and thus turned his attention in
that direction in which he engaged for about five
years. About this time he purchased a farm in
Burns Township, and has followed farming more
or less from that time until this. Mr. Close still
own a farm of eighty acres in this township. He
has been engaged in trade of all kinds. He has
done a particularly lucrative business in buying
and selling wool and grain. The means that he
has accumulated he has made by his own exer-
tions. He has retired from active business and in
the afternoon of his life is enjoying the fruits of
his carl3' labors.
The original of our sketch is independent in pol-
itics, believing that the best man to fill an office
is he who is best fitted for it, irrespective of party.
He has served twelve years as Supervisor of Burns
Township and numerous other township offices
have been conferred upon him. For four j-ears he
occupied the position of Postmaster of Byron un-
der Cleveland's administration and is now Justice
of the Peace. He has attained to the Master de-
gree among the Masons. He is a Presbyterian in
faith and his wife is a member of the Baptist
Church.
In 1843 Mr. Close married Miss Sarah A. Royce,
of Cortland County, N. Y. She was a daughter
of Joseph and Sally (^Cross) Royce. 'J'his mar-
riage resulted in the birth of one child — AVilliam
F., who is a farmer and wool-buyer. He was
united in marriage to a lady whose maiden name
was Ilaltie Chaffee, Their union is graced by the
birth of one child, a son, Vyc(\. Mrs. Close died
in 1858, and Mr. Close was a second time married
in 1859, to Miss Melissa A. Parrish, of Mundy,
Genesee County, Mich. She was born in New
York, in Genesee County, and is a danghter of
John Parrish. There were no children by this
marriage. The second Mrs. Close died in 1801.
In the fall of 18G1, Mr. Close was united in
marriage with Miss Lucy A. Tildcn, who was born
in Michigan in 1838, and whose parents wore n.a-
tivesofthe State of New York. The third wife
died in the year 1885. The following year he was
joined in holy wedlock lo his present wife, Mrs. R.
M. Richards, of Byron, widow of William Rich-
ards. She was born in New York and her maiden
name was Smith. By her first marriage she had
three children who are now living — Frank, Austin
E., and Elmer.
'^^
E^^-
GlEORGE A. STEEL. No young man in
- Clinton C^ount^- has been more successful
1 than Mr. Steel, who is now Vice Preisident
of St. John's National Bank and has full charge of
the business of his father. It. M. Steel, in this sec-
tion. He is the eldest oi three children and was
born in St. John's, June 19, 18G2. He was in the
last year's course of the High School when his
health failed and he laid a--ide his book, at the early
age of sixteen years to enter into business that
would take him out of doors and recuperate his
wasting strength. This was in 1878 and he went
to Sauk Rapids, Minn., and took charge of the
building of a bridge. His health iini)roved and lie
went to St.Paul where he had charge of the building
of the substructure of the highway bridge across
the Mississippi at Ft. Snelling. Ilis father had ihe
contracts for both of these structures.
In 1879 young Steel went to Nevada where he
acted as I'ay master, drawing an<l signing all checks
and seeing to the purcli.ase of all stores for a force
992
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
engaged in the building of tlie Nevada Central Rail-
road. The nextjeai- he was in Oregon and Washing-
ton, again acting as paymaster and looking after
all the finances of the Oregon Railwa_v Navigation
Company, the Oregon Trans-Continental Company,
and the Oregon Construction Company that had
contracts for thee onstruction of some four hundred
miles of railroad'. In his disbursements for the
company he handled from |!200,000 to $350,000
per month. While liis fatlier was President he be-
came Secretary. Both had been largely interested
in the company from the beginning a«d at the
close of their contract they owned all the shares.
In 1885 Mr. Steel was married in St. John's to
Miss Cora Stout. This lady was born in Maple
Rapids and is a daughter of Anderson Stout, an
early settler in that place and an aitorncy-atlaw.
For some time he was located in St. John's, but he
now now makes his home in Pasadena, Cal., and
has retired from practice. Mrs. Steel is a gr.idu-
ate of St. John's High School and of Mrs. Noble's
Training School of Elocution of Detroit, and was a
teacher in St. John's before her marriage. To her
there have been born two sons — Francis R. and
George G. Educated and refined, with a degree
of good judgment and tact that enables her to look
well to the ways of her household, she is one to
whom prosperity brings a greater desire to make
life pleasant and surround her home with the evi-
dences and means of culture.
After his marriage Mr. Steel located in St. John's
taking charge of his own and his father's affairs
and doing no more contracting until quite recently.
He became connected with the National Bank at
St. John's and has since been its Vice President.
He is also a Director of the Clinton County Savings
Bank of St. John's St. John's Manufacturing Com-
pany, Whipple Harrow Company, St. John's Electric
Light, Heat & Power Company and the Gas Com-
panj'. He is Director and Manager of the St. John's
Evaporator & Produce Company, which he as-
sisted in organizing, and is interested in the First
National Banks of Union and Island City, Ore., and
is a Director of the First National Banks of Ovid,
Mt. Pleasant, St. Louis and Ithaca, this State. AVith
his father he is largely interested in real estate,
milling and merchandising in Oregon. He has a
nice property in St. John's and has been Trustee
of the village for four 3'ears.
Politicall}', Mr. Steel is a Republican and he has
a place in the foremost ranks of the party. For the
last three 3-ears he has been a delegate to the State
convention. He is edowed with a large amount of
public spirit, is liberal in his donations of time and
mone}- to worthy enterprises and in his dealings
with mankind is straightforward and honorable.
He is looked up to and admired hy his fellowmen,
not only on account of his phenominal success, but
because of the manly character and gentlemanliness
of his bearing.
•^
^p^ C. BEACH, Superintendent of the St. John's
((^\ Manufacturing Compan}', was born in Mar-
\^ ceilus, Onondaga County, N. Y., March 24,
1851. His father, Orlando, and his grandfather,
Dr. Bildad, were both natives of Connecticut, and
the latter was educated as a i)hj'sician. He was an
early settler of Onondaga Count3', where be was
prominent as a ph\'sician and citizen. He was
Surgeon in the AVar of 1812 under Gen. Scott. The
family comes of English descent. The father was
reared in Connecticut and_New York, and was en-
gaged in farming and hotel keeping at Austin
Hollow in Onondaga Countj'. He now resides in
Marcellus. Politicailj- he is a Republican, and he
is an oflicial member of the Episcopal Church.
The mother of our subject was in her maiden-
hood know as Catlierine Curtis, and was born in
Connecticut. Grandfather Gad Curtis was born in
the same State but became an early settler of Mar.
ceilus, N. Y. His father Nathaniel was in the Rev-
olutionary War. Our subject, who was one among
three children, spent his youth in Marcellus, and
was educated in the Union schools. When sixteen
j-ears old he entered the employ of a firm who were
selling sewing machines, and was thus engaged for
about six years. In 1872 he went to Kansas City,
Mo., wiiere he was employed in a chair factory.
From early boyhood he was skilled in the use of
tools, and was a natural mechanic.
Returning to his native place our subject was for
Portrait and biographical album.
993
some time engaged as a traveling salesman. In
1880 he came to Detroit and became foreman in a
furnitnre maniif.icturing eslablisliment, while with
them he patented a knock down dining table.
Later he became foreman for the Union Chair
Works, and during the year or more he was with
them he improved on his tabic. In 188.5 he came to
.St. John's with his patent and became Superinten-
dent of the Manufacturing Company, which has
since undergone a material change. In the large
buildings some two hundred and sixty men are em-
ployed, and during the ten hours which they work
each da}', turn out three hundred and twenty-five
tables, upon which Mr. Be.ach receives a royalty.
It makes a specialty of manufa(;turing dining tables
and is the most extensive establish meni of the kind
in the United States or even in the world. Owing
to the untiring energy of Mr. Beach the business
has become a great success.
Mr. Beach was married in Marcellus, N. Y., in
1879, to Miss Hannah Hardacre, who was born and
reared in Weston-super-Mare, P^ngland. The fam-
ily circle is completed by the presence of four
children: Louis, Carl, Mamie and Olive. Mr.
Beach is a member of the Ancient Order United
AVorkman, and a Republican in his political affilia-
tions. Ilis wife belongs to the K[)iscopal Church,
and both are highly esteemed in the best social
circles.
w
]^^ ENNIS SNYDER, one of the most intelli-
I ))) gent and public-spirited gentlemen of
^^^ Middlebury Townsiiip, Shiawassee County,
was born in Warren County, N. J., March
13, 1827. He is a son of Dennis and Sallie (Guilic)
Snyder, both natives of New .Jersey. His ances-
tors lived in that State during the Revolutionary
War and his paternal grandfather took part in that
conflict and was killed just after the war had been
declared closed.
Our subject lived at home untd he became of
age, assisting his father on the farm and taking ad-
vantage of what schooling he could get, but his
opportunities were limited and meager. His
parents came to the wilderness of Oakland County,
Mich., when he was six years old. and when he
first desireil to go to school there was none within
three and one-half miles of their home. When
he could go to school, he attended only two or
three months in a year. His mother died when
he was but two and a-half years old, and his
father marrying again he was reared by his step-
mother.
When Mr. Snyder reached the age of twenty-
one he went to Muskegon and worked for three
years in the lumber woods. He also worked for
Ryerson & Morris, who were engaged both in saw-
mills and farming in that region. Later he went
to the Point of Barks and worked in the grindstone
quarry, learning the trade of grindstone-turning.
In order to reach those quarries he traveled on
foot eighty miles in the month of March, but he
was determined to conquer difliculties acquired a
thorough knowledge of the way such stones were
cut and prepared.
Young Snyder next returned to Oakland County
and purchased a farm in the township of Oxford
about three miles from the village bearing that
name. He resided upon it for eight years and did
much to improve its condition. Then coming to
Shiawassee County he located on sections 10 and
15 of Middlebury Township, where he has resided
ever since. He came to this place in March, 1864,
and making his home in an old log house under-
took to clear the wilderness and improve a farm.
Since that time he has erected both a capacious
barn and attrai'tive residence, a view of which is
shown on another page.
This fine two-story brick house, containing four-
teen rooms besides closets and cellar, is most con-
veniently arranged and heated by a furnace. Mr.
Snyder raises water by windmill into a tank which
is carried through the house for the convenience of
the family. He is a man who prizes the conven-
iences of life and knows how to put a home into
the best shape for living. Naturally' of a mechan-
ical turn, he can handle tools as though he were
trained to them. He had a blacksmith outfit at
the time of dealing, and sharpened his own plows
and did many little jobs of this kind which must
otherwise have been sent aw.ay or left undone. He
994
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
lins now cleared land on three diflferent farms,
citber by his own hajid or that of hired men, and
has transformed from a wilderness to a condition
for farming purposes somewhere about three hun-
dred acres. In 1889 he bnilt a fine and conve-
nient horse barn, and has another large barn,
26x72 feet, with 2.3-foot posts, with a shed 22x72
feet. He has abundant protection for his stock
and shows great judgment and consideration in
handling them.
Mr. Snyder w.is united in marriage with Mahala
Parker, of Pontiac Township, Oakland Count}-,
who has become the mother of four children:
Frank, born May 1, 1855; Mary, November 19,
1858; Abram, December 15, 1863; Lewis, January
4, 1872; Frank married Jennie Cramer, of Burton,
and is a farmer near iiis father; Mar}- married Mr.
James Voorheis and lives in Fairfield Township;
Abram, wiio married Frances Moore, of Ovid, lives
in Middlcbury Townsliip; and Lewis, who is still
single, remains at home. The father devotes him-
self to general farming and breeding of good
stock, but does not handle blooded grades. In
politics he is conservative and has never sought
office, but he has always taken an intelligent interest
in schools, and is a man of more than ordinary in-
telligence and character.
^^EORGE PRIOR, one of the prominent agri-
f|[ (— , culturists of Vernon Township, Shiawassee
^^J! County, is a British-American citizen who
has brought with him from his native countr}- the
solid characteristics which go to make up a first-class
British farmer. He was born in Lincolnshire, Eng-
land, September 22. 1822. His father, Thomas
Prior, died before the birth of his son, and the
inotlier. Ann (llolden) Prior, spent the remainder
of her life in the old country and did not follow
her son to this new land. These parents had three
children of whom our subject is the only one who
lived to maturity. He w.as reared in England and
received his schooling there, an<l was married in his
native shire, August 8, 1843, at the Ilangle Church
by the Rev. Thomas Right, his bride being Ann
AVoodthorp, a native of England where she
was born November 15, 1824. She was reared
in lier native shire, and there the .young couple lo-
cated after marriage.
After eight j-ears of married life, Mr. Pr-or de-
cided to come to America and try his fortunes in
the New World, leaving his family at the old home
until he should see what he could do in the way of
bettering his condition. He located first at Albion
N. Y., and after remaining there one j'ear decided
to send for his wife and family. After they came
to him he staid one vear in Alban}' then moving to
Michigan, m,aking his home in Milford Township,
Oakland County, where he found employment for
two years, after which be came to Shiawassee
County, and made his home in .Shiawassee
for about three years working, by the day for
others until he had accumulated means to purchase
a home of his own in Vernon Township.
Our subject purchased forty acres of land, where
he now resides in 1856, and building a log house
thereon settled his family in it and went to work
to clear the land of trees and cultivate it. He
fenced the farm and set out a fine orchard. Ten
children were born to this frugal and enterprising
couple. The three eldest were born in England,
George T., in 1845, and Mary -Jane in 1847. The
latter is now the wife of Ed Bj-am, and resides in
Vernon Township. The third child, James H. was
also born in England in 1849. Two died in in-
fancy. Charles H. and the remaining children
were born in Michigan; Charles' natal year being
1853; Edward W. was born in 1855; Eliza A., in
1859; EUaE. inl861; Willie in 1863. Eliza is now
Mrs. Charles King and makes her home in Vernon
Township; Ella is the wife of William Badgers
and lives in Burns Township, and Willie died in in-
fanc\-.
Mr. Prior hasaddetl a little at a time to his farm
until he owned at one time two hundred and fifty-
one acres, and h.as improved it all. After his chil-
dren became of age he gave to each ^100 and then
hired them giving them each ^200 per year besides
pocket money and clothes,applying the 1200 on land
that he owned, so that they now each own a fine
tract of land. This land cost him about $1600 for
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
995
tbe fifty acres witli good house and barn which he
is disposing of to each of his sons.
Wlien Mr. Piior first came to Michigan he used to
woriv out for a bushel of shelled corn a day and
carried it liome at night. He also at other times
worked for a bushel of potatoes a day carrying
them home at night on his back. He now owns
one hundred aud forty-six acres of well-improved
land and three good dwelling houses. The beautiful
home in which he now resides, was erected by him
in 1880 at the cost of 12,000. It is an attractive
two-story frame house, conveniently arranged and
pleasantly situated. He and liis wife made a visit
home to Lincolnshire, England in 1881, spending
the summer season in the old home and delightfully
renewing old acquaintances and strengthening the
bonds of affection with the relatives aud members
of the famil3' whom he found near the old home.
He is now doing a good farm business, and handles
some stock having about one hundred and forty
head of sheep, thirty-five head of hogs, two hun-
dred chickens and eight horses. He is a Democrat
in his political views and a man who is interested
in the upbuilding of the political institutions of our
country. His eldest son, George T., served in the
late war in the Tenth Michigan Cavalry, and is
now receiving a pension.
'if? ACOB 8CHIND0RF. The life of this gen-
tleman affords a striking example of hard
work and perseverance crowned with suc-
'ijj cess. He has battled earnestly against cir-
cumstances and has become the owner of valuable
property, has a nourishing trade in agricultural
implements and veliicles and is the proprietor of a
general blacksmitliing slio|i where first-class work
is always done. He has real estate in Grand
Rapids and Saranac besides that which he occupies
in St. John's. He started in the labors of life
without any aid in the way of money and all that
he received from the parental estate was iil,000.
He has been living in Michigan since 1850 and is
well posted regarding the advances that have been
made in this great commonwealth. He was born
in Seneca County, Ohio, June 20, 1839, and was a
lad of eleven years when the removal was made to
this .State. The family traveled from Sandusky to
Detroit on a boat, by cars to New BnfTalo and
thence to Waukegan. Not liking that section the
father returned to tiiis State and from Battle Creek
went to Grand Rai)ids witli a team, and thence cut
his way through the timber, following a route
marked by blazed trees into Ionia Count}'. The
new home was made in Otisco Township and our
subject was at once set to work girdling trees antl
clearing land.
The Schindorf farm consisted of two hundred
and sixty acres, most of which was placed under
cultivation through the efforts of our subject and
his brother. Their school privileges were neces-
sarily limited and their recreations were such as
are common in sparsely settled communities.
Jacob hunted a good deal and during one fail
killed thirteen deer. Those animals were so numer-
ous during the smoky lime that he drove ironwood
sticks slantingly into the ground and thus killed
five of them. He sometimes had fights with tlie
wounded animals and on one occasion his life was
saved by the intervention of a log over which his
antagonist could not pass. When of age young
Schindorf was apprenticed to a blacksmith in Sar-
anac and spent four years in service, then in com-
pany with his former master formed the firm of
Scheldt <& Schindorf, which lasted ten years.
After the dissolution of the firm Mr. Schindorf
opened a shop and began the manufai'ture of
wagons and other commodities. In 1883 he came
to St. John's, bought and improved a shop and
began to work at his trade here. He is now deal-
ing in all kinds of vehicles and still manufactures
the Schindorf wagon which he has been placing
on the market for more than a quarter of a cen-
tury. He also manufactures carts and in former
years made buggies.
The father and grandfather of Mr. Schindorf
bore the same name, Peter, an<l were natives of
Bavarian Germany. Tlie younger Peter Schindorf
came to America in 1831 and located in Seneca
County, Ohio. For two years he worked at $(> per
month, then bought forty acres of land which he
improved and occupied until lie came to Michigan.
996
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
VVben he located in Ionia County he bought one
hundred and sixty acres, tlien fony, then sixty,
and with tlie aid of his sons placed tlie whole under
improvement. He had a large family, comprising
ten sons and daughters, and Jacob was the second
in order of birth. The mother was p:iizabelh
(Krupp) Schindorf, and born in Bavaria, Germany.
Her father, Charles Krupp, was a blacksmith who
emigrated to this country the same year as Mr.
Schindorf and located in the same county in Ohio.
From that time until his decease he w.as engaged in
farming.
At Sherman, Huron County, Ohio, April 19,
18G8, .Jacob Schindorf was married to Teresa
Meisig, who was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger-
many, but had lived in the Buckeye State from the
time she was four years old. Mr. and Mrs. Schin-
dorf have three children living, viz.: Joseph J.,
Lucy M. and Martha T. The sou is engaged in
business with his father, the firm being J. Schin-
dorf & Son. He is married but the daughters are
still inmates of their parents' dwelling. Mr.
Schindorf is a Catholic and gave his aid in the
impiovement of the church property and was a
Trustee until he resigned. He casts a Democratic
ballot and has been a delegate to county and State
conventions, visiting Detroit and Grand Rapids
when State Delegate. The son is a member of the
fire department, and botli liave a good name in
business circles, and in the society which they fre-
quent the entire family is looked upon with resi)ect
and friendly feeling.
^^
^1^ ERMAN C. FRIESEKE, a properous busi-
ness man of Owosso, Shiawassee County, of
the firm of J. and H. Frieseke, manu-
(^ facturers of brick and drain tile, is a native
of Prussia, Germany, having been born December
17, 1844, in Pritzcrbe, near Brandenburg. His
father was was one of tlie old soldiers who fouglit
at Waterloo and followed his children to this coun-
try, dying in Owosso, Mich., at the age of ninety-
two. His name was Frederick and his wife was
Elizabeth (Langerwisch) Frieseke, and they emi-
grated to America in 1858 when the son was onl3'
fourteen years old and made their way directly to
Owosso.
After coming to Micliigan tlie father carried on
farming in a small way for a number of years. The
schooling of our subject was in the public schools
of Germany until he was fourteen years old, but
after coming to this country he assisted his father.
In February, 1864, Herman Frieseke enlisted in
the Union army in the Thirteenth Michigan Bat-
tery wiiicli w-as assigned to the Army of the Poto-
mac and took i)irt in the battle of Ft. Stevens and
afterward engaged in skirmishing and garrison
dut}'. After cigiiteen months' service he was dis-
charged in July, 1865, and was finally paid ofif and
mustered out of service at Jackson, Mich.
Returning to Owosso this young man engaged
in the manuf.acture of brick in company' with his
brother Julius luider tlie firm name of J. & II.
Frieseke. They nianuracture all kinds of brick,
both plain and ornamental, common and pressed
brick. They also m.ake drain tile from two and
one-half to twelve inches in diameter, most of
which finds ready sale near home. Tlie wcirks are
situated near the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwau-
kee Railroad.
Miss Eva Graiiara became the wife of Mr. Frie-
seke in 1872. She was an Owosso lady who was
born in New Albanj-, Ind., and she became the
mother of one son and one daughter, Edith and
Fied C, but this hai)|)y home was soon to be
broken up by the death of the mother. She de-
parted this life in 1881. The second marriage of
Mr. Frieseke took place in 1884; he was then united
with Mary Shultz. of Laingsburg, Mich., a native
of Prussia. No children have crowned this second
marriage. Both of this worthy couple are active
members of the Corgregational Church, and they
have a beautiful liome on the corner of Water and
King Streets.
The election of Mr. Frieseke as Alderman of the
First Ward took place in the spring of 1891. He
is a membci- of the (Juackenbush Post, No. 541,
G. A. R. From 1883 to 1887 Mr. Frieseke was
engaged in manufacturing brick in Jacksonville,
Fla, He is Treasurer of the Sliij\wassee Savings
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
997
Society and one its directors since its organization
in Ma^', 1867, and is now serving his second term
upon the local ScUool Board. Politically, he is a
Republican.
VILLIAM HEC
beautiful farm
County, and
<^ j^ILLIAM HECK. Many elegant homes and
rms are to be found in Clinton
few among them attract
greater admiration than that of Mr. Heck. Tiie
residence is a fine large frame house, whose interior
arrangements show the refinement of the lad^- who
jiresides therein with grace and hospitality. Mr.
Heck and his estimable wife are highly esteemed
throughout tlie community, and their man^' friends
rejoice with them in their present prosperity. He
was born September 23, 1830, in Seneca Count}',
N. Y., and is the son of George Heck, a farmer and
a successful business man. The mother, Margaret
Heck, died in 1878 at the age of three-score and
ten 3'ears. She was a woman of strong religious
convictions and was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church many years, as was also her hus-
band.
Our subject, the eldest among the cliildren, was
reared to farming pursuits, and received a fair edu-
cation in tlie common and High Schools of the
vicinity. He engaged as a teacher successfully for
six terms, but iu 1854 became a clerk in a grocery
store in Penn Yan, Yates Count}', N. Y., where he
remained three 3'ears. He then came to Mieliigan
in 1857, and located north of St. John's, Clinton
County, where he purch:ised eighty acres of timber
land, whose only improvement consisted of a 12x
14 shanty. He cleared about thirty acres and made
it his home some time, but after about seven years
purchased his present farm on section 16, Essex
Township, where he has since lived. His first pur-
chase here consisted of one hundred and forty acres
to which he has added until he now owns two hun-
dred and forty acres of fine laud.
Mr. Heck was married September 6, 1859. His
wife was born in IJeWitt Township, this county.
Their son Seldon M., who was born January 2,
1861, is a prosperous farmer in peWitt Townshiji;
George R., born March 18, 1864, is a graduate in
the law department of Valparaiso (Ind.) College,
and is preparing to enter upon the practice of law.
He is an exceedingly bright- young man and his
future is assured. Mr. Heck is a Republican polit-
ically, and has been Justice of the Peace four years,
also served as Commissioner of the Highways, etc.
Mrs. Heck is a member of the Congregational
Church, and is a woman of many endearing quali-
ties. She owns two hundred and sixty acres in one
farm in DeWitt Township, and four hundred and
thirtj' iu Essex Township, which was inheiited
from the estate of her father, a verj' prominent and
influential citizen.
Mr. Heck has always taken a delight in horses,
being especially interested in the Percherons, Ham-
bletonians and Morgans. He raises a good breed
of stock, and this in connection with general farm-
ing occupies his time. His success in life has been
remarkable for he came^here without means, and
has acquired a competency b}' continued efforts.
His residence which was erected in 1874, is the re-
sort of many friends and is one of the coziest of
the homes of Essex Township.
^ NDREW CO WELL. Among the farmers
wEM of Shiawassee County a prominent place
I li is held by this gentleman who resides on
^ section 17, New Haven Township. He
was born in Macomb County. Mich., in 1846, and
is the oldest child of John and Margaret (Tapking)
Cowcll, whose sketch will be found on another
page of this volume. In his jouth Andrew at-
tended the common school. In 1866 he bouglit
fort}' acres on section, 19, and soon afterward went
to Wyoming Territory where for two years he was
engaged in cutting railroad ties. On his return
East he spent one year in Michigan, then went to
North Platte, Neb., and there joined a Government
surveying party. This occupied his time during
two summer seasons wliile the winters were passed
in hunting and trapping in Colorado.
In 1876 our sul)ject atten(?ed the Centennial
Exposition at l*hiladelphii\ ^nd the following year
998
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
bought the farm of eighty acres on section 17,
where he now lives. At the time of the purchase
it was all wild land which was gradually cleared
through the energy of Mr. Cowell. In 1877 he was
married to Anna Dumond, wliose father, Harmon
Duraond, was a farmer of New York. Anna, who
was the second among three daughters, was born in
1857. Our subject and his estimable wife have four
children — Gracie, John, Morris and Lester. Mr.
Cowell is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No.
153, at Henderson, in which he has filled all the
Chairs. Hebelongs to the G. A. R. in Henderson.
Mr. Cowell enlisted in 1865 in Company H,
Tentli Michigan Cavalry and was ordered to Nash-
ville. His terra of service lasted from February,
1865, until the ensuing November, and during
several weeks of that time he was in the hospital.
He was mustered out at Memphis and returned
home after making an iionorable record as a sol-
dier. In partial eompcnsalion for injuries received
in the army he receives a pension.
^f^ILKY RICE, tiie presen
Ls*^ Fowler, Clinton County, is 1
■aifli a native of Connecticut ^
esent Postmaster of
the son of S. Rice,
who in his earlj-
years was a sailor for six years, and after-
ward followed his trade as a stone-mason. In 1840
he decided to leave New England and come West,
and removed to Medina County, Ohio, where he
died two years later. Ills wife, Betsey Clark by
name, bore to him three sons and two daughters
and tlie sou Riley was born in Connecticut in 1832,
thus being eight years old when the family removed
to Ohio.
At the age of twenty Hiis young man entered
into a matrimonial alliance with Lydia A. Sears,
and to them were born two daughters, Mary and
*EIIie. It was in 1855 that our subject came to
Michigan and settled upon a farm and there made
his home for thirty years, after which lie came to
Fowler where he now resides. In 1864 he felt the
call of duty to enlist under the banner of his coun-
try, and on September 6, he entered tlie Tnited
Slates service, in the Twenty-third Michigan In-
fantry, serving until June 28, 1865, when he re-
ceived his honorable discharge. He took part in
the battle of Nasliville and in the conflict at Frank-
lin, and he cherished the associations of war times,
with great warmth and is an active member of the
R. G. Hutchinson Post, No. 129, G. A. R., and is
now serving as its commander. He is a Republi-
can in his political convictions and vote.
After the death of Mrs. Lydia Rice our subject
was a second time married to Mrs. Elizabeth (I)e-
rauth) Turk, widow of Mr. John Turk, an Ohio
man. Her father, Landy Derauth, was born in
Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and removed from that
region to Lucas County, where he now resides.
Here he became a prominent citizen and a leader in
the Democratic ranks. His wife was Harriet Rake-
straw and of her eleven children Mrs. Rice was the
first-born. Tiie paternal grandfather of Mrs. Rice
was Frederick Demuth, a native of Pennsylvania.
The first marriage of Mrs. Rice took place Marcll
13, 1864, and by that union she became the mother
of three children: Eva, Arthur and Clarence Turk.
Mr. Turk died January 14, 1876. This lady is
possessed of more than ordinar}- talent and educa-
tion and began to teach at the early age of sixteen
aiul followed that profession for a number of years.
She is now Deputj- Postmistress at Fowler. She is
an efficient member of the Women's Relief Corps
of Fowler and has been its President and also at
one time served as Secretary. Mrs. Rice was a
National Delegate to St. Louis in 1887, being one
of tlie thirteen to represent the State of Michigan.
She has also been Assistant Inspector for the State.
Her literary ability and culture |)lace her in the
front rank and her pen-work as correspondent for
the Clinton Independent at St. John's, is highly
prized.
ERFORD NASH. One of the most strongly
marked features of the American people is
! their indomitable spirit of industry, standing
out prominent in all their past history and as
strikingly characteristic of them now as at any
former period. It is this spirit which has laid the
foundation of the greatness of the nation and has
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
999
placed the United States in the front rank among
the republics of the world. Tliis vigorous growth
has l)cen the result of the inihistrial cnorgj' of in-
dividuals, and lias depended upon the number of
hands and minds from time to time aclivel}- em-
ployed within it, whether as cultivators of the soil,
writers of books, or producers of articles of util-
ity. The gentleman whose name introduces these
paragraphs has contributed his quota foward the
progress of this section of country and is a pros-
perous farmer of Clinton County, residing on sec-
tion 26, Lebanon Township.
The father of our subject, Zenas Nash, of New
York, came to Michigan when a 3'outh of fifteen
years in company with his parents. Upon reaching
years of maturity lie was united in marriage with
Mary Corvvin and to them five children were born,
namel}': Erford, Edgar, Ella, Marion and John.
The first home of this family in Michigan was in
Jackson County on a rented farm. After seven
years' residence there they removed to W.-iyne
County and purchased one hundred acres of land.
Zenas Nash cleared and cultivated the land but
died before he had been on the place many years.
II is father, Aaron Nash, came from New York at
an early day to Washtenaw County and removed to
Jackson County before his dealli.
Erford Nash was born May 2 t, 1848 in J.ickson
County, Mich., and remained with his parents until
he became of age. He then undertook to work
the farm on shares and in 1871 purchased forty
acres of land in Lebanon Township. He now owns
two hundred acres of fine land and excellent farm
buildings. Some years ago he erected the com-
modious and attractive buililiiig in which he makes
his home and a view of which is presented in con-
nection with this sketch. He also built the large
and well arranged barn which is one of the signs
of a prosperous and competent farmer. He is a
general farmer in the common acceptation of the
word and lias success in all his undertakings. He
is not a politician but is interested in public mat-
ters, and votes and works for the success of the
Republican party to which he has always been
strongly attached.
The wife of P^rford N.asli is of English birth,
and by name Lizzie Tate. She came to America
with her parents when a child ; her father, John
Tate, made his first home in America in Detroit
and lived in Wayne Count}- until tlie breaking out
of the war. Then like many another Brilish-
i\inerican subject he sprang to the defence of his
adopted country and enlisted in a Michigan Regi-
ment. He was killed in battle and Mrs. Nash was
thus left an oiphan in early life. The mother lives
with her child'en ill this county; the home farm
which has never been divided, is left for her sup-
port. The marriage of I\Tr. and Mrs. Nash took
place December 5, 1872 in Wayne County, and has
been blessed by the liirth of one daughter, Mary,
who is at home with her parents.
ON. PHILIP V. M. BOTSFORD, well
known beyond the limits of Bennington
Township, Shiawassee County, where he re-
sides on section 27, was born in Scottsville,
in 1839. When one j'ear old he was brought
by his father, John W. Botsfoid, to Michigan, and
here he has since resided. His education was re-
ceived in the district schools and further supple-
mented by attendance in the Michigan Slate Nor-
mal at Y'psilanti. In 1861 he entered the law
departiiient of the University, and was graduated
in March, 1863. The following August he began
active practice of his profession, in which he con-
tinued successfully for eight years. He became
I well known as a pension claim lawyer, and found
I his practice lucrative, but poor healtli coni|)elled
him to adopt a more active vocation.
j Accordingly Mr. Botsford, in the fall of 1883,
I took up his residence on a farm in Bennington
Township, where he is now located. A strong Re-
publican, he has for years been conspicuous among
I his fellow-citieens who have called him to many
positions of trust and responsibility. He was
elected Supervisor of Bennington Township, on
the Farmers' and Laborers' ticket, recciTiiig nine-
ty four majority. He is an instrumental factor in
all the transactions, business and social, of the
Patrons of Industiy, is A'ice-President of the
County Association and Piesident of the Milling
1000
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Association, operating mills at Perry. At the last
election he was chosen to represent the Second Dis-
trict of Shiawassee County in the Legislature, and
is making an active and influential member. The
ticket was a combination of farming and labor in-
terests and he received one thousand five hundred
and sixty-seven votes. His course as a legislator
is one upon which his constituency can reflect with
pride, and is well calculated to advance their inter-
ests materially.
The Botsford farm comprises two hundred and
eighty acres on section 27, and is partially devoted
to the breeding of roadster horses. Among the
latter is the well-known ''Judge Holden," No. 10,-
333. a beautiful trotting bred stallion. He is six
years old, fifteen and three-fourths hands higl),
weight, one thousand one hundred and sevent}'
pounds; a bright bay with black points, powerfully
and handsomely formed, registered.
g'l'I'I-^
"j^^^.EWCOMB MITCHELL. This gentleman
f jjj holds a position among the prominent and
lil^ thrifty citizens of Bennington Township,
Shiawassee County, and we take pleasure in pre-
senting to our readers a Inicf account of his life
and character. It is impossible in the limits of a
volume like this to follow his career in every de-
tail, but an outline will be given which will indi-
cate the prominent features, and the reader will be
able to fill out the picture 113- his own imagination.
Tlie home of Mr. Mitchell is on section 28, and
the estate now comprises one hundred acres. The
residence is a commodious structure of eleven
rooms, tastefully furnished and the home of a hap-
py family. The improveraenls on the place have
cost $4,000, consisting besides the elegant dwelling-
house, of all convenient and necessary outbuild-
ings, also wind engine and reservoirs.
The father of our subject passed his last 3-ears
with our subject, but died in Attica, N. Y., Octo-
ber, 14, 1851. He was born May 10, 1785, and
his father was an Irishman. Tiie mother of our
subject was born in June, 1794, and died May 9,
1873; her maiden name was Polly Howe. Tlie
prif^inal family comprised eleven thihlrcii, six of
whom now survive, as follows: William, who
makes his home with our subject; Newconib; Cal-
vin, who lives near Ann Arbor; Ezekiel, a resident
of Sciota Township; Adeline, Mrs. Olive Mead, of
Lansing; Sarah, Mrs. Russell Walker, of Lansing.
Our subject worked out until he was twenty
years old, the wages going to the family. He
worked at his trade in Salem and Lansing, and w.as
also emplojed in Detroit and Michigan City, Ind.
In 1848 became to Shiawassee County, and settled
on land which had previously been purchased bj' his
father. Here he has lived since 1849, and through
the efforts of himself and his good wife, the place
has been converted into one of the prettiest estates
in the county. He was married January 1, 1856, to
liliza J. Phelps, and their union was blest by the
birth of eight children, .is follows: Adella, born
May 21, 1857; Cora A., March 22, 1859; Charles
IL, July 12, 18G1 ; Frank D., February 15, 1864;
Rose May, July 19,1867; Arthur A., March 12,
1869; Lena A., April 25, 1871; Edna E., October
1, 1873, and Effie F., August 2, 1879. The five
youngest children still remain under the parental
roof, to brighten the old home by their merry
voices and pleasant manners. They are interested
in music and are quite proficient in that direction.
Mr. Mitchell has for some time been an active
member of the ISIelhodist Episcopal Church in
which he is an Elder.
EONARD G. LOOMIS. In this gentleman
51 we have an ex-Supervisor of Greenbush
^ Township, Clinton Count}-, who was born
in Lorain County, Ohio, August 4, 1837. His
fatlier, Jonathan C. Loomis, is now deceased, but
the mother, Ijetsej- L., is still living. This son
received his education in the public schools of
Ohio and took one j'ear in the Berea College, Ohio,
and subsequently taught three terms of school, one
term being in Oiiio and two in Michigan.
Upon the breaking out of the War this young
man decided to go to the defense of the old flag
and enlisted in 1861 in Company E, Forty-second
Ohio Infantry, entering as a private but being
soo» proipotecl to a sergeancy. He took part in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
1001
the battles of Port (Jibson, Cliampioii Hill, Cliick-
asaw Mountain, Arkansas Post and mimoious minor
engagements. On the 16tli day of May, 1863, at
riiampion Hill he was wounded and then taken
prisoner by the rebels, being, however, paroled soon
after. He received his honorable discharge No-
vember 16, 1864.
In the spring of 1866, Mr. Loomis came to
Greenbush Township and settled on section 7,
which has since continued to be his home. He
owns one hundre<l and twenty-live acres of well
improved land and is considered one of the pros-
perous farmers in this part of tiie county. His
wife, whose maiden name was Elizabetli Abbott,
has borne to him three children, two of whom are
living, namely: Mary E., wife of Prof. D. D.
Yntema, of St. John's and Leonard .S. For one
year Mr. Loomis acted as Supervisor of the town-
ship and he has served many years as Justice of the
Peace, being very useful in this capacity. The
wife of his youth was called away by death, and
he was married again October 13, 1880. His pres-
ent wife, whose maiden name was Minnie Quigley,
has four children, namely : Ethel, Emma O., George
B. and Ruth. Both Mr. and Mrs. Loomis are de-
voted and earnest members ol the Methodist Church
and he is identified with the Grand Army of the
Republic at St. John's. He is among the promi-
nent and leading citizens of Greenbush Township
and is esteemed highly' as a leader of thought in
the Republican ranks.
jHARLES C. WASHBURN, a well-known
farmer and successful apiarist, who resides
on section 1, Rush Townsiiip, Shiawassee
County, was born in New York, April 16, 1842.
His father. Benjamin, was a farmer and a native of
Maine, where he was born in 1797. He liad an
excellent common-school education and started out
in life for himself when only si.xtcen years old.
When he had reached the manly age of twenty
years he went to New York City and liiere learned
the baker's trade, but he wSs not willing to settle
down to watpb the ovon, !\m] took passage a.? a
sailor making a voyage to the West Indies. He
continued in this line of work for seven years and
then traveled for a commercial house in Maine, and
afterward went into business for himself, living in
A'ermont, Massachusetts and Northern New York
successively.
The marriage of Benjamin Washburn with
Nancy Anthorp took place in 1838. This lady
was of English parentage and was born in 1819
being the eldest in a family of three sons and one
daughter. For one year the J'oung couple carried
on a hotel at Stanstead Plain, N. Y., and then came
to Ft. Ann, N. Y. on the Erie Canal. They did
not [reside there long but emigrated to Wayne
County, Mich, in 1842, and after three years spent
there purchased eighty acres of land in Ingham
County, not far from Lansing. There they lived
for about eleven years and then made their home
on section, 12, of Rush Township where they bought
eighty acres of land, at the same lime purchasing
another eighty on section 5. Eleven children
blessed this home, six daughters and five sons.
The father was a Methodist in his religion and a
Democrat in politics and an earnest worker for his
party. He filled the office of Justice of the Peace
and died in 1870 while his good wife survived him
for tweutv years.
The subject of this sketch had but a poor chance
for schooling, for the exigencies of pioneer life
early called the older children of the family into
requisition as laborers upon the farm. When
twenty -one years old he left home and was for ten
years a lumberman in Michigan and Wisconsin.
He bought forty acres on section 1, in 1863, and
ten years later was united in marriage with Maria
Parshall, a daughter of Henry and Lucina(Root)
Jfarshall. They were from New York and had in
their family two sons and six daughters, Maria be-
ing born in 1855.
Six children have been born to our subject and
his excellent wife, namely: Charles H., Elnora
Maria, Benjamin F., Alta M.ay, Mary Elma, and
Mattie E. Mr. Washburn's political views are in
accordance with the principles of the Democratic
party, and he has been some what active in local
political work and has filled the offices of Highway
Coipipissioner and LSchool Inspector,
Abbott,, John T.,M. D 1171
Abeiie, Fred .8il(!
Atiams, James S 732
Adams, J. C 507
Adams, John 23
Adams, John Q 39
Alchin, Frederick 483
Aldrich, William A fl09
Alger, Knssell A 173
Allen, Rev. W. C »17
Allison. C.S 8S.')
Amos, August H., Jr 370
Anderson , James 843
Anderson, John 281
Arthur, Chester A 99
Atherton.S.G 2C'.l
Atkinson, Thomas 507
Austin, A. A 240
Aust i n , Ambrose 39()
Axford.H :!:il
B
Balieo.-k, M fi20
Babeock, Mrs. M. M 626
Bagley, John J 157
Bain , Augustus 326
Bair, William T 772
Baker, Hon. N. H .379
Baleom. William A 779
Baldwin , Henry P ISS
Baldwin, Niwlon 259
Baldwin, T. W 870
Ball, A. K, M.D (U5
Ball.C. E 545
Bancroft, Darwin 740
Barker, Seth J 752
Barnes, C.(! 5'19
Barrington, John A 804
Barrus, Calvin P 585
Barry, Johns 113
BaU'helor, B. F 693
Bauerly, Charles W 839
Baxter, D. G 4S6
Beach, T. C 992
Beard, Allen 317
Beardslee, J. M 2.'i+
Beckwith.J. W 820
Bedford, George H 208
Beebee, Sylvester 799
Beebee, William t 918
Begole, Josi.^h W 169
Benedict, Charles L 826
Benjamin, Alfred B .548
Benjamin, Calvin 829
Bennett, A. C 759
Bennett , John 789
Bensinger, Joel 304
Bentley, Alvin M. . . .; 561
Bent ley, Lewis 515
Bigelow, C. A 960
Bigelow, W. H .566
Bigford, George 310
Bingham, John F 650
Bingham, Kinsley S 137
Bingham, W 682
Bira,L. C 641
Blair, Austin 145
Blass, John 917
Boss, A. R 405,
Botsford, William C 746
Botsford, P. V. M 999
Bowers, G. W 413
Boy Ian, William 510
Urands, George U 245
Bray, Israel M Mi
Brewer, E.I 688
Brewer.F.F 364
Briggs.J. H 720
Bristol , James Sterling 739
Bromley , Tlioimis 079
Brooks, John 308
Brooks, W.K 291
Brown, E. F 616
Brown, Edward 463
Brown , II. W 574
Brown, John 261
Brown, Elnathan 977
Brunson, William II 706
Bryant, John W 909
Bryant, Lewis 875
Buchanan, James 75
Buii(la.v, Warner 944
Burgess, William W 716
Burncs, Henry M 310
Bush , George J 823
Bush, John K 244
Bush , Mrs. Marietta 590
Bush. Judge Matthew 904
Bussoll, CO 56:)
Byerly, Col. Edgar P 865
C.alkiim, J. H 947
Call, William 212
Garland, M. E ..800
Carmody , Thomas 735
Carrington,H. AV 3,84
Carson. W. S 200
Carter.S 434
Caruss,Hon. K. B 4;iO |
Caruss, William 1 780
Case, Henry C 270
Castle, Diiane 723
Castle, MissH. E 208
Castner, Goodlope 49-t
Chalker,C. B 890
Chandler, A. L 639
Chapin, J. A .578
Cl)apin,V. A 901
Chase, D. B 467
Chase, J. W^ 922
Chipman, A. B 386
Cliurch, W. T 742
Clandening, T. V 617
Clapp.D.C 616
Clements, J. H 3.57
Cleveland, F. D 553
Cleveland, S. Orover 102
Clark, A. B 650
Clark, R. S 425
Clark, Robert 751
CliLse, Jabez 990
Cobb, E. W .'i!l9
Colby, George M 836
Colby, J. S 8.35
Colby, Rudolph 5.59
Cole, Mrs. J. T 518
Cole, William H 919
Coleman, M 912
Colisler, Herbert ^7
Colt, Col. George 385
Comstock, M. D 324
Conn, Frank 765
Conn, James H 719
Conrad, Hon. L. F .569
Converse, Ransom .575
Cook, C. T 766
Cook, E.J 313
Cooper, A. C 199
Cooper, Eli,... 212
Cooper, G. A 228
Cooper, J. T 9:16
Cooper, L. C 199
Copas, J. H 820
Corbin, Martin L 883
Corbit, George S 3:i0
Corbit. John H 5(»
Cortright, James 487
Cosgrove. George, -M.D 709
Cossitt, Hon. C. H 415
Cowan, Charles 4.55
Cowles, A. G., M. D 945
Cowles, Norman .390
Cowell, Andrew 997
Cowell.John 792
Cox. Theodore H 810
Crane, Alfred B 418
Cranson, Hon. J. H 987
Crapo, Henry H 149
Crcssnian, I. F 477
Cresswell, Charles M 161
Criekmore, Alfred 849
Cronkhite. T. L 579
Cummin, Capt. W. E 769
Currier, C. F 4.58
Curtis, Hon. James B. F !I5G
Curtis. J. C. : 953
D
Daboll. Judge S. B XM
Daggett, Reuben E .561
Daniells. John T 731
Darling. F. R "56
Davies.B.C 438
Davies. K. K »'55
Davies, William T 763
INDEX.
Davis, Hiram 319
Davisdii, James K 792
Day , Charles 5X5
Dayton, L. A 307
r>ean,C'. L 842
DeCamp, E C-(«
Dennis, \V. W 851
Derliani, A 5!»3
Detwilir, William :i3()
Devereaux, G. W 9(S
Dewey , Hon. George M 323
Dewey, John W 988
Dewey, T. D 973
DeWitt, O. P 312
DeWitt, Walter C 618
Doau, Ethan 831
Doane, Lucy G 932
Doman, Rev. K. V. M 729
Downer, S. W 9(i.
Doyle, M. S 5U
Drake, M. \V 362
Droste, Anthony 688
Drury, W. K 811
Dryer, I. M 617
Dryer, N. A. , M. D .')16
Duir.C.C 702
Dunham, William H 742
Dutcher, Davis i>03
D^Ties, Pierce 796
E
Eaegle, David L 874
Easier, George S-il
Ellis, Albert H 696
Ellis, Miron 724
Ellsworth, A. B STil
Enimeit, F. M 811
Enmions, George W ;>41
Enmious, P ,5(®
Estes, James D 289
Estey , Hon. D. jM 227
Eveleth.E 958
Evans, Alvin 258
Evens, J. D 2!)0
Ewell, A. J 404
F
Farley, Nelson 399
Featherly, Frank 821
Fedewa, J. H 408
Fedewa, John 6:10
Fetlewa. John J 677
Kedewa, Mathnus 913
Felch, Aliihcus 117
Fildew, Alfred S .'>5«
Fillmore, Millard 67
Fitch, John M 263
Fitch, John M 507
Flcagle, Peter 595
Heshman, Elijah 311
Flint, L'alvin 447
Float!-, Walter 910
Forward, Franklin 440
Fowler, Lieut. Charles 923
Fowler, N ; CtOi)
Fox, W. B., M. D 2.17
Frasier, A. W 862
Frasier, J. B 771
French, D. S i<7
French. J. W 7(io
Friegel, Conrad 291
Frieseke, H. 0 996
Frieseke.J .566
Fuller, Otis 431
Gale, Hon. C. J 222
Gallup, Eli 896
Garlield, James A 95
Garrison, Arthur 604
Garrison, W. D .528
(Jcrardy , J. J. P 942
Gerardy, J. P 557
Geller, Fcrdmand H 243
Gillam.S. E., M. D 822
Gihnore, R 584
Goddard, F. I 207
Goff, James 346
Goodell, Hon. James M 371
Goodsell, James .536
Gould, Hon. An)os 981
Gould, Col. E 982
Gould, Edwin A 609
Gould, F. H 6^29
Gould, L. E 979
Gould, O., M. D 881
Gormley, John H 288
Gorsuch, E. U 267
Goss, George W 863
Grace, Charles S 376
Grant, Ulysses S 87
Green, D. B 911
Green, S. W 214
Greenly, William L 121
GrLsson, C. E 852
Grove, Cornelius 443
Grow, M. D 779
Grulcr, Constantine 260
Gunnison, A. G -HI
Gunnison, James H "81
H
Hadsal I . Terry 465
Hagan , Charles 239
Haire, James 891
Hall, K. S 308
Hall, F. L 810
H:ill, William F :151
Hamil. Benjamin F 406
Hamilton, James 427
Hamilton, K. C 488
Hand, Mai-shall 7!K)
Hankey, Joseph 391
llanna, Isaac D 833
Harder, J. S 449
Harder, N. A 608
Harder, J. N 310
Hardy, B.B 530
Harlow, Albert 409
Harmon, C. D., M. D 969
Harper, Judge A. A .803
Harper, James S 667
Harrington, D. K 9;i5
Harrison, Benjamin 107
Harrison, William Henry 51
Hartshorn, A. E 7;{3
Harvey, E. W., M.D 7(9
Haughton, Charles .588
Havens, (ieorge C, M. D 409
Havens, William, M. D 339
Hawkins, E. G 811
Hayes, Rutherford B 91
Hayt, J. A 615
Heath, James 905
Heck, Wi lliam fi.55
Henderson, J. D 971
Henderson, William G 980
Henning, Charle-s 495
Hicks, A. R. ,M. D 733
Hicks, John ;J97
High, Hiram M 619
Hill, Clinton J 936
Hill, H. W 474
Hill, John E .583
Hill.L. W 496
Hinman, J. B 794
Hinman, W. 1 785
Hoenshcll, Jonas .570
Hoismgton , Edward 119
Holbrook, J. L 840
Holley, D. C.,M. D 659
Holman, Charles 373
Holmes, D.B 168
Hoover, Jacob 920
Hopkins, Loren 681
House, Charles M 978
House,J.T 934
Hovey,H.O 480
Howe, J. H .516
Hoyer, F.JF 369
Hubbard, J. A 450
Hull', Aaron 389
Huffman. J. J 924
Hulse, Aildison 980
Hulse, M. A 743
Hume, A. M., M. D 881
Hunt, A. A 377
Hunter, William G 420
Huntoon, George A 889
Ingraham, S. W 711
Jackson, Andrew 43
Janes. George F 268
Jayne, John E 198
Jclferson, Thomas 27
Jefferys, Parson. 631
Jenison, Hon, W. F 713
Jerome, David H 105
Johnson, Andrew 83
John.son, (.'. A ttOti
Johnson, \Villlam 437
Johnston, John A 930
Jones. Daniel Z i~s
Jones, W. W 5;J;{
Jopling. William 213
Jubb, Jlrs. Kylvia ;ioO
Jutld, George H 206
K
Keiser, .John J 379
Kcnyon, A. H., M. D 762
Kerby , .S. M (a.5
Keys, H. N BXi
Kilbourn, F. M 93s
Kincaid,Tod (iy.j
King, George E iihi
King, Rev. Henry, Jr .163
King, John 356
King, M. L 3(j7
King, Willard .538
Kingsley, George D 880
Kipp, George D 791
Kittle, George E 370
Kline, C. H 715
Knapp, B. S ,521
Knight, A. T 574
Knight, Edwin 549
Knight, Job U 9S4
Koenig, Father H. C :1B1
Kubns Manaseh 725
Lambie, John 417
Lamfrom, Sanmel 239
Lapham, N :i()2
Laubenga.ver, T. A 795
Launstein, William B 710
Lee, Wilson 3.!7
Lemon, Thomas H 825
Lewis, Lafayette 580
Lineidn, Abraham 79
Litehlleld, J. .\ (ilo
Long, Noah 861
Loomis, L. G IIMXI
Lonng, George W 710
Lowell, O. \V ftlO
Luce, Cyrus Gra.v 177
Ludwick, J. E 274
Lyman, Burl 416
Lyon, Edwin II 915
M
Madison, James. . .
Main, 11. C
Mann, Mi-s. Laura..
. 31
..275
.613
Index.
Marshall, Mrs. H 193
Martin, Eli 989
Marvin, T 329
Mason, A. B fl'S
Mason, G. D 8«3
Mason, G.T 658
Mxson, Stephen T 105
Matthews, Alanson 705
Mattoon , George P 523
Mankey , Henry ■*79
McBride, James N *265
McBride,J. S 830
McCall, \V. B 781
McClelland, Robert 129
McCormick, Colin, M. D 90U
McLeod, W. H 303
McLouth, Newton '172
Mead, Caleb 813
Mead, Israel 824
Meacher, John 892
Merrill, Charles M :)87
Mesler, William M 473
Mikan, John (>52
Mikan,T 814
Miller, A. J 080
Miller, John P 576
Miller, J. U 189
Millman. JohnT 726
Miner, Selden S 194
Mitchell, E 577
Mitchell, N 1000
Monroe, James 35
Moon,C. L 362
Moore, Richard .508
Moore, W. W 4!K)
Morehouse, D. W 246
Morns, H. VV 704
Morris, R. H. B B74
Morrison , Col. R. G 217
Munger, Hon. O. W 701
Murphy, 1>. L 855
Murphy, \\'illiani J 197
MurtlocK, Fred F 525
Myres,H. S 793
N
Nay, George W 454
Nash , Erf oixl 998
Nethawav, C 633
Newberi-y, William 736
Newman , F. W 750
Newsom, C. B 497
Nichols, A. T 2«>
Jtichols, Ezra B 426
Nichols, L. K <5t
Nixon, W. A .5.54
Nourse, John .311
Osburn, James 930
Osburn,M .193
Outcalt, John W 314
Cutwater, Harri-son 423
o
Oliver, George 890
Ohney, Esek f»07
Orm.sby, M 916
Osborn.P. W 235
Paine, Fred J 264
Painter, J 376
Palmer, Henry, M. D 550
Parker, G. A 903
Parks, George \V 457
Parks, Sidney D .520
Parrish, A. T 266
Partlow. A 299
Parsons, Andrew 133
Patchel , J. J 221
Patridge, Mrs. L. A f(X
Patterson. A. J 373
Patterson, H. J 959
Patrick, William C 3*7
Payne, W. L 267
Peach, Henry 871
Peach, John 975
Peacock, James J 485
Pearce, Varney 957
Pearl, Lewis 844
Pearl, S.F 224
Pennell, Edwin 486
Perkins, J.abez, M. D 233
Perrin, Hon. H. M !)85
Perry, J. W 716
Phillips, Charles H 7.53
Phillips, Hon. N. G 636
Phippen.S. S. C 565
Phelps, C.E 353
Phelps, Dyer 984
Phelps, W. H 871
Phoenix, M. G 799
Pierce, Franklin 71
Pierce, John Q 832
Pierce, S. N 8.56
Pierson, Albert 320
Pinkney , John 730
Polk, James K 59
Pollard. J. W., M. D ..318
Pond, Rollin 695
Post, Leonard H 668
Potter, W. H 939
Power, D. H 469
Pratt, George W .588
Priest, George W 7.55
Prior, George 91H
Putnam, B. J 976
Putnam, E. B 785
Putnam, W.H 690
Purdy, F. E 619
R
Rann,B. F 914
Hansom, Epaphro<lilus 125
Rapalee, J 301
Read, John 583
Redfern.F. W ,.428
Reed,D.B »27
Reed, George W 626
Reed,H 596
Reed, John 940
Reeve, George C 928
Reeves, Charles S -538
Reidy, Michael 648
Retan,J. V 420
Rice, Charles D 282
Rice,OtisL 3(2
Rice, Riley 998
Richards, A. E 380
Richmond, H. L 639
Ridenour, Daniel 652
Rigley , Charles E 218
Robbins, J.H 872
Robinson, A. C 8*1
Robinson, E. S 899
Robson, William H 967
Rose, James W 632
Rose, Hon. W.H 298
Rowell, Stephen D 819
Rowley, S.B 860
Royce, J. D 968
Ruess,G "^ll
Ruggles, F. S., M. D 761
Russell, M.V 498
Russell, William 661
Kyon , Austin 879
Ryon, Luther 318
Salisbury, E 424
Sanders. G. T 731
Sanderson , J. D 776
Sayre, C. H 876
Sayre, D. B .54*
Schanck, William P 783
Schemer, Frederick 446
Schoewe, T. W 605
Schroeder, J. C 242
Schweikerl, Joseph 400
Scott, Nelson 224
Scott, G.W 666
Scott, S.E 911
Schindorf, Jacob ii9o
Sergeant, Collins 751
Sevy,Ozi B 280
Sexton, Charles 824
Sexton, Zephaniah 403
Seymour, VV. R 387
Shadduck, L. B 861
Shaft , John M 219
Shattuck, C. E 446
Shaw, W. R 220
Sheldon, S. E 929
Shepard.B. M 345
Shepard.F.M 500
Shepard , Perry 543
Shepard, R. C 475
Sherman, A. D 234
Shickle, Charles, M. D 309
Shuster, Samuel 816
Sieb, Nicholas 510
Silvernail, Andrew 230
Simmons, R., M. D 5.57
Simpson, Martin V. B 931
Simpson, William K2
Skinner. H. M 892
Sleeth, James, M. D 920
Smiley , Benjamin F 928
Smith, Rev. Charles 513
Smith, Clark 815
Smith, Clark 961
Smith, E. L 628
Smith, E. V 320
Smith, Ezra, M. D 834
Smith, J. L.,M. D 279
Smith, Martin 460
Smith, M. S 809
Smith, N. 0 629
Smith, S. F 331
Snyder, Dennis 993
Soule, D. H 955
Sowle, George H 394
Spalding. W. F 297
Spaulding, F. M 499
Spitler, George J 666
Spitler, H. W 677
Stampfly . B .5.55
Stearns, Rev. R. D 341
Steel, D. G 535
Steel, George A 991
Steel, R. G 764
Steel. R. M 191
Stevens, William M 662
Stewart. John 211
Stone, Jesse E 378
Stone, John C 453
Stow, F. A 335
Strong, William N 407
Struber, L .549
Sugden,0. G 385
Sutfln.D. A 941
Sutherlan, William 711
Sutton, W. R 627
Swain, O. B ....962
Swarthout, A 678
Swarthout, Edson 307
Swarthout, R 493
Swarthout, T. L .573
Taber, C, P 986
Taber. Leander C 773
Tabor, Charles E 745
Tallman, W. L 845
Taphouse, William 589
Taylor, L. R 662
Taylor, Zachary 63
Teachout, Asher 725
Terbush, J. M 270
Thomas, A. S 4,39
Thomas, John 712
Tillotson, W. T 558
Tinker. Adelbert 4!IS
Todd, Hon. E. A 3.54
Tompkins, Richard 8iM
Topping, G. W. , M. D 603
Travis. Fred A 853
Trn.sdcll. James K 587
Tuttle, M., M. D 286
INDEX.
Turner, Jerome W 325
Tyler, John .i5
Tyler, Melvin J fi06
u
XJhrbrock, Lewis 885
Underwood, W. D .V2o
Upson, VNilliam N 21R
Upton, Hart L 869
Valentine, S. H 763
Vanauken. J. M SO.)
Van Huren,Martm 47
Van Uerholf. A. M 50(j
Van Deiisen, A. M 760
Van Dyne. James R 4:J3
Van Liew, William P 473
Van Scoy , Hon . K. S IHo
Voorbees, E.B 383
w
Walbridge, H. E 722
\Valdron,E. P 703
Walker, Hon. S. S 202
Walsh . John 806
Walsh, John T 244
Walsworth, P. E 229
Ward,E. B., M. D 665
Warner, George, Jr :W8
Warner, S.F 427
Warner, W. E 476
Warner, W. W 527
Warnor, O. R 3;i3
Wanen,D. L 251
Warren , W. M S93
Warren, George H 276
Warren, G. R -h'2
Warren, James J 495
Warren , William E 236
Washburn, CO 1001
Washburn, M. F 954
Washington, George 19
Waters, Richard .*46
Watson, Hon. F. H 2.53
Watson, John A 193
W'atson,S 608
Watson, W. W 967
Webster, E. D 596
Webster, H., M. D 754
Webster, H. W 970
Weidman, Frank A 410
Weleh, E.B 403
Welch, Frank 267
Weller. George %3
Welhusen, William 200
Wesener, Hugo 775
Westcott , Frank 873
Wheelock, Joel S 895
Whelan, Charles A 590
Whelan, Clark 406
Whipple, A. D 660
White, Edwin E 948
White, Mr.s. Jessie 880
White, H. Kirk 526
Wiiitmore, M. W G'dS
Whitlock. Orange 900
Wideman, William 886
Wiggins, A. J., M. D 285
Wilcox, Italian 782
Wi Iki nson , George C 48 4
\V illiams, John D 504
Williams, C S 332
Wil loughby , M . W 4:!5
Winans, Edwin B 181
Wing, C. T 699
Winston, E. M 648
Wisner. Mcses 141
Wolcott, C. S 300
Wolter, Christian 859
Wood, George 74-4
Wood, James, Jr 879
W^ood, Mason 760
Woodard, W. A 2.')2
Woodbridge, William 109
Woodhull, J 6.56
Woodhull, Z. S 5!I8
Woodward, Warren 774
Woodworth, John 913
Woo*lworth, J. W 883
Wright, Walter 470
Wright, William 4C.6
Ycrkes, S. A 921
Yntenia. I). B 414
Young, Isaac O .534
Young, Thomas R 684
Youngs, G. J 333
INDEX.
POMTMJLIT
■^-^
?H~^
Abbott, Dr. J. T CTO
Adams, John 2*2
Adams. John Q 38
Alchin, Frederick 482
Aldrich, William A 008
Alger, Russell A 172
Arthur, Chester A m
Babcock, M (!2:)
B.lbcock, Mrs. M (122
Ba^^ley, John J 15*1
Baldwin, Henry P 152
B.all,Dr. A. R fiH
Barry, John S. 112
Batchelor, B . F i'M
Beard, Allen :!li;
Be)fole,Josiah W ins
Benjamin, Calvin 828
Bennett, John 788
Bingham, K. S 1311
Blair, Austiii 114
Brown, Edward 4(12
Buchanan, James 74
Bussell, CO .W2
Cleveland, Fr.ink B 5.52
Cleveland, S. Grover lO.'i
Cosgrove, (Jeorge 708
Crapo, Henry H 148
Croswel 1, Charles M Ififl
Cummin, \Villiam E 7(>8
Dewey, Hon. George M 322
Doman , Rev . R. F. M 728
Dutcher, David .502
Estey, Hon. D. M 22i:
Felch, Alpheus 11(1
Fillmore, Millard (!(1
Fitch. John M 2(!2
Fox,W. B 2.56
(iarfield, J. A 91
Grant, U. S m
Greenly, William L 120
Grove, Cornelius 142
H.'irrison, Benjamin 10(1
Harrison, W. H 50
Harvey, E. \V 718
Havens, William :i38
Hayes, R.B flO
Hill, John E .582
Holman, Charles. 272
Jackson, Andrew 42
Jed'erson. Thomas 2(1
Jerome, David H 1(4
John.son, Andrew 82
King, M. 1 366
Kocnig, Henry C 360
Lincoln, Abraham 78
Luce, Cyrus Gray 176
Madison, James 30
Mason , Stephen 104
Mattoon, George P .522
McClelland, Robert 128
Monroe, James 34
Morrison, R. G 216
Nichols, A. T 204
Out water, H 422
Parsons, Andrew 132
Pierce, Franklin 70
Polk, J. K 58
Pollard, J. W 318
Kansom, Epaphroditas 124
Sext<>n, Zcphaniali 402
Shepard.B. M 314
Shepard , Perry ,542
Smith, Dr. J. L 278
Spalding, W. F 2%
Stewart. John 210
I'aylor, Zadiary 62
Topping, Dr. G. W 602
Tyler, John 54
U|)ton, H. L 868
Van Buren, Martin 46
Voorhees. E. B ;i82
Ward, Dr. E. B 664
Warren,!). I Stil
Warren, Mrs. I). L 218
Washington, George 13
Wiggins, A. J 284
Winans, Edwin B 180
Wisner. 3Ioses 140
Woodbridge, William 108
Amos, A. H 371
Bain, Augustus 327
Balcom, Will A 777
Bauerly, Clmrles W 837
Bcebee, Sylvester 737
Bennett, A. C 7.57
Bensinger, Joel 305
Bowers, G.W 411
Biu'gess, William W 717
Bush, Mrs, M Ijill
Caruss,K. B 431
Colby, George M 837
Cowles, Norman 3itl
Cox , Theodore H 817
D.arJing, Fred 757
Drostc, Anthony 685
Dvnes, Pierce 7i»7
Ellis, A. H 6il7
Essex M. E. Church 511
Fedewa, John J 675
French, J. VV 697
Gallup, Eli 737
Hardy, B.B .5.31
Hoenshell, Jonas 571
Hubbaril, James A 451
Hntrinan, J. J 925
Iluntuon, (Tcorge A 887
Kcrby, Samuel M 633
Kiltie. George E .371
Litchdeld, Mrs. J. A 611
Marvin , Thomas 327
Mikan, John 6.53
Moore, VV. W 191
Morris, R.H. B (175
N.nsh , Erford 877
Nethaway, Clement (133
Newberry , John 737
Perry, J. W 717
Phoenix, M.G 797
Pierce, S.N 8.57
Ridenour, Daniel (53
Ro.se, James \V 0:i3
Rowell, D. Stephen 847
Ryon, Austin 877
Ryoii, Luther 3(9
Sanderson. .J. D 777
SayrcCH 877
Sicb, Nicholas 511
Shepard, Perry 391
Sinister, Samuel 817
Smith. M. S 807
Siij-tler, Dennis 925
Stone, J. C 4.51
Swarthont, Ed.son 305
Swartliout, Ralph 491
Swarthont, T. L .571
Van Dyne, James K 431
Van Liew, William P 471
Walsh, John 807
Warren, D. L 611
Warren , W. E 237
Watere, Richard 817
Weidman, Frank 411
Whelan.C. A 591
Wi.l.nian, William 887
Wing, C. T 697
Wolter,C 8.57
Wright, Walter 471
Young, Thomas R. (»5
/