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 -OF— 
 
 ST, JOSEPH SOUNTY, MI0HIGAN, 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 Full Page Portraits and Biooraphical Sketches of Prominent 
 and Representative Citizens of the County, 
 
 TOGETHER WITH 
 
 PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVERNORS OF THE STATE, AND 
 OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 ( UK A(i<): 
 
 CHAPMAN BROTHERS. 
 1 889 
 
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 jrtE greatest of Knglisli hist'^rians, Macallev, an'l one of the most brilliant writers 
 of the past cenliirj', has said : "The history of a countrj' is best tolfl in a record of the 
 lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Portrait and Biographical 
 Ai.uuMof this count3' has been prepared. Instead of going to must}- records, and 
 taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be a])preciated by but few, our 
 corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their 
 enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among tho.«e 
 comprising this great and noble fstate, and from their lips have the sU>ry of their life 
 struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli- 
 "ent public. In this volume will be found a record of manj' whfjse lives are worthy the 
 imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, bj- 
 industry and economy- have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited 
 a<lvant.iges 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 who 
 i have risen from the lower walks 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 raanj% 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 
 they could." It tells how that many in the priile and strength of young manhood left the plow and the 
 anvil, the lawyer's ofBce 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 i)eace 
 once more reio^ned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not 
 be lost uixjn those who follow after. 
 
 Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact 
 that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be 
 inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible 
 eiveu to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them- 
 selves that thev give to their readers a work with few erroi-s of consequence. In addition t4)lhe biograph- 
 ical sketches. portraiU 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 give the 
 information necess.ary to compile a sketch, while othere were indiflferent. Occasionally some member of 
 the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested 
 one would be withhehl. In a few instances men could never be found, t!>ough repealed calls were made 
 at their residence or place of business. 
 
 ( 11 A I'M A.N BROS. 
 Chic'aoo, Kebrii.nrv, I HH!*. 
 
 <*• 
 
 ■•► 
 
Li* 
 
 4- 
 
 
 OF THE 
 
 GOVERNORS OF MICHirxAN. 
 
 AND OF THE 
 
 OF THE 
 
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 COPYRiaHTED 
 
 
 1885. 
 
 ric'jjcy, 
 
 
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FIRST PRESIDENT. 
 
 -•^Hh-^ 
 
 '9 
 
 m^ 
 
 
 
 HE Father of our Country was 
 Vioxn in Westmorland Co., V'a., 
 Feb. 22, 1732. His parents 
 were .Augustine and Mary 
 (Ball) Washington. The family 
 to which he belonged has not 
 been satisfactorily traced in 
 England. His great-grand- 
 father, John Washington, em- 
 igrated to \'irginia about 1657, 
 and became a prosiierous 
 * 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 (leorge, first 
 married Jane Butler, who bore 
 him four children, two of whom, 
 Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
 maturity. (.)f six children by his 
 second marriage, George was the 
 eldest, the others being Betty, 
 Samuel, John Augustine, Charles 
 and Mildred. 
 Augustine Washington, the father of Ceorge, died 
 in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his 
 eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on 
 the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, 
 and to George he left the parental residence. George 
 received only such education as the neighborhood 
 schools afforded, save for a short time after he left 
 scliool. when he received private instruciion in 
 
 ^ 
 
 inathematics, 
 
 His spelling was rather defective. 
 
 Remarkable stories are told of his great physical 
 strength and development at an early age. He was 
 an acknowledged leader among his companions, and 
 was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- 
 ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. 
 
 When George was 1 4 years old he had a desire to go to 
 sea, and a midshipman's warrant w.is secured for him, 
 but through the opposition of his mother the idea was 
 abandoned. Two years later he was ap|K)inted 
 surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In 
 this business he spent three years in a rough frontier 
 life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
 essential to him. In 175 i, though only 19 years of 
 age, he was api)ointed 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 tf) an infant daughter 
 who did not long survive him. On her demise the 
 estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. 
 
 Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten- 
 ant-CJovernor 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 [wst 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 witliout military 
 escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The 
 
 a^ 
 
-^^ 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
 
 4- 
 
 trip was a perilous one, and several rimes he came near 
 losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished 
 a full and useful re[x>rt of iiis exijedition. A regiment 
 of 300 men was raised in \"irginia and put in com- 
 mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was 
 commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was 
 tiien begun against the French and Indians, in which 
 Washington took a most important part. In the 
 memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- 
 dock's defeat, Washington Wi;s almost the only officer 
 of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
 day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock 
 vvere disabled early in the action, and Wasliington 
 alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter 
 to his brother he says : "I had four bullets through 
 my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped 
 unhurt, though death was levelin" 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. 
 
 .\fter having been five years in the military service, 
 and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he 
 took advantage of the fall of Fort Duiii.esne and the 
 expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, 
 10 resign his commission. Soon after he entered the 
 Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an 
 active and imiwrtant part. January 17, J759, 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- 
 deli)hia,Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, 
 peaceably if ix)ssible. 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 plainly apparent. The battles of Con- 
 cord and Lexington had been fought. .Xmong the 
 first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- 
 mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and 
 res]x)nsible office was conferred u|)on \V'ashington, 
 who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted 
 it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he 
 receive no sal.iry. He would keep nn exact account 
 of expenses and expect Congress lo pay them and 
 nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to 
 trace the military acts of Washington, lo whom th-j 
 foftiuies and lilierties of the people of this country 
 were so long confided. The war was conducted by 
 him under every possible disadvantage, and while his 
 forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame ever>- 
 obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion 
 and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest 
 nation of c.irth. On Dec. 2^, 17S3. Washington, in 
 a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his 
 
 commission as commander-in-chief of the array to 
 to the Continental Congress sitting at .\nnajxjlis. He 
 retired immediately to Mount \'ernon and resumed 
 his occuiv.tion as a farmer and planter, shunning all 
 connection with public lilc. 
 
 In Febriiary,i789, Washington was unanimously 
 elected President. In his piesidential career ht 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 imix)verished condition of the country, 
 ownig 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. 
 
 .\t 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 Manh, 
 1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- 
 dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there 
 his few remaining yeais free from the annoyances of 
 public life. Later in the year, however, his re|K)se 
 seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. 
 \x the i)rospect 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.dcd from his 
 home. In accepting the command he made the 
 reservation that he was not to be in the lield until 
 it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations 
 his life was suddenly cut off. December i 2, he took 
 a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling 
 in h's throat, produced inflammation, and terminated 
 fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- 
 teenth his l)ody was borne wi'h 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 ccanmon interest, 
 the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- 
 ent and character, which have been able to challenge 
 the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na- 
 tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits 
 of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will 
 be as lasting as the existence of man. 
 
 The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect 
 and well proiX)rtioned. His muscular strength was 
 great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry. 
 He commanded respect without any appearance of 
 haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull. 
 
''ir^iJdmi.^ 
 
 'yj 
 
-•► 
 
 SECOND PRESIDENT. 
 
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 •^ OUN ADAMS, the second 
 <:''jj ['resident and the first Vice- 
 ^••■' v.- , (siT'/3 I fe^ Jr President of the United Slates, 
 f) was born in Braintree ( now 
 ^ 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 Jolin and 
 Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His 
 father was a farmer of limited 
 means, to which he added the bus- 
 iness of shoemaking. He gave his 
 eldest son, John, a classical educa- 
 tion at Harvard College. John 
 graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the 
 school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a 
 "school of affliction," from which he endeavored to 
 gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
 study of 1 iw. For this |)ur|)0se he placed himself 
 under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He 
 had thought seriously of the clerical profession 
 but seems to have been turned from this by what he 
 termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- 
 cils, of dial)olical malice, and Calvanlstic good nature,'' 
 of tlic oi>erations of which he had been a witness in 
 his native town. He was well fitted for the legal 
 profession, jxjssessing a clear, sonorous voice, being 
 ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- 
 tive lowers. He gradually gained |)ractice, and in 
 1764 married .\bigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, 
 and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
 marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- 
 tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial 
 steps towarcj holding a town meeting, and the resolu- 
 
 i~ 
 
 T3P^» 
 
 lions he olTcrtd on the subject became very (opulat 
 throughout the I'rovmce, and were adoi)ted word for 
 word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- 
 ton in 176S, and became one of the most courageous 
 and prominent advocaiesof tlie jiopular cause, and 
 was chosen a member of the General Court (the I.eg- 
 lislature) in 1770. 
 
 Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates 
 from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, 
 which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself 
 by his capacity for business and for deljate, and ad- 
 vocated the movement for independence against the 
 majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved 
 and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies 
 should assume the duties of self-government. He 
 was a prominent member of the committee of five 
 appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- 
 pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but 
 on .Adams devolved the task of battling it through 
 Congress in a three days debate. 
 
 On the day after the Declaration of Independence 
 was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the 
 glow of excited feeling, he wrote a tetter to his wife, 
 which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated 
 by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the 
 greatest question was decided that ever was debated 
 in .America; and greater, i>erhaps, never was or will 
 be decided among men. A resolution was passed 
 without one dissenting colony, ' that these United 
 States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- 
 jiendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of 
 July, 1776, will be a memorable e|xx:h in the history 
 of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated 
 by succeeding generations, as the great anniversar^' 
 festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of 
 deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to .Mmighty 
 God. It ought to be solemnized with ix)mp, shows, 
 
 h 
 
^•►Hh-* 
 
 24 
 
 JOHN ADAMS. 
 
 games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations 
 from one end of the continent to the other, from this 
 time forward for ever. Vou will think mc transiwrted 
 with entliusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of 
 the toil, and blood uid treasure, that it will cost to 
 maintain this declaration, and supjiorl and defend 
 these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the 
 rays of light and glory. 1 can see that the end is 
 worth more than all the meaiis; and that ijosterity 
 will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I 
 hope we shall not." 
 
 In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a 
 delegate to France and lo co-operate with Bemjamin 
 P'ranklin and .\rlhur Lee, wlio were then in Paris, in 
 the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money 
 from the French Government. 'I'his was a severe trial 
 to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, 
 compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and e.\- 
 jwsed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- 
 ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
 1779. In September of the saiue year he was again 
 cliosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- 
 ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce 
 with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet 
 might be found willing to listen to such pioposels. He 
 sailed for France in November, from there he went to 
 HiiUand, where lie negotiated imi>ortant loans and 
 formed important commercial treaties 
 
 Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed 
 Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, 
 toil and an.xiety through which Mr. .\danis had passed 
 threw him into a fever. After siifTering from a con- 
 tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he 
 was advised to goto England to drink the waters of 
 Bath. While in England, still droo[)inganddesixmd- 
 ing, he received dispatches from his own government 
 urging the necessity of his going to .Vmsterdam to 
 negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was 
 delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through 
 storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he made the trip. 
 
 February 24, 17S5. Congress apix)inted Mr. .'\dams 
 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 apix)int a minister to the United 
 States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom- 
 plishing but little, he sought ]5ermission to return to 
 his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. 
 
 When Washington was first chosen President, John 
 .\(lams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at 
 home and abroad, was chosen Vice President, .\gain 
 at tlie second election of Washington as President, 
 Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, W'ash- 
 ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was 
 elected President, though not without much opposition. 
 Serving in this office four years,he was succeeded by 
 Mr. Jeflferson, his opponent in politics. 
 
 While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great 
 
 French Revolution shook the continent of Euro]>e, 
 and it was uixjn this point which he was at issue with 
 the majority of liis countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. 
 Mr. .\dams felt no symi)athy with the French people 
 in their struggle, for he had no conlidcnce in their 
 power of sell-government, and he utterly abhored the 
 classof atheist piiilosophers wlio he claimed caused it. 
 On the other h.ind Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
 enlisted in beh.iif of the French people. Hence or- 
 iginated the alienation between these distinguished 
 men, and two powerful parties were thus soon orgai.- 
 ized, .\dainS at the head of the one whose sympathies 
 were with England and Jefferson led the other in 
 sympathy with France. 
 
 The worid has seldom seen a sfiectacle of more 
 moral beauty and grandeur, than was [iresentedby the 
 old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling 
 had died away, and he had begun to receive that just 
 appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till 
 after death. No one could look ujwn his venerable 
 form, and think of what he had done and suffered, 
 and how he had given itp 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 
 supiwrting. 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 upon the 
 earth to hail its morning light. And, as. it is 
 well known, on that day two of these finished their 
 earthly pilgrim?ge, 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 being requested to name a toast for the 
 customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- 
 dependence FOREVER." When the day was ushered 
 in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, 
 he was asked by one of his ;:ttendants 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 s]iitit into the bands of his God. 
 
 The personal appearance and manners of Mr. 
 .■\dams were not particularly pre|X)ssessinp. His face, 
 as his ]X)rtrait nianifests,was intellectual ard expres- 
 sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his 
 manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. 
 He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor 
 the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked 
 the manners and address of Jefferson. 
 
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 THIiW P RES ID EN T. 
 
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 ^'TT ^T i\S JE T-PK T? ^ D .\, 
 
 FIOMAS JEFFERSON was 
 born April 2, 1743, at Shad- 
 •'«cll, All)ermarle county, Va. 
 His parents were Peter and 
 Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, 
 the former a native of Wales, 
 and the latter born in Lon- 
 don. To them were born six 
 daughters and two sons, of 
 whom Thomas was the elder. 
 When 14 years of age his 
 father died. He received a 
 most liberal education, hav- 
 ing been kept diligently at school 
 from the time he was five years of 
 age. In 1760 he entered William 
 and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat 
 of the Colonial Court, and it was the oIkhIc of fashion 
 a.id splendor. V'oiing Jefferson, who was then 17 
 years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine 
 horses, and much caressed by gay society, yei he 
 was earnestly devoted lo his studies, and irreproacha- 
 able in his morals. It is strange, however, under 
 such inlli;ences,that he was not ruined. In the sec- 
 ond year of his college course, moved by some un- 
 explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, 
 society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had 
 previously given much time. He often devo'.ed filteen 
 hours a day to haid study, allowing himself for ex- 
 ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out 
 of the city and back again. He thus attained very 
 high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- 
 ])hy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and 
 Greek authors he read wi'.h facility. A more finished 
 scholar ha= seldom cone forth from collci;eh.nlls: and 
 
 there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a 
 more pureminded, ujjright, gentlemanly young man. 
 
 Immediately uixm leaving college he began the 
 study of law. For the short time he continued in the 
 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. 
 The policy of England had awakened the spirit of 
 resistance of tiie -American Colonies, and the enlarged 
 views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led 
 him into active [xjlitical life. In 1769 he was chosen 
 a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 
 1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- 
 ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow. 
 
 Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there 
 was a majestic swell of land, called .Monlicello, which 
 commanded a jirospec t of wonderful extent and 
 beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new 
 home; and here he reared a m.msion of modest yet 
 elegant architecture, which, next to .Mount Vernon, 
 I)ecame the most distinguished resort in our land. 
 
 In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, 
 where, though a .silent member, his abilities as a 
 writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
 was placed uiwn a number of im|X)rtant committees, 
 and was chairman of the one apixjinted for the draw- 
 ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- 
 mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, 
 Benjamin Franklin, Roger .Sherman and Robert K. 
 Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was apjwinted 
 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 m.ade 
 in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 
 4, 1776. What must have been the feelir.gN of that 
 
.► i r^ 
 
 L, 
 
 THOMAS JEFFERSON. 
 
 \ 
 
 man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — 
 who was charged with tlie preparation of that dec- 
 laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of 
 America, was also to publish her to the world, free, 
 fcovcrign and independent. It is one of the most re- 
 markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort 
 of tlie mind of its author exist, that alone would be 
 sufficient to stamj) his name with immortality. 
 
 In 1779 Mr. jetTerson was elected successor to 
 Patrick Henry, ;.s Governor of Virginia. Atone time 
 the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to 
 Monticello, 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 tlic 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 appointed Minister Plenipo- 
 tentiary to France. Returning to the United States 
 in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State 
 in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned 
 Jan. I, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- 
 dent, and four years later was elected President over 
 Mr. Adams, with .\aron 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 [wlitical life. For a period of nearly 
 forty years, he had been continually before the i)ub- 
 lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of 
 the greatest trust and resjxjnsibility. 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 reiiuired, and ujwn the organization of 
 the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- 
 well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. 
 
 Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole 
 families came in their coaches with their horses, — 
 fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and 
 nurses, — and remained three and even six months. 
 Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a 
 fashionable watering-plare. 
 
 The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- 
 
 sary of the Declaration of American Independence, 
 great preparations were made in every part of tht 
 Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and 
 the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnii) 
 of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer. 
 and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- 
 tion, to participate in their testivities. But an ill- 
 ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and 
 had been continually increasing, compelled him to 
 decline the invitation. 
 
 On the second of July, the disease under which 
 he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
 state that his medical attendants, entertained no 
 hope of his recovery. From this time he was jxirfectly 
 sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next 
 d;iy, which was Monday, he asked of those around 
 him, the day of the month, and on being told it was 
 the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish that 
 he might be permitted to breathe the airof the fiftieth 
 anniversary-. His prayer was heard — that day, whose 
 dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, 
 burst uix)n his eyes, and then they were closed for- 
 ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble 
 life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - 
 the day which his own name and his own act had 
 rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and 
 festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, 
 as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, 
 was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. 
 
 -Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
 dred s])irit 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 desjxjnding countrymen; for half a 
 century they had lalxjred together for tne 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 andsilverj'; his comi)L'xion was fair, his fore 
 head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and 
 thoughtful. He jxissessed great fortitude of mind as 
 well as personal courage ; and his command of tem- 
 per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends 
 never recollected to have seen him in a passion. 
 His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- 
 affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that 
 all found at his ho\ise a re.ndy welcome. In conver- 
 sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and 
 his language was remartcably pure and correct. He 
 was a finished classic.d schol.Tr. and in his writings is 
 discernable the care wiih which he formed his style 
 ujxjn the best models of antiquity. 
 
 ■ » 
 
J^ (Z/0(y<-^ j(yCC i*A.A^^ c^K 
 
u 
 
 FOURTH PR EVIDENT. 
 
 3« 
 
 pn]ES n]7iDisoi]. 
 
 AMES MADISON, "Father 
 |>\ of tlic Constitution," and tburth 
 , President of the United States, 
 O- X ^vas born March i6, 1757, and 
 '--^\ died at his home in N'irginia, 
 /^^ June 28, 1836. Tlie name of 
 James Madison is inseiiarabl) con- 
 nected with most of tlie inijxjrtant 
 events in that heroic period of our 
 coimtry during which the founda- 
 tions of this great re\)ublic were 
 laid. He was the last of the founders 
 of the Constitution of the United 
 States to ))e called to his eternal 
 reward. 
 
 The Madison family were among 
 the early emigrants to the New World, 
 landing uikju the shores of the Chesa- 
 l)eake but 15 years after the settle- 
 ment of Jamestown. The father of 
 James Madison was an opulent 
 , planter, residing \\\io\\ a very fine es- 
 tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co., 
 Va. The mansion was situated in 
 tile midst of scenery higiily pictur- 
 esque and romantic, on the west side 
 of South-west Mountain, at the foot of 
 It was but 25 miles from the home of 
 Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and 
 lohtical attachment existed between these illustrious 
 men, from their early youth until death. 
 
 riie 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 himsi-lf to study with the most im- 
 
 Blue Ridge. 
 
 prudent zeal ; allowing himself, for months, but three 
 hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so 
 seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor 
 of constitution. He graduated in 177 i, with a feeble 
 body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a 
 mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning 
 which embellislied and gave proficiency to his subsf 
 quent career. 
 
 Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of 
 law and a courseof extensive and systematic reading. 
 This educational course, the spirit of the times in 
 which he lived, and the society with which he asso- 
 ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong 
 love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of 
 a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of 
 mind, and his frail health leading him to think that 
 his life was not to lie long, he diiected es|)ecial atten- 
 tion to theological studies. P'.ndowed with a mind 
 singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with 
 almost unequalled jxjwers 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 
 (1777), he was a candidate for the General .Assembly. 
 He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and 
 consequently lost his election ; but those who had 
 witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the 
 modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, 
 and he was ap|X)inled 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 
 
•^1^^ 
 
 32 
 
 JAMES MADISOI^. 
 
 4^ 
 
 intclleclual, social and moral worth, contributed not 
 a little to his subsequent enunence. In the year 
 1780, he was elected a member of the Continental 
 Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in 
 our hind, and he was imniedialely assigned to one of 
 the most consijicuous positions among them. 
 
 For tliree years Mr. Madison continued in Con- 
 gress, one of its most active and inlluential members. 
 In the year 17S4, his term having expired, he was 
 elected a member of tlie \'irginia Legislature. 
 
 No man felt more deeply tlian Mr. Madison the 
 utter inelhciency of the old confederacy, with no na- 
 tional government, with no jxiwer to form treaties 
 which would be binding, or to enforce law. There 
 was not any State more prominent than Virginia in 
 the declaration, that an efficient national government 
 must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison 
 carried a resolution througli the General Assembly of 
 Virginia, inviting the other States to apix)int commis- 
 sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss 
 this subject. Five States only were represented. 'l"he 
 convention, however, issued another call, drawn up 
 by Mr. Madison, urgmg all the .States to send their 
 delegates to Piiiladelphia, 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 apiwinted. Every State but Rhode Island 
 was represented. George Washington was chosen 
 president of the convention; and the present Consti- 
 tution of the United States was then and there formed. 
 There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more- ac- 
 tive in framing this immortal document than the mind 
 and the pen of James Madison. 
 
 The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was 
 to be presented to the several .States for acceptance. 
 But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected 
 we should be left but a conglomeration of independent 
 States, with but little jjower at home and little respect 
 abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven- 
 tion to draw up an address to the people of the United 
 States, exjiounding the principles of the Constitution, 
 and urging its adoption. There was great opixjsition 
 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 the first Congress, and soon became the 
 avowed leader of the Republican party. While in 
 New V'ork attending Congress, he met Mrs Todd, a 
 young widow of remarkable ]X)wer of fascination, 
 whom he married. She was in person and character 
 iiueenly, and proliably no lady has thus far occu|)ied 
 so prominent a |)osition in the very peculiar society 
 which has constituted our republican court as Mrs. 
 Madison. 
 
 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 F.ngland h.id brought us to tlie verge of war. 
 
 British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and 
 our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison 
 was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiiing 
 in his dis[X3sition, war had no charms for him. But the 
 meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blouil 
 boil, even now, to think of an .•\merican ship brought 
 to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. 
 .\ young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
 crew to be paraded before him. \\'itii great nonchal- 
 ance lie selects any number whom he may please to 
 designate as Britisli subjects ; orders them down the 
 ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- 
 deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the 
 battles of England. This right of search and im- 
 pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce 
 tiie British cabinet to relintpiisji. 
 
 On the i8th of June, 181 2, President Madison gave 
 his ap])roval 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, IS' 1 3, was re-elected by a large majority, 
 and entered u|>on his second term of office. This is 
 not the place to describe the various adventures of 
 this war on the land and on the water. Our infant 
 navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- 
 jiling wiih the most formidable power which ever 
 swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest 
 by the appearance of a British fleet, early in Febriiaiy, 
 1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole 
 coast of the United States under blockade. 
 
 The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me 
 ditator. .Vmerica acce|)ted ; F2ngland refused. A Brit- 
 ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks 
 of the Patu.xet River, near its entrance into Chesa- 
 peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- 
 burg, \\\)o\\ Washington. 
 
 The straggling little city of Washington was thrown 
 into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict 
 at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the 
 metro]X)lis. The wliole |)opulation fled from the city. 
 The President, leaving Sirs. Madison in tlie White 
 House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to 
 await his sjieedy 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 liours elapsed ere the Prcsideiiti.il 
 Mansion, the Capitol, ar.d all the jjublic buildings in 
 Washington were in flames. 
 
 The war closed after two years of fighting, and on 
 Feb. 13, 18 1 5, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of 
 office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair 
 to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his heau- 
 tit'ul home at Montpelier, and there jiassed the re- 
 mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at tlie 
 age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- 
 son died July 12, 1849. 
 
 — ■► 
 
-^ 
 
 ^"z^ 
 
■♦- 
 
 PIFTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 35 
 
 i^ 
 
 AJ^f /'>.\>^^S^_ 
 
 
 -^t»i 
 
 ' >^ 
 
 
 '^eisr^ j\'^ 
 
 AMES MONROE, the fifth 
 I'residentof The United States, 
 was born in Westmoreland Co., 
 \'a., April 28, 1758. His early 
 life was passed at the place of 
 nativity. His ancestors had for 
 many years resided in the prov- 
 ince in which he was born. When, 
 i\ at 17 years of age, in the process 
 S» of completing his education at 
 William and Mary College, the Co- 
 lonial Congress assembled at Phila- 
 delphia to deliberate \x\K)n the un- 
 just and manifold oppressions of 
 (Ireat Britian. declared the separa- 
 tion of the Colonies, and promul- 
 gated the Declaration of Indepen- 
 dence. Had he been Iwm 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 [xjuring 
 in; and the tories not only favored the cause of the 
 mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, 
 who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- 
 tending with an enemy whom they had been taught 
 to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James 
 Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through 
 iliOiculty and danger, the United States owe their 
 |iolitical emancipation. The young cadet joined the 
 ranks, and esjioused the cause of his injured country, 
 with a firm delcrmination to live or die with her strife 
 
 for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- 
 ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White 
 Plains, and accomjianied the dispirited army as it fled 
 before its foes through New Jersey. In four mimths 
 after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots 
 had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of 
 Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- 
 ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left 
 shoulder. 
 
 As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was j^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 Lord Sterling. During the cam- 
 paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy 
 wine, Cermantown and Monmouth, he continued 
 aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his 
 ixjsition 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. Uijon 
 this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
 that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable 
 ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, 
 entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; 
 but on the invasions of the enemy, sen-ed as a volun- 
 teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. 
 
 In 17S2, he was elected from King George county, 
 a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that 
 lK)dy he was elevated to a seat in the Executive 
 Council. He was thus honored with the confidence 
 of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having 
 at this early period displayed some of that ability 
 and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards 
 employed with unremitting energy for the public good, ' 
 
 i 
 
i 
 
 4^ 
 36 
 
 JAMES MONROE. 
 
 lie was in the succeeding year cliosen a member of 
 ihc'Qjngress of the United States. 
 Decplyas Mr. Monioefelt the imperfectionsof theold 
 Confederacy, he was opixjsed to tlie new Constitution, 
 -hinking, with many others of the Republican party, 
 '.hat it gave too much iwwcr 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 wlio, 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 sep- 
 arated them were, that the Republican party was in 
 sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a 
 strict construction of the Constitution as to give the 
 Central Government as little power, and the State 
 Governments as much ixjwer, 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 jMwer to the 
 Central Government as that document could possibly 
 authorize. 
 
 The leading Federalists and Republicans were 
 alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the 
 good of the nation. Two more honest men or more 
 pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and 
 James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In 
 building up this majestic nation, which is destined 
 to eclipse all Grecian and .\ssy riau greatness, the com- 
 bination of their antagonism was needed to create the 
 light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- 
 nounced as almost a demon. 
 
 Washington was then President. England had es- 
 poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi- 
 ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn 
 into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. 
 Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- 
 tween these contending powers. France had hel|)ed 
 us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms 
 of Europe were now combined to prevent the French 
 from escaping from a tyramiy a thousand-fold worse 
 than that which we had endured Col. Monroe, more 
 magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
 whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
 their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous 
 and noble nature. He violently ojjjwsed the Pres- 
 ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in 
 magnanimity. 
 
 Washington, who could apnreciate such a character, 
 developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, 
 by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- 
 nouncing the jxjlicy of the Government, as the minister 
 of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
 Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention 
 in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. 
 
 Shortly after his return to this countrj', Mr. Mon- 
 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 Spain. Tneir united elTorts were suc- 
 cessful. For the comparatively small smn 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 wases'er made in all the historj- of the world 
 
 From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- 
 tain from that coimtr)' some recognition of our 
 rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those 
 odious impressments of our seamen. but FLng- 
 land was unrelenting. He agam returned to F^ng- 
 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 jxisitioii of Secretary of State tmder 
 Madison. While in tliis office war with England was 
 declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during 
 these trjing times, the duties of the War Department 
 were also put uiKjn him. He was truly the armor- 
 bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient 
 business man in his cabinet. Ujxjn the return ot 
 peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- 
 tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex- 
 piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. .\t the elci - 
 tion held the ])revious autmnn Mr. Monroe himself had 
 been chosen President with but little op[X)silion, and 
 uiwn March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years 
 later he was elected for a second term. 
 
 Among the important measures of his Presidency 
 were the cession of F'loinda to the United -States; the 
 Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'' 
 
 This famous doctrine, since known as the "Monroe 
 doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. .\t that 
 time the United Stales had recognized the indc[)end- 
 ence of the South American st;ites. and did not wish 
 to have European |K)wers longer attempting to sub- 
 due [wrtions of the American Continent. The doctrine 
 is as follows: "That we should lonsider any attempt 
 on the part of F^uropean |X)wers to extend their sys- 
 tem to any j)ortion of this hemisjdiere as dangerous 
 to our peace and safety," and "that we could not 
 view any interposition for the purjxjse of oppressing 
 or controlling American governments or provinces in 
 any other light than as a manifestation by European 
 ixjwers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United 
 St^ites." This doctrine immediately afTectcd the course 
 of foreign governments, and has become the approved 
 sentiment of the United States. 
 
 .\t the end of his fecond 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. 
 
■■J 
 
 5. 5, Ai 
 
 curt\i 
 
A^ 
 
 S/X TH PRESIDENT. 
 
 39 , [ 
 
 
 
 
 
 !^::::-+ 
 
 %^ 
 
 ,3 
 
 OHM QUINCY ADAMS, the 
 sixth President of the United 
 ^States, was lx)rn in the rural 
 lionie of his honored father, 
 John Adams, in Qaincy, Mass., 
 on tlie I ith cf July, 1767. His 
 mother, a woman of exalted 
 worth, watched over his childhood 
 during the almost constant ab- 
 sence of his father. When hut 
 eight years of age, he stood with 
 ' his niother on an eminence, listen- 
 ing to the hoouiing of the great hat- 
 tie 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 fainer for Eurojie, 
 through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, 
 animated lioy sjient a year and a half in I'aiis, where 
 his fitlier was associated with P'ranklin and Lee as 
 Mimisier pleniiwtentiary. His intelligence attracted 
 I he notice of these distinguished men, and he received 
 from them flattering marks of attention. 
 
 .Mr. John Adams h.id scarcely returned to this 
 country, in 1779, ere he was againsent abroad Again 
 John (^uincy accompanied his father. At Paris he 
 applied himself with great diligence, for six months, 
 to study; then accompained his father to Holland, 
 where he entered, first a school in .\msterdam, then 
 the I'niversity at I.eyden. Alxjut a year from this 
 time, in 1781, when the manly l.oy was but fourteen 
 years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- 
 ister to the Russian court, as his private secretarj'. 
 
 In this school of incessant lalx>r and of enobling 
 rulture he s|>ent 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. Aeain he resumed 
 his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence, 
 
 I in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to 
 Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance 
 with the most distinguished men on the Con;incnt; 
 examining arciiitectural remains, galleries of paintings, 
 and all renowned works of art. At I'aris he again 
 became associated with the most illustrious men of 
 all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest tem|X)ral 
 themes which can engross the human mind. After 
 a short visit to Kiigland he returned to Paris, and 
 
 i consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, 
 when he returned to .America. To a l>rilliant young 
 man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, 
 
 i and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a 
 residence with his father in London, under such cir- 
 cumstances, must have been extremely attractive; 
 but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre- 
 ferred to return to .America to complete his education 
 in an .American college. He wished then to study 
 law, that with an honorable profession, he might be 
 able to obtain an inde[)endent support. 
 
 Ujxjn leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty, 
 he studied law fur thiee years. In June, 1794, be- 
 ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- 
 ]x>inted by Washington, resident minister at the 
 Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached 
 Ixjndon in f)ctober. where he was immediately admit- 
 ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, 
 assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with 
 (iieat Britian. After thus sfiending a fortnight in 
 Ix)ndon, he proceeded to the Hague. 
 
 In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as 
 minister pleni]X)icniiary. On his way to Portugal, 
 ufjon arriving in London, he met with des[«atches 
 directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting 
 him to remain in London until he should receive his 
 instructions. \\hile w.niting he was mairied to an 
 American l.ndy to whom he had been ))reviously en- 
 gaged, — M'ss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter 
 of Mr. Joshua Johnson. American consul in London; 
 a lady endownd with that bt;auty and those accom- 
 ]ilishment which eminently filled her to move in the 
 elevated sphere for which she was destined. 
 
 I 
 
 ■•► 
 
 V 
 
•>-HI^ 
 
 40 
 
 JOHN QUtNCV ADAMS. 
 
 He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; 
 where he remained until July, 1799, when, havingful- 
 filled all the puriwsc.s ot his mission, he soHcited his 
 recall. 
 
 Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to 
 the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then 
 was elected Senator of the United States for six years, 
 from the 4tii of March, 1804. His reputation, his 
 ability and his experience, placed him immediately 
 among the most prominent and influential members 
 ofthatlwdy. Esi)ecially 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 tlie arrogance of the British court upon 
 these jxaints, and no one more resolved to present 
 a firm resistance. 
 
 In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres- 
 idential chair, and he immediately nominated John 
 Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign- 
 ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked 
 at Boston, in August, 1809. 
 
 Wliile 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 imixirtar.t 
 part of his studies. It was his rule to read five 
 chapters every day. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 1S17, Mr. Monroe took the 
 Presidential chair, and immediately ap|)ointed Mr. 
 Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- 
 erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 
 sailed in June, 1819, forthe United States. On the 
 i8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his 
 home in Quincy. During the eight yearsof .Mr. Mon- 
 roe's administration, Mr Adams continued Secretary 
 of State. 
 
 Some time l)efore the close of Mr. Monroe's second 
 term of offii e, new candidates began to l)e presented 
 forthe 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 .\dams, eiglity-four; 
 William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- 
 seven. As there was no choice by the people, the 
 fpiestion wer.t to the House of Representatives. Mr. 
 Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and 
 he was elected. 
 
 The friends of all the disappointed candidates now 
 combined in a venomous and persistent assault Ujxin 
 Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in 
 the past history of our country than the abuse whi< h 
 
 was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this 
 high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was 
 an administration more pure in principles, more con- 
 scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- 
 try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per- 
 haps, was there an administration more unscrupu- 
 lously and outrageously assailed. 
 
 Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- 
 stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising 
 early, and taking much exercise. W hen at his home in 
 Quincy, he lias been known to walk, before breakfast, 
 seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said 
 that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his 
 own fire and applying himself to work in his library 
 often long before dawn. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
 from the Presidency, and was succeeded by .Andrew 
 Jackson. John C. Callioun was elected \"ice I'resi- , 
 dent. The slavery question now began to assume 
 |X)rlentous 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 [leers, ever ready to 
 do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of 
 "the old man eloquent." Ujwn taking his seat in 
 the House, he announced that he should hold him- 
 self bound to no party. Probably there never was a 
 member more devoted to his duties. He was usually 
 the first in his place in the morning, and the last to 
 leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could 
 be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The 
 battle wiiich Mr. .Adams fought, almost singly, against 
 the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime 
 in Its moral daiing and heroism. For persisting in 
 presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he 
 was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, 
 with expulsion from the Houee, with assassination ; 
 but no threats could intimidate him, and h.is 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 yeais, yielding 10 the simple faith of a little 
 child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before 
 he slept, the pra)er 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 by paraly- 
 sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. 
 For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to 
 the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- 
 ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around ar.d 
 said " T/iis is the cndof earth .-"then after a moment's 
 pause he add. 'd, '''' I am content" These were the 
 last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent." 
 
 •► 
 
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 SEIENTH FRESIJjENT. 
 
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 (»«a-<~T!«<i «- ^^TT 
 
 
 NDREW JACKSON, the 
 seventh President of the 
 ' United States, was born .in 
 Waxhaw settlement, N. (J., 
 March 15, 1767, a few days 
 after liis father's death. His 
 parents were (xxjr emigrants 
 from Ireland, and took up 
 their abode in Waxhaw set- 
 tlement, where they lived in 
 deepest iwverty. 
 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. 
 
 Wlien only thirteen years old he joined the volun- 
 teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 
 17S1, he and his brother Robert were captured and 
 imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer 
 ordered him to brush his mud-siiattered boots. " I am 
 a i)risoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of 
 the dauntless boy. 
 
 The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate 
 blow at the head of the helpless young j)risoner. 
 .\ndrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- 
 ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other ujwn 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-jjox. Their 
 mother was successful in obtaining their exchange, 
 
 i~ 
 
 and took her sick boys home, .\fter a long illness 
 .\ndrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon 
 left him entirely friendless. 
 
 Andrew supiwrted hiinself in various ways, such as 
 working at the saddler's tr.ide, teaching school and 
 clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he 
 entered a law olfice at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, 
 gave more attention to the wild amusements of the 
 times than to his studies. In 1788, he was apixjinted 
 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 tlie Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish 
 witn the Sharp Knife. 
 
 In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who 
 supixjsed herself divorced from her former husband. 
 Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, 
 to find that tiie conditionsof the divorce had just been 
 definitely settled by the first husi)and. 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 Territor)' 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 nieml er in 
 the National House of Representatives. .Andrew Jack- 
 son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he 
 rode to Philedclphia, where Congress then held its 
 
•¥^-if^ 
 
 1 
 
 ,t 
 
 44 
 
 ANDRE W JACKSON. 
 
 sessions, — a distance of about eight hundred miles. 
 
 Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
 cratic purty. Jefferson was his idol. He admired 
 Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. 
 Jackson took his seat, Gon. Washington, whose 
 second term of office was then e.vpi;ii;g, delivered his 
 last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a 
 com[)linientary 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 adminstration had been 
 " wise, firm and patriotic." 
 
 Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
 Senate in r797, but soon resigned and returned home. 
 Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court 
 of his State, which \x)sition he held fjr si.\ years. 
 
 When the war of 1812 witii tireat Britian com- 
 menced, Madison occupied tiie Presidential chair. 
 Aaron B irr sent word to the President that there was 
 an unknown man in the West, .\ndrew Jackson, who 
 would do credit to a commission if one were con- 
 ferred ujxjn him. Just at that time (ien. Jackson 
 offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred 
 volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troo[)s 
 were assembled at Nashville. 
 
 As the British were hourly expected to make an at- 
 tack uiwn New Orleans, where Gen Wilkinson was 
 in command, lie was ordered to descend the river 
 with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The 
 expedition reached Natchez; and afteradelay of sev- 
 eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, 
 the men were ordered back to their homes. But the 
 energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire 
 devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him 
 golden opinions ; and he became the most popular 
 man in the State. It was in this expedition that his 
 toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory." 
 
 Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. 
 Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman 
 made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in 
 which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, 
 he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was 
 lingering vii)on a l)ed 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 moimt his horse without assis- 
 tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an 
 army to rendezvous at Favettesville, .-Mabama. 
 
 The Creek Indians jiad established a strong fort on 
 one of the bends of theTallaiX)osa River, near the cen- 
 ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. 
 With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson 
 traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven 
 dnys. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or 
 Horse-shoe, on «hc 27th of March. 1814. The bend 
 
 of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of 
 tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow 
 neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast- 
 work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, 
 with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. 
 
 The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des- 
 perate. Not an Indian would accept of (luarter. 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 even,- one of the nine hundred war- 
 rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam 
 the river and escaped. This ended the war. The 
 l)ower of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold 
 plunge into the wilderness, with its territfic slaughter, 
 so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants 
 of the bands caiue to the camp, begging for peace. 
 
 This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- 
 centrate all our militia ujwn 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 apix)inted major-general. 
 
 Late in .\ugust, 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 uixjn 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 shijjs was blown up and the rest retired. 
 
 Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little 
 army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
 .\nd the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, 
 was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won 
 for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his 
 troops, which numbered about four thousand men, 
 won a signal victory over the British army of about 
 nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the 
 loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. 
 
 The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- 
 tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 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 our countn,'; applauded by one party, 
 condemned by the other. No man had more bitter 
 enemies or warmer friends. .\\. the expiration of his 
 two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where 
 he died lune 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- 
 son's life were th^t of a devoted Christian man. 
 
 i 
 
I 
 
O > ^y^U'e^ ^^i^J U^L,€.^^.<L-^ 
 
-4•■ 
 
 EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 ■«»- 
 
 47 
 
 
 ■••■^i^>i^ 
 
 
 e^^•) 
 
 3 
 
 AKTIN' VA\ HU REN, the 
 eighth President of the 
 L'nited States, was born at 
 Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 
 1782. He died at the same 
 [>lace, July 24, 1862. His 
 body rests in the cemetery 
 at Kinderhook. Above it is 
 a plain granite shaft fifteen feet 
 high, bearing a simple inscription 
 about half way up on one face. 
 The lot is unfenced, unbordered 
 or unbounded by shrub or flower. 
 
 There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren 
 of rxjmantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged 
 in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in 
 ixilitical and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many 
 signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those 
 incidents which give zest to biography. His an- 
 cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, 
 and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland 
 to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, 
 residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, 
 also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
 ligence and exemplary piety. 
 
 He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- 
 usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. .At the 
 age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies 
 in his native village, and commenced the study of 
 law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven 
 years of study in a law-office were reipiired of him 
 before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with 
 a lofiy ambition, and conscious of his [wwers, he |)ur- 
 sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After 
 ijending six yeirs in an office in his native village. 
 
 he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his 
 studies for the seveniii year. 
 
 In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of 
 age, commenced tlie practice of law in his native vil- 
 lage. The great conflict between the I-ederal and 
 Republican party was then at its height. Mr. ^'an 
 Buren was from the beginning a jKjlitician. He had, 
 perhaps, imbibed that si)irit while listening to the 
 many discussions which had been earned on in his 
 father's hotel. He was in cordial symi)nthy with 
 Jefferson, and earnestly and elotpiently espoused the 
 cause of State Rights; though at that time the I-ed- 
 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, th.; 
 county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years 
 constantly gaining strength by contending in tlu 
 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 accomplishments. .After twelve short 
 years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump- 
 tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over 
 her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was 
 an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record 
 of those years is barren in items of public interest. 
 In 181 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to 
 the State Senate, and uave his strenuous sup|x)rt to 
 Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ai>- 
 pointed Attorney-Cieneral, and the next year moved 
 to Albany, the capital of the State. 
 
 While he was .ncknowledged as one of the most 
 jKomiiient leaders of the Democratic party, he h^d 
 
 :?^rf-^ 
 
48 
 
 ■•► 
 
 MARTIN VAN BUHEN. 
 
 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 principles, he contended that, while the 
 path leading to the privilege of voting should be open 
 to every man without distinction, no one should be 
 invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were 
 in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue 
 and some property interests in the welfare of the 
 State. 
 
 In 182 I he was elected a nrember 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 ixjsition as an active and useful legislator. 
 
 In 1S27, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
 Presidential chair, Mr. Van Biiren was re-elected to 
 the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- 
 termined opposer of the .Administration, adojiting the 
 "State Rights" view in opposition to what was 
 deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. .\danis. 
 
 Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen (iovernorof 
 the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his 
 seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United 
 States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. 
 Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it 
 Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether 
 entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- 
 garded throughout the United States as one of the 
 most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. 
 It was supjKJsed that 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 jwlitical army which would, secretly and 
 stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By 
 these ]X)wers 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 
 apiK-inted Mr. Van Buren Secretary of Stale. This 
 position he resigned in 1831, a-id was immediately 
 appointed Minister to England, where he went the 
 stFtie autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, 
 refused to ratify the nomination, and he leturned 
 
 •►^h^-l?: 
 
 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 confinn his nomination 
 as ambassador. 
 
 His rejection by the Senate roused al! 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 o'i the 
 canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. \'an 
 Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. 
 Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred 
 upon him the jxjwer 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 question, and finally the great commer- 
 cial panic which spread over the country, all were 
 trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- 
 tributed to the management of the Democratic party, 
 and brought the President into such disfavor that he 
 failed of re-election. 
 
 With the exception of being nominated for the 
 Presidency by the " Free Soil " Democrats, in 1 848, 
 Mr. Van Buren lived cpiietlv u[x>n his estate until 
 his death. 
 
 He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, 
 and living within his income, had now fortunately a 
 competence for his declining years. His unblemished 
 character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned 
 patriotism, and the distinguished iwsitions which he 
 had occupied in the government of our country, se- 
 cured to him not only the homage of his party, but 
 the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 
 4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from 
 the presidency. From his fine estate at I.indenwald, 
 he still exerted a jxjwerful influence upon theix)litics 
 of the countr)^ 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, probably far more happiness than he had before 
 experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. 
 
yCtJ'. //r ^^^^aA.^T'^^ 
 
» I I <•• 
 
 NINTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 < < 4 
 
 %y:: 
 
 "^(mAmi H^ENini m4imii(Mi. 
 
 
 T 
 
 ILIJAM HKNRV HARRI- 
 SON', the iiiiitli I'resiiieiU ot 
 the United States, was born 
 at licikeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. 
 His fatiier, Benjamin Harri- 
 son, was in comparatively op- 
 ulent circumstances, and was 
 one of the most distinguished 
 men of his day. He was an 
 intimate friend of George 
 Washington, w as early elected 
 a member of the Continental 
 Congress, and was conspicuous 
 among the patriots of Virginia in 
 resisting the encroachments of the 
 British crown. In the celebrated 
 t'ongress of 1775, Benjamin Har- 
 rison and John Hancock were 
 both candidates for the office of 
 speaker. 
 
 Mr Harrison was subsequently 
 chosen Governor of Virginia, and 
 was twice re-elected. His son, 
 William Henry, of course enjoyed 
 in childhood all the advantages which wealth and 
 intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
 ing received a thorough common-school education, he 
 entered Hamixlen Sidney College, where he graduated 
 with honor soon after the death of his father. He 
 then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under 
 the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of 
 Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, 
 signers of the Declaration of Independence. 
 
 U|X3n the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- 
 withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he 
 abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, 
 havinp obt.Tined a commission of Ensign from Presi- 
 
 dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. 
 From that time lie passed gradually upward in rank 
 until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose 
 death lie resigned his connnission. He was then ai)- 
 pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This 
 Territory ^as then entitled to but one member in 
 Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that 
 position. 
 
 In the spring of iSoo the North-western Territory 
 was divided by Congress into two [wrtions. The 
 eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced 
 in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory 
 north-west of tlie Ohio." Tiie western [lorlion, 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 a]>- 
 IXjinted by John .\dams. 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 uixjn the globe. He 
 was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- 
 vested with jxjwers nearly dictatorial over the now 
 rapidly increasing white population. The aliility and 
 fidelity with whiih he discharged these res|>onsible 
 duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four 
 times appointed to this office — first by John Adams, 
 twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- 
 dent Madison. 
 
 When he began his adminstration there were but 
 three white settlementsin that almost boimdless region, 
 now crowded with cities and resounding with all the 
 tumult of wealth and traffic. Oneof these settlements 
 was on the Ohio, nearly ojiposite Louisville; one at 
 Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the thiid a French 
 settlement. 
 
 The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison 
 reigned was filled with manv tribes of Indian.^ .About 
 
52 
 
 WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 
 
 " ■i r^ M 
 
 -t 
 
 the year 1806, two extraordinary mer, twin brothers, 
 of the Shawnesc tribe, rose among theni. One of 
 these was tailed Tecuniseh, or " The Crouching 
 Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or "The Prophet." 
 Tecumseh was not only an Inaian warrior, but a man 
 of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- 
 able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might 
 engage. He was inspired with the higliest enthusiasm, 
 and had long regarded with dread and with hatred 
 the encroachment of the whiles upon the hunting- 
 grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was 
 anorator, wlio could sway the feelings of the untutored 
 Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which 
 they dwelt. 
 
 But the Prophet was not merely an orator : he was, 
 in the su|)erstiuous minds of the Indians, invested 
 with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a 
 magician. Witli 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 Tii)pe- 
 canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. 
 October 28, 18 12, Ins 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 
 short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- 
 ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. 
 
 But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with 
 the In(iian character to be deceived by such protes- 
 tations Selecting a favorable sixDt for his night's en- 
 campment, he took every precaution against surprise. 
 His troops were jiosted in a hollow stiuare, and slept 
 Ujjon their arms. 
 
 The troops threw themselves uixjn the ground for 
 ' rest; but every man had his accourtremenis on, his 
 loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The 
 wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in 
 the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- 
 tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It 
 was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In 
 the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- 
 ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all 
 the desperation which superstition and |)assion most 
 highly inflamed could give, u|X)n the left flank of the 
 little army. The savages had been amply provided 
 with guns and ammunition by the English. Their 
 war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. 
 
 The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the 
 light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- 
 Dus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubtir.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 bavonet, and swept every thing be- 
 fore them, and conpletely routing tlr" foe. 
 
 A* 
 
 Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
 to the utmost. The British descending from the Can- 
 adas, were ol themselves a very formidable forte ; but 
 with llieir savage allies, rushing like wolves from the 
 forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- 
 ing, plu.idering, scalpiiig, 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, Crov. Harrison 
 was apjwinted by Presiiient Madison commander-in- 
 chief of the North-western army, wiih 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 liarrison was found equal to the i)osition, 
 and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re 
 siK)nsibilities. 
 
 He won the love of his soldiers by always sharine 
 with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while 
 pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a 
 valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket 
 lashed over his saddle Thirty-five British officers, 
 his prisoners of war, sup[)ed wiiii 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 represent 
 the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved' an 
 active member; and whenever he s[X)ke, it was with 
 force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested 
 the attention of all the members. 
 
 In 1S19, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
 Ohio; and in 1S24, as one of the presidential electors 
 of that State, he gave his vote for Henry t'lay. The 
 same year he was chosen to the I'nited States Senate. 
 
 In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him 
 forward as a candidate for the Presidency against 
 Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of 
 Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re -nominated by his 
 party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated 
 by the Whigs, with John Tyler (orthe Vice Presidency. 
 The contest was very animated, lien Jackson gave 
 all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but 
 his triumph was signal. 
 
 The cabinet which be formed, with Daniel Webster 
 at its head as Secretary of Stale, was one of the most 
 brilliant with which anv President had ever been 
 surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- 
 istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country 
 more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and 
 joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a 
 pleurisv-fever and after a few days of violent sick- 
 ness, died on the 4th of .April ; just one month after 
 his iiVTUguration as President of the United States. 
 
 =^ 
 
-4^ 
 
 TENTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 ■•► 
 
 55 
 
 ^> JDlir^ TTIEE, 
 
 I OHX T^ 
 xk Presidentc 
 
 I 
 
 TYLER, the tenth 
 pa r icbiuentof the United States. 
 He was horn in Charles-city 
 Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He 
 was the favored child of af- 
 fluence and high social [X)- 
 sition. .\t the early age of 
 twelve, John entered William 
 i and Mary College and grad- 
 
 uated with much honor when 
 I 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 P^dmund 
 Randolph, one of the most distin- 
 guished lawyers of Virginia. 
 
 \\. nineteen years of age, ne 
 commenced the practice of law. 
 His success was rapid and aston- 
 ishing. It is said that three 
 months had not elapsed ere there 
 was scarcely a case on the dock- 
 I et of the court in which he was 
 
 r.ot 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- 
 1 rntic party, and warmly advocated the measures of 
 IcfTerson 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 
 .1 member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and 
 .ibly with the Democratic party, opposing a national 
 bank, internal improvements by the General Govern- 
 
 ment, a i)rotective tariff, and advocating a strict con- 
 struction of the Constitution, and the most careful 
 vigilante over Stale rights. His labors in Congress 
 wore so arduous that before the close of his second 
 term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his 
 estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, 
 however, soon after consented to take his seat in the 
 State Legislature, where his influence was powerful 
 in promoting public works of great utility. With a 
 reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen 
 by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his 
 native State. His administration was signally a suc- 
 cessful one. His jxipularily secured his re-election. 
 
 John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
 man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the 
 United States. X |X)rtion 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 \'irginia of sufficient 
 jKjpularity to succeed against the renowned orator of 
 Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. 
 
 In accordance with his professions, upon taking his 
 seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi- 
 tion. He opjxjsed the tariff; he spoke against and 
 voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- 
 uously opposed all restrictions ufxjn staven,-, resist- 
 ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen- 
 eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. 
 Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. 
 Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had 
 abandoned the principles of the Democratic party. 
 Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record 
 in perfect accordance with the principles which he 
 had always avowed. 
 
 Returning to \'irgini.i, he resumed the practice of 
 his profession. There was a :pl:t in the Democratic 
 
•v^ 
 
 -•► 
 
 JOHN TYLER. 
 
 party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- 
 i'ersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli- 
 ments upon him. He had now attained the age of 
 forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- 
 sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- 
 vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was 
 not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice 
 of law, and devoted himself to tlie ciiltiire of his ulan- 
 tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, 
 lor the better education of his cliildren ; and he again 
 took his seat in the Legislature of \iiginia. 
 
 By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national 
 convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 
 1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- 
 rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of 
 the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- 
 ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the 
 convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- 
 ident. It was well known that he was not in symjja- 
 thy with the Whig party in the No:th: but the Vice 
 President has but very little power in the Govern- 
 ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- 
 side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- 
 pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a 
 Democratic Vice President were chosen. 
 
 In 1 84 1, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- 
 dent of the United States. In one short month from 
 tliat time. President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler 
 thus found himself, to his own surjirise 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 
 unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- 
 son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of 
 .\pril was inaugurated to the high and responsible 
 office. He was placed in a ]X)sition of exceeding 
 delicacy and difficulty. All his longlife he had been 
 o|)|K)sed to tl-.e main principles of the party which had 
 brought him into power. He had ever been a con- 
 sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record, 
 (ien. Harrison had selected a Wliigcal)inet. Should 
 he retain them, and thus suiround himself with coun- 
 sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or, 
 on the other hand, should he turn against the party 
 which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- 
 mony with himself, and which would oppose all those 
 views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- 
 lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in- 
 vited the cabinet which President Harrison had 
 selected to retain their seats. He reccomm'nded a 
 day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and 
 bless us. 
 
 The Whigs carried through Congress a hill for the 
 incorjxjration of a fiscal bank of the United States. 
 The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with 
 his veto. He suaaested, however, that he would 
 
 approve of a bill drawn up ujx)n such a plan as he 
 proposed. 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. 
 Icis said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 
 ure by a published letter fiom the Hon. John M. 
 Bolts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely 
 touched the pride of the President. 
 
 The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- 
 dent into their arms. The i)ariy which elected him 
 denounced him bitterly. W\ the members of his 
 cabinet, e.Kcejiting Mr. U'ebster, resigned. The Whigs 
 of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a 
 meeting and issued an address to the [leople 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 cabinet of distinguished Whigs and 
 Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party 
 men. Mr. Wel)ster soon found it necessaiy to resign, 
 forced out by the pressure of his \\ hig friends. Thus 
 the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- 
 tion passed sadly away. .\o one was satisfied. The 
 land was filled with murmurs and vitu))eration. Whigs 
 and Democrais 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 sui^wrt of Mr. 
 Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the 
 harassments of office, tothe regret of neither party, and 
 probably to his own unsj)eakal)le 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 jwlished gentleman in 
 his manners, richly furnished with information from 
 books and e.xperience in the world, and (wssessing 
 brilliant jxiwers of conversation, his family circle was 
 the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient 
 moans for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he 
 might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few 
 friends who gathered around him, were it not for the 
 storms of civil war which his own principles and 
 policy had helped to introduce. 
 
 When the great Rebellion rose, which the State- 
 rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal- 
 houn h.id 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. 
 
 ^ 
 
% 
 
 ^^ 
 
 '^ 
 
 ^^J^^ 
 
 OC- ^^.J^e^-^^^<C 
 
■<•- 
 
 ELEVENTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 59 
 
 JAMES IK» PDlIi, 
 
 
 I AMES K. POLK, the eleventh 
 ^|,I'resident of the United States, 
 was l)orii in Mecklenburg Co., 
 N. C.Nov. 2, 1795. His par- 
 ents were Samuel and Jane 
 (Knox) Folk, the former a son 
 of Col. Thomas Polk, who located 
 at the ahove place, as one of the 
 first pioneers, in 1735. 
 
 In the year 1006, with his wife 
 and children, ar.d soon after fol- 
 lowed by most of the members of 
 the Polk farnly, Samuel Polk emi- 
 grated some two or three hundred 
 miles farllier west, to the rich valley 
 oftlie Duck River. Here in the 
 midst of the wilderness, in a region 
 which was subsequently called Mau- 
 ry Co., tliey reared tlieir lot: huls, 
 and establislied tiieir honns. In ilie 
 hard toil of a new farm in the wil- 
 derness, James K. Polk spent the 
 early years of his childhood and 
 youth. His father, adding the [uir- 
 suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, 
 gradually increased in wealth until 
 he became one of the leading men of the region. His 
 mother was a sui>erior woman, of strong common 
 sense and earnest piety. 
 
 Very early in life, James deveioiied a taste for 
 reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain 
 a liberal education. His mother's training had made 
 liim methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- 
 u.ility and industry, and had inspired him will) 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 beliind tlie 
 counter, hoping to fit hini for commercial pursuits. 
 
 This was to James a bitter disapix)intnient. He 
 had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks 
 were irksome in the e.xtreme. 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 i)rosecute 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 exemplary of 
 scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing 
 himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious 
 service. 
 
 He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be- 
 ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in 
 mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty- 
 three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this 
 time much impaired by the a.>siduity with whicli he 
 had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of 
 relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the 
 office of Felix Crundy, 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 ])robably been 
 slightly acquainted before. 
 
 Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican, 
 and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same jwliti- 
 cal faith. He was a jxipular public speaker, and was 
 constantly called ujon to address the meetings of his 
 party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that 
 he was popularly called the Najoleon of the stump. 
 He was a man of unblemished morals, genial ard 
 
 4 
 
•^1^^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 JAMES K. POLK. 
 
 .*t 
 
 :ourteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic 
 nature in the joys and griefs of others which ever gave 
 him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected 
 to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his 
 strong influence towards the election of his friend, 
 Mr. Jackson, to tlie Presidency of the United States. 
 
 In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
 Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was 
 altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- 
 ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a 
 member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave 
 to his constituents may l)e inferred from the fact, that 
 far fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- 
 tinued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, 
 only that he might accept the (lubernatorial chair 
 of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious 
 member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was 
 always in his seat, always courteous; and whenever 
 he s|)oke it was always to the [wint, and without any 
 ambitious rhetorical display. 
 
 During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was 
 Speaker of the House Strong i)assions were roused, 
 and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per- 
 formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- 
 tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was 
 passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of 
 March, 1839. 
 
 In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a 
 candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was 
 elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo- 
 ber, 1839, took the oathof6ffice at Nashville. In 1841, 
 his term of office expired, and lie was again tlic 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 annex.ition of Texas, exerted 
 its influence upon Congress; and tiie 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 .\merican Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas 
 as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, 
 Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and 
 left tlie 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 L'nion on the same footing with the 
 other States. In tiie meantime. Gen. Taylor was sent 
 
 with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was 
 sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the 
 western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly 
 two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, 
 where he erected batteries which commanded the 
 Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on 
 the western banks. 
 
 The anticipated collision soon took place, and war 
 was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The 
 war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration 
 with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first 
 called one of "observation," then of "occupation," 
 then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The 
 feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly 
 and awfully slaughtered. 'l"he day of judgement 
 alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. 
 It v.'as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration 
 that the war was brought on. 
 
 ' To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was 
 prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. 
 We now consented to peace upon the condition that 
 Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, 
 all of New Mexico, and all of Ui)pcrand 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 added to the Union. There were 
 some Americans who thought it all right : there were 
 others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution 
 of this war, we ex|)endcd 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, 1S49, 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.Ht seemed as thbugh long years 
 of tranquility and hapjiiness were before him. But the 
 cholera — that fearful scourge— was then sweeping u[) 
 the N'alley of the Mis-;issippi. This he contracted, 
 and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth 
 year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. 
 
'Zc^^c>i^i^:^^^yy/0^?i^. 
 
1 
 
 -#•- 
 
 TWELFTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 (-3 
 
 /ACKAKV TAyi.()X<. ^ 
 
 ■'^■^^ 
 
 
 ACHARY TAYLOR, iwcltth 
 President of the United States, 
 Was born on the 24th of Nov., 
 1784, in Orange Co., Va. His 
 father, Colonel Taylor, was 
 a Virginian of note, and a dis- 
 tinguished i)atriot and soldier of 
 the Revolution. When Zacliary 
 was an infant, his father with his 
 wife and two children, emigrated 
 to Kentucky, where he settled in 
 the pathless wilderness, a few 
 miles from Louisville. In this front- 
 ier home, away from civilization and 
 all its refinements, yaung Zachary 
 could enjoy but few social and educational advan- 
 tages. When six years of age he attended a common 
 icliool, and was then regardr-d as a bright, active boy, 
 father remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- 
 acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and 
 ■nanifestcd a strong desire to enter the army to fight 
 rhe Indians wli3 were ravaging the frontiers. There 
 is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his 
 childliood 0:1 his father's large but lonely plantation. 
 In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him 
 the commission of lieutenant in the United States 
 army ; and lie joined the troops which were stationed 
 at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after 
 this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady 
 from one of the first families of Maryland. 
 
 Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- 
 land, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been 
 promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort 
 Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifiy miles above 
 Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- 
 ness by Gen. Harrison. on liis march to Tipjiecanoe. 
 It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, 
 '.ed Ky Teciimseh. Its garrison lonsisted of a broken 
 
 company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of 
 whom were sick. 
 
 Early in the autumn of i8i;, the Indians, stealthily, 
 and in large numbers, moved ujxjn the fort. Their 
 approach was first indicated by the murder of two 
 soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor 
 made every jxjssible prejiaralion to meet the antici- 
 pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of 
 forty painted and jjlumed 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 disappeared, the 
 garrison slept uixjn their arms. One hour btfore 
 midnight the war-whoop burst from a thousand lips 
 in the forest around, followed by the discharge of 
 musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick 
 and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that 
 defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- 
 ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- 
 ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can 
 conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc- 
 ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses- 
 Until si.\ o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict 
 continued. The savages tiien, baffled at every |x>int, 
 and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. 
 Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the 
 rank of major by brevet. 
 
 Until the close of the war, MajorTaylor was placed 
 in such situations that he saw but little more of active 
 service. He was sent far away into the depths of the 
 wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which 
 empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little 
 to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one 
 best could. There were r.o looks, no society, no in- 
 
 :!^ry-^ 
 
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- 
 lire lieyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, 
 had promised they should do. The services rendered 
 here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
 the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated 
 to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet; and soon 
 after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- 
 mand of the United .States troops in Florida. 
 
 After two years of such wearisome employment 
 amidst the everglades of tlie peninsula. Gen. Taylor 
 obtained, at his own request, a change of command, 
 and was stationed over tlie Department of the South- 
 west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, 
 Alabama and (Georgia. Establishing his headquarters 
 at Fort Jessup, in I.ouisiana, he removed his family 
 to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. 
 Here he rem.aincd for five years, buried, as it were, 
 from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty 
 imposed upon him. 
 
 In 1846, (ien. Taylor was sent to guard the land 
 between the Xueces and Rio (jrande, the latter river 
 being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed 
 by the United States. Soon the war with Me.xico 
 was brought on, and at Palo .\lto and Resaca de la 
 Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the 
 Me.xicans. The rank of major-general by brevet 
 was then conferred uixjn Gen. Taylor, and his name 
 was received with entliusiasm almost everywhere in 
 the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
 Huena Vista in which he won signal victories over 
 forces much larger than he commanded. 
 
 His careless habits of dress and liis unaffected 
 sinq)licity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, 
 \.\\^ sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.' 
 
 The tidings of tlie brilliant victory of Buena Vista 
 spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The 
 name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The 
 Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- 
 ful po|)ularity in bringing forward the un]X)lished, un- 
 lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the 
 Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- 
 nouncement, and for a time would not listen toit; de- 
 claring that he was not at all qualified for such an 
 office. So little interest had he taken in [xjlitics 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 jjublic service found 
 their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name 
 
 had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo 
 Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena 
 Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- 
 marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." 
 
 Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent 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. Theix)pularity of 
 the successful warrior sweiit the land. He was tri- 
 umphantly elected over two opixjsing candidates, — 
 Gen. Cass and Ex-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 Cuba ; California was 
 pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery 
 stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found 
 the {X)litical contlicts in Washington to be far more 
 trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or 
 Indians 
 
 In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor, 
 after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little 
 over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of 
 but little over five days, died on the 9lh of July, 1850. 
 His last woids were, " I am not afraid to die. I am 
 ready. 1 have endeavored to do my duty." He died 
 universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- 
 pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the 
 affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly la- 
 mented his death. 
 
 Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with 
 Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful 
 description of his character: — " With a good store ot 
 common sense. Gen. Taylor's mind had r.ot been en- 
 larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse 
 with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- 
 quence. The frontiers and small military jKjsts had 
 been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his 
 rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- 
 ])lic:ity was child-like, and with innumerable ])reju- 
 dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the 
 tender age. Thus, if a man, however res|)ectal)le, 
 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 ixjcket, — in any such case, this critic held the 
 off^'nder to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), 
 whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 
 'touch with a pair of tongs.' 
 
 ".\ny allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- 
 worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a 
 sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter 
 unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, 
 few men have ever had a more conifortalle, labor- 
 saving contempt for learnirg of every kind." 
 
c/<^O^We-CrZz) 
 
-4«- 
 
 TJIIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 
 
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 ^■'MILLARn FILLMflRE.-^^^ 
 
 
 -1*^ 
 
 LMORE, thir- 
 of the United 
 
 ^J lI.I.ARn FILU 
 • ,'.)) teenth President c 
 ftu" States, was horn at Slimmer 
 M Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on 
 > ^'^;.^i ^r?^ the 7th of January, 1800. His 
 ^ l')i|'„; >^ / ^^ father was a farmer, and ow- 
 y .■' -i) ing to misfortune, in himihle cir- 
 cumstances. Of his mother, tiie 
 daughter of Dr. Abiatliar Millard, 
 of I'iltsfield, Mass., it has been 
 .said that she (xissessed an intellect 
 of very high order, united with much 
 l)ersonal loveliness, sweetness of dis- 
 (wsit'on, graceful manners and ex- 
 quisite sensibilities. She died in 
 1 83 1 ; having lived to see her son a 
 young m.iii of <lisiinguishcd prom- 
 ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high 
 dignity which he finally attained. 
 
 In consecjuence of the secluded home and limited 
 means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slerder ad- 
 vantages for education in his early years. The com- 
 mon schools, vvhi< h he occasionally attended were 
 very imperfect institutions; and l)Ooks were scarce 
 and ex|)ensive. There was nothing then in his char- 
 acter to indicate the brilliant career u[K)n which he 
 was aliout to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy; 
 intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The s.icred 
 influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, 
 and had laid the foundations of an (ipright 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 nii'l there was a small villiage, wherf some 
 A* 
 
 enterprising man had commenced the collection of a 
 village library. This i)roved an inestimable blessing 
 to young Fillmore. His evenings were sjjent in read- 
 ing. S(X)n 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 tliere was en- 
 kindled in his heart a desire to be something more 
 than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- 
 coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, 
 educated man. 
 
 The young clothier had now attained the age of 
 nineteen years, and was of fine jjcrsonal a[>[)earance 
 and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that 
 there was a gentleman m the neighborhood of ample 
 ])ecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter 
 Wooil, — who was struck wiili the prepossessing ap- 
 pearance of young Fillmore. He made hisac(iuaint- 
 ance, and was so much im|)ressed 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 heli) him and that his previous educa- 
 tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had 
 so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to 
 take him into his own office, and to loan him such 
 money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous 
 offer was accepted. 
 
 There is in many minds a strange delusion about 
 a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to 
 be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- 
 lege. But many a boy loiters through university hab ; 
 tnd then enters a law office, who is by no means as: 
 
 ?^:#-^ 
 
i 
 
 ^»- 
 
 ,t 
 
 68 
 
 MILLARD PILLMORR. 
 
 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 was 
 admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then 
 went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the 
 jjractice of law. In this secluded, peacefid region, 
 liis practice of course was limited, and there was no 
 opportunity for a sudden rise in foitune or in fame. 
 Mere, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great 
 moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station 
 she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. 
 
 His elevation of character, his untiring industry, 
 his legal acipiirements, and his skill as an advocate, 
 gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to 
 enter into partnership under highly advantageous 
 circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in 
 P.uffiilo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1S29, 
 he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the 
 .State of New York, as a representative from Erie 
 County, 'riiougii 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 lie found himself in a helpless minority in the 
 Legislature, still the testimony comes from all parlies, 
 that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very 
 unusual degn e the respect of his associates. 
 
 In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in 
 the United States Congress _ He entered that troubled 
 irena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our 
 national history. The great conflict respecting the 
 national bank and tlie removal of the deiHJsits, was 
 then raging. 
 
 His term of two years closed ; and he returned to 
 his profession, wiiich 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 e.\pe- 
 rience as a representative gave him strength and 
 confidence. The first term of service in Congress to 
 any man can be but little more than an introduction. 
 He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- 
 gies were brought to bear Ujwn the public good. Every 
 measure received his impress. 
 
 Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and 
 his iwpularity 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 api)toaching 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 
 jnodaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But 
 it was necessary to associate with him on the same 
 ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. 
 
 Under the influence of these considerations, the 
 namesof Zachary Taylor ar.d Millard Fillmore became 
 the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for 
 President and Vice-Peesident. The Wiiig ticket was 
 signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, 
 Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard 
 Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. 
 
 On the 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 a[)|!ointed a very able cabinet, of which 
 the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. 
 
 Mr. Filhiiore hatl very serious difficulties to contend 
 with, since the opiwsition had a majority in both 
 Houses. He did everything in his power tocon<.iliate 
 the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt 
 the inadcipiacy of all measuresof transient conciliation. 
 The [wpulation 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. 
 Fillmcre's adminstration, and tlie Japan Exi'-edition 
 was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1S53, Mr I'ill- 
 more, having served one term, retired. 
 
 In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- 
 idency by the " Know Nothing " ]>arty, but was lieaten 
 by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in 
 retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, 
 he was mostly silent. It was generally sup[xised 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 th^ other. 
 He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a rii)e 
 old age, and died in Buffalo. N. V , March 8, 1874. 
 
FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 7' 
 
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 iK^ ^FRANKLIN PIERCE.'^ ^e^^ 
 
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 lANKLIN PIERCE, the 
 irteenth President of the 
 L'liited States, was born in 
 Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 
 23, 1.S04. His father was a 
 Revoli\iionary soldier, who, 
 with his own strong arm, 
 hewed out a home in the 
 wilderness. He was a man 
 of inflexible integrity; of 
 strong, though uncultivated 
 mind, and an uncompromis- 
 ing Democrat. 'I'he mother of 
 Franklin Pierce was all that a son 
 could desire, — -an intelligent, pru- 
 dent, affectionate, Christian wom- 
 an. Franklin was tlie sixth of eight children. 
 
 Franklin was a very bright and !iandsomei)oy, gen- 
 erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the 
 love of old and young. The boys on tiie play ground 
 loved him. His teachers loved him. The neigiilwrs 
 looked upon him with pride and affection. He was 
 by instinct a gentleman; always speakingkind 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 afiTections, 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 jwpular young men in the college. 
 The purity of his moral character, the unvarying 
 courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and 
 ^1 
 
 genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite 
 There was something very peculiarly winning in his 
 address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- 
 gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his 
 own magnanimous and loving nature. 
 
 Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce 
 commenced the study of law in the office of Judge 
 Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of 
 the State, and a man of great private worth. The 
 eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his 
 father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant 
 [wlitical career into which Judge Woodbury was en- 
 tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci- 
 nating yet perilous path of political life. With all 
 the ardor of his nature he es[)0iised tlie cause of Gen. 
 Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the 
 practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected 
 to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here 
 he served for four 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 
 part in debates, he was faithful and laiiorious in duty, 
 and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom 
 he was associatad. 
 
 In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, 
 he was elected to the Senate of the United States; 
 taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced 
 his administration. He was the yonngest member in 
 the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane 
 Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- 
 plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every 
 station with wiiich her husband was honoicd. Of tlie 
 
 the T 
 
lit 
 
 .t 
 
 FRANKLIN PIERCE. 
 
 three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with 
 their parents in the grave. 
 
 In the year 183S, Mr. Pierce, witli growing fame 
 and increasing business as a lawyer, took up iiis 
 residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. 
 President Polk, uix)n 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 im|X3rtant 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 tlic Mexican war, and coldly by his opjio- 
 ncnts. He resumed the practice of his profession, 
 very fiecpiently taking an active part in political ques- 
 tions, giving his cordial supjwrt to the pro-slavery 
 wing of the Democratic party. The compromise 
 measures met coiilially with his approval ; and he 
 strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- 
 mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious 
 sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- 
 guished as a " Northern man with Southern principles.'' 
 Tlie strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
 quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
 safely trust in office to carry out their plans. 
 
 On the ! 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, 
 and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a 
 two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown 
 for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation 
 brought forward iiis name. There were fourteen 
 more ballotings, during whicli Gen. Pierce constantly 
 gained strength, until, at the forty-r.inth 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 Pieice 
 was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
 States on the 4th of March, 1853. 
 
 His administration proved one of the most stormy our 
 country had ever experienced. The controversy be- 
 tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its 
 culminating point. It became evident that there was 
 an " irrepressible conflict " between them, and that 
 this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half 
 free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad- 
 ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate 
 the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every 
 year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution 
 of the Union were borne to the North on every South- 
 ern breeze. 
 
 Such was the condition of affairs when President 
 Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term 
 of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- 
 ated from him. The anti-slaverj' 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 tiie fidelity with which he had advo- 
 cated those measures of Government which they a[v 
 proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had 
 rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be 
 able accei)tably to serve them, ungratefully dropped 
 him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 
 
 On the 4th of Marclv, 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 whicli 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, 
 1S69. He was one of the most genial and social of 
 men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal 
 Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- 
 erous to a fault, he contiibuted liberally for the al- 
 leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns- 
 people were often gladened by his material bounty. 
 
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 I'IFTEENTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 75 , \ 
 
 
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 ■^m^ 
 
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 AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- 
 ,iee;Uh I'resident of the United 
 ''/ ^ States, was born in a small 
 j.'-\ji troniicT town, at the foot of the 
 eastern ridge of the AUegha- 
 nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on 
 llie 23d of April, 1791. The ;>lace 
 where the humble cabin of his 
 fatlier stnod was called Stony 
 - Hatter. It was a wild and ro- 
 mantic sjwt in a gorge of the moun- 
 tains, with towering summits rising 
 grandly all around. His father 
 was a iiative of the north of Ireland ; 
 a iX)or man, who had emigrated in 
 1783, with little property save his 
 own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 
 Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a res|)ectal)le farmer, 
 and, with his young bride, plunj;ed into the wilder- 
 ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a 
 clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- 
 form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se- 
 cluded home, where James was born, he remained 
 for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual 
 advantagrs. When James was eight yeais 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 
 ]>rogress 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 
 10 study was intense, and yet his native powers en- 
 
 abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with 
 facility. 
 
 In the year 1S09, he graduated with tlie highest 
 honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of 
 age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, tbnd of 
 athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with 
 an exuberant flow of ;;ninial spirits. He immediately 
 commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, 
 and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was 
 but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose 
 in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand 
 with the ablest law\ers of the State. When but 
 twenty-si.x years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- 
 cessfully defended before the State Senate 01 e of tiie 
 judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of 
 impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally 
 admitted that he stood at tlie 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 important case. In 1831, he retired 
 altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac- 
 ([uired an amjjle fortune. 
 
 Gen. Jackson, u[K)\\ hiselevation toilie I'residency, 
 appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The 
 duties of his mission he performed with ability, which 
 gave satisfaction to all parties. I'pon his return, in 
 1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States 
 Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, 
 Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas- 
 ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri- 
 
 ^?^r+-^ 
 
t 
 
 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 wliolesale 
 removal from office of those wiio were not the sup- 
 porters of his administration. Upon this question he 
 was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. 
 He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging 
 from tlie journal of the Senate the vote of censure 
 against Gen. Jackson for removing the deix)sits. 
 Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the 
 District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the 
 circulation of anti-slavery documents bv the United 
 States mails. 
 
 As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- 
 cated that they should be respectfully received; and 
 lliat the reply should be relumed, tliat Congress had 
 no |)ower to legislate upon tiie 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." 
 
 \5\iox\. Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. 
 Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, 
 took his share of the resix)nsil>ility in the conduct of 
 the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing 
 the Nueces by tlie American troops into the disputed 
 territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross 
 the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration 
 of war. No candid man can rod with pleasure the 
 account of tiie course our Government pursued in tliat 
 movement 
 
 Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with 
 the party devoted to the pi^rpetuation and extension 
 of slavery, and brouglit all the energies of his mind 
 to bear agjinst the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his 
 cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1050, 
 which included tlie fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce, 
 u;ion 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 
 o'.ir country has ever engaged. All the friends of 
 slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- 
 striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- 
 mont, the candiilale of the enemies of slavery, re- 
 reived 1 14 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
 174, and was elected. The ])opular 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 
 years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and 
 ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been 
 allied in political principles and action for years, were 
 seeking the destruction of the Government, that they 
 might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a 
 nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. 
 [n this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- 
 ^^Tldered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- 
 
 ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in 
 their assumptions. As President of the United Stales, 
 bound l)y his oath faithfully to administer the laws, 
 he could not, without' [Kirjury of the grossest kind, 
 unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- 
 lic. He therefore did nothing. 
 
 The opiwnents 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 
 hinds, they would secede from the Union, taking 
 with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at 
 Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of 
 the United .States. 
 
 Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery 
 parly was such, that he had been willing to offerlheni 
 far more than they had ventured to claim. All the 
 South had professed to ask of the North was non- 
 intervention u[X)n the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- 
 chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- 
 operation of the Government to defend and extend 
 the institution. 
 
 As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders 
 claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- 
 ing that Congress had no \)ower to prevent it, one of 
 the most [Htiable exhibitions of governmental im- 
 becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He 
 declaied that Congress had no power to enforce iis 
 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 ujxjn his sword hilt, he exclaimed. " The 
 Union must and shall be preserved!" 
 
 South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly 
 three months before the inauguraticm of President 
 Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. 
 The rebel flag was raised in Charleston : FortSumptcr 
 was be^^ieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals 
 were seized; our dejiots of military stores were plun- 
 dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were 
 appropriated by the rebels. 
 
 The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our 
 Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looktd 
 on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, 
 and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- 
 ness /\t 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 cpnflict which rolled its billows 
 of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came 
 from his lips to indicate his wish that our countrv's 
 banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion. 
 He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, :868. 
 
 * ► ■ - 
 
 t 
 
<^ 
 
 Q..y\^of^-^ 
 
 ^-"^T^ 
 
u 
 
 SIXTEENTH PKESIDENT. 
 
 
 r.RATTAM LTNCOLM, the 
 sixtcciuh President of the 
 •IVI iiited States, was liorn in 
 ^)\V ■ ^ Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 
 j£^_A^ /J 1S09. About the yean 780, a 
 man by the name of Abraluun 
 "^ Lincoln left Virginia with liis 
 family and moved into the then 
 wildsof Kentucky. Only two years 
 after tliis emigration, still a yonng 
 man, while working one day in a 
 t'leld, was stealthily approached by 
 an Indian andshot dead. His widow 
 was left in extreme |)Overty with five 
 little children, tliree boys and two 
 girls. Thomas, the youngest of the 
 boys, was four years of age at his 
 father's death. This Thomas was 
 the father of Abraham Lincoln, the 
 President of the United States 
 whose name must henceforth forever be enrolled 
 with the most prominent in the annals of our world. 
 Of course no record has been kept of the life 
 of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among 
 the jioorest of'the jwor. His home was a wretched 
 log -cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest. 
 Kducation he liad 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 push out into the world, a friend- 
 less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- 
 self out, and thus spent the wlwle of his youth as a 
 laborer in the fields of others. 
 
 When twenty-eight years of ape he buili a log- 
 labin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
 daughter of another family of jioor Kentucky emi- 
 grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their 
 second child was .\braham Lincoln, the subject of 
 this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble 
 woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn 
 .1 palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. 
 •• All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate- 
 I'ul son " I owe to my angel-mother. " 
 
 When he was eight years of age, his father sold his 
 
 r 
 
 cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Where 
 two vears later his mother died. 
 
 .•M)rah:;m soon lieirame the scribe of the uneducated 
 cominunity around him. He could not have had .a 
 better school than this to teach him to ]nit thoughts 
 into words. He also became an eager reader. The 
 books he could obtain were few ; init these he read 
 and re-read until they were almost committed to 
 memory. 
 
 .As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family 
 was the usual lot of humanity. Th.'re were joys and 
 griefs, weddings and funerals. .Abraham's sister 
 Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- 
 ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and 
 soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr. 
 Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, 
 and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. 
 
 .Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. 
 With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing 
 another log-cabin. .Abraham worked diligently at this 
 until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their 
 small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when 
 he announced to his father his intention to leave 
 home, and to go out into the world and seek his for- 
 tune. Little did he or his friend^ 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 |X)wer. He saw the ruii> 
 which ardent spirits were causing, and became 
 strictly temi)erate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- 
 cating liquor to pass his lips. .And he had read in 
 God's word, "Thou shah not take the name of the 
 Ixjrd thy Ciod in vain;" and a ))rofane expression he 
 was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His 
 morals were pure, and he was vmcontaminated by a 
 single vice. 
 
 Voung .Abraham worked for a time as a hired lalmrer 
 among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, 
 where he was employed in building a large flat-loat 
 In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down 
 the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- 
 sissippi to New Orleans. What<-ver Abraham Lin- 
 coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to giv« 
 great satisfaction to his employers. In this advcTi- 
 
 f 
 
•► 1 1 ^^ 
 
 t 
 
 So 
 
 ABRAHAM LINCOLX. 
 
 ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon 
 his return tney placed a store and mill under his care. 
 
 In 1832, at tlie 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 apiwintmentof Postmaster of New Salem, 
 His only [wst-otfice was his hat. .\11 the letters he 
 received he carried there ready to deliver to those 
 he chanced 10 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 hiin to study law. He 
 walked from New Salem to Springlield, borrowed of 
 Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and 
 began his legal studies. ^Vhen the Legislature as- 
 sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back 
 one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 
 1836 lie 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 185G, ho took an active part, and at once became 
 one of tlie 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 question, and he took the broad ground of 
 .he Declaration of Independence, that all men are 
 created ecjual. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- 
 test, but won a far higher prize. 
 
 The great Republican Convention met at Chicago 
 on the 1 6th ot June, i860. The delegates and 
 strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- 
 five thousand. .\n 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 
 urominent. It was generally sup[X3sed 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 wliich that nomination doomed him: 
 and as little did 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 countiymen, second 
 only, if second, to that of Washington. 
 
 Election day came atid 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 poured upon this good 
 
 and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was 
 greater than upon any other man ever elected to this 
 high [xjsition. In Februarys 1861, Mr. Lincoln started 
 for Washington, stop[)ing in all the large cities on his 
 way making speeches. The whole journey was frought 
 with mucli danger. Many of the Southern States hud 
 already seceded, and several attempts at assassination 
 were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- 
 more had arranged, upon his arrival to" get up a row," 
 and in the confusion to make sure of his death with 
 revolvers and hand-grenades. .\ detective unravelled 
 the plot. .\ secret and special train was provided to 
 take him from Harrisourg, through Baltimore, at an 
 une.xpected hour of the night. Tlie train started at 
 half-past ten ; and to prevent ai.y [X)ssible communi- 
 cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con- 
 federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had 
 started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincol.i 
 re.ached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, 
 although great anxiety was felt by all loyal peoijle. 
 In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
 to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other 
 prominent opiwnents before the convention he gave 
 important ix)sitions. 
 
 During no otiier administration have the duties 
 devolving upon the President been so manifold, and 
 the resiwnsibihties so great, as those which fell to 
 the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and 
 feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in 
 his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he 
 learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in 
 determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his 
 trials, 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, 
 with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
 had left .Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had lieen 
 made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim 
 to one of them. .April 14, 1865, lie, with Gen. Grant, 
 was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It 
 was announced that they would l,e i)resent. Gen. 
 Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- 
 ing, with his characteristic kindliness of heart, that 
 it would be a disapixjintment if he should fail them, 
 very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to 
 the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth 
 entered the l>ox where tiie 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 gnefby the death of its rtiler. 
 Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless 
 anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was 
 in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a 
 model. His name as the savior of his country will 
 live with that of Washington's, its father; hiscountrv'- 
 mcn being unable to decide which is the greater. 
 
t?^^ 
 
 l.O(y^ 
 
 %5^- 
 
SEVEXTBIENTH PIiESWE.\ T. 
 
 S.5 
 
 
 S^ ^ .*^-® . 
 
 
 •^-Xi^ 
 
 \ NDREW JOHNSON, seven- 
 cnth President of the United 
 ^ ^; , .-'UUes. The early hfe of 
 ^ 3 Andrew Johnson contains but 
 o ' vf^ -^\<e t'l* "record of poverty, destit II- 
 \^!iii;,tl^ tion and friendlessness. He 
 was born December 29, 180S, 
 in Raleigh, N". C. His parents, 
 belonging to the class of the 
 "l)oor whites " of the Souili, were 
 in such circumstances, that they 
 could not confer even tne slight- 
 est advantages of education u|X3n 
 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, .Vndrcw 
 was a ragged boy about the streets, supjwrted by the 
 labor of his mother, who obtained her living with 
 her own hands. 
 
 He then, having never attended a sc1kx)1 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 si)eechesof distinguished British states- 
 men. .\ndrew, who was endowed with a mind of more 
 than ordinary native ability, became much interested 
 in these speeches; his ambition was roused, and he 
 was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. 
 
 He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and 
 with the assistance of some of his fellow- workmen, 
 learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- 
 man to borrow the book of s[)ecches. The owner, 
 -^« — ^— ^-_^^^__^_ 
 
 pleased with his /.cal, not only gave him tiie book, 
 but assisted him in learning to combine the letters 
 into words. Under sucli difficulties lie pressed on- 
 ward l.iboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours 
 at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest 
 and recreation to devote such lime as he could to 
 reading. 
 
 He went to Tennessee in 1S26, and located at 
 Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos- 
 sessed some education. Under her instructions he 
 learned to write and cii)her. 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 
 aldemian, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which 
 position he held three years. 
 
 He now began to take a lively interest in political 
 affairs; identifying himself with the woiking-classes, 
 to which he belonged. In 1S35, he was elected a 
 member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- 
 see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. 
 He became a very active member of the legislature, 
 gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 
 i»40 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van 
 Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to those 
 of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much 
 readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
 his reputation. 
 
 In 1841, he was elected Stale Senator; in 1843, he 
 was elected a member of Congress, and by successive 
 elections, held that important post for ten years. In 
 1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and 
 was re-elected in 1855. In all these res])onsible jxisi- 
 lions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abii- 
 
J. 
 
 84 
 
 ANDREW JOHNSON. 
 
 =4 
 
 ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- 
 ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected 
 United States Senator. 
 
 Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated 
 the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his 
 reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- 
 ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable 
 sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, 
 and become merged in a population congenial to 
 themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- 
 promise measures, the two essential features of which 
 were, that the white people of the Territories should 
 be pennilted to decide for the:nselves whether tiiey 
 would enslave the colored people or net, and that 
 the free States of the North should return to the 
 South persons who attempted lo escape from slavery. 
 
 Mr. Johnson was neverashamedof his lowly origin: 
 on tlie contrary, he often took i)iide in avowing that 
 he owed liis 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, 'le 
 was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the 
 Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South- 
 2rn Democracy became apparent, he took a decided 
 stand in favor of the Union, and held that "slavery 
 must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever 
 cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly 
 imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of 
 Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the 
 Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap- 
 pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he 
 established the most stringent military' rale. His 
 numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 
 I S64, he was elected Vice-President of the United 
 States, and u[X)n tlie death of Mr. Lincoln, .\\m\ 15, 
 1865, became President. In a speech two days later 
 he said, " The American people must be taught, if 
 ('.ley do not .already feel, that treason is a crime and 
 must be punished; that the Government will not 
 always bear with its enemies; that it is strong not 
 only to protect, but to punish. * * Tlie 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 iiw.onsistencv with, and the most violent 
 
 H^t^ 
 
 opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. 
 
 In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
 amnesty, he was opiX)sed by Congress; and he char- 
 acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly 
 defied it, in everything possible, 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. .\ test article of the impeachment was at 
 length submitted to the court for its action. It was 
 certain that as the court voted u|X)n that article so 
 would it vote uiwn 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 term, was 
 but little regarded. He continued, though impoteiuly, 
 his conflict with Congress. His own party did not 
 think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- 
 dency. Tlie Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- 
 alleled since the days of Washington, around the name 
 of Gen. Grant, .\ndrew Johnson was forgotten. 
 The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the 
 President's chair. Notwithstanding tliis, 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 tookliis seat in that body, at the special 
 session convened by President Grant, on the 5ih of 
 March. On the 27ihof July, 1875, the ex-President 
 made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter 
 Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was 
 apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- 
 ing the residence of his child the following day, was 
 stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. 
 He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 
 2 A. M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- 
 eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of .\ugust, 
 with every demonstration of respect. 
 
/^^2^ 
 
 ::^ 
 
EIGH TEENTII PRESIDENT. 
 
 87 
 
 ^^^r^'^^:^^^f^<mf^^r^^^r^^^ 
 
 f 
 
 YSSES S. GRANT, the 
 th President of the 
 ■<>'' United States, was born on 
 )/ tlie 29th of April, 1822, of 
 Christian parents, in a humble 
 home, at Point Pleasant, on the 
 banks of the Ohio. Shortly after 
 his father moved to George- 
 town, Brown Co., O. In this re- 
 mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses 
 received a common-school edu- 
 cation. At the age of seven- 
 teen, in the year 1839, he entered 
 the Military Academy at West 
 Point. Here he was regarded as a 
 solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of 
 sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank 
 as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the 
 middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- 
 fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis- 
 souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary 
 solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating 
 Indians. 
 
 The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
 sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first 
 battle was at Palo .\lto. There was no chance here 
 for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at 
 Kesaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle 
 of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that 
 he [lerformed a signal service of daring and skillful 
 horsemanship. His biigade 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, 
 grasixjd the mane of his horse, and hanging u|X)none 
 jiide of the anir«\al, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. 
 
 •<!•— 
 
 From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 
 10 aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In 
 pre|)aration for the march to the city of Mexico, he 
 was apjx)inted quartermaster of his regiment. .\t the 
 battle of Molino del Rev, he was promoted to a 
 first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at ("ha- 
 pultepec. 
 
 .■\t 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 tin; frontier. The 
 discovery of gold in California causing an inmiense 
 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 uix)n the cultiva- 
 tion of a small farm near .St. Ix)uis, Mo. He had but 
 little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re- 
 munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into 
 the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- 
 lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings 
 of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears 
 of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — 
 "Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though 
 I have served him ihrougti one war, I do not feel that 
 I haveyet repaid the debt. I am still ready todischarge 
 my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword 
 and see Uncle Sam through this war too." 
 
 He went into the streets, raised a comi)any of vol- 
 unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, 
 the capital of the Stale, where their services were 
 offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by 
 the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. 
 Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the 
 volunteer organization that was being formed in the 
 State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of 
 
 •^ M A* 
 
83 
 
 L'LVSS/iS S. GJiAXT. 
 
 4- 
 
 June, 1861, 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 tlie regular army, were such 
 ihat he was soon promoted to tlie rank of Brigadier- 
 General and was placed in commai\d at Cairo. The 
 rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth 
 of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- 
 peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. Tlie 
 rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and 
 stripes were ur.furled in its ste.ad. 
 
 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 
 lie 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 M.njor-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 up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 
 
 Gen. fJrant 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 
 i;!s horse, ami received severe injuries, from which he 
 vas laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid 
 of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and 
 by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas- 
 ures put the Union .\rniy 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 4lh of Febru- 
 ary, 1S64, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- 
 general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. 
 He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials 
 and enter upon the duties of his new office. 
 
 Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of 
 the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National 
 troops for an attack uix)n 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 e.xecuted 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 Rei)ublican Convention held at Chicago, 
 May 21, 186S, 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 temi 
 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 1S80 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 Cirant'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, nevtr complaining. He was re-instated as 
 General of the .\rmy 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 (leneral. 
 
 *► 
 
s. 
 
 y^^^e^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 -J 
 
NtNtiTEENTH FRESIDKNT. 
 
 9» 
 
 m^ 
 
 RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. ^ 
 
 
 I 
 
 UTHERFORD B. HAYES, 
 the nineteenth President of 
 the United States, was born in 
 Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- 
 most three months after the 
 death of his fatlier, 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, 
 IS farbackas 1280, when Hayes and 
 Rutherford were two Scottish chief- 
 tains, fighting side by side with 
 Baliol, William Wallace and Robert 
 Bruce. Both families belonged to the 
 nobility, owned extensive estates, 
 and had a large following. Misfor- 
 tune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot- 
 land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
 (leorge was born in Windsor, and remained there 
 during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- 
 tied Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- 
 riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Kzekiel, 
 son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- 
 turcrof scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, 
 son of K/.ekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was 
 lH>rn in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, 
 blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to 
 Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, 
 where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- 
 erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was 
 
 V 
 
 born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia 
 Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- 
 grated thither from Connecticut, they having been 
 among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. 
 Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 
 1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders 
 of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers 
 in the Revolutionary War. 
 
 The father of President Hayes was an industrious, 
 frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- 
 chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stocks 
 ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to 
 undertake. He was a member of the Church, active 
 in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- 
 ducted his business on Christian principles. .After 
 the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons ine.xplicablc 
 to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 
 
 The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day, 
 when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, 
 was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was 
 first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter- 
 mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived 
 in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of nialaiial 
 fever, less than three months before the birth of thu' 
 son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- 
 reavement, found the support she so much needed in 
 her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
 household from the day of its departure from Ver- 
 mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted 
 some time before as an act of charity. 
 
 Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the 
 
 i 
 
4= 
 
 <^ 
 
 92 
 
 RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 
 
 subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he 
 was not expected to live beyond a month or two at 
 most. As the months went by he grew weaker and 
 weaker, so that the ncighlwrs were i)i the habit of in- 
 quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Haves' baby died 
 last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on 
 familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the 
 boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of 
 him, said in a bantering way, " That's right! Stick to 
 him. You have got him along so far, and 1 shouldn't 
 wonder if he would really come to something yet." 
 
 " You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. " You 
 wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him 
 Preiident of the United States yet." The boy lived, 
 in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy 
 death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was 
 drowned, he became, if ixjssible, still dearer to his 
 mother. 
 
 The boy was seven years old before he went to 
 school. His education, however, was not neglected. 
 He probably learned as much from his mother and 
 sister as he would have done at school. His sports 
 were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being 
 his sister and her associates. These circumstances 
 tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of disix)- 
 sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings 
 of others, which are marked traits of his character. 
 
 His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest 
 in his education ; and as the boy's health had im- 
 proved, and he was making good progress in his 
 studies, he prpjwsed to send him to college. His pre- 
 paration commenced with a tutor at home; bit he 
 was afterwards sent for one year to a i)rofessor in the 
 Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- 
 tered Kenyon College in 1838. at the age of sixteen, 
 and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. 
 
 Immediately 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 Sciiool at Cambridge, Mass., wliere he re- 
 mained two years. 
 
 In 1S45, after graduating at the Law School, he was 
 admitted to tlie bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly 
 afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law 
 with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- 
 mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, 
 and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- 
 fession. 
 
 In 1849 he moved to Cincmnati, where his ambi- 
 tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- 
 ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at 
 this period, had a powerful influence uiwn his subse- 
 quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss 
 Lucy Wnre Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of 
 Cliilicothe; the other was his i:itroduction to the Cin- 
 cin lati Literarj- Club, a body embracing among its 
 msmbers such men as'^hief Justice Salmon P. Chase, 
 
 Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many 
 others hardly less distinguished in after life. The 
 marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
 everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our 
 Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced 
 and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did 
 more than she to reflect honor uix)n .\merican 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 dis[)lay the 
 qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and 
 modesty. 
 
 In 1S56 he was nominated to the office of Judge of 
 the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- 
 cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of 
 city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council 
 elected him for the unexpired term. 
 
 In 1S61, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at 
 the zenith of his protessional life. His rank at the 
 bar was among the the first. But the news of the 
 attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take up 
 arms for the defense of his countr)-. 
 
 His military record was bright ar.d illustrious. In 
 October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
 in August, 1S62, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio 
 regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades 
 and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he 
 was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle 
 of South Mountain he received a wound, and while 
 faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude 
 that won admiration from all. 
 
 Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after 
 his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed 
 in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, 
 and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles 
 of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was 
 promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetied 
 Major-General, "forgallant and distinguislud ftrvices 
 during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In 
 the course of his arduous services, four horses were 
 shot from imder him, and he was wounded four limes. 
 
 In 1S64, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from 
 the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- 
 ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, 
 and after his election was inqxsrtuned to resign his 
 commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I 
 shall never come to Washington until I can come by 
 the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. 
 
 I'.-. 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, 
 over Hon. .Mien G. Thurman, a popular Democrat. 
 In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. 
 He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. 
 
 In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- 
 lican P.irty in the Presidential contest, and after a 
 hard long contest was chosen President, and was in 
 augurated Monday, March 5, 1S75. He served his 
 full term, not, however, with satisfaction to h'.s party, 
 but his admir'stration was an average o"- 
 
 ♦^ 
 
TiVEArTIETIl PRESIDENT. 
 
 95 
 
 .^mkf y>.\\,:\^ 
 
 ' ME>§ A, (IAKFIKE.D, , ^ 
 
 ^^(V^-^/V F 
 
 AMES A. CARVIELD, twen- 
 tieth President of the United 
 States, was born Nov. 19, 
 1 83 1, in the woods of Orange, 
 Cuyahoga Co., O His par- 
 ■" ents were Abram and Eliza 
 q (Ballou) Garfield, both of New 
 England ancestrj- and from fami- 
 lies well known in the early his- 
 J^^ V lory of that section of our coun- 
 trj', but had moved to the Western 
 Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- 
 ment. 
 
 The house in which James A. was 
 born was not unlike the houses of 
 ixx)r Ohio farmers of that day. It 
 ..ds alKJUt 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- 
 .ween the logs filled with clay. His father was a 
 iiard working fanner, and he soon had his fields 
 .•leared, an orciiard |)lanted, and a log barn built. 
 The household comprised the father and mother and 
 iheir four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and 
 James. In May, 1.S23, the father, from a cold con- 
 tracted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At 
 ihis time James was about eighteen months old, and 
 Thomas alx)ut ten years old. No one, perhaps, can 
 lell how much James was indeLted to his biother's 
 toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc- 
 ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very 
 much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- 
 ters live iu Solon, O., near their birthplace. 
 
 The e.iily educational advantages young Garfield 
 enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of 
 tnem. He lal)orcd at farm work for others, did car- 
 penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that 
 would bring in a few dollars lo aid his widowed 
 mother in he- ^trnggles to keep the little family to- 
 
 ■^ 
 
 gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his 
 origin, and he never forgot the friends of his stVug- 
 gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they 
 ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor, 
 the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly 
 greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was 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 he 
 was about si.xteen years old was to be a captain of 
 a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard 
 a vessel, which his mother strongly opixjsed. She 
 finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the 
 understanding, however, that he should try to obtain 
 some other kind of employment. He walked all the 
 way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city. 
 After making many applications for work, and trying 
 to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with 
 success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, .Amos 
 Letcher, on the Ohio &: Pennsylvania Canal. He re- 
 mained at this work but a short time when he went 
 home, and attended the seminary at Chester for 
 about three years, when he entered Hiram and the 
 Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in 
 the meantime, and doing other work. This school 
 was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of 
 which church he was then a member. He became 
 janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. 
 He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon 
 " exhausted Hiram " and i>eeded more ; hence, in the 
 fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which 
 he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- 
 ors of his class. He afterwards returned lo Hir.-ini 
 College as its Presii'ent. .As above slated, he early 
 united with the Christian or Diciplcs Chu-'ch at 
 Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- 
 ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where 
 he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of 
 Yale College, says of him in reference to his reliuion : 
 
 ■ » 
 
 r 
 
-4^ 
 
 96 
 
 'i^ l 4i 
 
 James a. garfield. 
 
 " President Garfield was more than a man of 
 strong moral and religious convictions. His whole 
 history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to 
 man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and 
 faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs 
 of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In 
 my judgment there is no more interesting feature of 
 his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of 
 Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent 
 sympathy whicli he ever showed in their Christian 
 communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty 
 and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to 
 the less stately and cultured Christian communions 
 in which they have been reared. Too often it is true 
 that as they step upward in social and political sig- 
 nificance they step upward from one degree to 
 another in some of the many types of fashionable 
 Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the 
 church of his mother, the church in which he was 
 trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an 
 evangelist, and yet witli the largest and most unsec- 
 tarian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'" 
 
 Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss 
 Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 1 1, 1858, who jiroved herself 
 worthy as the wife of one whom all tlie 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 lirst political speeches in 1S56, 
 in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and tliree 
 years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- 
 ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he 
 was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio 
 Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, 
 and in 1861 was admitted to the baii The great 
 Rebellion broke out in the early p^irt 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, i86i. He was immediately put into active ser- 
 vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in ac'ion, 
 was placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
 and eight companies of cavalry, charged witji the 
 work of driving out of his native .State the officer 
 (Humphrey Mirshall) re[)vited 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 tlie youngest General in the 
 army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, 
 in itsoperations around Corinth and its march through 
 .Mabama. He was tlien detailed as a memberof the 
 General Coutt-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John 
 Porter. He w.is then ordered to rejwrt to Gen. Rose- 
 crans, and was assigned to the " C'hief of Staff." 
 
 The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with 
 
 his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won 
 the stars of the Major-General. ■ 
 
 Without an effort on his part Gen. Garfield was 
 elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the 
 Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio 
 had been represented in Congress for si.xty years 
 mainly by two men — Elisha ^\'hittlesey and Joshua 
 R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he 
 resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- 
 tered Congress he was the youngest member in that 
 body. There he remained by successive re- ■ 
 elections until he was elected President in 18S0. 
 Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since 
 tlie year 1864 you cannot think of a question which 
 has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a 
 tribunel of the American people, in regard to which 
 you will not find, if you wish mstruction, 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." 
 
 U[X)n Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Ciarfield 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, 1S81, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- 
 ministration ever opened its existence under brighter 
 auspices tlian that of President Garfield, and every 
 day it grew in favo." with the peo])le, and by the first 
 of July he had completed all the initiator^' and pre- 
 liminary work of his administration and was prepar- 
 ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams 
 College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- 
 pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind 
 him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. 
 The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the 
 assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the 
 left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting nofurlhei 
 injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was 
 " the shot that was heard round the world " Never 
 liefore in the history of the Nation had anything oc- 
 curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people 
 for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- 
 ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and 
 was at the summit of his jKiwer and hope. For eighty 
 days, all during the hot months of July and August, 
 he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained 
 master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent 
 bearing was teaching the country and the world tlie 
 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 Elberon, N. J , on the very bank of the 
 ocean, where he had been taken shortly j^revious. The 
 world wept at his death, as it never had done on the 
 death of any other man who had ever lived upon it. 
 Tlie murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- 
 cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. 
 
t 
 
 •«»> 
 
 TWENTY-FIRST PRESIDENT. 
 
 99 
 
 <-S^ V*.. p -sji, V -a- A,><>\, ."' V ' *. ® ,,.^,: *-» ^ 
 
 .^rrrs^ffli^?? 
 
 '-^ 
 
 •^4 
 
 HESTER A. ARTHUR, 
 
 twentv-first Presi'^.^iii of the 
 
 United States was born in 
 
 Franklin Cour ty, Vermont, on 
 
 Sf^^'.^Sifr/.-^.::^ t he fifth of Odobcr, 1830, andis 
 
 W^:^t=iv' the oldest of a family of two 
 
 u$"^™as^,^- sons and five daughters. His 
 
 .1 father was the Rev. Dr. AVilliam 
 
 J Arthur, a Baptist cJ'.rgyman, who 
 
 emigrated to tb s countr)' from 
 
 1^ the county Ant.im, Ireland, in 
 
 his 18th year, and died in 1875, in 
 
 Newtonville, neai Albany, after a 
 
 long and successful ministry. 
 
 Young Arthur was educated at 
 Union College, S< hcnectady, where 
 he excelled in all his studies. Af- 
 ter his graduation he taught school 
 in Vermont for two years, and at 
 the expiration of that time came to 
 New York, with S500 in his jxjcket, 
 and entered the office of ex-Judge 
 E. D. Culver as student. After 
 I being admitted to the bar he formed 
 a partnership with his intiniaie friend and room-mate, 
 Henr)' D. 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, (ieneral Arthur 
 so")n afterward nv^rp'-d the daughter of Lieutenant 
 
 '^ 
 
 Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at 
 sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in 
 recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- 
 sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthurs 
 nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two 
 children. 
 
 Clcn. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity 
 in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, 
 brought to recover jxjssession 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 apjieal. 
 Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed 
 to represent the People, and they won llieir case, 
 which then went to the Supreme Court of the United 
 States. Charles O'Conor here esjwused the cause 
 of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs. 
 Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward 
 the emancipation of the black race. 
 
 Another great service was rendered by General 
 Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, 
 a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth 
 Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. 
 General .Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a 
 verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- 
 ny issued an order 10 admit colored persons to ride 
 on their cars, and the other car companies (juickly 
 
 i 
 
 Ide 
 
 kly i| 
 
.^1^^ 
 
 CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 
 
 followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- 
 nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per- 
 sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. 
 
 General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention 
 at Saratoga that founded tiie Republican party. 
 Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the 
 Second Brigade of the State of New \ork, and Cov- 
 ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed hmi Engineer- 
 in-Chicf 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 (iovernmerit 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 comiwsing 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 
 jjolitics. He was apix)inted Collector of the Port of 
 New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- 
 ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 
 20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 
 
 Mr. .\rthi;r was nominated on the Presidential 
 ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous 
 National Republican Convention held at Chicago in 
 June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political 
 convention that ever assembled on thecontinent. It 
 was composed of the leading jwliticians of the Re- 
 publican party, ail 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 non)ination. Finally Gen. Garfielil re- 
 ceived the nomination for Piesident and Gen. .\rthur 
 for Vice-Presideiit. The campaign wliiih followed 
 was one of the most animated known in the history of 
 ()\ir country, (icn. Hancock, the standard-bearer of 
 the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his 
 ))arty made a valiant fight for his election. 
 
 F"inally the election came and the country's choice 
 was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated 
 March 4, r88i, as President and Vice-President. 
 \ 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 hearts of all civilized na- 
 
 tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re- 
 covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- 
 able patience that he manifested during those hours 
 and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- 
 fering man has often been called upon to endure, was 
 seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- 
 like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. 
 Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his 
 credit that his every action displayed only an earnest 
 desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to 
 serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- 
 ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested 
 in deed or look of this man, even though the most 
 honored ixDsition in the world was at any moment 
 likely to fall to him. 
 
 At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- 
 field from further sulTering, and the world, as never 
 before in its history over the death of any other 
 man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of 
 the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of 
 the high office, and he took the oath in New York, 
 Sept. 20, 1881. The position 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 ix)licy 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 im|)ortant 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 ix)int. Under these trying circumstances President 
 Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own 
 hands; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of 
 affairs, he 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, 1885, 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 opjKising candidates, he would have 
 been selected as the standard-bearer of his party 
 for another cam|)aign. He retired to private life car- 
 rying with him the best wishes of the American peo- 
 ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory 
 to them and with credit to himself. 
 
Vs; 
 
 y^-t-r^^^ 
 
 Clc^>c//i 
 
> ■ ^1 
 
 TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT. 
 
 
 i- 
 
 ^7]^ 
 
 H^;!S<s«r";5<ji-f"S*T;;;-Hj^;L5*si;j*i";S<*»i"Sv*v;;S-«'^"!'5-<* 
 
 S. 'Str^^er Clex^etawS. 
 
 i\: (-**>"» A^^ -^ -^ ^-» -»- <_./-*v^ -:.'-=K ^»»^.^^-^ --^v ,|,^ T , \ >^ 
 
 '^,''^"AXX/V:'p 
 
 OO P - 
 
 lEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- 
 I , AN U, the twenty- second Pres- 
 ident of the United States, was 
 horn in 1837, in the obscure 
 town of Caldwell, Essex Co., 
 N. J., and in a little two-and-a- 
 ii.ilf-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, 
 Ly way of the Hudson River and Erie ('anal, 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-supiwrting by the quickest possible 
 maans, and this at that time in Fayetteville seemed 
 to be a [Msiiion 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 in two years he 
 had 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 p.irticular " 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, where he li id an op|K)rtunity of attending a 
 high school. Here he industriously pursued his 
 studies until the family removed with him to a |X)int 
 on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a 
 village of 500 or 600 people, 1 5 miles north of Utica, 
 N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching 
 but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
 and Grover set out for New York Ciiy to accept, at a 
 small salary, the [wsition 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 hia 
 
 i 
 
 V 
 
t04 
 
 5. G ROVER CLEVELAND. 
 
 •►^H^ 
 
 calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, 
 ne 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 
 ask the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted 
 stock-breeder of tiut place. The latter did not 
 speak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do, 
 my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, 1 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 
 any. 
 
 After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a 
 place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a 
 year, wiiile 11c could "look around." One day soon 
 afterward he boldly walked into tiie office of Rogers, 
 Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told them what he 
 wanted. A number of young men were already en- 
 gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and 
 he was finally permitted to come as an office boy and 
 have 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 
 imcle'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 ; 
 but in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
 Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland 
 exhibited a talent for execuliveness rather than for 
 chasing principles through all their metaphysical 
 |)ossibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do 
 it," was practically his motto. 
 
 The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was 
 elected 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 punishment upon two 
 criminals. In iSSi he was elected Mayor of the 
 City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- 
 pecial reference to the bringing about certain 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, imi)udent and shameless scheme 
 to betray the interests of the people and to worse 
 than squander tiie people's money." The New York 
 Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- 
 land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and tiiere- 
 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 
 It, 1884, 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 he 
 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, 1SS5, in order to prepare for his duties as 
 the Chief E.xecutive of the United States, in which 
 capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of 
 March, 18S5. For his Cabinet officers he selected 
 tlie 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. Wiiitney, of New 
 York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, o^ 
 Mississippi ; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, 
 of Wisconsin; Attorney-General, .\. H. Garland, of 
 .\rkansas. 
 
 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. 
 
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 TWKNTY-TII I UD I'UKSI Di:NT. 
 
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 |j;^KN.)A.MIN IIAKRISON, the 
 1| \ J twentj-third President, is 
 ' the (Ipsfcndaiit of one of the 
 historical families of this 
 country. The head of the 
 ^, fatiiilj- was a Major (iencral 
 J Harrison, one of Oliver 
 C'rom well's trusted follow- 
 ^< ^ els and fif^hters. In the zenith of Crom- 
 W[ i i well's power it liecanie the duty of this 
 • I'til; Harrison to participate in the trial of 
 Charles I. and afterward to sijjn the 
 death warrant of the king, lie subse- 
 quently paid for this with his life, lieing 
 hun^ Oct. 13. IGGO. His descendants 
 came to America, and the next of the 
 ^^ family that appears in history is Benja- 
 
 cU min Harrison, of ^■ir{rinia, grcai-grand- 
 
 father of the subject of this sketch, and 
 after whom he was name(). lienjamin Harrison 
 was n member of the Continental Congress during 
 the years 177-t-;"i-i;, and was one of the original 
 signers of ihe I)ocl;iration of Independence. He 
 was three times electerl fJovernor of Virginia, 
 ("•en. William Heniv 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 Oovernor of the North- 
 western Terrilor}-, was elected President of the 
 United Slates in 1840. His career was cut short 
 by death within one month after his inauguration. 
 President Harrison was born at North Bend, 
 Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. 20. 1833. His life up to 
 the time of his graduation bv the Miami University, 
 at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun- 
 try' lad of a family of small means. His father was 
 able to give him a good eilucation, and nothing 
 more. He became engaged while at college to the 
 daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female school 
 at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en- 
 ter upon the stud}' of the law. He went to Cin- 
 rinnati and then read law for two years. At the 
 expiration of that time young Harrison received the 
 only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying left him 
 a lot valued at ¥800. He regarded this legacy as a 
 fortune, and deci<led to get married at once, lake 
 this money and go to some Ejistern town and be- 
 gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and wiih 
 the money in his |H>eket, he started out with his 
 young wife to tight for a place in the world. He 
 
 * 
 
a 
 
 \i ^ 
 
 ■4*- 
 
 108 
 
 ■*► 
 
 BENJAMIN HARRISON. 
 
 decided to go to Indianapolis, which was even at 
 that time a town of promise. He met with slight 
 encouragement nt first, making scarcely anything 
 the first j'ear. He worked dilijjently, applj-ing him- 
 self closely to his calling, built up an extensive 
 practice and took a leading rank in the legal pro- 
 fession. He is the father of two children. 
 
 In 1860 Mr. Harrison was nominated for tiie 
 position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- 
 gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can- 
 vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a 
 handsome majority. In 1802 he raised the 17th 
 Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His 
 regiment was composed of the rawest of material, 
 but Col. Harrison employed all his time at first 
 mastering military tactics and drilling his men, 
 when he therefore came to move toward the East 
 with Sherman his regiment was one of the best 
 drilled and organi/.iMl in the army. At Resaca he 
 cspeciallj' distinguished himself, and for his bravery 
 at Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen- 
 eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most 
 complimentarj' terms. 
 
 During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field 
 the Supreme Court declared the ollice of the Su- 
 preme Coiu-t Reporter vacant, and another person 
 w!is elected to the position. From the time of leav- 
 ing Indiana with his regimciit 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 that time 
 made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected 
 for another terra. He then started to rejoin Sher- 
 man, but on the \v:\y was stricken down with scarlet 
 fever, and after a most trying siege made his way 
 to the front in time to particii>ate in the closing 
 incidents of the war. 
 
 In 18G8 Geu. Harrison declined a re-election as 
 reporter, and resumed tiie practice of law. In 1876 
 he was a candidate for Governor. Although de- 
 feated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him 
 a National reputation, and lie was much sought, es- 
 pecially in the East, to make speeches. In 1880, 
 as usual, he took .an active i)art in the canijjaign, 
 and was elected to the United States Senate. Here 
 he served six years, and was known as one of the 
 ablest men, Ijest lawyers ami strongest debaters in 
 
 that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial 
 term he returned to the practice of his professionv 
 becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in 
 the State. 
 
 The political campaign of 1888 w.as one of the 
 most memorable in the history of our country. The 
 convention which assembled in Chicago in .Tune and 
 named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer 
 of the Republican party, was great in everj' 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. 
 Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move- 
 ment became popular, and from all sections of the 
 country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed 
 thilluM- to |My their respects to the distinguished 
 statesman. The popularity of these was greatly 
 increased on account of the remarkable speeches 
 made liy .Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through 
 the suniiner and autumn to these visiting delega- 
 tions, anil 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 
 I)ower .as a debater, he was callcil upon at an un- 
 commonly early age to take part in the discussion 
 of the great (piestlous that then began to agitate 
 the country. He was an uucoin|)romising anti- 
 slavery man. and was matched against some of the 
 most eminent Democratic six-akcrs of his State. 
 No m.'ui who felt the toucli of his blade desired to 
 be pitted with him again. With all his elo(|ueuce 
 .a.s an orator he never spoke for oratorical effect, 
 but his words always went like bullets to the mark. 
 He is purely American in his ide.as and is a splen- 
 did tyi)e of the .\merican statesman. (Jifteil with 
 quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue, 
 he is one of the most distinguished impromptu 
 speakers in the N.ition. Many of the,*ie si)eeches 
 sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained 
 arguments of greatest weight. Many of his terse 
 statements have already become aphorisms. Origi- 
 nal ill thought, precise in logic, terse in stateiiicnl. 
 yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recogiiizeil as 
 the sound slatesnian ;iiid brilliaut orator of the dav. 
 
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 STEFHENTT.. MASON, 
 
 -vtliC^'®^'**-- •"'•* 
 
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 i" 
 
 TEPHEN T. MASON, the 
 first ('•ovcrrnorof Michigan, was 
 a son of Oeii. John 'I". Mason, 
 of Kentucky, l)Ut was born in 
 Virginia, in 18 12. At the age 
 ''^ of 19 he was appointed Secre- 
 \.\xy of Michigan Territory, and 
 served in that capacity daring tlie 
 .idministration of Gov. Cieorge B. 
 Porter. Upon the death of Gov. 
 Porter, whicli occurred on the 6th of 
 July, 1834, Mr. Mason became Act- 
 ing Governor. In October, 1835, he 
 was elected Governor under the State 
 organization, and immediately en- 
 tered uixjn 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 jxisition, and served with 
 credit to himself and to the advantage of the State. 
 He died Jan. 4, 1S43. The principal event during 
 Ciovernor Mason's official career, was that arising from 
 the disputed southern Iwundary of the State. 
 
 Michigan claimed for her southern Iwundary aline 
 running east across the jjeninsula from the extreme 
 southern jxiint of Lake Michigan, extending through 
 Lake Erie, to the Pennsylvania line. This she 
 claimed as a vested right — a right accruing to her by 
 compact. This compact was the ordinance of 1787, 
 the parties to which were the original 13 States, and 
 the territory northwest of the Ohio; and, by the suc- 
 cession of parties under statutory amendments to the 
 ordinance and laws of I'ongress — the United States on 
 the one part, and each Territory northwest of the 
 Ohio, as f.Tr .is afTected l)y their jirovisions, nn the 
 
 other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the prior 
 grant, or assignation of Iwundary. 
 
 Ohio, on the other hand, claimed that the ordinance 
 had been sui)etseded by the Constitution of the 
 United States, and that Congress had a right to regu- 
 late the boundar>-. It was also claimed that the 
 Consdtution of the State of Ohio having descril)ed a 
 different line, and Congress having admitted the State 
 under that Constitution, without mentioning the sul)- 
 ject of the line in dispute. Congress had thereby given 
 its consent to the line as laid down by the Constitu- 
 tion of Ohio. This claim was urged by Ohio at 
 some periods of the controversy, but at others she ap- 
 peared to regard the question unsettled, by the fact 
 that she insisted uixjn Congress taking action in re- 
 gard to the boundary, .\ccordingly, we find that, in 
 i8t2. Congress authorized the Surveyor-General to 
 survey a line, agreeably to the act, to enable the i>eople 
 of Ohio to form a Constitution and State government. 
 Owing to Indian hostilities, however, the line was not 
 run till 1818. In 1820, the (piestion in dispute 
 underwent a rigid e.\amination by the Committee on 
 Public Lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously 
 urged by her delegation, and as ably opjwsed by Mr. 
 Woodbridge, the then delegate from Michigan. The 
 result was that the committee decided unanimously 
 in favor of Michigan ; but, in the hurry of business, 
 no action was taken by Congress, and the <iuestion 
 remained open till Michigan organized her State gov- 
 ernment. 
 
 The Territory in dispute is about five miles in 
 width at the west end, and about eight miles in width 
 at the east end, and extends along the whole north- 
 ern line of Ohio, west of Lake Erie. The line claimed 
 by Michigan was known as the " Fulton line," and 
 that claimed I'V Ohiowasknown :'.sthc" Harris line," 
 
 •> M <• 
 
t 
 
 -4^ 
 
 io6 
 
 ••»> 
 
 STEPHEN r. MASON. 
 
 from the names of ilie surveyors. The territon' 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 e.xtending 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 apjxjint 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, .\ccordingly, on the 12th 
 of February, the council passed an act making it a 
 criminal offence, punishable by a heavy fine, or im- 
 prisonment, for any one to attempt to exercise any 
 official functions, or accept any office within tlie 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 accomi)anied by General 
 Bell and staff, of the Ohio Militia, who proceeded to 
 muster a volunteer force of about 600 men. This 
 was soon accotnplished, 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, Ciovernor Mason, witli General 
 Brown and staff, had raised a force 800 to 1200 
 strong, and were in iX)ssession of Toledo. General 
 Brown's Staff consisted of Captain Henry Smith, of 
 Monroe, Inspector; Major J. J. Ullman, of Con- 
 stantine, Quartermaster; \\'illiam P.. Broadman, of 
 Detroit, and .Mpheus Felch, of Monroe, Aids-de- 
 <au)p. W'nen Governor Lucas observed the deter- 
 mined bearing of the Michigan braves, and took not? 
 
 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 jxjssessionof 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 i)eople by a 
 surrender of jxissession 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 tiie commissioners 
 to i)roceed with their work. 
 
 In the meantime, Governor Mason kept a watch- 
 ful eye ujxjn the proceedings. Cieneral 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 jwrtion 
 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 sometime 
 to agitate the minds of the opposing parties ; and the 
 action of Coneress was impatiently awaited. Michigan 
 was admitted into the Union on the condition that 
 she give to Ohio the disputed territorj', and accept 
 in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did. 
 
 i 
 
 ?M^-* 
 
I 
 
 <^ 
 
 SECOND GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN. 
 
 109 
 
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 :^l>Ti ^ ' J»>"»''e>«sj^i<3Wrav-i 
 
 ILLIAM UOODBRUHiE, 
 ',, ^second Ciovernor of Michigan, 
 ,y was iKjrn at Norwich, Conn., 
 ' Aug. JO, 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, aliout 1790. The 
 life of Wm. Woodbridge, by Chas. 
 i.auman, from whicli this sketch 
 is largely com i)iled, mentions noth- 
 ing concerning liis early education 
 beyond the fact that it was such as 
 was afforded by the average school 
 of the time, e.xcept a year with the 
 French colonists at Galli|X5lis, 
 where he acquired a knowledge of 
 the French language. It should 
 be borne in mind, however, that 
 home education at that time was 
 an indispensable feature in the 
 training of the young. To this and 
 and to a few studies well mastered, 
 is due that strong mental discipline which has served 
 as a basis for many of the grand intellects that have 
 adorned and helped to make our National history. 
 Mr. Woodbridge studied law at Marietta, having 
 as a fellow student an intimate personal friend, a 
 young man subsc(|uently 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, daughter of John Triimbell, a 
 distinguished author and judge ; and author of the 
 
 i 
 
 peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of the 
 Revolution, wrought such a magic change upon the 
 spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domes- 
 tic relations until the death of Mrs. W., 1-eb. 2, 19, i860. 
 
 Our written biographi'.-s necessarily speak more 
 fully of men, because of their active participation in 
 public affairs, but human actions are stamped u[X)n 
 the page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled 
 the influence of g(X)d women u|x)n the history of the 
 world will be read side by side with the deeds of men. 
 How much success and renown in life many men owe 
 to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W. en- 
 joyed the best means of 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 ix)ct, and wrote (juitc a large number of fine 
 verses, some of which are preserved in a printed 
 memorial essay written ujwn the occasion of her 
 death. In this essay, it is said of her "to contribute 
 even in matters of minor im|X)rtance, to elevate the 
 reputation and add to the well being of her husband 
 in the various stations he was called uixjn to fill, gave 
 her the highest satisfaction " She was an invalid 
 during the latter ]X)rtion of her life, but was patient 
 and cheerful to the end. 
 
 In 1807, Mr. W. was chosen a representative to the 
 (leneral ,\ssembly of Ohio, and in 1809 was elected to 
 the Senate, continuing a member by re-election until 
 his remo.val from the State. He also held, by ap- 
 pointment, during the time the office of Prosecuting 
 .Attorney for his county. He took a leading part in 
 the Legislature, and in 1812 drew up a declaration and 
 resolutions, which passed the two houses unamiiiously 
 
u 
 
 4^ 
 
 ir/LL/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, W'oodhridge and Cass, had be- 
 come widely separated. Tlie latter was Governor of 
 the Territory of Michigan underthe historic "Governor 
 and Judges" plan, with the indispensatile re([uisite of a 
 Secretary of the 'I'erritorry. This latter position was, 
 in 18 1 4, without solicitation on his part, tendered to 
 Mr. W. He accepted the ix)sition with some hesita- 
 tion, and entered uixdu its duties as soon as he could 
 make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio. 
 The oftice of Secretary involved also tlie duties of 
 ooUectorof customsat the jxjrt of Detroit, and during 
 the frequent absences of the (iovernor, the dischargeof 
 of his duties, also including those of Superintendent 
 of Indian Affairs. Mr. \V. officiated as Governor for 
 about two years out of the eight years that he held the 
 office of Secretary I'nder the administration of "Gov- 
 ernor and Judges," which the people of the Territory 
 preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time 
 after their numbers entitled them to a more popular 
 representative system, they were allowed no delegate 
 in Congress. Mr. W., as a sort of informal agent of 
 the people, by correspondence and also by a visit to 
 the National capital, so clearly set forth the demand 
 for representation by a delegate, that an act was 
 pj^ssedin Congress in rSigauthorizingone tobechosen. 
 Under this a<t Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence 
 of all parties. His first action inCongress was to secure 
 the passage of a bill recognizing and confirming the 
 old French land titles in the Territory according to 
 the terms of the treaty of peace with (ireat Britain 
 at the close of tlie Revolution ; and another for the 
 construction of a Government road through t he "black 
 swamps" from the Miami River to Detroit, tiius open- 
 ing a means of land transit between Gliio and Mich- 
 igan. He was influential in securing the passage of 
 bills for the construction of Government roads from 
 Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and 
 for the improvement of La Plaisance Bay. The ex- 
 pedition for the exploration of the country around 
 Lake Superior and in the valley of the Upjier Mis- 
 sissippi, prniected by Governor Cass, was sot 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 Secretani' of the Territory up to the time 
 its Government passed into the "second grade." 
 
 In 1824, he was ap|K)inted one of a board of 
 commissioner-; for adjusting private land claims in 
 
 the 'I'erritory, 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. .\dams, 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 api)arently a continuation of the Terri- 
 torial Court, under the "first grade" or "(iovernor and 
 Judges" system. Although it was supreme in its ju- 
 dicial functions witliin the Territory, its jxswers and 
 duties were of a very general character. 
 
 In 1832, the term of his a[)pointment as Judge ex- 
 piring. President Jackson apixjinied a successor, it is 
 supjwsed on (xjlitical grounds,nuich to the disappoint- 
 ment of tlie public and the bar of the Territory. The 
 partisan feeling of the time e.xtended into the Terri- 
 tory, and its i)eople began to think of assuming the 
 dignity of a State government. Party lines becom- 
 ing very sharply drawn, he identified himself with 
 the Whigs and was elected a member of the Conven- 
 tion of 1835, which formed the first State Constitution. 
 In 1837 he was elected a nieniber of t'^e Slate Senate. 
 
 This sketch has puriwsely dealt somewhat in detail 
 with what may l)e called Judge W's. earlier career, 
 liecause it is closely identified with the early his- 
 tory of the State, and the develo|inient of its ]X)liti- 
 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 attem))ted. He was elected Gov- 
 ernor in 1839, under a pojiular impression that the 
 affairs of the State had not been prudently adminis- 
 tered by the Democrats. He served as Governor but 
 little more than a year, when he was elected to the 
 Senate of the United Slates. 
 
 HIn term in the Senate i)ractically 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 apix)intment 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 corpofate lim- 
 its of Detroit, wlierc he resided during the remainder 
 of his life. Both in his public papers and private 
 communications, Governor ^^'. shows himself a mas- 
 ter of language; he is fruitful in simile and illustra- 
 tion, logical in arrangement, hajipy 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 the more at- 
 tractive because not too often allowed to come to the 
 surface. His letters and .addresses show a deep and 
 earnest aflfection not only for his ancestral home, but 
 the home of hi-; ;idopti)n :ind for friends and family. 
 
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 GOl'EKyORS OF MICJIIGAX. 
 
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 JOHN S. BARRY Ml 
 
 
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 7 
 
 '1^ OHN .STEWARD UARRV, 
 '.8L Governor of Michigan from 
 Jan. 3, 1842. to Jan. 5, 1846, 
 and from Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan. 
 I, 1852, was born at Amherst, 
 N. H., Jan. 29, 1802. His |)ar- 
 9 cnis, John and Kllen (Steward) 
 Darr)', early removed to Rocking- 
 ham, Vt., where he remained until 
 i' he hecanie of age, working on his 
 ither's farm, and pursuing his 
 studies at the same time. He mar- 
 ried Mary Kidder, of (Irafton, \'t., 
 and in 1S24 went to Georgia, Vt., 
 where he had charge of an academy 
 for two years, meanwhile studying 
 l.iw. 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 jieriod 
 was Captain of a company 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, 1S34. Mr. Harry removed to Con- 
 
 «••■ 
 
 stantine and continued his mercantile pursuits. He 
 became Justice of the Peace at White Pigeon, Mich., 
 in 1831, and held the office until the year 1835. 
 Mr. Barry's first public office was that of a member 
 of the first constitutional convention, which assembled 
 and framed the constitution u|X)n which Michigan 
 was admitted into the Union. He look an imjjortant 
 and prominent part in the proceedings of that body, 
 and showed himself to be a man of far more than 
 ordinary ability. 
 
 Upon Michigan being admitted into the Union, 
 Mr. Barry was chosen State .Senator, and so favorably 
 were his associates impressed with his abilities at the 
 first session of the Legislature that they looked to him 
 as a party leader, and that he should head the State 
 ticket at the following election. Accordingly he re- 
 ceived the nomination for Governor at the hands 
 of his party assembled in convention. He was 
 elected, and so jxjpular 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 b.asis. 
 
 During the first year of Gov. Barry's first term, the 
 University at .Ann ArlK)r was opened for the rei epliun 
 
 t 
 
-4*- 
 
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 114 
 
 JOHN STEWARD BARRY. 
 
 of students. The Micliigaii Central and Michigan 
 Southern railroads were being rapidly constructed, and 
 general progress was everywhere noticeable. In 1S42, 
 tlie number of pupils re|»orted as attending the public 
 schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. In 1S43, a 
 State land office was established at Marshall, wliich 
 was invested with the ciiarge 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 lax being at the 
 rate of two mills on tlie dollar. The expenses of the 
 State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the 
 income from the railroads was nearly three hundred 
 thousand dollars. .At this time the University of 
 .Michigan had become so prosperous that its income 
 was ami)le 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 efiiciency of the common schools 
 with good results In 1845, when Gov. Barry's sec- 
 ond term ex[)ired, the population of the State was 
 more than three hundred thousand. 
 
 The constitution of the Slate forbade more than two 
 consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the 
 (Kjsition again in 1850 — the only instance of the kind 
 in the history of tiie 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 "(Ireat 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 Com[)any, along the line 
 of their road, and finally the burning of the depot 
 at Detroit, in 1850. 
 
 At a setting of the grand jury of Wayne County, 
 April 24, 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 employed ten eminent lawyers, in- 
 cluding David Stuart, John Van .\rman, James A. 
 Van Dyke, Jacol) M. Howard, .Mex. D. Fraser, Dan- 
 iel Cioodwin and William Gray. The defendants were 
 represented by six members of the State bar, led by 
 William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied 
 four months, during which time the plaintiffs exam- 
 ined 246 witnesses in 27 days, and the defendants 
 249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed the jury 
 for the i>rosecution ; William H. Seward for the 
 defense. 
 
 The groat lawver was convinced of the innocence 
 
 of his clients, nor did the verdict of that jury and the 
 sentence of tiiat judge remove his firm belief that his 
 clients were the victims of i)urchased treachery, 
 rather tiian so many sacrifices to justice. 
 
 The verdict of " guilty " was rendered at 9 o'clock 
 I'. .M., Sei)t. 25, 1851. On the 26tii 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 
 Killey, ten years; Orlando 1.. Williams, ten years;. 
 -Aaron .Mount, eigiit years; .Andrew J. Freeland, eight 
 years; Eben Farnham, eight years; William Corvin, 
 eight years; Richard I'rice, 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 t"onvention held in Chicago in 1864. 
 
 He was a man who, throughout life, maintained a 
 high character for integrity and fidelity to the trusts 
 bestowed uiwn him, whether of a public or a private 
 nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been 
 one of the most efficient and iwpular Governors the 
 Slate has ever had. 
 
 Gov. Barry was a man of incorruptible integrity. 
 His opinions, which he reached by the most thorough 
 investigation, he held tenaciously. His strong con- 
 victions and outsiwken honesty made it impossible for 
 him to take an undefined jwsition when a principle 
 was involved. His attachments and prejudices were 
 strong, yet he was never accused of favoritism in his 
 administration of public affairs. .As a speaker he was 
 not remarkable. Solidity, rather than brilliancy, char- 
 acterized his oratory, which is described as argument- 
 ative and instructive, but cold, hard, and entirely 
 wanting in rlietorical ornament. He was never elo- 
 t|uent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner 
 rather awkward. 
 
 .Although Mr. Barry's educational advantages were 
 so limited, lie was a life-long student. He mastered 
 both ancient and modern languages, and acijuired a 
 thorough knowledge of historj'. Xo man owed less 
 to [xjlitical intrigue as a means of gaining jxjsi- 
 tion. He was a true statesman, and gained public es- 
 teem by his solid worth. His political connections 
 were always with the Democratic party, and his opin- 
 ions were usually extreme. 
 
 Mr. Barry retired to private life after the beginning 
 of the ascendency of the Republican i)arty, and car- 
 ried on his mercantile business at Constantine. He 
 died Jan. 14, 1S70, his wife's, death having occurred a 
 year previ(>\is, March 30, 1S69. They left no children. 
 
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 ^■■^//-X \>,.:>!^ 
 
 
 PHEUS FELCH, the third 
 overnor of Michigan, was 
 Ixirnin Limerick, Maine, Sej)- 
 leniher 28, 1806. Hisgrand- 
 ^^i* father, Abijah Felch, was a sol- 
 /''•- dier ill the Revolution ; and 
 i-, g, when a young man, liaving with 
 
 , ji^/j^-'aa! others obtained a grant of land be- 
 ^ra' tween iheOreatand Little ()ssii)ee 
 ' Rivers, in Maine, moved to that re- 
 gion when it was yet a wilderness. 
 The father of Mr. l-'elch embarked in 
 mercantile life at Limerick. He was 
 the first to engage in that business in 
 that section, and tontinncd 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 grandfathei, where he re- 
 mained until his death. Mr Felch received his early 
 education in the district school and a neighboring 
 academy. In 1821 he became a student at Phillips 
 F,.\ter .\cademy, and, subsequently, entered Howdoin 
 College, graduated with the class of 1827. He at 
 once began the study of law and was admitted to 
 ])ractice at Bangor, .Me., in 1830. 
 
 He began the practice of his profession at Honlton, 
 .Me., where he remained until 1833. The severity 
 of the climate imj)aired his health, never verj' good, 
 and he found it necessarj- to seek a change of climate. 
 He dis|K>sed of his librar)' and started to. seek 
 a new home. His intention was to join his friend. 
 
 T 
 
 «^ 
 
 •Sargent S. Prentiss, at Vicksburg, Miss., but on his 
 arrival at Cincinnati, .\lr. Felch was attacked by 
 cholera, and when he had lecovered sufficiently to 
 permit of his traveling, found that the danger of the 
 disease was too great to pemiii 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 contmued until 1S43, when he removed 
 to .Ann .\rlx5r. He was elected to Uie State Legisla- 
 ture in 1835, and continued a member of that body 
 during the years 1836 and 1837. While he held thi^ 
 office, the general banking law of the State was enact- 
 ed, and went into oiieration. After mature delibera- 
 tion, he became convinced that the proposed system 
 of l>anking could not i)rove beneficial to the public 
 interests ; and that, instead of relieving the jseople 
 from the pecuniary difficulties under which they were 
 lalioring, it would result in still further embarrass- 
 meTit. He, therefore, oi)|)osed the bill, and jxjinted 
 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 hieasure 
 that no other member, in either branch of the Legisla- 
 ture, raised a dissenting voice, and but two voted with 
 him in opjosition to the bill. Early in 1S38, he was 
 appointed one of the Bank Commissioners of the 
 State, and held that office for more than a year. I )ur- 
 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 
 liyht frauds at everv' ])oint, which were fearlessly re- 
 
 i 
 
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 -4»- 
 
 ii8 
 
 ALPHEU3 FELCH. 
 
 iwrted to the Legislature, and were followed by crim- 
 inal prosecutions of the guilty i>arttes, and the closing 
 of many of their institutions. The duties of the of- 
 fice were most laborious, and in 1839 Mr. Kelch 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 1S42 Governor Fclch was appointed 
 to the office of Auditor Oeneral 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 Januar)', 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 Cliairman. He filled the honorable iX)sition 
 of Senator with becoming dignity, and with great 
 credit to the State of Michigan. 
 
 During Governor Fetch'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 exjwrts 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 sui)plied with good libra- 
 ries, containing an aggregate of 37,000 volumes. 
 
 Al the close of his Senatorial term, in March, 1853, 
 Mr. Fell h was apjwinted, by President Pierce, one of 
 I the C'ommissioners to adjust and settle the Spanish 
 
 and Mexican land claims in California, under the 
 
 treaty of Gaudaliipe Hidalgo, and an act of Congress 
 passed for that pur[X)se. He went to C'alifornia in 
 May, 1853, and was made President uf tlie Commis- 
 sion. The duties of this office were of the most im- 
 portant and delicate character. The interest of the 
 new State, and the fortunes of many of its citizens, 
 both the native Mexican jwpulation 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, — werein volved in the adjudications of this Com- 
 mission. In March, 1856, their labors were brought 
 to a close by the final disixjsition 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 ^^'ashington. 
 
 In June of that year, Governor Felch returned to 
 Ann Arbor, where he has since been engaged princi- 
 pally in legal business. Since his return he has 
 been nominated for Governor and also for U. S. Sen- 
 ator, and twice for Judge of the Supreme Court. But 
 the Democratic party, to which he has always been 
 attached, being in the minority, he failed of an elec- 
 tion. In 1873 he withdrew from the active practice 
 of law, and, witli the exception of a tour in Europe, 
 in 1875 has since led a life of retirement at his home 
 in .\nn Arbor. In 1S77 the University of Michigan 
 conferred \\\)o\\ 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 apixjinted 
 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. 
 
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 GO VERNORS. 
 
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 ILLIAM L. GREENLY 
 
 » 
 
 (lovemor of Michigan for the 
 year 1847, was lx)m at Hamil- 
 ton, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. 
 18,1813. He graduated at Un- 
 ion GjUege, Schenectady, in 
 I S3 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. The year 
 following his arrival in Michigan 
 lie 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, 
 
 ti^ wlio was elected to the I'nited 
 3 States Senate. 
 
 i The war with Mexico was brought 
 
 to a successful termination during Gov. Greenly 's 
 administration. We regret to say that tliere are only 
 few records extant of the action of Michigan troops 
 in the Mexican war. That many went there and 
 fought well are points conccsded ; but their names and 
 nativity are hidden .iw.iy in United States archives 
 
 and where it is almost impossible to find them. 
 
 The soldiers of this State deser\'e much of the 
 credit of the memorable achievements of Co. K, 3d 
 Dragoons, and Cos. .\, E, and G of the L'. S. Inf 
 The two former of these companies, recruited in this 
 State, were reduced to one-third their original num- 
 ber. 
 
 In -May, i846,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 the State, but embodying to a 
 great degree the material of which the first volunteers 
 was formed, were not called for until October follow- 
 ing. This regiment was soon in readiness and pro- 
 ceeded by orders from Government to the seat of war. 
 
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 GOVEJiNORS. 
 
 
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 HE HON. EPAPHRODI- 
 TUS RANSOM, the Seventli 
 Governor of Michigan, was a 
 native of Massachusetts. In 
 tliat State he received a col- 
 legiate education, studied law, 
 and was admitted to the bar. 
 Removing to Michigan ahout 
 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 apiwinted As- 
 sociate Justice of the Supreme Court. In 1843 he 
 was jiromoted to Chief Justice, which office he re- 
 tained until 1S45, 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 jxjrtion 
 of the property which he had accumulated by years 
 of toil and industry. 
 
 Mr. Ransom became Ciovernor of the State of 
 Michigan in the fall of 1847, and served during one 
 term, iierforming the duties of the office in a truly 
 statesmanlike manner. He subsequently became 
 President of the Michigan Agricultural Society, in 
 which )iosition he displayed the same ability that 
 
 shone forth so jjrominently 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 apjiointed 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 ex])iration 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 foUowmg figures 
 show the progress in agriculture: The land reixjrted 
 as under cultivation in 1S48 was 1,437,460 acres; of 
 wheat there were produceil 4,749,300 bushels; other 
 grains, 8,197,767 bushels; wool, 1,645,756 [wunds; 
 maple sugar, 1,774,369 jMunds ; horses, 52,305 ; cat- 
 tle, 2to,268; swine, 152,541; sheep, 610,534; while 
 the flour mills numbered 228, and the lumber mills 
 amounted to 730. 1S47, an act was passed removing 
 the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and tem|X)- 
 lary buildings for the use of the Legislature were im- 
 mediately erected, at a cost of §12,450. 
 
 i 
 
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 uOI/.M.VOJi'.S OF MJC///(J.U\. 
 
 129 
 
 ^^fe^ i^)HERT McClelland 
 
 
 f^^ '* ^?@ ) • •*• •*• * •*' •t-.t>A»<t«.t. .t».T«;r, .r<- .V.-'»» .t-A A itw!w*».t^t- A A A A A.A A A.t. .tn.r.- A .r. ■t^A.fei.AA A»t. .'..'..•.: 
 
 f^fY¥^ 
 
 
 OBERT N[cCl.ELLANI), 
 (iovernor of Michigan from 
 Jan. I, 1852, to March 8, 1853, 
 was born at Grcencastle, Frank- 
 ■"■^ lin Co., Penn., Aug. i, 1807. 
 \. e";;^'7 A nionj' his ancestors were several 
 officers of rank \\\ the Revolution- 
 ary war, and some of his family con- 
 '\. nections were distinguished in the 
 war of 1812, and that with Mexico. 
 ^' His father was an eminent physician 
 and surgeon who studied under Dr. 
 Benj. Rush, of Philadelphia, and 
 practiced his profession successfully 
 until six months before his death, at 
 the age of 84 years. .Mthough Mr. 
 McCletland's family had been in good circum- 
 stances, when he was 17 years old he was thrown 
 uiwn his own resources, .\fter taking the usual pre- 
 liminary studies, and teaching school to obtain the 
 means, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, 
 Penn., from which he graduated among the first in 
 his class, in 1S29. He then resumed teaching, and 
 having completed the course of study for the legal 
 profession, was admitted to the liar at Chambersburg, 
 Penn., in iSji. Soon afterward he removed to the 
 city of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a 
 year. 
 
 In 1.S33, .\lr. McClelland removed !o Monroe, in 
 
 -^ 
 
 tlie 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 proix)sed State of Michigan, of 
 which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. He 
 took a i)rominent i)art in its deliberations and ranked 
 among its ablest debaters. He was ap[X)inted the 
 first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Cuv. Mason, 
 and received an offer of the -\ttorney Generalship, but 
 declined both of these offices in order to attend to his 
 ])rofessional duties. 
 
 In 1838, Mr. .McClelland was elected to the State 
 Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished 
 as the he.ad of several imi»rtant committees. S|>eaker 
 pro tempor<\ and as an active, zealous and efficient 
 member. In 1840, Gen. Harrison, as a candidatefor 
 the Presidency, swept the country with an overwhelm- 
 ing majority, and at tlie same time the State of Michi- 
 gan was carried by the Whigs under the popular cry 
 of " Woodbridge and reform " against the Democratic 
 party. .'\t this time Mr. MiC'lelland 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 jilan to regain ,1 lost 
 authority and prestige. 
 
 This party soon came again into |K)wer in the .State, 
 and having been returned to the .State Legislature Mr. 
 McClelland's leadership was a<knowledged by his 
 ele< lion .is Speaker of the House "f Kcptescnt.iiivcs 
 
 ■► ^ ■i <» 
 
_f 
 
 I ;o 
 
 ROBERT McCLELI.AXD 
 
 in 1843. Down to this time Michigan had consti- 
 tuted one congressional district. The hue Hon. Jacob 
 M. Howard had been elected against Hon, Alpheus 
 Felchby a strong majority, but, in 1843,50 thoroughly 
 liad 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'r 1 prominent ix)si 
 lion in Congress among the veteians of that body 
 During his fust term lie was placed on Committee on 
 Commerce, and organized and carried through what 
 were known as the " Harbor bills. ' The continued 
 confidence of his constituency was manifested in his 
 election to the 29th Congress. At the opening of this 
 session he had acquired a National reputation, and so 
 favorably was he known as a parlimentarian that his 
 name was mentioned for Speaker of the House of Rep- 
 resentatives He declined the offer in favor of J. W. 
 Davis, of Indiana, who was elected. During this term 
 he became Chairman of Committee on Commerce, in 
 which jxjsition his reiwrts and advocacy of important 
 measures at once attracted public attention. The 
 members of this committee, as an evidence of the es- 
 teem in which they held his services and of their 
 personal regard for hiin, presented him with a cane 
 which he retains as a souvenir of the donors, and of 
 his labors in Congress. 
 
 In 1847, Mr McClelland was re-elected to Con- 
 gress, and at the opening of the 30th Congress be- 
 came a member of the Committee on Foreign Rela- 
 tions. While acting in this capacity, what was known 
 as the " French Sixjliation Bill" came und.r his spe- 
 cial charge, and his management of the same was such 
 as to conimand universal approbation. While in 
 Congress, Mr. McClelland was an advocate of the 
 right of petition as maintained by John Q. Adams, 
 when the petition, was clothed in decorous language 
 and presented in the ])roper manner. This he re- 
 garded as the citizens'constitutional right which should 
 not be impaired by any doctrines of teini)orary e.xpe- 
 diency. He also voted for the adoption of Mr. Gid- 
 dings's bill for the abolishing of slavery in the District 
 of Columbia, Mr, McClelland was one of the few 
 Democrats associated with David Wilmot, of Penn- 
 sylvania, in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot 
 Proviso," with a view to jjrevent further extension of 
 slavery in new territory which might be acquired by 
 the United States. He and Mr. Wilmot were to- 
 gether at the time in Washington, and on intimate 
 and confidential terms, Mr McClelland was in sev- 
 eral National conventions and in the Baltimore con- 
 vention, which nominated Cen. Cass for President, 
 in 1848, doing valiant s.;rvice that year for »>e elec- 
 tion of that distinguished statesman. On leaving 
 Congress, in 1848, Mr, McClellnnd returned to the 
 practice of his profession at Monroe. In 1850 a 
 convention of tlie 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 Democra'iic .State convention 
 which adopted resolutions in supix)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 Governor 
 Felch, he made a thorough canvass of the State. 
 He continued earnestly to advocate the Clay com- 
 promise measures, and took an active part in the 
 canvass which resulted in the election of Gen Pierce 
 to the Presidency 
 
 In 185 I, the new Stat; 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 operatir "- inder 
 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 sjarit ran high. There was really 
 no opiX)sition,and when he resigned, in March, 1853. 
 the State Treasury was well filled, and the State 
 otherwise prosperous. So widely and favorably had 
 Mr. McClelland become known as a statesman that on 
 the organization of thecabinct by President Pierce, in 
 March, 1 85 3, 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 theexjjend- 
 itures. He .adopted a course with the Indians which 
 relieved them from the imiwsitions and annoyances 
 of the traders, and produced harmony and civilization 
 among them. During his administration there was 
 neither complaint from the tribes nor corruption among 
 agents, and he left the department in perfect order 
 and system In 1867, Michigan again called a con- 
 vention to revise the State constitution 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 i)leasant humor, made him an able and effective 
 advocate. In sjieaking hefore the people on political 
 subjects he was esi)ei:ially forcible and happy. In 
 1S70 h>" made the tour of Euroi^e, which, through his 
 extensive personal accpiaintance with European di]^ 
 lomates. he was enabled to enjoy much more than 
 most travelers 
 
 Mr. McClelland married, in 1S37, Miss Sarah 
 E. Sabin, oi Williamstown, Mass. They have had 
 six children two of whom now survive. 
 
 
 i 
 
1 
 
 •^m ^* 
 
 GOlKN.yOJiS OF MICIUGAX. 
 
 ■» II » 
 
 '33 
 
 AXDRKW PAKSjOXi, I 
 
 ■'it 
 
 I- 
 
 J NDKKW I'ARSONS, l.uvcr- 
 %1 nor of Michigan from Marcli 
 8, 1853 to Jan. 3, (855, was 
 born in the town of Hoosick, 
 pa County of Rensselaer, and 
 State of New York, on the 2 id 
 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 Newhuryixjrt, 
 fMass., Oct. 2, 1782, and who was the 
 son of Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary 
 soldier, who was the son of Phineas 
 Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons, 
 a descendant of Walter Parsons, lK)rn 
 in Ireland in 1290. 
 Of this name and family, some one hundred and 
 thirty years ago. Bishop Ciilson remarked in his edi- 
 tion of Camden's Britannia: "The honorable family 
 of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity of 
 Viscounts and more lately Karls of Ross." 
 
 The following are descendants of these filmilie^; 
 Sir John Parsons, born 1481, was Mayor of Hereford; 
 Robert Parsons, born in 1546, lived near Hridgewater, 
 England. He was educated at Ballial College, Ox- 
 ford, and was a noted writer and defender of the 
 Romish faith. He established an Knglish College at 
 Rome and another at Valladolia. Frances Parsons, 
 Iwrn in 1556, was Vicar of Rot hwell, in Notingham; 
 Bartholomew Parsons, born in 1618, was another 
 noted member of the family. In i634,Thoin.is Parsons 
 was knighted by Charles 1. Joseph and Benjamin, 
 <r ithers, were l)Orn in C.reat Torrington, England, 
 
 and accompanied their father and others 10 New 
 I^ngland aiioiit i<)30. 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 Hostoi , 
 Oct. 9, 1739, died Jan. 4, 1789, at the age of 82, in 
 the 53rd year of his ministry. The grandfatherof Mary 
 Jones was Capt. John Adams, of Boston, grandson 
 of Henry, of Hraintree, who was among the first set- 
 tlers of Massachusetts, and from whom a numerous 
 race of the name are descended, intruding 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. (lovernor .Andrew 
 Parsons came to Michigan in 1835, at the age of 17 
 years, and sjieiit the first summer at Ix)Wer .Ann 
 .\rl)or, 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 Hast 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 I'nion. These brave men came to 
 Michigan with nothing to aid them in the conipiest 
 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 lal)ors 
 so nobly performe«l, for the solid and sure foundation 
 which they laid of a great Commonwealth. 
 
 
-4*' 
 
 ••► 
 
 u 
 
 '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 witli his brother, the Hon. Luke H. Parsons, 
 also now deceased, until fall, when he went to Shia- 
 wasseCounty.then with Clinton County, and an almost 
 unbroken wilderness and constituting one organized 
 township. In 1S37 this territory was organized into 
 a county and, at the age of only 19 years, he (An- 
 drew) was elected County Clerk. In 1840, he was 
 elected Register of Deeds, re-elected in 1842, and 
 also in 1844. In 1846, he was elected to the State 
 Senate, was apiwinted Prosecuting Attorney in 1848, 
 and elected Regent of the University in 185 i, and 
 Lieutenant (jovernor, and became acting Governor, 
 in 1853, elected again to the Legislature in 1854, and, 
 overcome by debilitated health, hard labor and tlic 
 res|X)nsil)ilities 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 uixsn him, 
 to induce liim to call an extra session of the Legisla- 
 ture. .Meetings were held in all parts of the State 
 for that purpose. In some sections the resolutions 
 were of a laudatory natvire, intending \o 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 
 fail to induce him to call the extra session, a large 
 sum of money was sent him, and liberal ofl"ers 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 i)arty who would at- 
 tempt irt corrupt him by laudations, liberal ofl'ers, 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 ujx)n 
 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 : 
 "tliough not always coinciding with his views I never 
 doubted his lionesty of purjxjse. He at all times 
 sought to perform his duties in strict accordance, 
 with the dictates of his conscience, and the behests 
 of his oath." 'The following eulogium from a i)olitcaloj>- 
 ixinent is just in its conception and creditable to its 
 author: ''Gov. Parsons was a iwlitician 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 ix)litician he 
 was candid, liank 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 i)arty, at least 
 as a State organization, was lirst formed in the United 
 States "under the oaks" at Jackson, by anti-slavery 
 men of both the old parties, (ireat excitement pre- 
 vailed at this time, occasioned by the settling of 
 Kansas, and the issue thereby brought up, whether 
 slavery should exist there. For the purpose of permit- 
 ting slavery there, the " Missouri compromise " (which 
 limited slavery to the south of 36° 30") was re- 
 repealed, under the leadership of Stephen .\, 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-N'ebraska " men. The epithets, " Ne- 
 braska" and "anti-Nebraska," were teni]X)ralIy em- 
 ployed to designate the slavery and anti-slavery 
 parties, pending the desolution of the old Democratic 
 and Whig jiarties and the organization of the new 
 Democratic and Republican parties of the present. 
 
 n.. .f)|l 
 
 4 
 
I 
 
■♦■ 
 
 GOVERNORS OF MJCIIIGAN. 
 
 '37 
 
 I- 
 
 ^^ 
 
 U3^-^,. 
 
 KiNSLRY ©. BiNQHAM.. 
 
 >-, ■ 
 
 X 
 
 ^ 
 
 \ INSLEY S. BINGHAM, 
 * lovernor of Michigan from 
 1855 to 1859, and United 
 ij States Senator, was born in 
 ^ Camillus, Onondaga County, 
 X. v., Dec. 16. 1808. His 
 father was a farmer, and his own 
 early hfe was consequently de- 
 voted to agricultural pursuits, but 
 notwithstanding the disadvan- 
 iL tages related to the acijuisition 
 of knowledge in the life of a farmer 
 he managed to secure a good aca- 
 demic education in his native State 
 and studied law in the office of 
 ("len. James R. Lawrence, now of 
 Syracuse, N. Y. In the spring of 
 1 833, he married an estimable lady 
 who had recently arrived from Scot- 
 land, and obeying the impulse of a 
 naturally enterprising dis]X)sition, 
 he emigrated to Michigan and 
 purchased a new farm in company 
 ' with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert 
 ^Vorden, in Green Oak, Livingston County. Hereon 
 the border of civilization, buried in the primeval for- 
 est, our late student commenced the arduous task of 
 preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, put- 
 ling up buildings, etc.. at such .i rate that the land 
 
 I 
 
 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 Michigan became .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 1S46 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, Re(j- 
 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 opiX)sed 
 to the introduction of " Wood's Patent Cast Iron 
 Plow " which he completely prevented. He was re- 
 electeil to Congress in 1S48, during which time he 
 strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the 
 territory of the United States and was committed to 
 and voted for the 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 1S59, Governor Bingham was elected Senator in 
 Congress and took an active part in the stormy cam- 
 paign in the election of Abraham Linioln. He wit- 
 
 f 
 
138 
 
 KINSLEY S. BINGHAM. 
 
 •» I I ^ 
 
 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 apix)plc.xy and died 
 suddenly at his residence, in (ireen 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 sliip canal between 
 Lakes Huron and Superior. In 1853, the Legislature 
 accepted 'lie grant, and provided tor 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, iiad to be transported to the site of the canal 
 from Detroit, Cleveland, and other lake jwrts. 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 
 Crovernment grant. The opening of the canal was 
 an imixjrtant event in the history of the improvement 
 of the State. It was a valuable link in the chain of 
 lake commerce, and particulariy im[X)rtant 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 s(X3n as [iracticalile, i)ro- 
 vide for the establishment of an agricultural school." 
 For the pur|)ose of carving into practice this provision, 
 legislation was commenced in 1855, and the act re- 
 quired that the school should lie 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 
 
 A* 
 
 of Agriculture, which was created for that purpose. 
 
 In its essential features, of combining study and 
 labor, and of uniting general and professional studies 
 in its course, the college has remained virtually un- 
 changed from the first. It has a steady 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 enqjloyed. Ex- 
 clusive of the endowment fund (§60,000), 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 ,\rbor, was incorporated in 1845 It was kept 
 in operation until it was merged into the present 
 Hillsdale College. The site comprises 25 acres, 
 beautifully situated on an eminence in the western 
 part of the city of Hillsdale. The large and imiws- 
 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 ixjrtion of the 
 city, as the House of Correction for Juvenile Of- 
 fenders, having alx)ut it many of the features of a 
 prison. In 1 S59 the name was changed to the State 
 Reform School. The government and dicipline, have 
 i;ndergone 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. 
 
 -— -— .^ 
 
O^^^je^ ^^A-Z.^4~-i^^^.C^-y-^ 
 

 Goi'i-:Rxo/is OF MICH la. IN. 
 
 ■«»• 
 
 141 
 
 ^^fe^ 
 
 M())SS;E,i \yiSXEK 
 
 ^^Sl 
 
 w<s^ /w^ 
 
 '^^*^ 
 
 
 < )SES WISNER. Governor of 
 Michigan from 1S59 to 1861, 
 was born in Springiwrt, Cayu- 
 ga Co., N Y., June 3, 1 81 5. 
 His early education was only 
 what could be obtained at a 
 ^common school. Agricultural labor 
 and frugality of his parents gave 
 him a physical constitution of unus- 
 " Wal strength and endurance, which 
 /^was ever preserved by temperate hab- 
 its. In 1837 he emigrated to Michi- 
 K? gan and purchased a farm in Lapeer 
 County It was new land and he at 
 once set to work to clear it and [jlant 
 crops. He labored diligently at his 
 task for two years, when he gave up 
 the idea of being a farmer, and removed to Pontiac, 
 (Jakland 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 ths bar 
 and established himself in his new vocation at the 
 village of Lapeer. While there he was app|X)inted 
 by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting .Attorney for that 
 county, in which cai)acity he acipiitted himself well 
 and gave promise of that eminence he afterward at- 
 tained in the profession. He remained at La|)eerbut 
 a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became 
 a member of a firm and entered fully u]K)n the 
 practice. 
 
 In politics he was like his talented brother, a Whig 
 o!' the Henry Clay stamp, but with a derided anti- 
 slaverv bia";. His practice befoming extensive, ho 
 
 
 look little part in [wlitics until after the election of 
 iMr. Pierce to the Presidency in 1852, when lie took an 
 active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a 
 man uf great ability, but relied less uixjn 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 u\K)n 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 eloriuence was at once grace- 
 ful and powerful. His fancies supplied the most 
 original, the most [winted illustrations, and his logic 
 became a battling giant under whose heavy blows the 
 adversary shrank and withered. Nature had be- 
 stowed uix)n him rare qualities, and his i«wers as a 
 ]X)pular orator were of a high order. 
 
 On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 
 1854, repealing the Missouri compromise and opening 
 the Territories to slavery, he was among the foremost 
 in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He 
 actively participated in organizing and consolidating 
 the elements opixssed to it in that State, and was a 
 member of the [wpular gathering at Jackson, in July, 
 1854, which was the first formal Republican Conven- 
 tion held in the United States. At this meeting the 
 name " Republican " was adopted as a designation of 
 the new party consisting of Anti-slavery, Whips, 
 Liberty men. Free Soil Democrats and all others oj)- 
 |x>sed to the e.xtension of slavery' and favorable to its 
 expulsion from tlie Territories and the District of 
 CxDliimbia. .M this convention Mr. W. was urged to 
 .ii.eiit the nomination for Attorney General 'if ihe 
 
t. 
 
 •<•■ 
 
 \A2 
 
 ■«»- 
 
 MOSES IVISMZiR. 
 
 ■t 
 
 State, but declined. An entire State ticket was nom- 
 inated and at the annual election in Xovember was 
 elected hy an average majority of nearly 1 0,000. 
 Mr. W. was enthusiastic in the cause and brought to 
 its supixirt all his personal influence and talents. In 
 his views he was bold and radical. He believed from 
 the beginning that the political jxawer of the slave- 
 holders would have to be overthrown before iiuiet 
 could be secured to the country. In the Presidential 
 canvass of 1856 he supported the Fremont, or Re- 
 IHiblican, ticket. At the session of the Legislature of 
 1857 he was a candidate for United States Senator, 
 and as such received a very handsome supiwrt. 
 
 In 1858, he was nominated for Governor of the 
 State by the Republican convention that met at De- 
 troit, and at the subseiiuent 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 jwpular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham. 
 He served as Governor two years, from Jan. 1, 1859, 
 to Jan. I, 1861. His first message to the Legislature 
 was an able and statesman-like production, and was 
 read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake 
 to all tlie interests of the State and set forth an en- 
 lightened State ixjlicy, 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 tlie highest 
 credit upon the author. 
 
 His term having expired Jan. i, 1861, he returned 
 to his home in Pontiac, and to the practice of his 
 profession. There were those in the State who 
 counselled the sending o( delegates to the peace con- 
 ference at Washington, but Mr. W. was opposed to all 
 such temporizing e.\pedients. His counsel was to 
 send no delegate, but to prepare to fight. 
 
 After Congress had met and passed the necessary 
 legislation he resoh cd 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 ciuipjied and ready to 
 march in September, a regiment whose solid quali- 
 ties were afterwards proven on many a bloody field. 
 Col. W's. commission Iwre the date of Sept. 8, 1862. 
 Before parting wth his family he made his will. His 
 regiment was sent to Kentucky and quartered at 
 
 Camp Wallace. He had at the breaking out of the 
 war turned his attention to military studies and be- 
 came proficient in the ordinary rules and discipline. 
 His entire attention was now devoted to his duties. 
 His treatment of his men was kind, though his disci- 
 pline was rigid. He possessed in an eminent degree 
 the spirit of command, and had he lived he would 
 no doubt have distinguished himself as a good 
 officer. He was impatient of delay and chafed at 
 l)eing kept in Kentucky where there was so little 
 prospect of getting at the enemy. But life in camp, 
 so different from the one he had been leading, and 
 his incessant labors, coupled with that impatience 
 which was so natural and so general among the vol- 
 imteers in the early part of the war, soon made tlieir 
 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 l»ig- 
 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. W. was no adventurer, although he was doubtless 
 ambitious of military renown and would have striven 
 for it with characteristic energy. He went to the war 
 to defend and uphold the principles he had so much 
 at heart. Few men were more familiar than he with 
 the causes and the underlying principles that led to 
 the contest. He left a wife, who was a daughter of 
 Gen. C. C. Hascall, of Flint, and four children to 
 mourn his loss. Toward them he ever showed the 
 tenderest regard. Next to his duty their love and 
 welfare engrossed his thoughts. He was kind, gen- 
 erous and brave, and like thousands of others he 
 sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his countrv. 
 
 n^\^ 
 
•►Hh-^*- 
 
 GOt'ERXORS OF Af/CH/GAiX. 
 
 I 
 
 «4S 
 
 JdCAto^ _::>«-:=— 
 
 ±-=:*" .^i^iSha^ 
 
 AUSTIN BLAIR, ^^ 
 
 
 
 
 USTIN BLAIR, Governor 
 of Michigan from Jan. 2, 
 1861, to Jan. 4, 1865, and 
 kown as the War (iovernor, is 
 t and illustration of the benifi- 
 cent influence of republican in- 
 
 ^ ' — ^^ '^: stitutions, having inherited neith- 
 er fortune nor fame. He was born 
 in a log cabin at Caroline, Tomp- 
 kins Co., N. Y., Feb. 8. 1818. 
 His ancestors came from Scot- 
 land in the time of George I, and 
 for many generations followed the 
 pursuit of agriculture. His father, 
 I Geo»ge 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 years of his life were spent on that six)t. He 
 married Rhoda Beackman, who now sleeps with him 
 in the soil of the old homestead. The first 17 years 
 of Mr. Blair's life were s[)ent there, rendering his 
 father what aid he could upon the farm. He then 
 spent a year and a half in Cazenovia Seminary pre- 
 paring for college ; entered Hamilton College, in 
 Clinton, prosecuted his studies until the middle of 
 the junior year, when, attracted by the fame of Dr. 
 Nott, he changed to Union College, from which he 
 graduated in the class of 1839. Upon leaving col- 
 lege Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet 
 & Davis, Oswego, N. Y., and was admitted to practice 
 in 1 84 1, and the same year moved to Michigan, locat- 
 
 m 'I 
 
 ing in Jackson. During a temiwrary residence in 
 Eaton Rapids, in 1842, he was elected Clerk of Eaton 
 County. At the close of the official term he returned to 
 Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously esiwused the cause 
 of Henry Clay in the campaign of 1844. Hewaschosen 
 Representative to the Legislature in 1845, at which 
 session, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he 
 rendered valuable service in the revision of the gen- 
 eral statutes ; also made an able support in favor of 
 abolishing the color distinction in relation to the elec- 
 tive franchise, and at the same session was active in 
 securing the abolition of capital punishment. In 1848 
 Mr. Blair refused longer to affiliate with the Whig 
 party, because of its refusial to endorse in convention 
 any anti-slavery sentiment. He joined the Free-soil 
 movement, and was a delegate to their convention 
 which nominated Van Buren for President that year. 
 Upon the birth of the Rei)ublican party at Jackson, 
 in 1S54, 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 1S55, and holding the 
 position of parliamentary leader in the Senate. He 
 was a delegate to the National Convention which 
 nominated .Abraham Lincoln in i860. Mr. Blair 
 was elected Governor of Michigan in i860, and re- 
 elected in 1862, faithfully and honorably discharging 
 the arduous duties of the office during that most mo- 
 
 ■» 
 
 T 
 
-4^ 
 
 ,t 
 
 146 
 
 A USTIN BLAIR. 
 
 menlous and stormy period of the Nation's life. (iov. 
 Blair jxjssessed 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 1861 the coming struggle cast its 
 shadow over the Nation. Governor Blair, in his mes- 
 sage to the Legislature in January of that year, dwelt 
 very forcibly upon the sad prospects of civil war; and 
 as forcibly pledged the State to support the principles 
 of the Republic. After a review of the conditions 
 of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the 
 relations between the free and slave Stales of the 
 Republic, saying: " While we arecitizensof 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 rally 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 mani- 
 
 fest to the gentlemen who represent this State in the 
 two Houses of Congress, and to the countr)-, 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 jxiwer of the State for that purjxise. 
 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 II men during the war. 
 Money, men, clothing and food were freely and abun- 
 dantly supplied by this State during all these years of 
 darkness and blood shed. No State won a brighter 
 record for her devotion to our country than the Pen- 
 insula State, and to Gov. Blair, more than to any 
 other individual is due the credit for its untiring zeal 
 and labors in the Nation's behalf, and for the heroism 
 manifested in its defense. 
 
 Gov. Blair was elected Representative to the 
 Fortieth Congress, and twice re-elected, to the Forty- 
 first and Forty-second Congress, from the Third Dis- 
 trict of Michigan. While a member of that body he 
 was a strong supporter of reconstruction measures, 
 and sternly opposed every form of repudiation. His 
 speech upon the national finances, delivered on the 
 floor of the House March 21, 1868, was a clear and 
 convincing argument. Since his retirement from Con- 
 gress, Mr. Blair has been busily occupied with his ex- 
 tensive law practice. Mr. Blair married Sarah L. 
 Ford, of ."^eneca County N. Y., in Februar)'. 1849. 
 Their family consists of 4 sons — George H., a law 
 partner of A. J. Gould ; Charles A., a law partner with 
 hir father, and Fred. J. and Austin T. Blair, at home. 
 Governor Blair's religion is of the broad type, and 
 centers in the "Golden Rule." In 1883, Gov. Blair 
 was nominated for Justice of the Supreme Court 
 of tlie State by the Republican party, Init was defi'ated. 
 l» 
 
 t 
 
>K 
 
 o^^'^^fe^^^ /V ■ ^ooJi^cy-^ 
 
u 
 
 ,t 
 
 GO yERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 
 
 149 
 
 HENRY H. CRAPO. 
 
 *F^^^*? ENRY HOWLANDCRAPO, 
 C.overnor of Michigan from 
 '1865 to 1869, was born May 
 24, 1804, at Dartmouti), Iiris- 
 tol Co., Mass., and tliud at 
 Flint, Mich., July 22, 1869. 
 He was the eldest son of Jesse 
 and Phoebe (Rowland) Crapo. 
 His father was of French descent 
 and was very poor, sustaining his 
 ) family i>y the cultivation of a farm in 
 Dartmouth township, which yielded 
 Miothing beyond a mere livelihood. 
 His early life was consequently one 
 of toil and devoid of advantages for 
 intellectual culture, but his desire for 
 an education seemed to know no bounds. The in- 
 cessant toil for a mere subsistence wpon a compara- 
 tively sterile farm, had no charm for him ; and, longing 
 for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for 
 them in an education. His struggles to secure this 
 end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would 
 have discouraged any but the most courageous and 
 \)ersevering. He became an ardent student and 
 worker from his lioyhood, though the means of carry- 
 ing on his studies were exceedingly limited. He 
 sorely felt the need of a dictionary; and, neither having 
 money wherewith tu (jurchase it, nor being able to 
 procure one in his neighlwrhood, he set out to compile 
 one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of 
 the English language, he copied into a l>ook every 
 word whose meaning he did not comprehend, and 
 uiKip meeting the same word again in the newsi)apers 
 and Ixxjks, which came into his hands, from the 
 
 context, would then record the definition. Whenever 
 unable otherwise to obtain the signification of a word 
 in which he had become interested he would walk 
 from Oartmouth to New Bedford for that purpose 
 alone, and after referring to the books at the library 
 and satisfying himself thoroughly as to its definition, 
 would walk back, a distance of about seven miles, 
 the same night. This was no unusual circumstance. 
 Under such difficulties and in this manner he com- 
 piled quite an extensive dictionary in manuscript 
 which is believed to be still in existence. 
 
 Ever in pursuit of knowledge, he obtained posses- 
 sion of a book ujxjn surveying, and applying himself 
 diligently to its study became familiar with this art, 
 which he siwn 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, uiwn the forge, with such tools as he 
 could find in the siiop, wliile 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 tlie 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 apjxjintment. 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 
 u|X)n the preceptor of Friend's .\cademy and passed 
 
 
■♦- 
 
 ISO 
 
 i. 
 
 HENRY HOIVLAND CRAPO. 
 
 a severe examinalion. Receiving a certificate that 
 he was qualified, he walked back to his home tlie 
 same night, highly elated in being jxissessed of the 
 acquirements and requirements of a master of the 
 high school. 
 
 In 1832, at the age of 28 years, he left his native 
 town and went to reside at New Bedford, where he 
 followed the occupation of land surveyor, and oc- 
 casionally acted as an auctioneer. Soon after becom- 
 ing a citizen of this place, he was elected Town Clerk, 
 Treasurer, and Collector of taxes, which office he held 
 until the municijial government was changed, — about 
 fifteen years, — when, uixjn the inauguration of the city 
 government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector 
 of taxes, a ixDsition 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 u[X)n which was based the 
 order for the establishment of the free Public Library 
 of New liedford. 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 necessar)' for carrying out 
 his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of 
 rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Here 
 he started a nurser)', which he filled with almost every 
 description ot 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 reputation he ac(|uired 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. Craix) was also engaged 
 in the whaling business. A fine banjue 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 Secretar)' of 
 the Bedford Commercial Insurance Company in New 
 Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal gov- 
 ernment hecompiled and ])ublished, between the years 
 1S36 and 1845, five numbers of the New Bedford 
 Director)-, 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. 
 \\i^ took up his residence in the city of Flint, and en- 
 
 gaged largely in the manufacture and sale of lumber 
 at Flint, Fentonville, Holly and Detroit, becoming 
 one of the largest and most successful business men 
 of the State. He was mainly instrumental in the 
 construction of the Flint & Holly R. R., and was 
 President of that corporation uniil its consolidation 
 with the Flint & Pere Marquette R. R. Company. 
 He was elected Mayor of that city after he had been 
 a resident of the place only five or six years. In 
 1862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of 
 1864 he received the nomination on the Republican 
 ticket for Governor of the State, and was elected by a 
 large majority. He was re-elected in 1866, holding 
 the office two terms, and retiring in January, 1869, 
 having given 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 while in great pam gave his 
 attention to public matters. A few weeks previous 
 to his death a successful surgical operation was i)er- 
 formed which seemed rapidly to restore him, but he 
 overestimated his strength, and by too much exertion 
 in business matters and State affairs suffered a relapse 
 from which there was no rebound, and he died July 
 33. '869. 
 
 In the early part of his life, Gov. Crapo affiliated 
 with the Whig party in ]X)litics, but became an active 
 member of the Republican party after its organization. 
 He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called 
 the Disciples') Church, and took great interest in its 
 welfare and prosperity. 
 
 Mr. C. married, June 9, 1825, Mary A. Slocum, 
 of Dartmouth. His marriage took place soon after 
 he had attained his majority, and before his struggles 
 with fortune had been rewarded with any great meas- 
 ure of success. But his wife was a woman of great 
 strength of character and ]X)ssessed of courage, hope- 
 fulness and devotion, qualities which sustained and 
 encourageil her husband in the various pursuits of 
 his early years. For several years after his marriage 
 he was engaged in teaching school, his wife living 
 with her parents at the time, at whose home his two 
 older children were bom. While thus situated he 
 was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see 
 his family, returning on Sunday in order to be ready 
 for school Monday morning. As the walk for a good 
 part of the time was 20 miles each way, it is evident 
 that at that period of his life no common obstacles 
 deterred him from perfonning what he regarded 
 as a duty. His wife was none the less consci- 
 entious in her sphere, and with added resixansibilities 
 and increasing requirements she labored faithfully 
 in the ])erfo'mance of all her duties. They had 
 ten children, one son and nine daughters. His son, 
 Hon. Wm. W . Crajx), of New Bedford, is now an 
 honored Representative to Congress from the First 
 Congressional District of Massachusetts. 
 ■ » 
 
: U. 
 
 I 
 
 
 ^i 
 
 Jk^*^^ ^ ^a,^c^^:^^c<^ 
 
■^•- 
 
 GOVKRNORS OF MfCHlGAN. 
 
 '5.J 
 
 -'*aaomSryi.,ajstiL^Maa6& 
 
 ill*gfc.9»@ffiW^J7?^- 
 
 HENRT P. BALDWIN. 
 
 'itt<D ■'^tasLQfS^Sr^ '*»4.4 ■ 
 
 •^"~"«»®}.aiOT7»v.^j^' 
 
 4 
 
 ENRY P. BALDWIN. Cxov- 
 ernor of Michigan 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 Dartnioutli 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 i757,andthe 
 first who received collegiate hon- 
 ors at that ancient and honored institution. He died 
 at Parma, Mass., in 1813, where for more than 50 
 years he had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church. 
 On his mother's side Governor B. is descended from 
 Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Rox- 
 luiry, Mass., about 1638. His mother was a daughter 
 of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard 
 College, who died at Brimfield, Mass., in 1796, where 
 tor 21 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist 
 Church. The subject of this sketch was born at 
 Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New 
 England common-school education until the age of 
 12 years, when, lx)th 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. 
 
 .•\t 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 1 8^8. 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 deep interest in 
 all things afTecting 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 designed 
 for the benefit of young men and citizens generally. 
 An Episcopalian in religious belief, he has been 
 prominent in home matters connected with that de- 
 nomination. The large and flourishing parish of St. 
 John, Detroit, originated with Governor Baldwin, who 
 gave the lot on which the parish edifice stands, and 
 also contributed the larger share of the cost of their 
 erection. Governor B. was one of tlie foremost in 
 the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has 
 always been a liberal contributor to moral and relig- 
 ious enterprises whether connected with his own 
 Church or not. There have been, in fact, but few 
 public and social improvements of Detroit during the 
 past 40 years witli which Governor B.'s name is not 
 in some way connected. He was a director in tlie 
 Michigan State Bank until the e.xpiration 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 Micliigan ; during the years of iS6i-'2 he 
 was made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a 
 member of Committee on Banks and Incor|X)rations, 
 Chairman of the Select Joint Committee of the two 
 Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Depart- 
 ment and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of 
 the letting of the contract for the imjirovement of 
 Sault St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected 
 (■overnor in 1868 and was re-elected in 1870, serving 
 from 1869 to 1872, inclusive. It is no undeserved 
 eulogy to say that Governor B.'s happy faculty of es- 
 timating the necessary means to an end — the knowing 
 of how much effort or attention to bestow ujxjn the 
 thing in hand, has been the secret of the unifonn 
 
n 
 
 -4^ 
 
 fi 
 
 HENRY P. BALDWIN. 
 
 
 success that has attended his efforts in all relations 
 of life. The same indiistr)' and accuracy that dis- 
 tinguished liim prior to tliis term as Governor was 
 manifest in liis career as the chief magistrate of the 
 State, and while his influence appears in all things 
 wit:-, which he has had to do, it is more noticeable in 
 the most ])rominent 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 initiator)' 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 
 messa;.>e 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 apixjinted 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 us would i)er- 
 mit a more equitable compensation to State officers 
 and judges. Thelawof 1869, and prior also, permitting 
 municipalities to vote aid toward tlie construc- 
 tion of railro.ids 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. fell that the honor 
 and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense 
 of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the 
 Legislature to proix)se tne submission to the people a 
 constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment 
 of such bonds as were already in the hands of hona- 
 fide 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 s]>e- 
 cial session was called in March, 1872, princii)ally for 
 the division of the State into congressional districts. 
 A number of other important suggestions were made, 
 however, ard as an evidence of the (lovernor's la- 
 borious and thou^litful care for tlie financial condition 
 
 of the State, a series of tables was prepared and sub- 
 mitted by him showing, in detail, estimates of receipts, 
 expenditures and appropriations for the years 1872 to 
 1878, inclusive. Memorable of Governor B.'s admin- 
 istration were the devastating fires which swept over 
 many jKiriions of the Northwest in the fall of 1871. 
 .\ 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. 
 .\ second call was made asking assistance for the suf- 
 fering people of Michigan. The contributions for 
 these objects were prompt and most liberal, more than 
 $700,000 having been received in money and supplies 
 for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were 
 these contributions during the short period of about 
 3 months, that the Governor issued a proclamation 
 exj)ressing in behalf of the people of the State grate- 
 ful acknowldgment, and announcing that further 
 aid was unnecessary. 
 
 Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own 
 country' and has also made several visits to Europe 
 and other portions of the Old World. He was a pas- 
 senger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and 
 bonded in the Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, by 
 Capt. .Semmes, and wrote a full and interesting ac- 
 count of the transaction. The following estimate of 
 Governor B. on his retirement from office, by a leading 
 newspaper, is not overdrawn: "The retiring message 
 of Governor B., will be read with interest. It is 
 a characteristic document and possesses the lucid 
 statement, strong, and clear practical sen.se, 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, in genuine 
 public s|>irit, in thorough integrity and in practical 
 capacity, Henry P. Baldwin has shown himself to be 
 the peer of any or all of them. The .State has been un- 
 usually prosperous during his two terms, and the State 
 administration has fully kept pace with the needs of 
 the times. The retiring Governor has fully earned 
 the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day 
 [xissesses to such remarkable decree. ' 
 
 i 
 
J^ 
 
 GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 
 
 '57 
 
 ^mm J. IBA(GI,E¥, 
 
 ^% 
 
 '^«'^-r'<sj" 
 
 
 ^■^ 
 
 •+■■ 
 
 *~ 
 
 OHN JUDSON BAGLEV, 
 
 Governor of Michigan from 
 
 1 8; 3 to 1877, was Ixjrn in 
 
 Medina, Orleans Co., N. V., 
 
 - V^ ' --j H^ J^'ly 24, 1832. His father, John 
 
 iX^, / Bagley, was a native of New 
 
 ''*:; ;^ Hampshire, his mother, Marj- M. 
 
 Bagley, of Connecticut. He at- 
 
 L tended the district school of Lock- 
 port, N. Y., until he was eight years 
 old, at which time his father moved 
 to Constantine, Mich., and he at- 
 tended the common schools of that 
 village. His early experience was 
 like that of many country boys whose 
 parents removed from Eastern States 
 to the newer jwrtion of the West. 
 His father being in very ixx>r circum- 
 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 jxjsition for alx}ut five years. 
 
 In 1853, he began business for himself in the man- 
 ufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become 
 A* 
 
 one of tiie largest of the kind in tiie U'cst. Mr. B. 
 has also been greatly interested in other manufactur- 
 ing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and in- 
 surance corjxDrations. He was President of the 
 Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one 
 of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life Insur- 
 ance Company of Detroit, and was its President from 
 1867 to 1872. He was a director of the Amer- 
 ican National Bank for many years, and a stock- 
 holder and director in various other corporations. 
 Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two 
 years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same 
 length of time. In 1865 he was apixjintcd by Gover- 
 nor CrajK) one of the first commissioners of the 
 Metroixjlitian police force of the city of Detroit, serv- 
 ing six years. In November, 1872, he was elected 
 Governor of Michigan, and two years later was re- 
 elected to the same office, retiring in January, 1877. 
 He was an active worker in the Republican party, and 
 for many years was Chairman of the Republican 
 State Central committee. 
 
 Governor Bagley was quite liberal in his religious 
 views and was an attendant of the Unitarian Church. 
 He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new 
 thought, from whatever source it may come, but was not 
 bound by any religious creed or formula. He held 
 in respect all religious opinions, believing that no one 
 can be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or de- 
 nomination. He was married at I )ubuque, Iowa, Jan. 
 16, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev. 
 Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary of Michigan, 
 who took an active part in the early educational mat- 
 ters of the State and in the establishment of its ex- 
 cellent system of education. It was principally 
 
 ^U ^ 
 

 /0//A- J. BAG LEV. 
 
 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 imiwrtant features, chief among 
 which were his efforts to improve and make jwiiular 
 the 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 uix)n the public good will 
 and making the general change which has manifested 
 itself in many scattered primary districts. Among 
 others were an almost complete revolution in the 
 management of the penal and charitable institutions 
 of the State; the passage of the liipior-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, wliich 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 history of 
 Michigan a systematized organization upon a service- 
 able footing. It was uiwn the suggestion of Gov. B. 
 in the earlier part of his administration that the law 
 creating the State Board of Health, and also the law- 
 creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the 
 Slate, were passed, bothuf 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 tlie State 
 — not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same 
 sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rejv 
 resents his employer, and as the Executive of the 
 State he was her " attorney in fact." And his intelliT 
 gent, thoughtful care wilt 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 opixartunity. How- 
 ever strong the mind and (Xiwerful the will, if there 
 be no ambition, life is a failu;e. 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 jiower to do, he 
 asked his fellow citizen to give him the opixsrtunity tu 
 labor for tliem. Self entered not into the calculation. 
 
 His whole life was a battle for others; and he entered 
 the conflict eagerly and hopefully. 
 
 His State pajiers were models of compact, busi- 
 ness-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of 
 practical suggestions, and his administrations will long 
 be considered as among the ablest in this or any 
 other State. 
 
 His noble, generous nature made his innumerable 
 benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Liter- 
 ally, to him it was " more blessed to give than to 
 receive." 
 
 His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the com- 
 fort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his char- 
 ities were known to his most intimate friends, or even 
 to his family. Many a needy one has been the recipi- 
 ent of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew 
 the hand that gave. 
 
 At one time a friend had witnessed his ready re- 
 sponse to some charitable request, and said to him : 
 "Governor, you give away a large sum of money ; about 
 how mucli does your charities amount to in a year.'" 
 He turned at once and said: " I do not know, sir; I 
 do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more 
 this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more 
 next year than 1 have this." This expressed his idea 
 of charity, that the giving should at all times be free 
 and spontaneous. 
 
 During his leasure hours from early life, and espe- 
 cially during the last few years, he devoted much time 
 to becoming acquainted with the best authors. Biog- 
 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 jxawer 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 V>ook 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 w.is 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. Ever)' Christmas 
 eve he gathered his children about him and, taking 
 the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas stor)-, 
 closing the entertainment with "The Night Before 
 (!liristmas," or Dickens's "Christmas Carol." 
 
 H 
 
0-<yv^ 
 
 
^ 
 
 GOVKRXOKS OF MICHIGAX. 
 
 .6. :\ 
 
 ^m CHAKLElSl M. CKOSWELL, g^ 
 
 .... _ _ .,,1 
 
 /yj^' 
 
 
 
 HARLES M. CROSWELL, 
 C'lOvernor of Michigan from 
 Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. i, 1881, 
 was born at Newburg, Orange 
 ^^^^^p County, X. Y., Oct. 31, .825. 
 -i^.^-^ ' He is the only son of John and 
 Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His 
 father, who was of Scotch-Irish 
 extraction, was a iiaper-maker, 
 and carried on business in New 
 York City. His ancestors on 
 his mother's side were of Knicker- 
 bocker descent. The Croswell 
 family may be found connected 
 with prominent events, in New York 
 and Connecticut, in the early exis- 
 tence of the Republic. Harry Cros- 
 well, during the administration of 
 President Jefferson, published a pa- 
 per called the Jialancc, and was 
 prosecuted for libeling the President 
 under the obnoxious Sedition Law. 
 He was defended by the celebrated 
 I Alexander Hamilton, and the decis- 
 hyf. )i the case establiscd the important ruling that 
 tht truth might be shown in cases of libel. .Xnother 
 member of the family was Edwin Croswell, the fam- 
 ous editor of the .\tiiany Ar^^iis ; also, Rev. ^\■iIli:lIn 
 Croswell, noted as a divine and ix)et. 
 
 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. U|Kjn the death 
 
 ^« ^ 
 
 of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in 
 1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. .\i 
 sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the car- 
 penter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for 
 four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare 
 time to reading and the acipiirement of knowledge. 
 In 1846, he began the study of law, and was ap- 
 pointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The du- 
 ties of this office he perfomied four years, when he 
 was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected 
 in 1852. In 1854, betook part in the first movements 
 for the formation of the Republican party, and was a 
 member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jack- 
 son in that year, which put in the field the first Re- 
 publican State ticket in Michigan. In 1855, he 
 formed a law partnership with the present Chief-Jus- 
 tice Cooley, which continued until the remov.il of 
 Judge Cooley to .Ann .'\rbor. 
 
 In 1862, Mr. Croswell was ap|X)inted City Attorney 
 of -Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city 
 in the spring of the same year; and in the fall was 
 chosen to represent I^-nawee County in the State 
 Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864, 
 and again in 1866, during each term filling the jwsi- 
 tions above mentioned. Among various rei«rls made 
 by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the 
 death i>enalty, and another against a iirojjosition 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 alwlishmcnt 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 elalwrate sjH;e(h in favor of the Prorlama- 
 
 •> M ^« 
 
-4•— 
 
 I 62 
 
 a 
 
 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 pulilished. In 1867, he was 
 elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, 
 and chosen its presiding officer. This convention 
 was composed of an able body of men ; and though, 
 in the general distrust of constitutional changes 
 which for some years had been taking possession of 
 the people, their labors were not accepted by the pop- 
 ular vote, it was always conceded that the constitu- 
 tion they projxjsed had been prepared with great care 
 and skill. 
 
 In 1868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on 
 the Rei)ublican 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 ix)rtraits 
 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 [)ropositions for the amel- 
 ioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and tlie 
 reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the be- 
 nevolence of his nature, and the practical character 
 of his mind. 
 
 In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of 
 the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for 
 Governor; and, at the State Convention of the party 
 in .August of the same year, he was put in nomination 
 by acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. .-\t 
 tlie 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 qiialitics of head and heart that have ever 
 distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman. 
 
 Governor Groswell has always prepared his ad- 
 dresses with care ; and, as his diction is terse, clear, 
 and strong, without excess of ornament, and his de- 
 liver)' 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 foryears a member and Secretary' of 
 the Board of Education of Adrair. At the formal 
 opening of the Central School building in that city, 
 on the 24th day of .\pril, 1869, he gave, in a i)ublic 
 address, an " Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public 
 Schools." 
 
 In his private life. Governor Croswell has been as 
 exemplary as in his public career he has been suc- 
 cessful and useful. In February, 1852, he was mar- 
 ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy, 
 a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She 
 suddenly died, March 19, 1868, leaving two daugh- 
 ters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member 
 of any religious body, but generally attends the Pres- 
 byterian Church. He pursues the profession of law, 
 but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his 
 own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in 
 business difficulties, for which his unfailing pru- 
 dence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Gov- 
 ernor Croswell is truly iwpular, not only with those of 
 like jxjlitical 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 insritutions to keep within the limit of ap- 
 propriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually 
 for the punishment of corruption and bribrery in elec- 
 rions; 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 buildiig The great riot 
 at Jackson occured during his administration, and it 
 was only bv his i)romptness that great distruction of 
 Ixjth life and property was prevented at that time. 1 ' 
 
 n 
 
"^V 
 
.1 
 
 -4*- 
 
 GOrE/iyOKS OF MICHIGAN. 
 
 '6s 
 
 J«Vi<fl>.».^^ 
 
 ^-*^i V i'.i. -t. A A AA A>t,t,t. .t.-t.ifc -t.* .t. ■t»t..t. .t,.t. 4, AA.tMt.AAA A.AA AA AAAAAj^gl AA,A.t3i ^^ ' ^^ 
 
 ( 
 
 <■ 
 
 DAVID H. JEROME, (Gover- 
 nor of from Jan. I, i88i, to 
 Jan. I, 1883, was born at De- 
 troit, Mich., Nov. 17, 1S29. 
 His parents emigrated to 
 Michigan from 'rrimiansburg, 
 Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1S28, 
 locating at Detroit. His father 
 died March 30, 1831, leaving 
 nine children. He had been 
 twice married, "and four of the 
 children living at 'the time of his 
 "^ death were grown up sons, the ofT- 
 I spring of his tirst 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 1S34, the four sons by the first wife 
 continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall 
 of 1S34, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan, 
 locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the 
 Ciovernor 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 ac(piisition of the funda- 
 mental brandies of learning he displayed a jirecocity 
 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 cliores on 
 the faiTO, and was always ready with a cheerful heart 
 and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The 
 heavy lalior of the farm was carried on liy his two 
 
 ► •-^ 
 
 older brothers, Timothy and (ieorge, and when 13 
 years of age David received liis mother's permission to 
 attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attend- 
 ing there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now de- 
 ceased, doing chores for his board, and the following 
 winter performed the same service for James Ogden, 
 also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome 
 moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purpose of 
 continuing her son in school. While attending said 
 academy one of his associate students was Sena- 
 tor Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate 
 •before the gubernatorial convention in 1880. He 
 completed his education in the fall of his 16th year, 
 and tlie following winter assisted his brother Timothy 
 in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer 
 he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to .\lgonac. 
 
 In 1847, M. H. Miles oeingClerkinSt. Clair Coun- 
 ty, and Volney k. Ri[)ley Register of Deeds, David 
 H. Jerome was a;"ixjinted Deputy to each, remaining 
 as such during i848-'49, and receiving much praise 
 from his employers and the people in general for the 
 ability disi)layed in the discharge of his duties. He 
 spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board 
 the lake vessels. 
 
 In iS49-'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 liimsclf chartered the steamer 
 "Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" became her mas- 
 ter. .'\ fwrtion of the season the lx)at 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 a"; the "St. Clair 
 Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which 
 
 4 
 
 r 
 
-4^ 
 
 i 
 
 f 
 
 1 66 
 
 DA VID H. JKROME. 
 
 vessels could cany only about 10,000 bushels of grain. 
 Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels 
 from one lake to the other, and put his plan into 
 operation. Through the influence of practical men, — 
 among them the subject of this sketch, — Congress 
 removed the obstruction alwve referred to, and now 
 vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or 80,000 
 bushels of grain. 
 
 During the season, the two brothers succeeded 
 in making a neat little sum of money by the sum- 
 mer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract 
 10 raise the "('.en. Scott," a ves-sel that had sunk in 
 Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt, 
 but ix)ssessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the 
 spring of 1851, he was clerk and acting master of the 
 steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying be- 
 tween Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The 
 following year he was clerk of the propeller "Prince- 
 ton." running between Detroit and Buffalo. 
 
 In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California, 
 by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary 
 success in selling goods in a new place of his selec- 
 tion, among the mountains near Marysville He re- 
 mained there during the summer, and located the 
 Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded 
 millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment. 
 He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine, 
 but when the water supply began to fail with the dry 
 season, sold out his interest. He left in tlie fall of 
 1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for 
 New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County, 
 about a year after his departure. During his absence 
 his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, ana in 
 1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations 
 in the valley. In 1S55 the brothers bought Black- 
 mer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores, 
 at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management 
 of the business. From 1855 to 1S73 he was also ex- 
 tensively engaged in lumbering operations. 
 
 Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated 
 for .\iderman against Stewart H. Williams, a rising 
 young man, of strong Democratic principles. Tlie 
 ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was 
 elected by a handsome majority. When the Repub- 
 lican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H. 
 Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention, 
 one of its "charter members.' In 1862, he was com- 
 missioned by (Jov. Austin Blair to raise one of the 
 
 six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan. 
 .Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held 
 meetings at various jwints. The zeal and enthusiasm 
 displayed liy this advocate of the Union awakened a 
 feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of many 
 brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d 
 Regiment of .Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed 
 in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a bril- 
 liant record. 
 
 In tlie fall of 1862, Vlx. Jerome was nominated by 
 the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th 
 district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his op- 
 ixsnent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted 
 in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was 
 twice renominated and elected both times by in- 
 creased majorities, defeating C.eorge Lord, of Bay 
 City, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot County. On tak- 
 ing his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chair- 
 man of the Committee on State Affairs, and was ac- 
 tive in raising means and troops to carrj' on the war. 
 He held the same position during his three temis of 
 service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers' 
 Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit. 
 
 He was selected by Gov. CrajK) as a military aid, 
 and in 1865 was appointed a member of the State 
 Military Board, and served as its President for eight 
 consecutive years. In 1873, he was ap]X)inced by 
 Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prepare 
 a new State C'onstitutiouv and was Chairman of the 
 Committee on Finance. 
 
 In' 1875, Mr. Jerome was ap]X)inted a memberof 
 the Board of Indian Commissioners. In 1 87 6 he was 
 Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Josei)h, the 
 \ez 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 u)) the Columbia River. 
 
 At the Republican State Convention, convened at 
 Jackson in August, i88o, Mr. Jerome was placed in 
 the field for nomination, and on the 5th day of the 
 montii received the highest honor the convention 
 could confer on any one. His opponent was Freder- 
 ick M. Holloway, of Hillsdale County, who was suji- 
 ix)rted by the Democratic and Greenback parties. 
 The State was thoroughly canvassed by IxDth parties, 
 and wlien the jxiUs were closed on the evening of 
 election day, it was found that David H. Jerome had 
 been selected by the voters of tlie Wolverine State to 
 occupy the highest jxssition withii\ their gift. 
 
 
 n 
 
^ 
 
 ^f 
 
 ..f^iFV 
 
 1^ 
 
 II 
 
L 
 
 GOr/t/iAO/f.S OF MICHIGAN 
 
 169 
 
 TOSIAH \V. HEUfEl, 
 
 ^« 
 
 i''-'-'-"-'^^^^ 
 
 ■'^"^^^^7^r"J%.>^^^#^^>^^i"' 
 
 ^-^^^ 
 
 7 OSIAH W. UI 
 'a^present (1883), 
 
 I 
 
 EGOLK, the 
 Governor of 
 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 
 Maiyland. His grandfather, Capt. 
 Holies, of that State, was an ofli- 
 cer in the American armv diirint' 
 J^L L the war of the Revolution, .\bout 
 'ji^f^' the beginning of the present cent- 
 f^%\ »r^' botb his grandparents, having 
 
 i' 
 
 l)ecome dissatisfied with the insti- 
 tution of slavery, although slave- 
 holders themselves, emigrated to 
 Livingston County, X. \ ., then 
 .1 new country, taking with them a 
 number of their former slaves, who 
 volunteered to accompany them. 
 His father was an officer in the 
 -Vmerican army, and served during 
 the war of iSi 2. 
 Mr. B. received his early education in a log school- 
 house, and subsecpiently attended the Temple Hill 
 ,\cademy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Being the eldest of a 
 family of ten children, whose parents were in moder- 
 ate though comfortable circumstances, he was early 
 taught habits of industr)', and when 21 years of age, 
 being anil>itious to l>etter his condition in life, he re- 
 solved to seek his fortune in the far West, as it was 
 
 ^ 
 
 then called. In August, 1836, he left the parental 
 roof to seek a home in tlie Territory of Michigan 
 then an almost unbroken wilderness. He settled in 
 Crenesee County, and aided with his own hands in 
 building some of the early residences in what is now 
 known as the city of Flint. There were i)ut four or 
 five houses where this flourishing city now stands 
 when he selected it as his home. 
 
 In the spring of 1S39 he married Miss Harriet .\. 
 Miles. The marriage proved a most fortunate one, 
 and to the faithful wife of his youth, who lives to en- 
 joy with him the comforts of an honestly earned com- 
 petence, Mr. Hegole ascribes largely his success in 
 life. Immediately after his marriage he commenced 
 work on an unimjiroved farm, where, by his jierse- 
 verance and energy, he s<x)n established a good home, 
 and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a 
 well improved fanii of five hundred acres. 
 
 Mr. Begole being an anti-slaverj- man, became a 
 member of the Republican party at its organization. 
 He served his townsmen in various offices, and was 
 in 1856, elected County Treasurer, which office he 
 held for eight years. 
 
 .\t the breaking out of the Rebellion lie did not 
 carry a musket to the front, but his many friends will 
 bear witness that he took an active part in recruiting 
 and furnishing supplies for the army, and in looking 
 after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The 
 death of his eldest son near Atlanta, Ga., by a Confed- 
 rate bullet, in 1 864, was the greatest sorrow of his life. 
 When a few years later he was ,1 member in Congress 
 
 t 
 
u 
 
 170 
 
 JOSIAH W. BKGOLE. 
 
 "•'T^ 
 
 
 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 acclain.i- 
 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 tlie importance of a new capitol 
 building wortliy 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 Fliiladelphia 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 liimself a can- 
 didate for the nomination of member to the 43d Con- 
 gress, in which he was successful, aftercompetingfor 
 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- 
 l)ointed by that committee to draft the most imix)r- 
 tant rejwrt made by that committee, and upon the 
 only subject recommended by the President in his 
 message, which he did and the reixjrt was printed in 
 records of Congress ; lie 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 
 jxilicy of the country. Owing to the position which 
 Mr. Begole occupied on these questions, he became a 
 "Greenbacker." 
 
 In the (iubernatorial election of 1882, Mr. Begole 
 was the candidate of both the Greenback and Dem- 
 ocratic parties, and was elected by a vole of 154,269, 
 the Republican ( andidate, Hon. David H. Jerome, 
 
 A* — 
 
 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 jxip- 
 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 in 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 lo 
 his character that can be alleged against him. He 
 has sometimes changed his mind in jwlitics, but for 
 sincerity of his beliefs and the earnestness of his pur- 
 jxjse nobody who knows him entertains a doubt. He 
 is incapable of bearing malice, even against his bit- 
 terest (xjlitical enemies. He has a warm, generous 
 nature, and a larger, kinder heart does not beat in 
 tiie bosom of any man in Michigan. He is not much 
 given to making speeches, but deeds are more signif- 
 icant of a man's charac ter than words. There are 
 many scores of men in all parts of the State wliere 
 -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 w'ould not necessarily prove a 
 forlorn hope. But the Republican party in Micliigan 
 is too strong to be beaten by a combination of Demo- 
 crats and Greenl)ackers, even if it is marshaled by so 
 good a man as Mr. Begole." 
 
 This sketch would be imperfect without referring 
 to the action of Mr. B. at the time of the great calamity 
 that in 1881 overtook the people of Northeastern 
 Michigan, in a few hours desolating whole counties 
 by fire and destroying the results and accumulations 
 of such hard work as only falls to the lot of pioneers. 
 While the Port Huron and Detroit committees were 
 ((uarrelmg over the distribution of funds, Mr. Begole 
 wrote to an agent in the "[burnt district" a letter, from 
 wliicli we make an extract of but a single sentence: 
 "Until the differences between the two committees 
 are adjusted and you receive your regular supplies 
 from them, draw on me. Let no man suffer while I 
 have money." This displays his true character. 
 
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 'USSELL A.ALGER,Governor 
 of Michigan for the term eoin- 
 inencing Jan. 1, I880, was 
 born in Lafayette Township, 
 Medina Co., Ohio, Feb. 27, 
 •\ 1S;50. Having lived a teui- 
 lieralo life, lie is a comparative 
 young man in api)earanee, and pos- 
 sesses those niental faculties thatare 
 the distinguishing characteristics of 
 robust, mature and educated man- 
 hood. "When 1 1 j'ears of age both 
 his parents died, leaving him witha 
 j'ounger brother and sister to sup- 
 port and without any of the substan- 
 tial means of existence. Lacking the opportunity of 
 better cmployincnt, he worked on a farm in Richfield, 
 ( )liio, for the greater part of each of the succeeding 
 seven years, saving money enough 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- 
 rpicnt winters. In IH.'iT he commenced the stud}- of 
 law in the ollices of Wolcott >!l: I'pson at Akron, re- 
 maining until Slarch, 1859, when he wa.s admitted 
 to the bar by the Ohio Sujiremc Court. He then 
 removed to Cleveland, and entered the law ollice of 
 Otis i CofHnbury, where he remained several 
 months. Here he continued his studies with in- 
 creased zeal, and did much general reading. Hard 
 study and close confinement to ofBce work, however, 
 liegan to tell t>n his constitution, and failing health 
 warnecl him that he must seek other occupation. 
 
 He therefore reluctantly abandoned the law and re- 
 moved to Graiul Rivpids, Mich., to engage in the 
 lumber business. 
 
 When Michigan 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 was brilliant and honorable to 
 himself and his companj-. He participated in some 
 of the fieicest contests of the rebellion and was 
 twice wounded. His first injury was received in 
 the battle of Boonevillc, Miss., July 2, 1862. 
 His conduct in this engagement was so distin- 
 guished that he was promoted to the rank of 
 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 
 ICth of October, Jfajor Alger became Lieutenant- 
 Colonel of the .Si.\lh Mich. Cav.. and was ordered 
 with his regiment to the Army of the Potomac. 
 After marked service in the early campaign of 18<1.'?, 
 he was again ."idvanced, and on June 2 received his 
 commission as Colonel of the Fifth Mich. Cav. His 
 regiment at this time was in Custer's famous Michi- 
 gan cavalry briga<le. On the fith of Jul}- occurred 
 the battle of Boonesboro, Md. In this conflict he 
 was again wounded. His health received a more 
 than temporary impairment, and in October, 1861. 
 he was obliged to retire from the service. His 
 career as a soldier included many of the most cele- 
 brated contests of the war. He w.as an active charac- 
 ter in all the battles fought by the Arinv of the 
 
 n 
 
■<^ 
 
 174 
 
 L. 
 
 RUSSELL A. ALGER. 
 
 Votoraac, from the tiine of the iiiviisiou of Mary- 
 land by Gen. Lee in 18G3, up to the date of his 
 retirement, with the exception of those engagements 
 which occurred while he was absent from duty on 
 account of wounds. In all he took part in GC 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 the 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 
 tiiat 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 & 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 ik Co. He is also 
 president of the Manistique Lumbering Company 
 and president of the Detroit, Bay City & Alpena 
 Railroad Company, besides being a stockholder and 
 director of the Detroit National Bank, the Peninsu- 
 lar Car Company and several other large corjxjr- 
 atious. 
 
 AVhile always an active and influential Republi- 
 can, Gen. Alger has never sought nor held a sal- 
 aried oflice. 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 part}' and his country'. 
 
 Gen. Alger is now fort^'-ninc years of age, an 
 active, handsome gentleman six feet tall, living 
 the life of a busy man of aflfairs. His military 
 bearing at once indicates his army life, and although | 
 slenderly built, his square shoulders and erect i 
 carriage give the ciisual observer the impression 
 that his weight is fully 1 80 pounds. He is a firm, 
 yet a most decidedly pleasant-appearing man, with 
 a fine forehead, rather a prominent nose, an iron- 
 gray moustache and chin whiskers and a full head 
 of black hair sprinkled with gra}'. He is usually 
 attired in the i)revailing style of business suits. His 
 favorite dress has been a high buttoned cutaway 
 
 frock coat, with the predominating cut of vest and 
 trousers, made of firm gra}' suiting. A high collar, 
 small cravat, easy shoes and white plug hat com- 
 plete his personal ai)i)arel. He is ver}' particular 
 as to his appearance, and always wears neat clothes 
 of the best goods, but shuns any display of jewelry* 
 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 alwaj's animate his hearers. 
 
 Gen. Alger is a hard worker. He is always at his 
 ofHce prompt!}' in the morning and staj-s as long as 
 anything remains that demands his attention. In 
 business matters he is alw.ays decided, and is never 
 shaken or disturbed by any reverses. He has the 
 confidence of his :issociates to a high degree, and all 
 his business relations are tempered with those little 
 kindnesses that relieve the tedium of routine ollice 
 life. Although deeply engrossed in various busi- 
 ness pursuits. Gen. Alger has j'et found time for 
 general culture. He owns a large library and his 
 stock of general information is as complete as it is 
 reliable. His collection of paintings h;is been se- 
 lected with rare good taste, and contains some of 
 the finest productions of modern artists. His team 
 of bays are perhaps the han<lsomest lliat grace the 
 roads of lietroit, 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. 
 Henry, of Grand Rjipids, to whom he was married 
 April 2, 18G1. Siie is a slender woman of faircom- 
 plexitin, bright and attractive, and a charming host- 
 ess. She is gifted with manj' acc<>nq)lisliments and 
 appears quite young. There are six children. Fay, 
 a lively brunette, and Caroline A., who is rather tall 
 and resembles her mother, have completed a course 
 at an E:istern seminary, and during the past j'ear 
 traveled in Europe. The remaining members of 
 the family are Fi-ances, aged 13; Russell A., Jr., 
 aged 1 1 ; Fred, aged 9, and Allan, aged 3. All are 
 bright and promising diildren. Gen. Alger makes 
 his home at his iiandsome and large new residence on 
 Fort street, at the corner of First street, Detroit. 
 
 _»► _ ■ » 
 
t 
 
 GOVERNOliS OF MIC71IGAX. 
 
 177 
 
 ;i; 
 
 ^yirtis l^ravf '"^a^Q, 
 
 YRrS GRAY LL'CE, the 
 present Governor of Miclii- 
 gan, combines in his charac- 
 ter the substantial traits of 
 , the New England ancestry 
 of his father, and the chival- 
 rous and hospitable elements 
 peculiar to the Southernei-s, which 
 came to him from his mother's side of 
 the house. The New Enj^landers, act- 
 ive in the cause of American liberty, 
 after this desired result was accom- 
 plished, turned their attention to the 
 growth and develo[)mcnt of tiie 
 country which their noble daring had 
 constitulea independent of foreign rule. The pri- 
 vations they endured and the struggles from which 
 they had achieved victory liuilt up in them those 
 qualities which in tiie very nature of events could 
 not be otherwise tiian transmitted to their posterity, 
 and this posterity comi)rises a large number of tiie 
 men who to-<l.av, like tlie subject of this history, 
 are making a record of which their descendants will 
 be equally jiroud. 
 
 Gov. Luce w!is born in Windsor, A.>hlabnhi to.-, 
 Oliio, July i, 1M24. His father was a native of 
 Tolland, Conn., served as a soldier in the War of 
 18r2, and sunn after its close emigrati'd frum New 
 England and settled on the Western Reserve in 
 Northern t)hio. His mother, who in her girlhood 
 was Miss Mary Gray, was born in Winchester, Va. 
 Her father, tinctured with Abolitionism, found his 
 home in the < )ld Dominion becoming uncomforta- 
 ble as an abiding-place at lli:it time, and accord- 
 ingly, with his wife and family of young children, 
 
 he also migrated, in 181.'), to the wilds of Northern 
 Ohio. Tlu're the parents of our subject, in isr.t, 
 were united in marriage, and continued residents of 
 AshUdmla County until 183C. There also were 
 born to them six sons. Cyrus fJ. of this sketch being 
 the second. 
 
 The incidenis in the early life of Gov. Luce were 
 not materially' difterent from those of other boys 
 living on the farms in that new country. He was 
 taught to work at anything necessary for him to do 
 and to make himself useful around the ])ioneer 
 homestead. When twelve years 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, ami without recount- 
 ing the particular hardships and jirivation-i which the 
 family cx|)erienceil, it is sulUcient tosay that but few 
 enjoyed or suffered a greater variety. Markets were 
 distant and dillicult of access, the comforts* of life 
 scarce, an<l sickness universal. Young Luce, in com- 
 mon with other boys, attended school winters in the 
 stereotype<l log school-house, and in summer as- 
 sisted in clearing away the forests, fencing tlie 
 lields and raising crops after the land was improved. 
 He attended three terms an academy hn'ated at On- 
 tario, Ind., and his habit of reading and observation 
 added essentially t<j his limited school privileges. 
 When seventeen years of age the father of our 
 -^uljject erected a cloth-dressing and wool-carding 
 esUiblishment, where Cyrus «!. acquired a full 
 ' knowledge of this business and subseipiently ha<l 
 charge of tlie factory for a period of seven yeai-s. 
 In the meantime he had Income interested in l<Kal 
 politics, in which he displayed rare juilgment and 
 sound conunon sense, and on account of which, in 
 1848, he w.as nominated by the Whigs in a district 
 comiwsed of the coimties of DeKalb and Steuben 
 for Representative in the State Legislature. He 
 made a vigorous can v.iss but wsis defeated by eleven 
 majority. This ineident w:is but a transient bub- 
 ble on the stream of his life, and tliat same year 
 
 ► •-4*- 
 
 * 
 

 178 
 
 CYBUS GRAY LUCE. 
 
 Mr. Luce purchased eighty acres of wild land near 
 Gileud, Branch Co., Mich., the improvement of 
 which he at once entered upon, clenrinjjf away the 
 trees and otherwise making arrangements for the 
 establishment of a homestead. In August, 1849, lie 
 was united in marriage with INIiss Julia A. Dickinson, 
 of Gilead, and the young ])eople immediately com- 
 menced housekeeping in a modest dwelling on the 
 new farm. Here they resided until the death of the 
 wife, which took place in August, 1882. Mrs. 
 Luce was the daughter of Ohed and Experience 
 Dickinson, well-to-do and highly- respected residents 
 of Gilead. Of lier union with our subject there 
 were born five children, one now deceased. 
 
 In November, 1883, Gov. Luce contracted a sec- 
 onil uiarriage, with Mrs. Mary Thompson, of Bron- 
 son, this St;ite. He continued on the same farm, 
 which, however, by subsequent purchase had been 
 considerabl}' extended, until after his election to the 
 oflice of which he is now the iueumbcut. In the 
 meantime he has had a wide and varied experience 
 in public life. In 1 iS52 he was elected to represent his 
 township in the County Board of Supervisors, and 
 twoyears later, in 1 8.')4, was elected Representative to 
 tlie first Itepublican Legislature convened in the State 
 of Michigan. He served his townshi|) altogether 
 eleven years as a member of the Board of Supervisors. 
 In 18r)8 he was elected County Treasurer of Branch 
 County and re-elected in 1S60. In 1864 he was 
 given a seat in the Slate Senate and re-elected in 
 1806. In thesijringof 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 each he gave the most 
 conscientious care, and has great reason to feel pride 
 aiul 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 i)0st a day. 
 
 In July, 1879, Mr. Luce was appointed State Oil 
 Inspector by Gov. Croswell, and re-appointed by 
 Gov. Jerome in 1881, serving in this capacity three 
 an<l one-half years. lu the management of the 
 duties of this oflice he is entitled to great ciedit. 
 The t)111ee w.as notsmight liy him, but the Governor 
 
 urged him to accept it, claiming that the office was 
 the most diflicult he had to fill, and was one which 
 required first-class executive abilit3'. He organized 
 the State into districts, appointed an adequate force 
 of deputies and no more, secured a reduction of the 
 fees by nearl}' one-half, and in eveiy waj' managed 
 the affairs of the oflice so efliciently and satisfac- 
 torily that above all expenses he was enabled to 
 pay into the State Treasury during his management 
 *:52.000.49. 
 
 In August of the j-ear 1886 Mr. Luce was nom- 
 inated by the Uepublicans in convention assembled 
 at Grand Rapids, for the office of Governor of 
 Michigan bj' acclamation, and on the 2d of Novem- 
 ber following was elected by a majority 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 does that agriculture furnishes the basis of 
 N;itional prosi)erity, he was anxious to contribute to 
 the education and elevation of the farming com- 
 munity, and thus availed himself of the opportuni- 
 ties offered bj- this organization to aid in accom- 
 plishing this result. P"or a period of seven 3-ears he 
 was Master of the State Grange but resigned the 
 position last November. Fidelity to convictions, 
 close application to business, whether agricidtural or 
 affairs of State, coupled with untiring industry, are 
 his chief characteristics. As a farmer, legislator, 
 executive ollicer, and manager of count}- 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 in 
 his public career or private life. He is a man of 
 the people, and self-made in the strictest sense. His 
 whole life has been among the people, in full syui- 
 path}' with them, and in their special confidence and 
 esteem. 
 
 Pei-sonally. Gov. Cyrus G. Luce is high-minded, 
 intellectual and affable, the object of many 
 and warm friendships, and a man in all respects 
 above reproach. To the duties of his high position 
 he has brought a fitting dignit}-, and in all the re- 
 lations of life that conscientious regard to tint}' of 
 which we often read but which is too seldom seen, 
 especially among those having within their hands 
 the interests of State ami Nation. 
 

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 St. Joseph County, 
 
 MI6HIGAN, 
 
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 INTRODUCTORY. 
 
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 JHE time has arrived when it 
 becomes the duty of the 
 people of this count)' to ])er- 
 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 duty 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 he 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 which the names and actions of the 
 {■jcopie who contributed to raise this country from its 
 primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly 
 the great and aged men, who in their ijrime entered 
 the wilderness and claimed tlie virgin soil as their 
 heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re- 
 maining wiio can relate the incidents of the first days 
 jf settlement is becoming small indeed, so tliat an 
 actual necessity exists for the collection and preser- 
 vation of events without delay, before all the early 
 settlers are cut down by tiie scythe of Time. 
 
 To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind 
 from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, 
 in spite of their best works and the most e.irnest 
 efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of 
 their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion 
 and to perpetuate their memory has been in pro|X)r- 
 tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. 
 The pyramids of Fgypt were built to ])erpetuate the 
 names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- 
 mations m.ide by the archeologists of Egypt from 
 buried Mcm]ihis indicate a desire of those people 
 
 to perpetuate the memory of their achievements 
 The erection of tlie great obelisks were for tl-.e same 
 purpose. Coming down to a later jieriod, we find the 
 (Ireeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- 
 ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their 
 great acliievements and carry them down the ages. 
 It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling 
 u]) 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 the lives and charac- 
 ters of those whose memory tliey were intended to 
 perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of 
 the people that then lived. The great jjvramids 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 — immutable in that it is almost un- 
 limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and 
 this is through the art of printing. 
 
 To the present generation, however, we are in- 
 debted for the introduction of the admirable system 
 of local biography. Hy 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- 
 dren 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 (wrtraits, for the same reason we col- • 
 lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we 
 think it necessar)', ai wcsi)eak only truth of them, to 
 wait until they are dead, or until those who know 
 them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to 
 publish to the world the history of those whr>se lives 
 are unvvnrthy of ))ublic rei ord. 
 
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 K. IKA F. rACKAKI), a letircil pliy^^iiiaii 
 atid surjii'on of Sturgis, and a man wliu is 
 well known tliruughont Sdutliern Michi- 
 gan, both as a practitioner and a citizen, is 
 till' snlijccl of a most interesting history, which is 
 sulislantially as follows: Born on the 7th of .Iiinc, 
 1808, our suhject is a native of Uoyalton, Windsor 
 Co., \'t., and the yoimgest son of licnjamin Pack- 
 ard, who was the 3'oungest son of Klijaii I'ackard, 
 the latter of whom settled at an early day in the 
 tuwn i>f Hridgewater, Mass. 
 
 lieiijaniiu I'ackard. the father of Ira, movcil to 
 the town of Koyalton. in the .State of \"ermont, soon 
 after the close of the Hevolnlionary Wai-. Noth- 
 ing of especial note ocvnrrcd during the Ixnliood of 
 our subject, his time being spent inostl}' in obtain- 
 ing such education as the schools of that day af- 
 forded, while he employed his time during vacation 
 Working on the farm. When he was fifteen years 
 old he was deprived of a father's care by death, 
 and was thrown ujkju his own resources in complet- 
 ing his education and obtaining a living. In tlu' 
 spring »if ! 81' 1 young I'ackard repaired to Huston, 
 Mass., and took a position in the wholesale and re- 
 tail store of Kitlridgc iV Wyman. dealers in gri>- 
 ccriesand West India goods, lie continued through 
 the summer an<l fall with this firm, then returned 
 home to attend the winter term of school in his na- 
 tive town. 
 
 In the spring of the year I82.'i, our suliject en- 
 tered the service of the wlmlc ship '-AlexaiKler." 
 anil upon the long voyage which followed gathered 
 much information in regard to :\ seafaring life and 
 4* ^ 
 
 the world in general. The ship returned to New Bed- 
 ford in the month of ,Iuly following, with a cargo of 
 oil and bone, and Mr. I'ackard subsequently made 
 upon her several other short vo3-ages. The fall of 
 1828 found him in I'hiiadelphia, I'a.. where he was 
 engaged for a brief time in the I'ottsville mines as 
 the employe of Aaron Burr, and which were in 
 charge of lii< nephew (ieorge. In February. 1829, he 
 migrated to Allegany County, N. V.. settling in the 
 town of Pike, which was the borne of a brother, and 
 where he sc>journed a brief time: then going to 
 Yorkshire in Catt^iraugus County, he established 
 himself in the mercantile business. On the 27th of 
 April, 182'.i, he was married to Miss lOmily M., 
 daughter of Col. Araunah Ilibbard. 
 
 This business venture of Mr. Packard not prov- 
 ing a bonanza, he closed out, and" going into Krie 
 County, Pa., engaged in the grocery and provision 
 trade upon the present site of the custom house there. 
 Here he was .again doomed to disappointment, the 
 cholera breaking out and all business being sus- 
 pended for the lime. Not being [losaessed of cap- 
 ital bj- which he could lay idle, he was compelled to 
 close out his business. He then returned to York- 
 shire, and engaged as clerk with Messrs. A. it W. 
 Ilibbard. 
 
 In the spring of 183(1 our subject commenced 
 the study of medicine and surgery under the in- 
 struction of Dr. Hela II. Colegrove, of Sardinia, 
 Krie Co., N. Y., with whom he continued a perioil 
 of three years. In the meantime he attemled medi- 
 e;d lectures in the Western College of Physicians 
 .•md Surgeons al F:iii(ie|il. \'\>i>u ccinipleliii'j his 
 
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 ••► 
 
 188 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 stiitlics he removed with his family to the town of 
 Shcnii.Tii, now Sturgis, this county', of which he has 
 since lieeii a resident. 
 
 Ilavini^ »cciiied a lucrative practice. Dr. Packard 
 followed his profession continuously until the si)ring 
 of 18.30, when his close application to his duties 
 began to have a perceptilile effect upon his health. 
 He now decided upon a trip to California, ami ac- 
 cordingly spent the suramcr following in the gold 
 fields of the New Eldorado. He was successful in 
 the naines, obtaining a reasonable recompense for 
 his time and trouble. He returned to .'^turgis in 
 the s|)ring of 18.51, and practically retire<l from 
 practice, although occasionally treating llie old 
 friends who were unwilling to give their cases into 
 new and strange hands. 
 
 Since withdrawing from his profession Dr. Pack- 
 ard has been identified with various business cnter- 
 ])rises in the city, serving as a Director of the Na- 
 tional Hank. He has distinguished himself as a 
 public-si)irited citizen, one having a warm interest 
 in the growth and i)rogress of his adopted State. In 
 religious sentiment he possesses a broad, liberal and 
 Catholic spirit, and while being a man of decided 
 views, with his own peculiar beliefs and convictions, 
 he willingly accords that same privilege to others 
 without comment or relied ion. He was originally 
 a Whig in politics, and upon the organization of 
 the Republican iwrty cordiall}- embr.aced its prin- 
 ci])les. and has been a supporter of its general policy 
 up to the present lime. 
 
 Dr. Packard and his wife became the parents of a 
 faoiily i>{ five children, three sons and two daugh- 
 ters, the record of whom is as follows: Nelson I. 
 was born April 8, 1830, and married Miss Lizzie 
 A. Toliy, Oct. 1.5, 18o(J; they have no children. 
 This son is President of the National Bank of Stur- 
 gis, a man of fine talents, and a highly respected 
 citizen. Homer H. Packard was born Aug. 10, 1832, 
 and marrieil Miss Sarah C. Stillman, Dec. 0, 1858; 
 he is a druggist by profession, and a resident of 
 Cheboygan, this State: he has no children. Emilj' 
 M. was born Nov. G, 1831, an<l was married to 
 Henry S. Church, Oct. 25, 1860; Mr. C. is a grocer 
 in good eireumslances, and a resident of .sturgis; 
 they have no children. Frank S. was born Feb. 
 10. 1838. and was m.arried, Sept. 25, 1860, to Miss 
 4» 
 
 Jane E. Clark; they have throe children, Frank I.. 
 Gertrude A. and James J., and are residents of Stur- 
 gis; his son Frank, Jr., was born Aug. 17, 18C1, 
 became a j'outli of great promise, clioosing the jno- 
 fession of medicine, and was graduated from Ann 
 Arbor (Mich.) Medical College: he died at Che- 
 boygan. Feb. 8, 18K8. Gertrude A. married Nelsnn 
 I pham, and lives in Cheboygan, being the mother 
 of one son, Frank Sherman; James 1. was born Oct. 
 8, 1868, married Miss Bertha Miner, and is the 
 father of two children, a son Frank and a daughter. 
 Lucina M. Packard was born Jan. 26. 1843, and 
 married Thomas J. .\cheson, Oct. 1, 1863; they 
 have three sons: Frederick I., born April 2!>, 1866: 
 Nelson H.. May 17, 1874: and Thomas J., Aug. 7. 
 1885. All live in Emjioria, Lyons Co., Kan. 
 
 The ancestral history of this branch of the Pack- 
 ard family is as follows: Probably the first repre- 
 sentative in this country was one Samuel Pack;ird. 
 who, with his wife and eight children, came from 
 Windham, near llingham. in England, in the ship 
 "Diligence," of Ijiswich, with 133 |)assengers, John 
 Martin, Master, and settled in Hingham, in the year 
 1638. Thenee he went to Bridgewater. Mas.-., where 
 he died in 1684. He was the father of twelve chil- 
 dren, name!}' : Elizabeth, Samuel, Zaccheus,Thomas, 
 John, Nathaniel (oursul)ject), JLary. Hannah. Israel, 
 Joel, Deborah and Deliverance. 
 
 Nathaniel, one of the sons of Samuel Packanl. 
 and the great-great-grandfather of our subject, mar- 
 ried a daughter of John Kingman, and became the 
 father of thirteen children, namely : .Samuel; Zacha- 
 riah, the great-grandfather of our subject; George. 
 Fearnot, Margaret, Sarah, Lydia. Faithful, Hannah. 
 Deliverance, Elizalieth, Mary and Deborah. Z.acha- 
 riah marrieil Abigail, the daughter of Richard Dav- 
 enport, in 1724, and became the father of four 
 children — Elijah, Abigail. Nathaniel and Nathan. 
 Rev. Elijah, the son of Zachariah. was grailuated 
 from Ilowaril I'niversity in 17.'>0, and settled in 
 the ministry at Plymouth, in 1 76 1. He after- 
 ward went to Marlboro, and was married to Mary 
 Rider: they became the parents of four children — 
 Abigail, Benjamin. Elijah and Mary. Benjamin 
 married Mehitable Fobes. daughter of Eliab Fobes, 
 in 1782, and moved to Vermont in 1784. Their son 
 Lyman was born in January- of that year, and died 
 
 ♦^ 
 
s 
 
 4»- 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 1K9 
 
 \r 
 
 in Di'Ci'nihfr, I.^IO: Bciijaiiiin, who was l)orn July 
 l.'>, 1787, died A|>rll 13. 18(i'.i: C'liaiies w.is born 
 June 28, 1790, and died Nov. 13, 1808; Lucy was 
 lioiii May 21. 1800. and died March 17, 1803; 
 sihiis was horn in 17!».j, and died Sept. 8, 1830; Lii- 
 einda was born May 8, 1 805. and died Oct. 27. 1 83 1 . 
 Their youngest .-iOn was Ira. the subject of tills 
 >ketch. 
 
 Benjamin Packard, the father of oursubject. who 
 was born In lirldicewater, June 7. 17i;o, served as a 
 Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War, and was on 
 duty at the battles of Lexington and ISunkcr Hill, 
 and witnessed the surrcn<1er of Gen. Hursoyne. 
 He was wounded bj- a ball across the breast, and 
 by buckshot in the arm. He saw the smoke rise 
 from behind a bush, and shot through the bnsli. and 
 saiil there was no more smoke came up from behind 
 the bush. Elijah Packard, the paternal grandfather 
 of our subject, was nuirdere<l by a robber and high- 
 wayman, one Bolton, who was afterward hung for 
 robbery in Canada, confessing bis guilt on the scaf- 
 fold. Dr. Ira S., our subject, has a deed done in 
 the handwriting of his grandfather. Aug. 211, 1765. 
 He also has the old family Bible In two large vol- 
 nnics, which was prlnte<l In London, England, In 
 1G8.5, and was bought bj- (Irandfather Elijah Pack- 
 ard. It has written on the tly-leaf — ''Elijah Pack- 
 ard, his book, price f21 . Bought of William Joseph 
 Snell, of Bridgewater. in the 3'car 1752."' That 
 sum in American money would be ?101.(J4. 
 
 Mrs. Emily M. (lllbbard) P.ickard. the wife of 
 our subject, was born In Clarence, Niagara Co., N. 
 Y., April 23, 1811, and was tlie first female white 
 child a native of that county. Her father was Col. 
 Araunah lllbbard, a soldier of the War of 1812, 
 who was severely wounded at (^ueenstown Heights. 
 He was one of two brothers who came from En- 
 gland at an early day. 
 
 ^Ol.oMdN I.. DKMI.KU Is classed among 
 the most practlcjd. wide-awake and success- 
 ful farmers of St. Joseph County. His 
 f.'irm on section 2(!. ('<instantinc T<'W'"''h'P- 
 In amply provided with substanlini buildings for 
 r\ci V nri-(".»nr\ |iur|><isc. |t» carefully tilldl a<-ri"< 
 
 yield abundant harvests, and it Is altogether con- 
 sidered one of the most desiralilc farms In this sec- 
 tion of the county. 
 
 Our "subji'd was horn .luly 2. 1821, In Turbot- 
 vlllc. Nnrtliuiulicrland Co.. Pa.. an<l Is a son <jf 
 Solomon I,, and Esther (King) Dentlcr. both of 
 whom were natives of that county, where also iM^th 
 died. They had a family of twelve diildreu. seven 
 of whom lived to ni.'iturity. The ehlldren were 
 named: .lohn. now :i resident of White Hock. Ogle 
 Co.. III.; ljarl>ara. wife of Pliineits llangenbuch. of 
 .•\lexan<lrla County. \ a.: .laeoli. living in Northnni- 
 lierl.and Couut\'. Pa.: then came Solomon L.: Sam- 
 uel, a resident of I'nion Comity. Iowa; Eliza died 
 at the age of ten years; ( ieorge. Esther and Lucy 
 died in childhood, and two infants died unnamed. 
 Peter, who was a resident of LyeomiuLr County. 
 Pa., died in .hily. 1888. 
 
 Ouisuliject was reared on his father's farm until 
 he W!us eighteen years old. and he w!»s then apjiren- 
 ticed to learn the miller's trade. He followed that 
 occupation many yeai-s In Pennsylvania, and until 
 he came to St. .losejih County in the s|)ring of 
 1865. He then turnetl his attention to farming, 
 the pursuit to whh'h he had been reared. He pur- 
 ch.i.sed 120 acres of g(xid land in Constantine Town- 
 ship, and ha.s ever since been a resident of this 
 place. His arduous labors in improving his lanil 
 have Iteen .atnply rewarded In the good Income that 
 he derives frtmi its cultivation. He ha.s erected a 
 good set of farm linildlngs. comi)lete in all their 
 appointments. an<l h:us In-en so fortun.-ile In his 
 ventures that he ha.s ))urchased more land, and his 
 farm now comprises 175 acres of land, a.* well tille<l 
 and fertile as any in the neighborh<K>i|. 
 
 November 16. 1852. the marriage of our svibject 
 to Miss EII/jilK^th .\. Narlier w:ls solemni/.e<l in 
 Danville. Montour Co.. P.-i. Mrs. Dentler wil* horn 
 Nov. II. 1831. In Lycoming County. I'a.. her par- 
 ents having iKH-n .bx-ob and Susanna (<!<mkI) Nar- 
 iK-r. who died in that <-ounty. Mr. and Mr«. 
 Dentler have had live children, nanielx : .Mice I!., 
 who i> the wife of Kev. S. Ciiirge. of Allen. Branch 
 Co.. .Mich.; H. H. livelier and Colfax B.. living at 
 honu-. and Cnmt .\.. a student at W it tenlK-rg Col- 
 lege. Springfield. Ohio. 'I'hey have lost one child 
 NarbiM' I... "ho dii-<l wlieii three \e:ir- old. \\ ben 
 
 4^ 
 
 i 
 
 l,e„ ♦ 
 
-•» 
 
 100 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, 
 
 f 
 
 Mr. Dentler made his first purchase, forty of his 
 120 .ai-res was in timber, aiirt tiiis. with the excep- 
 tion of a few acres, lie cieareil liiiiiself. not lieinjr 
 tinancially in a condition to eniphiy lu'l|i. Almost 
 all of the fifty-five acres sub.«equently imrchased lie 
 also cleared, luit in this latter was lielpid l>v his 
 sons, then jjrowinjr up. 
 
 Mr. Dentler's success in life is attributable not 
 only to his capacity for work, to iiis sturdy enter- 
 |)risc and (lersistenl will powi^r. but also to the fact 
 that he is conscientious and uprijrht in all his deal- 
 in<js. au<l dt>es by others as he would like to be 
 done by. thus securing the res[)ect and confidence 
 of his fellow-citizens. He has ably filled some of 
 tlic local school ottices. and in other ways per- 
 formed tiic duties of a trti<jd citizen. His |H>litical 
 views are sulistantially tho.se of the Hei>ul>lican 
 party, of which he is an earnest supporter. lie and 
 his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and 
 actively assist in its good work, and ever since the 
 organization of the church in this township he has 
 filled some of its ollicial positions, as l'",ider. 'Trus- 
 tee. etc. 
 
 J" A . M A IJ \ I N . Ihe Saturday Mail of Stur- 
 gis occupies a prominent )H>sition among the 
 newsy journals of Ihc State, and. .xs con- 
 duct etl by its present editor and jiroprietor. 
 exercises no unimportant influence upon the vari- 
 ous (juestions under discussion by the people of the 
 county. Mr. Marvin came to Sturgis in 1H81. and 
 has lieen connected with the .VmV since lH8(j. hav- 
 ing edited the Mirfiir/an Democrat for four years. 
 He is a very |>opular man. an old soldier, and a citi- 
 zen who has made his mark in his community. 
 
 .Mr. Marvin, a native of Hochester. "N. V.. wa.s 
 born in 1H14. where he received as good an edu- 
 cation as the public schools of th.it city afforded 
 until he readied the age of seventeen years, at 
 which time he enlisted as a I'nion soldier in the 
 10")tli New York Infantry. He served with his 
 regiment in the second battle of Hull IJun. was at 
 .South Mountain. Fredericksburg and .\ntietam. and 
 after the l(l.')tli was consolidated with the !»4th 
 New York he, as a member thereof, was engageil in 
 tlif battles of (Jettysburg. .\t the expiration of his 
 
 <■ 
 
 first term he re-enlisted for three years, or during 
 the war. and took part in a number of prominent 
 battles, including that of Five Forks, in which he 
 received a wound in the head, which came near 
 causing him to be mustered out for all time. 
 
 The record of Mr. Marvin as a soldier was highly 
 creditable in all respects, and his record as a citizen 
 has liecn no less so. After his return from the 
 army he took up liis abode in I.eHoy. N. Y. ( >n the 
 12th of ,\ugust. 1M72. he wjis married in the city 
 of Hillsdale. .Mich., to .Miss Knima .\.. daughter of 
 Horace 1'. Hitchcock, one vf the |>ionecrs of Hills- 
 dale County, and now deceased. Of this union 
 tiiere were born two chihlren who died in infancy. 
 an<l Estella .M.ay. in 187!. and Clifton in 1H80. The 
 family residence is pleasantly located opposite the 
 .School Park, and is the resort of many friends. 
 Oeni.'d and iiospitable. Mr. ^larvin is a universal 
 favorite liolh in business and .-ocial circles. He 
 IcarniMl the |)riuter's tr.ade early in life, and is 
 therefore well fitte<l to conduct a newspaper office 
 in all its details. The ^fnil was established as a 
 neutral sheet in politics, .and in order to fullill tlie 
 promise to its sid)scri Iters, still remains so. 
 
 In 1888 Mr. Marvin w.as nominated for IJegisler 
 of J)eeds as the successor of the able an<l efticient 
 Mr. Hill, and ran seventy-seven v^ites ahead of his 
 ticket in Sturgis. lacking only lUC of beiuu'' elected. 
 
 |/_^ KNKV M;\ IsoN is a line representative of 
 j) the farmers and stock-raisers of .St. .loseiili 
 County, not only on acc<mnt of the wealth 
 he has .Hccumulated in his honorable call- 
 ing, and that he owns one of the largest and most 
 valuable farms in .Simthern Michigan, very pleas- 
 antly located in Florence Township, but that for 
 ])ersonal integrity, for business ability and upright- 
 ness of character, he stands pre-eminent among his 
 fellow-citizens. He is a native of IVnn.sylvania. 
 born Sept. 21. 182.'). in Turbotville. Xorllnnnber- 
 land County, to Henry and F.lizabetli ( Mowerer) 
 .Sevison, natives of (iermany. the father born Maicli 
 14, 17!I2. and mother in .luly. 17H."). His parent.- 
 had seven children, of wlunn he was the fifth in 
 order of birth, five sons and two daughters. They 
 
 f 
 
.ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 ilicd while yot in tlu'|>riliU' <if lifp. tlip fntliiT lieinc; 
 (lidwiicd ill llif Sii>(|iii'li!miiM IJiviT. at .Miiiii'V tlani. 
 Nortluiinln'iiMiiil Co.. I'li.. wlicii inir siilijecl wiis 
 lull four years old. .Vl the aire of six he went 
 to live with .Mr. Willi.-iin Laird, with whom he 
 lived until lie w.as twenty-four years old. He 
 came with his kind lieiiefaetor to Michijjan in 
 IM.lH. when it had scarcely liejfuu to iiierye from 
 its |)rimitive wildness. and ever since that time 
 lu' has in one way and another been closely 
 identified with its :iirrienltural and Imsiness inter- 
 e-ts. He first went to .Schoolcraft. St. .Joseph 
 County, with .Mr. I.aird. luit they iminedialely 
 came to Florence Townshi|>. Our suliject was then 
 .•1 slronjr and healthy lad and w.ls of sireat a.ssistance 
 to his iruardian. .\l the ajre of lifteen he took 
 ch.ar^fe of his farm, lie li.id lint little time to at- 
 tend scIh«)1, lint studied eveninjjs and spare hours 
 Ihrouiili the day. To such men as Mr. Laird, of 
 whom he tiiok counsel when he was foriiiiiii^f his 
 Imsiness liahits. and Stephen \'ickoiy. of whom he 
 purcliaseil his farm, he jrratefully acknowledsies 
 that he owes his sueee.ss in life. 
 
 Our suhjeet workwl for .lohii Talliot. in Centre- 
 ville. and while thus enirair«'<l enlisted in the war 
 with Mexico. Iiut in a short time afterwarcl the war 
 closeil and his company was dishandeil. lie first 
 liejfan work for himself l>y carryinjr on a farm on 
 shares in the summer, and in the winter in niakini; 
 tlonr liarrels for the linn of Moore A I'rotzman.of 
 Three Kiveis. lie has alw.ays followed farming, 
 thouifh often in eonnectiou with other liusiness. 
 and he lioui.'lit his first farm of 21(1 acres when lie 
 w;is twi-nty-one years old. havinjj aeciiiiiiilated ^.'5(1(1. 
 which he used for his first p:tyment on the land, 
 lie continued for some years to imike fioiir harrels 
 in the winter, still havinit l>i>' liomi' with .Mr. Laird. 
 carrvin;r on his farm for liim in addition to his 
 trade. At one time he eiiiraired f4>r three years in 
 the mercantile Imsiness at White I'iireoii, while still 
 iii;ina:rinir his .■ii;rieiiltural interest.s. Tlnit venture 
 did not pro\c the financial success that he had an- 
 ticipated and he itnve it up. and has since devoted 
 his iitteiilioii to the management of his lar^e stock 
 interests and his extensive farm, lie hecaine so 
 prosiHM'ous in his undertakin;rs that at one time he 
 ■ ■wiieil \.'M'2 .•icre-- of valualde land, hut he has 
 
 4* 
 
 ifiven to his chihlreii farms and thus reduced his 
 estate to 1.2(1(1 acres of land. For nineteen M-ars 
 Mr. Sevison lia.s been an a<;ent for the Oliver I'low 
 Company, .•iiid h.-is a lar}jre territory that he over- 
 sees, liaviiiir several ajfenls under him whom he 
 keeps sup])l ice 1. In all of his dealinfrs he scared v 
 loses a dollar, and we may mention here tlnil diir- 
 in<r his loiijJT Imsine.-s career he has never sued hut 
 one man. and then only when every other course 
 f<U' :iii honoralile seltlemenl had failed. 
 
 .Mr. .Sevi.son has lieeii three times married. lli> 
 first marria'ife ttMjk [il.ace April IH. 1K.">0. to ,\iina 
 Hurnani. of Florence Township. She was horn in 
 Fn<rlaii<l. .lime 22. IK.'il. and came to Miehiiraii 
 with her parents, likewise natives of Kn<rlaiid. 
 when she was ten months old. .After a ple.-Lsant 
 married life of a few years she ])asse<l awa\- Feh. 
 7. 1857. leavinsr three children, .as f()Ilow>: liiiriiain 
 II. , (ieorije F. an<l M.ary F. Uiirnam. who lives in 
 Florence Township, Iuls heen twice married. Flla 
 (Jeiitzler. I>\ whom he had (me child, heini,'- his fii-st 
 wife, and Flizalieth (Jreenlee. his second wife; 
 (leorire F... who lives in Iowa, married .Mary F. 
 Hriden. and they have two children: .Mary mar- 
 ried \V. II. Steals, of this township, and lhe\ have 
 one child. 
 
 Mr. .Sevison's .second wife wa.> Kelieica riionip- 
 soii before her marriaire. .^he was born Mav ."i. 
 \h:W). and died March 2'>. 1H7.'». haviiiir .scarcelv 
 reached the meridian of a life which hail been a 
 busy ••ind lionore<l one. Mie w:is the first white 
 female child born in .St. .loseph County near St. 
 .losi'ph Kiver. at a town called .A.schol. near 'J'hree 
 Hivers; all traces of the town are now oblilei':it<-d. 
 Seven children were l)orii of that marriaire. nnmelv: 
 Fremont ( i.. who mai'ried Fniina Troy, and llie\ 
 have three children: Florence .V.. who married C. 
 II. Lake, of ISancroft, Iowa: .le.ssie .V.. wife of 
 .lolin Ikheiiii. of Loifan County. Col.; (ii-ant. born 
 .Sept. 2ti. ISfi.Ldied .March !!». l.sCd; Luther .1.. 
 now enjraired with the firm of \-'.. W . Walker, of 
 Oosheii. Ind.. m:irried Carrie l>ininiick. .-iiid tlie\ 
 have one child: Martha, born .Vuj;. 21. |M)i7. dieil 
 Sept. I. 1H(;7: Flliol lives at home with his pjireiit^. 
 Mr. Sevison li;us generously provided for his chil- 
 dren: besides trivinir lliein land, he has given them 
 ^cvitmI tliciiHMiicI dollar-, and tli(\' iirc w(>|| estab- 
 
 "T 
 
"•► 
 
 ,t 
 
 192 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 lislied. ill ])rosi|ierou.s fiicmiistaiici's. and are suf- 
 I'cs'iful ill lifi'. Mr. Sevison's third uiarrinjn'. .Vjiril 
 •>•>. IKT'.t. was U) Mi.<s Martha Whited. who wa.s 
 1)11111 in Irhaiia. Ohio. Nov. H, |H4(i. Ik-r parents, 
 natives respectively of New ^oik and \irg:inia. 
 wi'ie in.arried in Ohio. an<l had four eliildren. t)f 
 whom Mrs. Se\ison was the eldest. 
 
 Mr. .Sevison has heeii very inlliienti.-il in tlie af- 
 fairs of the township, althouiiii the pres>inii^ eiaiins 
 of his liiisiness iiave not allowed him to hold ottiee 
 very much. In puldie jus well as in private life he 
 has shown that keen foresiicht and diseretion that 
 have made him the respected and honored man that 
 he is to-day. To his energy and patriotism during 
 the dark days of the Rel)ellion is our Ooxerninent 
 greatly indebted, as he was one of that large class 
 of citizens who were instrumental in raising the 
 •■sinews of w.ar." doing as much in their way as the 
 soldiers of the field, staying at no saciitice. and 
 using all the means in their powi^r to furnish men 
 and inoiu'v for the suppression of the IJeliellion. lie 
 was one of tli'e foremost men. at the time when 
 soldiers were secured by draft, in filling the quota 
 of Florence Township, and in aiding those who 
 were so unfortunate as to be drafted, being called 
 up at any and all liuui> of the night to render as- 
 sistance to his townsmen by taking his team and 
 driving to Kalania/oo. the I'rovosl Marshal's liead- 
 ([u.-ulers. to which otlitv he was api)ointed during 
 the war. and helping his neighbors to adjust their 
 dilliculties. Through his individual etTi)rts the 
 township of I'loretiee had the best iceoi'd of any 
 township in the eount\- for faithfulness and thor- 
 oughness during the oi-deal of tilling (piotas and 
 raising moni-y. \\ lu'U the legalitx of a certain 
 draft was (piestioneil, and an indignation meeting 
 was held at Kalaina/.oo. Mr. .Sevison wa.s appointed 
 by the board to go to Detroit and confer with Col. 
 Hill, to procure from him an order to show the il- 
 legality of tlieilrafl: tlii' boaril knowing the energy 
 and indoinit.'ilile will ami inlluence of our subject, 
 anil the (ordinarily) unapproachable character of 
 the one to lie con^nlleil. chose him as the one best 
 ad.'ipted to bring about the desired result. A large 
 a.sseinbly lia<l repaired to the court-hou.sc and court- 
 house grounds, anxiously awaiting the return of 
 Mr. Sevison. to hear the news, in a state of intense 
 
 excitement, but on his arrival with his reports the 
 meeting was imnu'di.'itcly c|uiete<l. and then our 
 subject, with lion. Charles I'pton. was clio.sen to 
 proceed to Washington, J). C. where the matter 
 was satisfactorily adjusted and the drafted men 
 were releaseil. The order was made for three years 
 and these men were called for only one year, which 
 was the cause of all the trouble. At the close of 
 the war. when the heavy ta.xation imjHj.sed ui)on the 
 people was a .source oi bitterness, again Mr. .Sevi- 
 son wa.s called ui)on as arbitrator, when he again 
 succeeded in adjusting everything satisfactorily 
 and for the best interests of the jx'ople. 
 
 .Mr. Sevison is an honored member of the Com- 
 maiideiv of K. T.. being one of the first members 
 of Sturgis Comniandery. and a charter member of 
 Three Hi vers Coniinaiidery. lie is a strong Repub- 
 lican and a ])owcr in his community. He united 
 with the church at about the age of twenty-one 
 years, and h;is ln'i'U an Klder of the rresbyterian 
 Church for over twenty years, and he is one of the 
 earnest workers in the building uj) of the .Sabbath- 
 schools, and taught the lirsl one in Cenlreville. 
 Our sul)ject's family are all members f)f the church 
 and conscientious workers in their respective places. 
 
 *fj>si — • ■ _ 
 
 ^^^M— - 
 
 lp\\lCIIAUD BARNARD. Asagentleman who. 
 
 \\-^ bj' his enterprise and practical abilitj' has 
 materially advanced the agricultural iulcr- 
 ^ests of St. Joseph County, representing, as 
 he does, two of its important townships, the sub- 
 ject of this biographical sketch occupies no unim- 
 portant place among its citizens, and should receive 
 due recognition in this work. He owns two valua- 
 ble and well-improved farms, one in FU)rence 
 Township and one on section S.'i. Constantine Town- 
 ship. The latter is under his personal supervision, 
 and there, in the pleasant home that he has built 
 up, he is passing his declining years. 
 
 His parents. William and Kliza W. (Cross) ISar- 
 nard, were respected pioneers of St. Joseph County, 
 being anH)ng its earliest settlers, and for many years 
 they were members of its fanning community, with 
 patience and self-sacrifice enduring the hardships of 
 life in the wilderness, that they might biuld u|) a 
 
 I 
 
-4*- 
 
 -•► 
 
 ST. JOSlil'II COINTY, 
 
 i;i3 
 
 T 
 
 home fur tlieiiisclves mid family. The}' were na- 
 live.s of Yorkshire. Kiigland, and in the year 18.'}.'5, 
 desiring to better llieir cuiidition an<l to jrive their 
 eliildren more advantages Ilian ihey could have in 
 the old country, they cndiarkcd on a sailing-vessel 
 "iih tlicir family of little children, and liravely set 
 their faces toward the New World, and after a long 
 and tedious voyage landed in this country. The 
 .-anie year they made their way to Michigan, and 
 settled for a short time in this township, near Pig- 
 eon Uiver. Later they removed to another part of 
 the county, and located on the banks of the same 
 river, in what is now Florence Township. In 1S52 
 Mr. and .Mrs. IJarnanl returned to C'onslanline and 
 made their home in the village, and there she died 
 in 18G('. t)ne year later the husband and father, 
 in the fullness of years, after an honorable and 
 useful life, also passed to his rest from the home of 
 his son. our subject, in Florence Township. 
 
 Hiciiard IV.'rnard, of this sketch, was the fourth 
 child of the family of six children born to his par- 
 ents, his birth taking place in Yorkshire. England, 
 in liS28. lie was scarcel}' live years of age when 
 his parents abandoned their Knglish home to come 
 to this country, so that most of his life has been 
 passed here. lie was reared on his father's home- 
 stead, and doubtless the pioneer iuHuences that ob- 
 t:iined in ."^l. .Joseph County at that early date 
 helped to mold his character, to make him, in 
 short, a strong, self-helpful, manly man. In 18.'i(t, 
 with many other courageous, .adventurous spirits, 
 he being then in the bloom of early maidiood, am- 
 bitiously sought his fortunes in the mines of Cali- 
 fornia, proceeding to his destination over the great 
 plains, lie remained a citizen of the Golden State 
 two years, and met with good success in bis quest, 
 lint he tired of the rough, liard life of the miner, 
 and at the expiration of that time returned to his 
 home in this SUite. He established himself in the 
 livery business in Constantine.and was thus engageil 
 for a year, and then sold out to his brother .John, 
 who continued the business in Constantine for 
 twenty-live years, our subject retiring to his farm 
 in Florence. This is still in his possession, and con- 
 tains 120 acres of arable land under admirable til- 
 lage, and well supplied with comfortable buildings. 
 In ls72 he took up his abode on his Constantine 
 
 I farm, which comprises eighty acres of as fine farm- 
 ing lain! as is to be found in all Southern .Michigan. 
 It is carefully culli\ ated after the most ap|)roved 
 methods, has a neat ,aiid handsome set of farm 
 
 ' buildings, and everything about liie place denotes 
 the presence of a skilled hand, directed by a clear, 
 well-balanced mind. IJesides giving much atten- 
 tion to tilling the soil. .Mr. Barnard is actively and 
 profitably engaged in buying and shipping stock. 
 ■Inly t, IS8.J. hemel with a serious financial loss, 
 his dwelling being deslroyeil by Gre, with nearly all 
 
 ' of its contents, entailing" a loss of about iSJ.OOO. lie 
 has since replaced it by a conimodioiis and coiiven- 
 ienll}' arranged residence. 
 
 December 31, 1854, Mr. Barnard was married Ut 
 Betsey Ilotcliin, who was a native of Fngland. 
 When she was eight years old she came to America 
 
 ! with her parents, Samuel E. and Martha llotchin, 
 in 1844. They came to St. Josejih Count}' and 
 settled in Constantine \'illage, whence they subse- 
 
 I quently removed to Florence Township, where her 
 father engaged in farming, and there died. After 
 a hai)p\' wedded life of nearly tliirt\-two years, 
 
 ! Mrs. Barnard died. March 22, 1886. She was 
 widely respected and beloveil for her many amiable 
 (pialities, and as far as in her lay .-he left no duty 
 undone, but was ever true in all the relations of 
 life. She was a consistejjt and valued member of 
 the Reformed Church. 'i"he following is the record 
 
 1 of the children born of that marriage: Mary K. 
 is the wife of E. A. llaniiltou, of White Tigeon ; 
 Ilattie E. is the wife of Oldos Barry; William is a 
 farmer in Florence Township, as is also Charles L; 
 and Hannah lives at home. 
 
 .Mr. Barnard was married to his present estima- 
 ble wife, a woman of genuine worth, Jul}- 18, 1888, 
 the ceremony taking place in I'lainwell. Allegan 
 
 I Co., Mich. Mrs. Barnard w.as forinerly Mrs. Al- 
 vira Bigelow, widow of Kiley Bigelow, and New 
 York was her birthplace, her parents being .Mi. 
 and Mrs. Andrew Ilicks. 
 
 From the perusal of this sketch it will be seen 
 that our subject, the son of one of St. .Joseph 
 
 I County's pioneers, has energetically caVried on the 
 
 I work in which his father w.as engageil, and has been 
 of much assistance in developing and sustaining 
 the interests of the countv. He is a man of varied 
 
 :*^h-<# 
 
t 
 
 i 
 
 191 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 experience, of good mulerstaiKling. keen, prompt, 
 and Nvitlial. Iionuralilc in liis dealinijs, and may well 
 he flassed among the most trustwortli}' and es- 
 teemed citizens of St. Josepii Count}-, lie was 
 fiirnieriy identified wiili tlie Reformed Cliiircli, but 
 i> now a prominent niomlier of tlie Congregational 
 Cliiucli. 
 
 J"C)I1N I.OHOKF is mimbered among tlie most 
 aljle. enlerijvising and wide-awaiie farmers 
 of St. Joseph County, and in liim Constan- 
 tiiie Township lias one of lier most valuable 
 citizens. lie there owns a farm wliich for fertility, 
 productiveness, neat, tasty and commodious build- 
 ings, is not surpassed by any in the neighborhood, 
 and the dwelling erected thereon is considered one 
 of the finest in this part of St. Joseph County, and 
 is an ornaiiient to the locality. 
 
 C)ur subject is a iia'ive of Prussia, and his birlli 
 occurred in that di>tMiit coiinliy April 17, 1832. 
 His parents, John and Anna M. (Lamy) Lohoff, 
 were likewise natives of that Empire, and there 
 spent their entire lives. Our subject was reared in 
 his native land, and inherited from virtuous and 
 industrious parents tlnise traits of character which 
 form the best legacy that children can inherit to 
 make life a success — an iiideijendeiit, self-reliant 
 spirit, strong muscles and ability to use them. At 
 the age of twent}' years he decided to trj- his fort- 
 une in America, having been previously engaged in 
 agricultural pursuits in his native country. After 
 a voyage of some weeks he landed in New York, 
 and went directly to Canada. He there ftiuiid em- 
 ployment on the Great AVcstern Haihva}', and in a 
 short time he came to Detroit. He worked there 
 six months in a brickyard, and in the fall of 18.')2 
 made his way to St. Joseph County. He found 
 employment on a farm in Constantine. north of the 
 village, and continued there until 18ti2. when he 
 boughta farm in the township, comprising fifty-three 
 acres. Hy persistent and untiring labor he has not 
 only brought this land to an admirable state of cul- 
 tivation, but has been so successful and has culti- 
 vated it to so much i)rofit that he has been enabled 
 to increase the acreage of his land b}- further pur- 
 chase, so that his farm now comprises 120 acres of 
 
 well-improved land, and with its neat and tastj' 
 buildings is considered one of the most desirable 
 estates in St. Joseph County. He has erected one 
 of the finest residences in this part of the county. 
 
 In 185'.) Mr. Lohoft' made u tri|) to Pike's Peak 
 in search of gold. He was away from St. Joseph 
 County in all thirteen months, six of whie^ were 
 spent in the diggings; not being veiy success- 
 ful in the search for the precious metals he went to 
 Missouri, and from there back to his Micliigau home, 
 arriving in Constantine in April, 18G0. 
 
 Mr. LohotT was united in marri.age with Miss 
 Henrietta L. Field, in Porter Township, Cass Co., 
 Mich., Aug. 12, 1862. Her parents, the late Harvey 
 and Elizabeth (Davis) Field, were natives of Xvv- 
 mont. The mother died in Porter Township, Cass 
 Co., Mich., and the father in Chautauqua Count}-, 
 N. Y. Mrs. Lohotf was the fifth child in a family 
 of eight children, and was born March 2C. 18."3.), 
 in Cohocton, Steuben Co.. X. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Lo- 
 hoff have had two children — Helen L. and Martha 
 A. Crief has come to this happy household in the 
 death of the beloved daughter and sister Helen, at 
 the age of twelve years, and they can realize the 
 truth of the |)oet"s words: 
 
 'Tis sorrow builds the shining ladder up. 
 Whose golden rounds are our calamities 
 Whereon our firm feet planting, nearer (ioil 
 The spirit climbs, and hath its eyes unsealed. 
 
 True is it that Death's face seems stern ami cold 
 When he is sent to summon those we love; 
 But all God's angels come to us disguised. 
 .Sorrow and sickness, poverty and death. 
 One after another lift their frowning masks, 
 And we behold the seraph's face beneath. 
 
 With every anguish of our earthly [lart 
 
 The spirit's sight grows clearer: this was meant 
 
 When Jesus touched the blind man's lids with clay. 
 
 Life is the jailer. Death the angel sent 
 
 To draw the unwilling ln)lts an<l set us free. 
 
 Our subject may well be proud of the success 
 that he has achieved in his adopted country, and of 
 the honorable position that he occupies among the 
 agriculturists of St. Joseph County who have as- 
 sisted in bringing it to its present advanced and 
 prosperous condition. He is a man of marked en 
 ergy and capacity. an<l is prompt and reliable in hi> 
 
 *r 
 
-4^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 19.^) ' ' 
 
 I 
 dealings: in his domestic circle he is all that a good | 
 
 liiislmnd and fatiicr can be. and to his fcllowinen he ' 
 !•; kiml and considerate, and is jnstiy regarded as a i 
 man of stcrlinir worth. In iiim tliis townsiiip finds 
 one wlio is ever ready to do iiis share toward pro- 
 moting its interests, and while holding some of the 
 school ollices he has aided the advancement of 
 the canse of cdncation. In politics lie casts his I 
 vote with the Kopuhlican party. Mrs. Lohoff, who 
 is equally esteemed 1)V all in the conimnnity, is an 
 earnest member of the Methodist K|)iscopal Chnrch. 
 
 ODNKV r.i;( K\\ riil. rrominem anionir 
 '( tlie farnieisof St..losei>ii County, wlio have 
 J^'Al for many years taken an active part in siis- 
 V^tainini;- its jigricultnral interests, is the iren- 
 llemaii who>e name forms the capti<»n of this 
 liioiCi.'ipliical notice. He lias one of the best farms 
 in tliis part of the State of .Micliigan, finely located 
 on section ;i I. Coiistantine. and section .'5, Mottville 
 Township. This land comprises IHO acres, in ad- 
 dition to which he owns sixty-two acres on section 
 17. in .Mottville Township, lie comes of <;ood old 
 New Knirland ancestry, and his jiarents. Levi and 
 l.ucinila (Starkweather) lieckwith. were among the 
 very earliest pioneers of St. .loseph Connly. They 
 wi-re liorn. the father in .Massachusetts, and the 
 niotlier probably in Connecticut. After marriage 
 they M'ttled in the town of .Vustinbnrg. \'l.. and 
 thence removed to Saylu'ook. .Vshtabula Co.. ()hio. 
 of which they thus became early .settlers. In ,\u- 
 gust. l«2«.with theii' household goodf and family by 
 ox and lior.se teams, they crossed the border, anil 
 coming into Michigan, made their way slowly over 
 the rough, swampy forest roads to that part of .St. 
 .Io>eph County now kn<»wn as .Mottville. They lo- 
 • ateil on section 8 of that township, and continued 
 lo live there about six years. They then removed to 
 -eclion .'11. Constantine Township. .Mr. IJeekwith 
 lijiving secured lanil on the dividing line U'tween 
 Mottville and C<jnstantine. and there they made 
 llieir home until death. This land is still owned 
 by the subject <»f this >ketcli. After their removal 
 lo this iMirt of the county their livi-s were not pro- 
 loiiLfi'd viTV inan\ \ear<. Mi-. Ueckwitb dvinu' i" 
 
 September. IH39. and Mrs. Beclovith in August, 
 1MI7. They had ten children, live sons ami live 
 rlnughters. 
 
 He of whom «c wiilc was the youngest son of 
 his estimable |iareiil.-. He was boi-n in .Vshtabida 
 Coiiiily. < >iiio. ( )ct. I. |H-2i!. and w.a.s hardly two 
 ve.ars old when they eaini' to St. .loseph County, so 
 that he was reared here in Mottville :ind Constan- 
 tine TowM>liip>. and ha.s s|ient the greater part of 
 his life here, lie was a lad of thirte<'n years when 
 he had the misfortinie to lose ;i good father. His 
 mother was spareil to her children a few years 
 longer, and slu- carefully trained our subject in all 
 that goes to make a good man an<l a useful citi/en. 
 Amid the i)ioneer influences that he obtained here 
 in his early days he grew to be a strong, self-reliant 
 man. In 1 Hill, when scarcely twenty-thrw years 
 <»f .'tire, he went lo ( alifornia as one of llic "IHers." 
 tired by the ambition to seek wealth in that Khlo- 
 i-ado of the gold-seeker, lie was there engaged in 
 mining for aliout four years, and met with reason- 
 ably good success where many failed. IIi> thoughts 
 often turned to his old iionu'. and in .\ugust. |K.')2. 
 satisfied with his gains, lu' rctnrnecl home by way 
 of the .Nicaragua route. He invested his capital 
 judiciously and resume<l fanning in this township. 
 His farm originally consisted of 1G(I acres, but he 
 has prospereil so well in his agricultural ventures 
 that he now f>wns 212 acres of as fertile and pro- 
 ductive farming land as is to be found in Southern 
 Michig.an. It is under a high stale of cidlivation. 
 and is provide<l with ample and substantial build- 
 ings, and the ncee.»>aiv machineiv for conducting 
 agriculture siu'ce.isfidly. 
 
 (lur subject now has a comfortable, attractive 
 honu'. and to her who h:is faithfully a.-isiste<l him in 
 its upbuilding he w:us united in mai-riage Dec. 2."?. 
 \Xit'.\. The following is recorded of the twelve 
 children born of their marriage: Ida I. is thewifeof 
 Rev. I). II. Ueiter. of Mancelona. .\ntrini Co.. Mich.; 
 Solomon \'. married M:u-tli:i II. W ilemin. and livi'< 
 in lied (loud. Webster Co., Neb.: Mina A. dieil at 
 the age of six years; Dougal l{. married Ada C. 
 Yoder. and lives in Cas« County. .Mich.: (leorge.V. 
 die<I when aliout three years of .age; Kli/.a .Vnn 
 died when liftei'n year> old: William S. and l.illie 
 S.. twins, .are dead : .lane V... I''rank I-"... KllinI W . 
 
 V 
 
-^*- 
 
 ■•► 
 
 190 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 4 
 
 and Kflith I. arc all at lioiiie. Mrs. Horkwitli's 
 maiden n.-uiif wju* Kliza Ann Ivote. and slif w.-is liuiii 
 in 'I'lirliotvilU'. Noithnnilu'rland C'i>.. I'a.. t>ct. 2:5. 
 Ih:M. She w.'is the fourth iliild of tiii- twclvi' ciiil- 
 drt-n. two >ons :ind tiMi dnntrliters. horn to the late 
 Solomon and .Maria (Den I her) Rote, natives respect- 
 ively of Northampton County, and of the city of 
 Ilarrisbnrg. V:\. They came to St. .losepli ( ouiity 
 in IKIH. and settling in Mottville. made their home 
 there until death; he died Oct. I. 1H71. anil slie on 
 Mareh 8. 1880. 
 
 .Mr. Heekwith has had the fortune to witness al- 
 most the entile jrrowth of St. .losepli County, since 
 at the time of iiis earliest recollections it can .scarcely 
 liave emerLred from its jirimitive wildness. The 
 greater part of the primeval forest with which 
 Southern Michigan was mostly dollu'd must still 
 have lieen awaiting the ax of the i)ioneer. and in 
 theirdepth.s still lurkecl the hear, the wolf and otlier 
 wild animals, that preyed sometinus on the little 
 flock vf sheep or invaded the |ien and made away 
 with some choice jiorker that the early settler w.as 
 raising against the time of need. Deer, wild turkeys 
 and otlier <'hoice game were then plentiful, and often 
 graced the talile of the pioneer. Our suhject was 
 familiar with the Indiaiis. who when his parents 
 (irst removed to Michigan still freipiented their old 
 haunts, and for whom he Inis always had a friendly 
 feeling. It has heen his privilege not only to wit- 
 ness the wondrous change that has since lieeii 
 hrought ahout. hut to have heen an actor in it. Hy 
 his well-directed and untiring labors he has not only 
 achieve<l prosperity himself, hut has contrilnited to 
 the material welfare of his township and c<»imty. 
 .Mr. Heckwith is honored in religious, social. Iiiisi- 
 nessaiid political circles in this conimunity :us a man 
 of sound principles and good hahits, one who is 
 trustworthy in every resi>ect. Religiously, he and 
 his wife are mendiers of the Lutheran Church. 
 Politically, he is a stanch supjiorter of the Demo- 
 cratic p:irty. .\s a good citizen, he earnestly seeks 
 to |U'oinote the welfare of Constantiiu' Township, 
 and as a mendier of the School Hoard has f.nithfully 
 :vssisted in advancing the cause of education. Mrs. 
 Heckwith has actively co-operated with her hushand 
 in his work, and has heen an imiiortant factor in 
 briiifring about his prosperous circumstances, and 
 
 -4« ' ^—-^ 
 
 we cannot close this biojirraphy of her husband with- 
 out a further word in her behalf. In hei- ;irc 
 blended all the ((ualities that goto make up a gt>od 
 and true woman, and she tills in a i>erfect measure 
 the duties of \\\(v. mother and frienil. 
 
 -?3= 
 
 7-^ 
 
 A A 
 
 "?— T 
 
 £> 
 
 LEWIS has been a resident of the Stale of 
 Michigan for a period of thirty years, and 
 of this county for twentj'-two. His native 
 State is Pennsylvania, where he was born on the 
 loth of .lanuary, 1807. While he was yet an in- 
 fant, his parents, Gritlilh and Margaret Lewis, who 
 were both natives of Pennsylvania, removed to 
 Wayne Countj', N. Y.. where his father carried on 
 his trade, which was that of a shoemaker, in cim- 
 nection with the working of his farm. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was the youngest of 
 lifteen chihlren. lie had little opportunity for ob- 
 taining an extensive schooling, but early in lil'e be- 
 came well acquainted with everything connected 
 with fanning, which he has chiefly followed through 
 life, lie is now the owner of forty-three acres of 
 well-lilled. productive lau(^, and has put up a very 
 comfortable farm dwelling, which is a most i)leas- 
 ant home. 
 
 Twice has our subject stood before the altar of 
 Hymen. On the Citli of June, 1831, he became the 
 husband of Clarrissa Hristol, the excellent daughter 
 of Cyrus Hristol, of New York. They became the 
 parents of nine chihlren, namely: Mary .lane, who 
 married Mr. Thomas Shipley-, of Pultiiey ville, 
 Wayne Co., N. Y.; Daniel, deceased: Sarah A., 
 now the wife of Hon. Otis Moe, of this township; 
 Amanda, who died when ten months old; .Mar- 
 garet, deceased; Ansel, who was a soldier in the 
 war of the Rebellion, and died and was Iniried at 
 Fair Oaks; Eliza Ann, now Mrs. Edward Cummins; 
 Rachael is married to Elins Shelley, and makes 
 her home with her husband and ]iareiits on the 
 home farm; ami Amainl'i .*^opllia, the wife of Will- 
 iam Johnson, of Fawn River. 
 
 The first wife of our subject died in E;iwn River 
 in 18()'.l, and on the ITlhof Nfivember, is71,lie 
 was united in marriage with .Mrs. Sarah E. Hatson. 
 •► 
 
 f 
 
■♦■ 
 
 -■»• 
 
 ST. .IOS?:ni COUNTY. 
 
 hi: 
 
 the willow of Jesse Batson, of Burr Oak. This 
 Iniiy W!is born Dee. IG. 1820, and is the (hiiiijhter 
 <if (leorgo and Pol!}' .Slraj-er. 
 
 .Mr. Lewis is one of the veiicrahlc and nincli es- 
 teemed citizens of tlie county, and his home is at 
 Fawn River, his property being on section 4 of 
 tiiat townsliip. lie lias retired from the more .active 
 dnties of life, leaving them to his son. He is a 
 member of the Democratic party, and has in other 
 days taken an active interest in matters connected 
 therewith. 
 
 S ' ^nT ' ^ 
 
 
 JOHN P. GLADDING, proprietor of a book 
 and stationery store in C'onstantine. occupies 
 nn honorable place among the pioneers of 
 St. .loseph County, and no one is held In 
 higher respect and veneration as a man and a citi- 
 zen. He is a native of the city of l^rovidenec, H. 
 I., where lie was born of sterling New England 
 slock .luly ■>-2. ISl."). His parents, Timothy and 
 Klizabeth (I'errin) CJladding, were also natives of 
 that city, and there the)' were reared, married, and 
 spent their entire lives. They were well known 
 and honored in the city of their birth, and bc- 
 (piealhed to their children tiie precious legacy of 
 good and useful lives and an unsullied name. They 
 had a family of eleven children, of whom our sub- 
 jeet was the fifth in order of birth and the eldest 
 son. 
 
 Our subject's early life was p.assed in Providence 
 until he was si.xteen years of age, when he went to 
 .Millluiry, Mass., t<j learn the watchmaker's trade. He 
 remained there four years, and then for a few months 
 lived in Pall River, ALass.. working at his trade. In 
 iM.'id, being a young man of more than average 
 courage and intelligence, with much ambition and 
 enterprise, he determined to try life in the "Far 
 West." as Michigan, then a Territory, was consid- 
 ered, and September 19 left the embryo manufael- 
 nring city of which we have spoken for his future 
 home in this State. Traveling slowly, as was ne- 
 cessitated by the limited facilities for travelers in 
 those times, he arrived in Conslantine on the lOtb 
 day of October, poor indeed in pocket, but rich in 
 hope .and in plan-* for future success in life. He 
 
 found here a wild, rough, thinly settled country, 
 and a small hamlet on the present site of the vil- 
 lage, but he met with a hearty reception from the 
 hospitable pioneers who had preceded him. and an 
 opening to practice his tra<le, in which he immedi- 
 ately established himself, hiring a counter in a book 
 store for that purpose. As settlers came in. and 
 the country grew more rich in population and 
 wealth, his business, increased, and was quite flour- 
 ishing up to 1HG8, when he was oliliged to give it 
 up on acctmnt of failing eyesight. He then ojiened 
 a store for the .sale of books and periodicals, in 
 which business he has since been engaged. In 1871 
 he had the misfortune to lose his building in which 
 he had ills store, entailing a loss of *2,000, but he 
 managed to save his stock. Notwithstanding this 
 discourageineut he promptly re-esUiblislied himself, 
 and now has an extensive and reniiiiierativc trade. 
 
 October 10. 1839, our subject and Martha Emily 
 Howard were united in the hoi}' bonds of niatri- 
 nK>iiy, anil thus for nearly fifty years they have 
 walked life's pathway together, sharing its joys and 
 divi<ling its sorrows, and in them the true nnirrlage 
 has been e.xemplified. Mrs. (iladding is a daughter 
 of .lohn and Patty (Loomis) Howard, both natives 
 of Bolton, Conn. .Mrs. Gladding was also born in 
 that town, Dec. I, 1817, being tlie date of her 
 birth. When she was in her fourteenth year, in 
 the year 1831, her parents came to St. Joseph 
 County, and settled iu what is now the township of 
 Plorence. where they coutinued to live until death. 
 They had four sons anil three daughters, of vvlioni 
 the wife of our subject was the sixth in order of 
 birth. Of her marriage with our subject four chil- 
 dren have been born, as follows: .lohu L. IL, who 
 died when four years old: Emily E., the wife of 
 (Jeorge O. Garnsey : Mary J., the wife of Isaac \\ . 
 Spragtie. died of paralysis iu Hancock County, 
 Iowa, in the year 1881 ; Benjamin O. is a druggist 
 in Coiistantine. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Gladding arc very fine people, win. 
 combine true refinement of clmracler with unconi- 
 mon excellence of disposition and go<»dness of 
 heart, and the citizens of this place have the rare 
 privilege of having before them in the jjersons of 
 our snliject and his amiable wife the beautiful spec- 
 tacle of lives fiillv rounded out by all thai goes to 
 
 •> jm ^» 
 
4= 
 
 ^^ 
 
 198 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 make life wortli living to a serene and gracious old 
 age. Ill them kindness and charity .are personified, 
 and tlieir warm liearts and open hands feel and re- 
 spond to any call for aid fur the weak, the imfort- 
 iinate or the downtrodden. In so brief a sketch 
 we cannot relate the deeds of honnty tliat have 
 called down blessings on their venerable heads, but 
 wo will mention that, notwithstanding they have 
 had ciiildren of tlicir own to care for, they have 
 reared live orphans, who found with them happy 
 luiines. not only in a comfortable abode, but In 
 hearts which gave a father's love and care and a 
 mother's devotion and tenderness. One of the chil- 
 dren died young, but the remaining ones have 
 been reared to honorable and haiipy lives. Would 
 that more who are far richer than our subject and 
 his wife in material wealth would follow their noble 
 exam|)le, and rescue helpless and homeless little or- 
 phans from want and misery. 
 
 Mr. Gladding has taken an active part in the vil- 
 lage government, and has been a wise and trust- 
 worthy civic oflicial, often holding responsible of- 
 fices. In politics, the Republican party finds a 
 stanch supporter in him. Ueligiousl}', he and his 
 wife are vmIiumI members of the Congregational 
 Ciuirch. 
 
 -5-+2.=^^^4^-H 
 
 4 
 
 PHANKIJN WELLS. One of the most 
 prominent figures of Constantiiie Village 
 and vicinity is the subject of this biography, 
 wiioowns and operates a farm of SIO acri'S of land, 
 a veiy valuable properly located within three miles 
 of the corporation. This land is devoted to stock 
 purposes, Mr. Wells buying, feeding and raising in 
 large numbers horses, cattle and sheep, making a 
 specialty of the two latter. He usually keeps a 
 herd of a hundred head of cattle. abt)iit 400 head 
 of sheep, and twentj'-live head of horses. As a 
 wool )>roducer it is probable that he is excelled liy 
 few in Southern Michigan. Possessing great en- 
 ergy and perseverance, with admirable business 
 capacities, while accumulating a small fortune he 
 has at the same time been of great service in de- 
 veloping the resources of this section. 
 
 .loseph Wells, the father of our subject, came to 
 
 this C9unty with bis familj'' in 1837, arriving here 
 on the 1 Sth of .lune, shortl}' after Michigan had been 
 transformed from a Territory into a .State. He 
 first settled on the old Chicago road in Mottville 
 Township, but lived there only a short time, remov- 
 ing thence to Constantiiie, where both parents dieil 
 a few years later, the mother in 184.1 and the father 
 in 1847. Their family consisf.ed of four children, 
 two sons and two daughters, of whom Franklin, 
 our subject, w.as the youngest born. The latter 
 first opened his ej-es to the light April 19, 1823, in 
 Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., and si)ent his boy- 
 hood and y(.>utli, from the age of fifteen, amid the 
 scenes of pioneer life, acquiring his education iii 
 the primitive schools of St. Joseph County. He at 
 an early age developed more than ordinary abili- 
 ties, anil soon after reaching his majority was 
 elected to the minor offices of his township, in some 
 of which he has served most of tiie time since then, 
 having been a member of the School Board almost 
 continuously since 1841. 
 
 Young Wells took kindl^' to the various emplo}'- 
 uients of farm life, and at an earl}" age conceived 
 the idea of securing land of his own, to l)e followed 
 in due time by a home and domestic ties. In 184-2, 
 at Constantiiie, he had made the accpialntance of 
 Miss Helen M. liriggs, and they were united in 
 marriage Oct. 31, 1844. This lady is the daugh- 
 ter of David and Cynthia (Kidder) Briggs, who 
 were natives respectively of New York and Xvr- 
 inont. Mr. Briggs died when coni()aratively a 
 ,young man, at E.aston. N. V. The mother sub- 
 sequently came to this county, settling in Constan- 
 tine, where her death took place in 1807. Mrs. 
 Wells was born in Eastoii, X. Y.. June la, 1822. 
 .She was six years of age at the time of her father's 
 death. She is a niece of Jlrs. John S. Barry, 
 whose husband became Governor of Michigan, an<l 
 accomiianicd them to this State, living with them 
 until her marriage, which took place from (^lov. 
 Barry's house. Of this union there have been born 
 nine children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, 
 Helen M., continues at home with her parents; 
 Willis H. is farming on his land in Florence Town- 
 shij). this county; Jeannette is the wife of Hon. 
 Levi B. French, of Yankton, Dak.; Fanii}' 11. is the 
 widow of Dr. S. D. Uadley. and lives with her jiar- 
 ■» 
 
•; 
 
 A. L.Driggs. 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 201 
 
 ent.<: Louise S. nianied Mr. Cliailes K. Wilbur, 
 who is uow (leceasetl; she lives in Constautiue. 
 Franklin, Jr.. is engaged in the book and stationery 
 business in Ynnklon, Dak. ; Antoinette is with her 
 parents; Jessie and Mary B. died at the ages of 
 eight and live years respectively. 
 
 In October, 1838, more than fifty years ago, 
 Mr. Wells removed to Constantine, where he en- 
 gaged as clerk in a store. This vocation he followed 
 until 1842, when he went into business with his 
 employer, Albert Andrus, the connection con- 
 tinuing until the spring of 184G, when he bought 
 his partner's interest. He w.os thereafter almost 
 continuously a merchant until 1873. sometimes 
 alone and sometimes having partners. 
 
 The first land which Mr. Wells settled upon was 
 [inrchased by him in September, 18G1, and lies on 
 section 8, Constantine Township. This constitutes 
 the home farm, and to it he has given particular 
 attention, effecting gradually the imi)rovcmcnts 
 which liavc made it a very valuable property. He 
 has added by degrees to his real estate, and by ills 
 judgment aiul forethought has evinced those quali- 
 ties which have commended him to his feliow-citi- 
 zens as a gentleman capable of looking after im- 
 portant interests. In 187."! he was appointed by 
 tJov. Bagley a member of the Slate IJoard of Agri- 
 culture, and served six years. In 1879 he was re- 
 appointe<1 by Gov. Crosswcll, and served until 
 18f<."). He was api)ointed to his lliird term by Gov. 
 Alger, serving six years, and in 1884 was elected 
 Tresident of the board, succeeding Hon. He/ckiah 
 G. Wells, of Kalamazoo. In 1885 .Mr. Wells w.as 
 elected a member of the Kxecutivc Committee of 
 tlie Slate Agricultural .Society, and subsequently 
 ('hairniMU of ils Hiisiness Committee, which |)osition 
 he still fills. Once he was elected to the office of 
 President of the society, but declined the honor. 
 The latter ])osition is now filled by Cnitcs States 
 Senator Thomas W. I'abncr. In l!s^7 he whs 
 elected President of the Stale Forestry Commission, 
 which ollice he still holils. 
 
 In l."<7.s .Mr. Wells was appoiuteil bj- Gov. Cros- 
 well, agent for St. Joseph County of the State 
 Hoard of Charities and Correcli(jns. He had in 
 the meantime been identified with other important 
 iuterc-ls, being elected, in I •"<7.">, Secretary of the 
 
 m 
 
 Constantine Hydraulic Company, in which ca|)acity 
 he has since served. Politically, he votes the 
 straight Republican ticket. He cast his first Presi- 
 <leiili:il vote for Henry CKiy, and in regard to poli- 
 tics, as other matters, is a man of decided views, 
 and keei)S himself well posted upon current events. 
 IJoth he and his estimable wife are regular at- 
 tendants of the Congregational Church, wilh which 
 Mrs. Wells is connected in membership. The Wells 
 estate is one of the most valuable in the county, 
 an<l will continue to be a monunu'ut to the enter- 
 prise and industry of its project<.)r long after he has 
 been gathered to his fathers. 
 
 4 ^t>-«^|^Kfi«f- * 
 
 \lL_^oN. .M.FHFI) I.. DKIGtiS. Hoth the town- 
 iTjl' ship and \ illage of Constantine are l;iri;clv 
 t^^^ inileliled to the subject of this sketch fur 
 {^) the success of the various enterprises to 
 which he gave his support and encouragement. 
 After IIk' turmoil of a lonir .-ind artive career, he is 
 now living retired in a handsome honu' in the vil- 
 lage, respected by all who know him. and with the 
 consciousness that he has, as much as jnan ni.ay. im- 
 proved his op|xHtunities not only for his own ad- 
 vanliige. Imt tn the interest of those arounil him. 
 The record of his life if given In full wuubl eiim- 
 prise a very I'eadabic voliune. and it is a niattei- of 
 regret that a history so pregnant with events iind 
 labors must necessarily receive conipaivitively brief 
 mention. 
 
 The Driggs family have been kniiwn throughctut 
 New I'.nuland for many decades as the exponent of 
 all that was honorable and upright. Klish:i l>rii.'gs. 
 the father of our subjccl. and hi- wife, wlm in her 
 girlhood w:is Miss Ksther Palmer, were duubtless 
 natives of Conneetieul. where they lived during 
 their ynunirer years, and .after their marriage. The 
 f.'illicr fiillowed lumliering (|uite extensively duriuir 
 
 his e.arly maul d. at the same tinu' engaging: in 
 
 agricullnral pursuits. I pon leaving New Fngland 
 they took up their abndein Kens.sel.aerville. .Vlhanv 
 Co.. N. v.. where they lived several years, and 
 then removed to .Middleburg. .Sehuharie Co.. N. Y.. 
 where the father ilied in his prime. The mother 
 survived her husbaml >i>me vears. and died at the 
 
 :!^r*-^ 
 
"^•- 
 
 202 
 
 ^ ^^ ►f ^ * 
 
 .ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •t 
 
 lioino of a (Isiuirlitcr in the city of Buffalo. N. Y. 
 Tlicir family incliided five sons an<l two daiiirlileis. 
 Alfred L. l(ein<> the fourth son. 
 
 Ml-. Drijrirs was born in Hensselaerville. N. Y.. 
 Auu^. 2.'). 1H()7. lie spent tlie yfreater part of his 
 lioyliood and y(»uth at his father's farm, remaininir 
 a inenilier of the parental hf)Usehold until reaehinjj 
 Ills majority. Then, with Ihe usual desire of youth 
 for a elianjre of scene and oeeupation. he went into 
 the hnnher regions al>out fifteen miles from .lohus- 
 town. X. Y.. having been a])pointed foreman of a 
 set of men. and was thus oeeupied about two years. 
 In Ma\-. \x:'>\. he migrated to ^lichigan Territory, 
 and seeured possession of a luml)er-mill in the 
 vicinity of .laekson. beecnning tlie lessee, and oper- 
 ating it \intil tlic fall of that year. This was then 
 the only instiUilion of its kind in that county. an<l 
 [iroliably would have proved a soun-e of profit, had 
 its o|)erations not been interrnpte<l by the .ague, 
 wiiich alt.Mcked oui' sutiject and c.-uist'd him to leave 
 that rt'gion. | 
 
 In coming lo Michigan the objective point of 1 
 our subject had been White I'igeon. this county, i 
 where he purposed investing in land. .Vftcr aban- 
 doning Ills mill enterprise lu' carried out his first • 
 plan, securing a tract of eighty-seven acies in Con- 
 sl:uitinc Township. This lay al>out one mile north ' 
 of llii' pi'cscnl village site, lie w;is nol in ;i condi- 
 tion lo settle upon it. and resolved tt) go to Delioil. I 
 whence, if hi^ IicmIiIi was not better, he would re- < 
 liini lo New ^'ork' St^tte. While sick wilhtheaguc 
 ••It While I'igeon. St. .losclth County, he made the 
 Mci|uainlance of a Mr. King, who had sonu- me.-uis 
 foi' which he was seeking prolilabh' investment. 
 .Mr. Diiggs. whose lieallh w;is somewhat improved, 
 went to lironson Township. IJranch County, to 
 look at a mill site of which lu' h;id learned. IIeri> 
 he was joined by King. :i partnership formed be- 
 tween them, anil the building of tin- mill begun. 
 Ml-. King, however, later, upon the ad vice of friends, 
 decided to go further West. :uiil as>igiuM| his inter- 
 est in the mill property to our subject, giving him 
 two vears to pay for the sanu'. 
 
 -Mr. Driggs. after encounlering many dilllculties 
 and hardships, at last was enabled to begin opera- 
 tions in his mill about the middle of ( Jclolier. 1M;?2. 
 The machiner\ was run by the old-fa.-hioned water 
 
 wheel, and after a few logs had been gotten out. 
 the dam broke, and it was only l)y the most super- 
 human efforts that the mill w.as .saved from lieing 
 washed aw^iy. For over four uutnths thereafter 
 Mr. Driggs scarcely hist sight of it day <ir night, 
 running it eighteen hours out of tlic twenty-four. 
 There were then none of the facilities to ship lum- 
 ber enjoyed by the lundiermen of the present day. 
 and the whole liusiness proved very expensive, he 
 being able to ship little besides plank. 
 
 In June. 1S3(!. Mr. Driggs solil his mill property 
 ami 40(1 acres of heavily tindiered land for ^4..")0(i, 
 and other land for !S!l,r>00. Chicago. HI., w.as then 
 but an inferior town, giving no ])romise whatever 
 of its future importance. To that place .Mr. Di-iggs 
 journeyed on horseback, but on his arrival there it 
 ai)peared to him little more than a mushroom, and 
 he conse«iuently did not invest any of his capital. 
 returning home with it as he had started. In the 
 summer of 18;?(j he a])plied a portion of il to the 
 pnri-ha.se of 2(1(1 acres of land in Ibanch and St. 
 Joseph Counties, this State. A few months later 
 he iiui'chasert and built on what is luiw known as 
 lii-oad street in Constantiiu' Township, then a tract 
 of timber land. lie cleared a portion of this. ]inl- 
 ting up a dwelling and living there until 1^(!2. 
 Till' year following, there being indications thai 
 Con.~t:intinc \'illage might become a desirable place 
 of i-esideni'e. he elected a fine ihvelling, vj-ilhin which 
 when com[ileted he took up his abode. 
 
 Ml-. Diiggs had in llie meantime invested a i)Or- 
 tion of his capital in alumt 1. (!()() acres of jiine land 
 on Flat River, in .Montcalm County, where he put up 
 a sawmill which he operated about eighteen years, 
 disposingof the product in Chicago. Prior to (his he 
 had purchased a sawmill, gristmill, a distillery, and 
 a number of town lots southeast of \\'hite Pigeon, 
 on the road lo Lima, Ind. lie only held this prop- 
 erl\- about three years. di>posing of it then to good 
 .advantage. In 1872 he invested in lan<l on SmihI 
 Lake, which is slowly but surely becoming v.mI- 
 nable. 
 
 It will llius be seen Ili:it Mr. Driggs luus led a 
 \ci-y active life, and he has been for the most part 
 fortunate in his investments, .\fter the comple- 
 lioiiot' his i-csidence he en-cled ;i brick block in 
 ( (instaiitiiic. anil lalcr piii-cli;i~cil the Commercial 
 m^ 
 
■•► 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 i>03 
 
 4 
 
 lloiiiiiiu-mill on •Water strt'd, wliicli is opcrMlcil In 
 !i iviiliT. Ili^ example of eiiti'r|>i'ise and persi-ver- 
 aneo has proved the stiiiiidant to many a man wlio 
 iiiijjht have retired discourajred from the lield in 
 the alisence of a less worthy example. 
 
 Mr. Driggs ihirinjf the earlier years of his life 
 took a very active part in jjolitieal matters, his sym- 
 pathies l)ein<r unifi)rmly with the Denioeniti.- pai'ty. 
 For eonseientiousness and inteirrity there are few 
 who excel liim, as is evinced by the ex|)ressions of 
 eoiilidenee and estwm which are to he met with on 
 every hand ainonij his fellow-citizens. 
 
 .\fter lilliny many otiier positions of trnst. in 
 which hi' actpiitted himself in a manner i^'reatly to 
 his credit, our sulijeet was elected a member of the 
 .Michiijan Lenrislature in the fall of 1840. servinsi' 
 his term acceptalily. .and in connection with the 
 many measures under discu.ssion. evincint; more 
 than ordinary fjmxl judjjnient and foresijjht. lie 
 rei)rc.sented t'onstantiue Township in the County 
 Hoard of .Sui>ervisors a perio<l of eleven years, and 
 in both Branch and this county has olliciated as 
 .lustice of the Peace. There have been few inter- 
 ests connected with C'onstantine and vicinity which 
 have not soujjht his counsel, and to which he has 
 ever jj^iven a cheerful an<l attentive hearinj;. The 
 status of n community is dependent upon the men 
 who have been the most prominent durinir its em- 
 bryo st.ite. and Mr. Driifsjs as a i)ioneer of C'on- 
 stantine is eminently worthy of record as one of 
 its buihlers. and associated with its most impoi'tant 
 interests. 
 
 Miss Frances M. Pease lu>came the wife of our 
 subject May 2'.l. 1«;J:5. the weddintr t.-ikinir place at 
 the home of the bride in .lackson, Mich. Thi.- lady 
 was born in Hampshire County. .Mass.. Feb. (!. IHl |. 
 »n<l w;»s of excellent old New Kn<r|and stock. Her 
 union with our subject w.ns blesse<l by the liirtli 
 of eijjht children, four of whom ilied in infaiu'v. 
 The eldest daULrht«'r. .lane, is the wife of C. \V. 
 Coril. of Conslantine; Charles K. .-ind Mary live 
 with tlu'ir father; (leorfrc. who w.as a very promis- 
 in.ir and capable business man. died in .lul\. llsKi;, 
 at the aire of thirty-six years. .Mrs. Fraiurs .M. 
 I>rij;<rs departed this life .at the home in Const:in- 
 tine. .May :i. 1KG4. 
 
 It jirives us pleasure to present the accompanying^ 
 
 m 
 
 portrait of this honiired pioneer, lo whom, as much 
 as to any citizen within its bordeis. St. .loseph 
 County IS indebt<'d for the development of its in- 
 dustries, which have been llu- ba.-is of its pros- 
 perity. 
 
 KNUY PDUIKK lvi:TClIL.M,a well-known 
 Ij) resident of Burr Oak Village, is spending 
 =>^- the later years of a well-ordered life in the 
 (^^ quiet and comfort of a pleasant home, sur- 
 rounded by many friends. His property embraces 
 thirty acres of highly cultivated land with substan- 
 tial buildings, and where he has re^ideil with his 
 excellent wife for a number of years. Mr. K. was 
 born in the Mohawk Valley, near the town of Olen- 
 ville, Schenectady Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 1S28, and is 
 the son of Chancy and Marj- (AYildcr) Kctchum, 
 natives of the same place. 
 
 Isaac Kctchum, the paternal grandfather of our 
 subject, was one of the pioneers of .Schenectad}' 
 County, N. Y., where he engaged in farming, and 
 spent his last days. Joshua Wilder, the maternal 
 grandfather, was also an early settler of that local- 
 ity, a Justice of the Peace, and a man of note in his 
 community. 
 
 The father of our subject received a common- 
 school education and learned the trade i>f carpentry, 
 which he followed in his native county until Ifs.ji, 
 and then, a young man of twenty-four years, anx- 
 ious lo see something of the (ireat West, made an 
 ocean voyage lo the Pacific Coast, anil remained in 
 California about three years. Instead of entering 
 the mines, however, he eng.aged in business more 
 certain of returns, as a cleik in various hotels in 
 that region, to which business he seemed peculiarly 
 adapted, becoming very popular and drawing a good 
 salaiy. At the expiration of the lime mentioned 
 he returned to his native Suite, but soon, however, 
 look up his residence in Wcedsport, X. Y., where 
 during the progress of the Civil War he olliciateil 
 as"inine hosl" of the Mansion House, and where he 
 continued until I 868. 
 
 Chancy Ketchum now set oiii unee uioie ior the 
 
 W'est, and coming to this count}' settled in Sherman 
 
 Towiislii|>, where he einploye<l himself in farming 
 
 ■» 
 
 T 
 

 •4*- 
 
 f 
 
 ■*► 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 three years, then embarked in the meat-market busi- 
 liess at Slurgis. where he operateil succt'ssfully un- 
 til 1*77. Hotel life, however, had greater charms, 
 and the year following he purt-hased the Park Hotel 
 at Burr <>ak. which he conducted very successfully 
 for a period of ten years. He was married, in 1S6S. 
 to Miss Mary, daughter of James Jones, one of the 
 pioneers of Oswego Countj". N.Y.. and who was bom 
 in I'^i'S. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ketchum eommence<l the journey 
 
 ■f i'fc- :;:rcther in 1S68. and have live<l harmoni- 
 • •:.-!■. ••.^'v-.:,tr for a perio<l of over twenty years. 
 Pr<.iTidenc-« bestowed, upon them no children, but 
 •.Lrv have gathered around them hosts of warm 
 :r cuds, and will never suffer for lack of kindly at- 
 tention and affection in sickness or in health. Mr. 
 1\> •-'.hum has always been an active member of his 
 
 ■ •i.Luunity. giving lil>erally of his time and means 
 to those enterprises calculated for the best gooti of 
 the people, socially, morally and 6nancially. 
 
 y 
 
 ILLIAM STEAR is a prominent and prot>- 
 'erons farmer of Constantine Township, 
 where he has cleare<l and improveil as goo<l 
 a farm as is to be found within the boundaries of 
 .St. Joseph County. He is a native of England. 
 i-rti '.u I.' ' -" :re. Jan. 19. 182S. Hewasreared 
 ..;i :i ::i.-i;, - \iive shire, and was there mar- 
 
 rie«1, July i, 1850. to Miss Frances Hay lock, who 
 was bom in the same shire as himself, a year and a 
 few days later, her birth <x*urring Jan. 2.'<. 1829. 
 They cootinoed to reside in their native shire until 
 ''-".. when they came to America 
 . iren who had in the meantime 
 been bom to them. They landed at New York and 
 '" ' - ■" 'ree years after 
 
 ->i ^ ly in Constan- 
 
 tine. and by prudence and wise economy he had 
 - ' .' y to warrant him in purchas- 
 
 g the task of building up a 
 home. He first booght a tract of forty acres, which is 
 
 -■' ■ nt farm. It was l! 
 
 - lu the years o: 
 banlship that followeil. in which lie was aide<] and 
 "; • _• ' ' \ tils wife, he not onlv cleared his lan'I 
 
 T* 
 
 from the forest and got it under fine cultivation, 
 but was enabled to increase iL< area by further pur- 
 chase, until he now owns ninetj'-lhree acres of fer- 
 tile and highly productive land, and be and his wife 
 have built up a very pleasant and comfortable 
 home, of which they may well be proud. 
 
 The following is recorded of the eleven children 
 b«)ra to Mr. and Mrs. Stear: Maria is the wife of 
 Manfonl Christian, of Constantine Township: Will- 
 iam lives at home: Mary A. died when about 
 sis years old: Hattie is the wife of Jacob Brandal. 
 of Constantine Village: Charles lives in Montana; 
 Lizzie is the wife of Andy Craner, of Three Rivers; 
 Susie, who was the wife of Charles Brokaw. died in 
 Constantine. July 2. 1884; George is a school 
 teacher; Fannie is at home; Robert U. died in in- 
 fancy, and Frank is at home. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Stear are people whose kind hearts 
 generously respond to any call for aid orsympathy 
 from the unfortunate or needy, and all such find in 
 them true friends. By their united labors, prudence 
 ami wise management they have obtaineil a com- 
 fortable competence, and can i>ass their declining 
 years free from toil and anxious cares that L>eset 
 their earlier life. Their many worthy traits of 
 character have gained them the respect and esteem 
 of all in the community of which they have been 
 members for so many }-ears. Mr. Stear takes a 
 warm interest in the : ' ' "airs of his adopted 
 country, and votes in: . . with the Rejiulr- 
 lican party, considering its policy the safest and 
 l>est in the guidance of National affairs. 
 
 ;^ A.Ml EL VALENTINE, the oldest estal- 
 lishe»l grocer in Stui^is. is one of its repre- 
 sentative ' -' ■■ ■-._■•' 
 >t<»re. neat - _• 
 
 and well-sorted stock, comprising a full line of 
 
 groceries. '-" - • '■ iiware. glove-^. mitt.n-. 
 
 lolaco> an _ - - - at reasonable pi;'->-. 
 
 and from his long exjierience knows well how to 
 
 - •-i.fhi>l:i. 
 
 - !iom in t. of Lysander. 
 
 Onontlaga Co.. N. Y.. May 17. 1X24. His father. 
 
 - ■ '' '• : 'iiie. was 9 native of (Jreene County. 
 
 s 
 
t 
 
 -4^ 
 
 ST. .lOsKl'II COUNTY. 
 
 20 
 
 f 
 
 N. v.. and lie there luarrieil Merx-v .lou«;. like- 
 wise !» native of tliat tv>inity. Six ehiUlren wen- 
 U>ri) to tlieni. .ttl of \«'li(>ni "rew to nianli<NMl and 
 womanliotMl. hut all are n»>w deail luit our ?ulijei-t. 
 riie father wa.* a fanner and also a l>ri<-kni!t><in. 
 lie anil his wife wen." iieoi>le of genuine merit, and 
 wi-n- held in the utmost respect l\v their neitrh- 
 l>ors and friends. 
 
 Oursulijeet w:ls |-eiire»l in his native .stale, and 
 reeeivetl a suix^rior education in the .Vnhuni Acad- 
 euiv. lie startt-d out in life as a farmer, and ww 
 enjraiietl in that i-alling most *>f the time until 
 \)*'ti. when he oime to Sturgis. Here he found 
 emplovuient under .1. (I. Wait, as a far|»enter. 
 lie liail learn«il the m.i?on's trade with his l>rt>lh- 
 ers. l>ut it did not suit his taste, so he wurke<l at 
 it only when lie omld fin<l nothing els«- to do. 
 (mrsuing it foralniut twti years prior to eujlwrking 
 in his present business in 1860. Simv that time he 
 has devottMl himself entirely tt> the management of 
 his stori'. ainl h:\s ijradually hiiilt iiii :i rtourishin:: 
 
 Ml. \ aleiiliiie was iiiarrii.'<l I.i his tiist wilV (lit. 
 1".'. ISIS. 11«T maiden name was Ann K. llowland. 
 a daiigiiter of Humphrey llowland. Of that mar- 
 ria::*' thriH' children were Imrn, »>f whi>m one. 
 I.eonanl. is living. S-andi dieil in her nineteenth 
 \ ear, and Frank diwi in his twenty -eighth yenr. 
 Mn-. Valentine de|iart«>«l this life in IstU. l»-aving 
 many warm friemls to nionni their l<«ss. to wli«>m she 
 was endi-arvd by reason of her many ex»-ellent quali- 
 lies and virtu«'s. 
 
 Mr. X'alentine was niarrie<l to his prix'iit wife in 
 1MT2. and to them one chihl. Maude, now decoa.<*Hl. 
 lias Nvn l>orn. Mrs. Valentine's maiden name was 
 ■lane .lump. She is a thonnighly gvK«l woman and 
 is devote»l to the interests of her hou.sch«>ld. Her 
 lori-nt- wer»> Klijah and Charity .liinip. 
 
 Mr. \'alentiue h.as lK>«yi a resident of Slurgis for 
 t III rtv-tive years, and he has had an iuijiortant in- 
 llneiKV in directing its rivie lift', and has held Mniie 
 nf its most r»>si«msit>le ottiecs. for which he is well 
 ■ lualitieil l>y ediicalitm and a natural ca|Hicity f«>r 
 .iffairs. lie was ( ity .Marshal for Ihriv years: 
 rowiiship rrea?ur«-r for one yejir. and a meinl>«>rt>f 
 tlie City Council for iMieywir. Iiesides having serveil 
 "•n the S«luHil lioard. lie holds an im|M>rlant [xr-i- 
 
 tion in the business circles of this community, hi* 
 judinnent in regard to business matters W 
 and farsei-ing. and his honi'sty and re> 
 character undoulite<l. lie is iilentified with the 
 M.asonic fraternity as a member of the Burr Onk. 
 l.<.Klge. 
 
 — * ^ —z^ — ■ «— 
 
 LBKRT C. FRENCH. A self-made man in 
 the strictest sense of the wonl. our subject 
 was^early in life thrown njK>n his own re- 
 s«.«urces. and by his own efforts has made bis 
 war up to a good position, socially and financially, 
 among bis fellow-citizens. A native of Geiiiso<- 
 County. N. Y., he was l>orn April 27. 1S2'.', a:ii 
 was the youngest in a family of five children, three 
 s<.>ns and two daughters, the offspring of Olin and 
 Arethusa (^Palmer) French, who were bom in 
 Windsor County. Vt.. where ibey were also reareil 
 and married. 
 
 The French Jamily after coming to the United 
 Mates settled in New England, where Ibey liccame 
 wiilely and favorably known .as well-to-do and in- 
 fluential citizens. The parents of our subject u|>ou 
 leaving the Green Mountain State crosse^I tbe St. 
 Lawrence River, and t<.K.>k up their aboile in the 
 township of Hull. Lower Canada, adjacent to tbe 
 city of Ottaw.i. Tbence a few years later they re- 
 turned to the Slates, .and setileil in tienesee County. 
 N. Y. Later they removcil to Eric County, anil 
 from there, in 1847, to Branch County, this State, 
 locating in Union City, where they s|«nt the re- 
 mainder of their lives. The father, however, only 
 liveil until ISo-l, passing away in tlie midst of hi~ 
 usefulness. The mother surviveti her husb.iud a 
 jieriod of fifteen years, (tassiug away in ls6;'. 
 
 The subject of this sketch remained a merol>er «>f 
 the i^arental household until a y«>ulh of eight. ti 
 years, and aoi-oro|mnied his lurents l«.> Michig:ir.. 
 S«.>on aftcrwaril he commenced Uie struggle of life 
 on his own ai-counl. .Vt the .nge of twenty-three he 
 coinuiencc«l the study of metlicine in Union City, 
 under the instniction of the late Dr. William 
 Chureli, with whom he remaineil one year. In the 
 fall of l!*.')2 he entered the ollice of the late Dr. .1 
 M. Cliasc, reraaining with him a year also, the: 
 going to RiK-kford. Wiiinel«go Co.. III.. s|>ent tMii 
 
 4~ 
 
.>-ll^^ 
 
 ^il^l-^ 
 
 206 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •T 
 
 suniiiicr in the office of Dr. AVaite. one of its most 
 eminent and sueeessfnl pliysicians. 
 
 During the winter of 18.i-l— 55 Mr. French at- 
 ten<le(l lectures at Kush Medical College, Chicago. 
 The spring following he returned to Motlville. 
 Ahout that time occurred the death of Dr. Chase 
 hy accident, and our subject fur a time succeeded 
 to liis i)ractice. lie finally drifted out of the medi- 
 cal profession, and turning his attention to mercan- 
 tile business, was emplojcd as clerk in a general 
 merchandise store at Mottville. We find him next 
 established in a book store at Constantino, of which 
 he had the general supervision, and was thus occu- 
 pied one year. He then formed a partnership with 
 Joseph 11. Boiiebright, and under tiic firm name of 
 Bonebright iV French they conducted the mercan- 
 tile business one year together, and at the expira- 
 tion of this time Thomas Mitchell was added to the 
 firm. The admission of Mr. Mitchell brought to 
 them additional business, and there was organized 
 in addition the firm of T. Mitchell A- Co., as opera- 
 tors of the hardware business, while the general 
 merchandise branch was conducted under the old 
 firm name. The mercantile career of Mr. French 
 embraced about four j'oars, and upon the dissolution 
 of the partnerships his time from 18G1 to 18C4 was 
 spent largely in closing up the business of the two 
 firms. 
 
 In 18(!4 Mr. French turned his attention to the 
 lumber trade, and for two j'ears thereafter w.is in 
 partnership with the late Isaac Benhain. In 1SC6 
 he again formed a partnership with his old friend, 
 Mr. Bonebright. and they operated together until 
 18«4. In 1884 Thom.as Mitchell was admitted as a 
 partner in the lunilier business, but in I88G he 
 withdrew, and Mr. French now operates the business 
 alone. 
 
 Mr. Frencli several years ago wisely invested a 
 j)ortion of his capital in land, and is now the owner 
 of a fine farm of 120 acres in Lockport Township, 
 which is conducted l)y a tenant. In 18(>1 he put 
 up the first brick residence in Constantine, a hand- 
 some, roomy structure, which not only makes a 
 very desirable home, but is an ornament to the 
 town. It is built in 'he midst of handsome grounds, 
 and there are about it all the indications of taste 
 ancl culture for which the proprietor is noted. 
 4» 
 
 The marriage of Albert C. French and Miss 
 Esther R. Benham took place at the home of tlie 
 bride in Constantine Village, April 17, 1858. This 
 lady is the eldest daughter of the laite Isaac and 
 Chloe (Case) Bcnhara. Mrs. French was born in 
 Constantine, Aug. 28. 1836, and is a lady greatly 
 esteemed in her community, possessing more than 
 ordinary intelligence and accomplishments. 
 
 There are few men in St. Joseph County whose 
 record has been more creditable or praiseworthy 
 than that of Mr. French. As a business man he has 
 been active and enterprising, prompt to meet his 
 obligations, and of the highest integrity. None 
 have taken a warmer interest in the growth and 
 development of St. Joseph County, and to the va- 
 rious enterprises tending to this end he has given 
 his uniform encouragement and support. Me has 
 been honored with many positions of trust and 
 res|)Onsiliilitj-, officiating as Count}' Recorder and 
 as a member of the Common Council, and occup^-ing 
 the minor offices. Socialh', he belongs to Constan- 
 tine Chapter No. 61, K. A. M., in which be h.as 
 filled all the offices, and for a period of five years 
 w.as the Master of Siloam Lodge No. ."Jo, F. & A. 
 M. He also belongs to the Three Rivers Comniand- 
 ery No. 29, K. T. He is one of the most conscien- 
 tious supporters of Democratic principles. A man 
 of decided views, he keeps himself well posted upon 
 matters of general interest, and is essentially one of 
 those wlio form the bone and sinew of a well-regu- 
 lated coramunitv. 
 
 ENRY E. ROOT, a wealthy resident of Con- 
 \ stantine VilKage, where he is living in retire- 
 ment, is well known throughout Southern 
 (^) Michigan, not on!}- as one of St. Joscj)!! 
 County's most honored citizens, but as a fine repre- 
 sentative of the noble pioneers who have plaj-ed 
 such an active i)arl in her development. Coming 
 here in all the strength and pride of early manhood, 
 be has not only witnessed the gradual giving wa^y 
 before the ax of the pioneer of the grand old 
 l)rimeval forest that for centuries had covered so 
 much of this region, and seen large towns and busy 
 villages take the place of the humble log cabin of 
 
 jh 
 
-^^ 
 
 ST. JOSKPll COUKTY. 
 
 207 
 
 thi' white settlers, or the wigwam of the red men. 
 i)iit lie lias been .in imporUmt factor in Ininging 
 :il)oiit this change, making .St. Jo.sei)h and adjoin- 
 ing counties a fruitful and i)rosperous farming 
 country, where commerce and manufactures also 
 lluiirish. To the energy, foresight an<l enteriuise of 
 such men as our subject, St. Joseph County is in- 
 deed greatly indehted for its material prosperity 
 and high standing. JMr. Root experienced all the 
 privations and hardships incidental to pioneer life; 
 liut ililliculties fast disapiieared licfore hisindomita- 
 hlc will and steadfast purpose to make life a success, 
 and old age drawing nigh finds him well fortified 
 against material misfortune. 
 
 Our siilijcct is a worlh\- descendant of a line old 
 Massachusetts family on his father's side, and of 
 sober Connecticut ancestry on his mother's, and in 
 the ancient tt)wn of I'ittsfield, in the former State, 
 he first opened his cj'cs to this world Dec. 5, 18i;$. 
 1 le is a grandson of that gallant Colonel, Oliver Root, 
 famou^ in the mililjuT annals of the colonial liistor}- 
 iif Massachusetts, who bore so honorable a jjart in 
 both the French and Fndian Wars, and in the Revo- 
 lution. 'I'lie Colonel was a son of Samuel Root, 
 and losing his father when he was ([uite young, at 
 tiie age of eight years he was Itonnd out to Mr. 
 King, of Westfielil. M.ass.. to learn the trade of a 
 shoemaker. When he was a lad of nearly- eighteen 
 years his bold and ardent spirit le<l him to enlist in 
 the sec»)nd French war that was then waging. He 
 had an eventful exiK-rience in his armj' life, as is 
 recorded in the "Root (ienealogical Records." Ar- 
 riving at the seat of war the sturdy youth was as- 
 .-ignetl to the famous corps of rangers organized b}' 
 Maj. Robert Rogers, which had among its ollicers 
 those men of immortal fame, (Jen. .)ohn .Stark. 
 Israel I'utnain, and <»thers of like character, who 
 .•illogethcr maiie one of the most s|ilendid mili- 
 tary companies known in history. When the Revo- 
 lutionary War broke out, the Colonel, then in the 
 prime and vigor of a sUdwart. athletic manhood, 
 immediately offered his services to the (ontinentjil 
 .Vrm\ , and they were gladly accepted, and he served 
 with di.'>ticntion among thi- many notcl Colonial 
 ollicers. He was present at the surrender of Hur- 
 goync at Siiratoga, in f)clober, 1777. lie was Ma- 
 jor of his company under Col. Blown when that 
 
 4» 
 
 ofiiccr fell at Stone Arabia, in the A'alle\- of the 
 Mohawk, and succeeded to the command. He was 
 a man of fine physique, six feet and one inch ni 
 height, of a robust constitution, and was never sick 
 in his life until five days before his death. With 
 rare disinterestedness he refused to apply for a pen- 
 sion, to which he w.is justly entitled foi the valor 
 and patriotism that he had displayed in his coun- 
 try's defen.xc while an ollicer of the Continental 
 Armv, on the ground that the act of Congress 
 could only have been intended for the benefit of 
 those veterans who had no other means of support, 
 while he was well off. The old warrior is now 
 peacefully sleeping his last sleep under the sod of 
 the old State he loved so well, and on his tomb- 
 Stone is inscribed : "He fought the enemies of his 
 country in two wars, and his only enemies were 
 the enemies of his country." 
 
 His stjn Henry, the father of oiu- subject, was 
 born in I'ittsfield, Mass., Oct. 21, 1783. He w.as 
 married to Thankful Johnson in 1810. She w.as 
 born in Haddam, Conn.. Oct. 16, 1785. The}- lo- 
 cated in I'ittsfield, where he was actively engaged 
 in farming for many years, and there his venerable 
 life was brought to a close Ma^' :i, I8C.3, at the age 
 of nearly ninety j'cars. His wife survived him two 
 years, dying Nov. 30, 18G5. During their jjleas- 
 aut wedded life of over fifty years nine children 
 were born to them, of whom our subject was the 
 third in order of birth, and is now the i>nly sur- 
 vivor. 
 
 Our >ubject p.assed his early life in I'itlslicld on the 
 ol<l homestead where he was born until he was sixteen 
 years old, when he w.-is apprenticed to learn the 
 tailor's trade. He served nearly live yeai-s, and 
 then went to Hartford, Conn., where he worked as 
 a journeyman for two years. In 1S3.J he went to 
 Medina. Medina Co.. Ohio, anil stopped there until 
 the s|)ring of 1 83f>. Then, in company with Will- 
 iam (J. IJagg, he walked through the forests and 
 swamps of the intervening country to Constantine. 
 arriving here some lime in April. He at once be- 
 gan to work at his tnide. and continued at it until 
 the spring of 183s. When he firet came here he 
 entered 200 acres of land in Constantine and eighty 
 acres ill Cass County, and in the spring of 1838 
 began lo make iin|ii'oveinent>. and in the followinL; 
 
 i 
 
 f 
 
•a^ 
 
 208 
 
 ST. JUSEril COUNTY. 
 
 -t 
 
 spring settled on bis land in Conslantine. lie con- 
 tinued to live there, and actively enfjagcd in the 
 ilevelopinenl of a farm until alioul 1S.'<2, when he 
 returned to the village where he has lived since, 
 with the exce|)li<.>n of one season on his farm. For 
 six j'ears he was engaged in the hutchering busi- 
 ness here, hut in the spring of I808 he bought the 
 hotel then known as the Wells House, but now 
 calleil the Uumainc House, ami for twenty-two 
 years was successfully engage<l in its management. 
 In his capacity as "mine host" he was a great favor- 
 ite with the traveling public, as he was ever frank, 
 genial and obliging in his manners, and his wife, 
 with her cheerful, motherly presence, adiled to the 
 popularity of their hotel, and vied with him in 
 making their guests comfortable. Mr. Hoot leased 
 his hotel in IS.sO, and li.as since lived in retire- 
 ment, although he still looks after his farm and 
 other propertj'. Besides the Homaine House he 
 owns 430 acres of very valuable land, all in C'on- 
 stJintine Township. In all his career as a business 
 man Mi'. Root has disiilayed unusual tact, foresight 
 anil ability, anil all his transactions have lieen con- 
 ducted with fairness and generosity. He, of course, 
 takes a keen interest in the affairs of the county 
 and township, with which he has been identilied for 
 so niiiny years, now numbering over half acenturj-, 
 and in whose n|)building he has borne an honorable 
 part, and does all that he can to promote the vari- 
 ous schemes for their advancement. Politically, he 
 stands l>j- the Democratic party as one of itsstanch- 
 est adherents. 
 
 More than tifty j^ears ago our subject was united 
 in marriage in Conslantine to Jliss Lucinda Bcck- 
 wiili. April 14, 18.'>7, being the date of their wed- 
 ding. Mis. Root was born in.Saj- brook, Ashtabula 
 Co., Ohio, .Ian. 10, 1816, and was the sixth child in 
 the family of ten children of the late Levi and Lu- 
 cinda (.Starkweather) Beckwilh. wlio were born re- 
 spectively in I'ittstield, Mass.. in 1777, and in 
 Connecticut in 1782. Her parents first settled in 
 Vermont, and thence removed to A>htabula Count}', 
 of which they were early pioneers. They stibsc- 
 ijuenlly settled in the township of S.-iybrook. that 
 couHty, where Mr. Beckwith bought a farm, whereon 
 he and his family lived until August, 1S28, when 
 they came to St. .loseph County, this Slate, arriv- 
 
 ing at a point on the White Pigeon Prairie, Aug. 
 G, 1828, and there the^- settled near the wilderness, 
 they being the fifth family to locate on that prairie, 
 and Mr. Beckwith sowed the first wheat that was 
 ever sown on Ihe prairie, on the farm which is now 
 owned by Rodney Beckwith. They settled in the 
 southern part of Conslantine Townshii), where the}" 
 continued to live until death called them hence, the 
 father dying in September, 183!t, and the mother 
 Aug. 10, 184G. The paternal grand|)arcnls of Mrs. 
 Root lived to an advanced age. The marri.ige of 
 Mr. and .Mrs. Root has been blessed to them b}' the 
 birth of a famil}' of five children: Henry L. ; 
 Charles O. and Mary L., deceased; Clarissa A. 
 and Aaron C. Clarissa is the wife of Dr. Will- 
 iam K. .lewett, of Adrian, Mich. Aaron, who is a 
 farmer in Conslantine Township, married Anna 
 McGill, and tliej- have one child, Henry K,, .Ir. 
 Henry L., the eldest, is unmarried and lives with 
 his parents, helping his father in the care of his 
 business interests. He was a soldier in Companj- 
 A. 49tli Ma.ssachusetts Infantry (Col. Bartlctt and 
 Capt. I. C. Weller), was severely wounded in front 
 of Purl Hudson. La., and «ill cany its effects to 
 his grave. He was serving in the store i)f his uncle 
 at the breaking out of the Rebellion, and was one 
 of the noted "Allen Guards" of Pittsficld, Mass., 
 who enlisted in a body and did gallant service on 
 manv a hard-fought field. 
 
 ■*^- 
 
 ^ 
 
 If^ BKCK, denUil surgeon, of 
 
 'j )Y .Sturgis, is as ca|>able, talented and poi)ular 
 ffij^^ a member of his profession, and as true- 
 hearted and esteemed a citizen as can be 
 found in St. Joseph County. He was liorn in To- 
 ledo, Ohio, Dec. ItJ, 1848. His father. .John .1. 
 Beck, was of Knglish birth, the place of his nativity 
 being London, England. About 1830, when quite 
 young, he came with his parents to the United 
 Slates, and settled near Somerset, Ohio. He after- 
 ward went to Cincinnati, and was for many years 
 employed as bookkceiier for an auction commission 
 firm. He thence removed to Toledo, and in 18.54 
 to Hudson, Mich., where he lived until 18C,t, when 
 he came with his family to Sturgis. He was a 
 
 ^ 
 
210 
 
 ■•► 
 
 t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 sorvcfl (luring the adiiiini.str.ition of Gov. Barr}', at 
 wlik-li lime oec-uircd the gioat conlesl between llie 
 Mieiiignn Cenlnil <k Michigan Southern Railroads, 
 the latter coining ont victorious. In 18.i7 Mr. 
 Wailiielped to organize tlie Grand liapids iV Indiana 
 Railroad Company, lieing elected a Director thereof, 
 a position wliicii lie has held to the present time. 
 During that year he superintended the grading and 
 Ijridging of twelve miles of this road. In 18G0 he 
 was elected to the St.-ite Senate, serving satisfactor- 
 ily, and re-elected two successive terms, during 
 whicii tinic he had charge of many important mat- 
 ters, including the liills for the extension of the 
 time for constructing the Grand Rapids it Indiana 
 Railway. This was then considered a verj- impor- 
 tant project. esi)ecially to the people of Sherman, 
 Hurr Oak. Fawn River and Siurgis Townships. 
 Previous to this Mr. Wait had served as Township 
 Clerk. .Supervisor, and Justice of the Peace manj' 
 years. In fact his whole life lias been largely dc- 
 voied to pultlic duties, in the discharge of which 
 he has aeiiuitlcil himself in a conscientious and 
 jiraise worthy manner. 
 
 Mr. Wait when nearly twenty-eight years of age 
 was wedded, Oct. 20, 1 S.^i'.l, to Miss Susan S., daugh- 
 ter of George and Mary (Ilershcy) Buck. This 
 ladv was born in Erie County. X. Y., Jan. 8, 1821. 
 Iler [yarcnts, natives of Erie Countj', Pa., emi- 
 grated to Michigan during tlic d.nj's of its earliest 
 settlement, ill 1828. The father was a farmer by 
 occupation, and built u|i a good homestead fruin the 
 wilderness of Slnrgis Township, this county. Their 
 family consisted of seven cliildicn, three of whom 
 arc living. 
 
 To our subji'cl and his estimable wife Iheiv have 
 been born the following .children : William II. 
 11.. April 2.'>, 1«42; Daniel (!.. March 24. 1844: 
 George, June 18, 184C; Mary E.. Sept. 28, 1847; 
 'lhad<leu> P., Dec. 28, 1849; Arthur II.. April 2, 
 Ks-jl : Jay ti., Aug. 1, 1854; Jessie, Oct. 1 I, 18.")G; 
 Frank W.. Dec. 22. 1858; Lee E., July 22, 18G1, 
 and Ik'ury. Thaddeus adopted the profession of 
 law, entering upon the practice of his profession at 
 Sturgis; he died in Caliloriiia. 
 
 Mr. Wait was reared in the doctrines of the Bap- 
 tist Church. Politically, he votes the straight 
 Rei)ul)lican ticket, and energetically supports the 
 
 principles of bis party. He established the Sturgis 
 Jiniriial in 18G0, and continued to run the same 
 until 1875. Mr. Wait is, and has been for a num- 
 ber of years, very extensively engaged in the mer- 
 cantile business, and kept four peddling wagons on 
 the road for several years. 
 
 -«.<-- 
 
 J.OII.N -M. HUFFMAN lias been a resident 
 I of St. Joseph County for fori}' j'ears, and 
 I until his retirement from the active cares of 
 ' life to his present home on section 23, just 
 outside of the corporate limits of the village of 
 Constantine, was connected with its agricultural in- 
 terests. He w.as a practical, skillful farmer, and 
 worked his farm in Park Township to such good 
 advantage that he gained a comfortable comi)etence, 
 and can now pass his remaining j-ears without the 
 necessity of hard labor. 
 
 Our subject conies of good Pennsylvania stock. 
 His parents, Samuel and Polly (Jones) Iluflfiuan, 
 were both natives of the Keystone .State, and there 
 spent their whole lives, dying in Clarion County. 
 The father was a substantial farmer, and he and his 
 wife were held in general esteem by those who knew 
 them for their nianj* solid virtues. They had a fam- 
 ily of nine children, of whom our subject was the 
 fourth, in order of birth. 
 
 Mr. Huffman was born June 22, 1824, in Clarion 
 Count}', Pa., and there on the old homestead grew 
 to sturdy manhood. He was reared to the life of a 
 farmer, and remained an inmate of the [larental 
 home. atTordiug his father active assistance in tiic 
 management of his agricultural affairs until 184'.). 
 He was then twenty-five years ol<l, and had ob- 
 tiiined a good start in life, so he determine<l to try 
 farming in Michigan, and build u[) a home here. 
 With that end in view he came to .St. Joseph 
 County, and settled in Fabius Township. A few 
 years later he removed to Park Township, of which 
 he remained a resident for twenty -eight years. He 
 became the possessor of a farm there, comprising 
 eighty acres of as fertile and productive land .as is 
 to be found in the limits of the county. This, by 
 careful cultivatitm and constantly added iiii[)rove- 
 
-4- 
 
 ■«»> 
 
 8T. .lOSKl'H COUNTY. 
 
 211 
 
 nu'iits, he greatly increased in value, and it was 
 fliK-ised anions; the line farms of tlic township, and 
 wlien he desired to retire from active labor lie had 
 MO didicidty in disposing of it at a good price. In 
 May, 188.). he sold all of his property in I'ark 
 Township and came to this village, where he owns 
 a small place, lo spend his declining years in re- 
 tirement. 
 
 Mr. IlnfTnian has been three times married. His 
 first nmrriagc. which took place in Clarion County, 
 I'n.. w:i.s U) l^ucinda Briggs. B^' her he li.ad two 
 children: Margaret, who is the wife of Emanuel 
 .Stroine.and Dorsev, who is a resident of Muskegon. 
 Mrs. HnfTinan's wedded life was of brief duration, 
 as she died while j'ct j'oung, in Faliins Township, 
 April U>, 18.t4. The second marri.ige of (>ur sub- 
 ject w.as lo Elizabeth Miller, and the following is 
 the record of the four children born to them: Etlie 
 is the wife of Emanuel Eichholtz; Samuel died 
 when about two and one-half years old; Ada lives 
 at home with her father, and Charles died in in- 
 fancy. Mr. Huffman's second wife died in Park 
 Township, June 1), 1877. and he w.is again married, 
 June 21, 1878, being then united to Mrs. Louisa 
 Uichmond. his present wife. She w.as horn in Tioga 
 County, N. Y.. March -Hi, 18.50. She h.is also been 
 three times married. Her first husband was Josiah 
 N. Fisher, who died in Ligonier, Ind. By that mar- 
 riage she had five children, as follows: Eliza O., 
 who is the wife of Lewis H. Bossett; Frank lives in 
 Three Rivers; Albert lives in Denver, Col. ; Fred 
 lives in Lansing, Mich., and Alva ,h lives in Chi- 
 cago, III. .Mrs. Huffman's second marriage was to 
 John Uichmond, who died in Ohio. One daughter 
 was born of that marriage, Minnie R., who is the 
 wife of Thomas .1. Keene. Mrs. Huffman is a de- 
 voted member of the Baptist Church, and her daily 
 life is guiclcd liy the highest Christian principles. 
 Mrs. Huffman's maiden name wsis Louisa Tracy, 
 anil she is a daughter of Erastiis and Eliza (Ar- 
 nold) Tracy, natives respectively of Ma.*sachusetts 
 and I'nadilla, N. Y. After marriage her parents 
 settled in Tioga County, N. Y.. and thence subsc- 
 ijucntly came to St. .Joseph County, this ."^tjite. 
 They settled in Constantine, where he died in .hine, 
 1.'<8I. Mrs. Huffman's mother still survives, at nn 
 :idvanced age. They were among the earliest sct- 
 
 tiers of this county. They had nine <'hildron. of 
 whom Jlrs. Huffman was the second, as follows: 
 James, I^ouisa, Romeiia, Mary, Martha; Levi and 
 Lavina. twins; Walter B. and John. 
 
 Mr. Huffman, although not among the early set- 
 tlers of St. Joseph Countj", has .some claim to be 
 cla.ssed among its pioneers. :w in improving his 
 farm he did his share in developing and strengthen- 
 ing the great agricultural interests of this part of 
 Southern Michigan. He stands high among his 
 neighbors as a man of trutiiful, honest, kindly na- 
 ture, and one on whom they can rely for friendly 
 aid or wise counsel. In his political sentiments he 
 is a sound Republican, giving sUmch support to his 
 party. 
 
 cxr>o 
 
 JIOSEl'll 1!. ( ATION.:! retired farmer living 
 I pleasantly and comfortably in Constantine 
 , N'illage. has been a witness of almost the eii- 
 / tii-e growth of .St. .loseiih County, from the 
 primeval, forest covered land of uioic lh:ui IimH" :i 
 century ago to its present :ulvauce<l stale :i> a 
 wealthy agricultural region, where comnicrce and 
 uumuf.-Lctures also tlou.rish. :is in iJS.'i.'l. when he 
 was nine years of age. his parents, .lohn and M:irv 
 (Barnard) (attou. cauu' to this county :nid (•a>t in 
 their lot with the earliot pioneers of Southern 
 Michigan, and with the exccittion of a few vi-ars 
 he li:f< lieen a resident here ever since. He was for 
 a long time subsequent to attaining nianliood :iet- 
 ively identified with the agricultural interests of 
 the county, and .still own^ :i v:duali|e faini of 2IMI 
 acres in Constantine Township, lie li:i> therefore 
 been a factor in developing tlie eounl\. :nid as such 
 we are glad to represent him in this liiiiirrapliic:d 
 work, where the reenril nf >o ni.-iiu of St. Joseph 
 County's pioneers ami leading men is preserved for 
 the edilie:ition of the present :iiiil eoming gener:i- 
 tions. 
 
 The p.M rents of our suliject were natives of York- 
 shire. England, and there grew to inaturily :nid 
 married. In 1 8:i2. determining to avail themselv(>s 
 of the numerous adv:uit:iges that the I'liiteil Sljite- 
 of .Vmericii presented over the mother couutr\ . 
 they emigrateil with their family of five sons and 
 three rlaughters to these huspjlable shores, and for 
 
•^-11^^ 
 
 ,t 
 
 •21-2 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY, 
 
 iuvliile lived in tiic State of Ni-w Voiiv. The fol- 
 liiwiiiij year lliev came to St. Josepli County and 
 settled ill White Piijeon Township, of which they 
 thus early Ijeeanie pioneers. They lived there for 
 many years, and [latiently endured the diseomforts 
 Mild even lKU(l>hips of life in a newly .settled eoun- 
 tiy. They aflerwar<l spent seven years in Indiana. 
 liUt returned to this State an<l settled onee more in 
 St. .loseph ( oiiiity. and lilially passed to the liouie 
 JMjyond the ^^rave from their e;uthly Imiiie in ( oii- 
 staiitine Township. 
 
 lie of wiioiii \w write was the y(>unfi:est child of 
 those worthy people, and is now the only surviviuij 
 member of the family. He was horn in York.sliire, 
 JMiLiland. Auir. 12. l«2l.aiid was iitiile youiiff when 
 ■ he aeeompanied his parents across the .Atlantic to 
 make his home in the future on this continent, and 
 as time passed on to hecome a respected citizen of 
 one of tlieirreat coiiiiiionwealths forminy; the United 
 States, lie lived with his iiareiits until their death, 
 includinj;- seven years' residence in Indiana. In 
 IH;')2 he was smitten with the eager thirst for gv\d 
 that sent so many of our countrymen and the peo- 
 ple of other nationalities flocking acro.ss the great 
 plains and over the Kocky Mountains to Cali- 
 fornia, to seek for the precious metal. Two years 
 he spent miniiig in thai State, and his Ii;ird toil 
 met with due reward, and .-it the eiul of that 
 time he returned to .St. .loseph County, well .satis- 
 lied with his gains, to settle down in lif(>. lie 
 turned his attention to farming in Constantine 
 Township, and was so successful in his venture that 
 in Noveiiilier. 1HH(), he retire<l to his pre.sent home, 
 to enjov the present competence that he had won 
 liv honest and untiring imlustrv. and now lives 
 ver\- (piietly. surrounded l>y all the comforts that 
 heart could wish. 
 
 Mr. Catton was iii;irried in MollviHc r<iwiiship. 
 .I.Mii. I. lH.'i.">. to Mrs. i:hnira Shellenherger, daugli- 
 Ii'idf Toliias aixl ( alherine Ilassenger. I ler par- 
 ents came to St. .loseph County in ISK!. and set- 
 lied in the western part of ( oiistanliue Tnwiiship, 
 where the father died .Ian. M. I«74. when he was 
 within three weeks of heing sixty-two years of age. 
 Shedieiloii llic I llli nt Decemlier. 1K««. lacking hut 
 a few weeks of completing her eighty-lirst year, 
 lioth were natives of .MIegheny County. I'a.. and 
 
 lioth when young emigrated to Richland County. 
 Ohio, where they were married. They removed to 
 Wood County. Ohio, and later to St. .losei)h County. 
 !Micli.. settling upon a farm in the western part of 
 Constantine Township, on which i>laee they lived 
 until the death of the fathei-. after which the mother 
 removed to the residence of her youngest daughter 
 in Constantine Township, where her death occurrol. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ilassenger were the parents of eleven 
 children, three daughters and eight sons, and Mrs. 
 Catton was their third child in order of liirth. She 
 was born in U'iclihind County. ( )liio. .Vug. 7. 1h;52. 
 
 Mr. anil .Mrs. Caltou lia\e had four children, of 
 whiiiii the following is rec(jrded: Mary K. is the 
 wife of Morris Ilayman; ( Jeorge F. is married to 
 Untie, daughter of William and Ruth .Simmons. 
 has two children. au<l lives on his father's f;irm in 
 Constantine Township; Willie died in infancy, and 
 Henry I?, is a teacher in Constantine Township. 
 
 Mr. Catton is in every sense of the |)hra.se a good 
 mail. He has been industrious ;ind thrifty, and al- 
 ways dealing fairly and s(iuarely with liis fellow- 
 men, deserves that pros|)erity should smile on him. 
 In Ills wife Mr. Catton seciircil a line lielpiii:i1r. 
 one who is a judicious and ca|)able manager, who 
 has actively eo-oper.atcd wiHi him in his woi-k. and 
 has never neglected the cniiit'orl of her hciii.seliold. 
 She and her husband are true Christians and are es- 
 teemed members of the Reformed Church, of which 
 he is ail Ulder. Tliex' arc very pleasant, amiable 
 people, whom to know is to like. .Mr. Catton inter- 
 ests himself in the political atl'airs of the Nation, 
 and «;iriiily es|iouses the cause of the I )eiiiocratic 
 |)ail\ . 
 
 ^^t' DAM GKNTZLKR. In reviewing the ca- 
 (@/lJ| | reer of this gentleman, we must admit that 
 the lines have apparently fallen to him in 
 ^J pleasant places. Of a temperament genial, 
 
 pleasant and com[)anic)nalile, he is a man who at 
 once secures the confidence and esteem of all whose 
 good fortune it is to make his .acquaintance. He is 
 a universal favorite in the social and business cir- 
 cles of Constantine, and occupies a well-ap|)ointed 
 home on section 11. He has a comforlalile dwell- 
 ing, a particularly good barn, and the other out- 
 
 h 
 
»► II <• 
 
 ■» II » 
 
 ST. .lOSKPll COUNTY. 
 
 21.! 
 
 Itiiildings necessary for the modern agriculUirisl. 
 anil lias gathered around him all of the comforts 
 and many of the luxuries of life. Generous and 
 iml)lie-s|)iritcd. he has not thought alone of his own 
 interests, hut as he has had opportunity ha.s uni- 
 formly' labored for the best interests of his com- 
 munity. The example of such a man is everywhere 
 felt, and is untold in its results. 
 
 The Gentzler family came originally fmni Wur- 
 leinberg, Ocrniany. The tirst emigrant eame here 
 with his wife prior to the Revolution, lie was, we 
 believe, named Conrad, and was the great-grand- 
 father of our subject. lie enliste<l in the Conti- 
 nental .\rmy, and servetl seven j'cars, or during the 
 entire struggle for independence. On receiving his 
 discharge, and being about to set out for his home, 
 he W.MS shot and instantly killed, by mistake of a 
 sentinel. He left a wife and three sons at his home 
 in York County, l*a. His widow again married, 
 and lived to an extreme old age, being past ninety 
 at the time of her death. Of the sons, I'liilip lived 
 and died in York County, I'a. ; he lived to be ninety- 
 four years old, and w.as father of fourteen children. 
 Conrad removed to McConnellsville, Pa., where he 
 owned a hotel. He is supposed to have taken part 
 in Sha3''s rebellion, as about that time he disap- 
 peared, and his property was never claimed. 
 
 George Gentzler, grandfather of Adam, was the 
 
 yo\ingest son. He was born shortly after his father 
 
 entered the patriot army, probably in the hitter part 
 
 of 1776 or 1777, in York County, Pa. He worked at 
 
 shoemaking, but after his niarria;;e became a farmer, 
 
 settling in Washingttni Township, in his native 
 
 county. He was successful in his chosen vocation, 
 
 and accumulated considerable property. He died 
 
 of cancer, in his sixty-liflh year. His wife was 
 
 Margaret Law, al.so a native of York County. She 
 
 survived her luisl)and many years, emigrating to 
 
 Mii'higan with her son .lacob, and dying at White 
 
 Pigeon in 1 is57, aged eighty-four. Jacob was the 
 
 only child of (!eorge and Margaret (!entzler, and 
 
 wa.- born in Washington Township, York Co.. Pa., 
 
 Dec. !(!, 17".)M. He was married to Elizabeth .Speck. 
 
 Oct. 1 I, 11S19. She was born in Lancaster County, 
 
 I 
 Pa., .Ian. 14,1800. After a few years' sojciurn in > 
 
 their native State, they gathered together their per- 
 son;!! cfTeC'ts and made their way to the y<jnng and 
 
 growing State of Michigan. Coming to this county 
 in 184;i, the father lirst settled on a tract of land in 
 White Pigeon Township, but later they removed to 
 Florence Township, where they spent the remainder 
 of their lives. Jacob Gentzler looked hi.s last upon 
 the scenes of earth at the olil homestead. May IC, 
 1871. The mother survived her husband twelve 
 years, <l3ing June 20, 18H3. 
 
 To the parents of our subject there were born 
 eleven children, as follows: Margaret was twice 
 married, first to Peter Stickle, of York Count)', Pa., 
 and after his death to John Alvey, of Florence 
 Township, this count)'; George died at his farm in 
 Park Township; Martin was accidentally scalded to 
 death in childhood; John was killed at the age of 
 sixteen, b)' the kick of a colt; Klizabeth died in 
 Kansas, where she had removed with her husband. 
 Hichanl Stokes. The survivors of the family are: 
 Catherine, widow of Leonard Kajjp, of Fabius 
 Townshii); Adam was next; William, unmarried, 
 is a resident of Nottawa Township; Mary Aiui is 
 the wife of Solomon Chronister, of Florence Town- 
 ship; of Jacob a sketch is given elsewhere; .Sarah 
 A. lives in NotUiwa Township, and is the wife of 
 Henry Limbach, formerly Treasurer of .St. Joseph 
 Count)". Adam Gentzler, our subject, was born in 
 Washington Township, York Co., Pa.. July 12. 
 1827. His childhood and youth were si)ent amid 
 the quiet pursuits of farm life, but when ajiproach- 
 ing manhood, like many of that age, desirous of a 
 change, engaged in a woolen-mill for a period of 
 four years. Aside from this he h.as been engaged 
 in farming all his life. He remained a resident of 
 his native county until coming to Michigan in April, 
 1S,"(3, joining his parents after they had resided here 
 a period of four years. He had then been married, 
 and now took up a tract of land in Park Township, 
 upon which he operated twelve years, then removed 
 to Constantine Township, of which he has since 
 been a resident. 
 
 Mr. Gentzler was married in Carroll Township. 
 York Co., Pa.. July 12, 181H, to Miss Lydia A. 
 Lehmer, who was born there Feb. Ill, 1828. Mrs. 
 (Jentzler is the daughter of John and Susannah 
 (Fickes) Lehmer, who wfrc natives of York County. 
 I'a., and spent their last days in this county, both 
 dyingin Constantine. This lady became the nmtlier 
 
 f 
 
*► ir ^ 
 
 t 
 
 >14 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 of five cliiklreii, and departed this life at the home- 
 stead in Constantlne Township, Aug. 18, 1885. 
 Tlicir eldest son, Jacob L., is farming on bis own 
 land not far from the homestead ; Susan died in in- 
 f.aney; John R. is a resident of Florence Township; 
 Elizabeth N. married George W. Hamilton, of Con- 
 stantino; Mary E. became the wife of B. H. Sevi- 
 son, and died at her home in Florence Township, 
 in August, 1880. 
 
 Our subject has been a member of the Evangeli- 
 cal Lutheran Church a period of forty-five years, 
 his parents and grandparents having also long been 
 members of the same church. Of this church his 
 estimable wife was also an adherent for niani' years 
 before her death. She was a good woman in the 
 broadest sense of the term, benevolent and charit- 
 able, and was connected with the Ladies' Aid So- 
 ciety. Mr. G«ntzler attained his m.ijority in his 
 native State, and cast his first Presidential vote for 
 Lewis Cass. He has ever since been a stanch sup- 
 porter of the Democratic party. While a resident 
 of I'ark Township he was a member of the School 
 Board, and held the ollices of Justice of the Peace 
 and Highway Commissioner. He is of a retiring dis- 
 position, however, in nowise anxious for the re- 
 sponsibilities of public life, preferring to give his 
 attention to his farm and his fireside. Of l.ate years 
 he has turned his attention largely- to stock-raising, 
 also buying and shipping. His farm embraces l'.);5 
 .acres of good land, wh it'll has been brought to a 
 thorough state of cultivation, and is valued at a 
 ijood round sum. 
 
 ^ ^-*-^- ^ 
 
 APT. FKANCIS Ur Nli.^Y, a retired farmer 
 of Const.antine, is a sun of one of the ear- 
 ^^^J liest pioneers of this township and ctmnty, 
 and li.a.s himself been .in .active f.actor in promoting 
 their growth and the di'velopment of tlieir exten- 
 >ive agricultural interests, and he is still the owner 
 of :! farm in Coustantine Township. His long 
 rc>iden( e lu're. as lioy and man. of tifty->ix years 
 li:is made him widely known throughout the county, 
 and he i> greatly respected as a man of irrepmach- 
 alile haliits and spotle.-<s re))ntation. 
 
 The parents of our subject. Francis and l-".li/.a- 
 
 beth (.\ndrews) Bungay, were natives of Englaml. 
 i^ome years after their marriage they emigrated to 
 this country, in the year 1X31. and for a time dwi'lt 
 in New York City. From there they removcnl to 
 Somerset County. X. J., where they lived about two 
 years. In 1H33 they came to St. Joseph County 
 and settled in what is now the village of Coustan- 
 tine. On their arrival here they found the country 
 round about sparseh' settled by a few hardy, coura- 
 geous people, and the primeval forests that had 
 stood here for centuries had scarcely begun to yiehl 
 to the ax of the pioneer. Mr. Bungay plied his 
 tr.ade of carpenter to some extent, and also estab- 
 lished :; bakery in Coustantine. which was tlie first 
 one in town, and one of the earliest in Southern 
 Michigan. He also engaged in the mercantile and 
 drug business with a man of the name of Mar.-hall. 
 and tiiey were together until the death of Mr. linn- 
 gay. Aug, "21, 1838. In his premature death C\>n- 
 stantine lost an invaluable citizen, iis he w:u« a man 
 of vers.atile genius, full of enterprise, and if he 
 had lived would no doubt have been an important 
 factor in ImiUling uii its business interests. His 
 wife died in Coustantine in 1851. Their famil\- 
 consisted of four children, all born in England, and 
 all of whom accompanied them to this country. 
 The eldest was ^Liria, who staid in New Yoik 
 after her parents had removed ^Vest, She subse- 
 (piently went to Detroit, where she was mai-ried, 
 and died in Illinois; George ^V, is the well-known 
 temiierauce li-cturer. iK>etand news])aper man. whose 
 reiaitation extends over the entire country: oui- 
 subject was next ill order of birth; then Tlioiiias. 
 who wa.-> employe<l as a pilot on the St. Joseph 
 Hiver, and died in Coustantine, when nbont twenty- 
 seven years old. 
 
 Francis was born in SutTolk Counl\, Ijigland. 
 June 18. 182.j,and w:i.-i six years old when he came 
 to the I'liited States with his parents, and since ac- 
 companying them to their pioneer home in Con- 
 stantiiie has l)een a resident of St. .Joseph County. 
 He was thirteen year> olil when lii^ father died, and 
 he was then thrown on his own ri'soiirces, his 
 mother being left without means through the 
 treachery of others. He and his brother nianfully 
 cared for her, ami with filial affection looked after 
 her every comfort and saw that she wanted for 
 '• •► 
 
■» m ^ 4 ^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •2\:, 
 
 nothing tliat wa.-; in tlii-ir powi-r to supply as long 
 as slu' was sparcil to tlicni. In liisi-arlicr yi'ars our 
 sulfjtrl followfil (lilTi'ivnt occupations, working 
 hard at anything that he conhl find to (l<i to turn 
 an honest penny. Mo U^arncil the lil.acksniilirs trade, 
 which lie pursued for many ye.ars. and for seven- 
 teen years was cniploye(l liy the Constantine Fur- 
 n.nee Company, lie w:is also engaged in a sawmill 
 in Constantine for ten years, and worked in a llour- 
 ing-niill for ten ye;irs ."is a packer, at which Imsiness 
 he became an expert, lie ol>tained the title of 
 Captain on accounl of running excursions from 
 'I'lirci' Kivers to Constantine and return for sever.al 
 seasons, until the dam was liuilt acro.ss the river at 
 Constantine. In the meantime he Itouglit a farm 
 in Constantine Township, which he still t)wns and 
 su|H>rvises. although he has retire<l from the more 
 active lalxn-s connected with its management. It 
 contains ft>rty acres at the present time, although 
 he (irst lumght 120 acres, lint he has <lis|M)sed of the 
 larger jjart of it at a protitable price. He also owns 
 a neat and comfortable house and lot in Constan- 
 tine N'ilhige. and is well off in this world's goods. 
 ( lur subject has Ihh'U twice married, first in Con- 
 >tantin<' \'illage. to Mi>s Isabella Catton. .'she wjus 
 born in Kngland. .Vpril IX. 1M2H. and w.is adaughfer 
 of \\'illian) and .Mary .lane Catton. Mrs. IJungay w.-us 
 .•I woman of tine chara<-ter. who devot^'d herself to 
 the interests of her family, antl her death in Con- 
 stantine. .March .'30. 1K7".I. was a s.id bereaveiiient to 
 Inisbaml. children and friends, ('apt. IJimgay's 
 se<'ond marriage, which took place in Const.antine. 
 Aug. '.I. l«»l. was to Mrs. Charlotte (.lewetl) Dc- 
 l.ong. (laughter of the Lite Kri and Harriett (Win- 
 ehell) .lewett. wh<» died at \'istula. In<l.. anil the 
 widow of David DeLong. who died in ISrimlield. 
 hid.. Oct. in. IHf.G. .Mrs. Hungay was born in 
 SangerlieM. Oneida Co.. N. Y.. Oct. I. l.s.JC. In 
 IN.'iS the family emigr:ite<l thence to .Vstabida 
 County. Ohio, where they renniine<l about ten 
 yeju-s. then coniini: to Constantine. in which plai-e 
 they staid until |K7.'{. when they removed to \'is- 
 tula. Ind. .Mrs. I!ung:iy is in every particular an 
 e->tinial>le woman, who look> attentively after the 
 comforts of the householil. and nu-rit.- the afTeetion 
 in which she is held by all who cume under her 
 influence. Mr. Ituniray liail three <')iildren bv lii~ 
 
 first marriage, namely: Maria I,., who wivs the wifi' 
 of Freilerick Hagenbauch. and who died in Fabius 
 Township. Dec. 27. 1KK2; (Jeorge K.. who m.-irrieil 
 •loann:i Schult/.and lives in (Joshen. Inil.: .Miid l'";ni- 
 nie. who lives in South llcnil. Ind. 
 
 In whatever relation of life our subject has licen 
 placed he has done his duty in a manly, straight- 
 forward way. .^s a .son. he was res|ieclful anil 
 oliedient. and cared for his mother with great ten- 
 dei'iiess; towanl his family he luis always Ik-cu all 
 that a kind father and husbaiul can be: with his 
 neighbors, he is ever cordial and hcliiful; and as a 
 citizen, he never hesitates to do all that in him lies 
 to improve the township m.-iterially and morally. 
 He is possessed of a thoughtful, sympathetic nature, 
 and the wrongs of othci-s find in him an earnest 
 chami>ion. He is well known for his advocacy of 
 tem])eranc •. anil for the stand that betakes against 
 the use of tobacco. In his political faith he 
 strongly .adheres to the Republican party. Ki'lig- 
 iously. he w:us formerly identilied with the itaptisl 
 and Reformed Churdi. but is at present a memlier 
 of the Congregational ('liurcli.a.s is his wife. 
 
 JACor. !•:. SIAIFFKK occupies an assured 
 iKisition in the farnung cominunitv of St. 
 .losepli County, and his farm i^>n section '.i'>. 
 Constantine Township, with its well-tilled 
 ■acres and substantial buildings, is considered one 
 of the best managed and mo>t productixc est;ite> in 
 this locality. 
 
 Our subject was born in Tuscarawa> Township. 
 Stark Co.. Ohio. .Inly 22. IK.U. and is a son of 
 Christian and Christiana (F.nsminger) Stauffer. Jia- 
 tives respectiveh' f>f Dauphin and l.eb.'uion Coun- 
 ties. I'a. After marriage his parents selthil in 
 Lebanon County at first, and then left I'ennsyl- 
 v:inia for (»liii>. and became pioneers of Stark 
 County. They built up a comfortable home in the 
 wilderness, and continued to make their residence 
 thereuntil dcatli. Mr. siaulTer h.-iving carried on 
 farming. To iIiom' worthy jieople twelve children 
 were lH>rn. and our subject was the seventh son. 
 
 The l.'itter wjis reared on his father's farm .-imid the 
 pioneer inllueiice- that presjiilcd in the^c SImIc- in 
 
 T 
 
-4^ 
 
 •210 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 those (lav!-. :uiil when lie attained manhood, he 
 fho.se to follow the eallinj; of farmer, to which lie 
 had been I'eared. and for several years wa.< engairetl 
 in aijrieulture in iiis native connty. Hy industiy 
 and wise eeonomy. at the early ;ii^e of twenty years 
 lie already had secured a sutlieient eomiietenec. to 
 justify his establishing a home of his own. and 
 Mareii 22. 1M.").5. he w.as united in marriage to ^liss 
 llarbara Hoffman, the ceremony taking place in 
 Stark County. Ohio. She was a native of l{e<lford 
 County. ]'a..and of their pleasant wedded life eight 
 children were born, as follows: John, who died in 
 childhoocl; Lucin<la. wife of David Ilint-ou. farmer 
 and carpenter nc:ir .Middk- Hranch. .Stark Co.. Ohio; 
 .lacoli. a farmer at Pipe Stone. Minn.; William is a 
 graduate of the .Medical College at .\nn Arltor. 
 Mich.. I)ut not being in robust health, is C(mi]>clled 
 to limit his pr-ietiee, and resides with his father; 
 l'",llen also lives at home; George died in Constan- 
 tine at the age of eleven years; Mary and David 
 both died in childhood. Into that household death 
 again enterc<l. .\ug. 12. 1M72. and removed the fle- 
 voteil wife and mother. Mr. Stauffer's niarriage to 
 his present wife, formerly Miss Mary Uice, a native 
 of Fayette County. I'a.. took place in K.aston. 
 ^\^■lyne Co.. Ohio. Nov. C. 1S73. Of this \inion 
 four children have been born, namely: Cyrus !{.. 
 Ida 1,.. .\rthur S. and l.aura !•".. all under tlic |ia- 
 rental roof. ' 
 
 In March. 18«(). Mr. SUuifTer settled up his af- 
 fairs in Ohio, and moved acro.ss the border with his 
 fjimily to make their home in the future in St. 
 .loseph Countv. -Mich. He Ijought a fine farm of 
 H!() acres in Constantinc Township, and has i)ros- 
 pcrously carried on agi-iculture here ever since. 
 His farm is provided with a substantial set of 
 buililings. an<l with all the necessary conveniences 
 for the labor of cultivating it. aiul the abundant 
 harvest that he reaps fr<mi it is sutlicient evidence 
 of his skill and wise management in tilling the .soil. 
 
 .Mthough Mr. Stauffer's residence in this (■ouut\- 
 is of a companitively recent date, yet by his 
 honesty, industry, and upright conduct in everv 
 w:dk (»f life, he luis won the confidence ainl esteem 
 of all who have come in contact with him. and liis 
 genial and frank manners have gained him many 
 friends. Ills success has been such that he is 
 
 counted out' of the solid citizens of Constantinc. 
 He and his wife .arc devote<l to the c:iuse of Chris- 
 tianity, and :ire among the leailing nieml)ers of the 
 denomination known .as Brethren in Christ. In 
 politics our subject is idenlitied with the Uepub- 
 lican p:u'ty. 
 
 HAHLKS TI.M.MIS. hue a highly esteemed 
 resident of White I'igcon. was a native of 
 Stafforilshire. Kngl:\nd. and born Oct. 27. 
 1797. His father. Josiah Timmis. was also of Kn- 
 glisli birth and parentage, and spent his entire life 
 upon his native soil. There were indicated in the 
 life of Charles Timmis the many excellent traits of 
 his substantial ancestry, which resulted in the 
 rounding up of a useful and praisewiu'thy career. 
 
 Our subject completed his education in ai>riv;itc 
 school at Stowe. seven miles from the town of Staf- 
 ford, anil afterward engaged in agricultural pur- 
 suit's until coming to -Vmerica. He crossed the 
 Atlantic in l^fl I. settling first in the vicinity of 
 lUilTalo. N. v.. where he sojiiurned a jieriod of 
 eight years, ami came in the summer of l.'s."i2 to this 
 county. Here he selected a tr.act of land along the 
 western line of White I'igeon Township, near the 
 bank of Fish Lake, where he lived until his demise. 
 
 Mr. Timmis was married in his native Kngland. 
 in February. lf<2l. to .Miss ICliza Timmis. a distant 
 relative, and a grand-daughter of the F:irl of Ver- 
 non. The latter and his family for several i;cnei'a- 
 tions had been distinguishe<l .-ui successful in the 
 tilling of the soil, and the building up of tine 
 estates. To Charles and ICliza Timmis there were 
 born nine children, namely: Frances K.. now Mis. 
 Hobert-s; Harriet: Louise. .Mrs. Stevens; Mari:i. 
 Josiah. Charles. William. Thomas and Laura. .Mr. 
 Timmis became very successful in his agricultui:il 
 operations, and at the time of his ileath. Oct. .'il . 
 1«H1. was the owner of :?0() acres of land. 
 
 The first wife of our subject died in Knghind. 
 and he w:i.- subseipieutly marrietl to Mi>s Harriet, 
 daughter of Dr. Henry DeWitt. I'liis lady <licd 
 .\ug. 2.'i. 1M7L at the homestead in White I'igeon 
 Township. < )f this la.'>t union there were no chil- 
 dren. Mr. Timmis wits an Ki>iscopali:in in religious 
 belief. 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 217 ., 
 
 ^ AMUKL CLYDE, of excellent anccstiy, is 
 nuinbcred ainoiig the i>eacenl>le and iaw- 
 aliidinjr citizens of Xoltawa Township, 
 having his abiding-place on sectitm 24. He 
 was born in County T^Tone, Ireland, about 1842, 
 and lived upon his native soil until a youth of 
 eighteen years. Then, coming to America single 
 handed and alone, dependent upon his own re- 
 sources, he landed a stranger among strangers in the 
 great city of New York. Thence he migrated to 
 Philadelphia, Pa., und from there to New Jersey, 
 being a resident of the latter State about two\"ears, 
 and eng.iged in farming. 
 
 From New Jersey Mr. Clyde returned to Phila- 
 delphia, where he sojourned a period of three years. 
 In the meantime he had been married, and was the 
 father of one child. In the spring of 186.5 he set 
 out with his little family- to the Slate of Michigan, 
 and settleil in Nottawa Township, this county, of 
 which he has since been a resident, and continu- 
 ously engaged in agricultural pursuits. His farm 
 embraces 120 acres of land, whereon he has erected 
 good buildings and effected the other improvements 
 naturally suggested to the man of intelligence and 
 industry-. He has maintained the proper interest in 
 the progress of his adopted county, and contril)Uted 
 his quota toward advancing the interests of his 
 community, ilischarging the duties of the various 
 school oflices. and serving as Overseer of Highw.ays. 
 Politically, he is a conscientious Democrat. 
 
 Mr. Clyde was married, March 15. 1MG4, in Phila- 
 delphia, Pa., to Miss Margaret, daughter of William 
 antl Margaret Davis, who were natives of Scotland. 
 and are now deceased. The parents of Mrs. Clyde 
 had a family of four children, of whom she was the 
 second. She was born in the city of Gla.sgow, 
 Scotland, March 31. 1844, and came with her par- 
 ents to the United .States when about one year old. 
 Of her union with our subject there have been born 
 eleven children, four of whom, Thomas. Lucy, Re- 
 becca anil Margaret, are deceaseil. The survivors 
 are: Mary. Lil}-. Josephine, Willie. Beatrice, Nellie 
 and Samuel. The ehlcst is nineteen years old and 
 the youngest three. They are all at home with their 
 parents, and form an interesting and intelligent 
 group. .Mr. and .Mrs. Clyfle are identifier! with the 
 Presbyterian Church, attending services at Not- 
 
 tiiwa. They have gathered around them raanj' 
 friends since their long residence in this county, 
 being widely and favorably known for their sterling 
 worth and genuine goodness of heart. Mrs. Clyde 
 is a very estimable lady, looking well to the ways of 
 her household, and carefully training her children to 
 those habits and principles which shall make them 
 good and worthy members of society-. 
 
 The parents of our subject, Samuel and Ann 
 (Guynn) Clyde, were natives respectively of Scot- 
 land and Ireland, and are deceased. They were the 
 parents of nine children, of whom our subject is the 
 youngest. Of his brothers and sisters four are liv- 
 ing, all making their homes in Philadelphia except 
 our subject. 
 
 
 p*^ LIAS WARE, a well-to-do farmer of Colon 
 is comfortably located on section 
 he is surrounded by all the com- 
 forts of life and in the enjoyment of many of its 
 luxuries. The property which he owns has been 
 .ac(.'umulated by his own industry, and embraces 100 
 acres of good land with all the necessary farm 
 buildings, a goodly assortment of live stock, and 
 the various other appurtenances of llie modern and 
 well-regulated rural estate. 
 
 Our subject is the offspring of agooil family, and 
 his parents, Phillip and Hester A. (Grasle)) Ware, 
 were both natives of Lehigh County-. Pa. There also 
 they were reared and married, and settled for a 
 time upon a farm. Later they migrated to Lorain 
 County. Ohio, whence they came in March, 1»61. 
 to Michigan, and took u|) their permanent residence 
 in Colon Township, this county. Here the^' spent 
 the remainder of their days, the mother passing 
 away June 2. 1H84. and the father in 186G. Their 
 family included ten children, seven sons and three 
 daughters, five of whom are living and residents of 
 Michigan with the exception of one, who is in 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 Elias Ware was the ninth child of his parents, 
 and like them is a native of Leiiigh County. Pa., 
 where his birth took place Aug. tl. iK.'JtJ. He w.is 
 a little lad four years of age when his parents 
 changed their residence from the Keystone to the 
 
 r^^^ 
 
•^ 
 
 L>US 
 
 Si. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Hiioke3'e State, and in the latter acquired a com- 
 mon-school education and developed into manhood. 
 During his boyhood and 3-outh he assisted his father 
 on the farm, but wiien twenty years of age com- 
 menced working at the carpcnliy trade, which he 
 followed thereafter in connection with farming un- 
 til about 1880. Since that time he has devoted his 
 time and attention entirely to agriculture. 
 
 Miss Charlotte Smith, of Lorain County, Ohio, 
 became the wife of our subject on the 1st of Janu- 
 iiry, 18G1. Of their union there was born one child, 
 a son. Freeman, who is now a minister of the Re- 
 formed Church, and located at Three Rivers, this 
 State. Mrs. Charlotte Ware departed this life at 
 lier home in Colon Township, March 16, 18()2. Our 
 subject contracted a second marriage Dec. 10, 18C5, 
 with Jliss Klla Wilkey, who w:is born in Colon 
 Township, this county, .Sept. 1, 1847. Her parents, 
 William and .Tane (McMillen) AVilkey, were natives 
 of Canada. Mrs. Ware received careful home train- 
 ing and a common-school education, spending her 
 girlhood under the parental roof. 
 
 Of this marriage of our subject there have been 
 born six children, one of whom died in infancy. 
 The survivors arc: John J.. Maltic L., Oscar E., 
 Norah E. and Charles A. Mr. and Mrs. Ware are 
 members in good standing of the Reformed Church, 
 of which Mr. W. was chosen Denci>n about 1865, 
 and has held the oflice mostly since that time. In 
 politics he is a stanch Republican. 
 
 #^ 
 
 -•i- 
 
 -t 
 
 EV. STEPHEN PHILLIPS, a minister of 
 the -Methodist Prole;.lant Church, is a gen- 
 ii tleman fond also of agricultural pursuits 
 ^^and the quietness t)f country life, and has 
 chosen for his home a pleasant farm which is lo- 
 cated on section 32, Nottfiwa Township. A native 
 of Lycoming County, Pa., he was born Nov. 7, 
 1821, and is tlie son of David Phillips, a native of 
 Danville, that State. The mother. Mrs. Nancy 
 (Shaner) Phillips, is supposed al.so to have been a 
 native of Pennsylvania, and was of German ances- 
 try. This branch of the Phillips family traces its 
 descent to Wales. 
 
 The parents of our suliject after their marriage 
 
 ^^ 
 
 lived in Lycoming County until after the death of 
 the mother, which occurred about 18C0. The father 
 finally came to this county and made his home with 
 his son. our subject, until his death, which occurred 
 in 1873. The parental household included twelve 
 children, of whom our subject was the eldest son. 
 and the fourth in order of birth. His boyhood and 
 youth were spent at the farm in the Keystone State, 
 and when eighteen years old he purchased land in 
 the northwestern part of Lycoming County, where 
 he cleared a farm and lived until 1 804. 
 
 In the fall of the year above mentioned Mr. 
 Phillips came to this county witli his wife and eleven 
 children, settling at once in Nottawa Township, of 
 whicli ho has since been a resident. He had alwa_vs 
 been observant and thoughtful from his youth up. 
 with always a leaning toward the ministry, and 
 while living on his farm in Lycoming County, hav- 
 ing developed more than ordinary capabilities as a 
 speaker and worker in the Master's vineyaid, he 
 was licensed to preach, and was ordained a Deacon 
 in the Methodist Episcopal ChurcW by the late la- 
 mented Uishop Ames. 
 
 Upon coming to this county Mr. Phillips changed 
 his church relationship and identified himself with 
 the Methoilist Protestants. For seventeen years 
 thereafter he was connected with the LaGrange cir- 
 cuit of Indiana. For a period of six years he be- 
 longed to the Newburg circuit in Cass County, and 
 one 3'ear was in Lhe Poster circuit in Van ISuren 
 County. Thence he went to Charlotte, Mich., where 
 he was stationed two j'ears. and thereafter beloiiged 
 to the circuits of I'uiou, Hillsdale. North Jackson, 
 Diuiondaie and Eaton. He then to(^k up the work 
 of an evangelist, laboring in lliis field (vr one year. 
 
 In the fall of 1888 Mr. Phillips was appointed a 
 home missionary iu the Northern Indiana and West 
 Michigan Conference. He had l)een married in Ly- 
 coming County, Pa.. April 2, 1842. to Miss Sarah 
 Callahan, who was hovn there in August. 1823. 
 Mrs. Phillips is the daughter of Dennis and Jane 
 Callahan, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and 
 are now deceased. The parental family included 
 twelve children. 
 
 To our subject and his estimable wife there have 
 been born seventeen children, twelve of whom lived 
 to mature years, the otiiers dying in infanc}'. The 
 
^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 219 
 
 survivors were mimed respcelively : Martha J., 
 Ellen M., Henry B., Oaniel M., Steplien D., David 
 M., Mary A., Dennis L., .lohn S.. Elmer E., Hillin- 
 ilia M. and Will T. Ellen M. and David are since 
 deceased. 
 
 Mr. Phillips owns eighty-lwo acres of "ood land, 
 most of which is in a productive condition, and 
 has convenient and tasteful farm l)uildin<(s. His 
 record has been distiiiguislied hy a large-hearted 
 lienevolencc which has inspired him in his church 
 labors to work long and late, sometimes without 
 other compensation than the conscientiousness of 
 having done his <liity. He is a clear and forcible 
 speaker, convincing in argument, and his earnest 
 manner seldom fails to impress his hearers with the 
 truth of his utterances. He and his estimable wife 
 count their friends bj' the score in this county, and 
 their home is the frequent resort of its best people. 
 He has reared his chihhen in that manner which 
 will make of them good and useful citizens, and his 
 record altogether is one of which his children will 
 never be ashamed. 
 
 I ' i ' I ' ^ ' ^ ' " " 
 
 JAMES T. GORTON, a higiily respected mem- 
 ber of the farming community of Nottawa 
 Township, is pleasantly located on section 
 2!), wliere. with his farailj", he is surrounded 
 
 by all things needful for his comfort, and is pursu- 
 ing the even tenor of his way as an honest man and 
 good citizen. He is a native of the Empire State, 
 and was born near the town of Henrietta, in Mon- 
 roe County, Jan. 2'.», 1M24. Reared to fiirm life, 
 he has been familiar with its pleasures and emplo}'- 
 ments since his first recollection, and he rcniaineil a 
 member of the parental household until a young 
 man twenty-two years of age. He then commenced 
 working land on shares, ami was thus occupied in 
 his native .^tate until the spring of 1854. 
 
 In the meantime, on the 18tli of March, 18.'i0, 
 our subject was united in marriage with MissHulda 
 J. Mansfield. The young people began life to- 
 gether in Genesee County. N. V.. where they lived 
 initil the spring of I8,")4. and then Mr. Gorton, dis- 
 posing of his interests in Ins native county, and 
 bidding adieu to the friends anil associations of 
 
 his boyhood, started overland with his family for 
 Michigan. Soon after his arrival he selected a 
 tract of land in Nottawa Township, this county, 
 where he located and hassince lived. His property 
 comprises a farm of sixty-six acres, all of which is 
 in a productive condition. His buildings are fairly 
 good, and he has the outhouses and machinery suit- 
 able for the successful prosecution of his calling. 
 
 John Gorton, the father of our subject, was born 
 in Hartford County, Conn., and married Miss Al- 
 mira Ellis, a native of the same place. Thej' con- 
 tinued residents of Hartford County a few years, 
 then, leaving New England, estultlished themselves 
 on a farm in the vicinity of Henrietta, Monroe 
 County, N. Y. Later the^- removed to Bergen. 
 Genesee County, where thej- spent the remainder 
 of their lives. 
 
 To the parents of our subject there were born 
 eight children, four sons and four daughters, of 
 whom James T. was the fifth in order of birth. 
 The parents of Mrs. Gorton were William and Poll}' 
 (.lacobs) Mansfield, the father a native of London, 
 England, and the mother of Rutland. Vt. Mr. 
 Mansfield crossed the Atlantic early in life, and 
 after his marriage settled in Washington County, 
 N. Y.. where he engaged in the boot and shoe trade. 
 Later he removed with his family to Bergen, in 
 Genesee Count}', where his death took place in the 
 fall of 1853. The mother, after the death of her 
 husband, came to this county and made her home 
 with her dnughter. Jlrs. Gorton, until her decease, 
 which took place Nov. 27. 1865. 
 
 William and Polly Mansfield were the [larents of 
 nine children. <p( wIkhu Mrs. <,Jorton was next tothe 
 youngest. She was born in Hartford, Washington 
 Co.. N. Y., May 10. 1831, and remained under 
 the home roof until her marriage, acquiring a com- 
 mon-school education, and becoming familiar with 
 household duties, the knowledge of which has so 
 much inllucnce in the comfort and happiness of a 
 home. Her union with our subject has resulted in 
 the birth of five childri'ii: Emogeue is the wife of 
 Dwight Legg. and they are residing in Colon; Fie- 
 mont. a railroad man, makes his headquarters at 
 home; .ludson died at the age of seventeen years; 
 Eliza is the wife of .lames H. Murray, of South 
 Boardman, Mich.; .Maude died at the age of seven 
 
 ^ 
 
•^f^ 
 
 4 
 
 220 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 years. Emogene and Eliz.i took kindly to tlieir 
 books in tiieir childhood, and developed into suc- 
 cessful school teachers. These two daughters with 
 their parents are niomhers in good standing of the 
 Baptist Church, with which Mr. Gorton has been 
 connected since 18G7. His estimable wife has also 
 been an almost lifelong member of this church, hav- 
 ing united with it as earl}- as 1857. Mr. Gorton 
 cast his first Tresidential vote for James K. Polk, 
 and has been a Republican since the organization of 
 the party over thirty-two years ago. 
 
 N. ADDl.sON. In the career of this most 
 |ti highly esteemed citizen of Leonidas Town- 
 ship we note that of the self-made man, 
 who from an humble beginning in life has 
 arisen to an enviable position, socially and finan- 
 cially, among his fellowmen. Deprived of parental 
 care at an earl}' age, he was an inmate of the home 
 of his grandfather until a lail of thirteen years, .ind 
 then by the death of that relative was thrown en- 
 tirely upon his own resources. It is usually the 
 rule that not only Providence, but humanity, assists 
 those who try to help themselves, and that rule has 
 held good in relation to the life of Mr. Addison. 
 
 The main points in a history of more than usual 
 interest are as follows: H. N. Addison was born 
 over sixty-eight years ago in the little town of 
 Euclid, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, on the 12th of May, 
 1820. From that time on until a man twenty-eight 
 3'ears of age he was a resident mostly of his na- 
 tive county, and variouslj' occupied, mostly, how- 
 ever, in agricultural pursuits. The exception to 
 this was three seasons in which he sailed on the 
 Liikes. Ul)on leaving the Buckeye State, accom- 
 panied by his wife, he made his way to Elkhart 
 Count}', Ind., in 1848. He had commenced teach- 
 ing when twenty-two years of age, and thereafter 
 followed this profession twenty-six winters in suc- 
 cession, meeting with more than ordinary success. 
 In Elkliart County. Ind.. he si-ttled upon a tract of 
 land which he had purchaseil before his marriage. 
 After a resi<lence there of about sixteen months he 
 returned to Ohio on account of ill-health, and re- 
 sided there three years longer, being employed once 
 
 more on the Lakes as a sailor two seasons, and the 
 last season was m.ate of a vessel. 
 
 At the expiration of this time Mr. Addison con- 
 cluded to venture once more into the wilds of In- 
 diana, and lived in Elkhart County this time a 
 period of four and one-half years. He then traded 
 off a portion of his property for the land which he 
 has since transformed into a good farm in Leonidas 
 Township, this county. This latter he located upon 
 in April, 1857, and for a period of more than 
 twenty years has been numbered among its better 
 class of farmers and the most reliable citizens of his 
 township. From a tract of wild land he has built 
 up one of its best homesteads, and added to his first 
 purchase until he is now the owner of 240 acres, 
 1 GO of which he has brought to a goo<l state of cul- 
 tivation. He carries on mixed agriculture, and is 
 in the enjoyment of a good income. 
 
 The lady who has for the last forty years been 
 the faithful companion and helpmate of our sub- 
 ject was ill her girlhood Miss Lovisa R. Ransom, 
 and became his wife at Warrcnsville. in Cuyahoga 
 County, Ohio, March 30, 1848. Mrs. Addison was 
 born in the .ibove-mentioned place, June 17, 1827, 
 and there spent her childhood and youth under the 
 parental roof. Of her union with our subject there 
 have been born six children, four of whom are liv- 
 ing: William R., a capable and intelligent business 
 man, is a mail agent on the Air Line Railroad, 
 and a resident of Leonidas; Nina C. ; Bertha J., a 
 teacher, and Mary A., make their home with their 
 parents; Rachel L.. a deceased daughter, became 
 the wife of A. B. Southwick. and died at her home 
 in Mendon. Sept. 18, 1873: Isola A. died at the 
 age of eight years and seven months. 
 
 Mr. Addison, politically, aims to supportllie men 
 whom he considers best qualified ft)r the duties of 
 otlice, and consequently is independent. Both he 
 and his excellent wife are meinbei's in good stand- 
 ing of the Christian Church. They also belong to 
 the P. of H. Mr. Ad<lison has been School In- 
 spector in his district a period of five years, served 
 as Highway Commissioner the same length of time, 
 has been Justice of the Peace a number of years, 
 and has also represented Leonidas Township in the 
 County Board of Supervisors. As a fanner he has 
 been thorough and skillful, and his surroundings in- 
 
ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 -•^HH* 
 
 221 
 
 \ 
 
 *■ 
 
 dicatc the exercise of cultivated tastes and ample 
 means. In IWi he completed a handsome and 
 substantial residence, which, with its surroundings, 
 fulfills the modern idea of the complete home. Pub- 
 lic-spirited and liberal, there are few wortiiy pro- 
 jects to which he h.os not lent his name, his influence 
 and more substantial .assistance. 
 
 William Addison, the father of our subject, was 
 born Dec. 6. 1791, in New Hampshire, and married 
 Miss Hannah Stiles, who w.as born in September, 
 1792, in the State of New York. Their family- con- 
 sisted of two sons only, our subject and his brother, 
 Hiram M., the latter of whom is now in Cleveland, 
 Ohio. Tiie fatlier died in KIkhart County, Ind., 
 July 8, 18G7. The mother subsequently returned 
 to her home in Cuyahosja County, Ohio, where her 
 death took place in May, 187G. 
 
 The parents of Mrs. Addison were Oliver and 
 Rachel (Hollister) Ransom, who were natives re- 
 spectively of Lyme and Covcntr}-, Conn. The 
 former was born Nov. 3, 1800. and the latter May 
 14, 1803. Both parents are living, having arrived 
 at an advanced age, and are S|)ending their last 
 years in Norwalk, Ohio. They had ten children, 
 who were named respectively: Lusina C. Sylves- 
 ter, Lovisa r., Lovisa Rosana, Cornelia R., \Vealthy 
 L., Philura L., Mary G., Gerdon M. and Eunice A. 
 Lovisa P. died at the age of one and one-half j-ears ; 
 Lusina died in 1880, when sixty -six years old; Syl- 
 vester died in 1875, at the age of fiftj' )-ears. The 
 others are residents mostlj' of Ohio. 
 
 i^,KTP:R WHITE is one of the loyal and pub- 
 IJIJ lie-spirited citizens of Nottawa Township. 
 ^ and the owner of a farm on section 2, 
 some 160 acres in extent, which leaves 
 upon the mind of the interested visitor the idea 
 that the owner thereof is a man who knows his 
 business, and knowing it performs it in a thorough 
 and efficient manner. He is the son of Zeboath 
 an<l Susan (Oman) White. His father was by oc- 
 cupation an agriculturist, and prosperous therein. 
 Both he and his wife were natives of Clinton 
 County, Pa., were there liroiight up. married and 
 
 4» 
 
 started in life. Thence they removed to Crawford 
 County, Ohio, and in the spring of 1853 came to 
 this county and settled in Nottawa Township, which 
 was their home until their cleath. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was the eldest of three 
 children born to his parents. His life began in 
 Columbia County. Pa., on the 19th of January, 
 1825. He accompanied his parents on the various 
 removals above enumerated, making his home with 
 them until their death, the former Oct. 31,1803, and 
 the latter .luly 1 3. 1 888. He fully learned the multi- 
 farious details of farm work, and as a young man 
 was ever the equal of any of his age in almost any 
 department of farm work. 
 
 Weary of a single life Mr. White married, Aug. 
 21, 1849, Sarah Ann Melicli. This lady is the 
 daughter of Andred and Sarah (Best) Melich. She 
 was the fifth of seven children born to her parents. 
 The pliice of her nativity was Mt. Pleasant, Co- 
 lumbia Co., Pa., and the date of that important 
 event the 10th of May, 1831. Our subject went 
 with his wife and one child to Crawford County, 
 Ohio, where he remained for two 3'ears, and in the 
 spring of 1853 removed to this county and settled 
 in Nottawa Township. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. White are the parents of seven 
 children, who bear the following names: Emory, 
 Frank, Susannah, Andrew, Esther, Peter and E<lith. 
 Emory still remains at home, his father's helper ; 
 Frank resides in Nottawa Township; Susannah is 
 the wife of Ira Barnebee, of Kalamazoo County; 
 Andrew is one of the progressive farmers of Not- 
 tawa Township; the other members of the family 
 are still at h(jme. 
 
 The farm and buildings of our subject are well 
 kept, and seem to indicate an intelligent, progress- 
 ive and prosperous .agriculturist at the head of 
 affairs. His residence is not altogether unpreten- 
 tious, is well arranged, comfortably furnished, and 
 in every regard a true home. Although at all times 
 anxious to do his part as a citizen, and bear the re- 
 sponsibilities that come to him in that relation, and 
 especially desirous of doing everything that will 
 promote the welfare of the State, he is not a poli- 
 tician in the ordinary acceptance of that word, but 
 at the same time makes a point to study and under- 
 stjind current questions in the political world. He 
 
 >► i ■» 
 
■♦- 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUKTY. 
 
 ii^H* 
 
 is an adilirtte of the Democratic party. Bolli Mr. 
 anfl Mrs. Wliite eiijoj- tliu |)erfect confidence and 
 highest esteem of the ctjirimiinity. and are in every 
 circle accorded the heartiest welcome. 
 
 REDERICK C. KNOX. It was a matter of 
 snr|)rise to European nations nsed to enor- 
 mous standing armies that as soon as the 
 necessity of war was over and the last battle was 
 fought, that the American Union Army met and 
 had its grand review, and after a few words of 
 commendation and patriotic remark from its chief 
 olficers. disbanded, and then was scattered through- 
 out the length and breadth of the land, melting like 
 mist of the morning at the approach of the King of 
 Day. The gentleman wliose life is here recorded is 
 one who fought with the boys in blue for the old 
 flag, and when no longer needed upon the battle- 
 field returned to the more peaceful avocation of 
 husbandry. 
 
 The father of our subject was Charles H. Knox, 
 who was the husband of Marj' J. Craft. They were 
 married at Sturgis, and settled in Centreville in I S'3r>. 
 There they lived for manj'3'ears; .Mr. Ku<jx de- 
 parted this life in the j-ear 1852, and is still sur- 
 vived by his widow, who makes her home with our 
 subject. 'Vhey were the parents of the following 
 children, all of whom lived to mature years: Henry, 
 Daniel M., Josephine, Mary, Charles F. and William. 
 The two first named are deceased. 
 
 Our subject was born at Centreville on the •24th 
 of Jul}', 1843, and lived in the village until he was 
 about twelve years of age. He removed with his 
 mother, after his father's decease, to the farm in 
 Nottawa Township, where he has since made his 
 home, and carried on as well as he was able the 
 work connected therewith. 
 
 Among the first to answer the call for soldiers was 
 our subject. He enlisted Aug. 1, 1861, in Battery 
 D, of the 1st Jlichigan I.,ight Artillerj-, and served 
 for three j'ears, receiving an honorable discharge in 
 November, 1864. On account of the heavy con- 
 cussions caused by the continual firing of heavy 
 ordnance and large guns at the battle of Mission- 
 ary Ridge he sustained an injury to the tj'mpanum 
 
 4* 
 
 of the left ear, which caused him to lose his hearing 
 on that side, while that of the right is also some- 
 what impaired. Owing to inflammation his eyesight 
 is also affected, that of the right eye being the 
 wtirse. 
 
 Upon being discharged from military service Mr. 
 Knox returned to his home in Nottawa. and resumed 
 farming, where he has the charge of 200 acres of 
 land in a high state of (;ultivation, operated upon 
 the line of general farming with considenible suc- 
 cess. His farm is well slitcked, and provided with 
 necessary' implements, machines and buildings, 
 which he has been careful to erect after the most 
 approved plans. 
 
 Mr. Knox was married in Centreville, this State, 
 becoming the husband of Juliet Ingalls, who is the 
 daughter of Jonathan and Adelia (Brooks) Ingalls. 
 They were old settlers in the county, having come 
 to Nottawa about the year 1830, from which time 
 they resided there continuously until their decease, 
 and until lier marriage Mrs. K. continued to reside 
 there. Mr. and Mrs. Knox are the |)arents of two 
 children — Hercia B. and Josephine. 
 
 The sulijecl of our sketch has been elected to the 
 offices of Highway Commissioner and .School Asses- 
 sor, and has held the same for several 3"ears. He is 
 a member in good standing of the David Oaks 
 Post No. 132, G. A. R.. of Centreville, and takes a 
 great interest in the work of the same. His politi- 
 cal position is that of the Republican partj% which 
 he has alw.ays esi)oused. 
 
 '^it^ 
 
 ff^-^^ENRY LOHR, well known throughout Not- 
 tawa Township and its neighborhood as a 
 thorough, enterprising and successful far- 
 v^) mer, is the son of William and Elizabeth 
 (Miller) Lohr, both of whom were natives of Penn- 
 sylvania. The parents of our subject were born at 
 Northumberland, Pa. They were married in their 
 native State, and there made their home for a time, 
 removing to Illinois in 1854. Thej- died in Stephen- 
 son Count}'* that State. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was the sixth of eight 
 children born to his parents; this interesting event 
 occurred on the 10th of February, 1819, in Union, 
 
 r 
 
■*^^r^ 
 
 S>T. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •>2:i 
 
 or as it is now called, Snyder Comity. Pa. He was 
 l)r()uj;ht np on a farm, ami lias always been used to 
 farm life, associations and snrroundings. His home 
 was in liis native State until the year 18.i.5, when he 
 came West and settled in Nottawa Townslii[). this 
 county, where he has ever since been a resident. 
 He also owns 160 acres of good land in Dakota 
 Territory, niakin}; with his other farm 7.50 acres. 
 
 Mr. Lohr was married to Miss Klizabeth Swartz. 
 in Center County, on the 13th of Oclt)ber, 1842. 
 This lad\- was the estimable daughter of David and 
 Sarah Swartz. and was born on the •22d of February, 
 182C, in that county. This union resulted in the 
 birth of seven children, viz: David, now a resi- 
 dent of Nottawa Township; Susan J. is the wife of 
 .John Haishl)ergor. of Park Townshi|i; Cyrus lives 
 in Dakota; Sarah A. was the wife of John Young, 
 and died in Lockport Township in December, 187.5; 
 Mary C. and Dewitt Cline, Hiram W. died when 
 three years of .age, and one other child died iu 
 infancy. Mrs. Lohr departed this life on the 19th 
 of Febrnarj'. 1886. .She w.as an old member of the 
 (ierman Reformed Cliurcli, and much respected in 
 that community, as she was also in the community 
 generally. Our subject is identified with the same 
 religious organization and has been for many j-ears. 
 He takes considerable interest in questions of gov- 
 ernmental import, and usually votes with the Demo- 
 cratic part}'. 
 
 -f 
 
 /^^ YIU'S PALMKR. In this liiography the 
 [l(^. reader is introduced to one of the old set- 
 ^^/ tiers and esteemed citizens of the count}', 
 will) ill the days of its earlier history took an active 
 part in the efforts that have resulted so favoralil}' 
 toward the attainment of its iwesent position. His 
 farm is situated upon .section 13, Nottawa Town- 
 ship, comprises 188 acres, and is well improved and 
 cultivated. 
 
 Mr. Palmer was born in Walworth, W.ayne Co., 
 N. Y.. on the 7th of May. IHI.5. He is the son of 
 John and Nancy (Lamb) Palmer, who emigrated to 
 Lenawee County, this State, in the spring of 1831, 
 and settled on laml in what is now Uidgeway Town- 
 ship, where, after reaching a good old age. they 
 
 died. They were the parents of eleven children, 
 of whom our subject wjis the second born. He 
 camo with his parents when they removed to this 
 State, and w.as at the tinn; fifteen years of age. He 
 continued to live with them until the year 1838, 
 and then with his wife he came to this county, and 
 settled in Nottawa Township. His marriage was 
 celelirated in Lenawee County, in what is now 
 Ridge way Township, on the 17th of .September, 
 1837. when he was united with Mary Sehie<lcr. 
 This lady was born near the cit}- of Philadelphia, on 
 the 2 1 St of July, 1818. She is the daughter of 
 John and Susan ( Wambold) .Schreder, who also came 
 to Michigan in 1831, and settled in the same neigh- 
 borhood as the parents of our suliject, and they 
 ccjutinued to make their home there until their 
 death. The_v were the parents of seven children, 
 their daughter Mary being the eldest. 
 
 When Mr. and Mrs. Palmer emigrated to this 
 county the country was very little better than a 
 wilderness, and upon their settlement in the tcjwn- 
 sliip their first work w:is to make a clearing, that 
 done, to begin to improve the land and cultivate 
 it. Their first home was constructed of logs, and 
 in it they niaile their home for man}- years. It has 
 now, however, been replaced by a fine brick struc- 
 ture, making a very pleasant and comfortable home. 
 The farm is provided with the various machines 
 and implements needed for efTectiveand remunera- 
 tive operations thereon, and the result is seen in the 
 harvests that are gathered year by year. 
 
 The home circle of our suliject includes seven 
 children, whose names are recorded as follows: 
 George W., Charles A.. Harvey D., Celia L., Cyrus 
 A.. Kllis A. and Fred A. George is at present re- 
 siding at Wasepi, as is also bis brother Charles 
 A.; Harvey D. is living in the .State of New York; 
 Cyrus is at Three liivers; and Ellis is living at 
 Howard City, in this State. Celia is happily mar- 
 ried to W. W. Howell, of Jackson, .Mich.; Fred 
 still lives in Nottawa upon the home farm. 
 
 The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer was 
 celebrated on the 17tli of September. 1887. at which 
 a large number of relatives and friends were pres- 
 ent, as he is known throughout the county, and re- 
 spected by all. Practically, he has grown u|) with 
 the country. He \v.is preferred always to give his 
 
 r 
 
••» 
 
 22 4 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 f- 
 
 attention to liis own farming an(J other business, 
 and lias not cared to enter the lists in the political 
 .arena. He has nsually voted the Republican ticket, 
 of wiiieh party he has been a member for over fifty 
 years. When a 3-ounger man he was somewhat act- 
 ive in its campaigns, although not otherwise tak- 
 ing any special part. His character is such as to 
 commend itself to all, and in consequencehe receives 
 that peculiar regard which amounts almost to ven- 
 eration that is given to those so long identified with 
 one community. His wife is also worthy in every 
 way, and is the recipient of the same respect as her 
 husband, and holds a high place in the regard of 
 her friends and neighbors, as was expressed at the 
 recent happy gathering referred to above. Mr. 
 Palmer is living on 160 .acres of land he entered 
 from the Government under President Jackson, 
 fiom which he has never moved, perhaps the only 
 one in his township. 
 
 — — ♦|-^1<J-|«'^— 
 
 \t 
 
 f 
 
 OHN CATTELL, a late resident of Leonidas 
 Township, and a man held in high esteem 
 by all who knew him, was born in Somerset- 
 shire, England. Feb. 12. 1833, and emigrated 
 to America in 185G, accompanied by his mother 
 and the younger members of the family, joining 
 the father, "William Cattell. who had crossed the 
 Atlantic the previous spring. 
 
 William Cattell came to this country in company 
 with his son Charles in the spring of 1856, and was 
 joined by his wife and the balance of his family in 
 November following, with the exception of Emma 
 and William, who had settled in the northern part of 
 this county some time before. Here the parents of 
 our subject spent the remainder of tiieir lives, the 
 father carrying on farming successfully and enjoy- 
 ing in a marked degree the esteem and confidence 
 of his fellow-citizens. He also was a native of 
 Somersetshire, England, born in the parish of Oak, 
 May 5, 1801, and married Miss Anna Totterdall, a 
 native of his own county, born in the parish of 
 Westhatch, April 14, 1800, and, like himself, of 
 an excellent famil3-. Thej' became the parents 
 of nine children, four sons and five daughters, who 
 were named respectively : William, Betsej-, John, 
 
 Emma M.. Charles. Addie. Alfred, Jessie and Lucy. 
 .Seven of these are living. 
 
 Our subject lived with his parents in Nottaway 
 Township some years after coming to this county, 
 and then, being of an enterprising disposition, and 
 being desirous of doing for himself, he rented a 
 tract of land in Burr Oak Township, which he op- 
 erated successfully until the spring of 1864. He 
 had in the meantime been married, and now re- 
 moved with his wife and child to Leonidas Town- 
 ship, settling upon his own laud, which was then in 
 an unimproved condition. His labors met with the 
 legitimate reward of industry and perseverance, 
 and in the course of time he had surrounded him- 
 self and his little family with all the comforts of 
 modern life. His farm comprised 200 acres on sec- 
 tion 29, where he erected good buildings and 
 brought the soil to a thorough state of cultivation. 
 He provided himself with the most approved ma- 
 ehinerj', kept a goodly' assortment of live stock, 
 and bore the reputation of a progressive, liberal- 
 minded and public-spirited citizen. His death, 
 which was a source of regret to the entire com- 
 munity, took place on the 11th of January, 1888. 
 He left to his heirs a fine estate, including 200 acres 
 of laud and valuable personal property. 
 
 Mr. Cattell suffered a long and painful illness, 
 being afflicted with Bright's disease, and which he 
 bore with true Christian fortitude. He was a firm 
 believer in the principles of the Christian religion, 
 although not identified with anj' religious organiza- 
 tion. He made it the rule of his life to do unto 
 others as he would be done b}', and was pos-sessed 
 by that kind, charitable and hospitable spirit which 
 was ever ready to bestow benefits both upon friends 
 and strangers. By his children and all who knew 
 him his name is held in most tender remembrance. 
 After becoming a naturalized citizen he identified 
 himself with the Democratic partj' until the last 
 ten years, when he became a Republican. He was 
 a stanch supporter of Union principles during the 
 Civil War, and gave of his means and influence both 
 to this and all other measures that should result in 
 benefit to his fellow-beings. 
 
 Mr. Cattell at his death left a devoted wife and 
 
 two children, the former of whom in her girlhood 
 
 days Miss Amanda E. Engle, was the daughter of 
 
 ^ 
 
 
■<^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 225 
 
 one of the first families to settle in St. Joseph 
 County. Her father, James Engle, a native of Liv- 
 ingston Countj-, N. Y., was born May 16, 1815, 
 and was a youth of sixteen years when he came 
 to this region, as early as 1830, during the Terri- 
 torial days. He married Miss Margaret Vincent, 
 who was born Dec. 19, 1818, in Purnielia, Jefferson 
 Co., Js'. Y.. and who came with her parents to 
 Michigan in the year 1836. After marriage thej- 
 settled in Burr Oak Township, of which the}' were 
 residents from that time on. The mother departed 
 this life on the 6th of December, 1880, and the 
 father is still living at the old homestead. Their 
 faniil}' included two sons and six daughters, and 
 only four of the children lived to mature years, 
 namely : Amanda E., Ursula E., George D. and 
 Addie B. 
 
 Mrs. Amanda E. Cattell was born in Burr Oak 
 Township, this county, Jan. 31, 1842, and remained 
 a member of her father's household until her mar- 
 riage, on the 25th of November, 1862, when she was 
 nearly twentj'-one years old. Of this congenial 
 union there were born two daughters — Dora E. and 
 Rachel A. The former is the wife of Charles P. 
 Monfort. and, with her husband, is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. Rachel, who is fa- 
 miliarly known as Radie, continues at home with 
 her mother, and they are members of the Congre- 
 gational Church. Both daughters are possessed of 
 more than ordinarj' musical talent, and have been 
 engaged in teaching considerably. They are favor- 
 ites in the social circle of Leonidas Township, where 
 they have a large number of acquaintances and 
 friends. The family is widely known and highly' 
 respected throughout this part of the county, and 
 in the death of John Cattell Leonidas Township 
 lost one of its most useful men, one who had con- 
 tributed largely toward its growth and development. 
 
 f]_^ ERMAN DAVIS. The Davis homestejid. em- 
 briicing 105 acres of good land, is pleas- 
 ^ antl}' located on section 19, and attracts the 
 attention of the passer-by on account of the 
 air of thrift and comfort which surrounds it. The 
 present proprietor, who has been a resident of Colon 
 
 Township since the spring of 1865, during his 
 twentj' 3'ears' residence in this section has earned 
 the reputation of a praiseworthy and reliable citi- 
 zen, one whom his neighbors hold iu high esteem. 
 
 This branch of the Davis family for some genera- 
 tions back has been widely and favorably known 
 throughout the Empire State. Horace Davis, the 
 father of our subject, was born in Onondaga County, 
 N. Y., which it is supposed was also the birth pl.ace 
 of the mother, who in her girlhood was jNIiss Eliza 
 Gardner. They lived there for a time after their 
 marriage, then removed to Ashtabula County, Ohio, 
 whence in 1858 they came to Michigan. At once 
 taking up their residence in Colon Township, this 
 count}', they lived and labored on the tract of land 
 from which the father built up a good homestead, 
 and where his death took place in 1868. The 
 mother is still living, being now at an adv.anced 
 age, and cared for by her children. 
 
 The six children of the parental household in- 
 cluded three sons and three daughters, and Herman 
 of our sketch was the third in order of birth. He 
 first opened his eyes to the light near the town of 
 Marcellus, Onondaga Co., N. Y., April 4, 1828. 
 All of his brothers and sisters lived to mature 
 years, and all survive but one. Herman contin- 
 ued a member of the parental household until 
 about twenty -one years of age, then started out for 
 himself, and began to make arrangements for the es- 
 tablishment of a home of his own. He first em. 
 ployed himself at farming, and continued a resident 
 of his native count}- until 1865. In the meantime 
 he was married, July 24, 1852, to Miss Emily, 
 daughter of Sturgis and Mary (Burr) Sherwood, 
 the former a native of Connecticut and the Latter of 
 New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood spent 
 the whole of their married life in Onondaga County, 
 N. Y., and their last years in the town of Otisco, 
 where the mother died in 1855 and the father in 
 1861. 
 
 In the spring of 1865. Herman Davis, having 
 disposed of his property in the Empire State, 
 gathered together his personal effects and his 
 famil)', consisting of his wife and four children, 
 .and coming to this county settled in Colon Town- 
 ship. He first purchased eighty-five acres of land, 
 and set himself vigorously to work to cultiv.ate the 
 
 :*^i-« 
 
^ 
 
 ^»- 
 
 220 
 
 ■*► 
 
 ,t 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 soil and l)iiild up a homestead. Later lie added 
 twenty acres to his first purchase, and has brought 
 the whole to a fine state of cultiv.ition, at the same 
 time investing his spare capital in the neat and sub- 
 stantial farm buildings which are foremost among 
 the attractive features of the estate. 
 
 Mrs. Davis was the seventh of her parents' family 
 of eight children, and was born in Otisco. N. Y., 
 Feb. 11, 1826. She received excellent home training 
 and a common-school educ.ition, and continued un- 
 der the parental roof until her marriage. Of her 
 union with our subject there have been born six 
 children, of whom but four are living: George, 
 the eldest, is carrying on farming successfulh" 
 in Nottawa Township, this county; Addie is the 
 wife of William Il.azzard, who is engaged in teach- 
 ing school in Nebraska; Minnie continues .at home 
 with her parents; Carrie is the wife of D.ayton llig- 
 gins, of Mason County. The deceased arc Annie and 
 Frankie. The former died when an interesting young 
 lady of twenty-three years of age; Frankie was 
 taken from the home circle when a little lad of two 
 years. The wife of our subject, a most excellent 
 lady, h.is been in delicate health for some time. 
 
 Mr. Davis is a cordial supporter of Repub- 
 lican principles. lie is a man quiet and unostenta- 
 tious in m.anner, and has carefully avoided the re- 
 sponsibilities of the oftice-holder. although in 
 former years he occupied various positions of trust 
 in his township. 
 
 ^HKO M. SCOVILLK.an .aged .and highly re- 
 spected resident of Constantine, was born in 
 Collinsville, Lewis Co., N. Y..,Tune 5, 1809. 
 lie was reared to manhood on a farm, and has made 
 agriculture the chief business of his life. When 
 establishing a home of his own he was married at 
 Russia, Herkimer Co., N. Y., March 1, 1840, to 
 Miss Lucinda I'lieljis. This lady was born in 
 Sempronius, Cayuga Co., N. Y.. April 14, 1817. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. .Scoville after their marriage settled 
 in Collinsville. N. Y.. where they lived until 1847, 
 then changed their residence to Conneautville, 
 Crawford Co., Pa., where they lived until coming 
 to the West. They had not then decided upon a 
 
 location, and Mr. Scoville spent some time visiting 
 various localities, but finall}' decided to locate in 
 Ovid, this State, where he made his home several 
 _years. Thence they removed to .St. John's, and two 
 years later to St. Louis, this State, abiding in the 
 latter place a period of ten years. In the fall of 
 1888 the f.amily came to Constantine. 
 
 Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Scoville there 
 have been born five children: The eldest, a 
 daughter, Fannie, is the wife of M. C. Lapp, of 
 Jackson; Benton H. is engaged in the practice of 
 law in Constantine; Bela P. is one of the physicians 
 of Constantine. and of wiiom a sketch appears else- 
 where in this volume; Jessie is the wife of George 
 Dutch, of Constantine: Carrie. Mrs. II. W. Woodin. 
 is a resident of St. Louis. Mich. Mr. .Scoville lias 
 seen much of life in the pioneer days of Michigan, 
 and although having been content to m.akc very little 
 stir in the world, has sustained the reputation of a 
 peaceful and law-abiding citizen, one whose career 
 has been that of which his children will never be 
 ashamed. 
 
 ENOCH WARF. This gentleman is numbered 
 among the younger farmers of Colon Town- 
 ,- ship, of which he is a native, and is prose- 
 
 cuting agriculture in a highly successful manner. 
 He ^i-st purchased fort^' acres in 1 883, and since 
 that time has given his close attention to the care- 
 ful cultivation of the soil and the building up of 
 his homestead. He labors upon the theory of the 
 late Horace Grcele}-, that a small farm well tilled 
 is more desirable than a large area partially- neg- 
 lected. He commenced early in life to la^' his plans 
 for the future, and is already ranked among the 
 solid and responsible citizens of .*>t. Joseph County. 
 
 Daniel Ware, the father of our subject, and his 
 wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Bulin, were 
 natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and after their 
 marriiige settled in Miffiin County, Pa. Twoj'ears 
 later they came to Michigan, taking up their resi- 
 dence in Colon Township, this county, about 1862. 
 The father purchased forty five acres on section 
 26, where he built up a Comfortable home, and 
 where he and his estimable wife still live. 
 
 The parental family of our subject included four 
 
 n^r^ 
 
.►-ir^^ 
 
 ST. .lOSEl'M COUNTY. 
 
 227 
 
 fliildren, two sons and two (laiijriitcrs. Of these 
 Enoch wns the thiiil in orilor of l)iith, nnd wa.sliorn 
 Aui,'. 21), 18(J2, at the honieslcad which liis parents 
 still otcu|)y in Coh>n Township, lie was reared to 
 farm pursuits, and educated in the tlislriet school. 
 lie was married at the age of twenty 3'ears, Dec. 7. 
 18S2, in Colon Township, to Miss Ada. daugliler of 
 Antlrew and Mary J. (Snook) Snook, who were na- 
 tives of MilHin County, I'a., where tiiey lived until 
 after their marriage. Mr. Snook during the late 
 war enlisted as a L'nion soldier fiom Mifllin Ct)unt3', 
 and met his death on the liattle-field of Petersburg. 
 The mother came to Michigan ahoul 18()7,anil was 
 snlisequently married to Daniel Wagner, a native 
 of Pennsylvania. They became the parents of one 
 child, a daughter, Ada, the wife of our subject. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Ware there have been born two 
 "hildrcn — Lester A. and Louisa V. Mr. Ware, po- 
 litically, supports the Republican party, and ha.s 
 serveil as llighwaj' Commissioner in his district for 
 some time. His residence and other farm build- 
 ings are creilitalile alike to his taste and industry, 
 and the whole forms a picture of the complete rural 
 home, whose beneficiaries are surrounded by all the 
 c(jm forts of life. 
 
 ^^ --^ 
 
 \«>«^AV11) IIAXDSIIAW. of Nottawa Towii- 
 '' ^'' ship, is of stanch Penns3'lvania stock, the 
 
 son of Peter .and Ann (Kleckner) lland- 
 sh.aw, who were natives of Northampton 
 County. I'a, There they were also reared and 
 married, and lived there for a time afterward. 
 Tlience they removed to Columbia County, and 
 afterward to Montour County. In the spring of 
 1 «(!.>, leaving the Keystone State, they came to 
 -Michigan and settled in Mendon Township, this 
 county. Later they removed to Lockport Town- 
 ship, where the father died in 1873. The mother 
 is still living at .an .advanced age. 
 
 To the parents of our subject there were born 
 eight children, of whom David w.as the eldest. lie 
 is also a native of Northampton County. Pa., and 
 was born .Ian. 4. \M0. When a Ijoy of eight or 
 nine vears he made a triji on the Delaware Canal 
 from Kaston to Philailelphin. and a year later he 
 
 left home, starting out in the world for himself. 
 He worked on a farm in his native county, where 
 he grew to manhood, and of which he was a resi- 
 dent until the fall of 18IH. Then going into Co- 
 lumbi.'i County he wjis employed in a stone quarry 
 until changing his residence to -Montour County. 
 In the latter he learned the trade of Idacksmith. 
 at which he worked three years, and then abandoned 
 it on account of an injury to his shoulder. 
 
 On the 2Gth of Augu.st. 1852, Mr. Ilandshaw w.as 
 married to .Mi.-is Catherine Fry. This lady was 
 born in Columbia County, Pa., Nov. 14. 1827. 
 The young (X'ople spent that winter in their native 
 .State, but in the spring of 18.").'} removed to Sum- 
 mit County, (Jhio, where they lived until the latter 
 part of August, our subject employing himself at 
 blacksmitiiing. His desires, however, were for 
 farm life, but land being at a high price in the 
 Buckeye St.ate he found that, with his limited means, 
 he would be obliged to go further West. He ac- 
 cordingly emigrated to Lee County, 111., and pur- 
 cli.'used a tr.act of pruirie. upon which he farmed 
 until the 1st of March. 18.).j. Then selling out he 
 came to this county and purchased a farm in Park 
 Township, where he continued to live until the 
 spring of 18(51. He then changed his residence to 
 Nottawa Township, taking possession of the land 
 which he now owns and occui)ies. 
 
 .Soon after making settlement here the outbreak 
 of the Civil War stimulated the inborn patriotism 
 of Mr. Ilandshaw, but although greatly desirous 
 of enlisting in the l'nion .service, circumstances 
 prevented. Two years later, however, he liire<l a 
 substitute, paying therefor ^1.000. In the mean- 
 time -Mr. Ilandshaw busied himself with his farm- 
 ing pursuits, and in due time became the owner of 
 200 acres of land l3-ingaU»ng the north banks of the 
 .St. Joseph Uiver. In 187.") he erected a line brick 
 residence and has made other valuable injprove- 
 ments. He also ojx'rated a threshing-machine about 
 twenty-live years in this county, having had consid- 
 erable ex|)erience in this line both in Pennsyl- 
 vania and Illinois, and being very successful. 
 
 Both Mr. and -Mrs. Ilandshaw arc charter mem- 
 bers of Parkville Grange, Lodge No. 22, in which 
 they take an active interest, and in which Mr. II. 
 Ii.is held many of the imjiortant otlices. including 
 
 :^^^^ 
 
-^^ 
 
 228 
 
 t 
 
 ST. .lOSEPIl COUNTY. 
 
 •► m ^ 
 
 those of Lecturer. Master. Overseer and Chaplain. 
 In the M.isouic fraternity he is a ineuiber of Blue 
 Lodge No. 36, of Mendon. Both he and his ex- 
 cellent wife belong to the Presbyterian Church, in 
 which Mr. IL h.as been for many years a Deacon 
 and Trustee. He is a strong- temperance man, 
 warmly interested in the success of the cause. 
 
 HARLES H. McKINSTER is one of the lead- 
 ing citizens of Colon, and is also one of its 
 ?' most prominent business men. being a mem- 
 ber of the firm of Wilkinson & Co., dealers in 
 drugs and groceries. He is a native of New York, 
 born in 1848, the elder of the two children born 
 to Thomas and Mahala (Wilkinson) McKinster, na- 
 tives of New York. The}' came to Michigan when 
 our subject was five years old, and settled in Colon 
 Village, where the father followed his trade of 
 cooper for twenty years. He then moved onto a 
 farm in this county, and continued to reside thereon 
 until his death, whicii occnrre<l in 1876, when he 
 was about fifty -six years old. This county was then 
 deprived of one of its worthiest citizens, one who 
 had ever led an upright life, and who stood high in 
 the community where he dwelt. His excellent wife 
 survived him until 1882, when she too p.-issed aw.iy, 
 at the age of fifty-five. She had a brother who 
 served in the Mexican War, and now resides in 
 Rochester, N. Y. 
 
 Charles McKinster was reared in Colon, receiv- 
 ing from his good parents a careful training that 
 well fitted him for the duties of life that have since 
 devolved upon him as a man and .is a citizen. He 
 acquired a sound education in the graded school 
 of Colon, and after the completion of his education 
 he left the home of his parents, and making his 
 way to Northern Michigan, found employment in 
 a cooper factor}- there. He subsequently entered 
 the profession of teacher, and was Principal of the 
 Colon public school for nearly two years, entering 
 earnestly and with great interest into his duties as 
 instructor, meeting with marked success, and gain- 
 ing high rank among those of the profession in St. 
 Joseph County. During this time he also held his 
 present partnership, and at length the demands of 
 
 his business were such that lie gave up teaching to 
 devote his whole attention to his mercantile pur- 
 suits. The firm has a neat and attractive store, 
 carries a large and well-selected stock, and has an 
 extensive trade. 
 
 Mr. McKinster was married in 1874, in Gales- 
 burg, Mich., to Miss Evaliue L. Davis, and to her 
 devotion and sympathy he undoubtedly owes much 
 of his success in life. She is a native of Michigan, 
 born in 1855. the eldest in the family of four chil- 
 dren of William C. and Antoinette (Lyon) Davis, 
 early settlers of St. Joseph County. Her parents 
 reside at Leonidas. where for many j-ears her father 
 was engaged as a w.agon-m.aker. After marriage Mr. 
 McKinster remained one year in Northern Michi- 
 gan, and then returned to Colon, and eng.aged in 
 business .as before mentioned. He is a wide-awake 
 business man, prompt and honorable in his deal- 
 ings, genial and entertaining in his intercourse with 
 others. He stands higii in mercantile and social 
 circles of St. Joseph County, and is very influen- 
 tial in the administration of the public affairs of 
 this community, being at present Township Treas- 
 urer of Colon Township, and is also a member of 
 the School Board. He is prominently identified 
 with the A. F. & A. M.. was Secretary for a num- 
 ber of years, is a member of the Chapter and pres- 
 ent Secretar}' thereof. He Lakes a deep interest in 
 politics, and alRliates with the Republican part}'. 
 
 In the pleasant home of our subject and his ami- 
 able wife five children have been born to them, 
 three of whom are living — Fred E., Edna G. and 
 an infant. Fred is an attendant at one of the ex- 
 cellent schools of Colon. Nellie died in 1882, when 
 near!}' five years of age; Ned died in 1886, when 
 nearly six months old. 
 
 t> ••J»sa>-«^^<5,r-- * 
 
 FRANCISCO KLADY, a native of this county, 
 was born in Nottawa Township, of which 
 he is still a resident, March 12. 1841. Michi- 
 gan hiid then been a State l)ut a little over four 
 years, and ihe boyhood days of our subject were 
 spent amid the scenes of pioneer life, and while he 
 was being transformed from a boy to a man his 
 native State was also growing in like proportion. 
 
 -f 
 
^H^ 
 
 ■•^Hh-^* 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 229 
 
 
 The si't'iios which he has witnessed as the counliy 
 slowly settled up. and civilization hegan to plant 
 its footsteps more decidedly ujwn the soil of Sonth- 
 ern .Michigan, if pn>perl_v set forth in print would 
 make a fair sized volume. 
 
 Mr. Klady has been of a thoughtful and observ- 
 ant mind from his 3'outh up, and has kept his eyes 
 open to what was going on in the wor|d around 
 him. lie was traine<l to habits of industry, given 
 a practical education, and entered upon the strug- 
 gle of life well equipped to meet the dilliculties 
 which are the common lot of everj- man. His la- 
 bors have been amply rewanled. he being now the 
 owner of a good property embracing a farm 120 
 acres in extent, with substantial buildings and the 
 greater part of the land in a productive condition. 
 He is, in fact, surrounded by all the comforts of 
 life. 
 
 William Klady. the father of our subject, was born 
 in Montezuma, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1810, 
 and married Miss Nanc\' Knickerbocker, a native of 
 Dutchess County, the same State, and born March 
 17, 1800. The parents were residents for a time 
 of Cattaraugus County, but about 1831 left the 
 Empire State with their little family-, an<l settled in 
 Xottawa Township, this county, where the father 
 began to battle with the elements of a new soil, and 
 in common with his brother pioneers, labored in the 
 development of a homestead. Here both parents 
 spent the remainder of their lives. The father died 
 Jan. 2, 187.5; the mother survived her husband a 
 period of over thirteen years, her death taking 
 place Sept. 23. I8Kri. 
 
 To William and Nancy Klady there were born 
 six chililren, of whom our subject was the fourth, 
 anil all born in Michigan. He received his educa- 
 tion in the district school, and remained a member 
 of the parental household until a young man (tf 
 twenty years, anticipating the time when he should 
 have a farm of his own. The outbreak of the Civil 
 War. however, drew his thoughts into another cur- 
 rent, an<l on the 24lh of Augu.st, 1 8t;i, a few months 
 after the rebel attack upon Ft. Sumter, he hastened 
 to the defense of the Union, eidisting in Company 
 A. I I til .Michigan Infantry. lie was mustered into 
 service at While I'igeon, Mich., going with his 
 regiment shortly after to Louisville. It was his lot 
 
 to participate in many of the important battles of 
 the war, namely: .Stone River, Chickamauga. Look- 
 out Mountain, Missionary Hi<lge, Hnzzard's Koost, 
 Resaca, Kenesaw .Mountain, and other minor en- 
 gagements and skirmishes. 
 
 Young Klady in the spring of 1 862, a few months 
 after his enlistment, w:is taken seriously ill and con- 
 fined in the hospital at Belmont Furnace, Ky., for 
 a time, when he was given a furlough, and return- 
 ing home spent about ten weeks under the old roof 
 tree, and under the excellent care of his friends 
 recovered his health and strength. He then re- 
 joined his regiment at Louisville, Ky. In the 
 winter of 1863-G4 he was detailed .as an Orderly 
 at post heailquartcrs in the vicinity of Rossville 
 Gap, Ga. The hardships and privations which he 
 endured, the weary marchings and the exposure, 
 arc but the simple story of thousands of his com- 
 rades, and form a part of American history which 
 will always stand out prominently among the Na- 
 tional records. At the expiration of his term of 
 enlistment Mr. Klady was mustered out at Sturgis. 
 Mich., and returning toNottawa Township resumed 
 the peaceful pursuits of farm life. He was broken 
 down in health, and it has taken years to restore 
 him to his former vigor, which even ncjw bears no 
 comparison to that of his youthful days. He went 
 into the fight conscientiously, nml no man, hearing 
 of the surrender of Lee at Apponi.atox, rejoiced 
 more heartily at the success of the Union Armies. 
 
 During his early manhood Mr. Klady had learned 
 the trade of a cabinet-n)aker, but onlv followed 
 this one and one-half years prior to his eidistment. 
 On the 20th of September. 1805, having l.'iid his 
 plans for a home of his own, he was united in 
 marriage to one of the most estimable young lailies 
 of this county. Miss Elizabeth McKercher. and the 
 young people commenced the journey of life to- 
 gether at a modest home in Nottawa Township. 
 They settled upon their present farm in 1805, and 
 upon this .Mr. K. has effected all the improvements 
 which to-day attract the attention of the passer-by 
 as indicative of the han<l of thrift and industry. 
 
 Mrs. Klady, the third child of her parents, was 
 born in Moscow Town.^hip, Hillsdale County, this 
 SUte. April 14. 1810, and is the daughter of John 
 and .Margaret (Dunn) McKercher, who were na- 
 
A. 
 
 no 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 i= 
 
 lives respectively of New York State and Pennsyl- 
 vania. In 1838 they removed from Living.ston 
 County, N. Y., to Hillsdale^County, Mich., settling 
 in Moscow Township, where the father began the 
 (leveK)pnient of a homestead, but only lived eight 
 years thereafter, his decease occurring Oct. 8, 1846, 
 when he was in the prime of life. The mother was 
 subsequently married to John C. McKercher, a 
 cousin of her former husband, and then coming to 
 this county in the fall of 1854. settled in Nottawa 
 Township, where her death took place Oct. 12, 
 187:3. 
 
 To the parents of Mrs. Klady there were born six 
 cliilihcii. four of whom are living. Mrs. K. re- 
 mained under the home roof during her childhood 
 and youth, receiving a common-school education 
 and becoming thoroughly versed in those householil 
 duties a knowledge of which has so much to do 
 with tlie happiness and comfort of a home. She 
 lias been the suitable companion of her husband in 
 Ills worthy efforts all through life, and has done her 
 share in making her home one of the pleasantest 
 places to be found. Mr. Klady, politically, is a 
 stanch Republican. lie keeps himself posted in re- 
 ganl to current events, and socially, belongs to David 
 Oaks Post No. 135, G. A. R.. at Centre ville. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Klady are the parents of two cliildren — Flor- 
 ence and Williani. 
 
 KV. ALPIIEIS WISNEH. This gentle- 
 man, well known in the county and needing 
 no introduction to the reader, w.is born in 
 J^Newfane. Niagara Co.. N. Y.. on the 5tli 
 of February, 1825. Upon the removal of his par- 
 ents to Lenawee County in this State in the year 
 1832. he continued with them at their new home in 
 Franklin Township. Our subject is the son of 
 Alualiam and Leah Wisner, who were natives of 
 Now York, .\fter their niarri.age they settled in 
 NiauaiM County, N. V. The}' were the parents of 
 fourteen children, our subject being tlic second. 
 
 Until he attained to manhood our subject con- 
 tinued to reside as above, receiving his ethication 
 in the schools of Franklin Township, afterward 
 engaging in farming. 
 
 In the year 1850 he went to 
 
 Athens, Calhoun County, where he passed through 
 both the primary and select schools. School days 
 over he engaged in farming, and continued thus 
 emploj'ed until the year 1850. when he became the 
 p.nstor of the Athens IJajjtist Church. He contin- 
 ued in charge of this congregation for six years, 
 and then commenced preaching in South Climax, 
 Kalamazoo County, where he continued preaching 
 for twent3--two 3-ears. lie has resided in Leonid.as 
 ever since resigning his charge in Kalamazoo 
 County. He ministered to the Baptist Church in 
 Branch County for eight years. During that time 
 he was settled in Leonidas Township. Since resign- 
 ing his charge at Johnson he has not been actively 
 engaged in the ministry, and gives his attention to 
 his farm. It is 150 .acres in extent. 
 
 In Franklin Township. Len.awee County, our 
 subject was united in m.arriage with Miss Juliette 
 Morrow, a lady in every waj- suited to him. one 
 capable of lilling the position of a true helpmate 
 to one so fully occupied and earnestly engaged in 
 the work of the ministry. She was born in Black 
 Rock. Erie Co.. N. Y.. Jan. 12, 1827. iind is the 
 daughter of Alexander and Mariah Morrow, of 
 Len.awee County. Mich. The felicity of the wed- 
 ded life of our suljject and wife lias been deepened 
 by the birth of their seven children, whose names 
 are recorded as follows: Jfary A.. .Sarah M., Amelia 
 C , Robert P.. Abram C, Edna E. and Charles A. 
 
 Upon three different occasions our subject has 
 been elected Justice of the Peace, and as often did 
 lie decline to serve, feeling tli.at it was impossible 
 for him properly to do so. His political sentiments 
 are symphonious with those of tlie Republican 
 party, with which he has been in heartiest accord. 
 He has done much to promote its interests in the 
 districts of which he h.as been a resident, and 
 largely assistetl in the organization thereof in this 
 State. 
 
 In his ministerial career .Mr. Wisner has officiated 
 .at over 500 funerals, and h.as been called upon to- 
 unite in wedlock more than 200 couples. As a 
 preacher he used the langu.age of the people, was 
 happy in the selection of forceful illustrations, plain 
 in argument and of good delivery, which m.ay 
 possibly account for the unusual Icngtli of time of 
 his ministry at South Climax. He enjoys a very 
 
 m»- 
 
►-1^4^ 
 
 ST. .lOSKl'lI COUNTY. 
 
 231 ' fl 
 
 fiiio reputatidii as a man. and it* everywlicre very 
 miicli rospecteil. He is no loss aMo in tlie lius- 
 bandi y of the fields, and in tliat of a more spiritual 
 iialiMc. liavinir tliorousrlily iml>ilifd tlio ]>rincipl('s 
 anil lii'comc perfect in the pnictiee liefore studying 
 for the ministry. This his farm reveals at a glance. 
 It is as well cvdtivatcd and admiralily kept, as fer- 
 tile and productive, as any in the disti-ict. Mr. 
 Wisner enlisted March 27, 18G."), in tlie late war. in 
 Company C. 20th Michiiran Infantry. an<l served 
 three months. lie was elected Chaplain of the 
 regiment shortly after enlisting, and served as such 
 durinff his term of service. 
 
 J'^ OlIN BUWEK. a familiar figure among the 
 I people of Colon Township, is the third son 
 , of J(jhn and Diana (Gcihart) Bower, and 
 ' was horn in Bristol Hill, Monroe Co.. N. Y., 
 .Inly 4. 1824. When a boy of twelve years he carae 
 with his parents to this county, and lived with them 
 iu Xottawa Township until a youth of nineteen, 
 Subsequently he made his home in Colon Township 
 with his uncle. Adam Bower, for a period of six 
 years. He then returned to his native .State, and 
 for twelve years thereafter lived upon a farm in the 
 vicinity of Sprinnport, and gave his attention to 
 agricultural pursuits, which has been the business 
 of his life. Krora Springport our subject removed 
 to the vicinity of Fleming, N. Y., where he so- 
 journed about eight years. In the fall of 1»69 he 
 returned to Michigan and purchaseil eighty acres 
 of land on section 5, in Colon Township, where he 
 has since lived. 
 
 John Bower, Sr.. the father of our subject, was 
 born in Cayuga County, N. Y.. while his mother 
 was a native of Livingston County, that State. 
 They were married and settled in the latter county, 
 living there until their removal to (Jenesee Count}'. 
 A few years later they changed their residence once 
 more, and for a brief time made their home in Mon- 
 roe County, N. Y. In 183(5 tliej- niigraletl to the 
 Territory of Michigan, and located in Nottawa 
 Township, this county, where the death of the 
 mother look place four years later, in the year 1840. 
 
 'I'lie f.illur of our subject, after the death of his 
 
 wife, removed to Mendou, where he lived for a 
 period of (iftecn years, iind rested from his earthly 
 labors Sept. 15, 1855. The parental household in- 
 cluded seven children, all of whom are living and 
 residents mostly of this county. John, our subject, 
 was married rather late in life, in Fleming, Cayuga 
 Co., N. Y.. March 19, 18C8. to Miss Kliza A.,<laugh- 
 ter of Isaac and .Martha (Chase) Mosher. who were 
 natives of Vermont. Mr. and .Mrs. M. after their 
 marriage continued resi<lents of liie (ireen Mount- 
 ain State until their removal to Scipio, Cayuga 
 Co., N. Y., about 1859. From there they subse- 
 quently changed their residence to Fleming. Their 
 family included six children, four of whom are now 
 living. 
 
 Mrs. Bower was the youngest child of her par- 
 ents, and was born in Fleming, Cayuga Co., jS. Y., 
 March 11, 1832. She was reared to womanhood in 
 her native township, and received her education in 
 its common schools. Of her union with our sub- 
 ject there have been born two children, George M. 
 and Louisa, the latter of whom died when a child 
 of eleven years. Their son is living in Colon 
 Township. Mr. Boyer cast his first Presidential 
 vote for Tyler. an<l thereafter continued a number 
 of years with the Uepublican party. About 187C 
 he iilentiBe<l himself with the Greenbackers. and 
 supports its principles with the natural courage and 
 decision of his character. He has served as .School 
 Director in his district, and discharged the duties 
 of the various other minor ollices of his township. 
 Both he and his excellent wife are members of the 
 Grange, and in society hold a good position among 
 the best citizens of an intelligent community. 
 
 ^ 
 
 -^^-B-- 
 
 KNRY KLINIC. a lifehmg farmer and a resi- 
 dent of Nottawa Township, has eighty acres 
 of valuable land on section 35. a part of his 
 father's old homestead, where he has been 
 carrying on agriculture successfully for a period 
 of sixteen years. A native of the Keystone State. 
 he was born in .Snyder County, .Ian. 3, 1847, and 
 when a lad eight years of age en me to this county 
 with his parents, where he grew to man's esUle, 
 acquiring a common-school education. 
 
 ••^^f::^ 
 
 ^^^Jh^ 
 
4= 
 
 232 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 The parents of our subject. Michael and Eliza- 
 beth (Speigelmeyer) Kline, were also natives of 
 Snyder County, Pa., wiiere they spent the earlier 
 years of their lives and were married. About 1855 
 they migrated to Michigan, settling in Nottawa 
 Tovvnsliip, this county, where thej- spent the re- 
 mainder of their lives. The household circle con- 
 sisted of five children, all of whom lived to mature 
 years, namely : Reuben, Samuel, Jeremiah, Henrj' 
 and Aaron. The latter died when a young man. 
 On the 27th of September, 1870, our subject was 
 united in marriage, at Mendon. with a very estima- 
 ble la<ly. Miss Mary M., daugiiter of William C. 
 and Matilda (Aigler) Kline. The parents of Mrs. 
 K. were also natives of Snj'der County, Pa., where 
 they were reared and married, and whence they 
 came to this county in 1863, settling in Sherman 
 Township, where they still reside. Their family 
 consisted of five children. 
 
 Mrs. Kline is a native of the same county' .as 
 her husband and parents, and was born Sept. 28, 
 1851. She received careful home training and a 
 fair education in the common school, and with her 
 husband is a member in good standing of the Lu- 
 theran Evangelical Church. She is a very pleasant 
 and amiable lady, and has hosts of friends in this 
 vicinit}'. Of her union with Mr. Kline there have 
 been born three children, two sons and a daughter, 
 namely: Lawrence A., aged seventeen j'ears. Myrtle 
 E.. eight, and Vance L., six. Mr. K., politically-' 
 votes the Republican ticket, and has held the office 
 of School Director in his district. 
 
 ••^»t> 
 
 -M^ 
 
 -►>tfi*S> 
 
 EV. T. J. BACIIER, minister of the Re- 
 formed Church of the United States, and 
 located at Nollawa, is a most faithful and 
 ^'^ efficient minister, and a man of more than 
 ordinary capacities mentally, of excellent educa- 
 tion, and thoroughly well informed in matters per- 
 taining to the duties of his calling. A native of 
 Tiffin, Ohio, he was born Aug. 15, 1850, and is the 
 son tif Jacob T. Bacher, who. with his wife, Mrs. 
 Eliza (Rinker) Bacher, was a native of Allentown, 
 Pa. The father is a tailor bj' trade, and is still liv- 
 
 ing, making his home at Cincinnati, Ohio. The 
 mother departed this life at Tiffin, Ohio, in August, 
 1881. 
 
 To the parents of our subject there were born 
 seven children, five o^ whom are living. Theodore 
 J., a'native of TiHin.Ohio, was the second cliild, and 
 grew to manhood in liis native town, pursuing his 
 firststudies in the common schools, and later becom- 
 ing a student of Heidelberg College in Tiffin, from 
 which he was graduated in the classical course with 
 honors. He entered the Theological Seminary at 
 Tiffin, and when completing his studies there was 
 assigned as his first charge to Fremont, Ohio, be- 
 ing the pastor of the Reformed Church in th.at city 
 a period of three 3'pars. He then withdrew to ac- 
 cept a call to the Reformed Church at Massillon, in 
 the same State, where he remained three years, then 
 changed his residence to Wooster, Ohio, becoming 
 pastor of the Reformed Church of the United States 
 at that place, remaining there also three years. 
 
 About 1883 Mr. Bacher was appointed a mission- 
 ary to the cit}^ of Et. W.ayne, Ind., in the interests 
 of the English Reformed Church. He was instru- 
 mental in the organization of Grace Reformed 
 Cliurch of that cit3\ which now embraces a large 
 membership. He resided there five years, and ac- 
 quired church property to the value of §7..")00. After 
 five years' residence in Ft. Wayne, he resigned 
 his charge, and coming to this county, purchased a 
 fine farm along the southern line of Nottawa Town- 
 ship, in the cultivation and improvement of which 
 he has since been vigorously engaged, although he 
 still labors in the Master's vineyard as before. He 
 has a handsome residence with attractive surround- 
 ings, and numbers bis friends by the score in this 
 count3'. As a pulpit orator he is an able expounder 
 of Scripture, clear and forcible in his arguments, 
 and invariably commands good audiences. Politi- 
 call}', he is the advocate of Republican principles, 
 and keeps himself well posted upon State and Na- 
 tional events. 
 
 Mr. Bacher was married in Sycamore. Ohio. M.av 
 6, 1873, to Miss Minerva, daughter of George and 
 ttl&ry C. Taylor, of .Sycanioi'e, and who w.as born 
 there April 1 7, 1 850. The parents of Mrs. Baclierare 
 now living in Sycamore, Ohio. To our subject and 
 his estimable wife there were born three chihlren, 
 
 ■» 
 
a. 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ■*► 
 
 233 
 
 one of whom, Thomas A., luct with an accident 
 while attending school which resulted in his death, 
 Feb. 20. 1884, when he was nine years old. The 
 other two sons, Uidgely T. and Theo A., are at 
 home with their parents. 
 
 WILLIAM r. C ll.VriN. well known through- 
 out Jlcndon Townfihip and vicinity, is a 
 ^ „ native of Burr Oak Township, this county, 
 and was born Sept. 23, 1860. lie is a lifelong 
 farmer, liaving spent his boyhood ami<l the quiet 
 pursuits of country- life, and acquired his education 
 in the district school. He lived at the farm with 
 ills |)arents until twenty-four years of age, and came 
 to Nottawa Township in Septeml>cr, 1881. Prior 
 to this, however, he spent a year or so in Kcndall- 
 ville, Ind., where he was engaged in the livery 
 business. With this small deviation he has carried 
 on farming continuously since leaving the old 
 iionu'stcad. lie was married in Nottawa Township, 
 April 23, 188 L to Miss Jessie A., daughter of 
 Mark H. and -Inlia (Anderson) Wakcman. who were 
 ])i(>iiee|-s of Southern Michigan, and among tlie 
 earliest settlers of Nottawa Township. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. C'hapin there li.is been ln)rn one 
 child only, a daughter. Alice. .March 10. 18«(). 
 Little Alice was born in the same room in which 
 her mother first opened her eyes to the light, and 
 Ihcv were dressed l>y the same woman. Mrs. David 
 Hockwell. who is still living, and occupying the 
 oldest log house in Nottawa Township, on tlie old 
 Mark Wakcman farm. The C'hapin iiomcstead em- 
 braces forty-seven acres of finely cultivated land, 
 anil our subject is interested' in land elsewhere. 
 In poiilical matters he votes the straight Kepublican 
 ticket, and socially, belongs to Kendallville Lodge 
 No. 3H;. A. F. A' A. M. He is considerably in- 
 terested in fine hor.ses but gives mr>st of his at- 
 tention to general farming. 
 
 Mrs. C'hapin wiisliorn in Nottawa Townsliip, .May 
 G, IHG.T. Her parents h.ad a fanjily of three children. 
 The eldest. Annette, is married; John Charles Fre- 
 mont is oceupied at a hotel in Mi'iidon. Mark Hoag 
 Wakeman. the father of .Mrs. Chapin. was born in 
 Bedford. Westchester Co.. N. Y.. in .\ugu.«t. 1799. 
 
 and was the eldest of the sons of the household, 
 and the leader in all of their enterprises. When a 
 youth of nineteen years, lieing of an adventurous 
 disposition, he went south to Savannah. (la., and 
 engaged in the wholesale hat and shoe business a 
 number of years successfully. Finally selling out he 
 made his way. in 1834, to New Orleans, and in 
 partnership with one Palms, embarked in the ship 
 chandlery business. In 1836 the establishment was 
 destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of |;40,0()0. He- 
 solving to leave the scene, of his misfortune, Mr. 
 Wakeman that same year proceeded north to this 
 county, where his l)rolhers h.ad already located, and 
 engaged with them in farming awl stock-raising 
 extensively, which vocation he followed a pcriwi 
 of nearly thirty years and until his death, in June. 
 186(;. The late Hiram Wakeman and also Adams 
 Wakem.in. were brothers of Mrs. Cliapin's father. 
 
 -^-^^•=^<S=*+^ 
 
 i 
 
 \f OHN C. COOHON, well and favorably known 
 throughout the community as an entcr|)ris- 
 ing and successful farmer, was born in Cier- 
 many on the 27th of February. 1823. lie 
 received his education in the schools of that place, 
 and subsequently engaged in farming, continuing 
 employed thereat until he was about twenty-three 
 years of age. He then determined to cross the At- 
 lantic, and find out for himself the truth regarding 
 the New World, from which had come such reports 
 of opportunities to the farmer, and in fact all clas'scs 
 of skilled laborers. Landing in New York in 1856, 
 he came on almost directl}' to this county, accom- 
 panied bj' several who had crossed in the same 
 vessel. 
 
 Mr. Coohon speedily found employment as a 
 farm han<l at a rate of remuneration that enabled 
 him tosave a considerable sum every month. After 
 about two years he was enabled to rent land in 
 Colon Township, and w.is very prosi)erous in the 
 work un<lertaken. At the end of ten years he pur- 
 chased forty acres of tluiroiighly good land situateil 
 on section 21, Colon Township, and speedily set- 
 tlcfl upon it, and from that time until the present 
 has dev<jled his best energies to its cultivation and 
 constant improvement. .So well his he prospered 
 
4 234 
 
 ■•► 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 that lie now owns 193 acres, lias erected substantial 
 farm liiiildings, and lias quite a comfortaMe and 
 well-built farm dwelling;. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was united in marriage 
 with Miss MenaThromp, who was born in Germany, 
 in the year 1830, and is the daughter of Job and 
 Christena Thromp. They are the parents of six 
 children, whose names arc as follows: William, 
 Mena. Mary, Hannah, Chris, and John who died 
 when three years of age. William is a farmer in 
 Burr Oak Township, and is doing well; Mena is 
 now Mrs. Lewe Warkentine, and resides with her 
 husband in Sherman Township, where he is engaged 
 in farming; Mary is Iiappil3' married to Fred Bor- 
 chort, who is a farmer in the same township; the 
 two youngest children are still at home. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Coohon are members in good stand- 
 ing of the German Lutheran Church, with which 
 they have always been affiliated. Our subject is not 
 prominent in political circles, neither as an office- 
 holder; lie usually votes with the Democratic party, 
 and is counted among its (inn friends. 
 
 *t 
 
 ^LlAS A.NDUKW8. The homestead of the 
 g subject of this sketch embraces 150 acres 
 !t^ —^! of valuable land, finely located on section 
 36," Nottawa Township. I" pon this he has effected 
 good improvements, having a substantial dwelling 
 with a good barn and outhouses, fruit and shade 
 trees, and all the appurtenances of the well-regu- 
 lated country estate. Nothing but the hand of 
 thrift and industry has brought the property to its 
 present condition, and the laliors of Mr. Andrews 
 have been ablj- seconded by one of the most estim- 
 able and capable of l.idies. who has performed her 
 full part in the accumulation of the proi^rtj^ and 
 the construction of one of the ple.isantest homes in 
 the county. 
 
 Our subject w.ns born in ^ladison County. Ohio, 
 Sept. 1. 1819, and is the son of Charles and Polly 
 (I'atee) Andrews, who were natives of Connecticut, 
 His father died when he was a little lad of five 
 years, in Madison County, Ohio, and the mother 
 was married a second time. Klias accompanied 
 his motlier and stepfather to Michigan about 1831 ; 
 
 they located in Wayne County, where thev resided 
 four 3-ears, then coming to this county, in Septem- 
 ber, 1835, settled in Nottawa Township, when our 
 subject was a youth about sixteen years old. The 
 country around was mostlj- a wilderness, and thus 
 j'oung Andrews became intimately acquainted with 
 pioneer life, its toils and hardships. 
 
 Our subject lived at home until about twenty 
 j-ears of age, then repaired to the vicinity of Ionia, 
 and made his home with a brother, residing there 
 for about two and one-half j-ears. He then re- 
 turned to this county, of which he has since been a 
 resident. He was first married in Sherman Town- 
 ship to Miss Mary Poote, who became the mother of 
 two children, JIary J, and Ida E„ and died in 
 March. 18(!2. The elder daughter is now the wife 
 of William Harding, of Butler. Ind.; Ida E. re- 
 mains at the homestead. 
 
 Mrs. Mary M. Chandler became the wife of our 
 subject May 25, 18G3, the wedding taking place 
 in Chicago, 111. Mrs. Andrews was born at Burns, 
 N. Y., Aug. 19, 1833, and is the daughter of .Ste- 
 phen and Ann Suydam Mundy, and the widow of 
 Bradley Ch.andler, who died at Ottawa, 111., Oct. 15, 
 18(!1. Their family consisted of twelve children. 
 
 To ilr. .and .Mrs. Andrews there have been born 
 two sons: Chancy C, born in 1865, and PMward \l. 
 They are at home with their parents. Mr. .and Mrs. 
 Andrews are members in good standing of the 
 ^Methodist P^piscopal Church, with which they have 
 been connected many years, and to which they have 
 given a liberal and cheerful su|)port. Jlr. A. is a 
 stanch advocate of Republican principles The fam- 
 ily are widely esteemed in their community, being 
 ranked among the elements which have given to 
 this count}' its prestige and standing, socially, 
 morally and fin.incially. 
 
 =;^i NDKKW C. KISSELL is pursuing the 
 ^luL even tenor of his way in a comparatively 
 uneventful miuincr at a comfortable liome- 
 _ .stead in Nottawa Township, lying on sec- 
 
 tion 24, and to which he cami in 1888. .\ native 
 of this township, he was born Nov. 25. 1838. the 
 
 "Tf 
 
ST. JObEPll COUNTY. 
 
 235 
 
 year after Mit-liiiraii was adinitted into tlie Union as 
 a State. Of liis fntlier. .losepli Riifisell, one of the 
 pioneers of Mic-liii::iii. a sketcii will be found on 
 anotlier page in tliis work. The latter is a resident 
 of Leonidas Township, in tiic northeastern corner of 
 this eounty. 
 
 Mr. Russell studied his first lesson in tlie pioneer 
 schools of this county, and hecamc fully actpiainted 
 with the nu'tlKwIs of farininsr at that day. which, it 
 is hardly necessary to state, were prosecuted uniler 
 many dirticulties and with machinery far inferior 
 to that of the present, lie remained a meml)er of 
 the parental household until reachinsr his m.ajority, 
 when he was married, and settled first on a farm in 
 Sherman Town>hip. lie sojourned there a few 
 years, then moved to a farm east of Nottawa, which 
 he occujiied about one and one-half years. Thence 
 he removed to .Sturgis and coiKhicted a livery and 
 sale stable about the same length of time; he then 
 turned his .attention exclusively to the buying and 
 selling of horses one season. Next he embarked 
 ill tiie butchering business in Sturgis, at which he 
 was occupied live years, finally exchanging the 
 business for a farm in the vicinity of (rotcli Lake. 
 where he removed with his family and lived five 
 years. 
 
 .Mr. Uussell at the expiration of this time con- 
 cluded to experiment upon the soil of Nebraska, 
 and accorilingly purchased a farm in Ilarlin County, 
 where he carried on stock-raising and agriculture 
 four years, then sold out and returned to his native 
 county. He now rented a farm in Hronson Town- 
 ship three years, then purchased land adj.icent to 
 the village, and occupied himself there at farming 
 and stock-raising one year. Then selling out once 
 more he purchase<l the property which he now 
 owns and occupies. This embraces fifty acres of 
 good land uniler thorough cultivation, and with its 
 l)uilcliiigs. forms a remarkably snug homestead. 
 
 The marriage of Andrew C Uu.ssell and Miss 
 C'rysothemis Thurston was celebrated at the home 
 of the bride in t'i>lon Township. Dec. 13. 18fil. 
 This lady is the daughter of .Marsena and Lovina 
 (W.asliburn) Thurston, the latter of whom died 
 A])ril 1.1. 1HH.>. at her hf>me in Colon. .Mr. Thur- 
 ston survive<l his wife less than two years, his death 
 taking place .Tan. 7. 1887. They had a family of 
 
 twelve children, eight of whom arc living, and 
 residents mostly of this county. 
 
 Mrs. Russell w.ns the fourth child of her parents. 
 and w.a.s born in Colon Township, this county, 
 April 1, 1812. She received her education in the 
 common schools and remained with her parents 
 until her marriage. Of her union with our subject 
 there have been born seven children, one of whom, 
 an infant son, Herbert Cdied when ten weeks old. 
 The survivors are: Hector 1)., who married .Miss 
 Victoria Walker, and lives in Walia.sli County, 
 Ind.; Clare A., IfHe I)., Rush, Carl \V. and Cecil 
 L. Mr. Russell while a resident of Nebraska served 
 as .Justice of the Peace, luit cares ver}' little for 
 the honors of oflice. He cast his first Presidential 
 vote for Lincoln, and since becoming of age h.as 
 given his support to the principles of the Repub- 
 lican i)artv. 
 
 A, RS. ELIZA S. JACOX, of Nottawa Town- 
 ship, owns and occupies a pleasant and 
 valuable homestead on section 24, where 
 she look up her abode with her late hus- 
 band in 185',). She is a lad}- numbered among the 
 best people of St. .loseph County, possessing more 
 than ordinary intelligence and sterling worth of 
 character. She was boi n in Jlorris County, N. J., 
 Nov. 14. 1821. and is the daughter of .John and 
 Mary (Viles) Snider, who were also natives of that 
 State, where they were reared and married and 
 where the father died in 1822. 
 
 .John Snider was a farmer by occupation, made a 
 comfortable living for his family, and possessed all 
 the qualities of an honest man and good citizen. 
 The mother after the death of her husband lived in 
 New .Jersey till 1832. then came to Michigan, where 
 she spent her Last days, dying in 1877, when about 
 seventy-live years old. They were the i)arents of 
 one child only, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. 
 •Jacox was a maiden of seventeen when she took 
 up her abode in this county. She was married at 
 the residence of William Connors, of Nottawa 
 Township, .Ian. 8, IH.iK, to Harvey .lacox. who had 
 come to Michigan with his parents when a small 
 hoy. He was born in Ontario County. N. V., May 
 10. 1808. and after living in Michigan with his par- 
 
 _ «» ^B 4» 
 
•^f^ 
 
 ^^p Ti l <• 
 
 236 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ents for a time returned to his native State, where 
 he sojourned several years, tlien came to tliis 
 count}- in 1837, of which he was a resident un- 
 til his death, which occurred in 1883. He was a 
 thorough and skillful farmer, and labored indus- 
 triously manj' years to build up the homestead 
 upon which his widow now resides, surrounded by 
 all the comforts of life. The farm embraces 160 
 acres, and upon it are neat and substantial build- 
 ings, a tasteful residence, with a good barn and all 
 the necessary structures for the shelter of stock and 
 tiie storing of grain. The farm has been operated 
 by improved machincr}', and the cattle, horses and 
 swine are of excellent descri()tion. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. .lacox there were born the chil- 
 dren whose record is as follows: Calista, the eldest 
 daughter, is the wife of S. McMillan, of Colon; 
 Eloise married Robei-t Sdiemerliorn, and lives in 
 Nottawa; Isabel!, Mr.'*. Edgar Chapman, is in 
 Indiana; Krank. unni.'uricd, remains at hon)e with 
 his moliier ; .lolui .1. manie<l Miss Ada Shaffer, and 
 is farming in Nottawa Township; Major also car- 
 ries on agriculture in this township; Mary E. died 
 when eiglit years of age; .lohn died in infanc}', and 
 Waller is a promising young man of twenty-two 
 j'ears; William was fatally injured b}- the kick of a 
 horse, which he ord.v survived a ^hort time; he was 
 nineteen years old. Colonel died when a lad of thir- 
 teen years. 
 
 ^K G. COA'EY, better Icnown among the old 
 ^iiLlli settlers and ]uoneers of Leonidas Town- 
 ship and the county generally .as "Gill" 
 Covey, li.as been a resident of the count}- 
 for forty-two years. Allen Covey, his fivther, 
 migrated with his wife and family, comprising six 
 children, from Steuben County, N. Y., to this dis- 
 trict in 1816. and settled in the above township. 
 Here he took up eighty acres of land, for which 
 he traded land in New York. 
 
 The new home of the Covey family w.as situated 
 on section 35. and afforded every o|)portunity for 
 the exercise of both the theoretical and pr.ictical 
 knowledge of agriculture, and not of that simply, 
 but of the preparing of new land for the plow and 
 after WKrk. The family speedily became well known 
 
 among their neighbors and much esteemed. The 
 names of the children are as follows: Alphus M.. 
 Daniel B., Reuben C.,'Eleazer .1., Allen G., Susanna. 
 The wife and mother departed this life in the month 
 of .Inly, 1846, the f.ather surviving only until the 
 following October, 1846. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was born in Howard, 
 Steuben Co., N. Y., on the 9th of March, 1834. and 
 lie w-as about twelve years of age when liis parents 
 moved AVest. After the death of his father he 
 went to live w-ith Mr. Uavid Franklin, of the same 
 township, where he remained for over three years, 
 and then went to live with his brother Alphus, 
 staying w-itli him for about two .years. Being 
 eighteen years of age, he then started out in life 
 for himself, obtaining a position where he couhl 
 work on the farm by the month, continuing thus for 
 eight years, working for the greater part of the 
 time in Florence TowTiship. 
 
 Kcturning to Leonidas Township in December, 
 1860, Mr. Covey liought land and settled about half 
 a mile north of the Grove school-house, where he 
 made his liome for alH)ut eight years, w-liich w-ere 
 yeiirs of prosperity, then (iiuling a good purcluwer, 
 he sold out. He bought eighty acres on section 
 29, to which he has added an additional forty acres. 
 His life has been spent mainly in .agricultural ])ur- 
 suits. and he is a thoroughly practical, enterprising 
 and prosperous farmer. 
 
 On the 2d of December, 1860. our subject en- 
 tered into th.at relation which has brought him so 
 much of the brightness and happiness of life, that 
 being the day w-hcn he w-.as united in w-edlock with 
 Miss Jlyra .1. Bowers, at Constantine, this count}'. 
 Miss Bowers was born in Washtenaw County, 
 Mich., on the 19tli of April. 1839. and is a daugh- 
 ter of John :uid Sarah (Wood) Bow-ers, who are 
 natives of New- York and Pennsyl v.ania resi)ectively. 
 Their marriage has been consummated by the birth 
 of three children, n.amed as follow-s: S. Adelbert. 
 who is now the husband of Cora Eew-is. is one of 
 the prosperous farmers of Leonidas Tow-nship; 
 Sarah S.. w-lio is at home, and l^rnesl .\.. who met 
 his death from injuries res\ilting fi-om his horse 
 running away while he waj! driving on the 24th of 
 F"ebruary. 18.S3. He went w-ith his father to Colon 
 with a load of hogs, and was liolding the horses b\' 
 
>► ■ 4' 
 
 Sr. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •2:37 '. * 
 
 i= 
 
 their heads when they took fright at the cars. It 
 was sleiirliiiijj time. He was draggefl al>oiit thirty 
 rods, and then the sleijrli went over him. intlictinu; 
 fatal injuries. He was pielced up and carried lioine. 
 wliere lie died tiie foliuwin": evenint^. 
 
 Our sultject and wife liave taken niucii interest 
 in the education of tlieir eiiildren, lieiieving it tiie 
 best inlierit;inee or fortune they could jjossibly 
 give them. .Sarah .S. is a graduate of the Valparaiso 
 College in the de])artment of elocution, and is now 
 a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Covey are meinljers in 
 good standing of the Orange, P. of H., and have 
 been connected therewith fifteen years. They are 
 much respected in the order, as they are also in 
 society at large, where the sterling qualities that 
 have alw.ays been exhibited in their lives and char- 
 acter have won for tliem thorough respect and es- 
 teem. 
 
 RANCIS L. McKINDLKY, of Mendon 
 Si Township, l)ears the [)roud distinction of 
 having cast his first Presidential vote for 
 Old Tippecanoe in 1840; with no less enthusiasm he 
 voted for the grandson of the old warrior in Noveui- 
 ber, 188S. He has thus rounded up a life of nearly 
 seventy years, and from present indications has 1)V 
 no means outlived his usefulness. He is still the 
 same kindly, genial and reliable man that he w.as 
 thirty years ago, and numbers his friends by the 
 score in this county, of which he has been a resi- 
 dent for a i)eriod of over forty years. 
 
 Our subject was cradled in the townshi]) of Gal- 
 *ay. Saratoga Co., N. Y., where his birth took 
 place .luly 3, 1817. His father, William McKind- 
 ley. was also a native of that county, and he married 
 Miss Martha McLean, who was born in Wash- 
 ington County, N. Y. Kach died in the county- of 
 their birth, the father in 1823 and the mother in the 
 summer of 18.')7. They were the parents of four 
 children, and Francis L. was the thinl in order of 
 birth. The others are all deceased. They located 
 in their native State, and there jmssed away. 
 
 Our subject spent his childhood and youth in the 
 Empire State, occupying himself at the homestead 
 with his grandf:itlier until a youth of eighteen 
 
 j'ears, acquiring in the meantime a common-school 
 education. At the age of eighteen years he re- 
 paired to Balston Spa, and served an apprentice- 
 ship of two years at the tr.ade of m.ason. This he 
 followed fora number of seiisons in his native count}' 
 but in the spring of 184.') determined to cast his lot 
 with the pioneers of Michigan. Coming to this 
 county he settled in Mendon Township, of which he 
 h.as since been a resident. He first employed him- 
 self at his trade, and made his first purchase of land 
 in the summer of 184.5. Of this he is still the pos- 
 sessor, and has bent his energies toward its improve- 
 ment and cultivation. He has good buildings, the 
 requisite farm m.ichinery and live stock, the typi- 
 cal apple orchard, and the other fruit and shade 
 trees, all of which bear their part in the making up 
 of the complete homestead. 
 
 During thirtj--six years of his life there has ac- 
 companied our subject as his most faithful com- 
 panion and helpmate a most estimable lady, whose 
 maiden name was Susan Re^'nolds, and to whom he 
 was married ilay 6, 1852, at the residence of her 
 parents in Mendon Township. Mrs. McKindley 
 was born near the city of Tro}', Rensselaer Co., N. 
 Y., Nov. 20, 1820. and is the daughter of Nathaniel 
 and Orelia (Bovie) Reynolds, who were also natives 
 of the Empire State, and removed from Steuben 
 County to Michigan in the fall of 1840. They set- 
 tled ui)on a tract of new land in Mendon Township, 
 this county, where they battled with the elements 
 of a new soil and built up a comfortable homestead, 
 on which they spent the remainder of their lives. 
 Nathaniel Reynolds departed this life Feb. 25, 
 1851. and his estimable wife Aug. 2, 1854. They 
 were the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. 
 McKindley was the eldest. Of her brothers and 
 sisters two are living, making their homes mostly' 
 in ^Vashington Territory an<l Wisconsin. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. McKindley began their wedded life 
 together under a modest roof-tree on their own 
 farm, and have labored hand in hand through storm 
 and sunshine to secure for themselves a competence 
 for their declining yeare and attain to a worthy 
 position among the people around them. They 
 number their friends by the score in this county, 
 which owes its development and prosperity to such 
 as they, who permitted no dilliculty to discourage 
 
ii>^h-^ 
 
 238 
 
 hT. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 them, and ■niio Imve done good as tliey had oppor- 
 tunitj-. 
 
 To. Mr. and Mrs. McKindlej' there were horn 
 tliree children: 'William Francis, March 11, 1853; 
 Mary A., .July 20. 18.54; .John A., Feh. 10, 186G. 
 The eldest son is single, and a resident of Kala- 
 mazoo; Mary died Jan. 27. 1870. when an interest- 
 ing maiden of nearly sixteen j-ears; John A. is now 
 a promising young man of twenty-three years. It 
 is hardly necessary to stale that he is a stanch sup- 
 porter of Kepuhlican jirinciples, and cast his first 
 Presidential vote for Harrison. lie was married, 
 Dec. 12, 1888, to Vira A. Olds, of Athens. 
 
 *«♦- 
 
 
 <& ftlLLIAM SHARER is a name well known 
 \njl' and respected in St. Joseph County, not 
 ^ys^ onl}' because of what he is hut also on ac- 
 count of his parents. The property of this gentle- 
 man is situated upon section 13 of Colon Township, 
 ami comprises 130 acres of carefully fanned land. 
 He was born in Lyons. Waj-ne Co., N. Y.. on the 
 1st of May. 1812; until he attained to man's es- 
 tate he lived with his parents in his native count}-. 
 He was reared upon a farm, and has therefore from 
 earliest j-ears been conversant with the daily hap- 
 penings of such a life, and intimate with all the 
 details of agricultjiral labor. In 1839 he went to 
 Lenawee County, and located in Rome Township, 
 where he bought a farm and continued to live for 
 fourteen or fifteen years. In the spring of 1854 he 
 renjoved to St. Joseph County, and settled on sec- 
 tion 13, Colon Township, where he has been a resi- 
 dent ever since. 
 
 The farm of Mr. Sharer includes some 130 acres, 
 upon which he has expended much time, energy, in- 
 telligent effort and assiduous labor. Life has not 
 been, and never can be, a continual M.^y d.-iy to one 
 similarly placed and of kindred disposition ; not that 
 it is without its sunshine or its brightness, but the 
 sterner realities of life tliat are ever demanding 
 attention have to be and are met faithfully and 
 well. He has experienced all the hardships and 
 trj'ing situations incident to settlement in a new 
 country an<l is familiar therewith, but is neverthe- 
 
 -4i 
 
 less rejoiced, as looking around he sees the large 
 progress made, the well-settled condition of coun- 
 tr}', the increase of wealth and power that has come 
 to the community in the course of years. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was married, in Lyons, 
 Wayne Co.. N. Y., on the 22d of February. 1833, 
 to Miss Lucinda Weed. This laily was born in Ft. 
 Ann, Washington Count}-, in the same State, on the 
 14th of August. 1814. There have come to their 
 home eight children, seven of whom they have been 
 permitted to bring to mature years, the other died 
 in infancy. The names of those living are as follows: 
 George W., Henrietta, Selick W.. Lj-dia A., Mary, 
 Harry C. and Thurlow B. George is residing in 
 Ce<lar Springs, Kent County; Henrietta is now Mrs. 
 William C. Houland. of Ovid, Mich.; Lydia is the 
 wife of Byron B. Noyes, of Branch Count}-; Mary 
 is married to Oliver B. Culver, of the same county; 
 Harry is in Chicago; Selick is in Colon and Thur- 
 low at home. 
 
 For twelve years our subject continued to hold 
 the position of Commissioner of Highw.ays. and is 
 a member of Colon Grange, P. of H. In political 
 circles he is not prominent, although at all times 
 interested in the various questions before tlie peo- 
 ple. He has always been a sUmch Republican and 
 .in ardent worker for the i)art}-. He is a man of 
 fine personal character, a good agriculturist, and a 
 most worthy and capable citizen. 
 
 The parents of our subject were representatives 
 of that type of manhood and womanhood that has 
 almost passed away and become obsolete since the 
 revolution in civilization that resulted in the pres- 
 ent never-ceasing, impetuous rush of life. His 
 father, Henry Sharer, was a native of Maryland; 
 the maiden name of his wife, the mother of our 
 subject, was Elizabeth Bcrrock, who was born in 
 the same State. Their first home was made in their 
 native State, and there they continued to reside 
 for some years, then they removed to Wayne 
 County, N. Y. This migration was effected in the 
 year 1810. They resided in this place until their 
 removal to Michigan, where they settled in Rome, 
 Lenawee Count}', and continued to live for the re- 
 mainder of their days. They were widely known 
 throughout the county, and in fact the entire set- 
 tlement, and it is more than likely that the true 
 
 :?^r+^ 
 
•«► 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 '2 ■■'.'.) 
 
 (loincslicity. the large-hearted, generous hospitality 
 which marked their home are what have given to 
 oiirsiilijoct the <li'sire. rcsoliilion and will to fashion 
 his home after a similar plan. 
 
 The [)arents of Mrs. Sharer were Selick and 
 Temperance (Owen) Weed. Her father was liorn 
 in Connecticut and her mother in New York. 
 After their marriage they settled in Washington 
 County, and afterward resided in Galen, Wayne 
 Co., N. Y. After .<i happy wedded life of man\' 
 years the time of parting that comes to all came to 
 them. Sept. 29. 1853. the father ami hnshand 
 passed to his last resting-place, his wife depart- 
 ing this life on the Isl of August, 1849. 
 
 ,,... DAM liOWKR. The pioneer history of 
 l^O .St. .loseph Count}' will increase in interest 
 li as years pass bj' and the lapse grows longer 
 between the earl}' days and the present. 
 Among the intelligent cl.oss of a community it is a 
 matter of pride that their ancestors were enterpris- 
 ing and worthy citizens, and that they assisted in 
 building up one of the greatest countries on the 
 face of the earth. Thus is evinced the importance 
 of preserving family history, which may be read in 
 after years by coming generations; no man of fore- 
 thought will give this matter a secondarj' place in 
 his thoughts. 
 
 The subject of this sketch came t«) Michigan dur- 
 ing its Territorial days, and since that time has been 
 closely identified with the interests of the people 
 of this section. He has distinguished himself as 
 one (tf the most useful citizens of St. Joseph County, 
 having by his example of industr}' alone furnished 
 a stimulus to his compeers and those who came 
 after. He is the offspring of an excellent family, 
 his father, John Bower, having been a substanti;tl 
 Pennsylvanian, a native of Schuylkill County. The 
 mother. Mi's. I'olly (Cline) Bower, wasalso a native 
 of that county, where the parents were reared and 
 married. Not long aflcrwartl they took up their 
 residence in Cayuga Coimt}', N. Y. The mother 
 died while a young woman, when her son Adam 
 was but five years old. 
 
 Mr. Bower spent his boyhood and youth in 
 
 Union .Springs, Cayuga Co., N. Y. His father 
 catiie to this count}' in 183C, but only lived six j-ears 
 thereafter, his death occurring in the year 1K4I. 
 Adam was the 3'oungest of the famil}', which con- 
 sisted of four sons and four daughters. He was 
 born in Cayuga County, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1813, and 
 early in life became familiar with the various em- 
 ployments of the farm. He was married in his 
 native county, to which he had returned for that 
 purpose, Sept. 8, 183G, an<l in March of the follow- 
 ing year settled with his young wife upon the 
 farm in Colon Township, where he has since labored 
 with such excellent re.xillts. 
 
 The first purchase of Mr. Bower was a tract of 
 160 acres, and the first dwelling which .sheltered 
 himself and his young wife was a log house. Mr. 
 Bower possessed much mechanical genius, and the 
 buildings thereafter erected were the work of his 
 own hands, he doing not onl}' the carpentering but 
 the masonry. That first humble dwelling about 
 1858 gave way to a more commodious one. and of 
 more modern style of architecture. The homestead 
 as it now appears is second to none in the count}', 
 and the barns and out-buildings are especially fine, 
 being amply adapted to the storing of grain and 
 the shelter of stock. Mr. Bower by the exercise of 
 incessant industry and economy in due time found 
 himself on the highway to prosperity. With wise 
 forethought he invested his s[)are capital in addi- 
 tional land, and is now the owner of 557 broad 
 acres, the most of which he h.as brought to a good 
 state of cultivation. 
 
 Fifty -two years ago, on the 8th of September, 
 1830, Mr. Bower was married in Springport, Cay- 
 uga Co..N. Y., to Miss Hannah C. Richards, daugh- 
 ter of Simeon and Mary (Chitister) Richards, who 
 were natives of New York, and spent the last years 
 of their lives in Cayuga County, amid the quiet 
 scenes of country life. Mrs. Bower was born in 
 Ballston, .Saratoga Co., N. Y., .Sept. 4, 1814, and 
 became the mother of two children. Simeon A. and 
 John F. The elder son died in Colon Township, 
 this county. April 3,1874. The mother had died 
 twenty-six years before, on the 6th of December, 
 1848. 
 
 The father of our subject contracted a second 
 marriage, Jan. 15, 1850, with Miss Mary E. Pitts, 
 
 f 
 
-^^ 
 
 240 
 
 ^i^h-* 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 This larly wa.s born in Oiioiulaga Count3\ N. Y.. 
 Nov 3, 1827. Tlicre wore liorn of this union six 
 eliililieii^ — Augustus L.. llaunali K., ,]anios E., 
 Louis A., William E. and Henry 1'. Augustus is 
 a resident of Bronson, this State; Ilannali died 
 wiien an infant of .';i.\ weeks; James E. is a resident of 
 Iron County, Micii.; Louis A. died in Colon, Se|)t. 
 27, 1857; William E. is a resident of Colon Town- 
 ship, and Henry P., of Leonidas Township. JNIrs. 
 JIary E. (Pitts) Bower died at the homestead in 
 (,'olon Township. Oct. 2.5. 1881. 
 
 Adam Bower was again married, in Mendon. this 
 State. April 10, 1883, to Mrs. Amanda R. (Kicliards) 
 Miner, widow of George Miner, who died in Porter 
 Township, this county, in 1879. Mrs. Amanda 
 Bower was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., March 
 1, 1835. and by her union with Mr. Miner is the 
 mother of one child, a daughter. Mary P., who is 
 now living at home. 
 
 Mr. Bower, politically, votes the straight Repub- 
 lican ticket, and with his excellent wife is identified 
 with Colon Grange, P. of H. He has never had any 
 desire for the responsibilities of oflice although he 
 has discharged the duties of some of those in his 
 township. A man strictly attentive to his own con- 
 cerns, he is one who long ago estalilished himself 
 in the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, 
 and by his straightfoiward life and unquestioned 
 integrity is ranked among the leading men of St. 
 Josejjh County. 
 
 ♦eac/tS^S^-^^^^-^ll-SWOT*- 
 
 HAINCY JL CLE^■KLAM) represents real 
 estate to the extent of 280 acres on sections 
 7. 19 and 12, in Colon Township, most of 
 which i.s in a productive condition, and yields to 
 the pro|)rietor a gtwd income for his labors as a 
 tiller of the soil. He is a man posse.ssing a great 
 deal of perseverance and resolution — the legitimate 
 inheritance from his substantial .ancestrj\ who were 
 people generally well-to-do and sui-roiindcd by the 
 comforts of life. A native of Erie County, Pa., 
 he was born April 12, 1831. and when a Lad of 
 thirteen years came with his parents to Michigan, 
 they locating in XotLawa Township,!. this county. 
 The father, Stephen Cleveland, was born in Otsego 
 
 County. Town of the Chestnuts, X. Y., in the )-ear 
 1805, and married Miss Maria Sullivan, who was 
 also a native of the Empire State. They remained 
 residents there for a time, then removed to Penn- 
 sylvania, and later to Ohio, whence the^' came to 
 Michigan. The mother was born in the State of 
 New Jerse}- in 1806. and died in Nottawa Town- 
 ship, this county, Dec. 3, 1857. The father is still 
 living, being now well advanced in years, and 
 makes his home with his daughter, Jane Orton. 
 near Three Rivers, in Lockport Township. 
 
 To the parents of our subject there were born 
 twelve children, of whom Chauncy M. was the 
 fourth. Of the others, seven are living, and lo- 
 cated mostly in .Michigan and California. Chauncy 
 M.. like his brothers and sisters, became familiar 
 at un early age with the employments of farm life, 
 and was trained to habits of industry. He tiegnn 
 also at an early age to lay his plans for the future, 
 and when a youth of nineteen years left "home and 
 commenced working out by the month. After three 
 years he returned to the parental roof-tree, and 
 thereafter gave his father a good share of what be 
 eariu'd. and also contributed his labors for two 
 years. 
 
 Mr. Cleveland came to this county in the spring 
 of 1844, and first occupied himself at driving and 
 breaking team, and later in a gener.al farming busi- 
 ness. In the meantime he formed the acquaintance 
 of one of its most estimable young ladies. Miss 
 Saloma Engle, to whom he was married Nov. 1. 
 1855. This lady w-as born in Rochester, N. Y.. 
 Nov. IC), 1834. and is the daughter of George and 
 Christina (Klipfersteiu) Engle, both of whom were 
 natives of Alsace, France. Thej' were married in 
 1823, .and emigrated to the Lnited States in 1827. 
 They were for a time afterward residents of Roches- 
 ter, N. Y., whence they came to Michigan Territory 
 about 183fi. and settled in Colon Townshij). where 
 they spent the remainder of their lives, the father 
 engaged in agricultural pursuits. He lived to be 
 fifty-one years old. his death taking place Jan. 21, 
 1851. The mother survived her husband thirty- 
 seven j'CJirs, remaining a widow, and departed 
 hence April 1, 1888. having spent her last days 
 with her daughter Saloma. 
 
 To the parents of Mrs. Cleveland there were 
 
 ^Hf^ 
 
>» II 4* 
 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 2»l 
 
 born six c-liildrcn, four of wlioiii livod to mature 
 years, and .Mrs. t". was tlie fourth of the family. 
 Of her union witli our sul)jeet tliere are two son.s 
 and a daujrhter: (Jeorfre, the eldest, married Miss 
 Ktta .\very, and is oeeiipied at farininif in Nottawa 
 Townsliiji; Thomas married Mi.ss Cora Blaekwood. 
 and lives in Colon; .lennie is the wife of A. 11. 
 Thurston, who is ensfaijed in farniinir at lUirr Oak, 
 .Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland be.san their wedded life 
 in Colon Townshii). where they have sinee lived. 
 In XXH't the first modest dwelliiifj was rejtlaeed by 
 a handsome briek residence, which, with its sur- 
 roundinirs. forms a very attractive home. Mr. 
 Cleveland, politically, votes the straijrht Demo- 
 cratic ticket, and i»s a business man and citizen is 
 held in hi":h esteem. 
 
 flLLIAM LlGllTIllSER. The traveler pass- 
 in}; through Leoni<las Township cannot 
 fail to observe the farm of this gentleman, 
 which lies on section 19, and embraces one of the 
 finest homesteads in this part of St. Joseph County. 
 The thoroughly cultivated fields yield bountifully 
 the rich |)roducts of Southern Michigan. The resi- 
 dence an<l farm buildings are tasteful and substan- 
 tial in architeclnrc, and fulfill all the requirements 
 of the modern ideas of farm life. The fiehls are 
 neatly laid off, and the m.ichincry, the live stock, 
 in fact, everything about the premises, is creditable 
 to the taste of the proprietor and indicative of am- 
 ple means. 
 
 The German element of .Southern Michigan has 
 done much in bringing it to its present enviable 
 condition, and of this nationality the sul)ject of 
 tliis sketch is a most worthy representative, lie 
 was born in Bavaria, Dec. 27, 1H37, at the mod- 
 est home of his parents near the town of Inchba, 
 where the father was engagcl in farming. About 
 the time William reached his thirteenth birthday, the 
 faniil}' had gathered together their |)ersonal effects 
 and secured passage on a sailing-vessel bound for 
 New York. After a voyage of thirty-seven d.iys 
 on the water they landed at their destination, and 
 soon after proceeded to Tuscarawas County', Ohio, 
 where the father secured a tract of new land an<l 
 
 4 * 
 
 built up a comfortable hf)n)estead, upon which both 
 parents spent the remainder of their days. 
 
 To John and Catherine (Plosser) Lighthiser, 
 the parents of ovir subject, there were born three 
 children. William L., with the exception of two 
 years spent in Stark County, was a resilient of Tus- 
 carawas County, Ohio, until the spring of 1883, and 
 engaged continuously in farm pursuits, lie was 
 married in the latter county, March 14. 1 8G8, to 
 Miss Rebecca Leister, who was born Jan. 22, 
 1844. in Ohio. Of her union with our subject there 
 were born six children, namely: .John, William, 
 Katie. George, Norah and Eda. Of these all are 
 living and reside at home. 
 
 Our subject after the outbreak of the Civil War 
 enlisted, in September. 18GI, in Companj- K, .ilst 
 Ohio Infantry, wiih which he did brave and faith- 
 ful service until the close of the conflict in 18C5. 
 He first saw the smoke of battle at Stone River, and 
 in the fight at Chickamanga was captured by the 
 rebels, and Uiken first to Belle Isle, next to Libby 
 Prison, from there to Danville, and finally to the 
 dreadeil stockade at Andersonville. In the latter 
 he was confined for a period of seventeen months, 
 enduring its horrors, which need not be recapitu- 
 lated here, as they have become matters of history 
 and familiar to the people of both continents. 
 
 From Andersonville Mr. Lighthiser was trans- 
 ported with a number of his comrades to Charles- 
 ton, S. C, and thence to Macon, Ga., where he was 
 exchanged, and once more breathed the air of free- 
 dom. So great had been his suffi rings from insuf- 
 ficient food, and that of the poorest quality, and 
 the foul water he was compelled to drink, that he 
 w.as scarcely able tostand upon his feet at the ex|)ira- 
 tion of this time. He slates that he knows of no 
 words sufficiently forcible to ex[)ress the scenes 
 which he witnessed during that terrible time. He 
 joined his regiment at Bull's Gap, E. Tenn., which 
 was then a part of the Army of the Tennes- 
 see, and after his honorable discharge was in the 
 employ of the Government at Nashville (or nine 
 months. At the expiration of this time he re- 
 turned to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, whence he 
 went to Illinois at the date already mentioned. In 
 1882 he purchasecl 1 CiO acres of land on section 12, 
 in Leonidas Township, and has since added forty 
 
 •¥ ^m <• 
 
^ 
 
 4»- 
 
 t 
 
 -•► 
 
 242 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 acres ni»ie. inakinj; 200, to which lie has since 
 given iiis lime and attention, mjiking ninny im- 
 provements, and fnlfiliing as near as possible his 
 ideas of the complete home. He is a. man prompt 
 to meet his obligations, and his straightforward and 
 upright character has secured iiini hosts of friends. 
 
 AVID II.\Z/.ARD. There was a time 
 when the landmarks of a white man in the 
 West were made by his ax upon the trees 
 as he traveled, often alone, through the 
 wilderness. Later he made himself known by his 
 settlement, usually in a log cabin, when for miles 
 around him perha[is there would not be a man of 
 his kin<l. There is nothing more interesting in this 
 daj- and age than tracing the career of the pioneers 
 who are now passing away, but the records of whom 
 are being more religiously preserved as time goes 
 on, and the distance between the past and the pres- 
 ent seems to lengthen. These reeonls in years to 
 come will be greatl}' valued by generations now 
 unborn, and will in part serve to do away with that 
 melancholy feeling present with most men when the 
 fear of death is absorbed by the greater fear of be- 
 ing forgotten. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, one of the earliest pio- 
 neers of St. Joseph County, is a man who has built 
 up for himself an .a<1mirable record, one which his 
 descendants may revert to with pride in years to 
 come. Although but little past his prime, he has 
 witnessed remarkable changes within a period of 
 thirty years, and has borne no unimportant part as 
 a lifelong resident of Southern MichigJin, assisting 
 in its growth and development. He was born in 
 Wayne County, !Mich., April ,5, 1828, and was but 
 eighteen montlis old when his parents came to this 
 county, taking up their residence in Nottawa Town- 
 ship in December, 182'J. His father, William 
 Hazzard, was a native of Vermont, and in early 
 manhood was married to Miss Cassandra Coan. a 
 native of Canada. In a few years after their 
 marriage thoj' emigrated to W!i3'ne County, this 
 State, during its Territorial days. Upon coming to 
 St. Joseph County they located on land two miles 
 northeast of the present site of Cenlreville, where 
 
 the father followed farming amid the difficulties of 
 life in a new settlement, and where both parents 
 spent the remainder of their lives. William Haz- 
 zard departed this life in September, 187H. having 
 survived the wife and mother eight 3'ears, her death 
 taking place in February', 1870. 
 
 The parental family consisted of fourteen chil- 
 dren, seven sons and seven daughters, of whom 
 David S. w,as the fourth in orderof birth. He was 
 reared to manhood at the old homestead in Not- 
 tawa Township, where he resided with his parents 
 until after reaching his majority. At the age of 
 twenty-two his father gave him an undeveloped 
 farm in Nottawa Townshii), upon which he labored 
 one and one-half years, then exchanged it for a 
 farm in Calhoun County, which was located in the 
 vicinity of Athens, upon which he sojourned a 
 period of seven 3'ears. Then selling out he re- 
 turned to Nottawa Township, of which he has since 
 been a resilient. 
 
 Mr. Hazzard, in October, 1861, enlisted in Bat- 
 tery D, 4th Michigan Light Artillery, leaving in the 
 course of six weeks with his regiment for Louis- 
 ville, Ky. He subsequently took part in many of the 
 important battles of the war: Perry ville. Hoover's 
 Gap, Stone River, Chiekamauga, Lookout Mount- 
 ain, Chattanooga, and met the enemy in various 
 other minor engagements and skirmishes. He also 
 proved himself a brave and eflicient soldier, endur- 
 ing with his comrades hardships and privations, and 
 at the expiration of his term of enlistment, feeling 
 he had done his entire dutj', he accepted his honor- 
 able discharge and returned home, haying been 
 mustered out at Louisville, Kj'. In the meantime 
 he had been married, April 4, 1850, to Miss Ilulda 
 A., daughter of Nelson and Jane (Austin) Wells. 
 The parents of Mrs. Hazzard emigrated from Wash- 
 ington County, N. Y., to Washtenaw County, Mich., 
 in 1840, living there a period of six years. Thence 
 thej' came to Nottawa Township, where the father 
 engaged in farming, and lived to be quite aged, his 
 death occurring May 3, 1880. The mother had 
 preceded her husband to the silent land seventeen 
 years, her death taking place in May, 1863. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Wells there were born eleven 
 children, of whom .Mrs. Hazzanl was the second. 
 Her native place w'.-is Washington Count}", N. Y., 
 
1 
 
 4- 
 
 ST. .lUSEl'H COUNTi'. 
 
 24.! 
 
 \ 
 
 and the date of her liirtli Oct. 1. 1H:53. She was a 
 little j^iil of seven \e:»rs when her parents came to 
 Michigan, and has little recollection of any other 
 home. She received careful home trainin<i and a 
 conmmn-schixileduciUiun, and occupies a gooil posi- 
 tion among the pioneer wives and mulhers of South- 
 ern Michifian. To iMr. and Mrs. llazzard there 
 have licen born five children, the ehlest vf whom, 
 Amanda A., is the wife of Byron 1). Williamson, of 
 Mecosta Cnunty; William N. married Miss Adilie 
 E. iJavis, and lives in Nebra.ska; Kilie C. is the wife 
 of John Martin; Clara I).. .Mrs. SIiikhi l';iy, lives in 
 .Stnrgis; Daviil E. is jit home. 
 
 Mr. llazzard cast his first Presidential vole for 
 Pierce, and being liberal and progressive in his 
 ideas, is now idcntitied with the I'nion Labor parly, 
 ami has ever l>eeu founil encouraging those enter- 
 prises calculated for the best good of its people- 
 As a memlier of the (i. A. R., lie belongs to David 
 Oaks Post No. 135, at Cenlreville. lie identified 
 himself with the Masonic fraternity years ago, and 
 is connected with Blue Lodge ami Ml. Vernon 
 Lodge, of Cenlreville. Both he an<I his estimalile 
 wife are members of Cenlreville Grange No. 7(5, 
 P. of H. 
 
 The llazzard homestead embraces 120 acres of 
 land, with substantial buildings, plenty of fruit and 
 shade trees, and the various .appurtenances of the 
 well-regulated country estate. In addilimi to this 
 property Mr. llazzard has eighty acres in Sherman 
 Township. 
 
 CkSS" 
 
 %J\, U.S. UKBKCCA B. LIDDLK. This highly 
 respccte<l lady, who hit-; been a resident of 
 Colon Township for tlie Last thirty-eight 
 j-ears. came to this county iluring its early 
 settlement, and has had a [)ioneer experience which, 
 could it he fully related in all its details, would 
 make a g«M)d-sized volume. Possessing more than 
 iirdinary intelligence, and being of that energetic 
 disposition which was so essential during the early 
 times, she is enabled to look back upon a record 
 filled in with u.^eful labor and worthy deeds. Not 
 only is she numbered among the pioneers herself, 
 but is the daughter of the first settler of Matleson 
 Townshi]). Branch County, this .State. Koliert Wat- 
 
 son, who was a native of Penn.sylvania, and came 
 to Michigan Territory when the cabins of the white 
 men were few and far between. 
 
 The father of Mrs. Liddle put u]) the first log 
 house in the locality jdiove mentioned, but beff)re 
 he was able to erect a cal)in for himself Wius taken 
 seriously ill, andol)liged to lie in a w.agon box with 
 little attendance siive an Indian physician. Finally 
 it became necessary to place him under a rof>f, and 
 he w.ns taken away some distance to the residence 
 of a Mr. Palmer, to which his wife also repaired in 
 order to attend him. Cireatly to their distress 
 their children were left alone in the woods to take 
 care of themselves as best they ct)uld. Robert 
 Watson had married, in early manhood. Miss Mar- 
 tha l)i:wson. also a native of Pennsylvania, and 
 after marriage they settled in Crawford County. 
 Pa.; later they removed to \'enango County. am\ 
 from there in the year 1835 to Branch County. 
 Mich. The father secured a tract of (iovernnient 
 land in Mattteson Township, where they built up a 
 comfortatile home, and where the mother die<l in 
 1H5IJ. Mr. Watson contracted a second marriage. 
 and lived upon the farm until becoming (juite aged, 
 then retired to the village of Colon, where his 
 death took place Nov. 17. 1«HI. Of his (ir^t mar- 
 riage there had been born four children, two sons 
 and two daughters. 
 
 Mrs. Liddle wjis the eldest child of her i)arents. 
 and was born in Crawford County, Pa.. Aug. 23, 
 1825. She w.as ten years old -when her ]>arents re- 
 moved to Michigan, and she resided with them 
 until her marriage with (iilbert Liddle, which oc- 
 curre<l at her home. Aug. 5. 1817. She had re- 
 ceived a limited education in the pioneer schools. 
 and been taught those habits of industry and econ- 
 omy which were so essential in the early days. 
 
 (iilbert Liddle was born in .Montgomery County, 
 N. Y.. April 6. 1807. and was the son of John and 
 Klizabeth Liddle. who were natives of New York, 
 and spent their hist years there. I'jwn leaving his 
 native State Mr. L. migrat^-d to Detroit. Mich., and 
 for a period of three years was employed as a lum- 
 berman on the Black River. In the year 1831 he 
 came to this county and purchased a tract of land 
 in Colon Township, where he lived and labort-d 
 until his <leath. which (Kcurred Julv 16. 1884. lie 
 
 »► ■ ■» 
 
 i 
 
 r^Jf-^ 
 
•2H 
 
 iST. .lOSEPlI COUNTY. 
 
 had improved a farm of 478 acres, and been a man 
 prominent in his community and greatly respected 
 by tiis neighbors. lie belonged to the Masonic 
 fraternity, was a member in good standing of the 
 Methodist Ciuircli. and distinguished himself as a 
 liberal-minded and public-spirited citizen, ever 
 willing to lend a helping hand to the enterprises of 
 tlie ])eople gathered around him. 
 
 'I'o -Mr. and Mrs. I.iddle there were l)orn six 
 children, of wiiom the record is as follows: Gil- 
 bert, .Ir.. is carrying on farming in Colon Town- 
 ship; .Julia K. became the wife of George D. Liddle, 
 and died at iier liome in Colon Township, .\pril 
 30, 1887; Martlia I), is tiie wife of Krastus Trubey, 
 of Colon Township; Maria, -Mrs. Frank Welty, 
 lives in Ilicksville. Ohio; Hebecca married George 
 M. Sides, of Culon. and Watson II. is a resident of 
 Kansas. 
 
 Our subject was the second wife of lier liusband. 
 Mr. Liddle having l>cen first married to .Miss .lulia 
 E. Matthews, who died in Colon Township in 1847. 
 Of tliiit union tliere were born three children, two 
 sons and a daughter, the elde-it of whom. Henry 
 M.. during the late war enlisted in Company D, 
 2r)th ^licliigan Infantry, and died in the field hos- 
 pital at Bowling fireen. Ky.. Teh. 28. 18()3. The 
 G. A. 1\. I'ost .at Colon w.as named in his honor. 
 He wa.s a young man of great promise and lieloved 
 among his associates. The second son, Charles M., 
 is carrying on farming in Sherwood Tow^lship, this 
 county. The daughter, Harriet, became the wife 
 of II. D. Carr, and lives in Missouri. 
 
 Charles Liddle also served in the army during 
 the Hebellion as a member of Company I), 25th 
 ^Michigan Infantry, from 18(52 until the close of the 
 war, fortun.ately escaping wounds .and capture. 
 These boys had inherited their ])atriolism from 
 tiieir father, who gave liberally of his means in 
 aid of the I'nion cause, and who was an .\boIition- 
 ist of a ])rono\inced type. Many a fugitive found 
 protection under his hosi)itabIe roof, and to whom 
 he gave food and money and sent on their way re- 
 joicing. In these sentiments he possessed a cheer- 
 ful and hearty sympathizer in the i>erson of his 
 wife Rebecca, whose father also cherished a hatred 
 of the jR'Culiar institution, and from whom she h.ad 
 imbibed the sentiments of freedom and Cnion. Her 
 
 brother. John AYatson. also served as a Union 
 soldier in the 4th Regiment, and yielded up his life 
 for his countrj' in the hospital at Stevenson. Ala., 
 in 1864. 
 
 When the 2.jth Regiment was encamped near 
 Kalamazoo, Mr. Liddle visited the camp, and while 
 there s.aw market men i)eddling apples to the .-sol- 
 diers .it an exorbitant price. His soul fired with in- 
 dignation, and retui-ning home he got readj' a load 
 of apples as soon as jMissible. which he conveyed to 
 the boys as a free gift, and which it is hardly nec- 
 essary to say the3' received with great enthusiasm. 
 Mrs. Liddle sewed pockets in overcoats for twelve 
 of the boys, and in each pocket jtlaced a Testament. 
 Both she and her husband during the progress of 
 the war had many correspondents in thearm\\ and 
 did their utmost to cheer them in their hours of dis- 
 tress and danger. Their home was ever notable for 
 the kindness and hospitality extended to both friend 
 and stranger. 
 
 The home of Mrs. Liddle is pleasantly situated 
 in Colon Townsliip. and there is living with her 
 her son (Till)ert. .Mrs. L. identified herself with 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for years has 
 been one of its most chocrfid and liberal supporters. 
 Tlie history of Colon Townshij) would by no means 
 be complete without the record of this lady, who 
 w.'is one of its earliest pioneers, and one of its best 
 and most kind-hearted women. 
 
 -^^-^•- 
 
 ^ILLIAM B. LANGLEY. whose well-culti- 
 vated farm is situated on section 7 of Not- 
 W^^ tawa Township, was born in (iermantown. 
 Pa., upon Land that is now included in the city of 
 riiil.adelphia. on the 9th of .January. 182.3. His 
 parents were Thomas W. and ^Margaret (.Stigman) 
 Langley. His father was born in the city of New 
 York, and his mother in the State of Maryland. 
 The familv included eight children, the subject of 
 our sketch being the eldest. He came with his 
 father to this county in 18.32. when but nine years 
 of .age. and remained with the latter in Centreville 
 until the year 1847. He then settled in Xottawa 
 Townshij) on sectit)n 7. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was variously employed 
 
 
» 11 ^^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 245 
 
 -t 
 
 until tlio removal witli liis fatlu'r, luit since that 
 time lie lias sjiven his attention wholly to farminjj. 
 He is the owner of 215aeres of land nntler eultiva- 
 tion and in an excellent condition, well stocked, 
 and ))rovided with the various iniplenients, etc.. 
 that are necessary to proix*r and scientific farniinfj 
 in modern days. 
 
 Our subject and Miss .lulia \ . U. Woudworth 
 celebrated their wedding in C'entreville .lulj- 25, 
 1«17. Since that time, in sjjite of the cares, trials 
 and difficulties of life that have come to them, the 
 years have been fraught with much happiness to 
 them. They are the parents of four children, viz: 
 .Margaret A., now the wife of Charles Wixxlworth, 
 of Atchison County, Kan.; Nellie E., happily mar- 
 ried to Frank II. Goo<lrich. of (irand Rapids; 
 William P.. who is married to Jliss .M:u\v Vauney, 
 and resides at West Superior, Wis.; he is a gradu- 
 ate of the >Iichig.an Agricultural College, and is 
 I'rincipal of the schools at the above place; and 
 Major .S., who was united in marrijige to Ida M. 
 Arthur, and resides in Norwalk. 
 
 Mrs. Lnngley is a daughter of William (I. and 
 Amanda (Ostrand) W<M>dworth. Her father was 
 born in Maylield. Fultcm Co.. .Mich., on the llth of 
 .March. 17'.i7. Her mother w.as born in Dutchess 
 County. N. Y. They settled in this county in the 
 spring of 1844. making their home at C'entreville. 
 Mrs. Wofxlworth died at the house of our subject, 
 in April, lH."»(i. .Slie was the mother of six chil- 
 dren, of whom her daughter .lulia, who was born 
 on the 6th of .M.ay, 1«42, was the eldest. Mr. Lang- 
 ley is a Notary rulilic. but has never hehl political 
 otlice. He espouses the principles of the Rcpub- 
 lii an party, and usually votes that ticket. 
 
 'Jl^ H. ISAAC SIDES, a physician of Colon, is 
 jY one of the most inlluential citizens of St. 
 ^ .loseph County, anfl a man of such varicfl 
 talents that he is prominent not oidy in its 
 -•iocial. but also in its business circles. He al.so oc- 
 cupies a high place among his ]>rofessional brethren, 
 and for many years w.as the "beloved physician" in 
 many a household, and. although he retired from 
 active practice four years ago. on account of other 
 
 4*- 
 
 business, yet he is often called uptm to prescribe 
 for his old patients and others. The Doctor was 
 appointed Postmaster of Colon June 8, 188.5, ami 
 .luly 1, 1885. he took charge of the office, under 
 President Cleveland's administration, holding the 
 office four years; he kept a very neat office, was 
 prompt and elticient in the discharge of his duti&s, 
 and w!Ls universally liked by the ix'ople. 
 
 Dr. Sides was born in the city of Harrisburg. Pa., 
 .Ian. 7, 1820, being the elder of the two children 
 of .lohn and .lane (McNutt) .Sides, the former a 
 native of York County, Pa., and the latter of Edin- 
 burgh, .Scotland. His father was a millstone maker, 
 and it is remembered by some, even to this day, 
 that he w.as not excelled in his calling. He accu- 
 mul.ated a considerable property. l)ut passed aw.ay 
 in the midst of his usefulness, while in the very 
 prime of life, when our subject was twenty-two 
 months old. His wife, a most estimable woman, 
 followed him in a short time. They were people 
 of such integrity of character and good social st4Uid- 
 ing that the highest respect was accorded them by 
 all who knew them. They were lioth memljers of 
 the Presbyterian Church. Their children were well 
 provided for. and left under guardianship. A'alen- 
 tine Hummel becoming their .son's guardian, and 
 .lohn Cameron, brother of ex-Senator .Simon Cam- 
 eron, of Pennsylvania, having charge of their 
 daughter's projierty. The sister of our subject. 
 Miss Martha Sides, is .nn esteemed resident of Mil- 
 lersburg, Pa., where she is an .active member of the 
 
 I Methodist Episcopal Church. The paternal grand- 
 parents of our subjwt were natives of Adams 
 
 1 County, Pa., and his grandfather served in the 
 War of 1812. The maternal grandparents of <Jur 
 subject were natives of Scotland, and coming to 
 this country in Colonial timt* settled in Pennsyl- 
 vania, where they s|HMit the remainder of their 
 lives. 
 
 The early years of the life of our subject were 
 |).assed with his mother's sister. Miss .Sarah McNutt, 
 of .Millersburg, Pa. When he was nine years old 
 he went to Lewistown. Pa., to the home of his aunt, 
 .Mrs. Mary Melsheimer. with whom he lived until he 
 w.as seventeen years old. receiving in that town an 
 excellent classical eilucalion in the academy, from 
 which he was graduated at the age of eighteen 
 
 f 
 
4 
 
 4»- 
 
 .t 
 
 246 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •T 
 
 years. He purposed to enter the medical |)rofes- 
 sion, and had been improving iiis time in reading 
 medicine and teaching seliool, and. .after availing 
 liinifielf of the counsel and instruction of Dr. 
 Thomas Worall. a physician of note and surgeon 
 in tiie array, lie entered a medical college when he 
 was twenty years old. 
 
 Wliile residing at Harrisburg. Pa., the Doctor 
 was married, Marcii 18, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth 
 Strunk, of Granville Township, Mifflin Co., Pa., 
 and a native of Lancaster County, that State. She 
 W.1S born March 28, 1818. to George and Susan 
 (Golden) Strunk. being the second in order of birth 
 of their twelve children, eight boys and four girls. 
 Her parents were n.ativesof Lancaster County, Pa., 
 and early settlers of Mifflin County, where her 
 father carried on his trade of miller, at which he 
 was an expert. After the building of the Pennsj'l- 
 vania Canal he acqiiired a great amount of i)roperty, 
 bought a farm in Granville Township, and resided 
 thereon a number of years; afterward he removed 
 to Reedsville of the same county, bought a mill 
 property and resided there until iiis de.ath. 
 
 Dr. Sides came to Michigan June 26, 1856, to 
 secure a location, and in October of the same year 
 he leturned East for his family; he arrived at Colon 
 Nov. 29, 18.56, where he commenced the practice 
 of medicine. The beloved wife of our subject de- 
 parted this life June 27, 188.J. after suffering from 
 consumption some twelve or fourteen years, dying 
 at the age of sixty -seven. She w!is a gre.at aid to 
 her husband, assisting him in his practice. She 
 was a lady of great intelligence, a great reader and 
 was well informed, and esi)ecially was she a student 
 of the IJible. She was a woman of so beautiful 
 and benign a character that none, either young or 
 old, knew her but to love her, and especially among 
 the poor, who have been the recipients of her bene- 
 factions, is her memory held in reverence. She was 
 pniminent in religious and social circles in this 
 community, being an active member of the Pres- 
 byterian Ciiurd). and was one of the leading mem- 
 bers of tlie Daugliters of Hebecca, I. O. (). V.. in 
 which organization she passed the eliairs of the 
 several offices in the lodge. She w:is a great lover 
 nf Mowers, and in her later years passed many 
 pleasant hours in her beautiful garden; she was 
 
 connected with the Floral, Horticultural and Art 
 Organization. The friends of such a woman can 
 well echo the thoughts of the poet when he says: 
 
 •■ 'Tis hard to take this burden up. 
 
 When she has laid it down; 
 She brightened all tiie joys of life. 
 
 She softened every frown. 
 Ihit oh I 'tis good to think of her 
 
 When we arc tempted sorel 
 Thanks be to God that such have been. 
 
 Although she is no more! 
 
 '• More homelike seems that vast unknown, 
 
 Since siie has entered there; 
 To follow her were not so hard. 
 
 Wherever she m.iy fare; 
 She cannot be where (iod is not. 
 
 On any sea or shore; 
 Whate'er betides Thy love abides. 
 . Our God, fdrevermore." 
 
 Tiie hap])v wedded life of our subject and his 
 wife was blessed to them by the birth of three chil- 
 dren, two of whom are living: Juniata E., .and 
 George Mosheim. of whom a sketcii will be found 
 in this volume. Charles died in Lewistown. Pa., 
 at the age of ten months. Juniata E. became the 
 wife of E. S. Schermerhorn. Nov. 16, 1869. He is 
 finely educated, was a student of Albion College, 
 and for seventeen years he was in the employ of the 
 Government as a postal clerk, frtmi 1871 to 1888. 
 He passed the best examination of any of the clerks 
 at that time, .and was very eflicient in the service. 
 Mr. Schermerhorn was a soUlier during the Civil 
 AVar. and wsis captured at the battle of Petersburg. 
 Va.. and taken prisoner to Libbj', and afterward 
 transferred to Salisbury, X. C, wiience he was ex- 
 changed, and afterward re-entered his regiment. He 
 served his time out and was honorably discharged: 
 he still suffers from a disease that he contractefl in 
 prison. He at one time tjiught school. He is in 
 good circumstances, and now devotes his time to 
 raising fine blooded stock in Colon. 
 
 Dr. Sides is one of the leading members of the 
 Democratic party, and has taken a very active part 
 in politics. He is friendly to all church organiza- 
 tions, and contributes liberally to tiieir support. The 
 use that he has made of his means is sufficient proof 
 that he has labored for no sellisli purpose; he is 
 ever the friend of the needy, and his generous en- 
 
-4^ 
 
 -■»• 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 -'4: 
 
 coiiriiL(i>niont is jjivcn to every worthy cniiso and 
 enterprise. Tlie Doetor is prominently identilied 
 with various soeial organizations of St. Joseph 
 t'oniity and the State, as he was also formerly in 
 Pennsylvania, joinini; the Odd Fellows Nov. •2!>. 
 IMl.i. and lieeoniing a Mason in 18.')l, sinee which 
 time he has lieen a zealot in hoth orders, .-ind has 
 eontrilmted niueh money and time in l.itiilding up 
 the many societies with which he ha.s been identi- 
 lied. lie is a niemlier of the I. (). (). V.. from Suh- 
 oritinate to Sovereign (Irand Lodiie of the United 
 States, and he has held many of the most im[X)r- 
 fant ollices in different lodges. He w.ns (irand 
 Master of the State in 1871. (irancl Warden in 
 IHO'.i. Deput}^ Grand Master in 187(1. and was Kej)- 
 resentative to the Sovereign f^rand Lodge for two 
 j-ears. 1872-73. lie was active in organizing the 
 lodge here. He was a charter member of his lodge 
 in Pennsylvania, was Deputy (irand M.aster and 
 Deputy (irand Patriarch, 1). I). (;..AI. of Kisho 
 QuilhLs Lodge No. 18 1. I. ().(). F.; was D. 1). (i. 
 P. and a member of Juniata Kncampnient No. lit. 
 I. O. (). F., of Lewistown. Pa., and member of the 
 Grand Lodge and (Jr.nnd Encampment of Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
 The Doctor, in 18(;i. joined the I. ( >. (). F. at 
 Three Rivers. Excelsior Lodge No. 8(1. with which 
 he was connected for a few years, .\pril IG. 186(j. 
 he. with others, helped to organize the Dennis 
 Lodge No. 'JO. 1. (). (). F..at Colon, .and he was the 
 first N. (;.. the first I). 1). I). M.. and also first 
 Representative to thetJrand Lodge of the State. 
 representing the lodge for several years in the 
 Grand body. He witlnlrew from the .luniata lOii- 
 campment and jiiined the Dennis Kncampnient No. 
 111. at White Pigeon, of which he remained a mem- 
 ber for a number of years, until the institution of 
 Curtis Encampment No. ."V.l. I. ( >. (). F., at Three 
 Rivers, being one of the charter members, was first 
 
 C. P.and first I). D.G. P.. and was first Representa- 
 tive lo the ( irand Encampnn-nt of the State. He 
 was the nn-ans of instituting the Daughters of Re- 
 becca. Elsie Lodge No. .'L I. O. ( >. F.. and he w.-is 
 the first presiding officer. N. G.. first Deputy and 
 
 D. D. G. .M. His wife wa.s also an active member 
 of the society. The hwi'^e w;ts organized with 
 twenty-six charter members, ladies and irenllenien. 
 
 The Doctor is also identified with the .\. F. A: A. 
 .M.. Jis we have before mentioned, and the recipient 
 of all the rights of the My.stic Shrine, including the 
 thirty-two degrees. Dr. Sides wius also one of 
 the originators of the Floral, Horticultural and Avt 
 As.sociation, which was organized by several ladies 
 and gentlemen. Oct. 8. 187(!. It is an incorixirated 
 organization, and our subject is Chairman of the 
 ]ioard of l)ii-ectors. while his daughter, who hiis the 
 fiiu'st fioral collection in Southern .Michigan, was 
 President tif the association for six years, and is 
 also President of the Woman's Relief Corps. Its 
 members give an annual exhibition, and connecte<l 
 with it an entertainment of tlu' best talent that can 
 be found in the country. They own their own out- 
 fit, and have a nice fund on interest. 
 
 -^^^^^^^i^^^i^^f^^^-^ 
 
 •¥■ f^ <* 
 
 <*' OSES R. DRAPER is a worthy son of one 
 of St. Joseph County's first settlers and 
 most esteemed citizens. His farm is situ- 
 ated on section 2'J of Colon Township, and 
 includes forty acres. His parents are Hiram and 
 Calista Wilcox Fay Draper. (See sketch of .Mr. 
 Hiram Draper.) He was born in Colon Township 
 upon the old homestead of his father on the 16th of 
 August, 18-f3, and was there reareil to manhood. 
 His education was received in the common schools, 
 and his training for his chosen occupation was re- 
 ceived ni)on the home farm, t^uite earlv in life were 
 simple duties a.ssigned him .ind Uisks suited to his 
 youth imposed upon him. 
 
 .Starting in life for himselr. our subject engage<l 
 in agricidlural pursuits, taking land rjf iiis own, ami 
 it was not long before he had a comfortable farm 
 drt-elling, the usual out-buildings for farm purposes, 
 and was proceeding well with the work of cultivat- 
 ing his fields. He is a man who is e.«sentially 
 thorough in everything he undertakes. and his farm 
 has been attended to year after year in accordance 
 with that fixeil principle, ami has been to him per- 
 haps the more profitable on that account. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was married at the old 
 honiesle.ad on the 17th of April, I8G4. His wife 
 was born in Cumberland County. Pa.. Feb. •_'.>, 
 I 84". Thi-y are the parents of two children, who 
 
■•► 
 
 ,t 
 
 248 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 t had 
 
 ,fc U J, 
 
 bear the names of Calvin II. .ind Calista B. The 
 former is engaged as a druggist at Wells, Minn., 
 and is a graduate of Parsons' Business College at 
 Kalamazoo; tiie latter is at home. 
 
 Until the year 1886 our subject was more or less 
 engaged as his father's chief helper. Then he 
 bought a nice farm of forty acres on section 29, 
 where he still resides, which, although not the larg- 
 est, is in point of producing power equal to any in 
 the county, if it does not surpass them. Our sub- 
 ject and wife ocenp3- a high place iu the esteem of 
 those who know them best, and are respected in the 
 community. They are members of liie Methodist 
 Church in good standing. Mr. Draper is a member 
 of the Self Protection Association, of Burr Oak, and 
 in matters political the Republican part3' has long 
 counted him as one of its firm adherents. 
 
 _«.., LBERT H. PATRIDGE, an aged citizen of 
 W/Lil Leonidas Township, came to this count}' in 
 1833, and during the following summer 
 was emploj-ed as a carpenter on the old 
 Burr Oak Exchange Building in the town of Cen 
 treville. Michigan was then a Territory, and a 
 gooill}' proportion of the population were afflicted 
 with the old-fashioned ague, which claimed our sub- 
 ject also as one of its victims. On account of this 
 he returned as far East as New York State, where 
 he had previously lived. 
 
 A native of New England, our subject was born 
 in the little city of Barre, Worcester Co., Mass., 
 Jan. ly. 1811. lie has thus more than spanned his 
 threescore years and ten. lie continued a resident 
 of the Bay State until twent}- years of age, then 
 made his way to the citj' of Boston, and was em- 
 ployed in the capacitj' of tollman on the ferry 
 running between the Hub and Chelsea. He was 
 occupied thus for six months, then returned to his 
 native town, which, however, he left soon afterward 
 for Ontario Countj', N. Y. There he located in 
 Naples, and was cmploj'ed at cabinet work until 
 starting for Michigan in 1832. After Ins contr.ict 
 in connection with the Exchange Building had ter- 
 minated, he returned to Naples, N. Y., where he 
 had a brother residing, and for three years there- 
 
 after was emplo3-ed at cabinet work in that locality. 
 In 1833, having not yet recovered from his Western 
 fever, he returned once more to this county, witli the 
 determination of making it his future home. He 
 soon secured possession of a tract of land embrac- 
 ing the present site of the Grove school-house in 
 Leonidas Township, and there lived about four 
 years, emplo^'ed as a carpenter and joiner. Next 
 he removed to Centreville, was employed in a cabi- 
 net-shop several months, then returned to Leonid.as. 
 and at that place and Factoryville followed his 
 trade for several years. On account of rheuma- 
 tism, however, he determined upon a change of 
 occupation, and located on a tract of wild land on 
 section 3, in Leonidas Township, where he has 
 since lived. The country at that time was mostly 
 wilderness, and Mr. Patridge, imbued with the gen- 
 uine pioneer spirit, began to wrestle with the soil 
 and build up a homestead. He has nearly 100 
 acres of his land under a good state of cultivation, 
 and a good set of frame buildings, including a com- 
 fortable residence, a good barn, and the other 
 structures required for his convenience and the suc- 
 cessful prosecution of his calling. 
 
 Mr. Patridge was first married in Leonidas Town- 
 ship, this countj'. to Miss Versilda D. Pierce, who 
 became the mother of one child, a daughter, Lavina, 
 who is now the wife of William McCoy, and lives 
 with the subject of our sketch. The mother died 
 in 1848. Our subject in 1850 contracted a second 
 marriage, with Mrs. Cornelia (Noyes) Eggleston, 
 widow of Nathaniel H. Eggleston, who died Dec. 
 24, 1846, and daughter of Samuel and Jane B. 
 Noj'cs. Her parent.s were natives of Connecticut 
 and Vermont respectively. Of her union with our 
 subject there have been born four chililren: Julia 
 1., the eldest, is at home with her parents; Martha 
 J. is the wife of Truman Percj'. of Vicksburg, this 
 Slate; M.ary E., Mrs. Enimett Thomas, lives on a 
 farm in Leonidas Township; James A., the second 
 born, was married and located upon a farm, where 
 his death took place Dec. 5, 1877. 
 
 Our subject, politically, uniformly voles the 
 Democratic ticket. Although i)erhaps not the hero 
 of anj' astonishing event, he has pursued the peace- 
 able career of an honest and law-abiding citizen, 
 and has thus added to the morality and well-being 
 
.t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •249 
 
 of his community-, wlio hold liim in respect., and 
 give liim duo ciedii for his industry and his well- 
 or(li're<l life. Mis. I'Mtiidjre imd one st)n by iier 
 first marriage, William II.: he died in Andersonville 
 Prison in 18G4. 
 
 ff_^ KNRV GKMBKRLINO is an enterprising 
 TT)!^' farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 
 1, Fabius Township. His is one of the best 
 managed farms in this locality, anil its 
 finely tilled acres, neat and well-kept buildings, un 
 surpassed by anj' others in the township, are sure 
 indications that he is a practical, thrift}', industri- 
 ous man. 
 
 Mr. Gemberling was born in Snyder County, Pa., 
 May 22, 1833. and is the son of Philip and Susan 
 (Krhhart) (iemberling, natives of Pennsylvania. 
 Our subject was reared on a farm in his native 
 St.ite. and thus acquired a good knowledge of agri- 
 culture in all its branches. His opportunities for 
 an education, however, were limited, but in after 
 .years he acquired much through the exercise of his 
 keen observing powers, and is to-d.-i}- a well-in- 
 formed man. He remained an inmate of the parental 
 household, assisting his father in the manage- 
 ment i/f his farm, until about the time of his mar- 
 riage, when he started out in life to built up a home 
 for himself and his bride. His marriage with Miss 
 Klvina Picard took place Dec. 18, 1855. She is a 
 native of .Snyder Count}', Pa., and a daughter of 
 Raphael aniJ Rebecca (Martz) Picani, natives of 
 Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. 
 
 About a year after his marriage .Mr. Gember- 
 ling moved with his wife to Ohio, and there carried 
 on farming in Seneca and adjoining counties for 
 about four years. He then came to this .State, at- 
 tracteil hither by the fine farmingcountr}' embraced 
 within the limits of St. Joseph County, hoping 
 on its rich, alluvial soil to be enabled to pursue 
 his chosen occupation with still better financial 
 results than had heretofore rewarded his assiduous 
 laliors. He first settled on a place now known as 
 the .Schnrtz farm, on wlijch he lived with his family 
 and carried on agriculture with a good degree of 
 success for some seven years. After the death of 
 
 the owner of the place, Frederic Schurtz, Mr. 
 Gemberling bought a part t>f the farm which he 
 had been renting. He was enabled to do this 
 only by the practice of the closest economy and a 
 wise and shrewd management of his affairs, as at 
 tiiat time he had met with some heavy losses in cat- 
 tle and horses. He had ixho had to pay out ^300 
 for a substitute, as he was drafted, and was unable 
 to leave home under the existing circumstances. 
 His farm was provided with a little log house, 
 and in that humble abode be and his family lived 
 for (.me year, when he commenced building the sub- 
 stantial and commodious dwelling in which they now 
 m.ake their home, and to erect the other conveui- 
 entl}' arranged farm buildings that now adorn his 
 place. His land is under excellent till.age, and is 
 also well adapted to stock-raising, to which he pays 
 much attention. 
 
 The wedded life of our subject and his good wife 
 has been blessed to them by the birth of six chil- 
 dren, as foUow.s; Susan, Ellen; Lizzie, now Mrs. 
 Martin Brown, of Three Rivers; Emma, Katie and 
 Clara. Mr. Gemberling has taken a great deal of 
 interest in educational matters, anxious not onl}' to 
 secure to his own children opportunities of attend- 
 ing good schools, but to have all in the neighbor- 
 hood to enjoy the same high privilege, and he has 
 served acceptably on the .School Board for many 
 years. Mr. and Mrs. Gemberling are members of 
 the Reformed Church, of Three Rivers. Their kind- 
 ness and helpfulness toward others have won for 
 them the regard of their fellow-citizens, and in 
 ever}' respect they are well worth}' of representa- 
 tion in this Ai.BL'M. 
 
 S - 3 'I' : 2 
 
 IRAM PL'LVER. a prominent and exten- 
 
 Jlj sive farmer and stock-raiser, residing on 
 ^' section 2, Fabius Township, well rejjre.sents 
 .v^ those interests in .St. Joseph County. He is 
 a keen, enterprising, far-seeing man. of rare energy 
 and stability of character, and to the.se traits he 
 owes his success in life, as he commenced to make 
 his own way in the world with no tither capital 
 than a clear brain and brawny nmscles, and from 
 that lime to this he has never borrowed a dollar 
 
f 250 
 
 4^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 from any one, Imt lins himself unassisted made all 
 tliat he owns. 
 
 Mr. Pulver was born in Yates County. X. Y., 
 l'\'b. 11, 1«27. Vieinjr tiie .second child in the fam- 
 ily of eight born to Wandle and Ann (lliserodt) 
 Pulver. His parents were of Dutch origin, and 
 natives of Dutchess County. N. Y. In 1828 they 
 removed with their children to Wayne County, 
 N. v., where the elder Pulver became actively en- 
 gaged in farming. 
 
 Hiram Pulver was reared in Wayne County, 
 N. v.. and there he lived until his twenty-second 
 year. His boyhood days were passed on a farm 
 and in attending the district school, where he ac- 
 (juired a fair education. He was married, in Feb- 
 ruary. IM.'jO. to Miss Emily King, and soon after 
 ills marriage started by the Panama rout(^ for Cali- 
 fornia, where he hoped to obtain a fortune for 
 himself .and his young wife. He remained in the 
 ••(iolden State" twenty-one months, and during 
 that time he accumulated aliout Ji2.000 worth of 
 gold. With this he returned to his old home in 
 New York, having resolved to devote himself to 
 farming, and he there bought fifty -two acres of 
 land. In Peliruary. 18.')2, after a l)rief married life 
 of just two years, his wife departed this life, leav- 
 ing one child. Wandle, who is now married, and 
 lives on one of liis father's farms. 
 
 In 18j3 Mr. Pulver resolved to dispose of his 
 property in New York, and try farming on the rich 
 alluvial soil of Miciiignn, wiiicli had not been worn 
 out by m.any years of cultivation. Carrying his 
 resolution into effect, he locatctl in St. Joseph 
 County, having bought a farm in Paliius Town- 
 shii>. He lived here and improved .and tilled his 
 land assiduously for some years. In the fall of 
 18(55 lie sold out and moved to Cass Ct)unty. where 
 he bought over 2O0 .acres of land wiiere Marcellus 
 Centre now st.ands. He imme<liately, with charac- 
 teristic energy, employed himself in removing the 
 forest trees from it and getting it ready to culti- 
 vate. In 186!), however, he again sold out. and 
 then came to his present place of residence. Hy a 
 jutlicious investment of liis hard-earned monej- he 
 has gre.atly increased his |)roi)erty. and the extent 
 of his farms and liis landed estate now amounts to 
 00 acres in different parts of the county. He has 
 
 erected good, substantial buildings, has his land 
 under the best of culture, and everything about his 
 estate that is under his direct management indi- 
 cates tli.at as a practical, metiiodical agriculturist 
 there are but fi>w. if any. in this county that can 
 surpass him. 
 
 Jlr. Pulver was married to his present wife, who 
 has ably seconded his efforts to gain a competence. 
 in October, 1855. Her maiden name was Lucina 
 Hrodv. By this marriage there have been born 
 two children: Louis Kinney, who lives with his 
 parents, and Alma, who died at the age of twenty- 
 five. 
 
 As a prompt, sagacious, wide-awake business 
 man, Mr. Pulver wields considerable influence in 
 this community, and his fellow-citizens, realizing 
 that his counsels in the administration of public 
 affairs would be of inestimable value, have reix-at- 
 edly urged him to accept office, but allliough he 
 is liberal and public-spirited to a degree, yet he 
 utterly refuses to accept any civic position, except 
 th.at of Pathm.oster. and th.at only because he likes 
 to have good roads, and it is especially due to his 
 exertions that Fabius can boast of as fine highways 
 as are to be found in any township in St. Joseph 
 or surrounding counties. In his political views 
 Mr. I'ulver is a '•straight-out" Democrat, and does 
 what he can to promote the i^iolicj- of his party. 
 
 ^s^EORGE SMALL. In'the present biography 
 f|[ ,^=; is offered in compendious form the history 
 ^^^ of the ex-Supervisor of Colon Township, 
 an<l in that connection very favorably known in the 
 county, a man respected among his fellows, and 
 having an influence which is carefully exercised 
 among- them. The father of this gentleiran was 
 Charles Small, who was born in the county of Kent, 
 England. His iiiolher. who was born and brought 
 up near the lioiiie of her hii.-baiul. was prior to her 
 marriage Miss Louisa Else. They were married anil 
 settled in their native county, making tlieir home 
 there until the year 1853. Actuated with Uie <lesire 
 to know more of the great Western Continent, 
 which at some time or another seems to seize every 
 enterjirising. progressive and ambitions spirit, ihey 
 
 ■•► 
 
,t 
 
 4 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ■i:> 1 
 
 <)ctermine<l to come to this coiiiitrj'. This the}' did 
 ill the year 1S.53, settling in Spi-ingfichl. N. Y.; in 
 1H()4 they came to Michigan and located at Clay- 
 Ion, ill Dover Township, whence tliey removed to 
 Camden, in Hillsdale County, the same State, where 
 the father died in 1874. His wife still survives. 
 
 The famil}' of which our subject is a member in- 
 cluded fourteen children, of whom George was 
 the fourth child born. He was also born in Kent, 
 the day of his nativity being the 11 th of March, 
 1830. He was reared upon a farm and has been 
 more or less connected with agricultural life ever 
 since. He did not leave Kngland until 184'J, then 
 went to the home at Springlield. After that he 
 remained with his parents until the spring of 1868. 
 when he came to this count}- and settled in Colon 
 Township on section 9, where he |)urchased 120 : 
 acres of land upon which he has since been a resident. 
 
 The marriage of our subject was celel>rated upon 
 the 22d of February, 18.>4, at Springdcld. Oswego 
 Co., N. Y. The maiden of his choice was Miss 
 Mary K. Waldby. daughter of Richard and Leah 
 (Sitt>) Waldby. This was a Yorkshire family; her 
 jwrents had settled in Springfield. N. Y.. and after- 
 ward removed to Minden. Montgomery County. 
 They were the parents of three children, their 
 daughter Marj- being the eldest. She w.is born at 
 Springlield. >'. Y., on the 20th of February. 1835. 
 There h.is been given to our subject and wife one 
 child, who received the name M.arion E. .She is 
 now the wife of Martin C. Blanchard. of Colon 
 Township, and is the mother of five children, whose 
 names are as follows: Lewis V.. Clifford G.. Hurla 
 K.. Hoy F. and Liila G. 
 
 -Mr. Small has held the office of Sujiervisor of 
 Colon Township for three years, and that of Drain 
 Commissioner for two years, besides several si-hool 
 otlices. In |>olilics he is .n stanch and active mem- ' 
 ber of the Kepublicnn |)arty, and h.is always ac- 
 knowledged allegiance thereto. He is a man of 
 large interests in the welfare of the county, and luos 
 always exhibited anxiety to further the interests 
 thereof. Mr. and Mrs. Small are members in good 
 slaiuling of the 1'. of H.. in which both are at all 
 times cordially received. Mrs. .Small is a lady who 
 has always lieen very careful to $tip|M)rl the rela- 
 tions sustained in the domestic circle in a manner 
 
 that is indeed most enviable where a similar condi- 
 tion of things does not exist, although it is pat- 
 ent that the cause is the same that led her to link 
 her life with our sulijcct. 
 
 Mrs. Small's grandfather, Henry Sitts, was a Cap- 
 tain in the Revolutionary War and helped to capture 
 Capt. Brant, the Indian chief who w.os sc< exten- 
 sively engaged in the m.issacre of the white settlers. 
 
 -i»t> 
 
 ^^ 
 
 •<tf5cs> 
 
 ^^^ born up 
 
 IIARLES T. KXGLE, a son of one of the 
 pioneers of Nottawa Township, w.os 
 ipon the homestead where he now re- 
 sides .June 20, 1847. Here he has always lived, 
 and it is hardly necessary to s.ay that it possesses for 
 him far more than a moneyed value. The farm itself 
 is one of the finest in this part of the township, hav- 
 ing undergone a process of thorough cultivation, 
 and is 1 4G acres in extent. The buildings are con- 
 venient and subst-intial. and meet all the require- 
 ments of the modern anil progressive agriculturist. 
 Thomas Engle, the father of our subject, was 
 born in Livingston County. N. Y.. where he spent 
 the years of his infancy and earl}' youth and man- 
 hood, and was married to Miss Sarah Rynearson, 
 who was born in Susquehanna County. Pa. Soon 
 after uniting their lives and fortunes they clecidetl 
 to cast their lot with the pioneers of Michigan Ter- 
 ritory. In 1830 the grandfather of our subject, 
 .lonathan Engle. secured a tr.ict of wild land now 
 embraced in the present homestead, and comprising 
 a portion of section 9. His neighbors were few and 
 far between, and wild animals of all kinds abounded. 
 After his marriage Thomas Engle moved inUj the 
 first schof)l-bouse built in the township, in which 
 the subject of this sketch was born, and proceeded 
 after the manner of the early settlers to till the soil 
 and build up a home. He endured his full share of 
 the difficulties and dangers wliicli then beset the peo- 
 ple of that region, but was amply prepared for the 
 emergency, being of courageous heart and stout 
 muscle. and in lime his labors met with their legit- 
 imate reward. The parents occupied the homestead 
 thus built up until the death of the father, wliicli 
 occurred Feb. 14, 187.'). The mother subsequently 
 
 r* 
 
■► ir^ 
 
 252 
 
 ST, JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 went with her dnughter and lived in Ccntieville, 
 where her death took place April 29, 1887. 
 
 To Thomas and Sarah Engle there were horn five 
 children, two sons and three daughters, namely: 
 Watts A., Charles T., Georgie A.. Eva C. and Rosa. 
 Of these three are living and all residents of this 
 oounty. Charles T. was the second son and child, 
 and spent his boyhood and youth in common with 
 his brothers and sisters, assisting as he was able in 
 planting, sowing and reaping, and acquiring a lim- 
 ited education in the pioneer school. When about 
 thirty years old, thinking he would like a change 
 of occu|)ation he engaged Tn the livery business at 
 Ccntreville, but one year of this satisfied him and 
 he returned to the pursuits of agriculture, which he 
 has since closely followed. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born .June 20, 
 1847, and when twenty-two years of age began 
 the establishment of a home of his own. On the 
 ;50th of August. 1 8G9. he was married to Miss Grace 
 M.. daughter of Dr. A. B. and Lucj' (Burrell) Ilale, 
 of St. .Joseph County. Mrs. Engle was born on the 
 I'.Uh (.if March. lt<al,in Calhoun County, Mich.. and 
 remained under the home roof until her marriage, 
 receiving carelul training from her excellent parents 
 and a common-school education. Her parents were 
 natives of New York and Massachusetts, and spent 
 thcii- Iast3-c.ars in Kalamazoo Count}-. Mich. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Engle have no children. Mr. E. lakes very 
 little interest in politics, but when casting his vote 
 at the general elections indicates his preference for 
 the prii]cii)les of the Democratic party. He is bear- 
 ing in a most w(jrthy manner the mantle of his 
 honored father, and keeping up the estate in the 
 old-time tlH.irougli and profitable manner. 
 
 (^^HEODOHE W. ROYS. The subject of this 
 iti^^ biography occupies no unimportant position 
 ^^^ among the leading men of St. Joseph County. 
 those who have contributed to its development, ajvd 
 who b3' their own industry have set jui examine 
 worthy of imitation, and by their intelligence dj-awu 
 around Ihem a class of people who are a credit to 
 any communit\-. Mr. Hoj's owns one of the inost 
 beautiful homesteads in N.Ottawa Towjiship, thie 
 
 farm being embellished with fine improvements in 
 the shape of buihlings, and the dwelling with its 
 surroundings especiall}' attractive. The hand of 
 industrj' is apparent on all sides, while the home is 
 replete with those evidences of taste and culture 
 which are so pleasing to the ej'e. and which indicate 
 the degree in which civilization has crept westward. 
 
 In reverting to tiie life history of an individual 
 it is natural to glance back to those from whom he 
 drew his origin. Our subject is the son of Truman 
 and Eunice (Whitemore) Roj's, who were natives of 
 Connecticut, where thej' were reared and educated. 
 They were married in New York, and settled in 
 Onond.iga Count}', where the father secured a tract 
 of land, and engaged in farming the balance of his 
 life. He died at the old homestead in Onondaga 
 County in middle life, about 1839. The mother 
 survived her husban<l a j)eriod of thirt^'-six years, 
 remaining a widow, and ile|)arting this life at Mar- 
 cellus, Onondaga Co., N. Y.,in 1875. The parental 
 household included two sons and six daughters, 
 five of whom arc living. 
 
 Mr. Roys was the third child of his parents, and 
 was born at the homestead in Onondaga County, 
 N. Y., not far from the town of Otisco, May G, 1 829. 
 He was a lad only ten years of age at the time of 
 his father's death, and was then Uikeu into the home 
 of his maternal grandparents, with whom he lived 
 until a youth of sixteen years. About that time 
 the death of his grandfather occurred, and after- 
 ward Mr. Roj's worked out upon farms in the 
 vicinit}' of the old home, and remained a resident 
 of his native county until coming to Michigan in 
 18,54. He was then a man of twenty-five j'ears, 
 but still unmarried, having resolved to lay the foun- 
 dation of a competence before taking upon himself 
 the responsibilities of a family. 
 
 The bachelor days of Mr. Roys, however, eniled 
 Pec. 19, 1855, when he was united in marri.age with 
 one of the most estimable Kidies of this county, 
 Miss Mary Renner, daughter of Daniel and Rebecca 
 iienner, and sister of Mrs. Charles King, a sketch 
 of whom will be found on another page of this 
 volume, togetlicr with the parental history. Mrs. 
 Boys was born in Union County, Pa., Nov. 8, 1833, 
 and came to .Michigan with her parents when a 
 (iliiid. Of her union with our subject there have 
 
•* t X * 
 
 ST. .lOSKPlI COUNTY. 
 
 •2M 
 
 been born two children, one of whom. Ida E.. died 
 when lhirt3'-one years old. This diiiijiliter had al- 
 ways lived at home, performing licr lillinl duties in 
 a must endearing manner, and her death was a 
 heavy blow to the stricken parents. She was greatly' 
 beloved liy the people of her comniunity. possess- 
 ing more than ordinary intelligence and amiability 
 of disposition. Their only son and ciiild, William 
 H.. was horn in 1858, and lives at home with his 
 parents. 
 
 Mr. lloj's began the building up of his homestead 
 in 18G2, with a capital of ¥300. In looking upon 
 his surroundings to-day. it must be confessed that 
 he has employed his time to excellent advantage, 
 and been remarkably fortunate in his investments. 
 The homestead embraces 113 acres of good land, 
 which has been brought to a fine state of cultiva- 
 tion, and all the improvements have been made In- 
 the present proprietor. Mr. Roys is a man held in 
 high regard by his fellow-citizens, is thorough and 
 skillful as a farmer, prompt and reliable as a busi- 
 ness man, and in short, possesses all the qualities of 
 H valued member of the community. 
 
 JOSEPH ORVIS U'ARRKN, whose residence 
 is in Nottawa Township, is a gentleman 
 widely ami favorably known throughout this 
 section of St. .Joseph County, and recog- 
 nized as among its most intelligent citizens, thor- 
 oughly educated and being possessetl of more than 
 ordinary ability. The j'ounger j'cars of his man- 
 hood were employed principally as a teacher, in 
 which profession he excelled, meeting with more 
 than ordinary success. He hiis alw.ays been fond 
 of rurjd life and it,s pursuits, loving the pleasures 
 and employments of the country, and is now located 
 on a snug homestead of fortj' acres on section 2.5, 
 where he has erected good buildings, makes a spe- 
 cialty of market gardening, and is in the enjoyment 
 of all the comforts and many of the luxuries of 
 life. 
 
 Our subject was born in New York March 29, 
 1830, and is the son of Albert and Emory (Hil- 
 drcth) Warren, the father a native of Vermont and 
 the mother of Connecticut. They were married in 
 
 I Brandon, N. Y.. and settled at Malone. same .State, 
 where they lived a few years, then turned their 
 faces toward what was then the Far West, going 
 into Illinois, where the father had taken up a Gov- 
 ernment claim previously, settling among the ear- 
 liest pioneers of that region, when their neighbors 
 were few and far between. 
 
 The journey of the parents of our subject from 
 the Empire State to Illinois was made with an ox- 
 team, and w.as necessarily lengthy and tedious. On 
 the ro.ad Mr. Warren was induced to exchange his 
 Eastern money for some of the "wihl-cat" currency 
 of Michigan, which was practically worthless, and 
 on account of this mistake he was unable to go as 
 far as he had at first intended, stopping in the em- 
 bryo town of Monroe, where he eng.aged in farm- 
 ing, and lived there about three years. In 1837 he 
 came into St. .Joseph Count}' and took up a Gov- 
 ernment claim of 160 .acres in the vicinity of which 
 is now situated the town of Mendon. Nearly all 
 the members of the family were atllicted with the 
 ague, and Mr. Warren was obliged to part with his 
 team of oxen in order to pay the doctor. Amid 
 these discouragements he abandoned his claim, and 
 removing to Centreville secured employment as 
 turnkey at the old log jail, which was. about 183G, 
 destroyed by fire. He got his house rent free for 
 his services in taking care of the jail. He was con- 
 siderable of a mechanic, and by carpentering and 
 cobbling was enabled to keep hunger from the 
 door. He finally built up a very good business, 
 giving employment to several men in the manu- 
 facture of boots and shoes. His was the only estab- 
 lishment of the kind in that vicinit}' for years. 
 
 In the coui-se of time the father of our subject 
 was enabled to secure eighty acres of land in Colon 
 Township, upon which he settled, cleared it from 
 the timber, developed a goo<l farm, and at one tiuje 
 possessed the finest fruit orchard in the count}'. 
 Upon this homestead he spent the remainder of his 
 life, a period of thirt}' years, and died Oct. 16, 
 1882. at the advanced age of eightj"-two. having 
 been born in 1800. The faithful wife and mother 
 is still living, making her home with her son. our 
 subject, and has arrived at the advanced age of 
 eighty-four. The parental household included five 
 children, who were named respectively: .1. Orvis, 
 
 -■-4^ 
 
 * 
 
 
^•i^H* 
 
 254 
 
 .ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 i' 
 
 Ezm. Liit-y .1.. Caroline anrl Leonora. Of these 
 four are livinjr. Kzra iluring the Civil War enlisted 
 in the 1 llh Michigan Infantry, anrl died in the hos- 
 pital at Bardstown, K\'., while on duty in Ken- 
 tucky; Lucy is the wife of Merritt Lantb, of Grand 
 Rapids; Caroline married Alvah Mettler, and died 
 in Xottawa Township about 1873; Leonora is the 
 wife of Calvin Eberliardt. of Colon. 
 
 Our subject came to Michigan with his father, and 
 resided with him in Centreville until the latter re- 
 moved to his farm in Colon Townshi|>. After- 
 ward he continued in that town until 1864. In the 
 meantime he was married in Cohjn Village. Oct. 25, 
 1855. to Jliss Wealthy, daughter of John and 
 Amanda (Wilcox) Belote. The father of Mrs. 
 Warren w.is a native of New York State, and the 
 mother of Connecticut. After marriage they set- 
 tled in Claj-. Onondaga Co., Is. Y., living there un- 
 til 1835, wlien they set their faces toward the 
 farther West, moving into Michigan Territor3' and 
 settling in Colon Township. A few years later they 
 changed their residence to Nottawa Township, 
 wheie they spent the remainder of their lives, the 
 mother dying in 1852. and the father, surviving a 
 period of thirteen years, passing away in 1 865. To 
 Mr. and Mrs. Belote theie were born eight chil- 
 dren, who lived to mature years. One daughter, 
 Mary A., <Iied in New York, about 1838; Isaac 
 died in 1 864 ; Asa, formerly a resident of Minnesota, 
 died about 1873; Milton died in Burr Oak in 1867; 
 Amanda is the wife of Henrj' Dudly, of Burr Oak; 
 Eleanor married J. .S. Klady. who is now deceased; 
 Wealthy, Mrs. Warren, was next to the 30ungest; 
 her younger brother, James, is a resident of Cen- 
 treville; he served three years in the late war, and 
 was captured and imprisoned at Belle Isle three 
 months. 
 
 Mrs. Warren was born in the town of Clay, 
 Onondaga Co., N. Y., March 20, 1832. She spent 
 her childluiod and youth in this county, and lived 
 with her parents until her marriage. Of her union 
 with our subject there are three children — John A., 
 Adelbert and Ella. The latter is the wife of John 
 Schofield, of Cohoes. N. Y. Mr. Warren, politi- 
 cally, is a sound Republican, but has never aspired 
 to office, although serving as School Inspector in 
 his district. When a youth of sixteen years his 
 
 father gave him his time, ami he devoted the monej* 
 earned thereafter to his education. Upfm complet- 
 ing his studies he engaged in teaching, and followed 
 this profession thirty seasons in succession. One 
 year he was Principal of the school at Lima. Ind. 
 Mrs. Warren, like her husband, was occupied as a 
 teacher about six years prior to her marriage. 
 
 Adelbert Warren, who was born in 1858. is a 
 young man of line business capacities and prosper- 
 ously engaged as a farmer in Logan County. The 
 famil}' is widely and favorably known throughout 
 this section of country, and Jlr. Warren is num- 
 bered among its most capable men. 
 
 ■ :g^J#^: : i- 
 
 AVID KING. The main points in the 
 )) history of this well-to-do farmer of Colon 
 Township are as follows: He is the third 
 child of David F. and Jane (Wetherhagg) 
 King, and was born in Lincolnshire, England. Jan. 
 31, 1827. The comforts by which he and his family 
 are surrounded arc indicative of the industry and 
 pereeverance which have marked his career. In 
 the sketch of his brother. Charles King, another 
 well-known citizen of the township, will be found 
 ap extended sketch of the parents. 
 
 AVhen a lail of seven years David King crossed 
 liie Atlantic with liis parents, and, young as he was, 
 remembers man}' of the incidents of the preparation 
 and the after voyage on the ocean. The family 
 landed in New York. and. proceeding directly- west- 
 ward, came to this count}', where they took up 
 their permanent abode. Here young King received 
 his first lessons in farming, and for a period of five 
 or six years he aided as he could around the home- 
 stead, and |)ursued his lessons in the common school. 
 The advantages of those days, however, were ex- 
 tremel}* limited, but the lioy, with more than or- 
 dinary intelligence, grew uj) into a well-informed 
 man. keeping his ej-es open to what was going on 
 around him in the world. 
 
 Mr. King remained a member of the parental 
 househcjld until twenty-two years of age. In the 
 spring of 1801 he went over into Branch County, 
 and purchased forty acres <>f land in I'nion Town- 
 ship, upon which he settled and remained until the 
 
 :Tt::M^ 
 
-4»- 
 
 •*^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 25.1 
 
 spriiis; of IMG.'). Tlicn. si'llinjj f)iit. Iip returiieil to 
 Colon 'rown.slii]), this oouiit^-, ami ])iircli;>sp(l llie 
 lanil which he now occupies, ami which lies on sec- 
 tions 17 and l.H. Here lie has eighty-eight acres, 
 which he has hrought to a good state of ctdtivntion, 
 and npon which he liiis set out a fine orchanl, 
 erected a neat and suhstantini dwelling, and the 
 other farm hiiildings necessary f<jr his comfort and 
 convenience. 
 
 Mr. King was first married in .June. 1.SG1. to Miss 
 Martha SterTis, who was horn and reared in Union 
 Township, Branch Co., Mich. Her parents were 
 Asa and Susanna Sterns. Mrs. King onl}' survived 
 her marriage a period of four yi'ars. her death tak- 
 ing place July 4. I860, ilr. King, in April, 1874, 
 contracted a second marriage, with Mrs. Cart)line 
 (Dale) Dean, the widow of Jacoli Dean, a well-to- 
 do farmer of Branch County. Of her first mar- 
 riage there was horn one child, a son, Henr}' E., who 
 still remains with his mf»ther. Mrs. (."aroline King 
 was born April 4, IK.^0, in Williams County. Ohio, 
 and is the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth 
 (Barrett) Dale, who were natives of Pennsylvania 
 and New York respectively. Her parents' family 
 included nine children, six of whom are still living. 
 To our sid)ject and his present wife there has been 
 horn one child only, a daughter, Marj- J. .She is a 
 bright and interesting maiden of thirteen years, 
 having been born June 23, 1875. Mr. King, polit- 
 ically, is an earnest supporter of Democratic princi- 
 ples, but has little to do witli public affairs, preferring 
 to give his time and attention to his farm and his 
 family. 
 
 '-•^^♦^CfWf-. * 
 
 JOSEPH H. HASBROUCK. This gentleman 
 
 deserves especial mention as being one of 
 
 1 
 
 ^^1 the most public-spirited citizens of St. 
 {\&fj Joseph County, liberal minded and enter- 
 prising, and one wlr» has been of essential value in 
 the development of this portion of the countj', 
 with whose interests he has been closely identified 
 for many years. He is the owner of some line farm 
 property located on section 27. Nottawa Township, 
 adjacent to the village. 
 
 Our subject is the offspring of a gooil famil}', be- 
 ing the son of John and Rjichel A. (Traphagen) 
 
 Ilasbronck, who were natives respectively of Ulster 
 County, N. Y., and Passaic County. N. J. The ma- 
 ternal grandparents removed to the Empire .State 
 in earl}' da3-s, where their daughter Kachel was mar- 
 ried, and settled with her husband for a time in Ul- 
 ster County, N. Y. Thence the parents of our subject 
 in the spring of 18G1 came to this count}-, set- 
 tling first in Lockport Township. Eight years 
 later they changed their residence to Centreville. 
 where the father died in the fall of 18C9. The 
 mother is still living. 
 
 The parental household of our subject included 
 eight children, five sons and three daughters, and 
 Joseph B. was the fourth in order of birth. He 
 first opened his eyes to the light in New Hurle}-, 
 Ulster Co., N. Y., Jan. 4, 1840, was reared at the 
 old homestead in the Empire State, and conned his 
 lessons in the district school. He was twentj'-one 
 years old upon coming to this count}', and lived 
 with his parents in Lockport Township for a period 
 of eight years. Afterward he made his home 
 principally in Centreville a jjcriod of ten years, 
 where he conducted a meal-market. In the spring 
 of 1878 he moved to the farm he now owns and 
 occupies, and which from its near location to the 
 village of Nottawa is valuable. It comprises 130 
 jicre.s. with good buildings and all the other appli- 
 ances of the well-regulated suburban home. 
 
 Mr. Hasbrouck was first married in Centreville 
 on the evening of Dec. 25, 18G9, to Miss Jennie 
 Blair, who only lived a few years, her decease tak- 
 ing pl.ace in Centreville, June 15, 1873. Our sub- 
 ject contracted a second marriage in Centreville, 
 .Sept. 9, 1877, with Miss Elizabeth Strong, adopted 
 daughter of Kenssalaer and Ann B. (Oviatt) .Strong. 
 Mr. Strong came to this county from Genesee 
 County, N. Y., in June, 183G, and settled in Not- 
 tawa Township, of which he and his estimable wife 
 were residents for a period of forty years, and where 
 they lookefl their Last upon the scenes of earth. 
 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Hasbrouck was born in this 
 county, Dec. 4, 1840. ami is the daughter of Joseph 
 and Amanda (Wheeler) Alger. Her jmrents were 
 natives of Vermont, and came to this county dur- 
 ing its pioneer days. The father about 1849 started 
 for the Pacific Slope, and died on the plains. The 
 mother died in Sherman Township about 1H42. To 
 
J. 
 
 -•► 
 
 25C 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hashronck there have been bom two 
 ehihiren. botli sons. Ilarry S. aiitl Frank C, who 
 are at home. 
 
 Our subject, politicallj'. votes the straight Re- 
 publican ticket, anrl has held the office of Justice of 
 the Peace a number of years. Botii he and his 
 estimaljje wife are members in good standing of 
 the Reform Ciuirch. For nearly- ten years prior to 
 her marriage Mrs. Hasbrouck was a very success- 
 ful teacher of music. She is a very pleasant and 
 amiable lady, and is well known all over this part 
 of the countj'. where she as well as her husband has 
 hosts of friends. 
 
 In the fall of IS7-J Mr. Hasbrouck took a trip to 
 Texas, and remained in the Lone Star State a period 
 of eiglit months. In the meantime he contracted 
 to furnish the bridge and spile timber for the 
 Ilousatonic & Great Northern Railwa}-. The enter- 
 prise proved successful, and the sojourn in the 
 Southwest partieularlj' pleasant. 
 
 t 
 
 W 
 
 
 -!«=$= 
 
 II. CIIIVKRS, M. D., is a flue represent- 
 i\ /W« ative of the medical profession of St. Jo- 
 WHl seph Count3-, being one of its leading 
 physicians and surgeons. He is plea.santly located 
 in the town of Colon, where he enjoys a large prac- 
 tice. He is a native of London, England, born in 
 1851, to Henry and Ann (Nowel) Chiver.s, natives 
 of England. They came to America with their 
 family in 1861, and arrived in Hudson. Lenawee 
 County, this State, on the 4th of July, that year. 
 His father has since then been actively identified 
 with the agricultural interests of Southern Michi- 
 gan, and is now extensively engaged in farming in 
 Hillsdale County'. He and his estimable wife are 
 genial, intelligent people, and are valued members 
 of the communitj' where the}' reside, commanding 
 the full respect and esteem of all by whom they are 
 known. They have had eight children, six of whom 
 are living. 
 
 Dr. Chivers, of whom we write, was the third 
 child of these wortlu' people, and as he was but ten 
 years of age when he accompanied them across the 
 waters from the land of his birth to their new home 
 
 in this countr}', he has grown to manhood and 
 passed the most important years of his life in the 
 United States. He was educated in the schools of 
 Lenawee Count}-, in the town of Hudson. Possess- 
 ing a decided predilection fur the study of medi- 
 cine, he earl}' set about obtaining the means to 
 pursue it. and we find him when quite young suc- 
 cessfully engaged in teaching for a number of 
 terms. He subsequently entered the Detroit Medi- 
 cal School, well prepared to pursue the prescribed 
 course of instruction, as he had employed his leisure 
 time in studying. He was gra<luated from that 
 institution in 1877, having stood high in his classes 
 throughout the course. He commenced the practice 
 of his profession in Prattville, Hillsdale County, 
 where he continued to reside until 1881, when a 
 fine opening in the town of Colon induced hira to 
 come here and open an office. He is a man whose 
 clear, cool head, steady nerve, and rich mental en- 
 dowments, eminentl}' fit him for the profession of a 
 physician, as is attested by the reputation he h.as 
 won for skill and success in liis treatment of diffi- 
 cult cases. 
 
 The Doctor w.is married in Hillsdale Count}', in 
 December, 1875, to Miss Lois Downer, who was 
 born in Hillsdale County in 1851. She was the 
 sixth in a family of seven children, six of whom 
 are living, born to the Rev. S. B. and Abigail (Pix 
 ley) Downer, natives of New York. They came to 
 Michigan at an early date, her father at that time be- 
 ing minister in charge of the Prattville Congrega- 
 tional, formerly the Method ist Episcopal Church, and 
 he is well known tln'oughout Lenawee ami Hillsdale 
 Counties; he and his wife still make their home 
 in the latter county. To Dr. and Mrs. Chivers one 
 child, Roy, has been born. He is now ten years 
 of age, and is attending school. The Doctor and 
 his wife are members of the Congregational Church, 
 of Prattville. He is identified with the I. O. O. F., 
 of Colon. The Doctor is independent in his political 
 views, voting for whom he considers the best men, 
 although he is in full sympathy with the principles 
 of the Democratic party. He is a radical temper- 
 ance man, and in his own life illustrates the ad- 
 vantages of possessing that virtue. He is a |)romiuent 
 member of the .State Medical Association, and be- 
 longs to the local Board of Health, and he has done 
 
■^•■ 
 
 ^i^h-^ 
 
 hT. .IDSEIMI COUNTY. 
 
 2.) 7 
 
 iiiiu'h tu promote sanitary measures in this town. 
 The Uoi-tor is interesterl in a drug-store here, which 
 is mnii!i<:ci) imdiT the Srni iiiinic of .1. K. C'hivers Ar 
 Co., aiifi It i-arrics a heavy slock of goods in the drug 
 line, besides hooks, stationery, and a fine assortment 
 of jewelry, anil does an extensive business. 
 
 -^ -#-«#- *<— 
 
 (( 
 
 OllN I.KIIK. one of the solid men of Not- 
 tnwa Townsliij). owns a good farm of lid 
 acres occupying a [xirtion of section 12. He 
 is a gentleman well known and highly re- 
 spected in this region, the .Mm of .lobn and Anna 
 (Peters) I.ehr. who were natives of rcnnsylvania. 
 anil died in what was then In ion County, but is 
 now Snyder ('ount_v, Pa. The parental family con- 
 sisted of eight children, of whom .lohn was the 
 fifth in order of birth. lie was born in the county 
 above mentioned May lil. 1832. where he spent his 
 boyhood and youth, being re.nred up<m the home 
 farm. 
 
 ^\'hen a young man of twenty years our subject, 
 leaving the Keystone State, ni.ade his w.ay to San- 
 dusky County. Ohio, where he learned the trade of 
 carpenter, and sojourned for a period of four years. 
 In the spring of 1)S.'>7 he made his way to Michiaan. 
 taking u]) his abode lirst at Three Hivei"s. where he 
 followed his trade until ready to buy a farm. He 
 then selected a tract of land in Nottawa Township, 
 much of which was covered with timber. He felled 
 the trees by the laborious process known to those 
 days, destroying by burning timber which would 
 now bring a snug sum of money. He enilurcd in 
 common with the people around him the hardships 
 and dilliculties of life in a new settlement, and now. 
 in the enjoyment of a large portion of the good 
 things of life, is reaping the reward of his toils. 
 
 Over thirty years ago. on the 21th of SeptenilK>r_ 
 18.57, our subject was unite<l in marriage with Miss 
 Margaret, daughter of James and .lane (Conkling) 
 -Vsh. The parents of Mrs. l>elir settled in St. 
 .Joseph County during its earliest days, and Mr. 
 Ash numbered one among the thrifty pioneers who 
 built up a homestead from the wilderness .and thus 
 contributed to the wealth and development of .St. 
 .loseph County. Both he and his estimable wife 
 
 died in Three Rivers, the former in 1887 and the 
 latter in 1882. They were the parents of si.x chil- 
 dren, all of whom are living and all residents of 
 this county. 
 
 Mrs. Lehr w.is the eldest child of her parents, and 
 was born in Flowertieltl Township. Dec. 11. 1838. 
 She. like her husband, ac(iuired her eflucation in 
 the district schools, and was trained by an excellent 
 mf)ther in those liousewifely duties which have so 
 much inlluence in the happiness of a home. To Mr. 
 anil Mrs. Lehr there was born one child only, a 
 d;uighter. .Icnnie .1.. born .Inly 2-5. 18.")8. This 
 daughter grew up. as may be supposed, the light of 
 the household, and is now the wife of Frank Avery, 
 a well-to-do farmer of Nottawa Township. 
 
 The first year after marriage .Mr. Lehr engaged 
 in the grocery trade for a time, then became inter- 
 ested in a threshing-machine, wliich he o|)erated 
 among the farmers of this region until 1864. The 
 Civil War being then in progress he went South in 
 the employ of the Government as a carpenter, and 
 sojourned in the .States of Tennessee. Alabama and 
 Kentucky a |)eriod of nine months, engaged in 
 building bri<lges for the Government. 
 
 -Mr. Lehr has been quite prominent in township 
 aflfairs. holding the various school offices and other- 
 wise identifying himself with the best interests of 
 the people. Both he and his estimable wife are 
 members in good standing of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church. .Mr. L.. politically, is an earnest advo- 
 cate of Republican princijjles. 
 
 OLOMON YEATTER. Among the most 
 worthy and well-kuf)wi) citizens of St. .Jo- 
 seph Count}' is the gentleman whose life is 
 here briefly sketched. He is the son of 
 Jonathan and Barbara (Decker) Yeatter. His father 
 was one of the very early settlers in this county, 
 coming here in the year I8.")3. He was born on the 
 Kill of April. 180<i, in Mifllin County. Pa.. an<l was 
 there brought up to man's estate. His mother, a 
 native of the same place, was born on the 22d of 
 A[)ril, 1814. They were companions in early life. 
 and after their marriage settled in their native 
 county. m>iking their home there until 1843. when 
 
 ■•► 
 
,t 
 
 2.i8 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Ihej' removed t(j Seneca, Ohio, living in that place 
 until li^oS. In that year the}' came to this county 
 and settled in Colon Township, which they made 
 their home until their death, which occurred on the 
 23d of August, 1888, and on the 2d of August, 
 1876. respectively. They were members of the 
 Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania, but on coming 
 to St. Joseph County united with the Reformed 
 Church, with which they were connected at the 
 time of their death. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was the fourth child of 
 eight born to bis parents, and he too was born in 
 the Pennsylvania home, the tiate of that interesting 
 event being the 13th of April. 1839. At the time 
 of the removal to Ohio he was four j-ears of age, 
 and was still with his parents when the\- came to 
 this county in 1853, continuing with them until 
 the year \Md. when he settled upon the farm where 
 he now lives, which is situated on section 24, 
 Colon Township. 
 
 The education of Mr. Yeatter was received in 
 the common schools of Colon and its Seminary. 
 After leaving these institutions he taughtschool for 
 four years in St. Joseph and IJrancii Counties, and 
 evidenced an abilit}' to manage his pupils and train 
 the developing intelligence intrusted to his care, 
 that would soem to have warranted a longer con- 
 tinuance in the jirofcssion, but he was otherwise 
 inclined, and consequently gave his attention to 
 .agricultural pursuits. 
 
 The farm of our subject comprises 350 acres of 
 well-cultivated, arable land, of which he took pos- 
 session before any improvements had been made. 
 He has erected good buildings and a comfortable, 
 well-appointed farm dwelling, of which, however, 
 the chief attraction is the cheerful, bright and 
 amiable lady, who, since the 22dof February', 1866, 
 has been united with him in the closest of all earthly- 
 relations. 
 
 The marriage of our subject was celebrated at 
 Colon, Feb. 22, 186G, his wife being Miss Mnrtba 
 Benedict, a daughter of Alfred R. and Cynthia 
 (Aldrich) Benedict. Her father was a native of 
 the Empire State, and her mother of Ohio. The}' 
 first settled in Morrow County, i)i the latter State, 
 where they continued to make their home until 
 coming to this county. In 1849 they established 
 
 themselves in Burr Oak Township, wliere Mrs. 
 Benedict died on the 9th of August. 1864. Subse- 
 quently her husband remarried, anil removed to the 
 village of Burr Oak. whore he lived until his death, 
 which occurred on the 14th of July, 1882. Mr. 
 Benedict bad a family of ten children, nine by the 
 first marriage. 
 
 Mrs. Yeatter was the third child of her parents 
 in order of birth, and was born in Morrow County, 
 Ohio, on the 2.M of July. 184.'5. She was carefully 
 brought up. and continued to live with her parents 
 until her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Yeatter have 
 been born three children, who have received the 
 following names: Sidney E., Effie O. and Ethel L. 
 Both .Sidnej' and Ethel are engaged as teachers, and 
 are quite successful in their work. 
 
 Mrs. Yeatter is a member in good standing of 
 the Reformed Church, and takes much interest in 
 the various enterprises and organizations connected 
 therewith. She is a lady respected and esteemed 
 in the communion of which she is a member, .as she 
 is also by all who know her. Our subject has Ueld 
 several offices in the township in a most commenda- 
 tory manner. In his relation to matters political 
 he is strictlj' independent, and it is his aim always 
 to use his ballot for what in his judgment are trulj' 
 the best interests of the people, reganlless of party 
 and policy, respecting simplj' principle and right. 
 
 ^5>- 
 
 HOMAS CUDDY. A community of en- 
 terprising men soon leave their mark upon 
 the section of country wherein they settle, 
 and to them it is indebted for its growth and pros- 
 perity. In order to efiFcct this they must be liberal- 
 minded, progressive and unselfish. Nottawa Town- 
 ship has been fortunate in this respect, and among 
 the men who have aided in her growth and pros- 
 I perity the subject of this sketch occupies a leading 
 I position. Not the least among his Iaboi°s have been 
 I the building of a fine homestead, the cultivation of 
 the soil, the planting of trees, the building of fences, 
 and last, but not least, the erection of neat and 
 I substantial farm buildings. These include a hand- 
 some and commo<lious brick residence, while the 
 barn and other structures for the storing of grain 
 
■<- 
 
 4- 
 
 ST. .lOSElMI COUNTY. 
 
 ■2r>9 
 
 -t 
 
 and the shelter of stock inilicnto the cntcrpri-ip of 
 the proprietor. 
 
 A hiifje piopcirlioii of llii- early Peltiers of .Miclii- 
 <jaii owe their liirth and ancestry tti a foreign land. 
 The childhood home of Mr. C'lidd}' was in Countj' 
 Tyrone. Ireland, where his birth took |)lace in 1829. 
 His father was a farmer by occnpation, and the 
 boy grew up with limited adviinUigcs, but with 
 sentiments of honesty and liabits of industry. He 
 was bright and ambitious, ami when twenty j-ears 
 of age resolved to seek his fortunes on the other 
 side of the Atlantic. Taking passage on a sailing- 
 vessel at Liverpool, he landed live weeks later upon 
 American soil, in the city of New York. 
 
 Young Cu<ldy soon made his wjiy to the >State of 
 Michigan, and having in view the pursuits of farm 
 life, located, in the month of June, upon a tract of 
 land in Nottawa Townshii), near the river. He 
 lived for a time with an uncle, not having yet 
 formed matrimonial or domestic lies. He proceeded 
 with the cultivation of his land, remaininga bachelor 
 fofa period of nearly ten years longer, but on the 
 2Hth of April. 18.59, was united in marriage with 
 Miss Catherine McKinley. 
 
 The wife of our subject is the daughter of Rob- 
 ert and Catherine McKinley, who were natives of 
 Scotland, and settled in Sherman Township, tliis 
 countj', during its pioneer days. The father fol- 
 lowed the peaceful pursuits of farm life, and died 
 in 1883. The mother departeil this life Jan. 28, 
 1875. Mrs. Catherine Cmldy became the mother 
 of three chihlren. and de|)arted this life at the resi- 
 dence of her father in Sherman Township, on the 
 4th of September, 1869, at the age of twenty-seven 
 years. Imving been born in 1842. Her native place 
 W!is Amsterdam, N. Y. 'J'he children of this union 
 were Catherine L., Robert J. and Samuel. The 
 latter died when about eight years of age. The 
 others are living. 
 
 Mr. Cuddy, on the 28tli of .September, 1871, 
 contracted a second marriage, with Miss Catherine 
 Cidbertson, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1837. 
 She was the daughter of James Culbertson. one of 
 the early pioneers of this county, and died at her 
 home in Nottawa Township, Aug. 24, 1878. 
 
 The present wife of our subject, to whom he was 
 married March 3, 1880, was formerly Miss Kiln 
 
 4« 
 
 Piatt, daughter of Henrj' and Lj'dia Piatt, of Leoni- 
 das Township. Henry Piatt was also one of the 
 pioneers of this county. He and his excellent wife 
 were natives of New York; the mother died in 
 1872, anil the father is still living. Mrs. Ella Cuddy 
 was born in I8.")'.l. in Leonidas Township, anrl was 
 the second chiM of her parents, whose family con- 
 sisted of two children. Of her marriage with our 
 subject there have been born a daughter and two 
 sons — Jennie L., George L. and Thomas T. 
 
 Mr. Cuddj', upon becoming a naturalized citizen, 
 identiticd himself with the Democratic party, and 
 cast his first Presidential vote for Pierce. Later he 
 considered that he had reason to support the Green- 
 backers, and accordingly allied himself with them. 
 He has never been an oflice seeker, but prefers to 
 give his strict attention to his own affairs. 
 
 \1 OHN RUTHKRFORI). The men who came 
 to Michigan in the pioneer days and inau- 
 gurated the struggle with the primitive soil, 
 battling with the first difficulties with life in 
 a new country, deserve more than passing mention. 
 It must have required no small amount of courage 
 and jjerseverance to break loose from old friends 
 and associations, and perhaps with no other means 
 than stout muscles and a hopeful heart, enter upon 
 the task of opening up a homestead from the wil- 
 derness, a t;»sk which thej' understood from the 
 first would involve years of labor and no small 
 outlaj' of capital. Among the men who thus dis- 
 tinguished themselves in this county is the subject 
 of this sketch. 
 
 Mr. Rutherford was born in Caledonia. Living- 
 ston Co., N. Y., June 26, 1814. and lived there at 
 his father's farm until a youth of nineteen years. 
 Then, learning the carpenter trade, he worked a year 
 as a journeyman in his native .State, and at the end 
 of this time, resolving upon a change of loca- 
 tion, made his wa}' to the Territorj' of Michigan. 
 Early in the spring of 1836, still unmarried, be mi- 
 grated to this county, and employed himself as a 
 farm laborer about two years, mostly in Nottawa 
 Township. He had in the meantime purchased 160 
 acres of land in Allegan County, which he now 
 
 
■•► 
 
 t 
 
 260 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 sold, and invested a portion of his capital in 130 
 acres just east of Centrcviile in Nottawa Township, 
 which he occupied and cultivated a peri(jd of seven 
 years. He iiad now practically abandoned his 
 trade and given his attention to the more congenial 
 [■ursuils of agriculture. 
 
 At the expiration of the time luentioucd Mr. 
 Rutherford sold out again, and purchased 200 
 acres on section 29 in Nottawa Township, which 
 comprises his present farm. The history of those 
 first few years issimiliar to that of his brother pio- 
 neers, and during which he labored early and late, 
 enduring nianj- privations and sacrifices for the sake 
 of future good to himself and family. Although 
 for the most part successful he has had his adversi- 
 ties and losses, having in April, 1862, suffered the 
 loss of a fine residence, which was destroj'ed bj' 
 fire. He at once rebuilt, and in due time found 
 himself on his feet again. 
 
 The greater portion of llie Rutlicrford farm is 
 under a fine state of cultivation. Our subject has 
 a fair assortment of live stock, an ample supply of 
 choice fruit, and all the other necessaries conducive 
 to his comfort and well-being. He was united in 
 marriage with Miss Betsej' Ann Kngle, in Nottawa 
 Township, March 4, 1838. Mrs. Betsey A. Ruth- 
 erford, also a native of New York State, was born 
 in Mt. Morris, Livingston County, in 1818. This 
 ladj- became the mother of two children, and died 
 at the homestead in Nottawa Township in Novem- 
 ber, 1874. Their elder child, a son, George W., 
 remains with his father at home: he married Miss 
 Fallen Ashley, a native of Oswego County. N. Y.,and 
 thej- have two children, John A. and Zoe E. Isabel 
 J. is the wife of Francis Gooden, of Nottawa. 
 
 Our subject sontracted a second marriage in Jan- 
 uary, 1881, with Miss Sarah Gee, also a native of 
 the Empire State, and born in New York in 1812; 
 she died in the year 1888. Her parents were na- 
 tives of New York State, and are now deceased. 
 Mr. R. has been quite prominent in local affairs, 
 representing Nottawa Township about twelve years 
 in the Countj- Board of Supervisors, otliciating as 
 Justice of the Peace the same length of time, and 
 serving as Highway Commissioner at different times 
 for the last twenlj- years. In religious matters he 
 adheres to the doctrines of the Reformed Church. 
 
 The Rutherford family is of Scotch ancestry as 
 far back as the records have been preserved. James 
 Rutherford, the father of our sul)ject. wjis a native 
 of Edinburgh, Scotland, anil married a maiden of 
 his own Province, Miss Mary Hunter. They came 
 on a bridal tour to the United States, settling in 
 Livingston Count}', N. Y., where the father en- 
 gaged in farming, where all their children, nine in 
 number, were born, and where the parents spent 
 the remainder of their lives. John was the fifth in 
 order of birth. In the early days the pioneer far- 
 mers during harvest time fortified their harvest 
 hands with a generous supply of whisky. The 
 father of our snbjeet discontinued this practice 
 when John was a lad of fourteen years, and became 
 a strict .advocate of temperance. He succeeded in 
 training his sons to his way of thinking, especially 
 John, who is now a pronounced Prohibitionist, al- 
 though he still casts his vote with the Republican 
 party. 
 
 S5§ TEPHEN M. SNYDER is a native-born 
 citizen of Michigan. Lockport, St. Joseph 
 County, being his ])lace of birth, and Maj' 
 18. 1843, the date thereof. He is now 
 prominently identified with the agricultnral inter- 
 ests of his native Stflte. owning and occupying a 
 fine farm on section 1. Fabius Township. He is a 
 representative of an honored pioneer family of St. 
 Joseph Coimty, his parents, Henry and Lydia 
 (Moore) Snyder, being among the early settlers of 
 Southern Michigan. They were natives of Penn- 
 sylvania, his father being born in what is now 
 Sn\-der County, in 1804, and his mother in Union 
 County, that State. 
 
 Our subject obtained a fair education in the 
 common schools, and was reared to man's estate on 
 his father's farm, having no recollection of being 
 out of the county until he entered the army. The 
 breaking out of the Rebellion found him a strong, 
 active, self-reliant lad. capable of doing his full 
 share of labor on the home farm. He watched the 
 progress of the war with intense interest, and ar- 
 dently and patriotically desired to go to the assist- 
 ance of his countrv. His wishes were finallv grati- 
 
 ^HI-4« 
 
•♦- 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 -■^ 
 
 261 
 
 ir 
 
 lied, and M\g. 15, IHfi'i, before lie had attained liis 
 niajoi'ity, he was enrolled as a nieinher of the gal- 
 lant 2.')th Michijjan Infantry. In the three years 
 thai followed lie experienced all the daiiiiers and 
 hardships of war on mimmv a hard-foiight battle- 
 lield, in many a weai'v niareh, and in malarious, 
 nnhealthy eanips, oftentimes without proper food 
 and with insufHeient shelter, lie liore up bravely 
 under all these diseourajrements and siifferinjrs. and 
 proved himself to be a ijrood soldier, one u|ion 
 whom his oHlcers could rely, lie took part in the 
 battles of Resaca, Hocky Kaee. Ktowali River, 
 Kiiiiiston. Altoona. I'ine .Mountain. Lost Mount- 
 ain. C'ulp's Farm. Kenesaw .Mountain. C'liattahoo- 
 ehee River, Deoatur. Atlanta. Rome ((la.). Cedar 
 lilulT and Na.-liville. and in many minor battles and 
 skirmishes. 
 
 After his retirement from the army .Mr. Snyder 
 farmed with his father until the year 18fiH, when 
 he went to Inwa lo dispose of some land wiiieh he 
 owned there, and after completing his business, 
 visited Kansas and other Western .States. After his 
 return home he was married, Feb. 7, 1869, to Miss 
 I'tiea K. Stuck, daughter of .laeob and Rebecca 
 (Snyder) Stuck, of Indiana. Her parents were of 
 Pennsylvania origin and of fJerman descent, and 
 she w.a.s likewise a native o{ Pennsylvania, born in 
 Snyder County, Dec. i». 1817. While to .Mr. and 
 Mrs. Snyder have been vouch.safe<l the joys of 
 l)arentage. they have also sutTered its sorrows in an 
 uncommon degree, .is live bright anil promising 
 children of the seven liorn to them have early 
 passed away from the sins anil sorrows of this life 
 
 "And to all the evil that's in the world 
 They will know no waking." 
 
 They have two children living: \\illis C., born 
 Ai)ril !». 1871, and Alvin .1.. Sept. 2(». 187.5. The 
 record of the others is a^ follows: Charles E., 
 born .May 27. 1K7.J. died Sept. 22. I8K2: .lohn M., 
 born Nov. 7. 1H77. died .March 12. 1H7'.»; Clarence 
 II.. born Nov. 17. 187!», died April 26. 1881; an 
 infant who died unnameil; Lydia R.. born ,Vpril 
 2.>. 1886, died Sept. 11, I«87. .Mr. Snyder settled 
 on his present farm in 18«7, and has since much 
 improved it. 
 
 Our subject is a man of strong, earnest, manly 
 character, eonibiuiug llrmuess with such a genial 
 
 and kindly disposition as to win the regard as well 
 as the respect of his neighbors. He and his good 
 wife, who is held in eipial esteem, are leading 
 members of the Reformed Church, he holding the 
 oflice of Deacon in the congregation at Three Rivers. 
 Mr. Snyder hits been a stanch Republican ever 
 since he was old enough to vote, and he is also a 
 strict Prohibitionist. He takes an active interest in 
 educational matters, and is giving his children the 
 bcnelit of the superior educational ailvantages of 
 his ami their native State. 
 
 •i- 
 
 -^ 
 
 <¥^ 
 
 STEPHEN SHOWERMAN. The farm prop- 
 erty of the subject of this sketch occupies 
 eighty acres on section 27, in Nottawa 
 Township, and forms one of the well-regu- 
 lated homesteads of this county. The proprietor 
 is a native of Deerliekl, Madison Co., N. Y'.. and 
 was born Dec. 31. 1819. When but a Lad his 
 parents removed to Genesee County, where he w.as 
 reared to manhood and lived until the fall of IS.'iS. 
 He had been married in the meantime, and now de- 
 cided to seek his fortunes in the Slate of Michigan. 
 He accordingly dispo.sed of his property interests 
 ill the Empire .State, and came to this county. He 
 settled at oi:ce in Nottawa Township, of which 
 he has since been a resident. He has eighty acres 
 of land, good buildings, and his industry has gath- 
 ered around him a hirge portion of tiie good things 
 in life. 
 
 William Showerman, the father of our subject, 
 was born near the city of Albany. N. Y., and mar- 
 ried Miss Susan Lampnian, who was also a native 
 of that Stale. They settled in Oenesee County, 
 where they spent the remaiiuler of their lives, en- 
 gaged in fanning pursuits. The household circle 
 included twelve children, all of whom lived lo ma- 
 ture years. Stephen at an early |H'riod in his life 
 became familiar with agricultural pursuits, and has 
 been contwit lo make these his vocation. He was 
 first married in Oaktield, (Jenesee Co., N. Y., in Oc- 
 tober, 1853, to Miss Adela Munger, who was a native 
 of that county, and who became the mother of one 
 child, a son, Seymour, who is now in Ionia. .Mich. 
 Mrs. Adela Showerman died at the homestead in 
 
X 262 
 
 "^1 1 4» 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 this county, in 18.56, two and one-h.ilf ^-ears after 
 coming to tbe West. 
 
 Mrs. Liicinria (Ellswortli) Knieiierbocker became 
 tbe secon<i wife of our subject April 21, 185M, the 
 marriage taking place at the home of the bride in 
 Burr Oak Township. This lad}' was born in Man- 
 lius, >'. Y., Feb. 26, 1834. and is the daughter of 
 Ira and Sophia (Eaton) Ellsworth, who were natives 
 of Vermont and New York respectively, and who 
 passed the greater part of their lives in this State. 
 Tliej' are now deceased. Mrs. Showerman spent her 
 childhood and youth in Mosherville, this State, re- 
 ceiving a common-school education, and was mar- 
 ried in 1849 to James W. Knickerbocker, who was a 
 clothier and teacher by occupation, and died in Colon 
 Village, June 15, 18,")7. Of this marri.nge there were 
 born three chihlren, a son and two daughters — Edgar, 
 Ida H. and Carrie V. Edgar is a carpenter at 
 Lansing; Ida is the wife of Albert Decker, of Big 
 Rapids; Carrie, Mrs. Charles E. Smith, resides in 
 Grand Rapids. Of the marriage with our subject 
 Mrs. Slxjwcrnian lias four children, namely : Nettie 
 S., Lottie M., Roy E. and Ralph W. Nettie is the 
 wife of Albert Thorns, of Greenville, this State, 
 and Lottie married George Davis, of Nottawa 
 Township. 
 
 Mrs. Sht)werman is a lady of fine capabilities 
 and more than ordinary intelligence, a lover of 
 books, and a mother looking carefully after the 
 mental training of her cliililren. She has hosts of 
 friends in her community who speak of her in the 
 highest terms. She has for many years carried on 
 the business of dressmaking, numbering among her 
 patrons the first ladies of the townsiiip. 
 
 ESSE NERIIOOT. Among the farmers and 
 stock-i'aisers of Fabius Township none arc 
 inocting with more deserved success than the 
 ^&/J subject of our sketch, lie owns a good 
 farm on section 3. which is under high t«dtivation. 
 is well stockefl, and is amply provided with neces- 
 sary buildings and machinery for properly carry- 
 ing on agriculture. 
 
 Mr. Nerhoot w.as born in Inion County, now 
 Snyder County, Pa.. March 7, 1824. llis parents 
 
 were Michael and Catherine (Long) Nerhoot, na- 
 tives of Pennsylvania, the father of German ances- 
 try and the mother of English. 
 
 Our subject received a good practical training as 
 a farmer in his youthful days, and remained at 
 liome t(> .i.ssist his father in tlie labors of the farm 
 until his marriage to Catherine Knitle, which took 
 place July 16, 1844. She was born Sept. 2, 1824, 
 in Pennsylvania, her parents being Henry an<l .Sarah 
 (Zimmerman) Knitle, also natives of the Keystone 
 State. Mrs. Nerhoot is an excellent housewife, and 
 has been a true helpmate to her husband, heartily 
 co-oi)erating with him in his labors to liuild up the 
 comfortable home in which they are now passing 
 the declining years of a life well spent, in the en- 
 joyment of the com[ieteuce which they gathered to- 
 gether in their busy years, thoroughly respected 
 and trusted by all arf)und them. Our subject ex- 
 perienced some of the har<lships and suflferings of 
 war, as he was drafted during the late Rebellion, 
 and faithfidly served .a-s a soldier for nine months, 
 being a niemlier of the 172d Pennsylvania Infantry 
 and Heavy Artillery. 
 
 In 18(i4 our subject and his family bade farewell 
 to their friends and their old lujuie in Pennsylvania 
 and moved to Erie County. Oliio. Mr. Nerhoot 
 was employed on a farm there for one }ear. when 
 he .tgain made a move, and in 1865 we find him 
 with his wife and children in Sandusky County, in 
 the same State, where he bought thirty-five acres of 
 land, wliich he tilled with commendable industry 
 and good success for twelve years. During that 
 time he was also employefl as a carpenter. In 1877 
 he wound up his affairs in Ohio, and crossed the 
 border into Michigan, where he bought eighty acres 
 of land in Fabius Township. St. Joseph County, 
 which is still included in his present farm. Mr. 
 Nerhoot has been prosperous in his farming vent- 
 ures since coming to St. Joseph County, and at 
 one time owned land to the amount of 160 acres; 
 he has since disiwsed of a part of it at a good profit 
 on his original investment. 
 
 Our subject and his wife have had eight children 
 seven of whom are living, of whom tbe following 
 is recorded: Henry. Iioni Nov. 2. 1845. lives in 
 Kansas, is married and has several children; Cather- 
 ine died in infanc\'; Sarah, born Dec. 30, 1850, 
 
-4^ 
 
 .ST. JOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 •4^ 
 
 263 
 
 married Henry Moyer. and lives in Oliio; .Susan, 
 born Ai>ril 7. 18.13. married .lames Frederick, a 
 fanner of Faliins 'rowiisliip; .lane 1,.. t>orn .lime 3, 
 IX.Jij, married Allierl Averv. of Fal)ius 'I'ownship; 
 (ieorjie M.. horn .Ian. l.'i. IK.iS. in Pennsylvania, 
 lives at iiome with liis parent-s; Caleb, l)orn .March 
 17. IXtiO. lives on the honiestejid. is married and 
 hiis one child: Melia K.. born Oct. C. 1804. married 
 Levi Wetlierhee. of Fabius Townshiii. am! they 
 have two children. 
 
 Mr. Nerhoot is an observant, intelligent man, 
 well informed in rej.'-ard to the news of the day. He 
 was the seventh in a faniilv of ten cliildren, but 
 his |)arents were enabled to ^ive him the benefit of 
 a fair coniinon-school education, otherwise he is a 
 self-made man. havinjj earned all that he owns by 
 his i\ntii'iii<r labors, assisted, of course, by his wife. 
 Heliyiously, he is a firm believer in the doctrines of 
 the Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a Repiil)- 
 lican. He e.ist his fir.<t vote for Zachary Taylor. 
 He is a member of the (J. A. H., holdins^a member- 
 ship in the Post at Three Rivers. 
 
 H.VHLKS KINC. The annals of St. .loseph 
 County bear no more worthy name than 
 
 is^' that of the ijentleman who.se life is pre- 
 sented in this sketch. The date of his settlement 
 in the county was 1«34. He came when the dis- 
 trict was beinir developed, and h.as in the days of 
 pitmiK-rdoni in the county borne even m<»re than 
 his share of the burdens, disadvantajres. trials and 
 harilshi|K< incidental to such a condition of thinixs. 
 
 The father i>f our subject was David F. Kin.!,', 
 who was born in Knirland. and was in everv res,'ard 
 a worthy representative of that people. His wife, 
 the mother uf our subject, was .lane Weatherhojrir. 
 like her husband a native of Lincolnshire. Kn- 
 ;jland. They were brought up. married and set- 
 tled in tiK'ir native land, but (letermine<l after a time 
 to enii^'rate to this country. 'I'his they di<l. ar- 
 rivini: in the year 1H3L Alnu>st iinnie<liately after 
 landinir at New York they prttcet'de<l westward, 
 coniin;; direct to this county, ami settlefl on the 
 Nottawa prairie. There they livt-d for nearly tivci 
 yeai-s. At the end of that period they removed 
 
 to Colon Township and made their home in the 
 northwestern part of the township, where they 
 c<tntinue(l until the death fif Mr. Kinir. which oc- 
 curred on the ICth of October, 1 «.')(). 
 
 The family of which our subject is a member in- 
 cluded nine chihlren. seven f)f whom came to ma- 
 ture years. Their names are recorded iu« follows: 
 William. (Jeorge F.. David. Charles. Mary. .lohn 
 S.. Sarah .1.. .Moses F. and .Vdeline. William w.'is 
 killed while in the employ of the Michiiran Cen- 
 tral Hailro:ul in October, IH'H; .lohn and Mo.ses 
 died in infancy; Adeline diwl at the age of twenty- 
 three years at the homestead: Oeorge is living in 
 Colon Township; Mary is happily married to Isajic 
 T. (iillen. of IJranch County: Sarah is now Mrs. 
 William Heath, of Oenesee County. .Mrs. King de- 
 parted this life on the lllth of .laiuiary, 1M72. 
 
 The subject of our sketch w.as born in Lincoln- 
 shire. England, on the Hth of August, 18211. When 
 his parents came to America he was five years old. 
 so that it W!is impossible he should remember much, 
 if any. of the old Knglish home and life. He was 
 brought up on the farm of his father, and has al- 
 ways been surrounded by the everyday happenings 
 and circumstance.- incident to such life. Agricult- 
 ural pursuits had been familiar to him from the 
 beginning of the chapter, and as soon as he was 
 po>sessed of sullicient muscularity to perform any 
 ta..*ks he was given them to do. so that his knt)wl- 
 edge of husbandry in its varied departments is 
 thorough, pr.'ictical. and such a.* leaves no possible 
 exigency unprejiared for. It is not. therefore, a 
 matter of surprise that his success in the occupa- 
 tion tif his life slioulil have been what it is. when 
 it i.s remendiered that he is a man of character, in- 
 telligence and reserve force. 
 
 The educatif>n of our subject was receivi'<l in the 
 common sch<K>ls of the land of his .adoptitm. aii<l 
 all the familiar and oft conned over scem-s and 
 remini.scences of ."schoollHiy days gTou|)ed them- 
 selves around the old homestead upon which his 
 father s|H'rtt praittically all the years of his life in 
 this country. This farm, which is situ.atetl on .sec- 
 lion 7. Cobvn Township, comprises 12it acres, and is 
 still the home of our subject, as it has continued to 
 l)e from the first. It is in a very thorouirh state 
 of cultivation, and, other things being i-qual. leaves 
 
 * 
 
^ 
 
 <^ 
 
 264 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 a rieli return for all labor intelligently bestowed 
 upon it. The farm buildings are complete in their 
 arranufcment and appointments and are substan- 
 tially I'uilt. The farmhouse is pleasant for situation, 
 admiiable in design, well adapted for the domestic 
 and social uses to which it is always being put. It 
 is one of tlie best residences in the township as a 
 building, and f(u-ms the environiiimt of one of the 
 happiest households in the county. 
 
 It is hardly necessary to stale thai Mr.. King was 
 married in Colon Township. This interesting event 
 was celebrated on the l.')th of Fcbiuary. 18r>."), the 
 lady who took an equally i)roniincnt part with our 
 subject at that time being Miss Margaret C. Ren- 
 ner, a daughter of Daniel and Hebecca (Tiionias) 
 Kenner. She is a lady of liappy dis|)osition. dieer- 
 ful, intelligent and womanly, just such a one as it 
 would be expected would make home all that could 
 be expressed or understood by that all inclusive 
 and comprehensible term. 
 
 .Mr. Henner was born in Lancaster County. I'a., 
 as was also his wife. The^' married, and settled 
 first in Union County, I'a., continuing tliere until 
 tiie fall of 181,5. when tliey came west, and settled 
 in Colon Townsliip of tliis county. The liusband 
 and father died on tlie lOtli of .luiic. 187,'). Mrs. 
 Heiiner still survives, and resides on the old farm. 
 Tiiey were the parents of ten children, viz: Eliza- 
 beth, now 1 1 le w i fe of George King, and Margaret C, 
 the wife of our subject, both of Colon Townshi]); 
 Mary, now Mrs. Theo Royee, of Nottawa Town- 
 ship; William T.; Wilson r Lydia, who is married 
 to Mr. Samuel Uower; Daniel; Estlier, tiie wife of 
 Sample Downing, and Henry, all residing in Colon 
 Township; and Anna, wiio died in infancy, Wil- 
 son and Lydia are twins, 
 
 ^Irs, King w.as born at Lewisburg, Union Co., 
 I'a., on the 2d of .lune. 18.?;i. The earlier j'ears 
 of her scliool life were spent in tliat place. Wlien 
 her i)arents came to Miciiiganshe Wivsalioiit twelve 
 years of age. an<l until her marriage conlii\ued to 
 make her home with them. Since the year 1881! 
 she has been a member of the Reformed Church, 
 .'iiid enjoys the sincerest respect of her fellow-mem- 
 bers. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. King are both alhliated witli the 
 Colon Grange, P. of H., and have been connected 
 
 with the order for about three years. Our subject 
 has several times filled various offices of township 
 and schools, but is not i)rominent in politicil af- 
 fairs. He is numbered with the Democratic party, 
 but is one who reserves to himself the right of dis- 
 cretion in the dispo.sal of his ballot, and is guided 
 by the principle more than party. The houseliold 
 to which the reafler is here introduced is one of 
 the ty])ical American and ^lichigan honies. Our 
 subject and wife present a very high type of char- 
 acter, are intellectual, hospitable, i)atriotic and 
 loyal. While such homes are found scattered 
 through the community of tlie different States, 
 America lias little to fear of the destruction, disap- 
 pointment and disaster which the pessimist would 
 have us believe w-as already hovering over the land, 
 because there are some wrongs to be righted and 
 evils to be eradicated that have come to us as an 
 inheritance from the civilizations of the past. The 
 true home, with its hallowed influences, is at once 
 the fiilcniiii and lever to raise and remove a world 
 of evils and wrongs. It has been and is still doing 
 this in our lieloved land. 
 
 "jt^jYRON Q. GOODRICH, a gentlem.in in the 
 jl^5^^ prime of life and a native of Nottawa Town- 
 [^^)JI| ship, which still continues liis abiding-place, 
 \=^ was born at the modest homestead of his 
 parents in the pioneer days, >sov. 27, 1840. He is 
 the eldest son of Clark and Maria (Richards) Good- 
 rich, natives of New York, the former of whom 
 died in 1854, and the latter in 18.5,5, He remained 
 under the same roof until the death of his parents, 
 then made his w.ay to Kalamazoo, where he resided 
 one year, attending school. We next find him iu 
 the young and growing town of Coldwater, where 
 he sojourned iinlil the outbreak of the late Civil 
 War. 
 
 The two and one-half years which followed this 
 period formed a most interesting epoch in the life 
 of our subject. On the 12th of August, I8G1, he 
 enlisted as a Union soldier in Company IJ. 44th 
 Illinois Infantry, being assigned to the Army of the 
 West, Nut long afterward he was promoted to 
 Corporal, and during a service of two and one-half 
 
■» 11 ^^ 
 
 .t 
 
 Sr. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 265 
 
 years parlieipatcd in many <>f tlio iinportiinl battles 
 of the war. among llirni those of Tea I{i(lj;e, Slii- 
 loli, Nolensville, and Stone River. At the latter 
 place lie was wounded liy an ounce l>ull in the left 
 shoulder, which passed lielween the liacklionc and 
 the lungs, and was taken out under the right shoul- 
 der blade. This confined him in llie hospitals at 
 Nashville, Cincinnati, Ohit) an<l Camp Denison for 
 one year, then, incapacitated for further service, he 
 was compelled to accept his honorable discharge. 
 
 The first ycnr of this service young (Goodrich 
 inarched with his companj' over 3,000 miles. He 
 endured all the hardships and ])rivalions of a sol- 
 dier's life, which necessarily left their effect upon 
 his constitution, and will follow him to the end of 
 his <b«ys. After leaving the army he returned to 
 his old haunts in this county, of which he has since 
 been a resident, and with the exception of two 
 years, mostly engaged in farming in this county. 
 The land which he now occupies was purchased by 
 him in 1877, and comprises 120 acres on sections 
 11 and 1 i") in Nottawa Townshi[). 
 
 The wedded life of our subject commenced on 
 the 2Htli of November, 18U5. when he was united 
 in marriage with Miss Charlotte A., <laughter of 
 Cornelius and Klcce Ann (Doughty) Bolt. The 
 parents of Mrs. Goodrich were natives of New 
 1 t)rk State, and came to Michigan in 1 84C. settling 
 in Colon Township, this countj'. A few years later 
 they returned westward .is far as Livingston County. 
 III., where the father died in 1872. The mother is 
 still living. Their daughter Charlotte A. was the 
 third of their six children, and was born in .Sche- 
 nectiidy County. N. Y., .lune ]:i. 1844. .She spent 
 her }-oulh from the age t>f two years up in Colon 
 Township, and remained a member of the parental 
 household until her marriage. Of her union with 
 our subject theie have been born seven children, 
 four of whom died in iiifaiic3*. The survivors are 
 Koy, Zoraida and .Mary Irene. 
 
 .Mr. (toodrich. politically, is a stanch supporter 
 of Uepublicnn principles, and uniformly votes the 
 way he fought. Roth he and his excellent wife arc 
 members of the Methodist Church, in which Mr. <!. 
 has olliciated as Class- Le.idcr an<l Trustee a number 
 of years. They have been in harnnniy in llieir 
 common interest in matters of education and relig- 
 
 ions nature, and have uniformly given of their means 
 and influence to the furtherance of those ideas cal- 
 culated to advance every good work and purpose. 
 Mr. Goodrich has held the otBce of Highway Com- 
 missioner five terms, and socially, is connected with 
 the G. A. H. 
 
 ,... MOS .SMITH is very successfully engaged 
 ( SJ/Lli in farming and stock-raising on section (i. 
 Fabius Township, where be has rcsideil 
 since 1853. He h.is built U]) a very jileas- 
 ant and attractive home here, beautifully situated 
 within a half-mile of l>ong Lake. He owes his 
 prosijerity solely to liis own untiring industry', 
 shrewdness and wise I'conoiny, as he is .one of the 
 self-made men. life with him becoming a struggle 
 for existence at a very early age. when his father, 
 through poverty and being obliged to support a 
 large family, had to send him out into the world to 
 earn his own living. 
 
 Mr. Smith is a native of New Scotland. .Vlbany 
 Co., N. Y., born Oct. 2(1. 1828. His parents. .loliii 
 Z. and Nellie (Wan Horn) .Smith, were also natives 
 of New York, and descendants of Hollanders who 
 settled in that State early in it< Colonial history. 
 His father was twice married, and by the first mar- 
 riage there were twelve children, of whom our 
 subject w.as the sixth. .lohn Z. Smith wa.-; a quiet, 
 honest, hard-working man. of a mild, kindly dis- 
 position. When, through tlic infirmities of age. 
 he could no longer support himself, his son. of 
 v?hom we write, sent for him to come to Michigan 
 to spend his declining years in his home, where he 
 lived in ease, surrounded with ever)- comfort that 
 filial care could procure, until his death, which oc- 
 curred in 18(52. He was one of the old-line Democ- 
 racy, and took a great interest in political affairs. 
 
 Our subject's early years were sjjeiit jKirtly in 
 town and partly in the country, working forfithers 
 by the month, a^ after his mother's death, when he 
 was eight years old, he had to de]>end entirely on 
 his own resourci's. His early experience in rough- 
 ing it doubtless strengthcne<l his character, and 
 made him manly and self-reliant much beyond his 
 years. He hacl but limited opportunities for an 
 education, but made good use of his time when he 
 
 r 
 
<^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 261- 
 
 ST. JU.SEi'H COUNTY. 
 
 could iret a little sdioolins;:. niul l>y observation and 
 reading acquired a lietler education tlian many 
 whose earh- advantages were much better. At the 
 age of nineteen he commenced to learn tlie car- 
 penter's trade, serving some tliree years, and pos- 
 sessing a natural aptitude for handling tools, he 
 gained a thorough mastery of his calling in all its 
 deUniis. Mr. Smith by prudence and economy laid 
 by enough monej' to warrant him in marrj'ing, 
 while he was intlie very prime of early manhood, 
 and on tlie 17th of February. 18.5."?. Miss Mary E. 
 Peck, daugliter of Oliver Peck, became his wife. 
 .Shortly after his marriage Mr. Smith came with his 
 bride to establisli their liome in .Michigan. lie en- 
 tered eighty-four acres of land from the Govern- 
 ment in this county, anil on this place, where he 
 still lives, he and his wife commenced their wedded 
 life. The happiness that the3' experienced together 
 was not of long duration, for death claimed the 
 wife Xov. 12, 1.S.54. who not two years before had 
 been a bride. Of this union one child was born, 
 now Mrs. -Vnn E. Parker, of ^Muskegon County, 
 .Mich. 
 
 .Air. .Smith's next marriage took place Eel). 11, 
 1856, to Miss Addie .lohnson. daughter of James 
 and Elizabeth .lohnson. By this marriage there 
 are living nine children, namely: llenrj-, AVilliam, 
 Addie, Bert, llattie, ^lyrtlc. Sydney. Clyde and 
 Eva. Of these William. Addie and Bert, are mar- 
 ried; two are living in Fabius and one in Flower- 
 field. 
 
 Mr. Smith has improved and cultivated his farm, 
 erected substantial and commodious buildings, and 
 supplied it with good grades of stock, so that as a 
 whule there is no better m.anagcd or more valuable 
 farm in this neighborhood. This brief record 
 shows that in every departiiient of life he has been 
 true to himself and to tho.-'e around him; sis a son, 
 lie was all that could be desired; as a husband, he is 
 kind and thoughtful: as a father, devoted and 
 tender; .as a citizen, liberal and i)ublic si)irited. He 
 has taken part in townshii> affairs as a Hoad Com- 
 missioner, in whidi position he did good wc>rk. and 
 .as a member of tlie School Board for many years. 
 He h.is taken an intelligent interest in educational 
 affairs. an<l li.as earnestly striven to maintain good 
 schools in this communitv. He h.is iriven his 
 
 own children liberal educations, and some of them 
 are well qualified to teach, although they have never 
 turned their attention to that profession. In his 
 politics Mr. .Smith is a stanch Democrat, and by 
 voice and vote st.ands loyally by his party. 
 
 ~.v.<-.. ' — '—8 ^^ • -l^ ^- 
 
 J' AMES W. KING. The subject of this sketch 
 was born in the township of Fabius, near 
 Three Rivers. Mich.. Aug. 13. 1842. on the 
 farm entered by his father, Benjamin M. 
 King, from Government, in 1836. The father was 
 one of the early settlers of Sfc. Joseph County. He 
 was born in Orange County, near Middletown. N. Y.. 
 and in his teens went to AV.nyne County to learn the 
 trade of shoemaker, and from tliere, with his young 
 wife, whose maiden n.ame was Martha AVetherbee, 
 came to Michigan in the spring of 1832. They set- 
 tled at Eschol. a now extinct village, the location 
 of wliit-ji was three miles south of Three Uivers. 
 At that time there was but one house in the latter 
 place, that having been built by .lacob Mclntaffer. 
 in 1829. 
 
 The jiarental stock on both sides contributed their 
 full share for American freedom, both in the war 
 of the Revolution and the War of 1812. One of 
 the grandfathers. Benjamin Montonye. after whom 
 the father of .lames W. was named, was selected by 
 W.ashington to carry a false dispatch into the Brit- 
 ish lines a short time before the gkirlous victory at 
 Y''orkto^^^l. It was through this dispatch that .Sir 
 Henry Clinton was made to believe that New York 
 was to be attacked by the combined forces of the 
 American and French, the outcome of which re- 
 sulted in the unconditional surrender of Lord Corn- 
 wallis and his army in Virginia. Tlie bearer of the 
 dispatch suffered hini.<elf t« be ca[)tured. and was 
 placed t)n one of the floating prisons at Jersey City. 
 I and kejit there until peace brought the release of 
 all American i>rlsoners. 
 
 James W. King worked on his father's farm un- 
 til the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, in 
 1861, when he enlisted as a priv:itc in Compimy A. 
 11th Regiment of Michigan Infantry. and remained 
 in service until the downfall of the .Southern Con- 
 federacy. That he performed liis services as a sol- 
 
 ■•► 
 
ST. .lOSEril COUNTY. 
 
 ICl 
 
 (licr faitlifiilly and ir:>n:»ntly is shown I13' tlie fol- 
 lowing staU'inent. wliicli iippi'.irs on the back of 
 his final discharge, signed l)y (Icn. William J,,. 
 Stoiighlon and every odicer in tlie regiment: "Tiie 
 williin named, .lanies W.King. wa.s distinguished a.s 
 a soldier for the ability and zeal witii wiiich he per- 
 fiirmeil every duty jiertaining to his otlice. as well as 
 for the integrity of his character and his gentlemanly 1 
 deportment. Taking a vi>luntary part in tlie battle 
 of Mission Ridge, he l)eliaved with conspicuous gal- 
 lantry, and received a severe wound. P-S also another 
 before Atlanta, in August. 1H()4. We cordially rec- 
 ommend him to tlic favorable consideration of all 
 I'ivil an<l military authorities." 
 
 In that grandest of all great charges of the war. 
 .Mi»ion Kidge. wheiv (Jrant had commanil of tlic 
 I nion forces, willi Sherman on tlie left, Thomas in 
 the center. Hooker on the right, and McPherson ■ 
 and Sheridan in lesser commands, a minie ball shat- 
 teii'd tlie bone of Mr. King's right arm just above 
 the i^lbow joint, rendering him a cripple for life, in- 
 capacitating liim for heavy manual labor. "Hol)- 
 ert.-ion's .Michigan in the War" says: •• It has been 
 very satisfactorily established that tiuartermastcr 1 
 St'rgeant King was among tiie first to reach the 
 snnrmit of the ridge." In the latter part of .Inly. 
 18G4. before .Vtlanta. he had his left shoulder broken 
 by a piece of rebel shell, but. ilespite these two se- 
 vere wounds, served to the end of tlrat protracted 
 struggle, and was staligned at C'liattanooga. Tenn.. 
 when Lee surrendereil his sword to (Irant in 1865. 
 at -Vppomatlox. 
 
 Previous to this time Mr. King had given the ' 
 subject of shorthand writing some tiiouglit, but 
 when he found himself di.sable<l for manual labor 
 he hatl a double incentive to pursue the study of 1 
 an :irt which afterward iK'came his strong right arm 
 of su|>|M>rt in the liattle of life. or. to use a more 
 homely, but expressive .and truthful, phrase, " the 
 battle for bread and butler." His f:icilities for a 
 book cdiK-ation were conlined to tiie district schoi>l 
 and study at home. He spent hours on Webster's 
 Klementary Speller where his comp:inions S|>t'nt 
 minutes. It wiu-* the same in penmanship, reading', 
 arithmetic and grammar, and whatever success he 
 has hail in life, in the pursuit of any study, he at-, 
 tributes it to persistent and wejl-direi'led inilii^trv. 
 
 which enabled him to become thoroughly f:imlliar 
 with whatevi'r subject he iiad in hand. His atten- 
 tion w.as first called to shorthand writing by tiie 
 following iiK'ident: When but six or seven years 
 of age lie and an elder companion were p.a.-<sing 
 along the highway anil they met an eccentric old 
 man. known throughout Southern Michigan .'US 
 ■•Dr." Lainliert. The companion sjiid: "That man 
 used to lie a reporter in Congress, .and could write 
 as fast as a man could talk." Tiie com|ia!iioii <-ould 
 exiilain no further tlian that he had some kind of 
 short marks that represented words. From that 
 time on he had a desire to know something of an 
 art wliicli wiaild aUow one man's ]ien to kei'j) pace 
 with another man's tongue. Among his comrades 
 in arms were .Vrthur Sylvester (Irahani. a brother 
 of Andrew J. (iraiiam. autiior of the system of 
 Standard Phonograpliy.and ('apt. Kpliraini (1. Hall, 
 both of wlioin had some knowledgeof phonography. 
 Through their advice, in IKCi'.S. he jiiiichased (Jra- 
 hain's handliook of Standard Plionograpliy. and 
 when not on duty began to familiarize himself with 
 the principles laid down tlierein. Two broken arms 
 inside of one year interfered for some time witii 
 practice for speeil. but he used up his s|iare time in 
 a systematic course of reading. 
 
 In the f:ill of 18G.') Mr. King returned to his 
 boyhood home in Miciiigan anil marrie<l his for- 
 mer schoolmate. Miss Sarah Jane IJabcock. The 
 young marrie<I couple removed to Tennessee, with 
 tiie idea of making that .Stale a i.erinanent home. 
 Mr. King engaged in the culture of cotton, at 
 Thompson's Station, thirty miles south of XjLsh- 
 ville. and the next year removed to .Mabama. and 
 lived on a plantation five miles south of Decatur. 
 The .Southern venture proved a genuine " fool's 
 errand." In .lanujirv Mr. King and family retiirneil 
 to Michigan. ^2(1 worse oft" th:in nothing in a finan- 
 cial iKiint of view, but rich in Southern experience. 
 Two months lati-r he accepted a clerkship in the 
 ollice of the -Vuditor (leneral at Lansing. At the 
 head of that department at that time w.as that gal- 
 lant soldier and able ami zealous puldie servant 
 (!en. William lluinphrey. For three years Mr. 
 King held this |>osition. Kvery hour of spare time 
 was carefully hu>b:iiided by him in order to get 
 ■^IM-ed. Hi- wife d'-voteil nil the time «he could to 
 
 ■•► 
 
•►Hl^^^ 
 
 4^ 
 
 26« 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 reading to liini. .iiul when she was otliorwise en- 
 gaged he w;oukl spend his time in tracing or ••dum- 
 mying" the beautiful characters found in tlie exer- 
 cises of firahani's Second Render. It is not too 
 mudi to say that everj- jiage of tliat reader was 
 either written or traced l)_v him until each charac- 
 ter, or coniliination of characters, was so thor- 
 oughly ijliotographed on liis mind, as it were, that 
 he could reproduce from reading the phonographic 
 eliaracters of the liook from beginning to end. 
 
 Mr. King began actual siiortiiand work in 18G9, 
 by reporting the proceedings of the department 
 encampment of the Grand Army of ^lir-higan. then 
 held at Lansing. Then came the testimony in two 
 or three legislative investigations, and a speecli by 
 tlie lion. -Closes W. Field. Ijefore the Michigan Leg- 
 islature, in favor of the principle of protection to 
 American indu.stry. which was published in the De- 
 troit Post. \ few weeks after reporting thisspeecii 
 .Slate .Senator Isaac M. C'ravatii m.ide a spt-ech in 
 the Senate in favor of a bill for the establishment 
 of a State Hoard of Health. The friends of tlie 
 measure engaged Mr. King to report tlie speech, a 
 transcript of which they offered the Lansing State 
 EepuhUcan for pulilication. Tlie tiien managing 
 editor, the late W. .S. (ieorge. who had been editori- 
 ally connected with some of the best newspapers in 
 the laud, among them the Springfield (.ALiss.) Re- 
 jiublican and the l)etr(jit Tribune, accepted the 
 manuscript for publication. He hail never seen the 
 reporter to know liim. but his practical eye caught 
 at a glance the beautiful longhand, and the correct 
 spelling and punctuation of the copy before him, 
 and his first in(|uiry was as to who did tlie work. 
 \ few days later lie sought out Mr. King and in- 
 formed him that he liad for some tiine believed 
 tiial he could use plioiiography to advantage in tlie 
 dictation of editorial matter, and lie would be glad 
 to have him come to his house some evening in the 
 near future and let him make the trial. The ex- 
 periment was made to tlie satisfaction of Mr. ( leorge. 
 About a week afterward, as Mr. King was passing 
 along the street in front of the liepublican oflice. 
 Mr. ( leorge came to the door and said: •• Mr. King, 
 if you will come with me I will give you the city 
 editorship of the Republican, and ^l.dOO the first 
 year." Mr. King frankly replied: •• Mr. George. I 
 
 have had no experience in newspaper work, outside 
 of the shorthand reports that I have made for your 
 paper and the Detroit Post. 1 have scarcely writ- 
 ten a column for publication in all my life." The 
 editor replied: '"You are just the man 1 want." and 
 in three days from that tiiiie .Mr. King began his 
 duties as city editor of tlie Republican. His first 
 work was to report a (ierm.an-American meeting; it 
 was to celebrate the results of the Franco-Prussian 
 war. S. D. Bingham, the |)olitical editor of the 
 Republican, was the principal speaker. Jlr. Bing- 
 ham had alwavs been a terror to shorthand men on 
 account of rapidity of utterance, but Mr. King suc- 
 ceeded in getting the si>eech so correctly that he 
 received tlie warmest ]iraise from the orator him- 
 self. His reputation as a speech reporter was at 
 once established, and for fifteen years he occupied 
 a desk in the Republican oflice. For six years he 
 was city editor, five years assistant editor, and. on 
 the death of !Mr. George, in 181^1. became chief 
 editor. The latter position he held for four years. 
 During the fifteen years that he w.as in the editorial 
 harness there was scarcely an hour bui what lie 
 hurried matters by his skillful knowledge of short- 
 hand. It w.-is useful in a thousand and one ditTer- 
 ent ways. His reporting covered testimony in 
 legislative investigations, political speeches, con- 
 vention and institute procet'dings. and lectures of 
 all descriptions and characters. This work included 
 the utterances of many of the most noted men and 
 women of the land. Among tliose who have coin- 
 plimeutetl him personally for accuracy in speech 
 reporting, of his own State, were Sen.ators Chand- 
 ler, Ferry. Christiaucy and Palmer; Governors 
 Croswell, Jerome and .Vlarer: Congressman Horr, 
 and scores of others. 
 
 The newspaper man who is hustling for news 
 must take his notes under .all conditions and cir- 
 cumstances. Sometimes in the crowds with which 
 Mr. King had to deal no preparations had been 
 made for reporters. As an illustration of the emer- 
 gencj' in which he has been placetl in a reportorial 
 lioint of view, one instance will suflici': Four years 
 ago Benjamin F. Butler, then the (Jreenback candi- 
 date for the Presidency, made a speech in L;insing, 
 at the intersection of Michigan and Washington 
 avenues. The speaker's stand w:is a dray in the 
 
 ^^^Tii 
 
ST. .IO.SKPII rOUNTY. 
 
 ■2C,0 f 
 
 center of the square, and a surjjinjj tide of luimnn- 
 ily lilocked tlie center and streets for many rods 
 from tlie four points of tlie conipuss. There was 
 no |)os>ihlc ohanee for a reporlor to write on tlie 
 street. Mr. King, after looking over tlie situation, 
 gained access to an insurance oflice in the second 
 story of a brick building, shoved a window and 
 crawled nut on the stone cornice. With that for a 
 scat, with feet dangling in the air. and note book 
 in left hand, he caiiturcd the entire speech, with 
 scarcely a skip. The light at times, which came 
 from the electric lam]>s. w.ts s(» poor that he could 
 not see the lines of his note book, or even the lead 
 pencil marks that he w!lx making. l)Ut lie knew 
 that he w.is going through the motions, and the 
 ne.Kt day the entire speech appeared in the Repub- 
 lican. 
 
 Three years ago .Mr. King gave up editorial work 
 and ficcepted tlic ai)pniiitnu'nt f)f official stenogr.i- 
 )ilici- in the Kiftecnth .Imlicial Circuit of Michigan. 
 His time outside of court work is given to the edti- 
 cation of his four boys in habits of industry on a 
 40-acre farm that lies just outside of the city limits 
 of Three Rivers. His family consists of one daugh- 
 ter. May. .and four sons, 'i'lic former is the wife 
 of Adam ShalTer, fif Fabius. The sons all make 
 their home with their parents. They arc named: 
 Herbert H.. James ( i.. .lohn AN. and Henry H. Mr. 
 King is a member of Charles T. l-'oster I'ost No. 
 47, (1. .\. H.. of Lansing. Mich., and was formerly 
 Adjutant (leneral of the Department. In politics 
 he is a Hepnblican. 
 
 ■■.- go . I . fg- 
 
 eALVIN K. DOCK is a representative of 
 the citizen-soldier element of this great Re- 
 public, which, since the close of the war, 
 has done so much toward developing the magnifi- 
 cent resotircc.>( of the country, and to promote its 
 unprecedented growth during the last quarter of a 
 century. Our subject has a fine military record, to 
 which his children an<l his children's chddren m.iy 
 point with pride, as it was won by braver}' and 
 cfflciency on some of the hardest fought battle-fields 
 of the late Civil War, retiring from the army witli 
 the well-earned rank o[ Lieutenant. Me is now 
 
 V 
 
 quietly living in the comfortable home that he has 
 built for himself au'l his family on sei'tion ■>. Fa- 
 bius Township, since those stirring days of the great 
 Rebellion, .'uid he is siicccssfidly conducting farm- 
 ing and stock-raising on land which he has purchased 
 since his return from the scat of war, undergoing 
 all the |)ioneer labors of felling trees and grubbing 
 the stumps from the soil with a giub hoe, before 
 he could cultivate his land. 
 
 Mr. Dock was born Nov. 4. 1H34, in Union 
 County, Pa., being the eldest of the three children 
 of .lacob and Klizalieth (.Snyder) Dock, natives of 
 Pennsylvania, but of Ciernian descent. There is a 
 curious and interesting liit of history- connected 
 with the origin of his mother's family name. The 
 first who bore the name w.as a little lad who was 
 kidiKippcd and taken from Holland when he w.as 
 too young to talk |)lainly, anil, as his father had 
 l)een a tailor, which in Dutch is achneidcr. he was 
 called the young schneidei. From liiin there came 
 a large family of .Snyders, as tlie name is now spelled , 
 and from them Snyder County, Pa., gets its n.aine. 
 Our subject's father died when Calvin K. was about 
 eleven years old. and his mother followed in a few 
 years. Their son Henry lives in Freebiirg, Pa., 
 and is married and has three children. He served 
 in the army nine months. Edward, the other brother 
 of our subject, died 3'oung. 
 
 Calvin E. Dock, being thus left an orphan at an 
 early age, went to live with an uncle, and .assisted 
 him on his farm. He was alw.aj's kept busy, and 
 his means for obtaining an education were very 
 limited, and six months will coverall the schooling 
 that he ever had. Being naturally brightaud quick 
 to learn, and with keen observing faculties, he has 
 acquired an amount of knowledge that many do 
 not possess who have spent many j-ears between 
 the walls of a school building. At the age of eight- 
 een Mr. Dock commenced to learn the carpenter's 
 traile, which he fi>llowed for some two j-ears, and 
 then abandoned it for that of a blacksmith, of which 
 trade he gained a thorough in.ostery, serving in a 
 carriage-shop for that purpose for three j'cars. 
 He then went to Bellevue, Ohio, where he opened 
 a blacksmith-shop, and was very successfully en- 
 gaged in prosecuting his trade there until the break- 
 ing out of the war. During the course of his resi- 
 
 
■^^ 
 
 •270 
 
 ^•^HK-* 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 fleiice in Rellcviio he marie the .acqii.iintanc-e of 
 Miss .Julia Picaifi, and lo lier he was uiiite<l in mar- 
 riage April 2."i. 1859. Mrs. Dock is the tliird cliilil 
 in a family of eight, horn to Raphael and Uehecca 
 (Mertz) Picard, natives respectively of Germany 
 and Pennsylvania. She was born in Snj"i1er County. 
 Pa.. Dec. 30. 183.5. The record of her brcither and 
 sisters is as follows: Klvina married Henry Geui- 
 lierling, whose sketch is given on ant)ther page of 
 this work; Rosa married Pharis Gembeiling, and 
 lives in Snyder County. Pa. ; Fannie married Pharis 
 Maines, and lives in St. Joseph Count3', Mich.; 
 Klizalieth married Henry Fisher, and lives in Elk- 
 hart, ]nd.; .Sarah married James Rowe, and lives 
 in Clyde, Ohio; Jane married Eilward Horger, and 
 lives on section 3, Fabius Township; Morris lives 
 in Texas. 
 
 August 15. 18G2, is the date of the enlistment of 
 our subject lo take part in the war. he then becom- 
 ing a memlier of the 1 lltli Ohio Infantry, and for 
 three years and nine months he underwent the 
 harilships and sufferings of a soldier's life. an<l so 
 faithfully and courageously did he discharge his 
 duties in camp and on the field that his services 
 were rewarded by promotion from time to time, 
 until he received the commission of Lieutenant. 
 He has modestly withheld all account of his life as a 
 soldier, and has scarcely given us any data with 
 regard to it. We can simpl3- stite that he took 
 ])art ill man J- battles, among the worst of which 
 were tliose fought at Richmond and Mt. Sterling, 
 Ky. He escaped unscathed by a single wound, 
 although he was in the midst of much hard fight- 
 ing. He was, however, disabled at one time b}' 
 being llirown from a bank, while in the discharge 
 of his dutj'. by an unruly team. He was honorablj' 
 discharged from the service April 20, 1866. After 
 his retirement from the army Mr. Dock came to 
 Michigan, and purchasing forty acres of uncleared 
 land, turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. 
 With the aid of the ax and grubbing hoe, and 
 with untiring perseverance, he has cleared this and 
 put it under excellent tillage. He has since added 
 ten more acres, and liis farm now ranks among the 
 best managed in the neighborhood. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Dock ten children have been 
 burn, of whom seven are living: Webster L., born 
 
 Aug. 14, 1860, is a teacher by profession, com- 
 mencing that vocation at the early age of fifteen; 
 he now lives in the c<jppcr regions of Michigan, 
 and holds the principalship of the High School in 
 Calumet. William R. A., born Dec. 4. 1861, is a 
 farmer in Nebraska; C. Ellswnrth. born Jan. 1, 
 1863, is a railroad man; Charles F.. born Mayo. 
 18G6, lives in Clyde, Ohio; Raphael G., born March 
 15, 1868; J. James was born June 7, 1871; Sarah 
 Cecilia, born Aug. 14, 1869, died Aug. 16. 1870; 
 Julia M., born April 2, 1873, died Sept. 11, 1881 ; 
 Leona was born July 9, 1875; and Lillie Maj', 
 born in 1879. died September 13 of the same year. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dock are respected by all in the 
 community, and their genial hos|titality m:d<es their 
 home attractive to their many friends. Mr. Dock 
 has alwa3"s voted the Republican ticket, but is in- 
 clined toward the Union Labor party in his politi- 
 cal views. He has served this township as Drain 
 Commissioner, and has been closel}' connected with 
 its educational interests, as he has served on the 
 School Board for twelve years. Socially, he is a 
 member of the G. A. R. 
 
 -^^-^- 
 
 J^ OHN C. McKERCHER. who is numbered 
 ' among the valued citizens of NottawaTown- 
 I ship, ind who is a i^ioneer of this county, is 
 ' the son of Malcolm and Anna (Campbell) 
 McKercher, the father a native of Schenectady 
 Count3', N. Y., and the mother born in Scotland. 
 The latter emigrated with her parents to the United 
 States in 1813, when a child of three years, and 
 settled with them in York. Livingston Co., N. Y. 
 She remained in that place a period of thirteen 
 years, then removed to Genesee Count}', where 
 she died Oct. 21, 1827. In the meantime she had 
 met and married the father of our subject, who 
 after her death came to .Michigan, in 1837, locating 
 in Moscow Township. Hillsdale Count}-. 
 
 Malcolm McKercher found his waj' into St. Jo- 
 seph County in 1854, and p.assed the remainder of 
 his life at the home of our subject, flying Jul_v 18, 
 1863. The parental family numbered five children, 
 of whom John C. was second in order of birth. 
 He first opened his eyes to the light May 14, 1818, 
 
■•►Hh-^ 
 
 ST. .lOSKPlI COUNTY. 
 
 ■1 '.' 
 
 i' 
 
 in York. Livingston Co., N. Y. In that county he 
 sjjent his early il.nvs, anrl mingled with the exer- 
 cises of the sciuiol-hoiise were tlioso which coiiM be 
 entnisleil to iiiin in connection with tlie fiirni worii, 
 until, almost unconsciously to himself, he was able 
 to lake his place as an able worker in any dcpart- 
 nicnl thereof. 
 
 l)ur subject accompanied his fatiier's family to 
 lIills<lalo County, Mich., in 1X37, and it was not 
 until \f<,'>i that he made his advent into this county, 
 settling in Nottawa Township, of which he has 
 been a continuous resident. Mis beautiful farm 
 numbers IGO acres, and it is to be doubted if anj" 
 of those of larger ejrtent are more perfect in their 
 operations and workings. The chief fKjeupation of 
 the proprietor has been to bring it to a high state 
 of cultivation, and its present condition will amply 
 testify that his labors have not been in vain. 
 
 Margery .ludson is the name of the lady wiiu 
 first became the wife of our subject, the wedding 
 t.aking place in Hillsdale County, Mich. This niar- 
 riaire was blessed b_v the birth of one chibl, a daugh- 
 ter. Margery, now Mrs. Austin W. .Stodden, who is a 
 resi<lent of Centreville. Mrs. Margery McKercher 
 died in Moscow, ,Iuly 0, 184.5, and our subject was 
 again marriol, this time to Mrs. Margaret Mc- 
 Kercher, widow of John McKercher, of JIoscow, 
 Hillsdale County. This latter union resulted in the 
 birth of a son. Malcolm, who remains at home with 
 his faliicr, his mother, Mrs. Margaret McKercher, 
 having died in Nottawa Township. 
 
 The third marriage of Rlr. McKercher took place 
 in Centreville. this .State. Feb. '2.1, 1S74, at which 
 time Mrs. Mary Ten Hronk. widow of Rev. G. V. 
 Ten Hrook. became his wife. Rev. Ten Brook 
 organized the Baptist Church at Centreville, of 
 which he remained the p.astor until his de.Mlh, and 
 was beloved and respected b^' all who knew him. 
 Mrs. McK. by her former marriage became the 
 mother of a daughter, Lottie E.. now the wife of 
 Malcolm McKercher. the son of our subject bj- his | 
 second marriage. The present wife of our subject 
 was born in Milford, Otsego Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 
 1829. ! 
 
 Mr. McKercher has l)een the recipient of many 
 of the local ollices within the gift of the people, 
 having served for ten consecutive years as Super- i 
 
 4* 
 
 visor of Nottawa Township. While a resident of 
 Hillsdale County he held the offices of Township 
 Treasurer and Highway Commissioner. Our sub- 
 ject is a consistent ineml)er of the Unileil Presby- 
 terian Church, vvhile his wife holds fellowship with 
 the Baptist. Mr. McKercher attlliates with the 
 Republican party in his position upon political 
 questions, and has for years been one of its stout 
 adherents and doughty friends. He and his estim- 
 able wife are prominent in local society, and are 
 gladly welcomed into the best circles thereof. 
 
 — -, « :§3 4; . v~ 
 
 *BNb:RP. SHI-:PIIKRI)S0X. an influential 
 citizen of Fabius Township, h.as for many 
 
 years been identified with the farming and 
 stock-raising interests of St. .lose|>h County. 
 During his long residence here he has shown him- 
 self to be, both in public and private life, a man of 
 sound judgment and of fearless integrity, one who 
 is careful and considerate in his dealings with 
 Others, and who thoroughly deserves the confidence 
 and respect with which he has inspired his neighbors. 
 He was born Sept. 1!), 1827, rn Delaware County, 
 N. Y., a son of Joseph and Jerusha (Pratt) Shepherd- 
 son. His father was a native of Connecticut, of 
 English descent, born Nov. 19. 1794. The mother 
 was a native of Vermont, the date of her birth be- 
 ing April 29, 1798. Our subject's father was reared 
 in his New ICngland birthplace, and when a single 
 man .accompanied his father, who settled in Dela- 
 ware County, N. Y., ami there he worked with his 
 father at the carjHMiter's trade. He was three times 
 married. Of his first marriage, with the mother of 
 our subject, five children were born, of whom Ab- 
 ner P., who was the next to the youngest, is the 
 only survivor. The record of his brothers and sis- 
 ter is as follows: Jerusha. born Dec. 22. 1820, mar- 
 rie<l Joseph Bullock, and died .Inly 8, 1840, leaving 
 one child; Joseph w.-is born July 6, 1822, and 
 died Feb. 4. 1 8.3.') ; Adam C. born Jinie 24. 1824, 
 dieil Nov. 19, 1887, leaving four children, who live 
 in .Michigan; Timothy, born .lune IC, 1830, died 
 Oct. 4, 1830. The following is the record of the 
 five children born of tlie second marri.age: Oliver, 
 born March 2, 1832, now lives in Cass County, 
 
-•► 
 
 272 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Midi., is ni.irried. aiifl iuis two livinsr cliihlreii ; Re- 
 becca, born May 13, 1833, marrifd Valenline Bea- 
 dle, wliose sketeli appears on another p.ige of this 
 vohin)e; Francis M.. born Nov. G. 1841. died Jan. 
 5. 1850; Jesse C. born Aug. 26, 1844. lives in 
 Broome Count}-, N. Y.; Polly, born April 9. 1846, 
 died in June, 1870. unmarried. Mr. Shepherdson's 
 third marriage was without issue. He was also a 
 farmer as well as a carpenter, and in 1846, after 
 settling up his affairs in New York, he came to 
 Michigan, and purchasing forty acres of land in 
 Kalamazoo County, town of Portage, immediately 
 entered upon its improvement. He was an indus- 
 trious, active man. and was doing well in his farm- 
 ing when Hip sfi'l misfortune of losing his second 
 wife by death determined him to break up his home 
 liere and return to New York. Afterward, in com- 
 pany with his third wife, he spent one summer in 
 Michigan with oursubject. He returned to Broome 
 County, N. Y., in August, 1854. and died in July, 
 1855. 
 
 The early days of our subject were spent on a 
 farm, and notwithstanding that his help was often 
 required at home, he gained a good common-school 
 education by diligence and close application to his 
 books when lime permitted. He was quite young 
 whou his own mother, a good .anil true woman, de- 
 parted this life. He was nineteen years old when 
 he came to Michig.an with his father, full of youth- 
 ful vigor, well trained in agricultural pursuits, and 
 ambitious to make liis own way in the world by the 
 use of brain and muscle, thus placing himself 
 among the self-made men of St. Joseph County, 
 who have been the making of the county and of the 
 townships in which they have settled. His father 
 gave him his time nine months before he was of age, 
 and he went to work with a will to accumulate 
 money enough to buy a farm of his own. He was 
 then §5 in debt, but he worked by the d.ay or month 
 until he had not only paid that, but had almost 
 enough to buy his father's farm when his father re- 
 turned to New York, going into debt only some 
 §300 for it. He says he found that sura much 
 harder to pay than the $1,100 or *1,200 that he had 
 to pay years later for a substitute when he was 
 drafted into the Union Army. His farm now com- 
 prises 100 acres of land, all well improved, and its 
 
 abundant harvests bringing him in a good annual 
 income, besides what he derives from the sale of his 
 stock. He also owns valuable property in Three 
 Rivers. 
 
 By unremitting labor, economical and shrewd 
 management, Mr. .Sliepherdson was enabled to es- 
 tablish a comfortable home by the time he was 
 twenty-five years old. and to the3'oung lad}' whom 
 he invited to share it. Miss Helen M. Moon, he was 
 united in marriage March 18, 1853. Mrs. Shepherd- 
 son was born in the western part of New York, near 
 Honeoye, Jan. 7, 1836, being the eldest of the six 
 children born to William and Cordelia (Crooks) 
 Jloon, natives of New York, and early pioneers of 
 Mic^higan, coming to Kalamazoo in 1837, when 
 their daughter Helen was but a year and a half old. 
 Mrs. Shepherdson has now living two sisters and 
 one brotlier. The latter, William S. Moon, is a 
 machinist, and resides at Lake Linden, Mich., and 
 h.TS three children. Her sister, Almina C. Ross, lives 
 at Hancock, Mich., and has five children living and 
 one deceased. Her other sister, Mrs. JL A. Dun- 
 can, lives at Calumet, Mich., and has a family of 
 four children living, anil two deceased. The union 
 of our subject and his wife lias been blessed by the 
 birth of three children: Joseph W.. born March 26, 
 1854; Lizzie C, Oct. 11, 1855; Abner E., Sept. Ut, 
 1869. Joseph married Bertha Kent, and they m.ake 
 their home in Hart. Oceana Co., Mich., where he 
 is employed as a clerk in a shoe store: their only 
 child, Ray, born May 24, 1883, is now deceased. 
 Lizzie married Harvey A. Wing, June 13, 1881 ; he 
 is a real-esUite .agent in Duluth, Minn, 'i hey have 
 one child, William, born May 24, 1883. Abner E. 
 is an artist of much talent, and he is now in busi- 
 ness as a photographer. i 
 
 Mr. Shepherdson exerts an influence for good be- 
 yond the boundaries of his own township, and has 
 done much to promote the improvement of this sec- 
 tion of Michigan, and has conscientiously and sat- 
 isfactorily discharged the duties entrusted to him 
 when holding public office. He h.as been Road 
 Commissioner for three years, was Su|x;rvi.sor one 
 year, and was appointed Special Drain Commis- 
 sioner for the two counties of Cass and St. Joseph in 
 1883. He has taken a warm and active part in ad- 
 vancing the religious and moral elevation of his 
 
 T 
 
■^•- 
 
 ^i^h-* 
 
 ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 27:5 
 
 a<li>|>lr<l county. Imvinjj lonjf lieen one of tlic load- 
 in<r menilnTs of the Methodist Protestnnt Clinrc-li 
 in Fnliiiis Townsliii). of wlijeli lie is Local KIMor. 
 'rnislee suul Sunday -sciiool SupiMinlendent, and be 
 lias also served as Steward and Class-Leader. 
 
 EDWIN K. HILL has lon.u: been closely i<len- 
 titicd with the financial interests of Southern 
 ' Michigan; first as an enterprising business 
 
 man of C'okin. and now. for some years, .ts a promi- 
 nent and wealthy hanker of that place, he being 
 the senior member of the banking firm of K. Ilill 
 i<r .Sons, of the Kxchange Hank, lie was born in 
 C'hen.ingo County. N. Y.. the fourth child in a 
 family of five children of Klisha and Maria (Cooley) 
 Hill, natives of New York. His mother was a 
 daughter of Col. Cooley, an officer in the War of 
 1H12. She died when our subject was an infant, 
 and wiieii he w.as about eighteen months old his 
 father married again. .Miss Pamelia I'ope, a native 
 of Cherry N'alley. N. Y.. becoming his wife. She 
 was the daughter of .loli and Sarah Pope, and the 
 mother of 'riioiiias .1. Hill, junior member of the 
 bank. 
 
 The father of our subject w.ts reared on a farm, 
 and after attaining manhood he became prominent 
 in the administration of the public affairs of Ctie- 
 nango County, N. Y.. where his home was. He 
 servetl in various official capacities; w.as Sheriff of 
 Cheniingo County, and .Tustice of the Peace for 
 several years, besides holding other important of- 
 fices. I'nder the continued strain of such an active 
 life, his health gave way, and, closing up his affairs 
 in New York, he came to Michigan in the hojic 
 that change of scene ami climate woulil prove bene- 
 ficial to him. He settled in St. .loseph County, in 
 the town of Sturgis, and engaged in farming on a 
 new place. He remained there twoyears, his health 
 continuing to fail, and for three j'ears he was an 
 invaliil. In 1HJ9 he removed to Coldwater and 
 opened a hotel, which he managed for two years. 
 He then removed to Colon, where he engaged in 
 the same business. Mr. Hill also engaged in an 
 exten?ive mercantile business here with his sons. 
 closing the hotel to give his entire attention to that. 
 
 Finally, having accumulated wealth by their tran- 
 s,nctions, they clo.sed up business and retired for the 
 sp.ace of two years, settling up old matters. During 
 the war they did a very large business, averaging 
 *2H2 a day in l.S(i2. .Mr. Hill was Postmaster of 
 Colon for seven years, from IH'i.'i to 18fi0. It will 
 be .seen that he was for many years conspicuously 
 connected with the leading interests of St. .Toseph 
 Ceunty. .-ind that he contributed materially to its 
 prosperity. He was a man of keen judgment, 
 quick discernment, and sound understanding, and 
 he exerted a great inHuencc for good in this com- 
 munity. He died in November, I HH.5, after a short 
 illness, .it the advanced age of eighty-four years. 
 His excellent wife still survives him. an<I makes 
 her home in Colon. 
 
 Kdwin H. Hill, of this sketch, was about six _vears 
 of age when his father settled in .Sturgis. and there 
 he attended the district school, where he obtained 
 a very good e<lucation. which he was pre])aring to 
 sup|tlement by a cour.se in a school at Olivet, tint 
 just then an o|)portuiiity presented for him to en- 
 g.oge in the mercantile business, and he unhesitat- 
 ingly took .idvant.ige of it. .Vlthough lie was then 
 but seventeen years old. he had already displayed 
 a marked talent for business, and it had been the 
 goal of his ambitions to eng.age in mercantile pur- 
 suits. He continued thus eng.iged for some eight- 
 een years, and lastly as banker. The ICxchange 
 Hank, of which he and his brother are now pro- 
 prietors, was organized in the sjiring of 1870. and 
 has been in successful 0|>eration ever since, he own- 
 ing a half-interest in it. The business of the bank 
 is conducted in the most metluMlical and s\steniatic 
 manner, and it has been of great benefit to the 
 financial interests of .Southern Michigan, the far- 
 mers, merchants, and business men generally, find- 
 ing it a great aid to them in transacting their 
 monetary affairs. 
 
 Mr. Hill was married, in 1856. in Colon, to Miss 
 Amelia R. Bowman, who was horn in Pennsylvania 
 in 18.'52. .She is a daughter fif .lolin H. and Ann 
 (Milland) Howman. natives of Pennsylvania, and 
 early pioneers of Three Rivers. Her father built 
 the first gristmill there in IK.'Wi, and he w.ts also an 
 early settler of Colon, where he built the first grist- 
 mill ever erected within its limits, jn 1839. He 
 
 ■•► 
 
 f 
 
4= 
 
 274 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 f 
 
 took an at-tive part in public affairs, and represented 
 the county in the Slate Legislature at Detroit two 
 terms, lie was a niembci' of the Legislature in that 
 city in 1838, wiicn ho received tiic news of his 
 wife's death, and tliere l)eing no railways or tele- 
 grai)hic coniiniinication in those days, word was 
 sent to him aci'oss tlie country liy a messenger, rid- 
 ing one horse and leading another for him to re- 
 turn on. Mrs. Hill's father died in the city of 
 T>exington, Mo., in the year 1855, of cholera, 
 he being then sixt3'-one j'ears of age. Mrs. Hill's 
 jjaternal grandparents wCre .Icsse and Sally (Aton) 
 P)()wnian. Her maternal gr.andfather w.as William 
 .Milland; his wife's name before marriage was Rit- 
 tenhouse. On both sides they were natives and 
 lifelong residents of Pennsylvania. Bishop Bow- 
 man was a cousin to 3Irs. Hill's father, and the 
 family have been for many years prominent Jletli- 
 odists. 
 
 After marriage ^Ir. and Mrs. Hill settled in 
 Colon, where they have since livetl. and their tine 
 brick residence is one of the handsomest and most 
 subst.antial looking dwellings in the place. Their 
 otherwise happy married life has been saddened by 
 the death of their two sons, bright and promising 
 young men, the elder of whom was a great help to 
 his father in his business. John II. died first, be- 
 fore reaching his majority-, his death occurring Feb. 
 28, 1871(. Klisha B. died Nov. 22, 1882, at the 
 age of nearly nineteen years. They were dutiful 
 and affectionate sons, and were well beloved by a 
 large circle of friends. AVe cannot think, however, 
 that tliese brave, devoted young lives have come to 
 naught, but would fain have those who mourn 
 their loss believe with the poet that '"Death is but 
 a great event in the life of the soul. It is a change 
 and not a dissolution. It is the gate to a new 
 sphere, in which the mind, enriched with larger 
 powers, shall enter upon broader fields of action 
 and duty, where nobler struggles shall task the 
 strength, and more precious crowns award the vic- 
 tor — where the hoi)es and the dreams of earth 
 shall be turned to sight, and the broken circles of 
 life be rounded to the perfect orb." 
 
 Mr. Hill is regarded as an honorable liusiness man 
 and a public-spirited citizen, and as their expression 
 of confidence in him. his fellow-citizens have often 
 
 •►HH^ 
 
 elected him to olllces of trust, whose duties he has 
 discharged with a single eye to the good of the 
 ])ubliQ. He atliliates with the Democratic party, 
 which has no more sincere and active supporter iu 
 all St. Joseph County than he. He ha.s often been 
 sent as a delegate to the State Conventions of his 
 l)artj-. 
 
 -^-^~^^-^--£^ 
 
 'S| J. FIRESTONE, editor and i)roprietor of 
 the Colon Express, has a brilliant future be- 
 fore him ;i.s a journalist of no mean ability. 
 !^^// as is shown by the successful management of 
 his paper, which is already classed among the most 
 popular and newsiest newspapers in the county, and 
 it is welcomed in m.any househokls far and near, as 
 it has nearly doul>led its circulation since coining 
 into the possession of our subject in January. 1888. 
 The Erpress is independent in politics, with views, 
 opinions and expressions that are its own on any 
 and all of the topics that are under general discus- 
 sion to-day. 
 
 Mr. Firestone was born in December. 1858, in 
 Elkhart County. Ind.. being the second in tlie fam- 
 ily of seven children of Jonathan and Catherine 
 (PefHy) Firestone, natives of Ohio, who moved to 
 Indiana in the early diiys of its settlement. His 
 father is a prosperous carjjenter and joiner, and re- 
 sides near Goshen, Ind., where he is actively en- 
 g.aged .at his trade. He is a valued memlier of the 
 community where he lives, as he is a man of well- 
 balanced intellect, capable and shrewd, discreet and 
 honest in all of his dealings, .and with his wife 
 occupies a high social sliuiding. The paternal 
 grandparents of our subject, John and Catherine 
 Firestone, were natives of Maryland, and his great- 
 grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution. His 
 maternal grandparents were David and Mary Pefflv, 
 and on both sides his grandparents were early pio- 
 neers of Ohio and Indiana. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was reared in Elkhart 
 Coiintv. the place of his l)irth. and received a lili- 
 eral education in South Bend, Ind. After leaving 
 school, he commenced to learn printing at Ft. 
 W.ayne. Ind.. and w.as thus engage(l .also at Soutli 
 Bend, and tlien in Chicago, where he worked in the 
 Inter-Ocean and Tribune offices, and w.as also at ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
■^•■ 
 
 ST. .lOSIiPH COUNTY. 
 
 4> 
 
 275 
 
 one time in tin- cinplov of Donahue it Ilonnclicrrv; 
 and with tliis varied experience he gained a tiior- 
 oiiirh iniisterv of the art preservative. In IHMl he 
 eslalijishi'd the .Vriros l{i[fli''U)r. at Arjjos, .Marshall 
 Co.. Ind. lie h.'id eharije t>f the same one year 
 and a half, when poor liealth of his wife eaused him 
 to sell. He airaiii removed with his family to.Sjuth 
 Hend. Ind.. where tliey remained until he purchased 
 the Cohiii AoA-p DrcPZP. .Ian. 1(». IK««. cliani.nnsj its 
 name to the Colon Express^ and enterinii; at onee 
 upon Its management, is now condiietinj; it with 
 eneouraiiiinsi success, furnishinix his suhscrihers with 
 a wholesome, wide-awake family paper, wherein 
 home and forcijjn affairs are discussed in an alile 
 and inteilisent manner. 
 
 Mr. Firestone was married in Ohio, Aug. 21t, 
 1880. to Miss Lizzie A. Eveland. She was born in 
 Pennsylvania in 18(>1. and w.as the eldest of the 
 six children of Daniel M. and Amanda H. (Zuber) 
 Eveland. natives of Pennsylvania. They migrated 
 to Ohio at an early date, hut are now residing in 
 Mendon, Mich. The pleasant and happy home of 
 our subject and his amial)Ie wife is bles.sed by the 
 l)resence of the two children. Audrey Kloise and 
 Claude K.. who have been l)orn to them. 
 
 Mr. l'"irestone is a man of fine mental gifts, of 
 sound principles, and of blameless life. lie does 
 not take an active part in politics, and is independ- 
 ent and unliiassed in his views of the questions that 
 aL'ilate the various parties of the d.ay. lie has the 
 welfare of his fellowmen deeply at heart, and is 
 an earnest worker in everything tending to i>ro- 
 mote the interests of .society. Mr. Firestone is a 
 member of the I. O. (). F.. .and of the International 
 Typographical Union of North America. 
 
 ■ •" "^ • ^ ' I ' - ' l 
 
 \|;A.MKn M. I.AIUD. liveryman .and horse- 
 I dealer, is a resident of .Mendon \illage. lie 
 is the son of the late Henry W. Laird, and 
 was Ixirn in Oxford. Ihitler Co., Ohio. Dee. 
 2, |.-i|«. His father came to .Michigan an<l settled 
 in St. .lusepli County, bringing our subject with 
 him, and engaged in the business of farming in the 
 northern part of the county. Here our subject 
 lived until he wils twenty-one years ohl. when he 
 
 came to Meiulon and entered into busine.-is for him- 
 self, .selling flour and feed, in company with his 
 cousin. Ceorge Laird. The\- continued this busi- 
 ness together about eight months, when they dis- 
 solved, and our subject rented a farm in Nottawa 
 Townsliip. which he i>perated for three years. 
 
 l'ros|)ering in his farming venture, our sulijecl 
 purclijised a tract of eighty acres in Xottawa Town- 
 ship, which he operateil for a period of six years, 
 when he rented his farm and came to Meiulon again 
 and engaged in the livery l)usiness. At the end of 
 seven months he found a luirchaser for his busi- 
 ness, and .selling out, went to Sturgis. engaging in 
 the same line of business there, which he carried 
 on for about ten months, when he again returned 
 to Mendon opening another livery barn, which he 
 operated in conjunction with the one in Sturgis. 
 He ilid this for two or three years, when he airain 
 sold out. 
 
 After remaining idle a short time. .Mr. Laird 
 again eng.aged in the old busiiU'.ss. in which he has 
 since continued. He is a thorough horseman, un- 
 derstands the care and management of stock in all 
 its branches, is a gf)od trader, ami finds his greatest 
 source of enjoyment in handling his horses. He 
 buys .and sells hor-ses. buggies, and vehicles of all 
 descriptions, runs a line of city express, operates his 
 farm, which he still owns, and does a general liv- 
 ery business, all of which occupies his time com- 
 jiletely. 
 
 The subject of this sketch w:ls married. .Sept. .'). 
 1870, to Miss Libbie C. Avery. This lady w.as 
 born in Canandaigiia. X. Y.. and died in .Mendon. 
 Sept. it. 1882. He w.as married. Dec. o. 188L to 
 Muss Rose Baer. who was born in South Heiid. Ind.. 
 in I8(!.'). She is a most estimable lady, is educated 
 and refined, lic^^iil.'.; licing a most excellent house- 
 kc»eiier. 
 
 .Mr. Laird i.s an enterprising, go-ahe.ad business 
 man, obliging when opportunity offers. Although 
 eng.aged in the business of dealing in horses, lie is 
 notably fair in all his transactions. He is well 
 liked and respected by the citizens of the town 
 where helive^. lie is largc-hearte<l. public-spirited 
 and progressive in his ideas, and Is in all thin<rs a 
 g(Mid. law-abirling citizen. His stables are st<K'ked 
 with an exit'llent grade of animals, his outfits are 
 
,t 
 
 ■^ 
 
 4 
 
 276 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, 
 
 \ 
 
 new and of the latest improved styles, .and anyone 
 liavinir any dealinsr with Mr. Laird will lind him 
 in nil respeets a perfectly honest, nprijrht and 
 straiii-htforward ifentlenian. He liiu* never sought 
 or held any ofliee of public trust, although he has 
 heen solicited to accept favors of that kind from 
 his fellow-citizens. Iiut lie i)refers to devote ium- 
 .<elf to his chosen work. 
 
 RKDKRICK CL'STKU, one of the prosper- 
 
 P' ous agriculturists of this county, and owner 
 of 160 acres of well-tilled land in Colon 
 Township, on section 21. is a worthy representative 
 of that class of citizens that might l)e designated by 
 the term of German-American. He w.is boru in 
 the Fatheiland on the 3d of May. 1836, and reared 
 upon the farm of his father, continuing to reside in 
 his native land until he came to this countrj' in 
 August, 1863. Until that time and ever since he 
 had left school he had been engaged at farming. 
 
 Landing at New York City after a long, tedious 
 and trying ocean trip, he came direct to this county, 
 and began to work out by the month. This he 
 continued for about six 3-ears, when he rented land 
 in Colon Township until 1876, and then purchased 
 his present farm. It includes 160 acres and is thor- 
 oughly well improved, as he h.as taken the greatest 
 possible pride in making it the most jjroduetive and 
 best improved in the district. 
 
 On the 30t.h of April, 1 839, there was born to 
 John and Mary Miller, at Mecklenburg, (tcrmanj', 
 a daughter, who received in her baptism the name 
 Sophia. She grew up in her native countrj', was 
 there educated and continued to live until the \'ear 
 1864, when she came to America, and made her 
 home at Colon. This ladj' became the wife of our 
 subject at .Sturgis, on Whit-Sunday in 1866. Their 
 family circle includes nine children, who bear the 
 following names: Charles, Emma, Henry, William. 
 Fred, Minnie. .Mary, Lydia and Lizzie. Of these 
 eight are still living, and one, Heniy. died when 
 about two years of age. 
 
 Only those who have experienced it can under- 
 stand the many dilliculties, objections and trying 
 circumstances that are grouped arouml the wrench- 
 
 ing asuniler of old .associatitms, the severance from 
 home and friends, and leaving home and country to 
 seek a possible bettering of opportunity and position 
 amid new surroundings. Our subject is one, who, 
 while recognizing the full force of these things was 
 not afraid, buoyed as he was l.y hope anil ex|)ect- 
 ancj', to launch out, even though it cost the pain of 
 parting with those who had hitherto been known 
 and held as dear. He has certainly not made a 
 mistake, though it might be onl}' that he has bet- 
 tered his condition in giving to his famil}- the 
 bright, free, uidiainpcrod life that is afforded to the 
 citizens and children of this Republic. 
 
 Mr. Custer has filled a number of school offices 
 with abilit}-. He is not attached to either |)olitical 
 part3' and votes indcpen<lently. being decided in 
 every case by the ability and fitness of the candi- 
 date, and the needs of the people. Both he and 
 Mrs Custer are devout members of the Lutheran 
 Church, of which they have been faithful adherents 
 since their confirmation. 
 
 OSEPH MUMBY. Whatever calling he may 
 pursue the average man appreciates courtesy' 
 on the part of his fellows, and this element 
 of character h.as really' much to do not onl}' 
 with a man's standing in society, but his success in 
 life. These thoughts were especially called to mind 
 in the interview of the biographer with the subject 
 of this sketch and his estimable lady. They are 
 numbered among the most valued citizens of Men- 
 don Township, and have a very pleasant farm home- 
 stead eligibly located on section II. 
 
 Mr. Mumby was born on the other side of the 
 Atlantic, in Lincolnshire, England, May 4, 1833, 
 and there spent his boyhood and youth, employed 
 mostly at farming after leaving school. At the age 
 of twent}" years he resolved to seek his fortunes on 
 another continent, and in 1853 he embarked at 
 Liverpool on the sailing-vessel '"Roachambo." of the 
 Blackball Line, and after a voy.age of six weeks 
 first set foot upon American soil in the cit}- of New 
 Y'ork. Thence he made his way directly to Michi- 
 gan, locating first in Kalamazoo Township. Kala- 
 mazoo County, where he engaged in farming. After 
 
"► m <• 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ••^ 
 
 277 
 
 a sf>jotirn there of about seven years, crossing tlie 
 Mi!-si>!:i|i|ii, he spent alioiit two yenrs in Colorado 
 and New Mexico, finally seUiiii<r in MoiiUma, where 
 he was enjjaged in farniinj; and niining almut eight 
 years. At the lime when he arrived there it was 
 not surveyed, and Mr. Mum by was one of the first 
 company which discovered gold there in 1862, in 
 I'ike's Peak gulch. Deer Log Valley-, on the head- 
 waters of HIackfoot River. There were in the part}' 
 Mr. Bozeman, who lai<l out the cil}' of liozeman, 
 on the lie.ndwaters of the Gallatin; >Nanuiel Downs, 
 John Carrnlhers, Thomas Neals, Michael Harkens 
 and several others. At the time the only inhabit- 
 ants were Indians. 
 
 From Montana Mr. Muraby. in 1870, returned 
 eastward to this county, and purchased, in Mendon 
 Township, the farm which he now owns and occu- 
 pies. He has ninety-six and one-half acres, upon 
 which l:e has erected good buildings and effected a 
 vast imiirovemenl upon its original condition. After 
 his return from the Far West he was married, in 
 the citj' of Kalamazoo. Oct. 2. 1870, to Miss Jane 
 C. IJaker. who was born there July 10, 1837. Of 
 this union there were two sons only: William E., 
 born June 24. 1871, and George 1$., Dec. 8, 187.5. 
 'J'hey are promising \ouths, being trained and edu- 
 cated in a manner befitting their station in life, as 
 the representatives of a family of more than ordi- 
 nary wcirlli and intelligence. 
 
 William and Uebecca (Everett) Mumb}', the par- 
 ents of our sul)ject. were also, like their son. natives 
 of Lincolnshire, England, where they spent their 
 entire lives. The father was a farmer by occupa- 
 tion, and the home circle embraced nine children, 
 seven udw living. James .Muniby. a brother of our 
 subject, with his family, came here in the spring of 
 1883. The parents died Nov. 27, 1880, anil M.iy 
 2G, 1881, respectively. Mrs. Mumby is the diiughter 
 of William II. and Margaret (Wigley) Baker, who 
 were natives of England, and the father nearly all 
 his life engiigeil in farming. They came to Michi- 
 gan about 183(). and .Mr. Baker died at their home 
 in Kalamazoo. Dec. 18, 1887. After the death of 
 her hu>band Mrs. Baker came to the home of her 
 daught<>r. Mrs. .Mumby, with whom she is still liv- 
 ing. Shu had a family of two children, the other a 
 resident of Kalamazoo. Mrs. Mumby acquired a 
 
 common-school education, and was trained \>y her 
 excellent mother in tlnjse household duties the 
 knowledge of which has so much to do with the 
 happiness and comfort of a home. Our subject and 
 his highly res|)ecteil lady number their friends by 
 the score in Mendon Township, and their home is 
 proverbially one of the most pleiisant places of re- 
 sort within its limits. 
 
 ^OUN W. HALL. Colon Village numbers 
 among its substantial citizens no man more 
 deserving of consideration and respect tiian 
 the subject of this sketch. He owns a fine 
 farm in the township, embracing 250 acres of valu- 
 able land, but has retired from active labor, leasing 
 his land to a tenant, and is now enjoying the fruits 
 of his early industry in a pleasant and comfortable 
 home, among the friends who have known him for 
 so many years, and among whom he has built up a 
 record of an honest man and a good citizen. 
 
 The father of our subject, (Jeorge A. Hall, and 
 the mother, who in her girlhood was Miss Mary 
 Aim Burton, were natives of New York State, and 
 after tlieir marriage settled in Can.ada, but a few 
 3'ears later came back to the States, ami moving 
 westward lo<jk up their resilience in Boone County, 
 III. There the father engaged in agricultural pur- 
 suits, and spent the remainder of his life, resting 
 from his labors in 1861. 
 
 To the parents of our subject there were born 
 seven children, of whom John W. was the second. 
 His birthplace was near the town of Brantfoi'd in 
 Upper Canada, where he first opened his eyes to the 
 light Aug. 24, 1833. He lived with his parents 
 until a 3'outh of fourteen years, and ujwn leaving 
 the home roof niigrated to Kalamazoo County, 
 this .Slate, and for three years thereafter occupied 
 himself at farming. We next find him in Centre- 
 ville, this county, where he learned cabinet-making 
 and undertaking, established In business for himself, 
 and prosecuted these combined until 1 8U.5. Then 
 selling out. he invested tlu? proceeds in the farm in 
 Colon Towuship, of which he continues the posses- 
 sor. Upon this there was great room for improve- 
 ment at the lime of its purchase by our subject, and 
 
 *■ 
 
.t 
 
 278 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 its present contlition is the result of his industry 
 and good management. 
 
 One of tlie most interesting periods in the life of 
 our subject comprises the time which he spent as a 
 soldier of the Union Armj-. In August, 1861, he 
 enlisted in Companj- A, 11th Michigan Infantr3-, 
 and entered with true patriotism upon the discharge 
 of his duties in connection therewith. The great 
 change in his mode of living, however, had its 
 natural effect upon his health, and eighteen months 
 later he was obliged to accept his honorable dis- 
 charge on account of disability'. In the meantime, 
 however, he had made a visit home, and was mar- 
 ried in Centre ville, in October, 1862, to Miss Mary 
 Ann Sanderson, an adopted daughter of Isaac 
 Balote. of Centreville. When the soldier lad re- 
 turned home for good they took up their residence 
 in Centreville. 
 
 Mrs. Hall was born in Sherman Township, this 
 county, in 1845. and of her union with our subject 
 there is one child, a son, Isaac Charlton, who was 
 born in this count}' in October, 1863. Mr. Hall 
 in 188.0 invested a portion of his capital in a stock 
 of general merchandise, and established in business 
 at Colon, being thus occupied two or three 3-ears. 
 He has been a leading man in his community and 
 alwaj's tiiken a warm interest in its welfare. He 
 was Deputy Sheriff of .St. Joseph County two years, 
 and has held the office of CoiisUilile in Colon Town- 
 ship a period of twelve years. He uniformly votes 
 the straight Republican ticket. Sociall}-. he occupies 
 the post of Commander in Henry M. Liihller Post 
 No. 131, G. A. R., at Colon. Mr. Hall is at present 
 engaged in the livery business, keeping a good 
 supply of horses and buggies for the accommoda- 
 tion of the public. The barn is in connection with 
 the St. Joe Hotel. 
 
 -•-w-<;iaer©-ij@~^^^»'®ta'OT7rv~' 
 
 4 
 
 •S)^ ISS MARY C. FONDA is a well-known 
 and highly respected lady of Fabius Town- 
 ship, where she was reared and whore Mie 
 has passed most of her life, although she is 
 a native of New York. .She is a lady of intelligence 
 and culture, and wnrthil}' represents tme of the 
 honored pioneer families of .St. Joseph County. Her 
 
 home, which she inherited from her parents, is 
 pleasantly located on section 6, and the kindly, 
 courteous hospitality of its hostess renders it at- 
 tractive alike to friend and stranger. 
 
 Miss Fonda is a Ijneal descendant of one John 
 Fonda, a representative of an ancient Holland fam- 
 il}% and one of four brothers and sisters who left 
 their native land about 1690, and coming to Amer- 
 ica, identified themselves with the early settlers of 
 New York State. He married in this country, in 
 1694, Marrietta Looker, and Miss Fonda traces her 
 descent to him through his son Dow, who married 
 Altia Underkirk in 1727. Dow's son Jacob, great- 
 grandfather of our subject, married Derik}' Fisher 
 in 1768. Harmon, son of Jacob, married R.achel 
 Lansing <n 1797, and of that union Lansing Fonda, 
 father of our subject, was born May 17, 1801, 
 probablj' near Colioes. N. Y. The Fonda family 
 were people of wealth and position in New York, 
 and Lansing was thoroughly educated in the city 
 of Albanj'. N. Y. Subsequently his father, a wealthy 
 farmer, went security for four merchants, who 
 failed, and he became bankrupt. This brought out 
 the true nobilit}' of the son, who did not hesitate 
 to put his shoulder to the wheel and accept a life of 
 lal)or as his lot instead of the one of ease and cult- 
 ure to which he had been reared. 
 
 Mr. Fonda married, in 1832, Nellie Ann Van Pat- 
 ten, daughter of Aaron and Esther (Hart) Van Pat- 
 ten, who was born Feb. 1 3, 1 808. In 1 848 Mr. Fonda, 
 thinking that he could better his condition and im- 
 prove the prospects of his chlhlren, determined to 
 leave the old home in New York and settle in 
 Michigan. After his arrival here he located in St. 
 Joseph County, on eighty acres of land^that he had 
 entered from the Government, now owned by his 
 daughter of whom we write, and the house that he 
 built at that time is still standing and is occupied 
 by Miss Fonda. He had but #1 with which to be- 
 gin his new and strange life, but he bravely entered 
 upon his career as a pioneer, and suffered all its at- 
 tendant hardships without a murmur, and by 3-ears 
 of patient toll cleared a comfortable home from the 
 primeval forests of Michigan, with the able and 
 willing assistance of his devoted helpmate and com- 
 panion. When Mr. Fonda took possession of his 
 lanil he found a few logs rolled together, which 
 
-4»- 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY, 
 
 ■*^ 
 
 27;t 
 
 
 some one else li:»(l almndoned, ami from thorn he 
 erected a shelter for his faiiiii^'. lie eouM (irot-urc 
 iu> liimi>er for a tloor, and lived one year williout 
 an}- floor to iiis dwelling, and with only oil cloth fur 
 roof, door, etc. ; they had brought earpieting with 
 tlieni, which served as mats. Mr. Fonda shouldered 
 his ax and went to Ceiitreville, where he labored 
 for fifty cents a day to supply the actual necessities 
 of life for his family, and thus they strujrgled along 
 untd a clearing was u'ade and garilen stuff could lie 
 raised. Final!)' the farm was cleared, and under 
 careful cidlivatioii l)ecame one of the most valnalile 
 in the vicinity. Miss Fonda's mother ])l;inte<l the 
 walnuts and butternuts from which sprang the 
 beautiful trees that now adorn the yard and east 
 grateful shade over any wlut. weary and licaifd, 
 seek repose beneath their branches. 
 
 The death of Mr. Fonda, Oct. •>', l.S(;0, was felt 
 to be a severe loss to the communit\-, where he 
 was held in honor and esteem as a high-minded, 
 open-hearted man, of liberal views, and of more 
 than orilinary intelligence. He led a strictly up- 
 right, moral life, and no one ever doubted but that he 
 was filled with the true spirit of Christianity, al- 
 though he never identified himself with any church- 
 He always took a deep interest in educational af- 
 fairs, and served on the .School Board much of tiie 
 time. In his political views he w.is an old-line 
 Whig. His wife survived him many years, her 
 death not occurring until Dec. ."), 18SG. .She w.is a 
 woman who.se character commanded the respect of 
 all about her. and was a consistent member of the 
 Free-Will Baptist Church. Lansing Fonda was the 
 second in a family of live children, the driest being 
 his sister .Sarah. She was born July 13, 17S8, and 
 married I.-aac .Major, wlio left four children, one of 
 whom. Fonda Major, still lives near Cenlreville, this 
 county. Dow Fonda, a younger brother of the 
 father of our subject, was liorn March 19, 1804. 
 He never left his native New York, but spent his 
 entire life there; he married and had six children, 
 three of whom are still living in that .State, near 
 Amsterdam. .lane Fonda was born April I'J, ISOK. 
 married fii->t Isa.ic Neff. by whom she had two chil- 
 dren, and she afterward married .lohn Potter, by 
 whom she had three children ; »he moved to Iowa, 
 where she died. Dcrika, the youngest sister of the 
 
 father of our subject, was born Oct. .0, 1810. and 
 died July 1, 181;'). 
 
 To the worthy |)arents of our subject seven chil- 
 dren were born in New York, but only three lived 
 to come to Michigan with the parents in 1818. 
 These three are still living, and are as follows: 
 Ksther Louisa, Maria Jane, and Mary C, the subject 
 of this sketch. Esther was born .Iiine 1 . 183'2, mar- 
 ried William Gear. Jan. 1, is.jl.and is living in 
 Fabius Township; slie is the mother of five children, 
 four of whom are living, namely: William, Kliza, 
 James and Olivia. .Maria was liorn Dec. 9, IHll, 
 married John S. Norllirnp. Aug. 23, 1H,")7. and is 
 living in Flowerfield; she is the mother of ten chil- 
 dren living. 
 
 Mary C. Fonda, subject of this sketch, was born 
 Aug. G, 1847, in DeWitt Township, (Onondaga Co., 
 N. Y. She was scarcely a yc:ir old when her par- 
 ents left her native town and came to Micliig.m to 
 make their future home, and amid the pioneer sur- 
 roundings of her enily life she developed a strong 
 and gracious womanhood. Notwithst;in(ling their 
 primitive style of living, necessitated by the times 
 and condition of a comparatively newly settled 
 country, her parent*; gave her a careful training, and 
 as a supplement to her education in the schools of 
 Michigan her father doubtless taught her much, as 
 he w.as a man of superior education. .Since the con- 
 trol of her father's homestead has fallen into her 
 hands she has shown herself to be fully capable »>f 
 managing her affairs, and is regarded as a woman 
 of clear intellect, 8oun<l judgment and much ability. 
 .She is living quietly in her old home, deserving 
 and receiving the regard and nspecl of all in the 
 communit}'. 
 
 i|/_^ FNUY K. FAUKANl). The subject of this 
 )ji biography during his lifetime was one of 
 the most prominent, successful and useful 
 $ men <jf .St. Joseph County. Honorable and 
 upright in all his transactions, and a man of more 
 than ordinary capabilities, he forn)ed no unimpor- 
 tant factor in this section of country, with whose 
 interests he was identified for a period of fifty- 
 
i 
 
 4^ 
 
 280 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 three j-ears, and in whose prosperit)- he entertained 
 the deepest interest. He was instrumental in the 
 advancement of ever}- important enterprise in his 
 own neijyhborhood and vicinity, and was freqiientlj' 
 intrusted with the settlements of valuable estates, 
 those in manj' cases requiring the most careful 
 management and having great interests at stake. 
 
 Mr. Farrand served as Supervisor of Colon Town- 
 ship a period of eleven years, from the spring of 1872 
 to tlie spring of 1883. During this time his influ- 
 ence was given to those projects tending to the 
 moral and educational advancement of the com- 
 munity. He contributed liberally toward the erec- 
 tion of the .Seminary building, and the Air-Line 
 Railrt)ad. an<l upon the outbreak of the Rebellion 
 labored incessantly in support of the Union senti- 
 ment, making it his business to see that the quota 
 of the township was properly filled in sending its 
 soldiers into the army. lie saved to the county the 
 sum of §25,000 in connection with railroad bonds, 
 and at every turn endeavored to serve its interests 
 in such a manner as would reflect credit upon him- 
 self and the people around him. 
 
 Mr. Farrand was a practical and scientific farmer, 
 delighting in the i)ursuit of agriculture, and noth- 
 ing was jjleasanter to his ej'e than the green meadows 
 and fields of growing grain. Whatever duty he 
 undertook he considered it w.is , worth}' of doing 
 well, and in all the relations of life, whether labor- 
 ing for the public or in behalf of his own interests 
 and those dear to him, he preserved the same 
 equable temperament and unostentatious fidelil}- to 
 duty which could not but have an important influ- 
 ence upon those with whom he came in contact. 
 His death, which occurred Nov. 27, 1887. after he 
 had numbered seventy-five j'ears, was a loss to this 
 county felt by all, both far and near. He was 
 mourned by hosts of friends, including a devoted 
 wife, a number of children and grandchildren, and 
 many relatives. 
 
 The father of the suliject of this sketch was Joseph 
 Farrand, the son of Pliineas Farrand, who was born 
 in Morris County, N. J., and married Miss Jolia 
 Compson, a native of the same State. The grand- 
 parents of our subject first settleil in Ca3-uga County, 
 N. Y., anil thence came to Michigan in 1S37. set- 
 tling in Colon Township, this county, on section 
 
 16, where they continued to live during the re- 
 mainder of their days. The grandmother dieil Jan. 
 8, 1845. Her husbjind, surviving her a period of 
 ten years, passed away Dec. 4, 1854. 
 
 Joseph and Jolia Farrand became the parents of 
 eleven cliildren, eight of whom lived to mature 
 years, namely: Charles C, Ebenezer, Junius H., 
 Electa M., Henry K., Catherine A., Abigail E. and 
 Phineas. The latter .iccom pan led his father to this 
 State, and since that time has been a resident 
 of Colon Township, a perioil of fifty-one j'ears, 
 during which time he has given his whole at- 
 tention to agricultural pursuits. Further details 
 in regard to his life will be found in his biographj', 
 given elsewhere in this volume. 
 
 Henry K. Farrand was the fifth child of his par- 
 ents, and a native of the same town as his father, 
 Mentz, Cayuga Co., N. Y., where his birth took 
 place June 19, 1812. He came to this count}' 
 in 1830, and located upon a large tract of land in 
 Colon Township. He did not. however, settle here 
 at lliat time, but returned to his native State, and 
 upon coming back to Michigan, in 1837, took up 
 his residence on section 16, where he made his 
 home until his death. He was greatly prospered 
 iu his labors as a tiller of the soil, investing his 
 capital in additional land, and in due time owned 
 the largest extent of any man in the county. 
 
 Mr. Farr.and erected the residence now occupied 
 b}' his widow in 1852-53. It is a commodious and 
 substantial structure, one that will stand for years 
 to come. Adjacent to this he put up good barns 
 and out-buildings, and gathered together the ma- 
 chinery requisite for prosecuting agriculture after 
 the most modern methods. His industr}' an<l enter- 
 prise were proverbial, and he passed few idle houi-s. 
 In addition to looking after his own extensive in- 
 terests, he kept steadily in view the matters calcu- 
 lated to advance St. Joseph Count}', socially, morally 
 and financially. 
 
 Mr. Farrand received only a district school edu- 
 cation, and at an early age was taught those habits 
 of industry and economy which proved the secret 
 of his later success. His first business venture was 
 the renting of a tract of land near his father's home- 
 stead, in Cayuga County, N. Y. In the spring of 
 1836, the farm which he hail rented for a term of 
 
■► i r^vr 
 
 ST. JUSKl'H COUNTY. 
 
 28 1 
 
 _ycars havin|i been sold, he surrentlerert his lease, 
 and shortly afterward came to Michigan to seek a 
 h>cation, witli the results which wc have already 
 indicated. lie was coni])elled, however, to return 
 to the Empire .Stale to harvest liis crops there and 
 dispose of them, and this being done he returned 
 west and took up his permanent residence in this 
 county. The journey was made with a team of 
 horses and a wagon, and he was accompanied bj' 
 his aunt, Maria Farrand, they coming by the way 
 of Canada. While on the road lie overlook his 
 brother, Charles Farrand, who had settled near Burr 
 Oak. The wliole party put up at the house of 
 Loransi Schellhouse, on the 12th of October, and 
 remained there until our subject could build a log 
 cabin. This humlilo abode remained the dwelling 
 of himself and his family for a period of seventeen 
 years, when it gave place to the present residence. 
 
 On the I7th of December, 1h;J7, onrsubjoct was 
 united in marri.ige with Miss Maria, dangliler of 
 Levi and t^unice Mathews, whose parents were 
 natives of Plymouth. Conn., and who spent their 
 la-st days in Colon Township. Mrs. Maria Farrand 
 was born in Plymouth, Conn.. Nov. 23, 1817. Her 
 union with our subject resulted in the birth of five 
 daughters and one son, namely: Ann Kliza, Mar- 
 garet S., Henrietta .M., .lulia E., Frances Eugenia 
 and Charles H. The mother of these children de- 
 parteil tiiis life .July 1, 18.0.5. She was a lady pos- 
 sessing all the womanly virtues, and was admirably 
 adapted to her position in life, as the wife of the 
 pioneer struggling to make his way through many 
 ditliculties. fShe was for a number of years before 
 her death a devoted member of the Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 Mr. Farrand contracted a secon<l marriage, .Sept. 
 M, 1H(;.'», with Miss Phebe M.. daughter of Leonard 
 ami Mercy lilauclmrd. who were natives of New 
 York, and are now deceased. This lady was born 
 in .Marcellus, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 2(>, 1827. 
 Of this union there was born one child, a daughter, 
 Louisa K. Mitchell, who died at liu? age of four 
 and one-half years. .Mrs. Phebe M. Farr.-ind died 
 Oct. 1, 1884, anil on the 27th of .lune. 188.",, our 
 subject w!is united in marriage with Mrs. Anna 
 (IJurrouglis) llovl. widow of Allen Hoyt. and a 
 native of Moultouboro, N. H., where she was born 
 
 May 15, 1813. Mr. Hoyt came to this county in 
 1835, and died in Colon Towushi|), April 12, 1880. 
 His marriage with Miss Burroughs took place in 
 Colon Township. Aug. 9, 1856. They were the 
 parents of one child, Alvin .1., who is farming 
 in Colon Township. 
 
 -'•' t - ns - t " 
 
 EXRY IIAHT.MAN. The .State of I'enn- 
 sylvania has furnished some of the most 
 substantial citizens of the (ireat West, and 
 among them the sul)ject of this sketch, a 
 well-to-do farmer of Nottawa Township, is contrib- 
 uting his quota toward the development of the soil 
 of St. .Toseph County. He is now operating a large 
 farm of 240 acres on section 21. and is the owner 
 of eighty-three acres of good land in the vicinity 
 of Centrcville. 
 
 Mr. Ilartinan was Ixu-ii in Heaver Township. 
 Snyder Co., Pa.. May iK 184.$. and lived there 
 on a farm with his ])arents until a lad of twelve 
 years, when he w.a.s left an orphan witliout means 
 .and obliged to look out for himself. He remained 
 a resident of his native State four years thereafter, 
 then made his way to tlie vicinity of Hellevue. 
 Ohio, where he worked out by the month, and con- 
 tinued a resident of the IJui'keye .State five yeai-s, 
 and until coming to Michigan, in .Scptemlier. 18()!t. 
 
 Our subject first purchased, in Fabius Township, 
 tliis county, a small tract of land, which he occu- 
 ]>ied until the spring following, then sold out. and 
 for two years thereafter rented a farm in Park 
 Townshii). Thence he canu' to Nottawa Township 
 and rentefl a farm two years: he then purclui-seit his 
 present pro|)erty near Centreville. where he lived 
 until the spring of 1888. He bad made such good 
 headway financially, that with a desire to operate 
 more land he rented his own farm, and remove*! to 
 that u|M)n which he now lives. He possesses all 
 the sturdy |H'rseverance of his Oerman ancestry, 
 and is a man prompt to meet his obligations and in 
 all respects a worthy citizen. 
 
 (ieorge Hartman. the father of our subject, was 
 also a native of Snyder County. Pa., and married 
 Miss Sarah E. H.-Lsscnger. of tliat region. They 
 Ijecame the parents of nine children, and sfjent their 
 
 ■ » 
 
 r 
 
.► i r ^ 
 
 282 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 entire lives in the Kejstone State, dying in Snjder 
 County. Of these children our subject was the 
 third, and five are still living. 
 
 Mr. Ilartmau was married in Sandusky, Oliio, 
 Sept. 12, 18(>;5, to Miss Leali Kline, daughter of 
 Joseph and Catharine Kline, the latter of whom 
 died in February, 1884. Mrs. Ilartmau was born 
 iu .Snyder County', Pa., Jan. 9, 1843. and lived with 
 her parents until her marriage, receiving her edu- 
 cation in the common school. Of her union with 
 our subject there have been born six children: 
 llaHif \\ .: Eldora, who died in cliildliood; Ida M., 
 Franklin Henry W. and Mabel E. Ilattic is the wife 
 of .lames AVeidnt. and resides in Nottawa Township. 
 Mabel E. acquired a good education and taught 
 school before her marriage. !Mr. Ilartman, politi- 
 cally, attiliates with the Kcpublican partj'. His 
 little farm of eighty-three acres is provided with 
 fair buildings and is increasing in value yearly, 
 lie keeps good grades of live stock, and carries on 
 agriculture in tliat thorough stj-le which is charac- 
 teristic of the Pcnnsylvanian. 
 
 ^ OIIN HENRY WORTIHNGTON.Supervisor 
 of Mciidon Towiisliip, was born in St. Law- 
 rence County. N. Y., March 10, 1837, being 
 ^^; the fourth of twelve children, tbe offspring 
 of William and Mary (.Smith) Wortliington, who 
 were natives of Hull, England. They were reared 
 and married in their native citj-, where tliej' lived 
 nnlil 1830, then emigrating to America, settled in 
 St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where the father en- 
 gaged in agriculture, and where they lived a period 
 uf six j-ears. Then coming to Michigan in 1842 
 they settled first in Brady Township, Kalamazoo 
 C'ountj% where the father carried on agriculture, 
 and where the mother died in lSii8. William 
 Wortliington is still living, making his home with 
 his son Thomas W. in Brady Township, being now 
 advanced in j'ears. 
 
 Our subject was a little lad five years of age 
 when be came to Michigan with his parents, and he 
 remained under the home roof until thirteen years 
 of age. He then commenced working out for the 
 farmers in his neighborhood, being thus continually 
 
 emploj-ed until reaching his majority and turning 
 over his wages to his father. After becoming of 
 age young Wortliington started out for himself, 
 single handed and alone, and in order to better 
 fortify himself for the struggle before him he joined 
 hands with one of the most estimable ladies of his 
 acquaintance. Miss Sarah Bourn, their marriage 
 taking place at the home of the bride in Meudon, 
 June 30, 1858. Their wedded life began in ac- 
 cordance with their means and position at a modest 
 dwelling in Mendon, and Mr. AVorthington occupied 
 himself as before iu farming until making his first 
 purchase of land in 18G2. Upon this he labored 
 industriously early and late in the cultivation of 
 the soil, the placing of fences and the erection of 
 buildings, until his homestead bore fair comparison 
 with those of the enterjirising men around him. He 
 has now one of the finest farms in his township, 
 comprising eight}' acres of carefully cultivated land, 
 which, vvith its surroundings, although making no 
 pretension to mngnlficence. is eiitirel}' comfortable 
 and affords a most pleasant country home. 
 
 Mrs. AVorthington is the daughter of Ezra and 
 Lois (Hicks) Bourn, who were natives of Onondaga, 
 and who removed from Onondaga County, N. Y., 
 in the spring of 1841 to Southern Michigan, settling 
 ill Mendon Township, this county, of which the}' 
 remained residents the balance of their lives. The 
 father departed this life Aug. 5, 1863, and the 
 mother Julj' 4, 1867. They were the parents of 
 four children, one of whom is living. Of tijese 
 Mrs. AV. was the youngest, and was born in Onon- 
 daga County, N. \., Dec. 11, 1837. Of her union 
 with our subject there have been born eight chil- 
 dren. The eldest son, Delmer L., married Miss 
 Nettie Keefer, and resides in Mention; Ida L. is the 
 wife of Chester Stevens, of Fillmore Count}', Neb. ; 
 Clara B.. Mrs. Edward Troy, lives at Mendon; Lot- 
 tie K., AVilliam H.. Charles C, Grace M. and George 
 I. are at lionie with their parents. 
 
 Mr. AA'orthington has been quite prominent in 
 township affairs, serving as Constable three terms. 
 Highway Commissioner nine j'eai-s. Justice of the 
 Peace four years, and has represented Mendon 
 Township in the County Board i>f Supervisors also 
 four years. He and his estimable wife are promi- 
 nently connected with the Methodist Episcopal 
 
»► l l^»" 
 
 ,t 
 
 isT. JOSEl'Il COUNTY. 
 
 283 
 
 Churcli, in wliirli Mr. W. Iins officiated as Stuwnnl, 
 C'l:i5>s- Leader and Triisfu. .Socially, lu- belongs to 
 Blue Lodge No. 137. A. F. it A. M., at Mendon, and 
 |U(litically, nniforniiy votes the Repniilican ticket. 
 He is iinnilicred among the puhlic-spirited citizens 
 who have effected the development of .Mendon 
 Townsliip, and given to it its repntatlon as a coin- 
 nuinit^' of more than ordinary intelligence. His 
 amiable wife and interesting children comprise a 
 family of which any man may well be proud. 
 
 JAMES SLMl'SON. The gentleman whose 
 name stands at the head of tliis biography 
 is a man of more than ordinary abilities, 
 skillful .as an agriculturist, thorough and 
 reliable in the transaction of business, and one who 
 is held in the highest esteem by the peo|)le of liis 
 communily. A man seldom idle when not em- 
 ployed about his own concerns he gives thought to 
 tha welfare of the peo|)le around him. and his talents 
 have been given a generous recognition by his fel- 
 low-citizens, who frequently apjMjint him to jxjsi- 
 lions of trust and responsibility. In his immediate 
 neighborliofxl lie has served as Commissioner of 
 Highways and School Mcnlerator. and is a member 
 in good standing of the I'nited I'resbyterian 
 Church. Politically, he is independent, making it 
 a rule to give his supjxjrt to the men whom he 
 «'onsiders best qualified to serve the interests of the 
 jKKjple. 
 
 Of excellent antecedents, our subject was born on 
 the other side of the .Vtlantic. in County Tyrone. 
 Ireland, about the summer of 1H3I, and continued 
 n resident of his native country until a young man 
 twenty years of age. His jtarents. .lohn and Re- 
 becca (Adams) Simpson, also natives of County 
 Tyrone, spent their entire lives in Ireland. Their 
 family con>i>ted of five children. .Tames being next 
 to the youngest. Of the others three are still living. 
 Mr. Simpscm came a single man to .Vmerica 
 aliout 1K.">3. and making his way westward lfM>k up 
 his alicMJe in Nottawa Townyhip. this ctiunty. of 
 which he has since been a resident. The first year 
 and a half after his arrival here he worke<l out 
 uijon a farm, then cultivated land on shares for a 
 
 l)eriod (tf four years. Having now gathered to- 
 gether a little capital, he purchased Kid acix's of 
 wild land in Nottawa Township, and which is in- 
 cluded in liis jiresent farm. This lies on section 
 23. and Mr. Simpson Inis occupied it since the fall 
 of IK.'i'.t. rpon it there were no improvements at 
 the time of his purclnise. and the greater jtart of 
 it w;is covered with timber. He set about felling 
 the trees and effecting one improvement after an- 
 other, as he was able, in the meantime kee|iing 
 bachelor's hall for several years, until he felt as- 
 sured that he would be equal to the task of taking 
 care of a family. 
 
 .Mr. Sinq)Son tinally began to see his way clear 
 to a comfortable living and something besides, 
 and Oct. U>. 1H7(!. took unto himself a wife an<l 
 heljuuate, Mrs. Nettie 15. .\dams. wnlow of Andiew 
 Adams, and daughter of Charles Dearth. Mrs. 
 Sim|)son was liorn .lune 2(1. 1K-1"». in I):irke County. 
 Ohio, and spent her childhood and youth in Uerrien 
 County. .Mirh. I b r lii'^t Inisband. .Mr. Ailams. was 
 a merchant and farmer by occupation, and died in 
 lierrien County, this State, in 1 «()'.(. They were 
 the parents of two children, both daughters; Lydia, 
 at home, and Olive, wlio died Nov. It, |HH«. To 
 Mr. and .Mrs. Simpson there have been born three 
 children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Rebecca, 
 dieil when two years ami three months old. Mary 
 N. and .Tames R. are at home with their parents. 
 
 ^AMES II. RARDEEN. one of the voters 
 who in 1H40 cast their ballot for Old Tippe- 
 canoe, and again in 1 8HH for his grandson, 
 Benjamin Harrison, justly prides himself 
 upon the rich experience wiiich has been his during a 
 long and changeful life. He i> now nuinberc<l among 
 the represpntative men of Menilon Township, who 
 came to Michigan during its pioneer days and as- 
 sisted in the first development of her resources. 
 A native of Cayui,'a County. N. Y., he was born 
 near the town of .Mentz, .(an. 20, 1M14. and has 
 consequently more llian passed his threescore and 
 ten years. 
 
 Daniel |{arileen. the father of our subject, was 
 
.► ir^ 
 
 284 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 nlso a native of the Empire State, and nianied Miss 
 Kosetta Moore, who was also born ami reared in llie 
 same vicinitj'. Tlie fatlier was a farmer bj- occu- 
 pation, and the parents spent their entire lives 
 in Ca3'uga Count}', dying at Mentz, in 1<S41 and 
 1852 respectively. The household circle was com- 
 pleted by the birth of nine children. James II. was 
 the fiftli cliild, and .spent his Ijovlmod and youth at 
 his father's fann. remaining under the parental roof 
 until a young man twenty-three years old. 
 
 In the spring of 18o7. soon after Michigan had 
 been admitted into the Union as a State, Mr. Rar- 
 deen made his waj' to Calhoun Count}', but only 
 sojourned in that vicinity about three montlis, com- 
 ing then to this county, and for a period of three 
 years was employed as a farm laborer. In the year 
 1810 he returned to his native .State, but in the 
 spring following came back West and engaged in 
 farming in Mendon Towns^liip until 1852. At this 
 time, on account of impaired health, he determined 
 to seek the Pacific Slope, and started overland across 
 the plains, reaching California after a journey of 
 four months and one day. He entered the mines of 
 Nevada County, and was also employed on a ranch 
 during his sojourn of three years in that region. 
 Tlien returning to this county he took up his resi- 
 dence in Mendon Township, but about 1859 turned 
 his steps once more towanl the setting sun, and was 
 absent a period of five years in California, engaged 
 in mining. 
 
 Mr. Rardcen returning once more to Mendon 
 Township, in the year 1864 located on the land 
 wliich he now owns and occupies, and where he has 
 since live<l. This is eighty acres in extent, and 
 upon it he has erected good buildings aud effected 
 tlie other ira|)rovements necessary to the comfort 
 and satisfaction of the progressive farmer. There 
 has been journeying with him a period of over 
 forty-five years one of the most estimable of ladies, 
 who in her girlhood was Miss Laura A. Welhy, to 
 whom he was married April 30, 184.'!, in Burlington, 
 this State. 
 
 Mrs. Rardeen was born in the town of Galen, 
 W.ay ne Co.. N. Y.. Feb. 1 0, 1 82 1, and is the adopted 
 daughter of Ancil I. and Loretta Wetliy. who spent 
 their last years in IJurlington. Of this union there 
 have been born five children, of whom the record is 
 
 as follows: Betsey A. is the wife of Rinaldo IMatti- 
 son. of Jlendon; George AV. died wlien a little lad 
 four years of age; John F. is farming in Mendon 
 Townshij); Laura E. is the wife of LaFayette Ul- 
 rich. of Mendon; James A. died in infanc}'. 
 
 Mr. Rardeen, during his early manhood, was a 
 member of the old Whig party, but upon its aban- 
 donment by the organization of the Republicans, in 
 1856, he cordially endorsed the principles of the 
 latter and has since l)een one of its most earnest 
 adherents. Mrs. Rardeen united with the Free-Will 
 Baptist Church when a young girl fifteen years ohl. 
 
 =E>- 
 
 ^ RS. CATHERINE A. HAMILTON occu- 
 pies a good homestead on section 3 of 
 Mendon Township, which is pleasantly lo- 
 cated and embraces 230 acres of good 
 ImikI. with all the necessary buildings. This prop- 
 erty was left her by her late husband, John A. Hamil- 
 ton, who departed this life July 27. 1885. He was 
 a native of Delaware County. N. Y., and came to 
 the West about 1837. Of this union there were 
 born five children, the eldest of whom, a son, 
 Thomas, is a resident of Kalamazoo County. Eliza- 
 beth died at the age of eighteen months; the third 
 child, an infant, died unnamed ; Elma is the widow 
 of Jacob Weinburg, of Kalamazoo County ; John 
 V. is a resident of Mendon Township, 
 
 Mrs. Hamilton was born in .Monmouth. N. J., 
 Nov. 8. 1815, and w.is the third in a family of six 
 children, the offspring of William and Adeline (\'an 
 Doren) Voorhees, both also natives of New Jersey, 
 and the father born in Monmouth. They remained 
 residents of their native State for a time after their 
 marriage, then removed to Lysander, Onondaga 
 Co., N. Y., where the father wiis occupied at farm- 
 ing, and where his death took place Oct. 11, 1830. 
 The mother, about 1840. came to Michigan, and 
 died at her home in Mendon itbout 1852. 
 
 Miss Voorhees came to Ann Arbor, this .State, in 
 the year 1837, where she lived three years with 
 a friend, and was first married, March 23. 1840, to 
 John C. F. Mcrritt. .Mr. M. was a native of West- 
 chester County, N. Y., and came to the West early 
 
 < 
 
 f 
 
ST. .lOSKIMI COUNTY. 
 
 ••^i 
 
 •'s,-i 
 
 \r 
 
 in life. Mr. anrl Mrs. Merritl in November follow- 
 ing their niarriiijfe came to tliis county anrl settled in 
 Mcndoii 'I'owiislilp, where Mr. Mcrrilt licitnn farm- 
 ing. an<l whore his deatii tuok phu-e on the olh of 
 March, \H[4. not quite four years from the time of 
 their marriage. Of this union there liad l)een liorn 
 two children: Mary .1., now the wife of Myron A. 
 Fuller, of Grand Traverse County. Mich., and Sa- 
 rah A., Mrs. Alfre<l Harper, of Kalamazoo County, 
 Mich. 
 
 Our subject was the second time married, in Men- 
 don Township. Nov. 7, 1814, to .Mr. flamillon. In 
 religious matters Mrs. Hamilton is a member of the 
 Adventist Church, as was also Mr. 11. She is a 
 lady having many friends in her coniniunit}-, being 
 ver}' pleasant and intelligent, jjosscssipg good busi- 
 ness capiieities. and managing the projierty left her 
 in a wise and judicious manner. 
 
 JfOIlN CL'Ll$El{TSON. Among the promi- 
 I nent farmers of Nottawa Township, the sub- 
 || ject of this record occupies a position in the 
 }j front ranks. He represents property to the 
 
 extent of 21.5 acres of valuable land, which is finely 
 IcK'ated on section 6, and upon which is a substan- 
 tial dwelling, erected by his late honored father. 
 Adjacent are all the other farm buildings necessary 
 for the successful jjrosecution of agricidture. 
 
 .lames Cullwrt.son, the father of our subject, w.is 
 born in County Donegal, Ireland, in theyear IHOI. 
 The mother, whose maiden name was Charity Lud- 
 wig, was born in I'nion County, I'a., where Mr. C . 
 settled after his emigrati<m tt> I'nited .States, and 
 where they were subsequently married. They lived 
 there until coming to this county, in 18;M. The 
 father t<;)ok up land on .sectifm 6, in Nottawa Town- 
 ship, and was prospered in his labors as a tiller of 
 the .soil. He built a goo<l homestead, where both 
 lie and his excellent wjfe spent the remainder of 
 their d.ays. The demise of Mr. Culbertsun occurr*-*! 
 Sept. 20. IHCiO. Ills wife survived him until the 
 20th of .May following. Of their large family of 
 children, six are living, and ri-sidents mostly of 
 Illinois. 
 
 The seventii child i>f .m faniilv includintt seven 
 
 daughters and five sons, our subject w.as born at 
 the homestead in Nottawa Tinvn.-hip. on the 17th iif 
 .lanuary. IMIl. He received the best education 
 which cuuhl be obtained in the common schools, 
 and has from his youtii been engaged in farming 
 pursuits. Ill' was calleil a bachelor some time be- 
 fore his nnirriage, which occurred after he w.as 
 thirty-two years old. March 18. 1873. when he be- 
 came the husband of .Miss Mattie A., daughter of 
 Kcv. Samuel Dunnett, of Aliilene, Kan. This es- 
 timable lady was born in London, Canada, .Sept. 8, 
 1H17. and received a careful education, residing 
 with her ])arents until her marriage. 
 
 Mrs. Culbertson is an extraordinary woman in 
 many respects, and at an early period in her life 
 gave indications of rare intellectual capacities. At 
 the age of sixteen years she obtained a first-class 
 certificate, and soon began teaching school at a sal- 
 ary in advance of many who had followed the pro- 
 fession for years. From a notice gleaned from a 
 l>rominent Chicago paper, we insert the following 
 fact-s in relation to a career which has been largelv 
 in connection with public life. 
 
 While engaged as a teacher Mrs. Culbertson by 
 no means dropped her role as pupil, taking for her 
 teachers the best writers of the age, .and pursuing a 
 course of reading from Shakespeare to Will Carl- 
 ton, from Bancroft to Hume, and w.a.'^ .at an early 
 age regardetl as an encyclopedia of knowledge. 
 From her father, the Uev. S. Dunnett. an Knglisli- 
 inan originally of French extraction, one of the 
 most able men of the Dimiinion of Canada, the 
 author of several books upon theological subjects, 
 and one, a logical treatise, entitlctl "I'hilosophy of 
 the Memory." Mrs. Culbertson inherits her marked 
 intellectuality, good communicative talents, and 
 fine executive ability. From her mother, a woman 
 remarkable for her beauty an<l grace, she gets the 
 poetic elements of her natui-e. 
 
 At the time of the marriage of .Mr. and .Mrs. Cul- 
 bertson the former w.as interested in the growth 
 and manufacture of e.-isential oils. He had traveled 
 extensively throughout the I'nited .States, besides 
 visiting Central America and Furope. It was u|>on 
 theeveningof the day of return from Kuropethat he 
 first met .Mrs. Culbertson (.Miss Matlie Dunnett). 
 and was at once attracted to her. It is not necejvsarv 
 
^^►HK-* 
 
 28f> 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 to narrate the experit'Tice* of tjiis faTiiily during tlie 
 panic between 1873 and 1879, following soon after 
 their niarriaire. Millions of jjeoplc realized liow 
 property values fell and money values rose during 
 those dark days of our Hepuhlie; how good young 
 men and women were wreekcd V>v that |)anic, or 
 nia<le, as were those of this narrative, -slaves to 
 gold." Down went values, resources turned to 
 liabilities, quiet to litigation, until the beautiful 
 home of the C'ulliertsons. called Hiverside. began 
 to trenil)le. 
 
 It was during this period, tliougli having the 
 care of four small children, and though looking 
 well to the ways of her household and assisting her 
 husband to attend to a complicated business, in- 
 cluding one suit in law which continued during 
 seven j-ears, and ended in a decision of the Supreme 
 Court, by which several thousand dollars were re- 
 covered, that Mrs. C'ulbertson investigated the 
 subjects of finance, transportation and tariff, and 
 became one of the most thorough [wlitical econo- 
 mists in the Nation. Not only her friends and co- 
 workers, but even her opponents, admit this fact. 
 Hon. J. C. Burrows. l{e|)ublicau Uepresentative to 
 Congress from the district in which she resides, 
 said in a private letter, "Thougn not personal!}- ac- 
 quainted with ]Mrs. Culbertson. yet I know her by 
 reputation, and that she is a lady of high character 
 and abilily. an<l worthy of confidence." The De- 
 troit Triliune added: ".Mrs. C. and her husband are 
 very induential in their party." 
 
 The first public speech of Mrs. C'ulbertson oc- 
 curred in 1878, at W.isepi. being an impromptu one 
 without preiiaration. Though preccdc<l by Col. 
 N<n-ton. of Chiciigo, and .ludge Sherwood, of the 
 Supreme Court, and a resident of Kalamazoo. Mich., 
 she was reported at the time as making the '-inter- 
 esting speech of the occasion." Soon after Mrs. 
 Culbertson's advent into politics, a fusion was ac- 
 complished between the (Greenback and Democratic 
 ])arties. to which she was \incomproraisingly op- 
 posed, and in which she never for one moment 
 participated. 
 
 At ( ; rand Rapids, in 1 886, this lady w.ns in attend- 
 ance at the convention which nominated the talented 
 and brilliant (ieorge L. Yajjlc for (Jovcrnor of 
 ' Michigan, and with whom, prior to fusion, she 
 
 had s|token upon the same platfoi-ni. and worked 
 with in the greatest harmony. "Why." said a man 
 from her own county to her, "are you not here as 
 a delegate? Do you not respect Mr. Yaple.-" "Yes, 
 very niucli. 1 am proud of St. Joe County's gifted 
 son; but ] could not disgrace myself, dishonor the 
 cause, or discredit womaidiood. by being a delegate 
 to a fusion convention." .Mrs. Culbcrtson later was 
 a delegate of the Cnion Labor |)arty to Cincinnati; 
 was called ujwn. and responded in a speech full of 
 thought and replete with wit and humor, laughter 
 at times ju'eventing procedure for several minutes. 
 It was during one of those outbursts that ( hairman 
 Streeter gave her a slip of paix*r upon which was 
 written the name of the new party, saying, "Kcad 
 it to the convention — they are in a good mood and 
 will receive it from j'ou." She did so, and it was 
 received with apjilause. ^Irs. C'ulbertson at that 
 time was interviewed by a reporter of the Chicago 
 Times, wdio was heard to remark .as he moved down 
 the aisle of the hall. "That wmnan is .as wise .is a 
 serpent on tariff and finance." She expressed her- 
 self as satisfied with the |)latform of the I'nion 
 Labor party. It was all she hoped for. yet there 
 were things not in the platform that she would 
 rather see there than wear the best set of diamonds 
 in the world. She w.as importuned by delegates 
 from many tlifferent States to grace their iilatforms 
 and aid their lecture bureaus with her presence. 
 She. however, returned to Michigan and assisted at 
 home. She made the canva.ss in the Sixth Judicial 
 District, the result of which was the election of 
 C4eorge P. Cobb .as Judge, and a i)art of the city 
 ticket in Bay City. 
 
 It h.as been said of ]\Irs. C'ulbertson "Her rea.<on- 
 ing faculties arc very rare." "She is pleasing, 
 graceful and witty." "Her eloquence is of the 
 highest type." "The true woman's soul that glows 
 in her word.s and deeds guarantees her a place 
 among the extraordinary women of this country." 
 "She is perliaps unconsciously writing her name 
 among the noble of the age." "She has fine orator- 
 ical powers, and shows wonderful historical re- 
 search." "She has an earnestness that reaches the 
 heart." "Her lectures are f.'uscinating and brilliant." 
 "Truly talents are thine, lofty and bright, the 
 subtile shaft of wit and that keen glance of intellect 
 
••► 
 
 ST. .lOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 2H7 
 
 tlint r('ii(l<i intuilivi'ly tlio lU'cp and mazy spriiinfs 
 of liutnnn nctioii." Vut all of tlu'sc (hviiidle into 
 iiisiirnili<'aiici' anil are ihvarfcil when coinparcil 
 to tlio i(i<r;inlic' ilinicnsion.s of this woman's lidelity 
 to principle and moral couraire. She sacrifices for 
 reform, a.s a martyr for his faith, supports as a dev- 
 otee his elnirch. r|)on tlie altar of industrial 
 reform she lias laid her talents, and outside of iier 
 family, her love. 
 
 Mrs. C'ulliertson is not yet middle aj^'ed. Her 
 life has been made up of "sunshine and shadow." 
 an idolized dauijhter and a beloved wife, with dis- 
 position and aliility to bear her part in its strutjsjles. 
 For this she is thankful to God. in whom she trusts, 
 and whose jrnidance she tmiforndy seeks in her 
 labors. She has occupied the platform for some 
 eleven years, and althouiih her husband hsxs not 
 taken the jn-ominent |iart in political life to which 
 she has been led. he is wiliinu: to do whatever lies 
 in his power to ch.impion the cause which lies near 
 her iieart. Of their union there have been born 
 four <'hildren. who bear the names. Kstella A.. Sher- 
 man L.. .Vngelo I). 1.. and ( liarles S. 1'. 
 
 J'M)1IN S( IIKRMKUIIOKN. There arc a few 
 1 men in every community distinijuished for 
 j their intelligence, their liberality and their 
 I ])ro.'rre.ssive ide.Ts. Amonjr this class may be 
 mentioned the subject of this sketch, who has im- 
 proved the years of a long and plejLsant life in the 
 acquirement of useful knowledge, and in di.s.semin- 
 ating tho.se principles which have intluenced his own 
 career. The friend of temper-incc and good <jrder. 
 he is a pronounced I'rohibitionist, and in religious 
 matters a member in ginnl standing of the Dutch 
 Reformed Church, with which he identified himself 
 many years .ago. He is residing (piietly on his 
 pleasant farnt in Nottawa Townshi]), and which 
 embraces about 190 acres of g(K)d land on section 
 21. lie has comfortable and substantial farm liuild- 
 ings. anrl by a life of industry h:us securi^l a com- 
 petence for his declining years. 
 
 Our subject was born in Schenectady County. X. 
 Y., at the nuKlest home of his parents, five miles 
 from the town of .Sclienectadv. .Ian. 2;'). IHIO. His 
 
 father. John Schermerhorn. Sr.. and his mother, 
 who in her girlhood wa-^ .Miss .Maria Slater, were 
 also natives of the l-".nipire State, .lolin. .Ir.. was 
 the second liorn in a family of live childi-cn, all of 
 whom lived to mature years, but of whom four are 
 now living. Oui- subject spent the early years of 
 his life at the old homestead in his native county, 
 engaged, until a youth of si.xteen. in the various 
 employments connected thei-ewith. He now com- 
 menced learning the cooi)er's tr.ade, which he fol- 
 lowed until setting out in life on his own account, 
 when he concluded to turn his attention again to 
 agricultural i)ursuits. 
 
 The first property of young Schermerhorn w.as a 
 farm in Hottcrilam Township, in his native countv. 
 upon which he ojwrated until ISGG. He then de- 
 termined on a change of location, and selling out, 
 removed witli Ins family westward to this county, 
 settling in Nottawa Township, of wiiicli he h.as since 
 been a resident. 
 
 Our subject w.as married, in Schenectady (V)untv, 
 N. Y., to ^liss Rebecca A'edder. who w.os also born 
 there. June 21. 1814. This union resulted in the 
 birth of eight children, and the mother departed 
 this life at her home in Nottawa Township, this 
 county, Sept. 4, 1887, when a little over seventy- 
 three years old. Their eldest son. John, died in 
 childhood; Maria is the wife of Cornelius Viele, 
 .and they are now living in Hillsdale Countv; Edith 
 married Warren West, who is occu])ied in farmiuLT 
 in Nottawa; Robert is carrying on farming in Not- 
 tawa Township; Francis was a carpenter by trade, 
 and died in Nottawa Townsliip. at the age of thirty- 
 six years, in 1883; Omie died at the age of thirty 
 years; John is farming in Nottawa Township, and 
 Sarah remains at home with her f.ather. 
 
 -i- 
 
 4- 
 
 i~ 
 
 ^j NDRFW J. CRAHA.M, deceased. Few 
 (@!OI men in Leonidas Township were more 
 widely or favorably known than the sub- 
 ject of this record. Lil)eral and public 
 spirited, he not alone labored for his own advance- 
 ment, but since the time of his coming here main- 
 taineil a lively interest in the progress and welfare 
 of the community about him. He was undeniably- 
 
28« 
 
 ■H^^-^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 one of those men who leave tlieir mark where tliey 
 have lived, and whose names are remembered long 
 after they have departed henue. 
 
 The fifth child of Orson and I'hebe ( Hartlelt) 
 Graham, our subject was born in Italj', Yates Co., 
 N. Y., Feb. 10, 1828. He continued a resident of 
 his native county until reaching his niajurily, then 
 learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in 
 the Empire Stale afterwanl for a period of eleven 
 years. He continued thus en)ployed for two j-ears 
 after coming to Michigan. After that time his at- 
 tention was mostly given to agricultural pursuits. 
 As a farmer he was thorough and skillful, and as a 
 business nmn prudent and fortunate in his invest- 
 ments. 
 
 Orson Graham was born in Chester. Windham 
 Co., Vt., and his wife, Phebe, in the town of Mar- 
 cellus, Mass. After marriage the parents of our 
 subject settled in Ital}', X. Y., whence iu 1848 the^' 
 changed their residence to Lima, in Livingston 
 County, where the mother died a few years later. 
 The fatiier passed away in Iloneoye. Monroe Co., 
 N. Y. The parental household included seven sons 
 and Ihreo daughters. 
 
 Our subject left Livingston County, N. Y., in 
 1852. and coming to Michigan settle<l in the unim- 
 portant village of Colon, where he prosecuted his 
 trade of carpenter until 18,'j4, then settled upon a 
 tract of land embracing a portion of section 29, in 
 Leonidas Township. His first purchase embraced 
 1 20 acres, to which he added as time jjassed on, 
 and erected the necessary farm buildings for the 
 convenience of himself and family, the storing of 
 grain and the shelter of stock. In the year 1880. 
 during a violent storm the barn and other buildings 
 were struck by lightning and entirely destroj'ed. 
 The house also caught fire, but was fortunately' 
 saved; he also lost five horses by the fire. Not- 
 withstanding these losses he was what nuay be 
 termed prosperous, and was generously' rewarded 
 for his labors. A new set of buildings soon re- 
 l)laced the old c)nes whidi had been destroyed, and 
 the farm with its api)urtenances bears fair com- 
 parison with anything of the kind in St. Joseph 
 County. 
 
 For thirty-one years there walked by the side of 
 our subject as his faithful companion and helpmate 
 
 4« 
 
 a lady who in her girlhood was Miss Helen Wilcox, 
 and to whom he was married Sept. 19, 1857. Mrs. 
 Graham is the daughter of Newcomb and Miranda 
 (.Stearns) Wilco.\, who were natives of Naples, On- 
 tario Co., N. Y. There also they were reared and 
 married, and lived for a time afterward, and then, 
 in 1837, came to the new .State of Michigan, locat- 
 ing in Sherwood Township, Branch County. There 
 the mother died in March, 1884. Mr. Wilcox is 
 still living. Their family included two sons and 
 five daughters, six of whom are living. 
 
 Mrs. Graham was born in Naples. N. Y., M.ay 21. 
 1833, and was the fouith child of her parents. She 
 was liut four years old when they came to Michi- 
 gan, and w.as reared at the homestead in Branch 
 Count}'. She was e<lucated at Albion, Mich., and 
 taught school eight years, receiving $1G per month, 
 the highest wages she ever received ; she had taught 
 as low as $6 per month. Of her brt)thers and sis- 
 ters, seven in number, all were teachers. One of 
 her sisters is at present a preceptor .at Ludington, 
 Mich. Mrs. Graham taught six days a week, and 
 hoarded around among the neighbors. Of her mar- 
 riage there were four children, of whom the record 
 is as follows: Orson B. married Miss Louisa Beard, 
 ami is farming in Leonidas Township; Nannie is 
 the wife of Clarence Kent, of Union City, this .State; 
 Lewis B. married Miss .Sadie Longenecker, and is 
 living on a farm iu Leonid.as Township; Harry died 
 when a babe of seven nn)nth8. 
 
 Jlrs. Graham has been a member of the Baptist 
 Church since eighteen 3'ears of age, and still pre- 
 serves her interest in its a<lvancement and pros- 
 perit}'. Mr. Graham, politically, w.-is an old-style 
 Jacksonian Democrat, and defended his principles 
 with all the natural strength of his character. Con- 
 si<lering the fact that he came to Colon Town- 
 ship with the modest capital of %300, it is to be 
 acknowleilged that he did well. 
 
 The following extract relating to the death of 
 Mr. Graham is takeli from a local paper: "Andrew 
 J. Graham, a highly respected citizen of Leonidas 
 Township, departed this life Nov. 22, 1888. He 
 was one of a family of ten children, five of whom 
 survive him. He was born in Itily. Yates Co., 
 N. Y., Feb. 10, 1828. He came to the .State of 
 Michigan in 1855, ami worked at his trade, that of 
 
•«► 
 
 ST. -lOSKI'II COUNTY. 
 
 289 
 
 n cjirpoiiliT and joiner. In I.'^.'in lie wns married to 
 Helen N. Wilcox, dnnwhter of Xewconib Wilcox, 
 of Sherwood, after wliicli lie located at Colon and 
 engaged in inamifaetiiiiiig. In 18;')H he inoveii 
 into the township of Leonidas and settled upon 
 the farm where he died, which was then almost I 
 a wilderness. He had heen in poor health for 
 nearly twenty years, lint hore his troubles nn- i 
 eonipiainingly. He was an upright citizen, ami 
 live<I so ihat he enjoyed the esteem and confidence 
 of his neighbors, and departed this life with the 
 assurance of rest in heaven. He leaves a wife and ' 
 three children to mourn the loss of a kind husband 
 and father. In his Inst sickness he was conscious to 
 the last, comnu-nded his familj' to the care of God, 
 and spoke with rapture of the beautiful things he 
 saw. 
 
 'We shall meet, liut we shall miss him. 
 There will be one vacant chair,' 
 
 but. "Blessed are the dead who die in tiie Lord.'" 
 
 JIKORGK U. CLARK. The pleasant country 
 =. home of this gentleman, which forms one of 
 
 the attractive features of X'ottawa Town- 
 ship, and which embraces a portion of section 12, 
 is one within which intelligence, culture and educa- 
 tion are at once ap|)arent as the leading attributes. 
 The dwellers there, while giving due attention to 
 labor and its attendant comfortable results, have 
 most wisely kept in view the higher life, and never 
 permitted the acquisition of gain to infringe upon 
 those duties and privileges by which the human 
 race is distinguished from the lower animals. Read- 
 ing, thought and study have made the home of Mr. 
 Clark attractive to the cultured classes, both among 
 friends and strangers. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is a son of one of the 
 honored pioneers of St. Joseph County, and first 
 opened his eyes to the light near the homestead 
 which he now occupies. May 4, 1840. His father, 
 .lason Clark, was a native of Onondaga County, 
 N. Y., and married Miss Lucy A. Dunham, one of 
 the associates of his childhood. They emigrated 
 t<j the Territory of Michigan in the summer of 
 l«3l. settling in the month of .Iiine on a tract of 
 
 -<• ■ 
 
 land in Nottawa Townshi|). The father for a pe- 
 riod of ten years battled with the elements of pio- 
 neer life, and was then callecl hence, his flecease 
 taking place in 1H44, when his son, our subject, 
 was a little lad four years of age. The mother is 
 still living, having reached an advanced age, and 
 makes her home in Kalamazoo County. 
 
 The parental family included five sons and two 
 daughters, three of whom are living. Of these 
 George U. was the lhir<l in order of birth. He 
 was reared upon the farm and conned his first les- 
 sons in the district school. Later he attended 
 Colon .Seminaiy and the Union schools at Mention 
 and Three Rivers. He had just attained his ma- 
 jority upon the breaking out of the late Rebellion, 
 and in September following enlisU^d in the 11th 
 Michigan Infantry for one year. Soon after re- 
 ceiving his honorable discharge he again entered 
 the ranks, as a member of the 1st Brigade, 3d Divis- 
 ion, 14th Army Corps, and thereafter continued 
 in the service of his country until the preservation 
 of the Union was assured. He endured the usual 
 hardships and privations incident to a soldier's life, 
 but fortunately escaped wounds and capture, and 
 soon after receiving his honorable discharge at 
 .Springfield, 111., returned to his native township. 
 
 Mr. Clark being desirous of adding to his store 
 of knowledge, resumed his studies in the Albion 
 College, where he was graduated from the com- 
 mercial department, and upon emerging from this 
 institution resumed farming on a tract of land in 
 Nottawa Township. His first purchase was eighty 
 acres on section 12, upon which he has effected the 
 improvements which we behold to-day. The resi- 
 dence is neat and substantial, and the barn amply 
 indicative of thrift and enterprise. Mr. Clark 
 keeps a goodly assortment of livestock in the shape 
 of cattle, horses and swine, and to these gives the 
 needful care and attention, which to him is a matter 
 of pride as well as profit. He has now ninety acres, 
 the greater part of which has been thoroughly cul- 
 tivated, and yields abundantly the rich crops of 
 this region. His nearest trading point is the town 
 of Mendon. 
 
 On his return from the army Mr. Clark was 
 nnitiMl in marriage, in IHHy, in the little city of 
 Burr Oak, to Miss Ida I'ine. This lady was born 
 
♦ i r» 
 
 t 
 
 4 
 
 290 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 in Hancock, Delaware Co.. N. Y.. Maj' 1.5, 1846. 
 an(J is the daughter of Alfred .-ind Phebe A. (Pat- 
 rick) Piue, wlio were also natives of the Kropire 
 State. The former died in 18G4; the latter is still 
 living, and resides with Mr. Clark. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. Clark there has l)ecn horn one child onl\-, 
 Warren P.. who is now attending Albion College. 
 
 Mr. Clark, politically, is a Republican with strong 
 Prohibition tendencies, usually voting the Repub- 
 lican ticket. Both he and his estin)able wife are 
 members in good standing of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church, in which Mr. Clark h.is held the office 
 of .Steward and Superintendent of the Sunda^-- 
 school. As an ex-soldier he belongs to William F. 
 Curtenius Post, G. A. R., at Mendon. Both Mr. 
 and Mrs. Clark mantain a lively interest in educa- 
 tional matters, and in all the enterprises set on foot 
 tending to the moral and religious welfare of the 
 community, there tlicy are found giving of their 
 means and influence. Their home abounds with 
 books, papers and magazines, wliidi at once indi- 
 cate the manner in which thej- spend their leisure 
 Lours. 
 
 G. D. Clark has in his possession an old familj' 
 Bible in a gootl state of preservation, purchased by 
 his grandf.ather on his father's side in 1814. It 
 was printed in 1812. J.oson Clark and Lucy Clark, 
 our subject's parents, drew up and signed a tem- 
 perance pledge in 1837, and kept it until the day 
 of their death; it read as follows: 
 
 Family Tkmi-erance — We this day solemni}' 
 agree to never more drink spirituous liquors, except 
 in sickness. Jasos Clark. 
 
 Lucy Clark. 
 
 Mrs. Clark has the original manuscript in a fair 
 state of preservation. 
 
 (1J_^ENRY N. WARRKN. The most interest- 
 jj' ing period in the life of the subject of this 
 biographj', and one which he considers of 
 the most importance, was that spent as a 
 Union soldier in the service of his country. To 
 that he looks back upon with satisfaction as to a 
 time in which he, with thousands of others, was tried 
 and not found wanting. He laid down the musket 
 
 for the plowshare over twentj- years ago. but re- 
 calls those years even with their ditBculties and 
 hardships as among the most satisfactory of his life, 
 in that he did not give his efforts to his country in 
 vain. He has since followed the peaceful pursuits 
 \ of .igri'.'ulture. and for a period of over thirty-five 
 I years has been a resident of tliis county. He has 
 now a good farm lying on section 24. in Leonidas 
 Township, where he has built up one of the most 
 creditable homesteads within its limits. He is a 
 thorough and skillful agriculturist, a genial, ho«pita- 
 ble and companionable man tf> meet, and one with 
 whom m.iy be passed man}' a pleasurable and profita- 
 ble hour. 
 
 Kphraini Warren, the father of our subject, and 
 his wife, Margaret (Holderidge) Warren, removed 
 from Ontario County, N. V.. in 1853 to Michigan, 
 and settled upon a tract tif land in Lefniidas Town- 
 ship, this county. The father onl}' lived five years 
 thereafter, his death taking place in 18,")8. The 
 mcither survived her husband a period of twen'y- 
 one years, remaining a widow, and departed this 
 life at the old homestead, in Februar}-, 1879, The 
 lioiisehold circle included eight children, five sons 
 and tiiree daughters, five of whom are living. 
 
 The subject, of this sketch, the third child of his 
 parents, was born in Naples, Ontario Co., X. Y., 
 Sept. 22, 1840. He became familiar with farm 
 pursuits at an early period in his life, and with the 
 exception of the three years spent in the service of 
 his country has bent his energies in this direction. 
 He first trod the soil of Michigan in 1853, when a 
 lad of thirteen years, and has since been a resident 
 of Leonidas Township. 
 
 A few months after the outbreak of the Rebellion 
 and a little before reaching his majority, young 
 Warren enlisted, Aug. 24, 1861, in Company G, 
 11th Michigan Infantry, and much of the time 
 thereafter did Corjwral duty. He participated in 
 many of the important battles of the Array of the 
 Cumberland, and in the fight ;Ct Mission Ridge was 
 slightly wounded in the right foot. He was in the 
 engagement at Stone River, Chickamauga. Mission- 
 ary Ridge, at Atlanta during the latter part of the 
 siege, and met the rebels in various other engage- 
 ments and skirmishes. Otherwise than the natural 
 results of hardship and privation he came out com- 
 
■♦■ 
 
 ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 291 
 
 ))nrntively iinlnrmrc), and receiverl his liononible 
 iliseli.'irjcc in I XGl, being imisteriMl out at Stiirgis. 
 llii.x Stale. 
 
 Tpon returning; to civil iifi- Mr. Warren resumed 
 lii,< residence in Leonidas Township. aii<l in lf<72 
 was nin'led in marriage with Miss I.ydia, ilaiighter 
 «^f William and Ann (Stimers) Hillinus. The par- 
 ent* i)f Mrs. Warren were Imlh natives of New 
 York, aii'l the mother spent her last years in Miehi- 
 gan. dying in March, l.s.s7. The father is still liv- 
 ing. The family consisteil of tivi- children, and 
 Mrs. Warren was the second chilil of the family. 
 She was horn I'eh. 8, 1849, in Genesee County, 
 N. V. 
 
 It is harilly nece.«sary to say that Mr. Warren, 
 politically, is an e.-irnest Uepulilican, and suppcjrts 
 the principles of his p.nty in the conscientious 
 manner which has markeil all his sentiments in life. 
 The Warien homestead is one of the pleasantest in 
 this part of the county, and under its hospitable 
 roof gather from time to time the warm friends 
 whom the proprietor and his excellent wife have 
 gathered around them by a straightforward career 
 which has been unmarked by a dishonest deed. 
 
 -y^-^o 
 
 --Ktl 
 
 „.. D.VMS W.VKK.M.^N. at present residing in 
 ( Cb/lJ Ii Mendon Village, was the first t)f his broth- 
 l!) ers t<j locate in St. .loseph County, whither 
 he cnme in the fall of 18:33. while Michi- 
 g;m was still a Territory. He locateil his fii-st 
 tract of land on section l. Nottawa Township, and 
 in the fall of the .same year purchased 240 acres 
 additional. The farm Inis been nicely improved, 
 the same being adorned with neat and well-ar- 
 ranged buildings. Mr. Wakenian, although now re- 
 tired from farm life, is entitled to his share of pub- 
 lic honors, which is the just due of all early set- 
 tlers who have enduretl the trials and hardships 
 incident to pioneer life and i)re|>ared the way that 
 tlu)se who came .•iflcr miu'lil enjoy the fruits of 
 their imlustry. 
 
 Our subject w:u>liorn in llc<lfiird. We.-lchcster Co., 
 N. Y.,on the 1st of December, 1H()4. lie spent his 
 early days occupied with the sports an<l pastimes 
 
 incident to chihlhood, and gr.adu.ally t.aking his place 
 amidst the sterner ilnties of youth and manhoo<l. 
 As related alxjve, he made his advent into this 
 county in 1H8."5, and three years Later, .Inly 1, 
 1836. w.'Ls united in marriage with Mrs. Kliza Hart- 
 ley, formerly of I'hiladelphiji. Mrs. Wakeman re- 
 moved from the (Quaker State to this county in 
 October, 1X32. being a member of the first family 
 to settle in Mendon Village, .\fter having spent a 
 happy married life of nine years, Mrs. W. liid adieu 
 to this life, dying in 18l.'i. 
 
 On the 18th of March. \x:>7. after a lonely life 
 of twelve years, .Mr. Wakeman took unto himself 
 another companion in the person of .Mrs. .Su.san 
 15. Reeves, widow of Lucian 15. Uceves. who dieil 
 June l.>. I8.J1. in .\shtabnla County. Ohio. 15y 
 this latter marriage our subject became the father 
 of two children, 15elle and .lessie. l)oth of whom 
 have i)asscd away, leaving behind them naught li\it 
 pleasant memories. 
 
 Mrs. Susan 15. Wakeman is a native of Hatavia. 
 Oenesee Co.. N. V.. having been born there .Ian. 
 3(1. 1821. Ky her marriage with ^Ir. Reeves she 
 became the mother of two children: F.lliott D.. who 
 dieil at the interesting age of eight years, and Celia 
 F.. the wife of W. W. Marantctte; the latter are 
 the jiarcnts of a bright little boy and girl, bearing 
 the names of Edward Y. and .lessie I. 
 
 In 1855 our subject sold his interest in the farm- 
 ing business to his brothers, and removed to the 
 village of .Mendon. entering into a copartnershi]) 
 with E. L. Y.-iple. This connection la.sted for three 
 years, when Mr. Wakeman purch:Lsefl the interest 
 of his partner, and took with him into the business 
 Charles II. Lewis, the firm style being Wakeman 
 <k Lewis. Imt which only continued for three years, 
 when William Harrington was taken into partner- 
 shi)). Thej- operatefl together in an intelligent and 
 s\iceessful manner for the following four years, 
 when Messrs. Wakeman it Harrington withdrew 
 their connection. Our subject then gave his at- 
 tention t<i oiH'rating a sawmill, which he did in a 
 very prolitable manner for seven years. He is also 
 the projector and builder of the Western Hotel, 
 w^hich was destroyed by lire in 1873. Mr. W. at 
 once |>rocee<led to rebuild the hotel, the present 
 commodious buihiing, which is known :us the Wake- 
 
 i 
 
 -4^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
■•► 
 
 ,t 
 
 292 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 man House. In June, 1876, the lea.se of the hotel 
 expiring, Mr. Wakeman took charge of it, and 
 under the management of liis .«on-in-la\v. Mr. W. 
 W. Marantette, it is being conducted in an admir- 
 able and satisfactory manner, as all will testify who 
 have ever had the good fortune to lodge within 
 its walls. Mr. Wakeman w.<is aKso largely inter- 
 ested in the stave and heading factory, which did 
 a thriving bvisiness in the village. He is a man 
 of large humanity and pulilic spirit, anxious to 
 do his part in everything that promises to be a bene- 
 fit to his surroundings, whether in the county or 
 in society. 
 
 f 
 
 JONATHAN FOGLEMAX. On section 26, 
 in Colon TowTiship. lies the well-condncted 
 lumiestead of the subject of tliis sketch, 
 eighty acres of which have been his property 
 since 18;')!). .Sul>sequently he i)urcliased forty acres 
 more, and now h.ns a good farm of 12(1 acres, which 
 lie has lirouglit to a state of thorough cultivation, 
 and erected thereon the necessary farm buildings. 
 He hiis l)uill fences, phuited trees, and gradually 
 added tlie improvements which have made his 
 homestead one of the nK)st desiralile in this ]xart of 
 the county. A man industrious and economical, 
 he has carved out his own fortune by his steady 
 ])ersistence, wliile at tlie same time his straiglit- 
 forward and upright course lias secured him a large 
 measure of esteem and confidence to which lie is so 
 justly entitled. 
 
 C'onra<l Fogleman. the father of our subject, and 
 Ins wife, who in lier girlhood was Miss Catherine 
 AValburn, were natives of Leiiigli County. Pa., in 
 Soutiieastern Pennsylvania. After marriage they 
 went over into lierks, the county adjoining, where 
 tlie father employed himself as a d.ay laborer. He 
 lived to be an .aged man and spent his last years in 
 Pennsylvania, passing awaj' on the 7th of July, 
 1887. The mother died while a young woman, in 
 18.36. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was the eldest of the 
 seven children comprising the family household, 
 and was born .\ug. 1."). 1820, in Herks County. 
 Pa. lie reni.'iiiicd under the home roof until ,a 
 
 youth of nineteen years aud received his education 
 in the common school. Then, in 1839, he pro- 
 ceeded to Ashland County, Ohio, and employed 
 himself at farming in the Buckeye .State for a 
 period of twenty years. Upon removing thence he 
 came to this county, and soon afterward made his 
 first purchase of land here. The eighty acres upon 
 which Mr. Fogleman settled had scarcely under- 
 gone any cultivation, and he thus commenced from 
 first ]>rinciples to build up a homestead. He was 
 married in Ashland County, Ohio, Nov. 25, 1841. 
 He first put up a house for the shelter of Ids family 
 and gr.adually added the buildings which have com- 
 pleted a most comfortable homestead. The maiden 
 name of Mrs. Fogleman was .Susan Couj). and she 
 is the daughter of Frederick and Mary (Rice) 
 Coup, the second of their six children, born Aug. 
 2. 1808. 
 
 To our subject and his wife there were born four 
 children, the eldest of whom. .Mary Ann, died 
 Sept. 24. 1872. at the age of twenty-nine years. 
 Sarah Jane, tlie wife of Moses Draper, is a resident 
 of Colon Township; Frederick is a resident of 
 Hurr Oak. The youngest child died in infancy. 
 Mr. Fogleman votes the straight Democratic ticket 
 and vigorously upholds the principles of his part}-. 
 He served as Roadmaster in his township a number 
 of j'ears. Both he and his estimable wife are 
 members of the Reformed Lutheran Church, and 
 of the Colon Oran2:e. 
 
 ■^^^"^^^ffliaa 
 
 iji.n-^n\. 
 
 ellARLES G. LELAND. whose admirably 
 kept and well-cultivated farm is situated 
 upon section l.of Colon Township, is the 
 S(m of Lemuel Lel.and. who was liorn in Sherborn. 
 Middlesex Co., Mass. Ill- mother, whose maiden 
 name was Chloe Morse. w;is born near the same 
 place. They continued to live in that neighbor- 
 hood until their death, which occurred, the former, 
 Jan. 20. IS.il, the latter. April 7. 1859. They 
 were the parents of seven children, our subject 
 being the fourth. 
 
 The subject of this sketch m.ade his debut in life 
 at .Sherborn. on the loth of November. 1820. 
 His father had followed the trade of a gunsmith. 
 
 i' 
 
-■»> 
 
 ST. .lOSEPII COUNTY. 
 
 203 
 
 but our siilijoct. fpclinir no spei'ial iin'linafK>ii in 
 that direction, prcffrred an a<;riciiltiiral life, and 
 was tlierefore fully instnictcd in all tiie depart- 
 ments of that work, lie lived at iionie until lie 
 was about twenty-one years of ajje, and frt)iu about 
 the aire of fourteen or fifteen years was enga<jed in 
 teaniinir in different places in .Ma.ssaeluiselts and 
 New Hampshire. 
 
 In 18.52 Mr. Leland went to California and was 
 absent about two and a half years, but did not 
 meet with the success he anticiimted. In the fall 
 of 1H57 he came to this county and settled in 
 Colon Township, of which he h.is since been a resi- 
 dent, lie owns the farm above mentioned, which 
 is 1-12 acres in extent. It is provided with a well- 
 built set of farm buildings, .and he h.is elTected 
 numerous important improvements, bringing the 
 whole ])roi)erty to a fine state of cultivation. 
 
 At I'nion City. Hranch Comity, on the 22d of 
 •Inly. IHo'J. the union in wedlock of our subject 
 was celebrated. Mrs. Leland is the daughter of 
 Kichard and Susan ( Monks) Wilferton. She w.is 
 born in Leonidas Township, nn the IGth of Feb- 
 ruary, 1837. They are the parents of one child, 
 whose name is Charles L. lie is now the Imsband 
 of Kva Scott, and is a resident of Colon Township. 
 
 .Mr. Leland is a descendant of a* New England 
 family that has (jrc'served its full share of those 
 sterling <|ualitics that made the peojjle of that sec- 
 tion the grand race they have ever been. These 
 qualities, which have l)een passed from generation 
 to generation in the New Kngland families, have 
 come also to our subject, and are pf>ssessed by him 
 in no snmll me.nsure. His citi/.cnshi]) he considei-s 
 something to be jirized. valued, appreciated and 
 cherished. He is loyal and li-ue to himself, his fel- 
 lows and his cunnfrv. 
 
 ^#^^ 
 
 -t- 
 
 l~ 
 
 ^^OHNKLIlS { LINK. The (line homestead 
 [If^^ is conspicuous among tiie other valuable 
 ■^^(z estates of St. .loseph County as comprising 
 one of the most beautiful homes within its borders. 
 The proprietor, a man of wealth and inlluence. has 
 distinguished him.-elf as a citizen <»f more than 
 ordinary worth, while his estimable wife, whose 
 
 amiability and intelligence arc equal to that of her 
 husband, has been, as it were, always at his rigiit 
 hand, both in the Imililing nj) of their homestead 
 and the securing an iionoral)lc position aiiKnitr 'he 
 leading members of their community. 
 
 Next in im])ortance to a man's own jierxmal 
 career is the character of those from whom he drew 
 his origin. William Cline. the father of our sub- 
 ject, w:is born in ^Montgomery County. N. Y.. and 
 married Miss Jane A'anderhoff. a native of the same 
 county. After marriage they settled on the Mo- 
 hawk Hiver in Montgomery County, where the fa- 
 ther engaged in agricultural pursuits, and where 
 both parents s])ent the remainder of their lives. 
 They were peo|)le of great worth, and occui)ied a 
 good position socially and tinancially. The house- 
 hold circle included twelve children, five of whom 
 are living, and making their hoiiics now mostly in 
 New York. 
 
 Our subject was the sixth ciiild of his parents, 
 and was born at the old homestead in (Jlenn Town- 
 ship, Montgomery Co.. N. Y., the birthplace of his 
 parents. March 3, 1818. He remained under the 
 home roof until a youth of seventeen, acquiring a 
 district school education and being trained to 
 habits of industry and principles of honor. At 
 this time, starting out for him.self. he commenced 
 learning the trades of tanner, currier and shoe- 
 maker combined, at which he served an apprentice- 
 ship of four years. lie was wcupied at the tr.ade 
 as a journeyman four years in his native .State, then 
 in the .summer of 1839, desiring to see .something 
 of the Great West, came to Southern Michigan. Ho 
 also resolved upon a change of occupation, lie 
 W.IS unmarried, but determined to lay the founda- 
 tions of a home before taking upon himself the re- 
 sponsibilities of a family. 
 
 Mr. Cline made his lirst purch.-i.'^e of land in 
 Mattison To«niship. He occupied himself the fol- 
 lf)wing few months in clearing, but toward fall wjis 
 seized with ague, an ailment common to that region, 
 so left his land and resunuil work at his trade in 
 Centerville the winter following. In the spring of 
 1811) he came to Nottawa Township and purcha.-ied 
 the farm which he now owns, and wliich is ])le.as. 
 antly situated near the shori-s of S.-inil Lake. The 
 ta.sk of clearing and bringing the soil to a produc- 
 
 f 
 
J. 
 
 4^ 
 
 ■^•Ji 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 tive condition has involved a large amount of 
 labor and considerable money, but in looking over 
 his fertile fields to-daj- Mr. Cline must feel amply 
 repaid for his perseverance and industry-. He has a 
 fair assortment of live stock, an ample supply of 
 choice fruits, and in fact is in the enjoyment of all 
 tlie comforts and man3' of the luxuries of life. 
 
 The wife of our subject was in her girlhood Miss 
 Rebecca AVhitney, daughter of James and Marj' 
 (Krisliie) Whitnej-, who were natives of New York 
 and emigrated from Orleans County, N. Y., to 
 Lenawee County, tliis State, at an early day, settling 
 first at Adrian, where the father occupied himself 
 in farming, and where thev resided five vears. They 
 came to this county in 1833. while ^licliigan was 
 still a Territory, settling in Nottawa Township, in 
 the vicinity of Sand Lake, living there also five 
 years. Then tliey returned ea.st as far as what is 
 now Auglaize Count}-, Ohio, wiiere their decease 
 took place, at the ages of sixt^'-eight and sixty-six 
 respectively. 
 
 Mrs. Cline was born in Slielliy. Orleans Co., N. Y., 
 .Inly 22, 1815, and spent her youthful days under the 
 home roof in Orleans and Lenawee Counties, and 
 March 31, 1833, was united in marriage with Ed- 
 mond H. Brown, who came to his desith by the 
 bite of a horse near Sand Lake. Nov. 17, 18r>0. Of 
 this marriage tiiere was born one child, Marion, 1 
 who died in infancy. Of her marriage with our | 
 subject there have been born four children, three of j 
 whom died in infancy. The surviving child, a 
 daugiiter, Sarah A., was l)orn July 12, 1856, and is [ 
 now the wife of Koscoe L. Erary, a well-to-do com- ' 
 mercial salesman. They have two cliildren, William 
 R. and Helen. 
 
 Mr. Cliiic at one time was owner of a much 
 larger extent of land tlian at present, although his 
 lX)Ssessions now are by no means small, the aggre- 
 gate being 411 acres. Politically, he is an uncom- 
 promising Democr.at, and although never an .aspir- 
 ant for olHce, ii.is been for the most time since a 
 resident liere connected with the Scliool Hoard of 
 the townsiiip. Holh he and his estimable wife take 
 a warm interest in the upbuilding of their con)- 
 munity. morally and socially, and althougli not 
 members of any religious organization, are decid- 
 edl3' in favor of the establishment and maintenance 
 
 of churches, believing that they are needed in 
 ever}' community. They have a wide circle of 
 friends, who arc often welcomed to their hospitable 
 home, and in pleasant intercourse perjx'tuate the 
 friendships which have been cemented by j^ears of 
 mutual hopes and labors. 
 
 . ILES A. DEXTER. The subject of this 
 sketch has been a resident of Colon Town- 
 
 ship for a period of more than thirty years, 
 having settled here with his young wife 
 in the year 1855. During this period he has de- 
 voted liis attention principally to farming pursuits, 
 although some of the lime working at his trade of 
 carpentering. He has made good improvements on 
 his farm, and is one of the solid, well-to-do agri- 
 culturists who live comfortably and are surrounded 
 b}' the good things of life. As a peaceable and 
 law-abiding citizen, prompt to meet his obligations 
 and conscientious in his business transactions, he 
 has earned the good opinion of those with whom 
 be is the most closely associated. 
 
 Austin Dexter, the father of our subject, was a 
 native of Massachusetts, and was married in Mar- 
 cclUis. Onondaga Co., N, Y., to Miss Anna Tripp, 
 a, native of that county, and where they lived for 
 some j'ears afterward. About lj<56 they came to 
 Michigan and located on a tract of land in Colon 
 Township, Here the mother died the \'ear follow- 
 ing. The father returned to New York Stale, and 
 remained there until his death, which look place in 
 Cortland County, about 1880, They were the par- 
 ents of four sons, two of whom are living, one a 
 resident of Lenawee County, and our subject. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was the third chihl of 
 his parents, and was born in Marcellus. Onondaga 
 Co., N. Y., April 22, 182'J. He was reared to farm 
 pursuits and at the same time learned the trade of 
 carpenter, which he followed for a period of nearly 
 twenty years. He received his education in the 
 common schools and left his native county when a 
 j'oung man twenty-three years of age. For two 
 and one-half years thereafter he w.as a resident of 
 Grand Rapids, this .State. In 1854, while still un- 
 married, he came to this county. In Onondaga 
 
 < 
 
•<- 
 
 ■•► 
 
 ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 2'J.j 
 
 Couiily, N. Y.. .ilmiil 1.S48, he tn.nfle the acqiiaint- 
 ani'o of Miss Iluld.-ili D.ivis. «lio became his wife 
 Dec. 11,1 8.'),j. 
 
 Mis. Dexler w;is horn in Oiiond.ign County. N. 
 Y.. .Itily 24, 18;32. and is the daughter of John and 
 Laura (nen<l('rs<)n) Davis, who were natives of 
 New Yorl<, the former of Onondaga Count}', and 
 the latter of \Vashington County. They both passed 
 away in Onondaga County, llie nuither about 1858 
 and the father in 1870. Tlie five children born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dexter are recorded as follows: Laura 
 A. is the wife of lleury Louder, of this county; 
 Susan A. married Wiiliaui Bower, of tliis county; 
 lluldali E. married P. A. Thurston, anil lives in 
 Colon Town;.hi|); Helle A., Mrs. A. C. lleiiibaugh, 
 is a resident c«f IJronson ; Willie, an adopted son, 
 and Lucian A. are at home with their paients. 
 
 Mr. Dexter is a very intelligent man and keeps 
 himself well informed upon current events. He is 
 broad and liberal in his ideas concerning religious 
 matters, and in politics votes the straight Repub- 
 lican ticket. He has held the otHce of Justice of 
 the Peace for several j'ears. and has also served as 
 Highway Commis.sioncr and in the other minor of- 
 fices c>f the township. He lakes a livclv interest 
 in educational matters, believing in the establish- 
 ment of schools and giving to the young all the 
 advantages which will make of them goo<l anil 
 worthy citizens. His lu)meste.id forms one among 
 the many of .St. Joseph County which are noticea- 
 ble !is the result of the thrift and enterprise of the 
 proprietor. 
 
 — -i^m- — 
 
 <* WILLIAM JOHNSON. Among the people 
 \jjj// of the rpiiet little community of NottJiwa 
 W^ Village there are few held in higher regard 
 than the subject of this sketch and his estimable 
 wife. The offspring of an excellent f;imily of .Scan- 
 dinavian birth and ancestry, our subject first openeil 
 his eyes to the light in Norway, July 4. 1842. His 
 parenls, .Kihn and Catherine John.-on. were natives 
 of the same part of the world, and emigrated to 
 Carada when their son William was a child nine 
 years of asre. 
 
 Oursubject remained in the Duminion until 18G3, 
 when he cume over into "the Slates," and for six 
 4> I 
 
 months was a resident of Detroit, working at his 
 trade as a boot and shoe maker. Then returning 
 to Canada, hesojoiinied with his parents about six 
 months, at the end of which time he returned to 
 Michigan, and m;iUiiig his headquarters at Sturgis, 
 commenced getting tml timber ;iiiil building briilges 
 for the Grand Hapids it Indiana Railroad, at which 
 he was emplo3'ed about one month. Later he en- 
 gaged in the boot and shoe business, .about this 
 time taking up his residence in Notlawa, where he 
 has since lived, following the aforesaid business, 
 and enjoys a good patronage from the best i)eople 
 of this part of the county. 
 
 Our subject found a companion and helpmate 
 after coming to Nottawa Town.-hip, being married. 
 Oct. 4,1866, to Miss Marion, daughter of Alvin 
 and Sarah (Oviatt) Hoyt. 'J'he parents of Mrs. 
 Johnson were natives of New Hampshire and New 
 York resiiectively, and came to Michigan in the 
 pioneer days, spending their last years in Colon 
 Township. The mother died, however, in middle 
 life, in 1848. The father survived her a period of 
 thirty-two 3'ears, passing away on the 12th of April, 
 18f<0. Their household consisted of three children 
 only, a son and two daughters — Philo, Alarietta and 
 Marion. 
 
 Mrs. Johnson, a native cf this county, was born 
 in Colon Township. July 4, 1843, being exactly 
 one year younger than her husband, conseqiienlly 
 they can celebrate their liirthdays together with 
 American Independence. She was reared under 
 the home roof, continuing a member of the |>areiitiil 
 household until her marriage. Of this union there 
 have been born four chihlren. namely : .Sarah, who 
 died when an interesting little girl of six years; 
 Phihj W., Jesse H. and Martha W. Mr. Johnson 
 having left his native land when a babe is fully 
 equal to a native-born American, and has become 
 thoroughly identified with the institutions of his 
 adopted country. He is a stanch supporter of 
 Republican principles, and has held the oflice of 
 Director in his school district a |H'riod of three 
 years. 
 
 The parents of Mr. .lohnson landed in Canada 
 during the building of the (ireal Western Railroad. 
 The mother lived only a short time after coming to 
 this country, and the father of our subject died six 
 
*► i r^ 
 
 •2'J6 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 months later. Three children were thus left in 
 orphanaj<e. two being girls, Mary and Catharine. 
 One little daughter, Annie, an infant, died on the 
 ocean and was liuried at sea; Mary is now the 
 widow of Hubert Hunter, of Titusville, Pa.; Cath- 
 erine married James Taylor, and died near Paris, 
 Canada. 
 
 After the death of the parents, our subject being 
 the eldest child as soon as old enough exercised a 
 brotherly supervison over his sisters, looking after 
 their welfare and assisting them as he was able 
 until their marriage. He began his apprenticeship at 
 the shoemaker's trade when a youth of eighteen 3'eai's, 
 serving three years, and later worked as a journe^v- 
 man. For a man who from the first was dependent 
 upon his own resources he has certainly done well. 
 He was furnished by kindly Nature with a resolute 
 and persevering disposition, and those inherent quali- 
 ties of honesty and integrity which are of far nioie 
 value than riches, and which will serve to guide 
 every man possessing them safely through tlie tur- 
 moils of life. Mrs. Johnson is a lady having all 
 the womanl}' virtues, and is higlil}- spoken of b}' 
 those who have known her for so many years. 
 They enjoy an extensive acquaintance in Notlawa 
 and vicinity, where they have built up for them- 
 selves a record of which their children need never 
 be ashamed. 
 
 ENUY COPEMIAFKK. One of the neat- 
 est farms in Colon Township is pleasantly 
 located on section 21, and includes IGO 
 acres of land, with tasteful and substantial 
 farm buildings. There is an air of thrift and en- 
 terprise about the place which speaks well for the 
 careful habits of the proprietor. Here we behold 
 the picture of a home, the proprietor of which, with 
 his little family, enjoys all of the comforts and 
 many of the luxuries of life. No small share of 
 this is due to the wife and mother, who has stood 
 bravely \i[) by the side of her husband in his eflforts 
 to obtain a home and a competence, and who is at 
 once noticeable as a lady of more than onlinary 
 intelligence. 
 
 The Copeuhafci family traces its origin to the 
 <■ 
 
 Empire of Germanj-. Henry, the father of our 
 subject, was born in York County, Pa., and married 
 Miss Elizabeth Snelbacher, who was also born there. 
 After uniting their lives and fortunes they settled 
 not far from the place of their birth, in York 
 County, and there spent the remainder of their 
 lives. The father was a farmer by occupation, an 
 honest man and a good citizen, and the mother 
 carefully trained her children in those habits of in- 
 dustry and principles of honor by which they be- 
 came valued and useful members of society. The 
 familj' included three sons and one daughter, two 
 of whom are living, and residents of Iowa and this 
 county. 
 
 Henry Copenhafer. Jr., was the second child of 
 his parents, and was born in Newberry Township, 
 Y'ork Co., Pa., Nov. 4, 18-20. He si>ent his boy- 
 hood and j'outh after the manner of most farmers 
 sons, receiving an ordinary education in the com- 
 mon schools. Later he learned the carpenter's trade, 
 which he followed a good many years in different 
 places in Pennsylvania. Ohio and Michigan. He 
 was married in his native State, and came to this 
 county with his wife and five children in the spring 
 of 1867. They first took up their residence in 
 Park Township, where our subject cultivated a tract 
 of land, and where he lived until the fall of KS7 I. 
 The family then changed their residence to the 
 present farm, which was far less valuable than at 
 the present time, being mostly in an uncultiv.ated 
 state. He has cleareil the greater part of the land 
 and erected good buildings, including a dwelling 
 more than ordinarily tasteful and convenient. 
 
 Miss Eliza Good became the wife of our subject 
 on the oth of November. 1804. their marriage tak- 
 ing pl.ace at the home of the bride in Y'ork County, 
 Pa. This lady is the daughter of Christian and 
 Henrietta (Zurger) Good, natives of that county, 
 where they were reared, married, and spent their 
 entire lives. They had a faniilj' of eleven children, 
 seven of whom lived to mature 3'ears, and of the 
 latter Eliza was the eldest. She was born in Con- 
 newago. Pa., Jan. 18, 1835. and like her mother 
 before her, has also given birth to eleven children, 
 seven of whom have lived to manhood and woman- 
 hood. The four deceased died in infancy. The 
 survivors are: Emanuel, who is married and a resi- 
 
cA^ Jm^ 
 
 A 
 
-^^ 
 
 _t 
 
 .ST. .lOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 299 
 
 •lent of Moiiilon Townslii|); Hyman, Ir.-i, Minnie 
 and Miily (iwins), Georgo E. ami Alviii .1. Willi 
 the exception of the inarrieil son, tliey are all at 
 lioine with their parents. 
 
 .Mr. Copenhafer is a stanch supporter of Repub- 
 lican principles. He li.is never sought ollice, Init 
 has lieen willing to serve his township when it 
 seemed best, as Road Overseer and in other simple 
 |>ositions. Both he and his excellent wife are nieni- 
 liers in good standing of the Reformed Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 «ff DAM .MILLER. The subject of this .sketch. 
 ^/Ul . whose portrait is presente<l on the oppo- 
 
 jljS* '''t" page, is sixiken of a.< one of the most 
 qJI active and enterprising farmers of Fawn 
 
 River Township, .and one of the most useful mem- 
 bers of his community. He owns and operates a 
 fine farm of 'i-OO acres, upon which he ha.s made 
 good improvements, bringing tliesoil to a fine state 
 of cultivation, and erecting the buildings necessary 
 for the comfort of his family, the shelter of stock 
 an<l the storing of grain. 
 
 Mr. Miller, a native of Highland County. Ohio, 
 was born April 3, 1825, and is the son of Jacob 
 and KlizalH'lh Miller, who were natives of I'cnn- 
 sylvania. I'lxjn leaving the Keystone State after 
 their marriage, the}' became residents of Highland 
 County. ()hi<i. and thence emigrated in 18;5(l to 
 Lagrange County, Ind., settling on a tract of land 
 within one-half a mile of which sprang up the 
 town of dreentield. Their family included twelve 
 children, nine sons and three daughters. Of these, 
 besides our subject. George, James and David are 
 residents of this county : Daniel, a retired farmer 
 in go<Kl circumstances, is a resident of the city of 
 Sturgis; Christena, the widow of Locy Young, 
 lives in Sedgwick County, Kan.; Sarah. Mrs. Klani 
 Rolibins. is a resident of Hoone County. Iowa; 
 Henry lives somewhere in the Far West; William 
 is fnrniin;^ in Will County. 111.; the entire twelve 
 lived to mature \ears but tliri'c. and :d! ;iri- ^till 
 living. 
 
 The father of our subject died when compara- 
 tively a young man, in 1m:!«. and his remains were 
 laid to rest in (ireenfield 'I'owuship, Lagrange Co., 
 
 Ind. lie was a man of more than ordinary abilities, 
 was very successful in his farming o|jerations. and 
 became owner of an entire secti<jn of land in La- 
 grange County. He wiis straightforward and con- 
 scientious in his dealings, and a member in good 
 standing of the ficrman Lutheran Church. The 
 mother survived her husband a jieriod of thiity 
 years, remaining a widow, and spent her last days 
 with her son Daniel, dying in 18GK, at the age of 
 seventy-eight years. 
 
 Our subject wa.s a little l.id five years of age 
 when he accompanied his |)arcnts to Indiana, and 
 he continued with tlicm there until his marriage, in 
 1848. His bride, Miss Nancy \an Ausdul, w.as 
 born in 182I(, in Indiana, and wa.s the daughter of 
 Caleb and Elizabeth \'an .Vusdul. who removed 
 from Ohio to Cireenfield County, Ind., and then 
 returned to Champaign County. Ohio, where the 
 f.atherdied in IHIO, and the mother al)out IKGO. 
 
 To Aihiiii ;in<l Nancy .Miller there were born 
 nine children, of whom eight arc living. The 
 mother died at her home in Fawn River Township. 
 !March 28, 1871. Their eldest daughter, Louisa J., 
 is the wife of William E. Hrvant. of Fawn River; 
 Elizabeth is the widow of I'orter Hodish, of Fawn 
 River; William continues a resident of Lagrange 
 County, Ind.; Eilward A. is farming in Oregon; 
 .Mfreil .\. operates a farm in Fawn River Town- 
 ship; L. .1.. Mary .1. and Einm:i \i. are at home 
 with their father. The daughters attend to the 
 domestic concerns of the home, and watch over 
 the comfort of their father with filial affection. 
 They are surrounded by all the comforts of life, 
 and enjoy the frienship of the best people of the 
 county. 
 
 — r,^ -•^-c^ V— 
 
 l,r^ EV. UTHER H. GOODRICH, with his ex- 
 cellent and amiable partner, issi>en<ling the 
 evening of life (luielly and |)eacefully in the 
 O^enjoyment of a pleajsant rural home, located 
 im section 14. in Nottawa Township. He came to 
 Michigan during its Territorial days, in the sum- 
 mer of 183.5, and shortly afterward, in the month 
 of .lune, purchased 12ii acres of land, which he set- 
 tled upon in the autumn following. l'|)on this a 
 furrow had never been turned, and Mr. Goi'Klrich. 
 
 •► ■ ,j l» ; 
 
 '■ 
 
 ?^^#-^ 
 
A. 
 
 300 
 
 i- 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 4 
 
 then a j'oung man, began with all the cnergj' of his 
 character to liattie with the elements of the new 
 soil, and the other (liHiculties attendant upon pio- 
 neer life. Tlie first modest dwelling was erected 
 in due time, and rt-mained the abodeof himself and 
 his little family \nitil the fall of 1^67, when they 
 took iX)ssession pf that which they now occupy, 
 and which for a period of over twenty years has j 
 jilieltered them in case and comfort. 
 
 The main points in a career of more than usual 
 interest are as follows: Luther B. Goodrich was 
 born in Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 1"2. 1805, 
 and is the son of Jason Goodrich, a carpenter by 
 trade, .also a clothier and cloth dresser. Tlie lat- 
 ter, however, preferred tlie lirst-named occupation, 
 and to this gave most of his time and .attention. 
 He married Jliss Lovina Clark, and they became 
 tlie parents of twelve children, of whom Luther B. 
 was the second born. Of this large family all Rave 
 passed .away, both jiarents and children, uin- sub- 
 ject being the sole survivor. The parents were 
 natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, and spent 
 the Latter part of their lives in St. Joseph County, 
 where their decease occurred respectively about 
 1»45 and 1835. 
 
 Young Goodrich rciii:iiiic(l a member of the pa- 
 rental household until reaching his majority, assist- 
 ing his father at carpentering, and otiierwise 
 occupying himself as required. I'pon leaving 
 home and starting out for himself, he took up his 
 residence in Steuben County, N. Y., where he lived 
 from 1832 until 1835. and tlience came to Michigan 
 Territory. He was first married, in Steuben County, 
 in 182y. to Miss Clarissa Noble, at the home of the 
 bride. They commenced the journey of life to- 
 gether, and there were born to them seven children, 
 three of whom are living — Claudius L., Dwight N. 
 and ^Larv. The wife and mother departed this life 
 at her home in Nottawa Township. July 11), 1850. 
 
 'Slv. (ioodrich, J.an. 1, 1851. contracted a sec- 
 ond marriage, with JHss ^lary II. Doughty. The 
 children of this union, five in nuniber,werc iiameil re- 
 spectively: Hoscoe H..Charlcs 1)., Hector (deceased), 
 Helen and Claude. Mrs. Mary H. Goodrich died 
 at the homestead, Sept. 14, 18G1. On the 16th of 
 February. 18G5. our suliject was united in marri.age 
 with Mrs. Margaret (Martin) Parker, widow of Rev. 
 
 Azel Parker, a minister of the Baptist Church. ^Ir. 
 Parker died in ^lottville, this county, in 1862. 
 
 ^Irs. ^laraaret Goodrich was born in l-'airlield 
 County, Ohio, Oct. 7, 1823, and is the dau<;hter of 
 Ellison and Jane Martin, who were natives of 
 Penn.-iylvania, and spent their last years in Ohio 
 .and Indiana. Of this marri.age there are no chil- 
 dren. 
 
 Mr. (ioodrich. upon coming to this county, was 
 .at once recognized as a valuable addition to the 
 community, being a man of more than ordinary 
 intelligence anil business capacities. Kind, hospita- 
 ble, and possessing the true Christian spirit, he en- 
 deavored to assist those around him as opportunity 
 presented, and while discharging the duties of the 
 various positions of trust and responsibility, also 
 officiated as a local preacher of the ^Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church for a long term of years. As a pulpit 
 orator he was ea.sy and eflective. convincing in his 
 aigiiment. and one to whom the people always 
 listened with pleasure and profit. He was ordained 
 in September. 1852. He w.as an exhorter a num- 
 ber of years previously. Politicalh*, he favors the 
 principles of the Hepublican party, and although 
 steadfastly declining the responsibilities of office in 
 his later years, he at one time officiated as Justice 
 of the Peace for a term of five years, with great 
 credit to himself .and satisfaction to the people of 
 his townshi|). He li.as now more than sp.anned his 
 fourscore years, and, looking back uiwn a life filled 
 with good ini]>ulses, and endeavoring to discharge 
 its duties in a praiseworthy manner, has earned for 
 himself not only the abiding respect of the people 
 around him. but the ho])e of something beyond. 
 
 -^-*- 
 
 -^ 
 
 f~)\ALENTINE BEADLE is a prosperous and 
 '^ highly' resjiected farmer and stock-raiser re- 
 siding on section 6, Eabiiis Township. He 
 is a native-born citizen of St. Joseph County, his 
 birth having taken place in Flowerfield. April 10, 
 1831. His parents. .Michael and Uiilh (IJidwell) 
 Be.idle, were nuiiibi red among the earliest pioneers 
 of this county, ctuning here from Seneca County, 
 Ohio, in 1827. The fiilhcr w:is a millwrii:lit by 
 trade, an industrious, wliule-soiilcd ukui. He was 
 
ST. JOSEril COUNTY. 
 
 301 
 
 ffiiiil <if the liiinl. ami was vorv expert in the use of 
 the rille, :in<l liiil much to clear the priiiu'val forests 
 of this region from the dangerous animals that once 
 iiaunteil it. His useful career was cut short l)y death 
 while he was yet in the meridian of life. His widow 
 was thus left to hattle alone and to support ber 
 family as best she could. She, however, possessed 
 .1 lirave, unfaltering spirit, and proved equal to the 
 emergency, managing to keep her children with her 
 and to provide for them until her death, in l.S4'.l. 
 
 Our subject was the youngest child in a famil}' 
 of nine, and owing to his father's early death he was 
 reared to a life of labor, and scarcely had an t>ppor- 
 tnnity to attend school, but with a persistency- un- 
 der difficulties that would have deterred man}' from 
 making the attempt, he managed to secure ent)ngli 
 education so that he can attcncl to business. After 
 the death of his mother he was thrown altogether 
 on his own resources, and being strong, energetic, 
 and willing to work at an^ylliing that his hands 
 founil to do, he made his own way in the world. 
 He (inally gathered together enough of this world's 
 goods to enable him to marr}' and estal)lish a home 
 of his own, and to Miss Rebecca Shepherdson, whom 
 be had invited to share life's pleasures and sorrows 
 with him, he was united in the sacred bond of mar- 
 riag'- Oct. II, 18G(). She has been to him a wise 
 counselor and a ready helper, and to their children 
 a careful and tentler mother. Siie is a daughter of 
 Joseph and Rebecca (Rath burn) Sbephenlson, na- 
 tives of New York, of Knglish descent. Mrs. Bea- 
 dle was born May 1.'5. \H:V.i. in New York, and was 
 very small when her parents came to Michigan. 
 She is the second child in order of birth of the five 
 born to her mollier. (For further parental hi^tory 
 see sketch of her brother, Abncr V. .Shepherdson, 
 wbicii will be f<iun<l on another page of this volume. 
 
 .Soon after marriage .Mr. IJeadle moved toFabius 
 and, though he has moved three or four times since 
 then, he has never been out of sight of his present 
 home. He owns eighty-five acres of fine farming 
 land ; has an orcliard of about 200 apple trees, from 
 which he ilerives a good yearly income. He has his 
 land under goo<l tillage, has comfortable farm 
 lidildings. and everything about the place indicates 
 thrift and gooil management. Mr. IJeadle is a prac- 
 tical, keen-sighte<l man, honest and upright in his 
 
 <li!alings, and thorouglily deserves the respect and 
 esteem in which he is held in this community. He 
 has three sisters living in this counlj': Mrs. Clara- 
 vina Stowell. who resides in Burr Oak Township; 
 Mrs. Until Hopkins an<l Mrs. Doll}' Ann Seelye. 
 
 The union of our subject and his amiable wife 
 has l>een blessed b}' the birth of five children, of 
 whom f<jur are living, of whom the folhjwing is re- 
 corded : David v., born Dec. '21, 1862, now lives 
 in Oceana County, Midi.; JIary D., born Nov. ;J, 
 18G7, received a line education and is a successful 
 teacher, commencing to follow that profession when 
 a mere girl; William M.. born Nov. 29, 1870; Ruth 
 A., .Ian. 11, 187 1. 
 
 Mr. Beadle was drafted during the late war, but 
 as his circumstances were such that he could not 
 leave home, he hired a substitute, paying forty 
 acres of land therefor. Our subject, holding sub- 
 stantial!}' the same views on |)olitical questions as 
 his father, an oht-line Whig, was iilentified with the 
 Republican party until the formation of the Green- 
 back jiarty. when lie joined its ranks. 
 
 -^-i-^- 
 
 -WID OLNKY, Supervisor of Leonid.is 
 Township, is the owner of one of its best 
 farms, on section Hi. He is a son of .Tosei>b 
 OIney, one of the honored pioneers of the 
 county, who came to Michigan before it had been 
 transformed from a Territory into a State, and se- 
 curing ownership of a tract of land in Mendon 
 Township, battled with the elements of a new soil 
 for a time, and then removed to Nottawa Town- 
 skip. .V few years later he purchased a residence 
 in Mendon. and retired from active labor. His 
 death took place at the residence of his son. our 
 subject, .May 31, 1887. 
 
 .loseph Oluey.tbe father of our subject, wa.s born 
 in Saratoga. N. Y.. .Vpril II. 1820. and w.'u< unmar- 
 ried when coming to this county. Not long after- 
 ward, however, be married Miss Sarah Barnabee. 
 who was bfirii Feb. 11. 1S30. and came with her 
 parents. .Stephen and .Mehitable l$arnabee. to this 
 county when quite young. Their first residence in 
 Michigan w.os in Kalaunizoo C'ounty.at a time when 
 its people were few and far between. The father 
 
•►Hf^^ 
 
 302 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •t 
 
 was a farmer by occupation, and both parents spent 
 tlie last j-cars of their lives in this county, the father 
 dying in Mendon Township. May 30. 1886, and the 
 mother at the home of her daughter in Leonidas 
 Township. 
 
 To the parents of our subject were l)orn eiglit cliil- 
 dren, six of whom lived to m.ature years: David, 
 our subject; Elon. wlio died Marcii 1;'), 1887; 
 iMartha, the wife of lUnry :Mowry. of Br.inch 
 County; Mary, who became the wife of ^I. Milton 
 Mcintosh, and died in Notl.iwa Township; Frank- 
 lin, a resident there, and Elizal)eth. Mrs. Henry 
 Powers, of the same. David, our subject, was born 
 in Mendon Township. April 11, 1S47. His boy- 
 hood .and youtli were spent ;;fter the manner of 
 most farmers' sons, and he remained a member of 
 the parental household until twenty-two y ars old. 
 Upon leavinsr lionie he selected a tr.act of land in 
 Leonidas Township, wliere he entered ii|i(iii the 
 serious business of liis life. Ilie building up of a 
 home and the accumulation ul' ji <i)inpetciu-e. His 
 labors as an agriculturist have been crowned with 
 more than ordinaiy success. He wisely invested 
 his surplus capital .as time p.assed on in addition.al 
 land, property .secure from the burglar, and which 
 could not be carried off to Canada by the dis- 
 honest bank cashier. His real estate now embraces 
 310 broad acres, upon which he has erected a fine 
 set of frame buildings, ami)ly .adajjted to the re- 
 quirements of tlie modern and progi'essive agri- 
 culturist. Ills enterprise and industry have been 
 evinced .at every turn in his life, and he has long 
 been looked upon .as one of the most subst.antial 
 men of liis communily. one wlio could be depended 
 upon to further its best interests, morally, educa- 
 tionally and linancially. He has left no stone iin- 
 tuiiied in the encouragement of those projects 
 which should bring his township to the standard 
 adopted liy the intelligent communities of South- 
 ern Michigan. 
 
 For a jx'riod of sixteen yeai-s there has walked 
 by the side of our subject in the most intimate re- 
 lation of life a lady who in her girlhood was ^Hss 
 Marietta Foole. and who became his wife at the 
 home of her jiarents in Leonid.as Townsliip, Jlay 
 1(1. 1872. .Mrs. OInev w.as born in Orleans County, 
 N. Y.. June 27. 18J0. and is the daughter of Er- 
 
 win AV. and Hester M. (^Montrose) Foote. Erwin 
 W. Foote w:is born in Kidgeway, Orleans Co., N. 
 Y.. April G. 1816. His wife, Hester, was born in 
 Poughkeepsie. Dutchess Co.. N. Y.. Jan. 26, 1816. 
 Tliey are now residents of Mendon, and in tlie en- 
 j03'ment of a good home. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Olney there have lieen born 
 five children, namely: M.aude, Mildred. I'earl, Jo- 
 seph and Verne. Mildred and Joseph are deceased. 
 ]Mildrcd wa.-* born Aug. 26. 1875. and died Nov. 
 10, 1877; .loseph was born Nov. o, 1877. There 
 are few whose lives pass placidly without some 
 break or sorrow, Init witli the exception of the loss 
 of these little ones, the history of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Olney illustrates that of people more than usually 
 blessed by Providence. Tluit they liave been de- 
 serving of this is .acknowledged by the people who 
 have known them long and well, and who have ex- 
 tended to them a generous measure of esteem and 
 conlidence. 
 
 ■^HI•*^■ 
 
 ^^ FORGE H. MOHNEY. Among the intelli- 
 II (— , gent citizens of St. Joseph County who are 
 ^^1! condiicting its farming .and stock-raising 
 interests, and are tlie principal factors of its mater- 
 ial prosperit}', the subject of this sketch is well 
 wortliy of mention. He is quietly carrying on his 
 vocation cm section 2. Fabius Township, where his 
 tine farm, which for productiveness and improve- 
 ments ranks with anj- in the county, is beautifully 
 located near Lake Mohney, a lovely sheet of water, 
 notable alike for its scenery, and as a jx)pular re- 
 sort for those fond of the piscatorial art, as several 
 varieties of lish are found in its w.aters. 
 
 Mr. Mohney was born in Armstrong County, Pa., 
 March 11. 183V), a son of Abram and Mary Ann 
 (Weinberg) ^loliney, natives of Pennsylvania, and 
 descended from the old Germsin stock that early 
 peoi)led the Keystone State. In 1844, the year that 
 James K. Polk was electetl President, the elder 
 Jlohncy left the Peunsylvanian home, with its 
 many pleas.ant associations, left his old-time friends, 
 and. accompanied by his wife and children, came to 
 settle in the then wilds of St. Joseph County. But 
 a few vears had elapsed since the sound of the axes 
 ■» 
 

 ST. .JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 .30. i 
 
 i 
 
 of the earl\- settlers had rung tlirough the prime- 
 val forests, that once to a gi-eat extent covered the 
 State of Mirliiiran. and then heiran for him niul his 
 family the life of pioiioiTs, until tlii'v r<juld .siilxhio 
 the wilderness and build for themselves a comforta- 
 ble home. The father bousrht ciulity acres of land, 
 and in the twelve years of life rcmaiiiinjr to him 
 worked faithfully and assiduously to improve a 
 farm. .lune 1.3, l>*')Ci. his death occurred, and a 
 valued citizen was removed from the coinniunity, 
 many outside of his own household mourning the 
 loss of a good and honest man. The mother of our 
 subject is still sjiared to her children, and makes 
 her home in Three Hivers. Although she has at- 
 tained tlio advanced age of seventy-two, she is still 
 of sounil inlclici't and enjoys good health, free from 
 many of the infirmities that usually accompany 
 old age. and seems in reality younger than her 
 years wouhl indicate. She is the mother of nine 
 children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The 
 record of the others is as follows: William 11.. the 
 second child, who lives near our subject, .served in 
 the army two aud one-half years; Leander is a 
 gardener, and resides in Three Hivers; Susan mar- 
 ried l-ucian lloisington. wIk) is now deceased, and 
 she lives in Mareellus. Cass Co., Mich.; Abby makes 
 her home with her mother in Three Rivers; Sydney 
 lives in Lansing; .Marietta nniried Charles Chills, 
 anil they live in Lansing; Wallace lives on the old 
 homestead east of Jlohnev Lake, and Monroe lives 
 in Washington Territory. 
 
 (ieorge Mohney was scarcely five years of age 
 when he came with his parents to Jlichigan.so that 
 nearly all of his life has been spent in this .State. 
 Ibil a few years had elapsed since Michigan had 
 given up Territorial government and had entered the 
 I'nicjn, and it had not then developed into the 
 imwerful and glorious commonwealth that it is to- 
 day. The principal cities of the pre.<ent were then 
 for the most part small towns, the city of Three 
 Hivers. for instance, l)eing only a small vilLige with 
 but few business houses. .Mthough the wise and 
 able men at the head of public atTairs had already 
 introduced as complete and go<^><l an educational 
 svstem as obtained in any State in the I'nion, yet 
 in the new settlements it w.-us dillicult to establish 
 schools, excepting of inferior grades, and our sub- 
 
 ject's chances for obtaining an education were lim- 
 ited, as he did not attend school until after he was 
 thirteen years okl. and then only i)i the winters. 
 Ih', however, managed to pick up considerable 
 book knowledge, and is well informed on all the 
 topics of interest of the present d.ay. After his 
 father's death he worked energetically to pay off 
 the remaining indebtedness on the home farm, and 
 to place his mother in comfortable circumstances. 
 Aug. .'?, IM'2. .Mr. Mohney laiil aside all personal 
 aims .and ambitions, feeling an oblig.ation to assist ^ 
 his country in the conduct of the war then being 
 waged in the South, and as a soldier in the ranks 
 of the 2.5th Michigan Infantry, he manfuUj- did 
 his duty on many a Itaf tie-field. He w.as present at 
 Resaca. Hurnt Ilickorv, at the siege of Atlanta, and 
 at Nashville, when Gens. Thomas and Hood led 
 the opposing forces, and he took i)art in many 
 other contests. He was honoralily discharged after 
 the dose of the war. having served in the I'nioii 
 .Vrniy threeyears. 
 
 In IHlJi; "Sir. Mohney bought his present farm, 
 comprising eighty acres of exceedingly fertile land, 
 and he now h.as it .all |)aid for. At the time of his 
 purchase it w.os a tract of forest covered land, with 
 no improvements wh.atever, and he had to clear it 
 and erect buildings. He now h.as it under good 
 cultivation, has a commodious, comfortable <lwell- 
 ing, and as fine a barn ,is is to be found in tlie 
 county. All of th^s property is the result of his 
 patient and well-directed labors, as he started out 
 in tlie world with no capital other than a stout heart 
 and strong arms. 
 
 We should be doing but scant justice, however, 
 if we did not mention the help afforded to him by 
 his capable helpmate, to whom he was united in 
 marriage March l.'i. IMX. Mrs. Mohney was for- 
 merly Miss Harriet Spygelmvcr, a daughter of 
 Samuel and Catherine ( Wyant) .Spygelmyer. She 
 w.as born in rennsylvania. Sept. 1, 1849. Of her 
 marriage with our subject six children have been 
 born, namely: Vanneska, born March 7. 18fi9; 
 Lennie, .lune />. IHTO; Hella, >Larch 7, 1872; lona, 
 March 4, 1874; Katie diefl in infancy, and r.,ogan 
 A. was born March 2.1, 1881. 
 
 Our subject is a man whom his fellow-citizens 
 do well to trust. a.s his life is guided by sound 
 
 ^^ m ■» 
 
»► i r^ 
 
 304 
 
 ST. JOSEPri COUNTY. 
 
 ^r 
 
 principles, his personal habits are of tlie liest, and 
 his reijutation is unsuUiecl. lie h.as been Highway- 
 Commissioner for about nine j'ears, at different 
 times, and was elected to this position in opposition 
 to a strong' Democratic majority. He votes the 
 Republican ticket, and strenuously upholds the 
 policy of his party, lie is a strictly temper.ate 
 man, and works for local option. 
 
 ZIAS F. FRENCH, a pioneer of Constantine 
 Township of 1S34, has been a continuous 
 resident here since that time, engaged in 
 agricultural pursuits. He is the son of Ozias and 
 Lizzie (Dayton) French, the former a native of the 
 Bay State, wiience he emigrated to New York, 
 where ills death occurred when our subject was a 
 child of two years, in Yates County. The death 
 of the mother also occurred there. 
 
 Our subject was born in Chester. Ilami)shire Co., 
 Jl.ass., .lune 1. 1K03, and was the youngest of his 
 parents' faniil}-. He accompanied iiis father upon 
 his removal to New York State, and there grew to 
 maniiood. assisting his parents as time and oppor- 
 tunity <iemanded. From Yates County he removed 
 to Cattaraugus Count}', remaining there four years, 
 when he migrated to this State, and located in Con- 
 stantine Township, this count}', on land which he 
 had purchased from the Government. His farm 
 has been nicely improved, and is the source of a 
 lucrative income, while it is adorned with neat and 
 well-arranged buildings, which do great credit to 
 the proprietor. His first purchase consisted of 
 eighty acres, but it has since been added to, and 
 now embraces an acreage of 110. 
 
 Mr. French was married in Yates County, N. Y., 
 to Miss Rebecca Bates, a native of Bennington 
 County, N. H. Their union has been blessed by the 
 birth of eight children, namely: Candace L. and 
 Lucy A. (twins), Rachel E., Eunice R., Ozias F., 
 Charles Dayton, Erastus Milo and Selh M. Can- 
 dace became the wife of George Poe, of Fabius 
 Township; Lucy, Mrs. John Oxenford, died in 
 Calhoun County, Iowa: Rachel E. is the wife of 
 Mcdink Hoisiuglon, of Fabius Township; Emma 
 is Mrs. Chester C. Mitchell, of Otsego County, this 
 
 St^ite; Ozias F. is also a resident of Otsego County ; 
 Charles Dayton married I^liss Mary Roberts, and 
 resides in Constantine Townshi|); Erastus Milo is 
 living in Montana Territory, and Seth M. is a resi- 
 dent of Otsego County, this .State. The mother of 
 these children died in Constantine Township, July 
 18, 1864. She was a faithfid anri consistent mem- 
 ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 Ozias French, our subject, was a second time 
 married, to Miss Almira Engle. This lady died in 
 CunsUuitine Township, July 4, 1874. She also was 
 numbered among the regular attendants of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also her husband, 
 having been a member of that denomination for a 
 half-century. He gives liberally and cheerfully to 
 promote the good cause, and is one of its Inlluential 
 members. Our subject has held many of the township 
 ollices in his earlier d.ays, the duties of which he dis- 
 charged in a thorouglily satisfactory manner. 
 
 Mr. French is a man of sterling integrity and 
 sound business principles, and one whose word is 
 considered as good as his bond. It is to such men 
 as he that the c<juiitry is indebted for its wonderlul 
 progress and development, and his name will be 
 remembered wiih gnititude long after he has been 
 sralhered to his fathers. 
 
 ENRY W. LAIRD. In the career of this 
 esteemed citizen, late a resident of Nottawa 
 jry^ Township, and now deceased, was embodied 
 ^) the creed that "no man should live for him- 
 self alone, but also for others." He departed this 
 life at his home in Nottawa Township, Oct. 1, 1881, 
 at the age of sixty-nine years, having been born 
 Oct. 14. 1812. He was familiarly called "Harry 
 Laird," and from this simple fact may be gathered 
 an idea of the character of the man — genial, com- 
 panionable, and one who, since his taking off, has 
 been sadly missed in his community. 
 
 A native of Greene County, N. Y., our subject 
 was the son of Glover Laird, who was born in Ire- 
 land, antl emigrated to the United States early in 
 life, settling in the Empire State, where it is proba- 
 ble he was married. There Harry lived with his 
 parents until a lad eight years of age, then ac- 
 
 i 
 
 :*^i-^ 
 
■•►Hh-4* 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 .sn.-i 
 
 c<)in|miiictl liis f:itlicr In Ohio, .nnd from llicro. in 
 October, 1830, to .Miiliigan. After assisting bis 
 f.-UluT ill l)ic:ii<iiij; fort}' .icrcs and fencinjj citrlity 
 juTi's, on section 2 in Nottawu Townsliiii. this 
 countj", j'oung Liiird, in .1 line, IM-'U, relnrned to 
 Oliio ft>r the purpose of atteiidiiij; sciiool. 
 
 In 1833, le.iving tlie liuekeye .Slate the second 
 lime, Mr. Laird came again to Nottawa Township, 
 wiiere he sojourned the ft)llo«iiig ninter, and jour- 
 neyetl to and from Oiiio several times from that 
 time until 183C. In 1837 lie was united in mar- 
 riage, in Butler County, Ohio, with Miss Siis.'iniiah 
 Mantlia. This lady was born in Hartfor<l Count}', 
 Md., Feb. 10, 1817, and of this union there were 
 born seven children, si.\ sons and one daughter, viz : 
 AViiliam II., George C, Gilbert W., .lames M., 
 John M., Charles W. and Caroline F. 
 
 In 18.t2 Mr. Laird purchased his father's old 
 homestead in Nottawa Towiislii|). where he turned 
 his attention mostly to agricultural pursuits, and 
 effected many improvements in the jiroperty. In 
 the meantime he signalized himself as one of the 
 most public-spirited men in his township, generously 
 giving his time and attention to the enterprises 
 calculated for the general good. He was instru- 
 mental ill securing the building of the Grand Rapids 
 <fe Indiana Railroad through the township, giving 
 much of his time and considerable nionej' toward 
 its construction. He was a Republican in politics, 
 and held the oltice of County Treasurer several 
 terms, besides filling many other positions of trust 
 in connection with the affairs of his neighbors and 
 fellow-citizens. An active member of the Old Set- 
 tlers' Association, he wa« possessed of the intelli- 
 gence and forethought which recognized the great 
 importance of preserving history" and biography, 
 and at one period wa,s zealously engaged for .some 
 time in securing facts and data in connection with 
 the history of the Nottjiwa Indians, the incidents 
 a.ss(X"iated with their removal from this part of the 
 country, and various other interesting matters per- 
 taining thereto. He was a keen observer of human 
 nature and an extensive reader, and possessed of a 
 fine fund of general information. His name is held 
 in kindly remembrance by hosts of friends. 
 
 The sons and daughter of Henry \V. and .Susan- 
 nah (Mantha) Laird are residents mostly of Men- 
 
 dcni. and are intelligent and worthy members of 
 society, whose endeavor it is to perpetuate and 
 honor the name of him who ever appears to their 
 minds the generous and kind-hi'Mileii f;ithiT. the 
 useful and self-s.icriftciiig citizen. 
 
 ~t^(^Jf/5^S®*••J^^^•'®^-SVOT^>- 
 
 KNMAMIN F. lUTLKK. One of the finest 
 - brick residences in Nottawa Township is 
 
 located «m section 10. and forms the nu- 
 cleus of a valuable farm which stretches its 
 liroad acres on neJirly all sides atljacont. The pro- 
 prietor, whose name stands at the head of this 
 sketch, ranks among the honored ])ioneers of St. 
 .Joseph County, to which his father came with his 
 family late in the spring of 1841. they locating on 
 the land which Liter grew u|) into a valuable liomc- 
 stead. 
 
 The countrv at that period had undergone but 
 little cultivation, the neighbors of .Joseph Hutler 
 being few and far between. He possessed, how- 
 ever, the substantial (pialities rcquireti by the men 
 who came to this region at that time, .and began at 
 once his struggle with the elements of a new soil 
 and the dilHcullies which are the invariable at^ 
 tendants of life in a new .settlement. The first 
 primitive dwelling in due time sheltered a family 
 of eleven children, and lienjainin F., of our sketch, 
 was the tenth in order of birth. He began life 
 u\x>n the homestead which he now occupies, but 
 under a more humble roof than that of the pres- 
 ent. Of the sons and daughters belonging to this 
 household six are living. 
 
 •Joseph IJutler w.-us born in Canandaigua County, 
 N, Y,, and married Miss Rebecca Newton, who was 
 also a native of the Kmpire Stale, .\fter marriage 
 they first settled in Genesee County, and thence 
 removed to Medina County. Ohio, .settling on a 
 tract of land not far from the present site of the 
 city of Cleveland. It is hardly iieees.sary to say 
 that it bore little resemblance at that time to its 
 pri>sent g«M>dly proportions. They did not sojourn 
 long in the Buckeye .State, however, but in the fall 
 of 1830 resumed their westward wanderings, and 
 in due time pitcheil their tent among the pioneers 
 of .Southern Michigan. The face of the country in 
 
 f 
 
 ^ 
 
-^^ 
 
 -•»• 
 
 306 
 
 ST. .lOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 Nottawa Townsliip. tliiis county, appeared to meet 
 their requirements, wliiih were largely governed bj- 
 their means, and tlie lives begun thus in a new 
 country by the parents of our subject ended not 
 far from the spot where they selected their pioneer 
 home. Joseph Butler after an honorable and up- 
 right career rested from his earthly labors on the 
 6th of .Tune, 1882. being then neiirly eighty-six 
 years old. When but a youth of sixteen years he 
 shouldered his musket and proffered his services as 
 a soldier in assisting to quell the troubles of 1812. 
 He was in the fight at Black Rock, and there is no 
 doubt that he met the foe .is unflinchingly as his 
 comrades. L.iter, in 18.J2. he served in the Black 
 Hawk War, being under the command of Capt. 
 Kaincs. f.nther of the late James Kaines. He was a 
 man of conscientious and religious principles, and 
 about 1855 identified himself with the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, of which he remained a mem- 
 ber for a period of twenty-five years. He and his 
 excellent wife for good reasons then joined tlie 
 Baptist Church at ^lendon. Joseph Butler was 
 known far and wide tis a man of true benevolence, 
 ever ready to assist those in need, tendering his 
 charities in that unostentatious manner which un- 
 derlies the true princii)les of Christianity. The 
 mother survived her husband nearly fivej-ears, lier 
 death taking place at the home of her daughter, in 
 Mendon. May 19. 1887. 
 
 Benjamin F. Butler was reared to m.anhood in 
 his native township, and acquired his education in 
 the common school. He had all his life long been 
 engased in agricultural pursuits, seeing nothing 
 more desirable as an occupation than tilling the 
 healthful soil and watching tiic smiling fields, which 
 seldom failed to yield generously to the hand of 
 the faithful husbandman. To the first purchase of 
 the fathe^ more land was afterward .added, and the 
 homestead now embraces 230 acres of some of the 
 finest farming land in the county. 
 
 The marriage of Benjamin F. Butler and Miss 
 Jessie Ann Cattell was celebrated at the home of 
 the bride in Centreville. May 19. 1863. Mrs. But- 
 ler w.as byrn Feb. 28, 1843, .and is the daughter of 
 William and Anna ( Totterdall) Cattell, who were 
 natives of Lancashire. Kngland. They came to the 
 United States in 1856 with their family of nine chil- 
 4* 
 
 dren, and settled in Xottawa Township, where they 
 spent the remainder of their d.ays. The father died 
 in 1858, and the mother passed away very sud- 
 denly, after a brief illness of twenty-four hours, in 
 1874. A further history will be found in the 
 sketch of Charles H. Cattell on .another page in this 
 volume. 
 
 Jlrs. Butler is a native of the same county as her 
 parents, having been born in Lancashire, Feb. 28. 
 1843. Of her union with our subject there are 
 two children: Lawrence F., who died when a babe 
 of sixteen months, and Cecil A., who is now 
 eighteen years of age. ^Ir. Butler during the sum- 
 mer of 1884 put up his present residence, and is 
 accredited with one of the plcasantest homes in St. 
 Joseph County. He has lived quietly and unosten- 
 tatiously, meddling very little with ijublic affairs. 
 He keeps himself well posted, however, upon cur- 
 rent events, and upon election day gives his un- 
 qualified support to the Democratic party. 
 
 ■S^ C. WFLLESLKY has been identified with the 
 Ihj business and social interests of St. Joseph 
 /|l— <^ County for forty j-ears, he having estab- 
 lished himself at Colon, as mercliant tailor in 1848, 
 and is still earr^-ing on that business in this town. 
 He is a native of Kngland, born in 1814. the second 
 in the family of ten children of Edward and Ame- 
 lia (Pottei) Wellesley. natives of England. They 
 were lifelong residents of their birthplace, their 
 death occurring a great many 3'ears ago. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was reared in his native 
 land, and carefully trained by his good parents to a 
 life of industry and honesty. When a young man, 
 full of energj' and ambitious to make his own way 
 in the world, he decided to emigrate to America, and 
 embarked from Liverpool in the American sailing- 
 vessel "Washington," bound for this countrj-. After 
 a long and tempestuous ocean voyage of six weeks, 
 he landed at New York City in November. 1832. 
 He remained in the East some two or three years, 
 working in different cities. He also worked in 
 Pennsylvania, and in Erie County, that State, be 
 met Miss Jane Van Wormer, who became his wife^ 
 
ST. .lOSKlMI roUNTY, 
 
 -4- 
 
 .■((•; 
 
 ^' 
 
 in 1835. She wns born in New York in 1819, tlie 
 third c-iiild of the six children of Cliarles and ICIiza- 
 bc-tii (Shcrwooil) Van Woriner, n.ilives of New 
 York, heiiig )>lone"rs of the western p.irt of the 
 Stntc. Her pr.ind father Sherwood was a Captain in 
 the navy durinu; the Rcvohitionary War. shortly 
 after niarriajje Mr. Welle.sley came to Michigan, an(l 
 worked at first at iiis trade in Detroit. Wayne 
 County. In tlie next year, 1 M6. he settled in Man- 
 chester, Washtenaw County, where lie openc<l a 
 tailor shop. lie staid there but a few years, bow- 
 ever, moving in 1838 to Indiana, where he was en- 
 gaged as a tailor for some ten \'ears. Me was a 
 resident of that .Stflte during the exciting campaign 
 attentlant upon the election of Harrison and Tyler, 
 and rode with the Hon. .Schuyler Colfax over the 
 old Tippecanoe battle-ground. In 1848 Mr. Wel- 
 lesley made another and (inal move, and we find him 
 comfortably estal)!ished in Colon. There being a 
 mill here at that time it drew quite a number of 
 residents to the town, and made trade lively for 
 him. He built a small house and opene<l a mer- 
 chant tailor's store, and in 18G4, his business had 
 been so profitable that he wis enabled to build a 
 commodious frame structure, in which he had one 
 of the best appointed stores of the kind in this 
 vicinity. He carried a large and well-.assorted 
 stock of goods, and was doing an extensive business 
 when he met with a severe loss in 1880, his build- 
 ing being consume<l by fire. He now works in 
 Godfrey's Block in Colon. 
 
 Mr. Wellcsley has been three limes married. 
 The wife of his earl}' manhood, a most estimable 
 woman, who had faithfully devoted her life to him 
 and their children, was in her last years an invalid. 
 Ten children were born of that niarriage, four of 
 whom are living : E. P. resides at Colon ; Amelia, now 
 Mrs. (Ireenwood, resides in Three Rivers; Charles 
 is married and resiiles in Union City; William A., 
 a tador by trade, lives in Colon. Our subject's 
 second marriage took place in KIkhart County, Ind., 
 when he was united to Anna M. J. Benedict. She 
 was born in Saratoga County, X. Y., in 1818, being 
 the fourth of ten children of John and Susan Bene- 
 dict, natives of New York. Her father was a car- 
 penter and joiner by trade and also a car finisher. 
 He is deceased. .Mrs. Wellesley's mother survived 
 
 •^ 
 
 her husbanrl's deatli many years, dying in 1870. at 
 the ripe old age of ninety-two years. Mrs. Wclleslev 
 departed this life .Ian. 16. 1873. after an illne,ss of 
 some weeks. She was a truly goorl woman, and was 
 respected by all who knew her for her many amialiic 
 qualities. Our subject was married in Detroit. Dec. 
 4, 1873. to Miss .Mary Kllen Benedict, a native of 
 Saratoga, N. Y.. and a daugliterof Kdwin and Caro- 
 line (Van Deu.sen) Benedict, the date of her birth 
 being in 184.i. Her parents were natives of New 
 York, and settled in Detroit when it w.ns a small city. 
 They came to Colon and spent their last years in the 
 home of our. subject. Mrs. Wellesley died May 3, 
 1881. after a short illness. She was one of the 
 noblest of women, beloved by all who knew her, 
 and her death was a loss to the community. 
 
 Mr. Wi-llcsley has played an important part in 
 local affairs, alw.ays taking a decided interest in 
 anything that in any way promotes the social or 
 material welfare of the community, and has always 
 served the town in some official capacity. He was 
 Postmaster of Colon for upward of twenty-four 
 j'ears. receiving his ap|)oinlmcrit to that position 
 from President Lincoln, and has held many minor 
 offices. He is active in [lolitics, and is one of the 
 leading members of the Republican party in this 
 county, having been a delegate to county conven- 
 tions every year for fort}- years, and was a delegate 
 to the Suate Convention of his party in 1888. So- 
 cially, he is a prominent Knight Templar, is an 
 earnest worker in the organization, and has held 
 offices in the Chapter and Coinnjandery. He is 
 identified with the I. O. O. F"., is Noble Grand 
 M.aster at the present time, and has been represent- 
 ative to the (Jrnnd Lodge nineteen terms. He hud 
 one son in the service. 
 
 -^ ' '^4^ ' ^^ 
 
 IRA.M DRAPKR. Among the old and much 
 resi>ected settlers of Colon Town.ship is the 
 subject of the present sketch. His property 
 (^; and residence are on .xwtion 32. and 600 
 acres in extent. He was lK)rn on the 16th of No- 
 vember, 1808, in Vershire. Orange Co., Vt. His 
 j)arents removed to New Hamp.'<hirc when he was 
 six years of age. and later to Wejitern New York. 
 
 •^ i 4* 
 
.>-HI^^ 
 
 ,t 
 
 308 
 
 ^T. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 ■where tliey settled in Alleiraiiy County, which was 
 his home until tlie fall of 183(). when lie emjcrrated 
 to this State, settling in Colon Township, where he 
 has since continued to reside. 
 
 In first making his home here Mr. Draper pur- 
 chased eighty acres of land. To this he added from 
 time to time, as he became able, until lie liecame the 
 owner of over ilOO acres, over 20(1 of wliich is under 
 the plow. He provided good farm buildings, sub- 
 stantially erected and conveniently arr.anged. lie 
 also ha.s I'ontinued to make good and valuable im- 
 provements from time to time, and has been care- 
 ful to keep his land in the highest possible state of 
 cultivation. He has seen the country pass from the 
 Territory to the State, and watched with pride its 
 magnificent onward march in civilization, commer- 
 cial importance and National iiithicnce, and in his 
 younger, more active days was not behind his fel- 
 lows in helping to make Michigan what it is. 
 
 The subject of our sketch w.as four times married; 
 first wliile in Allegany County, X. Y., in 1829, to 
 June Couch. This lady was luirn in that county, 
 and was the daughter of Jonathan and .Mary Couch. 
 Of this union there were born three children, of 
 whom his son Charles, of Kalamazoo County, is the 
 sole surviving member. Tliis wife died in 1834. 
 He suffered the desolation and loneliness consequent 
 upon this bereavement until the year 1837. when he 
 liecame the husband of Mrs. Lydia (Weaver) llolleu- 
 back, a native of the Empire State; of this marriage 
 there were born two children — Eunice and Henja- 
 miu. The former is hapijily married to Andrew 
 Gibson, and resides in St. Louis, Mo.; the latter is 
 a resident of Coin. P.agc Co.. Iowa, and is engaged 
 in farming. Mr. D.'s second wife died in IJurrOak 
 Township, on the 20th of February, 1840. He w.as 
 again married, the lady being Calista \Vilcox, who 
 was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., Jan. 1.^. 1801, 
 and died June 23, 1867. He was a fourth time mar- 
 ried. Jan. 8. 1868. to Frances Innm.an: she was born 
 in New York, April 14, 1818. and has one daughter. 
 Mary E.. by her first marriage. Mrs. Draper's first 
 husband's name was Francis Dnpaul. 
 
 Mr. Draper has held several of the offices of the 
 township, and is an earnest member of the Method- 
 ist Episcop.al Church. Althougli he has retired 
 from any active jiarticipation in the various politi- 
 
 cal camijaigns. he is by no means the less interested 
 in political affairs. He is. and always has been, a 
 stanch Republican. 
 
 Mr. Draper was active in the matter of introduc- 
 ing the .\ir-Line Railroad from Jackson to Niles, 
 and other enterprises. At the time of the war, as 
 far as w.'is possible, he showed the greatest willing- 
 ness and anxiety to help in its suppression, and was 
 extremel}' anxious that in some way that end should 
 be attained without the needless expenditure and 
 loss of life, treasure and property. 
 
 OIIN BAU:MElSrER. whose farm is situated 
 
 Jon section 2 of Burr Oak Township and com- 
 prises eighty acres, is a native of "\Vurtem- 
 berg. South Germany, where he was born in 
 the year 1834. The education within the possi- 
 bility of his attainment was by no means extensive, 
 lie lc;irned the trade of a weaver of linen, and be- 
 came an expert workman. This article of house- 
 hold use was formerly in general use for fine wear 
 for the person, and in both chamber and dining- 
 room, but now it is almost solely relegated to the 
 latter. Of all countries where this article is made 
 none can compare with the beautiful, heavy Ger- 
 man linen, which is almost entirely made by li.and. 
 The subject of our sketch emigrated to New York 
 in 1854. His first home was in Pike County, Pa., 
 but after one year spent in that district he came to 
 this county, and located at Burr Oak. where he 
 purchased fortj' acres of land, to which he has since 
 added forty .acres. This he has largely improved 
 and cultivated a.ssiduousl}'. The result of his en- 
 terprise is apparent, and maj' be seen in every di- 
 rection upon his property. 
 
 The marriage of our subject was celebrated in 
 this county, Nov. 20. 1859. the ladj- of his choice 
 being .Sophia .Stull. daughter of Barney and Eliza- 
 beth Stull. of Burr Oak. There has been born to 
 them one son. who bears the name of George W., 
 and who is still living with his parents. 
 
 Mr. Baumeister is one of the leading German- 
 Americans of the county. He is a man who h.as 
 risen to his present position as the result of his own 
 well-directefl and perseveringly sustained effort. 
 
■♦- 
 
 ST. .lusiii'ii County. 
 
 •t^ 
 
 3oy 
 
 f 
 
 III- is Itruad and lilioral in iiis views on matters of 
 soi'iai and rcliirious iinpoi-t. He is ono of the chief 
 nicHitiers and supporters of the Lutheran Church, 
 at IJuir Oak. and at the same time one of the most 
 alile. Iiis lionie is the aliode of eultnre. relinement 
 and elejL^mee. He has ifiven his son the best edu- 
 cational opportunities, in whicli accomplishments 
 have also found a place, and is happy in knowiui; 
 that bis efforts are ajjpreciated and the opportuni- 
 ties fully utilized hy his son, wlio is now tlie hus- 
 liand of Miss KUa Trost. daujjliter of John and 
 Hannah Trost. to whom he was united in wedlock 
 at Colon. Jan. 2.'). 1H88. The son owns forty acres 
 of land, anil is farming in connection with his 
 father. Tiicy make a specialty of raising Ameri- 
 can Merino sheep and I'oland-China hogs, and are 
 quite successful in this line of business. 
 
 -.ep^tusj®- 
 
 .■3S-SX75JWV. 
 
 ^^ H.\ULKS H. CA TTELL. whose beautiful 
 [l(^!^ home and .a<lnTirably conducted fertile farm 
 ^^^' is situated on section 35 of Mendon Town- 
 ship, is one of the most capable and valued citizens 
 of his district. His father, William Caltell. was 
 a native of Somersetshire, England, as was also 
 his mother, whose maiden name w.is Anna Totter- 
 dall. His parents were there married, and made 
 their home until about the year 1856, when they 
 c.ime to this country, bringing with them their 
 family of nine children, ami settling on Nf)tt;iwa 
 prairie, where they made their home until their 
 death. His father died in 1858, his mother in 1874, 
 after an illness of twenty-four hours only. The}- 
 were both much esteemed in the community, and 
 their home wius one of the brightest; in their death 
 the community sustaineil a loss that was fully real- 
 ized. 
 
 Our subject was the tifth cliihl in the above 
 family. He was born in the same county as his 
 l>nrents, and on the 15th of July, 1835. His early 
 'ife was spent in England and there also hi.^ eiluca- 
 tion W.1S obtained. He accompanied his father on 
 the journey to America Jn the spring of 1856. the 
 mother and remaining nieniljcrs of the family join- 
 ing them in the fall of that year. He has made his 
 
 4* 
 
 home at Notlawa and has made agriculture his chief 
 employment. His farm of 3«() acres, part of which 
 is in .Mendon and pari in Nottawa Township, is one 
 of the best in this part of the county. He has ex- 
 pemled no little thought and care upon it in the en- 
 deavor to bring it to that desirable condition. He 
 has made many good and valnalile improvements 
 and enjoys good success. 
 
 Mr. Catlell has been twice married, once in Not- 
 tawa on the 8th of March. 1871, when he received 
 the hand of Marion \'anilerniark. of Leonidas. This 
 lady was born to John and Jane Vanderm;irk, at 
 Leonidas, April 4, 1844. Three children blessed 
 their union, viz : Addle J., Agnes C. and Charles 
 J. This wife died on the 2d of June, 187'J. Tiie 
 second mari'iage was celebrated in Lucas County. 
 Ohio, where, on Jan. 27, 1881, he stood before 
 the altar with Alice Hain. the estimable daugh- 
 ter of Joseph and Susan Hain. .She was born in 
 Waterville, Lucas County. June 22,1855. She has 
 presented her husband with one beanlifnl little 
 daughter, who bears the name of .Mabel S. 
 
 Mr. Cattell has been called upon by his fellow- 
 citizens to occui>y various township olHces. and he 
 has always done so in a way that has shown the 
 wisdom of the selection. He is a genial, |)leas!int 
 gentleman, intelligent, educated, a man of charac- 
 ter anil unimpeachable honor. He is usually found 
 voting the Democratic ticket and is afllliated with 
 the party presenting the same. He is the head of 
 one of the most hap|)y households in the county, 
 ami, with his wife, is no stranger to hospitalities and 
 social influences. 
 
 ^/ AMES O. S.MITH, although not very long a 
 resident of Mendon Township, is recognized 
 as one of its most valued citizens, and is the 
 proprietor of a good farm on sectiim 1. Dur- 
 ing the years of a busy career he has labored to 
 good Advantage and acquired a competence for his 
 old age. 
 
 Our subject was born in the town of Half Moon, 
 Saratoga Co.. X. Y.. Dec. lU. 1843, and was the 
 youngest of ten children of .lames, .Sr., and Abbie 
 (Vickery) .Smith, who were also natives of Saratoga 
 
 f 
 
 ■•► 
 
J. 
 
 310 
 
 ST. .lOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 County. Tlieie .ilso they were le.ared and married, 
 and lived nnlil llie death of the mother, whicli oc- 
 curred in 184."). The father subseqnently changed 
 his residence to Alhany County, where he spent his 
 last years, passinj? away ahoul 1H76. Of their three 
 sons and seven daughters, five are now living, and 
 located mostly in Saratoga and Alhany Counties. 
 N. Y. 
 
 Ml-. Smith was reared at his father's country 
 homestead in liis native county, where lie lived until 
 a youtli of eighteen years, acquiring a common- 
 school education and becoming familiar with agri- 
 cultural pursuits. His mother had died when he 
 was a lad of two years, and from his youth up he 
 was largely depenilent upon himself, and formed the 
 habits of industry and economy wliicli have paved 
 tlie way to his success in life. L'lwn leaving liome 
 about 18G1, he went into Orleans County, N. Y., 
 and for one year was emiiloyed there on a farm by 
 tiie inontli. Later lie loolv up the science of agri- 
 culture on his own hook, operating four years in 
 Orleans County. N. Y., until about 1866. 
 
 Our subji'ct now migrated to Southern Miciiigan, 
 and sojourned a period of a few months in Brady 
 Township, Kalamazoo County. Then returning to 
 his native Stale he liveil in Orleans County, carrying 
 on farming until May. 1881. He now decided to 
 locate permaiientlv in this county, and .accordingly 
 purchased liis present farm in Mendon Township. 
 Here he has i;^6 acres of good land with suitable 
 buildings, a fair assortment of farm m.achineiy. live 
 stoclx, and the general appliances of the well-regu- 
 lated country estate. 
 
 On the 28th of January, 1863, occurred a most 
 interesting event iu the life of our subject, viz: 
 his marriage, which was celebrated in Orleans 
 County, N. Y., the bride being Miss Hattie V. 
 Flint. This lady was a native of Albion, and died 
 at their home in Orleans County, Jan. 14, 1879, 
 leaving no children. Mr. Smith contracted a second 
 matrimonial alliance in Kalamazoo County, this 
 State, June 7, 1881, with Miss Emma Paine. Mrs. 
 Emma Smith was born in Barre, Orleans Co., N. Y., 
 Oct. 23, 18,58, and is the daughter of John and 
 Mary A. (Bates) Paine, being the lliinl in a family of 
 ten children. Her parents were natives of Buffalo, 
 and are now residents of Orleans County. All of 
 
 their children are living, and located mostl\' in 
 Orleans County. N. Y. 
 
 Of this marriage of our subject there have been 
 born three children, two daughters and a son — 
 Hattie. May and James O. Mr. Smith cast his first 
 Presidential vote for A. Lincoln, and is one of the 
 most reliable members of the Republican parly. 
 
 >.|-^ik- 
 
 ENRY DRIESBACH, Superintendent of the 
 County Farm, was placed in charge of this 
 institution in tiie j'ear 1884. and in the dis- 
 charge of his responsible duties has acquit- 
 ted himself with great credit. It is a position 
 difficult to fill, one requiring great tact and good 
 judgment, and one to which the i)rescnt incumbent 
 seems thoroughly adapte<L The farm comprises 
 180 acres of land kx'ated on section n. Fawn River 
 Township, and accommodates twenty-nine depend- 
 ants of the county, some of whom are able to as- 
 sist in its labors, and some of whom are not. The 
 land is under a good state of cultivation, yielding 
 under its present good management sufficient to 
 maintain its beneficiaries in a comfortable manner. 
 Our subject w.as born in Clarence Township, 
 Erie Co, N. Y., Aug. 7, 1829, and is the son of 
 Jonathan and Susan (Hershey) Driesbach. the former 
 a native of Pennsylvania, and of Holland-Dutch 
 ancestr}-, and the latter born in the Dominion of 
 Canada. The father began life April 3, 1800. was a 
 tradesman, and also followed coopering until 1848, 
 in Williamsville. N. Y. The parents lived in Erie 
 County. N. Y.. where the father died in 1885; the 
 mother is still living. Their family included four 
 children, of whom our subject was the eldest. His 
 younger sister, Harriet, the widow of Charles C. 
 Grove, is living near Buffalo, Erie Co.. N. Y. ; 
 Isaac learned the coopering trade of his father, and 
 located in Memphis. Tenn.. where his death took 
 place about 1872; William was married in Erie 
 County, N. Y., where he died about 1886. 
 
 Our subject left the Keystone State when a roan 
 of thirty years, in 18;")'.), and coming to this county, 
 settled in Sturgis Township. He had learned black- 
 smithing in New York, but after coming to Michi- 
 gan engaged in butchering, which he followed in ^ 
 
■♦- 
 
 sr. JOSKl'H COUNTY. 
 
 -t^ 
 
 :n[ 
 
 t 
 
 Sttirjris five years. In 18fi3 lie purchnsed 100 acres 
 of hiiitl almut tlirce miles west of the present Count}' 
 Farm, and thereafter engaged in agiiciilturu! pur- 
 suit*. Upon tliis lie lived until 1884, .ind then left 
 it in charge of lieiijamin Baker. 
 
 Our suliject was married, in 1852. to Miss Harriet 
 N. Campliell, who was horn in 183'2, in Erie County, 
 N. Y.. and is the daughter of Matthew and Cath- 
 erine (Uoyer) Caniphell, the father a prominent 
 farmer and stock-raiser of liric County, N. Y. The 
 parents were natives of Pennsylvania. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. Drieslmch there have been horn six cliildren, 
 two sons and four daughters: Harriet N. is the wife 
 of Thomas lUirton, engaged in farming at Burr 
 Oak; Henry is farming in Allegan County, this 
 State: Kittie S. is nurse in the city hospital at Buf- 
 falo, N. Y.; Herr is at home; Lottie is engaged as 
 a clerk for the wholesale hardware firm of Sheppard 
 A- Co., in Bufftdo, N. Y'.; and Ella M. died in 1855. 
 Mrs. DriesliMcli died in 1870. Mr. D. wasa second 
 time married, in 1871. to Mrs. Kate S. Hawk, widow 
 of the late Lafayette Hawk, her maiden name being 
 Gee. Mrs. D. has two children by her first mar- 
 riage — Isaac N. and Frederick L. 
 
 Mr. Drieslmch has been quite prominent in local 
 affairs, olliciatiiig as I'alhmaster and School Di- 
 rector in his township, aiirl identifying himself with 
 the various enterprises tending to the prospeiity of 
 its people. He was Supervisor of the township 
 four years, has also held the oliice of Township 
 Trea.-urer two years, and that of Highway Commis- 
 sioner three years. 
 
 j^^IDNEY CAIU'ENTER. the owner of one 
 
 ^^^^ of the finest farms in Burr Oak Town- 
 
 'mJ\SJ ship, came to this county a |KM)r man in 
 
 the year 183G. He had m.ade the journey 
 
 overland from Cattaraugus County, N. Y.. with a 
 
 team of horses and a wagon. He had borrowed <(()(! 
 
 in money with which to .secure po.ssession of a tract 
 
 of land, and with this limited ca|)ital corainencod 
 
 in earnest the struggle from-whicli he h.as come out 
 
 with rtying colors. To detail the hardslii|xs and 
 
 struggles which he endured in bringing the soil to 
 
 a state of cultivation and building up for himself 
 
 and family a comfortable homestead, would only be 
 to recapitulate the story which has so often been 
 told in connection with the early history of Michi- 
 gan. .SulHce it to say that he proved to be one of 
 the most enterprising men of hi.s coniniunity, and 
 to-day bears the reputation of being one of the 
 most prosjjerous. He looked uiron this section of 
 the country in its Territorial days, and no man ha.s 
 taken a wanner interest in its growth and pros- 
 perity. 
 
 Mr. CariKJiitcr wits born in Worcester County. 
 Mijss., April 27, 1810, and is consequently nearing 
 his fourscore years. From New England he mi- 
 grated to Cattaraugus County, N. Y.. settling with 
 a brother-in-law i_n the vicinity of Farmersville. 
 "where he lived and carried tin farming until 18;?(i. 
 His next removal w,i.s to this county. His jwrents, 
 Frederick .and F-uniee (Burris) Carpenter, were n.i- 
 tives respectively of Connecticut and Massachu- 
 setts, and the maternal grandfather, David Burris, 
 was an old Revolutionary soldier, who served his 
 seven years in the army and lived to rejoice in wit- 
 nessing the independence of the Colonists. After- 
 ward lie settled upon a farm in the vicinity of 
 Warren. Mass., and there spent his l.nst days. Fred- 
 crick Cari)enter closed his eyes u\Km earthly scenes 
 at his'home in Massachusetts, in 1822; the mother 
 died in New York in 18G5. Their lK)Useliold in- 
 clude<l thirteen children. 
 
 Mr. Carpenter upon coming to this county pur- 
 cliasc<l eighty acres of land on section 20, which is 
 now included in his present farm, and to which he 
 has added until his estate embraces about 3(KI. acres. 
 lie has about him all the comforts of mo<lern life, 
 including good buihlings. fruit and shade trei's, 
 shrubbery, barns, live stock and modern machin- 
 ery. His course h.as been marked by that industry 
 and |)er.severance which seldom fail to meet with 
 their legitimate reward. He was iuarrie<l, .Ian. U>, 
 18:{;3. to >nss Eunice, daughter of Peres Brown, of 
 Farmersville. N. Y.. and they begun the journey of 
 life together in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and trav- 
 eled thereafter in eom|)any for a peri<.)d of seven- 
 teen yesirs, when the <levote<I wife was called hence 
 on the loth of .liine. I85li. Of this union there* 
 were no chiblren. 
 
 .Mr. Carpenter, in August. 1851. contracted a sec- 
 
 i~ 
 
 1*^:^-^ 
 
•►hf^ 
 
 312 
 
 !ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ond marriage, with Miss Amanda Worden, who was 
 born in New York in 1833. Tiie parents of the 
 present Mrs. Carpenter spent their last years in 
 New York. Of tliis marriajre of our subject there 
 were born three .sons and three (laughters, one of 
 wliom, Eugene, died Sept. 24, 1855, when an in- 
 fant of six montlis. Their eldest son, Frederick, is 
 a prosperous farmer of Burr Oak Townsiiip; Ida is 
 the wife of Lorentus Porter, and .Jennie is the wife 
 of Charles TurnbuU. both well-to-do farmers of 
 Burr Oak Township; Hose was married to Lester 
 Perrin. of Sherman Townsiiip, and died .Ian. 24. 
 1874. and Charles died in 1862. Mr. Carpen- 
 ter cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. .lack- 
 son, and for many jears has been a supporter of 
 the principles of the Democratic party. 
 
 -^-^ 
 
 -{- 
 
 ^F M. GRAHAM, who liolils a good position 
 w5'4!l| among tlie members of the legal profession 
 i) in Jiurr Oak. cslaltlislieil at tliis place on 
 the 1st of December, 1874. lie was born 
 in Slailison Townsiiip, Lenawee County, this State, 
 Oct. 1, 1841, and was educated in tiie common 
 schools of his native county. His parents, WiU 
 marth and Saraii (Coats) Graham, were natives of 
 New York State, and of Scotch descent. The pa- 
 ternal great-grand fatiier was born in liie city of 
 Glasgow, .Scotland. 
 
 Tlie |)arents of our siil)jeot left their native State 
 soon after tiieir marriage, antl emigrated to Lena- 
 wee County, Midi., wiiere tiie fatlier secured a 
 tract of land and carried on farming until 1858; 
 he tlien removed to Burr 0:ik, wiiere lie remained 
 uiilil ills death, wliicii took pKace Feb. 22, 1866. 
 Tlie mother died Jan. 6, 188!). The household cir- 
 cle embraced two ciiiidren onl}', our suliject and 
 his sister Adelia. Tiie latter now resides at Ciiarle- 
 voix, Micii., and is the wife of Lorenzo B. Porter. 
 
 Young Graliani continued willi iiis parents on 
 the farm in liis native townsin'i) until his marriage, 
 whicli occurred Dec. 11, 1860. His liride was Miss 
 Lorena Porter; she lived not quite two years after 
 iicr marriage, her death taking place in September, 
 1868. Mr. Graiiini, in July, 1869, w.as tiie second 
 time married, to Mrs. Augusta Tobe}', of Burr Oak, 
 
 -<• ! 
 
 and the daughter of Gideon and Jane Sanliorn, 
 who were natives of M.-issachusetts; tlie former is 
 now dead, but the latter is still living. Of this 
 union there has been born one child, a daughter, 
 Jennie. 
 
 Mr. Graham h.os worked his own way up in the 
 world, having no capiUil to begin with, and has at- 
 tained to his present position solely- by his own 
 eflforts. He taught school a few terms, and went 
 from tlie farm into a law oHice at Burr Oak, where 
 he made good use of his time, keeping his eyes 
 open to wliat was going on around him. In Feb- 
 ruary", 1805, during the last year of the war, he 
 enlisted in the United States Navy, with the Mis- 
 sissippi Squadron, which operated on tlie Mississippi, 
 Tennessee, Ohio and Cumberland Rivers. At the 
 close of the war he was discharged, Jnly 28, 1865, 
 and took up his residence in Burr Oak. 
 
 Our subject was a member of the Republican 
 party until 1876, when he identified himself with 
 tlie Green bivckers, and with them has since been an 
 active worker. He lias hehl the ollice of Justice 
 of the Peace in Burr Oak two terms, and was Cir- 
 cuit Court Commissioner in St. Joseph County the 
 same length of time. Socially, he belongs to the 
 Masonic fraternity. His iiome is ple.asanti}' lo- 
 cated at the corner of Henry ar.d Second streets. 
 
 (j^^ AMUEL AMESS. Among the well-known, 
 ^^^ respected an<l patriotic citizens of Burr Oak 
 (ft^\u) Township, nimeare more wortliy of a jilace 
 in this volume than he whose history is 
 here iu-ietly sketched. Mr. Amess is a native of 
 Norfolk, England, and was born in August, 1819. 
 He came to America inthej^ear 1851. In England 
 he had been a day laborer, and followed the same 
 when beginning life here. By care, management 
 and frugality, coupled with honest raanl}' effort, he 
 has made his way to Ids present most cre<1itable 
 position in society. The maiden name of the ex- 
 cellent wife of our suljject was Nancy Doughty, 
 the daughter of John Doughty, who was also a 
 laborer in England. Our subject first came to 
 America alone, and after he had saved sutticient 
 money he sent for his wife and little one. Their 
 
 " •► 
 
-4»- 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ■«»• 
 
 ■.US 
 
 
 home lifls been in the vicinity of Burr Oak since 
 
 lflG«. 
 
 In llie veiir lK(i2 liic sulijcct of our i<kt'tcii enlisted 
 in the Union Army, lieconiliif; a nu'iiihi-r of the 
 IVtIi New York Battery, and serve<l from that time 
 until the close of tlie war. lie was in the iTide- 
 pendent Batteiy.anil took part in man3'of tlie bmall 
 engagements and skirmishes. 
 
 Keceiving an honorahle discharge at the expira- 
 tion of his military service our sul'ject returneil to 
 hisiiomc, and once more engaged in the struggle to 
 lietter the condition in life of hiniself and family, 
 an<i provide something against the time when lie 
 would be unahle to continue artluous toil. Realizing 
 the opportunity that is afftirdetl in this grandly free 
 counliy, he matle the most of it. and was at all times 
 assisted to the utmost hy his wife, who has been a 
 nobly true and faithful wdnian in every relation of 
 life. 
 
 Our subject and wife have luit one ilaughter, 
 Mary A., who is the wife of AVilliani Watson, one 
 of the well-to-do and prosperous farmer of Burr 
 Oak Township. She was born in Kngl.nnd, on the 
 .5th of September, \H:>o. Her parenlsand also her- 
 self and husband are accorded the esteem of the com- 
 munity, anil are regarded as worthy and honorable 
 members of the same. Jlrs. Amtss attends the 
 Methodist Ki)iscopal Church, and in politics Mr. 
 A. is a Republican. 
 
 \ ORVnoN (KOOKS is one of the most relia- 
 ble and ihritlv citizens of Burr Oak Town- 
 ^^^' ship, lie is a native of Delaware County, 
 Ohio, and w;is born at O.xford on the IJth of .Inly. 
 lf<2;!. His father, George Crooks, was a native of 
 Pennsylvania and followc<] the trade of a blacksmith. 
 The maiden name of his wife, the mother of our 
 sidiject. was .Susitnnah Cowles. They were the par- 
 ents of five cbihlren, two sons and three daughters. 
 After he left school our suhject was apprenticed 
 to learn the carpentry tnule. and became quite an 
 able mechanic. He continued to follow his trade 
 for about fort}' years, during which time he lived 
 in Indiana. In April of jM-l'.l he w.-is married, in 
 Steuben County, Ind., to Mrs. Deborah Uecbe. the 
 
 daughter of Amos and Martha (Ross) Beebc. The 
 wife of our subject was boiri on the ;3il of .lanu.'iry, 
 1S2!». in Knox County. Ohio, and until her marriage 
 made her home with her parents. She liecame the 
 mother of one son, whose name is Amos D., of 
 (ioshen, Ind. 
 
 Mr. Crooks migrateil to Michigan in 18Hl,and 
 worked at his trade, but also took a tract of land, 
 which he proceeded to improve. He now with his 
 son owns 130 acies, all of which is well improved 
 and highl}' cultiviited ; he carries on general farming. 
 
 Mrs. Crooks is a stanch member of the Church of 
 Holy Da}' .'^aints, ami has been in that relation since 
 1888. . The political s^'mpathies of our subject are 
 with the Republican party, with which helms always 
 voted since having the right so to do. 
 
 I 
 
 -^^ 
 
 .»<a^2£/(5-j@«^g^T.®J^V2rOT»\»-vv.»- 
 
 ^AMES E. SEAVER. The subject of this 
 sketch arrived in this county from Lock- 
 port, Ni.ngara Co., X. Y., in December, 
 >^!J/ 1869. nearly twenty years ago, and li.as since 
 residcil within its limits. During this time he has 
 l)een interested in local .affairs, serving as a memher 
 of the Village Council, and is .at present .lustiec of 
 the Peace. He is a native of Orleans County, N. Y., 
 and is the son of B. E. and Evaline (B.'irlow) .Sea- 
 ver. who were also natives of the Emjiire Stale. 
 The father was for some years a foundryman at 
 Rochester, N. Y., but later turned his attention to 
 farming, seltlmg on a tract of land in Orleans 
 County. N. Y., where he spent his last days, ami 
 ilied in Februarj', 1800. The paternal grandfather, 
 William Seaver, was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
 War. 
 
 Mr. Seaver. after leaving the primary schools, at- 
 tended Genesee College for a time and other schotds 
 at Buffalo. N. Y. Three years atterwanl he was en- 
 gaged in teaching. Later, for another iK.'rio<l of 
 three years, he was employeil as a bookkeeper for 
 an importing house in New York City. When set- 
 ting aiioul the esUiblishment of a home of his own, 
 he was married to Miss Cornelia A. Hinman, of 
 Lockport, N. Y. This lady is the daughter of 
 Charles and Margaret (1. (.McKnitilU) Hinman. 
 both natives of New York State, and the father of 
 
■► I t m^ 
 
 ,t 
 
 314 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 English descent. The first rcpresentitive of his 
 family in this country crossed tiie ocean in the 
 '•Mayflower" in 1620. Cornelia A. completed ber 
 education in the city schools of Lockport, N. Y. 
 She employed herself as a teacher before her mar- 
 riage, which took place in her native county. After 
 ISGi) Mr. Seaver followed farming until he took 
 up his residence in the western jwrlion of the vil- 
 lage of Burr Oak, where he now lives. 
 
 The family of Mr. and Mrs. Seaver consists of 
 five children, iianiel}': Julia, Beverly E., Nelson H., 
 Edgar and Herbert. Mr. .Seaver, politically, affil- 
 iates with the Republican party, and is an active 
 suppcjrter of its princii>les. He identified himself 
 with tiie Masonic fraternity, and is a member of 
 Lo<lge No. ;3oG, at Medina. He has always been 
 interested in the mattei's of import;ince to the com- 
 munity in general, and has been the incumbent 
 of otlices of trust and responsibility. 
 
 -<3= 
 
 J I OSEPH C. STOWELL. Among the pioneers 
 l{ of St. Joseph County none are lielil in higher 
 I: regard than the subject of this biography. 
 '' Tlirifly, well-to-do,' honorable and upright 
 in his transactions, Mr. St(jwell i)r(>sents the picture 
 of the typical pioneer and one of the most valued 
 members of his community, lie settled in Burr 
 Oak Township in IHST), and has since been closely 
 itlentilicd with the interests of its people. 
 
 The town of Winchester. Cheshire Co., N. H., 
 cradled our subject seventy-eight years ago. he 
 having been born Oct. 27, 1810. His parents, Eli- 
 jah and Deborah (Lincoln) Stowell, were natives of 
 the same town as their son, the father born May 
 28, 177i», and the mother July 2!», 1774. Their 
 family included six sons and six daughters, who 
 presented the remarkable circumstance of all living 
 to mature years, marrying and being settled in 
 comfortable homes of their own. The record of 
 their births is as follows: Lovisa, March 20, 1804; 
 Alvah, Oct. 8. 1X05; Paul. Feb. 2:5. 1807; Deborah, 
 Nov. 18, 1808; Joseph C. Oct. 27,1810; Israel, 
 Sept. 10. 1812; Elijah. Nov. 27, 1814; Abigail. Oct. 
 9, ISIG; Sftuuiel L., Nov. 1, 1818; Khoda, April 9, 
 
 1821 ; Hannah. Aug. 26. 182.3. and Elijah C. March 
 16, 1827. The family left the Old Granite St.ate in 
 1819, locating in Madison Count}', N. Y. 
 
 Our subject continued a resident of New York 
 State with his parents until March, 1885, when he 
 started out on a prospecting tour, visiting this 
 county. The following spring he repeated his jour- 
 ney-, and selected eight}" acres of land on section 14, 
 in Burr Oak Township, and which is now included 
 in his present homestead. He was prospered in his 
 labors as a tiller of the soil, and in due time added 
 eighty acres. He has 100 of this under a high state 
 of cultivation, and has erected the buildings neces- 
 sary for his convenience and comfort. 
 
 Our subject was first married, in 1837, to Miss 
 Alvira M. Niles, who lived only one j-ear after her 
 wedding. In .March, 1840, he was married to his 
 present wife, then Miss Claravina, daughter of 
 Misliael and Ruth (Bidwell) Beadle, who were orig- 
 inally from the town of Marengo, Wa^'ne Co., N. 
 Y. In 1818 they left the Empire State, an<l settled 
 near the town of Bucyrus, Crawford Co., Ohio. 
 Thence they came to .Michigan, lived for a time in 
 the vicinity of Mottville, and later removed to 
 Young's Prairie. In June, 1828. they changed their 
 residence to Flowcrfield, and in the summer of 1829 
 Mr. Beadle erected a small gristmill, which was 
 known as the "corn-cracker." It was of the primi- 
 tive style of archilcctuie, and the flour was bolted 
 through book muslin. Mrs. Stowell when a girl 
 spent many an hour shaking this bolt Ijy hand dur- 
 ing her father's absence from tiie mill. The ina- 
 chiner}' of this mill was finally modernized by 
 putting in buhr grinding stones. 
 
 The Black Hawk War breaking out in the spring 
 of 1832, Mishael Beadle joined the army, but was 
 not permitted to eng.age in any active fighting, as 
 the famous chief was soon afterward captured and 
 the conflict closed. Mr. Beadle then returned home 
 and continued his milling until 1832. He then pur- 
 chased a farm in Fabius Township, but lived only a 
 short time afterward, pjissing away in April, 1839. 
 The widowed mother survived a period of eleven 
 j'ears. lived to see her children grown, and then 
 departed hence, with the consciousness of having 
 done well her |)art in life. 
 
 Of the marriage of our subject there have been 
 
 •► 
 
 r 
 
-^^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 3i; 
 
 l)(>ni four cliildrcn: Melissii I).. A[)ril 12,1841; 
 Until A.. .I:in. 2S. 1843: Joseph M.. May 1, 184.5, 
 and Hciij.'iinin K.. March U, 1H47. Josi-ph. during 
 the lalu Civil War. ciiiisti'd in Keliruary, 18C4, in 
 Conipanj- K, 7th Michigan Infantry, whieli was soon 
 transferred to Company I. lie participaleil in tiie 
 liatllu of the Wilderness, and marched to Peters- 
 burg, where lie met a solrlier's death June 22 of 
 that same .year. Mi's remains were subsequently 
 broujiht home and laid to rest in the cemetery near 
 Iiy. He w.as a fine specimen of manhood, a brave 
 soldier, aiul was cut down in the lh)wer of liis3"outh. 
 being only nineteen years of .age. Miss Melissa Stow- 
 ell. the eldest daughter of our subject, and now the 
 head of the household, is a lady of more than ordi- 
 nary abilities, and the comfort and protection of her 
 aged parents as tliey are passing down the sunset 
 hill of life. Benjamin, the youngest of the family, 
 resides witli his familj- on a portion of the home- 
 stead, where he carries on agriculture. 
 
 ^1^ irilKR (.|;A\KS, a represenl.alive farmer 
 5) of St. Joseph County, is the son of (oscph 
 <; raves, that well-known pioneer, who es- 
 tablished himself in the embryo community of Burr 
 Oak Township as early as February. 1833, while 
 Michigan was still a Territory. The native State 
 of the latter wa.s Vermont, and he was born in the 
 town of Barton, Orleans County, Aug. 30, 1791. 
 
 The father of our subject left the Green Jlount- 
 ain Suite in I82(i. and making his way to Genesee 
 County, N. Y.. sojournefl there a period of six 
 years, and carried on farming. lie started for IMich- 
 igan in the winter of 1832. At that time the Chi- 
 cago Turnpike had been surveyed and jMrtially con- 
 structed, although no briflges had luvn built. 'I'he 
 streams, however, were mostly fordable, and the 
 swamps intervening were "cortluroyefl." Jose|>h 
 Graves u|K)n reaching Burr Oak Township located 
 on section 1 1, ]>urchasing 240 acres of land of a 
 man bj- the name of Hatch, formerly of LeRoy, 
 N. Y. 
 
 The parental family of our subject consisted at 
 that time of seven children, <two of whom are now 
 
 living: l':uscal is deceased; Lucinda became the 
 wife of John Stillman, of Burr Oak. a mason b^' 
 trade, but now retired; Luther; Daniel and Carlos, 
 deceased; Julia, who married (Jeorge Boyles, is 
 also decea.sed. and an infant died unnamed. The 
 mother. Mrs. .Sarah (Sanborn) (Jraves. w:is born in 
 June, 17'.)7, in Barton. Orleans County, and was 
 the daughter of Klijah Sanborn, a miller. .She died 
 July (). 18;i(!. She was a most estimable huly. faith- 
 ful and kind, and was beloved bv all who knew 
 her. Joseph Graves survived his wife a period of 
 thirteen years, his death taking place March 20, 
 181;). He was a Whig, politically, and in his na- 
 tive State had identified himself with the ^leth- 
 odist Episcopal Church. He passed away before the 
 organization of a Methodist .Society in this eount^', 
 but still continued his adherence to its doctrines. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, like his parents, was 
 born in Barton, Orleans Co., X. Y. He made his 
 home with his father up to the time of the latter's 
 death, although working for himself after reach- 
 ing his majority. He was married, on the 27th of 
 March. 1845. to Miss P^liza. daughter of Col. John 
 Start, of Onondaga, N. Y., who was .at that time 
 living near the city of Syracuse. He was a Colo- 
 nel of Militia, and by occupation a farmer and 
 blacksmith. Of this marriage of our subject, his 
 son Linneous L., who w.is an engineer by profession, 
 and a resident of Chicago, died Sept. 2'J, 188U. 'Hie 
 circumstances surrounding his death are sad and 
 somewhat mysterious, he having gone out duck- 
 hunting, and, it is supposed, was murdererl. He bad 
 been married, and left a wife and five children, two 
 sons and three daughters, who are still residents of 
 Chicago, living at No. 440 Twenty-ninth street. 
 The remains of this son were brought home and 
 interred in the cemetery at Burr (Jak. Mrs. Eliza 
 Graves died Feb. 17. 18.52. 
 
 Mr. Graves was married the second time, April 
 27, 18.53, to Miss Joanna, daughter of Benjamin 
 Sellick, who is now decejused. He was a mason by 
 trade, and the family were at that time residents of 
 Coldwater. Of this union there have been born 
 seven children: Frank, a farmer of Burr 0.ak Town- 
 ship; Emma, at home with her jvirents; Daniel, 
 who is farming in Burr Oak Township; Minnie, 
 who died at the age of two years and nine months; 
 
 n 
 
.»-ll^^ 
 
 318 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 JFaiv. Maiulc nnd Mabel, the latter of whom was 
 twelve years of age Oct. 14, 1888. Tlie (Jraves 
 property consists of 160 acres of land in a highly 
 fertile condition, with good improvements. The 
 proprietor is industrions. fiiigal. and in good cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 It is with pleasure that we present the portrait of 
 this estimable fjentleman in this volume. 
 
 4 
 
 -5— f=^^=^->-^ 
 
 HINEAS FARRAND. This gentleman oc- 
 
 1; cu])ies a prominent place among the citi- 
 zens of his neigiiborhood. and is among the 
 old residents of Colon Township, one who 
 has played no mean part in the dcvekijjment and 
 growth of the county, and who bore to the full the 
 peculiar difHculties and trials connected with pio- 
 neer life. His father, .losei)!) Fjirrand, was liorn in 
 Morris County, N. J. His mother, before her mar- 
 riage, bore the name of Jolia Compson, and "a.s a 
 native of the same .Slate. They were married in 
 Morris County. >.'. .1., Dec. 1, ITD'J, and first set- 
 tled in the town of Meiitz. in Cayuga County. N. Y. 
 There they made their home, and the husbaml en- 
 gaged in farming until 1837, then came to this 
 county and settled in Colon Townshi|), which was 
 their lH)nie as long as they needed one. Tliej- 
 were the parents of eleven children, eight of whom 
 came to mature years, viz: Charles C, Ebenezer, 
 James H., Electa M., Henry K.. Catharine C, Abi- 
 gail E. and I'hineas. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was the j'oungest of 
 the family, and is now the only surviving member 
 thereof. He was born in Meutz, Ca3Uga Co., N. Y., 
 on the 22(1 of December, 1^'2(). There his early 
 years were spent, an<l his school days were passed. 
 These be filled as wr.s usual with his companions, 
 fur the most part .diviiling his lime between his 
 lessons and "home chores," with some liule lime, 
 perhaps, for the play that every schoolboy finds a 
 vital necessity. 
 
 When he was seventeen years of ago Mr. Far- 
 rand came with his father to Michigan, and has 
 been a resident of section 3. Colon Township, since 
 1837. oi- lifty-one years, and has given his attention 
 continuously to agriculture. He put up one vf the 
 
 finest residences in the county, that which he now 
 occupies, which was elected in 1883, and is an 
 elegant brick structure, arranged and subdivided 
 with the view to comfort and convenience. All 
 his farm buildings are well built, and designed es- 
 pecially to meet the various requirements and uses 
 to which they may be put. His whole farm, which 
 contains about 700 acres, is managed with the same 
 thoroughness and practical utilitj'. 
 
 October 23, 1845, in Leonidas Township. St. 
 Joseph Countj', Mr. Farrand and Miss Betsey M. 
 Kinne were united in marri.age. His wife was born 
 at Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., on the 4th of Decem- 
 ber, 1826, and is the daughter of Maj. Elias h. and 
 Martha (Clark) Kiinie. Her parents were natives 
 of Massachusetts and Jsew York respectively. 
 Their family circle included twelve children, and 
 their daughter Betsey was the sixth child born. She 
 is the mother of four children, viz: Josejjh K., a 
 farmer in Colon Township; Theron G., who died 
 Maixli M, 1.S7.'); Ella M. and Grant E., both of 
 whom are at home 
 
 Mr. Farrand has been for several years County 
 Snperii'tendent of the Poor, and also Highw.ay Com- 
 missioner. He is a firm friend of Ihe Re|)ublican 
 parly, and always votes its ticket. He is every- 
 where held in high regard, as are also his wife and 
 the members of his familv. 
 
 JOHN E. .\1).V.MS. There is probably not a 
 pioneer of St. Joseph County who has seen 
 more of life in a new country and endured 
 more iiatiently its varied hardships than the 
 venerable genllemau whose name heads this Iiiog- 
 raphv. and who is now, and h.as been for a jjeriod 
 of twenty-one years, a resident of Burr Oak Town- 
 ship, and of the county fifty -three years. He was 
 born in Cairo. .Mbany Co.. N. Y., Sept. 20, 1817, 
 his childliood home being situated about two and 
 one-half miles e.ist of the village. His father, Ed- 
 ward Adams, was a farmer by occupation, a con- 
 scientious Christian gentleman, and spent iniu'h of 
 his spare time traveling over the Catskill Mouni.-iin 
 regions, laboring as an exhorter or local ijreaciu'r 
 in the Master's vinevard. He was called from his 
 
 •►Jk-4* 
 
»► ir^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 319 '^ 
 
 earthly labors in 1857. after having rounded up the 
 sum of fiftv-five yejirs. 
 
 Kdnard Aihnns in early inaniiood was married to 
 Miss JIary Mosher. the daujjiiter of Kplirafm 
 Moslier, who was one of the most devout Quakers 
 of Dutchess County, N. Y. She was an eminently 
 good woman, a faithful helpmate to her husband, 
 and a kind and loving mother of two sons and six 
 daughters. Of these, .lohn Iv, our subject, was 
 next to the youngest. Kphraim,a brother, and Mrs. 
 Asenath IJenjamin, a sister, still live in the town of 
 Florence, this county, where the family located in 
 the spring of 1835. The other children have long 
 since passed aw.ay. 
 
 .John K. .\dams, our subject, was born .Sept. 20, 
 1817, and lived with his parentis until twent^-'two 
 years of age. On the 31st of December. 1840. being 
 reafly to establish a hf>me of his own. he was united 
 in marriage with Miss Mary JI.. daughter of Benja- 
 min and Klizabeth (Howser) ^lettler. Tlie latter 
 were natives of New .lersey, and of Dutch ancestrj', 
 who i)robably crossed the Atlantic during the 
 Colonial times. Benjamin Metier emigrated to 
 Michigan during its pioneer days, settling on a 
 tract of land in Nottawa Township, this county. 
 He carried on farming successfully. 
 
 To .loliii K. and Mary M. Adams there were born 
 six children: I^evi K., Sept. ?1, 1841, and now a 
 farmer of .Vdams Township; Loren was born Aug. 
 1 1, 1843. and is carrying on farming successfully 
 in the vicinity of (irand Rapids; Sarah .1. w,a.s l)orn 
 Feb. 25. 1847. and is the wifeof William llollinger. 
 of Klkliart, Ind.; Minerva was born April 23. 1856, 
 and is the wife of H. V. Duncan; they live at the 
 homestead. Two children. Christiana and Alice 
 ( .. died in infancy. Mrs. Adams died in 1885. 
 
 .Mr. Adams during a long and useful life has 
 aeqjiilted himself as an honest man and a goo<l citi- 
 zen, and gathered around him hosts of friends. His 
 homestead comprises a snug farm of thirty acres on 
 section 7, where he has good buildings, and the land 
 of which has been brought to a fine state of i-ultiva- 
 tion. Here he and his estimable partner lived 
 for a pericKl of twenty-two years, enjoying a g<Kidly 
 mesisure of life's comforts as the result of years of 
 influstry and economy. .Vfter marriage they set- 
 tled in Florence Township, and labored witli a 
 
 mutual interest for the building up of a home and 
 the proper training and education of their children. 
 Their lives were quiet and unobtrusive, but those in 
 which they had little to reproach themselves with, 
 making it a point through a long and well-ordered 
 career to do unto Ihcir neighbors as thev would be 
 done by. 
 
 -i^^' 
 
 y^ILLlA.M W. BATES, proprietor of the Bun- 
 Oak Acorn and the Burr Oak Bakery and 
 ^^' Keslanrant, came to this county in the fall 
 of 18G2, and located on a tract of land in Slurgis 
 Township. Here he operated two years, and then 
 removed to Mason Count}-, Mich., where he took 
 up a homestead and carried on the improvement 
 and cultivation of the land for a period of sixteen 
 j'ears. Then returning to .Slurgis, he embarke<I in 
 the bakery, grocery and restaurant business, and was 
 thus occupied until his removal to Burr Oak, in 
 October, 1886. 
 
 Our subject was born in Branlford, C;inada West, 
 Dee. 21. 1836, and is the son of Benjamin C. and 
 Sarah (Cliapin) Bates, who were natives respect- 
 ively of Canada and New York State. They h.ad a 
 famil}' of seven children, all of whom lived to ma- 
 ture years. About 1840 the family removed to 
 Ohio, thence to Indiana, and from there to St. 
 Josejih County. .Mich., where the father of our 
 sul>ject spent the remainder of his da3's, his death 
 occurring in the fall of 1875. The mother is still 
 living, making her home in .Slurgis. .Mich. The 
 early j-ears of our subject were spent under the pa- 
 rental roof, where he became familiar with farm- 
 ing pursuits and also .acquired a common-school 
 education. In the winter of 1861 he w.as united in 
 marriage with .Miss .Sarah K. Thurstyn, at that lime 
 a resident of Stnrgis. .Mrs. Bates was born in 1842. 
 and is the daughter of George and .Sarah (Jones) 
 Thurston, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and 
 came West about 1832. Of this union there were 
 born four children, namely : Lillian Huntley died 
 when two years and eight months old in Slurtjis; 
 fJeorge B., engaged in a carriage factory in Kala- 
 mazoo; Kilwin P., editor of the Burr t):ik Aoni, 
 and Gordon I). G.. a con)[>ositor in the ollice of his 
 father. Family dilHcullies resulted in Ihe sep;ira- 
 
 r 
 
.^1^^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 320 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 W iinti 
 
 tion of our snliji-ct from liis wife in the winter of 
 187o, anfl In the winter of 1(^80 lie was married to 
 Mrs. Rebecca J. (Morrs) Webster. The first husliaiid 
 of Mrs. Bates was a direct descendant of Daniel 
 Webster. Our subject left home at the age of 
 eighteen 3'ears, and going to Lena. 111., was there 
 employed as a clerk in a dry-gooils store seven 
 months. Thence he migrated across the Mississippi 
 to Osage. Iowa, and had charge of a store there for 
 the same length of time. From the Hawke^-e State 
 be went into Kansas, and in the vicinity of Manhat- 
 tan carried on farming a period of four years. We 
 next finil him at Pike's Peak, prospecting for gold, 
 but an experience of six weeks satisfied him as to 
 this errand, afid he returned to Kansas in the com- 
 pany of another young man. crossing the plains on 
 horseback. The journey- consumed eighteen d.ays, 
 one of which was the 4th of July, and wliich the 
 two travelers celebrated in a highly independent 
 manner. The}' fired thirteen salutes with their re- 
 volvers, and otherwise made the day one of onjoj'- 
 ment, as far as [lossible, on the desert ])lains. 
 
 Mr. Bates was in the vicinity of the scene of 
 John Brown's operations, and sheltered the old hero 
 after he had driven the stJdiers into Ft. .Scott, Mr. 
 Brown sleeping in the bunk occupied bj* our sub- 
 ject. From Kansas Mr. Bates returned to the home 
 of his parents in Indiana, whence he repaired later 
 to Canada, and resumed merchandising, having 
 charge of a store in the Doniiniou a period of six 
 months. Upon the outbreak of the late war he re- 
 turned to the farm of his father, while his two 
 younger brotliers went into the army. The younger, 
 Gordon, lost both eyes in the service, but turned 
 his musical talents to good account, and became 
 celebrated as a singer and performer on musical 
 instruments. lie died at Pcntwater in l,s73. The 
 other brother. Charles, was injured by being thrown 
 from a load of wood at Murfreesboro, and is now 
 living in Iowa, independent of the (Jovernment. 
 IMr. Bates on account of failing health proceeded 
 to New Mexico, where he staid nine months at 
 Socorro, but rctinned no belter in health. In 1.S85 
 he took a trip through Kentucky and Tennessee. 
 
 Mr. Bates in his \ounger years identified himself 
 with the Ut'pid)lican parly, with which he atliliateil 
 until about four years ago, when his warm interest 
 
 in the temperance cause led him to rail}' to the 
 support of the Prohibitionists. He was at one |)e- 
 riod of his life an active politician, but has deemed 
 it the wisest course of late j-ears to remain neutral, 
 and in this spirit conducts the Acftrn. He also has 
 considerable music talent, and taught singing when 
 a youth of sixteen years. Since that time he has 
 been a member of the Baptist Church, and has 
 served, more or less, as Sunday-school Superin- 
 tendent, teacher and chorister. 
 
 ^*>- 
 
 ->'^:>^:i?Hi!^:5<-'^-^ 
 
 ^^ ILAS W. BENNETT. The subject of this 
 ^^^ sketch is a man prominent and popular in 
 li\/\«j his coinniunity. and for the Last fifty ye.-irs 
 
 h.as been farming in an intelligent manner 
 
 on section 33, Nottawa Township. A native of 
 l>runswick. N. J., ho was born Feb. 15. 1822. the 
 eldest son in a family of nine children, the offspring 
 of Kev. Asa and Sallie (Goram) Bennett, who were 
 born in Connecticut. The father was of French 
 descent, while the mother traces her ancestry to 
 England. After their marriage they- settled in 
 Brunswick, where the father prcpai-wl himself for 
 the ministry, but later they removed to tlielunpire 
 State, locating about twelve miles north of the city 
 of Albany. 
 
 From Albany the parents of our subject changed 
 their residence, first to Lodi, and thence, in the 
 spring of 1838. to this county, settling on a farm 
 in Nottawa Township. The father here founded 
 the Dutch Reformed Church of Centreville, being 
 its first pastor, and remained in charge of it for 
 several years. He spent most of his life there- 
 after in Nottawa Township, although he resided in 
 the village one or two years. The parents both 
 died on a farm in the township. 
 
 Our subject, when a lad of fourteen years, pre- 
 ceded his ]>arents to Jlichig.an. coming to Monroe 
 in the fall of 1836. Upon his parents joining him 
 some time later, he made his home with them, and 
 occupied himself .as a clerk in a dry-goo<ls store. 
 His educalion was acquired mostly in the common 
 schools, and his occupation, with the exception of 
 his two-years clerkship, h.as been farming con- 
 tinuouslv. His homestead embraces 150 acres of 
 
-■► 
 
 ST. ,iosp:pii county. 
 
 :v.' I 
 
 i' 
 
 <r<x(d 1.111(1. with fair improvoments, a comfortable 
 house, a jjoofl ham and ori-h.inl. together with other 
 fruit and s^hado trees, a fair a.ssortment of live 
 stoek, and maoliinery necessary for the successful 
 prosecution of his callinji. 
 
 For the last tiiirty-six years our sulijecl ii.as been 
 accompanied in the journey of life by a most es- 
 timable lady, who in her girlhood was Miss Laura 
 M. Tyler, and to whom he w.as married, in Colon 
 Township, this county, Oct. 12, 1852. Mrs. Ben- 
 nett was born Feb. 23, 1833. in Onondaga County, 
 N. v.. and is the daughter of Hev. .lob and Sallie 
 (Davis) Tyler, who left the Kmpire State and came 
 to the Territory of Michigan in 1836, settling in 
 Colon Township when their d.aughter Laura was a 
 little child of three years. The father had, prior 
 to this, occujiied the pulpii of the First Baptist 
 Church in Onondaga County, N. Y., but after 
 coming to .Michigan gave his attention mostly to 
 farming. In the fall of 1852 he went to California, 
 and died on the Island of .San Diego, in July. 1853. 
 where his remains were laid to rest. The mother 
 remained a resident of Colon Township a number 
 of years, and died in the village in April. 1876. 
 They had a family of eleven children, of whom 
 Mrs. Bennett was the youngest. Eight of these 
 are living. They have grown up worthy and use- 
 ful citizens, .an honor to their parental training, and 
 form valued f.actors of their community. 
 
 .Mr. anil Mrs. Bennett commenced the journey of 
 life together in Nottawa Township, this county, 
 and have labored with one mutual purpose in the 
 building up of their homeste.id and the education 
 of their children. Of these there are eight in num- 
 ber, six sons and two daughters, namely: Deniont 
 T.. DeWItt C., James ('.. -Vsa O., Sherman. Dora, 
 Carrie anfl one infant. The eldest son is farming 
 in Mecosta County, this .State: DeWitt is prosecut- 
 ing agri<'ulture successfully in Colon Township, 
 this county; James. Asa. .Sherman and the two 
 daughters are at home with their jwrents. 
 
 Mr. IWnnett cast his first Presidential vote for 
 Gen. Harrison, in 1«40. and since the organization 
 of the Rcpublicjin party has given to it his unquali- 
 fied sup|>ort. In the building up t>f one of the 
 best homesteads of St. .loscph Coimty. he has thus 
 contrilnited his (|Uota Ui its growth and develop- 
 
 4» 
 
 nient. and may properly be numliered among its 
 representative men. As an agriculturist he has 
 exercised both industry and good judgment, and as 
 a business man is |)rompt and reliable, one whose 
 word is considered as good as his bond. He has 
 served as Road Commissioner in his township, and 
 with his estimable wife, is a member in good stand- 
 ing of the Methodist FpiscoiKil Church, to which 
 they have ever given a liberal sui)port, and are 
 numbered among its chief pillars. 
 
 ^^ HARLKS AHL(".RIM is one of the prorai- 
 ;ll „ nent representative Ocnnan-American citi- 
 
 
 ■^S^ zens and farmers of Burr Oak Township. 
 He was l>orn in the North of Germany on the 3d 
 of May, 1838. and became prosperous as a farmer 
 in his native countrj', as prosperit}' goes there. He 
 was not rich, but on the other hand, was not suffering. 
 He determined to try the New World, an<l accord- 
 ingly emigrated to these shores in 1 863. He made his 
 home first in Colon. In beginning life here he was 
 f.ace to face with the dilliculties incidental to a 
 change of country and language, and what was 
 equally, if not even more embarrassing, the ditficulty 
 of being minus funds. He ln.'gan by working out b}' 
 the da}', and as soon as he had saved a little he 
 rented a farm, and so gradually climbed the huliler 
 round by rounil. 
 
 In 1866 our subject was united in marriage with 
 Miss Mary Frost, of Colon. There. have come to 
 our subject and wife nine children, whom we men- 
 tion as follows: Fred, Charles, Henry. Will. Lena. 
 John, Minnie. Frank and .Martha. .Mrs. Christina 
 Frost, the mother of Mrs. Ahlgrim, who has reached 
 the advanced age of seventy -seven years, makes her 
 home with our subject. Besides .Mr. Ahlgrim there 
 are two other members of his family in America: 
 His bister RachnQl, the widow of Joseph Nenodolf. 
 of Burr Oak, and Minnie, the wife of Christ Broker, 
 of Leonidas Township. 
 
 Our suliject has taken deep interest in the insti- 
 tutions and government of liisadoi)ted country, and 
 is a member of the Democratic party. He h.as rep- 
 resented his parly in the county conventiims. and 
 
"^^ 
 
 32; 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 + 
 
 V 
 
 is recoijiiizefl as an al)lo citizen for such work. He 
 is liifil.lv e.stcemcil as a friend and neiglibor. and is 
 no«lia|)|iil.v comparatively well off and tlioroujihly 
 siiccefsfiil ill his business affairs, owning 120 acres of 
 splendid fanning land on section 2 of Burr Oak 
 '1 ownship. 
 
 ,.... BNER 1)AVI8, deceased. No man stood 
 (S^jO liiglier in the estinialiuii of the people of 
 
 ini Burr Oak Township than he of whom we 
 (^ submit the following comparatively brief 
 
 record. A native of Onondaga County, N. Y.,born 
 in the town of that name, he began life on the 2(ith 
 of June, 1815, and was the son of David S. and 
 Charlotte (Abbey) Davis, the father a native of 
 Washington County, N. Y. The maternal grand- 
 father, William Abbey, was a farmer by occupation, 
 and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. On the 
 other side of the house GrandfatlierDr. John Davis 
 was also a native of Washington County. N. Y.,and 
 married a lady of Greenwich, Conn. 
 
 The father of our subject was a farmer by occu- 
 pation, and the eldest of a family of four sons and 
 two daughters. He migrated with his parents to 
 Onondaga County, N. Y.. when a lad of fourteen 
 years. He and his estimable wife became the par- 
 ents of eight sons and two daughters, anti spent their 
 last years in Onond.aga County. Their children were 
 named respectively: Abner (our subject), Susan, 
 William T., George W., Ordelia, Jonathan, John, 
 Edson and Edwin (twins), and Frank M. Of these 
 five are living. 
 
 The subject of this sketch at an earl^^ age was 
 taught those habits of industry and principles of 
 honor which have been the secret of his success in 
 life. He became familiar with agricultural pursuits 
 at an early age, and received a common-school 
 education. He made his first trip to Michigan in 
 lS3y, at that time purchasing eighty acres of land 
 in Ingham County, then returned to MiLford. He 
 settled in Burr Oak Township in October, 1868. 
 He was married over fifty years ago. on the 2d of 
 January, lt<38, to Miss Esther Ann Kay, the wed- 
 ding taking place at the home of the bride, in Am- 
 ber, Onondaga Co., N. Y., and they became the 
 parents of three children. The ehlest, David S., 
 <■ 
 
 lives upon and manages the liomestead; J. M. is a 
 salesman in the feed store at Grand Rapids; Alice 
 is the wife of Fred Worden. a resident of Burr Oak. 
 The Davis homestead includes eighty acres of good 
 land with comfortable buildings, where the proprie- 
 tor ))as'sed his declining years in peace and quiet, 
 surrounded b}' the comforts of life, and his d.nys 
 made pleasant by the solicitous attention of his 
 children and hosts of friends. He w.is a man ob- 
 servant of what was going on aroun<l him in the 
 world, and one who was fearless in fighting for the 
 right. Politicallj-. he was a Republican. Mr. Davis' 
 death took place on the loth of November, 1888. 
 
 —^t^t—^ti^ 
 
 "^ifS--^*^^ 
 
 f AMES ENGLE. One of the best conducted 
 |i farms in Burr Oak Township belongs to the 
 
 I 
 
 ill subject of this sketch. It comprises 169 
 (^^ acres of land lying on section 1, and is pro- 
 vided with good buildings and fences, live stock 
 and machinery. Mr. Engle came to Michigan in 
 the s|)riiig of 1830, during its Territorial days, 
 making the entire journey overland on the back of 
 a three-vear-okl colt, and consuming one month's 
 time, (ienesee County. N. Y., was his starting 
 place, and he was a lad of fifteen years at the time, 
 lie was accompanied by Benjamin Sherman, an old 
 settler of Nottawa Prairie, who is now deceased. 
 He has thus mainly grown up with the country, 
 watching its progress and development with that 
 interest which is felt by every intelligent citizen 
 concerning the section of country where lie his 
 closest relations in life. 
 
 Our subject was born in Genesee County, N. Y.. 
 May 15, 1815, and is the son of Jonathan and 
 Elizalx'th (Brunge) Engle, both of whom were 
 natives of Peiuisylvania. The f.ither was a farmer 
 by occupation, and the parental family consisted of 
 nine children, namely: Rachel. William. Jose|)h, 
 Margaret, Jonathan, George, Thomas. James and 
 Betsey A. Our subject, next to the youngest one 
 of the family, is the only one living. The parents 
 s|ieiil their last years in this county, and p.issed 
 away, the father in 1840, and the mother in 1842. 
 Yoimii: Engle after setting foot upon the soil of 
 Michigan employed himself at work by the month 
 
 f 
 
^^^^.^^m^^^^ 
 
 ^^\ 
 
 ST. .lOSKPIl COUNTY. 
 
 .■52.5 
 
 until IS."?.!, tlien sc -ured eighty acres of land in 
 Burr Oak 'l\)\vn!ilii|), where he ha.-* tiini'e lived. lie 
 has ail ills life been familiar with affricultural pur- 
 Miit-s. lie w.-xs married. .luly 4, 1M:5«. in Ncttawa 
 Township, to Miss Mara:aret, dauijliler of I'hilip 
 and Piiehe Vineent. who were formerly of I'amelia 
 Township. .Jefferson Co., X. V.. and who emijrraled 
 to the Territory of Michigan in 1836. loealing at 
 North Centreville, where he engaged in farming. 
 The parents spent their Last years in tliis county, 
 and in .Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo County. Of this 
 marriage there were born seven children, namely: 
 .John A. and Rachel, deceased; Amanda, Irsula 
 and George, residents of this county: Addie, of 
 Illinois; and an infant who died unnamed. The 
 wife and mother died Dec. 6. 1881. 
 
 Mr. Kngle on the IGtli of April. 1882, contracted 
 a second matrimonial alliance, with Mrs. Truey 
 (.McNaughton) Hutlierford, the widow of William 
 Huthcrford. of New York, and daughter of Peter 
 and Klizabeth (.lemison) McNaughton, the latter 
 natives of .Scotland and New York, now deceased. 
 This lady was born in 1818 in Caledonia, Living- 
 ston Co.. N. Y.. where she spent the first years of 
 her life. She acquired an excellent education, 
 completing her studiejs at Caledonia, and is a ver^- 
 amiable and excellent lady, who enjoys the warm 
 friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. The 
 Engle homestead in all its appointments indicates 
 the industry and intelligence of its proprietor, and 
 is one of the most desirable in this region. The 
 family arc surrounded by life's comforts, and are 
 regarded as vaUied member.s of the communitv. 
 
 _^j.|^^- 
 
 i' 
 
 BNER .1. VAN VOR.sr. proprietor of a 
 ^"O good farm of 120 acres on section 7. in Hurr 
 ii Oak Township, is a native of (ilenville, 
 Schenectadj" Co., N. Y.. where his birth 
 took place .luly 14. 18;5;1. His parents were Miles 
 ami Sarah (Hice) Van Vorsl. n.-ilives of New York, 
 and the father a wagon-maker by trade, which he 
 followed the greater part of his life very success- 
 fully, accumulating a fine property. 
 
 From Glenville the jjarent* of our subject re- 
 
 moved first to Jefferson County, N. Y.. and thence 
 to Oswego County, locating near the town of 
 Mexico. In 1843 they left the Kmpire State, bring, 
 ing with them their nine children, and located in 
 Colon Townsliiii. lhi> <iiunty, where they both 
 died. 
 
 To Giles and .Sarah \an \'orsl there were born 
 eleven children. Thoss accomp.inyina^ their parents 
 to Michigan were William II., Miry A., Abraham 
 H., Abner .1., Charles C, Augustine D., John J., 
 Sarah, Minerva and (ieorge. Those since deceased 
 are Mary A. and .VugtHtine. .Sumner died in New 
 York State. 
 
 ■Our subject left the parental roof at the age of 
 seventeen years, and entered the employ of the 
 Michigan .Southern Railroad during its construc- 
 tion from Klkhart to Janesville. He was finally 
 promoted to foreman, and later became baggage- 
 m.aster, operating at Coldwater and Hurr Oak until 
 August. 18(5.5. He then engaged with the Grand 
 Rapids & Indiana Railway. 
 
 In 18.J7 -Mr. Van Vorst engaged in farming on 
 rented land in Mendou Township, where he lived 
 five years, and thence removed to Nottawa Town- 
 ship. eng:iging there also in agriculture until 18(52. 
 The late Civil War being then in progress, he en- 
 listed in the Gth Michigan Light Artillery, and was 
 in the service about out' and one-half years, doing 
 rluty mostly in Kentucky, and, although not reg- 
 ularly engaged in any battle, frequently met the 
 enemy in skirmishes. He escaped wounds and 
 capture, but his health was greatl_v affectetl by hard- 
 ship and i>rivation. and he was obliged to accept 
 his honorable discharge for disability in 1863. He 
 now receives a pension from the (iovernment. 
 
 The marriage of Abner J. Van Vorst and Miss 
 Elizal)eth White wius celebrated at the home of the 
 bride in Burr Oak Township in 1855. Mrs. ^'an V. 
 w.as born in Light Street. Columbia Co.. Pa.. J.an. 
 10. 1834. and is the daughter of Zebba and Susan- 
 nah White, who were natives of Pennsj'lvania, and 
 spent their Ixst years in this county. 
 
 Our subject and his wife commenced their wedded 
 life in Burr Oak. Their union has been blessed by 
 the birth of six children, the eldest of whom, a 
 daughter, Lucy, is now the wife of Charles Ward, 
 of .Sturgis; Albert, also a resident of that city, is 
 
 h^Jm. 
 
.#-hL^ 
 
 324 
 
 ST. JOSKIMI COUNTY. 
 
 engaged in farming; Zeaboth, William, (icorge and 
 Susanna are at home witli tlreir parents. .Mr. \an 
 Vorst operates his land on liie line of general farm- 
 ing, and is doing well. 
 
 -t 
 
 t Jti>-»^^»<fW^. * 
 
 ON. NELSON FERRIS, oup of the most 
 public-spirited men of this eoiinty, lias built 
 up one of its finest homesteads, whieli is lo- 
 .jg^ cated on section 15, Mendon Township, and 
 invariably attracts the attention of the traveler 
 through this portion of .St. Joseph County. Mr. 
 Ferris came to this county in April. l.sTs, :u)il has 
 since been closely idcntitied wltli Its growth and 
 progress. His property embraces 3G0 acres of valu- 
 able land, which, wilii its buildings, live stock and 
 farm niaeliiner^-, forms one (jf the most attractive 
 spots in the landscape of this regicm. He is widely 
 and favorably known, and enjoys the confidence of 
 hosts of frienfls. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is the offspring of an 
 excellent fainily, being the son of Leonard and 
 Elizabeth (Ryan) Ferris, the former a native t>f 
 Dutchess Ct)unty. N. 1., and the latter of Ireland. 
 The mother crossed the Atlantic in her j'onth, and 
 after marriage the i)arents settled in Wayne County, 
 N. Y., where there were born to them nine chil- 
 dren, and where ihey spent the remainder of their 
 lives, the father dying about l.s77, and the mother 
 about 1872. Five of their children are living, and 
 located mostl}' in Michigan. 
 
 Mr. Ferris was born in the town of Mentz, Cay- 
 uga Co., N. Y., Nov. 8, 1817, at the modest 
 homestead of his parents, removing with them to 
 Wayne County when about two years old. When 
 sixteen years of age he rejiaired to Seneca Falls, 
 and served an apprenticeship at the miller's trade, 
 which he followed thereafter a period of twenty-five 
 years. Upon leaving Seneca Falls about' 1842, he 
 made bis way to Mishawaka, Ind.. where he so- 
 joiuiied until April, 1878. The most of the lime 
 at this place he was engaged in milling, but also 
 had other business interests. In the meantime he 
 became quite prominent in politics, and was elected 
 SheritT of St. .loscph Count^', Ind., holding theollice 
 four years, during which time he acquitted him- 
 
 self in a manner highly satisfactory to the peo|)Ie. 
 In the fall of 1866 he was elected on the Repub- 
 lican ticket to represent St. .lose])!! County in the 
 Indiana Legislature, and during his term of two 
 years had the honor of voting for the Fourteenth 
 Amendment to the Constitution of the United 
 Suites. During his term of (jfiice be was a member 
 of the Committee on Claims, also the Committee on 
 Prisons and on Appropriations. In 18;')0 he was 
 appointed one of the De|)uty Marshals to take the 
 United Stales Census of St. Joseph County, Ind. 
 
 Mr. Ferris was married in Seneca Falls, N. Y., 
 Jan. 22, 1841, to Miss Sallie Wicks, who was born 
 in Panu'lia, Jefferson Counlj", that State, in 1«14. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ferris commenced their weilded life 
 in Alloway. W.nyne Co., N. Y.. and of tlieir union 
 there were born four children, the eldest of whom, 
 a son, .Morton E., die(l in Mishawaka when a 
 promising lad of thirteen years; Elizabeth J. is the 
 wife of James K. Gore, a resident of Elkhart, Ind.; 
 William W. is at Mendon, Mich.; Rowena A. is 
 tlif wife of A. L. O^-borue, Jr., and lives in the city 
 of LaPorte, Ind. These chihlren have been caie- 
 fully educated, and occupj" a position in society in 
 keeping with their station and acquirements. 
 
 Our subject voted for "old Tippecanoe" in 1840, 
 and for his grandson. Benjamin Harrison, at the 
 late election (1888). In view of these circum- 
 stances, it is hardly necessary to state thai he is a 
 Repiililican "dyed in the wool." He has alw.iys 
 signalized himself as a man warmly interested in 
 the building up of his couiuumity. and gives both 
 his moral and substantial support to those enter- 
 prises best calculated to this end. 
 
 ^1 OSEPII A. BROOKS. This gentleman is one 
 of the leading fanners of this county, and is 
 generally known by the n.ame of Allen 
 Brooks. He was born in tlie town of \:\n 
 Buren. in Onondaga County. N. Y., on the 2.')th of 
 December. 18311. He came to Michigan with his 
 parents when they migrated hither in 1844, he be- 
 ing liut a small lad at the time. His i>arents. Jose|)h 
 ami Sarah E. (Allen) Brooks, were of English birth, 
 and came to this country- in the jear 1829. They 
 
 w 
 
 ■*►■ 
 
-4^ 
 
 ST. .lOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 •4^ 
 
 325 
 
 livi'il in llio Sta'o of New York for about scvi-nteon 
 \ i-nrs. when' tlif father followed fanning, loi-ating 
 lirst in Ononilairn County, wlioro tliev reared nine 
 eliildren. .-iix of whom were lioni in the t)ld eountry ; 
 tliey then eame to Miehig-.iu in 18-11. 
 
 The mother of our suhjeet died after havini; 
 l)een in this et)untry hut a year. .Miout two year.s 
 later the father was wedded to .Maria Putnam, who 
 died in 18(11. Ijut left no eliildren. The father of 
 our suhjeet died on the 7th of -Vpril, 1877. after a 
 very brief illness. 
 
 rpon the death of his father our subjeet sue- 
 ceeded to the ownership of the homestead of 276 
 aeres and the improvements thereon, and continued 
 to work the farm. On the 2(ith of .lanuary. 186.j, 
 he was married to Pha-be C. Houston, the daughter 
 of Hiehard and Klisabeth Houston, of Burr Oak. 
 She was born upon the farm of her father in Hurr 
 Oak. There have been born of this union three chil- 
 dren, two of whom are living, viz: Walton A. was 
 born on the 4tli of .lune. 18()(i. and Nora A., born 
 on the 18lh of December. 1871. Besides these one 
 little daughter. Il.nttie Bell, was born on the I7th 
 of .lanuary. 1873. Init died when but eight months 
 old. 
 
 The condition of Mr.Hrooks' farm bears testimonj- 
 U> his enterprise and business ability, as well as his 
 prosperity, lie has just completed, at an exiK?nse 
 of upward of i8.000, one of the finest farm dwell- 
 ings in the county. Il is built after the most ap- 
 prf>ved designs, is spacious, conveniently arranged, 
 and supplied with the countless conveniences that 
 modern homes demand. It ontains twenty-(mc 
 riKims. including three recejition rooms .and a large 
 dining-room. The apartments are finished in 
 natur.-il wimmIs. oak. cherry and white wood, and are 
 (|uite plejusing and effective. The stairciise is quite 
 lavish in carvings, well executed, and in excellent 
 taste. The carving is from the design of his daugh- 
 ter Nora. 
 
 Opposite this beautiful mcKlern residence stands 
 the olrl home which wa.« erected by the father in 
 1818. While biiihiing this hou.se. which was at 
 that time one of the finest in the county, the family 
 live<l pione<>r fashion in a little log hou.-ic that was 
 standing there when he came; he next built the old 
 barn that stands in the rear of the old home, for our 
 
 subject has erected a new. more modern and spfi- 
 cious barn, in keeping with the new house. This 
 wa.>< i-onijilcteil in the \car 1882. 
 
 Probably no citizen of this county li:is apjilied 
 himself to his duties more than has done our sub- 
 ject. It has been a story of hard work anil pU'iity 
 of it. Acre by acre he has purch.Tscd his property, 
 which comprises now 265 aeres. lie is a man 
 popidar and much resiwcted. lie is well informed, 
 and takes no little interest in (piestions C(jncerning 
 matters of political importance, and usually votes 
 wilh tlie Democratic party. 
 
 OllN BOTZNKli is a worthy representative 
 luerican citizens i>f this 
 iwner of eighty acres of 
 XS^ arauie, lerme laiiii upon section 27, Burr Oak 
 Township. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, on 
 the 22d of August. 1827. He did not, leave his 
 native eountry until he was twentj'-five yeais of 
 age. His education was received in the common 
 schools of his native count}', after which he went 
 into the shop of his father and learned the butcher 
 business. His father had quite an extensive estab- 
 lishment, and our subject continued with him for 
 twent}' years. For reasons satisfacloiy to himself, 
 doubtless, he would not issue to his son the cus- 
 tomary certificate of elliciency, and as a consequence 
 our subject left his home when twenty years of age. 
 He then served three years more at butchering, and 
 from the firm received the well-e.'irned paper. 
 
 In 1852, believing that the New World would 
 afford him better op|K)rtuiiitie9 for making his way 
 in the world. Mr. Botziier emigrated to this country, 
 landing at the port of New York. Thence he went 
 directly to Buffalo, where he arrived with but ^2.50 
 in his pocket, which was required for his hotel bill. 
 He was very successful in obtaining employment, 
 and for two years continued to work for the sum 
 of ^800 per annum. After two years in Buffalo 
 our subject came to Marshall, this State, where he 
 w(»rked at the well-known Michigan Central Hating 
 House for three years. The subsequent three years 
 he Worked at his trade. 
 
 When the war broke out our subject was among 
 
-^^ 
 
 o26 
 
 ,t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 the first to volunteer, and entered the Isl Mich.i- 
 gaii. Battery A, wliich was under the command of 
 Col. Looiuis. He fought under the olil flag for 
 three years in the Arnij' of the Cumberland, and 
 saw much service. Among the ensajjemouts in 
 which he was an active participant might be men- 
 tioned those of Chickamauga, Stone Hiver and Per- 
 ryville. He went tlirougli the entire Cumberland 
 campaign. At the battle of Chickamauga he re- 
 ceived a sabre wound upon the right thumb, that 
 for Ihe time gave him considerable trouble. He re- 
 ceived an honorable discharge in June, 1864. • 
 
 Leaving the mililarj' service, Mr. Botzner re- 
 turned to his adopte<l State, and at Sturgis during 
 the next five years built up an extensive butcher 
 business, from which he removeil to his present farm 
 in the year lh72, and has here resided about fifteen 
 years. In 1866 Mr. Botzner was united in marriage 
 with Klizabelh Schmidt, a native of Stuigis, and a 
 daughter of Conrad and Chrislend Schmidt. She 
 has presented her husband with six children, all of 
 whom are living, and who bear the following names: 
 Edward, Phillipp, Conrad, Addie, John and Erank. 
 
 HARLES J. CLOWES. This pleasant and 
 genial gentleman and his estimable wife are 
 ^^^/ living comfortably together on a well-regu- 
 lated homestead on section 6 in Mendon Town- 
 ship, where, during the 3-ears of an extended resi- 
 dence, they have gathered aroun<l them hosts of 
 friends. They have been among the people of a 
 community who were liberal and progressive in 
 their ide.is, and, as they have p.asse<l along the way- 
 side of life, have done good as they have found op- 
 portunil}'. In noting the changes occurring during 
 their long residence in .Southern Michigan, the}' 
 have been vitally interested in its growth and de- 
 velopment. As peaceful and law-abiding citi- 
 zens, laboring to build up one of the most desira- 
 ble homesteads, they have thus contributed to the 
 prosperity of their township, and are numbered 
 among those to whom it is indebted for its im- 
 portance among the intelligent communities of this 
 region. 
 
 The father of our subject, Joseph H. Clowes, was 
 
 born in Loudoun County, Va.. and married Mi»s 
 Ann E. Dunkin. a native of the same place. In 
 1832, leaving the Old Dominion, Ihe.v made their 
 way to Southern Michigan, during the Territorial 
 days, and for a short time sojourned in Notlawa 
 Township. Later they moved to what is now Co- 
 lon Township, where the father operated as a tiller 
 of the soil, and where his death took i)lace Sept. 17, 
 1850. The mother is still living, having survived 
 her husband a period of thirt^'-eight years, and re- 
 maining a widow. She is now quite .iged. an<l 
 makes her home with her son Charles J. 
 
 The parental family included two children only,our 
 subject and his sister Ruth. The latter, the elder of 
 the two, married Samuel Fisk, and died at her home 
 in Vicksburg, in January, 1882. aged about fifty- 
 three years; she was born in \'irginia. The native 
 place of Charles J. was in the then unimporlaut 
 town of .Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo Count}', where he 
 first opened his ej'es to the light Oct. 28, 1834. 
 His father was for man}' years engaged in the dry- 
 goods trade, and Charles J. assisted him in the store 
 until his deatli. After that lie turned his attention 
 to agricultural pursuits. After the removal of the 
 family to this count}- he lived in Colon Township 
 until purchasing the farm which he now owns and 
 which he has since occupied. 
 
 The Clowes homestead embraces eighty acres of 
 good laud, with an excellent set of farm buildings, 
 a fair assortment of livestock, the improved ma- 
 chinery necessary for carrying on agriculture suc- 
 cessfully, and all the other apiiliances of the 
 progressive farmer. One of the most important 
 events in the life of our subject was his marriage with 
 Miss Demelra Potter, which took place at the home of 
 the bride in Brady Township, Kalamazoo County, 
 March 9, 1862. This lady is the daughter of 
 Jeremiah and Nancy (Johnson) Potter, who were 
 both natives of New York State. They came to 
 Michigan in 1844, settling in Brady Township, 
 Kalamazoo County, where the father followed farm- 
 ing, and where his death took place .Iidy 7, 1870. 
 The mother is still living, having arrived at an ad- 
 vanced age, and makes her home with her daughter. 
 
 To the parents of Mrs. Clowes there were born 
 eleven children, six sons and five daughters, and she 
 was the thinl child. Her native place was in Herkimer 
 
■» II <• 
 
 ST. JOStPlI COUNTY. 
 
 .■i27 
 
 County, X. Y., wlieit licr birth took place .Inn. 24. 
 1.S34. She wiis 11 liltU' <;'''l te" years of nge when 
 her |i:iieiit.s caMu- to Michi<;aii. At School she was 
 slutlious and attentive, and tlevehiped into a teacher, 
 wliich enlling she followed in Kalninnzoo County' 
 some time liefore her marriaj;e. Of this nnion there 
 has been born one child only, a ilaughter, Carrie, 
 in l!S7i); she is now thirteen years of age. 
 
 Hcfore the completion of the Grand Hapids ik 
 Indiana Railroad Mr. Clowes was for several years 
 Postmaster at I'ark. In 1 S.')'.l he made (piile an 
 extended trip to the Kar West, and spent almut one 
 year looking over the country' beyond the Mis- 
 sissippi. There has been a vast change during the 
 period of thirty years which has elapsed, and in 
 which the Indians have been compelled to ''move 
 on" before the advancing feet of civilization. 
 Mr. Clowes witnessed many strange scenes during 
 tliat sojourn tm the other side of the Father of 
 Waters, which he has alwaj's felt was time well 
 spent as a means of gaining useful information. lie 
 has always kept himself well posted upon current 
 events, and since becoming a voter has supported 
 the principles of the Democratic party. 
 
 lEORGE liUYLES. In St. Joseph County 
 g— , there is probablj- no citizen who has been 
 ^15) more active and jiersevering in the develop- 
 ment of the district in which he resided, more 
 practical or prosperous as an agriculturist, than he 
 whose life story is here briefly piescnted in this 
 sketch. He is one of its oldest settlers, is a gentle- 
 man of wide experience, large intelligence and un- 
 failing affability. 
 
 The native place of our subject is Berkeley 
 Springs, W. Va., where he was born on the 2'Jth of 
 August. 1815. Manj' of the noble points in his 
 character, and the sterling qualities that have made 
 him what he is as a pioneer, may be clearly traced 
 as being hereditary to a certain extent. He is the 
 son of William and Amelia (Kagle) Boyles, both 
 of wliom also were natives of Morgan County, W. 
 \a. The former whs born on the 2d of December, 
 17'.i2, and the latter in the year 17'JG. Their union 
 dates from the year 1 81 4. and thej' were the par- 
 
 ents of eight children: George, our subject; Luej-. 
 who died in childhood; Klizabelh. who became the 
 wife of Fitzgerald .lennings. of .Sandusky. Ghio. 
 and is now deceased; .Sar.ah. who is the widow of 
 Dl. Terrill. of Brecdsville, Midi.; Annie, whu mar- 
 ried .lohn A. .1. Metzger. of Bun- Oak. ami is r.ow 
 deceaseil ; Henry, now a resilient of California, in 
 
 I the town of Diamond .Springs; Lydia, who was Mrs. 
 Daniel Faust, of Branch County, now deceased; and 
 Marietta, wife of S. S. SUirt, of Oak I'ark. Cook Co., 
 
 I III. 
 
 'I he parents of our subject, after residing four- 
 teen j'eais in Sandusky County, and eleven years in 
 
 ! Wayne County. Ohio, came to Burr Oak. where 
 they died, the father in September, IHtJO, and his 
 wife in June, 1881. Their remains were interred 
 
 I in the Burr Oak Cemetery. The father was a 
 scientific farmer, shrewd, careful, frugal and an 
 excellent manager. He won and retained the re- 
 spect of all his neighbors. 
 
 George Boyles, our subject, in the year 1847 
 purchase<l 120 acres of land on section 3.) of Burr 
 Oak Township, and the energy and other excellent 
 qualities inherited by him enabled him to add at 
 various times until his real estate was not less than 
 1.000 acres, of which at least one-half was thor- 
 oughly improved and cultivated. In addition to 
 this he owned valuable property in the village of 
 Burr Oak. 
 
 The subject of our sketch has been twice married. 
 On the 24th of December. 1835, he was united in 
 wedlock with Miss Lucinda Jennings, daughter of 
 Gen. Lewis Jennings, who w.is conspicuous in the 
 early history of Ohio, and commanded a brigade of 
 State Militia, with which be was enabled to do good 
 work, especially in the Toledo War. His daughter 
 was a lady of education, accomplished, with a 
 bright, sunnj- disposition. .She died on the 1st of 
 August, 1857. deeply and truly mourned for by 
 nil her relatives. .She left ten children to the care 
 of her husband, viz: ^Villiam L., born .Sept. 4, 1836; 
 Martha, Dec. 17. 1838; Helen L., April 14, 1841; 
 Elizabeth, Jan. 7. 1843; Annelta, Nov. 7, 1844; 
 George E., Jan. 20, 1847; Adeline L., Jan. 23, 
 1849; Franklin H.. June 1 1, 1851 ; Amelia E., April 
 4, 1853; Anna. July lit, 1856. The second wifeof 
 our subject w.os.Inlia A. Graves, of Genesee County, 
 
 "•► 
 
4. 
 
 t 
 
 328 
 
 8T. .I08EPH COUNTY. 
 
 N. Y. ;she was Ijoin Deo. 1.5. 1832. .She filed on 
 the 13lh of March. 1878. leaving no ciiihlien. 
 
 The siiliject of our sketch retired from active 
 business in 1876, and now lives at the Park Hotel, 
 which he owns. Until the estiililishnuMit of Ihe Ite- 
 |iulilioan party he was a stinch friend of ihc Whig 
 element in politics, but joined the foinier part}", 
 and has since continued to act with it. although 
 never taking a leading part in political movements. 
 He is everywhere held in high regard, and has 
 alwa3-s been a true friend to the couiinunity, more 
 especiall}' in the days of its early history. 
 
 lIDKON .SANBORN, lale a prominent and 
 highl}' respected resident of Buri' Oak Town- 
 ship, was born in W'rmont in 1 .s08, and de- 
 parted this life on the 4th of April, 1871. He was 
 recognized throughout this county asan honest man 
 and a good citizen, ami during the earlier days of 
 its sjrowth and development was prominentl}' iden- 
 tified with its agricultural and business interests. 
 
 Mr. Sanborn came to this county in 1833, and 
 took up 200 .acres of land in Hurr Oak Township, 
 where he built up one of its finest homesteads, and 
 became known as one of the most useful members 
 of the community. Standing by his side for a 
 period of nearly forty years was one of the most 
 estimable of women, who in her girlhood was Miss 
 Jane Upham, to whom he was marrietl in January, 
 1833. Mrs. Sanborn was born May 17, 1815, in 
 this county, and is the daughter of Chester Upham. 
 who for some years lived on a farm in the vicinity 
 of Tyringhani. Berkshire Co.. Mass. Thence the 
 family, about 1830, removed to the vicinity of Elba, 
 Genesee Co., N. Y., where the father died not long 
 afterward. The mother was subsequently married 
 to Ira Howe, of that locality, and lliey came to 
 Michigan, where Mr. H. engaged in farming. She 
 died in 1878, at Charlotte, and her remains were 
 taken to Eaton Rapids for interment. 
 
 Gideon Sanborn was one of the pioneer settlers 
 of this county, and possessed all the elements of 
 mind and character required by the men of those 
 times in the <levelopment of the soil and the build- 
 ing up of a homestead. He idenlifieil himself thor- 
 
 oughly with the business and agricultural interests 
 of this section, and signalized himself as one of its 
 most public-spirited men, making for himself a 
 record which his posterity raaj' look upon with 
 pride. He w.is very successful as an .agriculturist, 
 and acquired a fine property, leaving to his widow 
 a valuable estate, which she has managed with rare 
 good judgment, and in a manner liy which its value 
 has been steadil}' augmented. To Mr. and Mrs. 
 .Said)orn there were born ten children, the record of 
 wIkjih is as follows: Their eldest daughter, Augusta, 
 is the wife of A. M. Graham, and Adeline is the 
 widow of Charles Newhall; both are residents of 
 Burr Oak, and the latter engaged in the millinery 
 business. Frank married Miss Abbie Leply. and 
 inan.ages the farm; Henry is engaged in farming, 
 and lives in this county; Hattie is the wife of Ed- 
 ward Kibli}', who is engaged in farming in Burr 
 Oak. 
 
 Mrs. Sanliorn is a lady of much intelligence and 
 culture, and has watched the growth and develop- 
 ment of Southern Michigan with that interest which 
 is ever maiiiUiined bj' those who have been most 
 instrumental in bringing this great commonwealth 
 to its present condition. She. with her husband, re- 
 joiced at every evidence of prosperity, and in the 
 building up of one of its most desirable estates thus 
 contributed their quota to the grand result. 
 
 kEONARD BUTZ. The fine esUvte of the 
 subject of this biography comprises 300 
 ^ acres of highly cultivated land on section 
 
 1;'), in Kawn River Township, with first-class mod- 
 ern buildings and all appurtenances of the well- 
 regulated rural homestead. It has been built up 
 by the hand of industry, and its proprietor is well 
 known throughout this section of country as a man 
 of liberal eilucation, public-spirited and enter|)ris- 
 ing, and one of the most useful members of his 
 community. He came to this county in 1 804, and 
 while watching its growth and development has 
 been no unimportant factor in bringing it to its 
 present condition. 
 
 Our subject was born and reared in Columbiana 
 County, Ohio, and first opened his eyes to the light 
 
 i 
 
■<- 
 
 ••»* 
 
 ST. JOSEPLI COUNTY. 
 
 329 
 
 Nov. 1, 182S. lie WHS roarofl lo farm pursmls, niid 
 cuiiliiiueil there uiiHer the piirenliil roof until a 
 youth of iiiiieleeii years. Later he took up his 
 residence in Seneea County, same Mate, where he 
 was married, and wliere he lived, engaged in agri- 
 cultural |)ursuils, until lxG4. His next removal 
 was to Southern Michigan, of which he has since 
 been a resident. 
 
 The father of our suliject, George Butz, was a 
 mason by trade, which he followed during the lat- 
 ter years of his life in Columbiana County, Ohio, 
 and until his death, which took place in 1H45. The 
 wife and mother survived her husband a period of 
 forly-one years, remaining a widow, and spent her 
 last days at the home of her daughter in Dal- 
 las County, Iowa, where her death occurred Oct. 3, 
 188G, after she had reached the advanced age of 
 ninety years. The househohl circle w.as completed 
 by the birth of eleven children, of wlu)ra live are 
 living, three sons and two daughters. Four sons 
 served in the Union Army during the Rebellion, 
 and three of these yielded up their lives in the serv- 
 ice of their country while in the army ; the fourth 
 died afterward from disease contracted in the serv- 
 ice. The survivors are residents m<jstly of this 
 county. 
 
 JJr. Hutz, of this sketcii, while a resident of Ohio 
 was united in marriage with Jlrs. Ruth A. Nash. 
 .Ian. 2. 18.59. Mrs. Hutz was born Dec. 3, 1828. in 
 I'l-iiiisylvania, and is the daughter of .lustin .1. 
 Nash, a native of Pennsylvania, and who. with liis 
 wife, spent Ins List years in that Slate. Of this union 
 there were born five children. The eldest, George 
 K.. born Feb. 2.t, 18(;1, is n<»w occupied at farming 
 in Fawn Uiver; Harry S.. born .March 29. 1803. is 
 occupied at farming in Dallas, Polk Co.. Ore. ; Mary 
 K.. born .Ian. 4. 18(;."), is the wife <»f Charles K. 
 Smith, of Hurr Oak; Frank .1., born Sept. 28, 18Gj. 
 learned the miller's trade, and is now occupied at 
 this calling in Fawn River; AVilliam F.. born Nov. t>, 
 1M7I. is at home, and is engaged in farming. Mrs. 
 Ruth A. But/. <lepnrled this life at the homestead in 
 Fawn River 'lownship. Feb. 19, 18h0. 
 
 On the I9lh (jf November. 18m2. our subject 
 contr.'icteil a .•<econd marriage, with Mi-^s .Martha J., 
 daughter of .lohn .Milclnll. of Dall.as. Iowa. 'I'his 
 lady was born in Indiana in 1843, and possesses 
 
 those sterling qualities which have constituted 
 her a faithful :ind affectionate helpmate, a trusty 
 friend and i)eighl)or. well spoken of by all around 
 her. The Butz iKjmestead is one of the most at- 
 tractive in this part of the county, and the family- 
 is widely anil favorabi}' known as belonging to its 
 best elements. 
 
 -S^^- 
 
 ^/OIIN Dl'NLAP. Fifty-two years ago. before 
 Michigan had been admitted into the Union 
 as a State, the subject of this sketch made 
 ''^Ml his way to St. .Jo.seph County, being then a 
 young man twenty years of age, antl since that time 
 has remained closely identified with its agricultural 
 and business interest.*. He is now in the enjoyment 
 of a snug i)ro])erty located on .section 11. in Fawn 
 River Township, and in his declining j-ears. having 
 p.a.ssed beyond threescore and ten. is surrounded 
 by the e.ase and comfort which arc justly his due. 
 His life has Iteen that of an honest, hard-working 
 man. and while laboring as a tiller of the soil, and 
 dealing socially and financi.ally with the men around 
 him. he h.Ts fully established himself in their es- 
 teem and confidence. 
 
 Butler County. Pa., was the early tramping 
 ground of our subject, where his birth took place 
 April 20. 1810. His father, .lames Dunlap. was of 
 Scotch-Irisli ancestry, and emigrated from County 
 Derry. Ireland, in early niiniliood. settling in the 
 Kevstone State, where lie carried on fanning until 
 his death. The mother, whose niaidcii name was 
 Dorcas Kilhrith. was born in Pennsylvania, her par- 
 ents being annmg the earliest settlers of tluit region. 
 She was of Knglish descent. The )i!ircnlal family 
 consisted often children: Sarah, the first-born, died 
 young, aufl the second, also naiue<I Sarah, ilitil when 
 al>ouI sixty years old; William and Dorcas died in 
 Butler County. Pa.; Nancy. Mrs. .lohn .Supple, tlied 
 in Trundiull County. ( thio; .IauK>s tarried on f.arm- 
 ing for a time in Rochester. Ind.. but is now decea.<ed; 
 Rebecca was the wife of Nathan OfTutt. and is de- 
 <'eased; Klizabeth married S.amuel Davis. an<l they 
 locattsl in .Missouri, but are lioth now ilece:i.-ied. 
 •lohn of our sketch wx-i tlie youngest child. 
 
 ( >ur subject when a youtli of sixtivn years left 
 the parental rouf..aud by the death of his father. 
 
•»-HI^^ 
 
 t 
 
 \ 
 
 330 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Trliieli occurred the previous year, was thrown ujxjn 
 his own resources. He managed to attend the 
 district school for a time, and about 1832 emigrated 
 to the then little town of AVarren, Trumhull Co., 
 Ohio, where he learned the trade of carpenter, which 
 he followed thereafter at intervals for a period of 
 thirty j-ears. After coming to this State he located 
 first in Bronson, Branch County, and subsequently 
 erected what was known as Rose Tavern. That 
 same season he put up a sawmill, which long ago 
 gave place to the present old Greeley mill. 
 
 Mr. Dunlap was uniformly successful in his 
 labors, and in his vocation as carpenter handled 
 large contracts. From 181-1 to 1850 he was in the 
 employ of the Michigan Southern Railroad Com- 
 pany, building and sub-coutr.icting for the erection 
 of station-houses all along the line. These contracts 
 he executed with dispatch and profit. About 1838 
 he located on a piece of heavily timbered land in 
 Betliel, now Branch County, securing 150 acres. 
 By the exercise of untiring industry and the per- 
 severance tli.at would admit no such word as fail, 
 he cleared ninety acres of this, felling the trees, re- 
 moving every stump, and transforming the land 
 iftto a fine prnirie farm. 
 
 In the spring of 1863 Mr. ])mihip changed his 
 residence to Burr Oak Townshij). locating on the 
 present Fogleman farm of 100 acres, to which he 
 added the Lancaster i)lace of forty acres. This he 
 also brought to a high state of cultivation, residing 
 there until 1866. Then selling out once more, he 
 purchased the old Arni)l(l place in the village, and 
 invested his surplus capital in a stock of groceries, 
 l>ecoming successful in trade. His early habits, 
 however, would not allow him to be contented in 
 town, so after two j-ears he purchased 270 acres of 
 choice land from Joseph Annis. of Fawn River 
 Township, where he erected a fine brick residence, 
 made otiier improvements, and developed one of the 
 most valuable homesteads in St. Joseph County. 
 Here we have tlu' picture of the model country 
 estate, supplied with ever3-thing suggested to the 
 gentleman of taste and means, and one who en- 
 deavors to surround his family with all the com- 
 forts !ind man3' of the luxuries of life. 
 
 Mr. Dunlap. in 1837. w.as married to Miss Mary 
 Smith, of Bronson Township, the ceremony being 
 
 performed by Esquire Tisdell. Mrs. Dunlap is the 
 dauglit<;r of David ami Elsie (Williams) Smith, 
 who were natives of New York, the father a school 
 teacher by profession, a thoroughly educated man 
 and astronomical lecturer. He was of New En- 
 gland stock, and during his earlj" life resided for a 
 time in Syracuse. N. Y. Upon coming to Michi- 
 gan the parents settled in Branch County. The 
 maternal grandfather of Mrs. Dunlap, Maj. AVill- 
 iams. was Captain of a company of troops during 
 the Hevolutionary War. a brave and efficient oflicer. 
 To David Smith and his estimable wife there were 
 born five children, two sons and three daughters, 
 who were quite 3'oung when the parents came to 
 Michigan, but are now all deceased. Mr. and !Mrs. 
 Smith are both deceased. The record of the chil- 
 dren born to our subject and his wife is as follows: 
 John, the eldest, died when an interesting little Lid 
 six years of age; Elsie married ilr. Frank Abbott, 
 a liveryman of Lagrange County, Ind.; ilary is 
 the wife of B. F. Bordner. of Fawn River Town- 
 ship, this county; Delia died at the age of six years. 
 The mother of these children p.ossed away on the 
 24th of January, 1888. 
 
 Mr. Dunlap votes the straight Republican ticket 
 but b.ns ste.idily declined becoming an oltice-lioldcr. 
 although often solicited to do so, with the exception 
 of serving as Township Supervisor some years ago. 
 John F. Abbott, the son of his daughter Elsie, and 
 a very promising young man, has been educated by 
 his grandfather, and now holds the post of Assistant 
 Professor of .Suj'gery for the Michig.an Central 
 Railro.nd. He was graduated from the medical 
 department of the Michigan State University in the 
 class of '87. and is now twenty-six years of age. 
 
 ^ AY , I. STAN TON. a prominent attorney in 
 the village of Burr Oak. established himself 
 in business here in December, 1880. He 
 was admitted to the bar a few months pre- 
 vious to this time, and two years later to practice 
 in the Supreme Court of the State. In 1884 he was 
 admitted to practice in the United States Court at 
 Grand Rapids. Mich. He was gradu.ated from tiie 
 Burr Oak High School in 1874. and from theStur- 
 
 ■ > 
 
ST. .IO.SEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ••^ 
 
 331 
 
 \ 
 
 •jis Hisrli School in 1S7S. Ili- eiitiTeil (lie law fle- 
 partiiu-nt of the Mii'liigan StnU- rnivcrsiiy in 1X79, 
 but on ac'i'oiint of ill-lu'altii wasoliliiri")! to aliandon 
 liis stiulii'S tliero. and ^pent the year foilowint; in 
 the office of I). H. Thomas, a leadinj;- lawyer of 
 Sturtris. Thence he came to Hurr Oak, wlicre lie 
 has liy close attention to liusiness secured a lucra- 
 tive practice, and is in every respect a popular 
 citizen. He is an extensive rea<lcr, and keeps him- 
 self well posted u|)OU the matters relatinir to his 
 profession, and all others of interest to the intelli- 
 gent member of society. 
 
 The subject of tliis sketch, a native of the town 
 in which he still resides, was born .Ian. 7, 18.58. 
 His parents, Le and Libby ( Kezartee) Stanton, 
 were natives of Ashtabula t'ounty, Ohio, and of 
 English and Scotch origin. His grandparents on 
 both sides of the house settled at an e.arly day in 
 Ashtabula County. ( )hio, where they fn-came owners 
 of large tracts of ImihI. which they Improved into 
 valuable estates. The parents of our subject emi- 
 grated to .Michigan in 1K,')7. settling in Ihirr Oak 
 Township, where the father successfully engaged in 
 farming until his dcatli. in 187'.l. The only child 
 of the f.Minily was our subject, .l.tv .1. I,e Stanton 
 was a man of more than ordinary capabilities, a 
 ]iriiinincnt Iic|iublican in the politics of his ado|>ted 
 township, and servetl as Justice of the I'eace and 
 School Insjiectoi-. The mother is still living. 
 
 Our subject was married, at Sturgis. this State, 
 to Mi.xs Hattie I)., daughter of Is.a.ac and Kliz.a 
 (Dudley) .Vyres. They were natives of New .Jer- 
 sey and New York respectively. .Mud tiie father a 
 minister of the Methodist Kpiscojal Church. l)e- 
 longing to the Northern Indiana Conference, until 
 their removal to .Sturgis. where he was engaged in 
 nuMcantile business until his death, in 1H7I. He 
 was also a prominent Mason. Their family con- 
 sisted of two children only — Mrs. Stanton and 
 Charles I). Mrs. Hattie .Stanton was born Sept. "ifi. 
 18.'>;i. in Angola, Ind. She is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church. He was Township Clerk for 
 a |H-riiMl of live years, ileclined serving the next 
 two years, but was re-elected in 1888, and is the 
 present incumbent of the ollice. 
 
 .Mr. Stanton for four years was a member ."ind 
 Treasurer of the licpublicau County Committee, 
 
 and has ever been a cheerful worker in behalf of 
 the principles in which he h.ns the nu)St sincere 
 faith. He owns a farm of eighty acres half a 
 mile west from the corp<u-ati limits of Hurr Oak, 
 also a farm in .\shl:ibul:i ( ounty. Ohio. His neat 
 and tiusteful residence is located on Fifth street in 
 Hurr 0:ik. opposite the park, and he lua.-; other 
 property interests. 
 
 Mr. Stanton w.-is in 1888 the nominee of the Re- 
 publican (larty for Circuit Court Commissioner of 
 this county, and was elected over Oershom 1*. Doan, 
 of Mcndon. the I)cnU)cr;ilic and Orcen back nominee 
 for that ollice. He is actively engage<l in the per- 
 formance of the duties of that office. 
 
 <^^»^- 
 
 4^ 
 
 <«*«- 
 
 \i. IIINC 
 
 ;i;. 
 
 main i)nints in the 
 
 |i history of this solid citizen of Rurr Oak 
 Village are substantially as follows: He 
 was born in (J recce Township. Monroe Co., 
 N. ^'.. Nov. 2. 1.S2.'). and lived there until a man 
 twenty-six years of age. Thence migrating to Ohio 
 he sojourned in the Scioto \'allev a period of live 
 yejirs. employing himself a greater part of the time 
 in a sawmill. \l the expiration of this time, de- 
 siring to sch; something of the farther West, he 
 made his way to Southern Michigan, and coming 
 Into this county settled upon a tract of lan<l in 
 15urr Oak Township, of which he has since been an 
 honored and respected resident. 
 
 Mr. Hincher. however. h;id visited the Wolverine 
 .State in the spring of 1818. prospecting, and spcnil- 
 ing a brief time with his brother .lohn. who had 
 prccc<lcd him to this region. He at that time made 
 up his mind that here he could content himself to 
 stay and build up a future home. While a resi- 
 dent of New York he was unitctl in marriage with 
 Mi.-^s Mary Dewey, the wedding being celebrated 
 at the home of the bride on the 24th of September. 
 1X.">1. 'This lady w,is the daughter of Hon. .loscph 
 and .Mariah Dewey, the father un ex-member of 
 the Legislature, and at one time an Associate Judge 
 of the County Court. Prior to his election to 
 oflice he had carried on farming successfully in 
 New York. He is now retired from active life, and 
 
 ■*►■ 
 
 * 
 
•t^f^ 
 
 332 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 lives in a pleasant home at Chureliville. N. Y., sur- 
 rounded by all the comforts of life. 
 
 Our subject and his estimable wife began the 
 journey of life togetiier in 18.')1. They have six 
 ciiildren living: The eldest daughter, Electa M., 
 is the wife of Elmore Cole,s, wlio is engaged in 
 farming in Burr Oak; Rosaline. Mrs. Thomas 
 Bastian, is a resident of Duffield, Genesee County, 
 this State; Frank died at tiie age of twenty-seven 
 3-ears, in .Tune, 1888; llettie. .Myrtle. Loe and Otis 
 are at home with their parents, although M\-rtle is 
 usually engaged in teaching. Mr. llincher. politi- 
 cally-. Is a sound Democrat, and ha.< been the can- 
 didate of his party for various offices, but the 
 Democracy being in the minority, he suffered the 
 fate of the balance of his ticket. He is a man of 
 ripe judgment, excellent principles, and more tlian 
 ordinary capabilities, and a citizen in whom is 
 placed tlie utmost confidence. 
 
 4 
 
 ^ J^ILLIAM II. WELLS owns and occupies a 
 \/\//l *""r^ homestead on section 2 in Burr Oak 
 W^ Township, where to a great extent he has 
 carried out the theory of Horace Greeley. '• that a 
 small acreage well tilled is more desirable than a 
 large area of land partially neglected." His 13- 
 acre farm is consequently brought to a high state 
 of cidtivatioii and he has good improvements, in- 
 eluding the neccssar}- buildings and a cider mill, 
 which he operates profitablj' both for himself and 
 his neighbors. 
 
 Our subject, essentially an Ohio man, was born 
 in Seneca Counlj'. that .State, .Ian. 3, 1840, at the 
 modest homestead of his p;u'cnts in Thompson 
 Township. Ilis father, William Wells, was a far- 
 mer bj' occupation, and a native of Bellefontaine, 
 Pa., and married in early n)anhoo(l Miss Susan Bar- 
 ger. The parents settled among the pioneers of 
 Seneca County, Ohio, where they lived until 1860, 
 and then came to this county. The father died at 
 the home of his son W. II., in Burr Oak, .Sept. 24, 
 1888. when over seventy -seven years of age, hav- 
 ing been born in May. IHil. The mother is still 
 living. 
 
 Four sons of the parental famil}- served as sol- 
 
 diers in the late Civil War. The eldest, Benjamin 
 F., is now a brick manufacturer of Scott City, Kan. 
 One daughter died when iwentj' j-ears of age. 
 Benjamin F., in 18C1, enlisted as a Union soldier 
 at Three Rivers, in the 1 Itli Michigan Infantry, 
 which was under command of Col. Stoughton, but 
 organized under Col. Ma\-, of White Pigeon. Their 
 duties lay mostly with the Army of the Cumberland. 
 Benjamin F. was in active service, escaped wounds 
 and capture, and at the expiration of his term of 
 enlistment received his honorable discharge. He 
 was all through the Georgia pampaign, his regi- 
 ment being most of the time with the 23d Army 
 Corps. 
 
 Our sulpjcct, following the example of his broth- 
 ers, also entered the ranks, becoming a member of 
 Company F, 1st Michigan Light Artillery, in which 
 he rendered a faitliful service of three years. He 
 also went with his regiment through the Georgia 
 campaign, and |iarticipated in many of the important 
 l)attles of the war, including the siege of Atlanta 
 and the battle of Nashville. He also wijs fortunate, 
 receiving on\y a wound bj' the accidental discharge 
 of a pistol, on account of which he draws a pension. 
 After a faithful service of three 3-ears he was given 
 his honorable discharge near the close of the war, 
 on the I4lli of January. 18G.5, at Nashville. Tenn. 
 His brother George belonged to the lO.'id Ohio 
 Infantry, and. less fortunate than the others, fell a 
 victim to the rebel atrocities of Libl)y Prison, be- 
 ing captured and conlineil in that terrible stockade, 
 where he was de()rived of his shoes, and where his 
 feet were frozen, rendering him a cripple for life. 
 He also is a pensioner, and is now living on his 
 farm near Pulaski, Williams Co., Ohio. Jacob 
 Wells, the other brother, also enlisteil in the I03d 
 Ohio Infantry-, and, at the battle of Beverh', W. 
 Va., was wounded in the small of the b.ack, and re- 
 ceived an honorable discharge tifter a service of 
 three j'ears. He also draws a jjension, and is a 
 resident of Illinois. 
 
 Our subject, after returning from the army, took 
 up his residence in this county, and in the fall of 
 1867 was united in marriage with Miss Esther E. 
 Ware, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and was 
 born April 22. 1840. Mrs. Wells is the daughter 
 of Phillip and Esther A. (Gracel}') Ware, who were 
 
 •► 
 
^^ 4|^^^^ 
 
 t/^/5^n 
 

 sr. JOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 335 
 
 natives of Lelii<;li Cmiiity. Pa., and emigrated to 
 Miclii'^aii aljout 1800, the father taking up a tract 
 of land in Colon Township, this county, where he 
 lftl)ored until his death. The niollior is also <le- 
 ceii-sed. 
 
 To our sulijcot and liis estimable wife there have 
 been horn ten I'liijilri'n — .Milton A.. Wilson, Eilwin. 
 Rose, Matilda, Malinda, Ksther A., Susan. .Marinda 
 and Clinton, the latter of whom is deceased, 
 
 >,ILLIAM KKITERMAN, Ph. D., is a gen- 
 tleman of thorough education, greateulture. 
 ^sfi and in many respei^ts possesses more than 
 ordinary ntiility. He occupies a pleasant home in 
 Burr Oak 'I'ownsliip, and has been a resident of this 
 county since March 1, l.sdO. 
 
 A native of the Prussian Province of Branden- 
 burg, our subject was born May 22, \X3'J. and 
 there spent the early years of his life, until a youth 
 of seventeen, acquiring a thorough common-school 
 education. He was a bright and ambitious lad, 
 and, not being satisfied with his prospects in his 
 own countr3'. determined to emigrate to America, 
 Embarking at the port of Bremen, he crossed the 
 Atlantic unaccompanied by any friend or acquaint- 
 ance, l.inding in New York City penniless. His 
 most pressing business was to secure emploj'nient, 
 and his first <lay's work was on a railroad, but with 
 this employment he was not at all pleased. The 
 next day he sought for something more congenial 
 to his taiites. and finally engaged with n farmer, 
 John Schneider, who lived near Carlisle, in .Scho- 
 harie County, N, Y., and with whom he remained 
 one and one-half years. He was very careful and 
 economical in his expenditures, and kept steadily 
 in view his determination to secure a good edu- 
 cation. In due lime he became a student of Har- 
 wick .Seminar}-, near Cooperstown, Otsego Count}', 
 ami upon leaving this entered Geneva College^ 
 where he took a classical course, and from which he 
 was graduated in the phiss of '57. Our subject 
 now commenced teaching at .Sand Lake Collegiate 
 Institute, in the vicinity of Troy, N. Y. He had 
 
 married Mi^s Sarah E. Whitcimn, of East Spriiig- 
 tield. N. Y., Oct. 15, 1«57. with whom he moved 
 to Findlay, Ohio, where he lost his companion, who 
 left a daughter. .Sarah Eliztibeth, four weeks old. 
 llor grandparents, Mr. and .Mrs. Thomas Wiiiteinan, 
 of East .Springfield, took her, and with them she 
 is still living. Prof. Ueilerman remained five ye;irs 
 at Findlay, and spent the following two 3'ears at 
 Toledo. He came to this county in the spring of 
 lH(j6. Prof. Reiterman, on the 1st of November, 
 1859. was united in marriage with Miss .Mary E., 
 daughter of .Josiah and Sarah (llouser) Moorehead, 
 the wedding taking place at the home of the bride 
 in FindKa}-, Ohio. The parents of Mrs. Reiterman 
 were natives of Penns3^1vania, and the father car- 
 ried (ju harness-making in Findlay, (Jhio. He had 
 during his early manhood learned the trade of sad- 
 dler, which he follcjwed until 1874. The parents 
 spent their last years in Bentcjn Ridge, Ohio. 
 
 .Mrs. Reiterman was born May 22, 1843, in 
 Findlay, Ohio, and received a common-school edu- 
 cation, remaining under the parental roof until her 
 marriage. The Professor and his wife began their 
 wedded life together at Findlaj', where thej' lived 
 until 1864, when they removed to Toledo. Their 
 union htis been blessed by the birth of six children, 
 the record of whom is as follows: Henrietta S. was 
 born Oct. 4, 1860, and is now the wife of P'rank 
 Brown, a farmer of Champaign, III.; Gertrude was 
 born Nov. 1, 1862, and married Willis Appleman, 
 who is engaged in farming at Turke}' Creek. Ind. ; 
 .losiah was born Oct. 7, 1864, and is manager of a 
 hardware store at (irand Rapids; Julia, born Feb. 
 6. 1867. died at the home of her parents in .Sturgis, 
 May 4, 1870; Isabella, born July 8, 1872, and 
 Frances, Oct, 20, 1883. are at home with their 
 parents. 
 
 Prof. Reiterman, in the year 1878, invested a 
 portion of his surplus capital in land, and now owns 
 a fine farm of 220 acres on section 5 in Burr Oak 
 Township. He identified himself with the Pres- 
 byterian Church in 1870. in which he is an Ehler, 
 and has at times occupied the pulpit of the 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church. He is a gentleman 
 of fine tistes. and possesses considerable talent as 
 an artist. It is a real pleasure to meet a refined 
 gentleman like Prof. Reiterman, and the biographer 
 
 
4. 
 
 336 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 especiall}- ■enj03-crl tlie hour spent ■with liim. His por- 
 trait graces an acccnipanyiiig pfge, and will be 
 welcomed bj' his many friends throughout the 
 county. 
 
 rv*'-../v~* 
 
 4 
 
 -^ca/isi©.'^^— ^^jw* 
 
 OWARD HOPKINS, a veteran of over 
 l' eighty years of age. and a resident of this 
 count}- since the summer of 1845. was one 
 of the earliest pioneers of Jlichlgan Terri- 
 tory, to which he came in KS36. He was a resident 
 of "Washington County for the first ten years after 
 his arrival here, and has made of agriculture a life- 
 long pursuit. He is now located on section 3 in 
 Mendon Township. 
 
 Abner Hopkins, the father of our subject, was a 
 native of Hliode Island, and married Miss Caroline 
 Auu'S. who was born in Massachusetts. After mar- 
 ri.ige the parents settled in Otsego County. N. Y., 
 and from there moved to Seneca County, where the 
 mother dieil. Abner Hopkins after the death of 
 his wife came to W.ishtenaw Count}'. Mich., where 
 his death took place about 1844. The parental 
 househohl consisteil of eight children, three of 
 whom are still living. 
 
 Our subject was llic sixth child of his parents, 
 and was born in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., 
 May 2(«. 1808. He came to Southern Michig.in, 
 and in December, 1845. purchased 101 .acres of 
 land in Mendon Town.'hip. Of this he has now 
 seventy-two acres, upon which he has erected good 
 buildings, planted fruit trees, and gathered about 
 him. as years passed by, the comforts and conveni- 
 ences of rural life. 
 
 Mr. Hopkins was first married in Wayne County, 
 N. Y., to MissDamaris Tripp, who became the 
 mother of three children, and died at the homestead 
 in Mendon Township. March 11, 1854. Their 
 eldest daughter. Martha, is now the wife of J. W. 
 Brown, of Wichita. Kan.; Clarissa married George 
 W. Wing, and lives in xMendon; Sarah, Mrs. C. E. 
 Wolcott, makes her home in Vieksburg. 
 
 The present wife of our subject, to whom he was 
 married April 8, 1857, was formerly Mrs. Martha 
 Tryon, widow of Henry Tryon, and daughter of 
 Alson and Aluiiia Wing. Mr. and Mrs. Wing came 
 
 to Mendon Township from Sturgis about 1848. and 
 here spent the remainder of their days, the father 
 departing hence in 1873, and the mother in the 
 year 1880. Mrs. Martha Hopkins was bt)rn in 
 Washtenaw County, this State, April 8, 1838. Of 
 her first marriage there was born one child, a daugh- 
 ter. Henrietta, who is now the wife of Charles Hop- 
 kins, of Owosso. Of her union with our subject 
 there have been born seven children, namely: Eli- 
 nor, the wife of Franklin Clark, of Vernon; Caro- 
 line. Belle, Berenice, Howard A., Harrj- A. au(\ 
 Lillias. The latter died Aug. 6, 1877, when ten 
 years old. 
 
 Mr. Hopkins altemled the first Republican mass 
 meeting held in the State of Michigan, and from 
 this is indicated his political principles, he having 
 been a stanch Iie|)ublican since the organization of 
 the party. As one of the honored pioneei-s of St. 
 Joseph County, he is accorded that tacit reverence 
 and respect involuntarily given to those whose ex- 
 perience has been so long and varied, and whose 
 career has been one uniforndy useful and honor- 
 able. Mrs. Hojjkins is a very estimable lady, look- 
 ing well to the ways of her household, and making 
 her home one of the plcasantest to be found within 
 the precincts of St. Joseph County. 
 
 ^•■ 
 
 ANSOM CU.VW, of Florence Township, was 
 born on. the homestead which he now owns 
 and occupies. Jan. 30, 1843. This property 
 ^^his father secured at an early day, when the 
 country around was in its primitive condition, and 
 the settlers few and far between. It is pleasantly 
 located on section 6, and by the exercise of years 
 of industry and a wise investment of fun<ls has been 
 brought to a valuable and proiluctive condition. 
 
 Our subject is the son of Marshall Craw, a na- 
 tive of New York State, who emigrated to Michi- 
 gan when a young man, while it was a Territory, 
 settling in St. Joseph County as early as 1833. At 
 that date he secured the tract of land which has 
 since been in the family, and where he spent the re- 
 mainder of his life. Here he labored for a j)eriod 
 of twenty-two years, passing away on the 15th of 
 April, 1853, at the age of fifty-five. He was 
 
 f 
 
.ST. .lO^KPil COUNTY. 
 
 337 
 
 marriert in Wayne County-. N. Y.. to Miss Mnry 
 Ann Sloan. (l.Tii;j;litor <jf Roliert .Sloan, a native 
 of the same .State. Of this union there were born 
 four children, two of whom, Hiram and Mary, died 
 in infanc3\ The otiiers were Plxflte, and Unnsom, 
 our sulijeet. The former was the wife of Richjird 
 Weatherliee, and died Feb. 2U, 1877. Mr. an<1 Mrs. 
 W. became the parents of two children, Maj- and 
 George. Mrs. Wealherbce died in Mendon, this 
 county, in 1877. 
 
 The mother of our subject dierl Dec. 30. 1847, 
 and Marshall Craw was married a second time in 
 F'lorence, in 18-1!). to Miss Kunice Weatherbee, who 
 was born in Kinffsbury. N. Y., Nov. 2, 1801, and 
 is still living, making her home with her stepson 
 Ransom. 
 
 Our subject acquired his education in the com- 
 mon schools mostly, but completed his studies in 
 the graded school of Three Rivers. Aside from 
 this he spent his boyhood and youth after the 
 manner of most farmers' sons, being trained to 
 habits of industry, and becoming familiar with the 
 various employments of farm life. After reaching 
 man's estate, he was married, in Fabius Town- 
 ship, this county, Dec. 16, 18G3, to Miss Mary L. 
 Weatherbee, who. like her husband. Is a native of 
 this county, and was born April 21, 1844. They 
 are the parents of six children, all of whom arc 
 living, namely : Mary D.. Henry, Frank. Marshall, 
 John and Carlos. Mary I), was born Jan. 1, 1865; 
 Henry. .Sept. 23, ISfifi; Frank, April 13, 1868; Mar- 
 shall, Nov. 4. 186'J; John, Aug. 31, 187,i. and 
 Carlos, May 28, 1881. Mr. Craw cast his first Presi- 
 dential Vote for Abraham Lincoln, and uniformly 
 supports Ihe principles of the Republican party. He 
 is a member of the Miisonic fraternity at Three 
 Rivers. 
 
 >► m ^ 
 
 I^^TKPHKN .M. N.A.SII occupies a foremost 
 ^^^ place among the thrifty and intelligent 
 (jl/ji) agriculturists of this section of Michigan. 
 He lives on his highly improved farm lo- 
 cated on section 17, in Mottville Township. It is 
 one of the most valuable and highly improverl 
 tracts of land in the county. He wa.« born in Stark 
 County. Ohio. Jan. 26. 1823. His father. Sampson 
 
 C. Nash, was born in Jlaryland, Jan. 1, 1789. lie 
 was a farmer, ami when bis time w.as not occupied 
 on the farm he followed the occupation of a carpen- 
 ter. His niotlier wa.s Lovina Allert(m. She and 
 the father of our subject were married in Stark 
 County, Ohio, in 1819, and lived in Ohio until, in 
 the spring of 1843, they moved to Elkhart County, 
 Ind. During the residence of the family here the 
 f.ither w.os killed in a railway accident. Jan. 24, 1853. 
 
 Our subject is one of a family of six children, 
 named as follows: John P.. born in Ohio, Sept. 4, 
 1820; .Stephen, our subject; Aaron, born Oct. 7, 
 1827; Ira, Aug. 21, 1830; George. March 9. 1833; 
 William, Aug. 31, 1837, and Amos. The mother is 
 deceased. Amos was a soldier in tlie I'nion Array 
 during the Rebellion, and died May 10, 1862, of 
 camp fever; Willi.Tm was also a soldier, and died 
 Feb. 10, 1863, from eara|) fever; John lives in 
 Monroeville. Ind., and is a minister in the Method- 
 ist Episcopal Church; Aaron lives in .Mt. Ayr, 
 Ringgold Co., Iowa, where he is a carpenter; George 
 lives in ilinneapolis. Minn. In bis earlier life he 
 learned the tr.idc of a carpenter; he is now travel- 
 ing for a wholesale house in that city. 
 
 The subject of this sketch began life as a poor 
 boy. He did not have wealth or jmsition to aid 
 him. and he relied solely- upon his own efforts to 
 attain success, and he has made his life what he 
 started out to do, both in the sense of accumulating 
 wealth and property, and in doing good to those 
 about him. He found no royal road to fortune, 
 nor was it a pathway strewn with flowers, but the 
 commanding position which he now holds was 
 reached by the way of a rough and tedious road, 
 every step of which presented obstacles. Hy his 
 will and perseverance he overcame them all. and 
 now we find him one of the most wealthy and 
 highly respected men of the time.-*. 
 
 The first wife of our subject was Caroline Voor- 
 heis. to whom he was married April 21. 1853. She 
 was bom Aug. 7. 1826. and died March 27, 1882. 
 aged fifty-seven years. .She was the mother of one 
 child, a daughter, who is now the wife of John W. 
 Baxter, to whom she was married Oct. 10, 1877. 
 Mr. Nash was again married, April 15, 1884, the 
 lady of his choice being Caroline Eliza Wright. 
 She is of .Scotch and English descent, and is a 
 
 ■» ■ ^» 
 
» ► ir^ 
 
 33« 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 wortliy member of the Church of the Di-^cijiles. 
 He is an active member of this church, having; held 
 the office of Elder and other imjKjrtant positions in 
 the society. Tlie first wife was also a member of 
 this church. 
 
 The farm occupied bj' the subject of this sketch 
 is one of the finest located and highest improved in 
 the county. His residence is large and room}-, of a 
 modern design, is handsomelj- furnished through- 
 out, and many of the latest improved conveniences 
 intended to contribute to the welfare and comfort 
 of its inmates are found within its walls. The 
 building is located in the midst of a beautiful lawn, 
 and is surrc>unded Ijy trees and flowers, and the 
 barns and other outhouses are of tlie most substan- 
 tial character, erected with a view to care for the 
 stock and handle the crops raised on the farm eco- 
 nomically, and to the best .id vantage. The success 
 that has accompanied his efforts has been but little 
 short of phenomenal, and his life may be taken as a 
 copy by the youth of the present da^-. which, if 
 adopted and zealously followed in all its details, 
 cannot fail in crowning their eflforts with unlx)unded 
 success. This gentleman has served as Justice of 
 the Peace for many years, but is not in that office 
 now, having declined a re-election. He has served 
 as Chairman for the Board of Supervisors of the 
 county for several terms. He is a man having 
 great force of character and per.^onal influence over 
 all with whom he becomes .issociated. 
 
 ^ .^.^ v~ 
 
 ft_-^ARVEY K. FIELD. In the incidents due 
 to the labor of compiling a biographical 
 work such as this, there are none which af- 
 ■Si^) ford to the writer anj- greater pleasure than 
 to meet and converse with the large number of 
 old settlers of the country, and among the greater 
 number of such, residing in .'^t. Joseph Count}-, we 
 have found none that were better informed on all 
 matters of history pertaining to the early days than 
 the subject of this sketch. He is now living in the 
 village of Mottville. having retired from the active 
 life of a farmer, which he followed for many years. 
 This gentleman was born in Ontario County. 
 iS. Y.. in lb2C. His boyhood da^-s were passed on 
 
 the farm, as was also the major portion of his life, 
 up to the time of his retirement. He received but 
 a limited education in the district schools. He 
 never attended any college, but he possessed a 
 natural studious habit, and he was a close observer 
 of men and events, and by the constant exercise of 
 these two traits he has attained a practical knowl- 
 edge that has served him to a good purpose. In 
 1845 he first came to Mottville, where he lived 
 until 1849, when he, with man}' others, was at- 
 tacked with the gold fever, and went to California 
 in that year. There he remained for nearly two 
 years, when he returned to Michigan in 1851, and 
 purchased a tract of 203 acres of land located in 
 Cass County. It was partially improved at the 
 time of purchase, and is now one of the best im- 
 proved farms in the county. It was his home until 
 he retired and removed to Mottville Village. 
 
 Mr. Eield is the son of Darius F"ield. The father 
 w.is born Aug 12. 1702. in Vermont. The mother 
 was Saloma (Clark) Field. .She was born Jan. 5. 
 1797, in Vermont. The parents were married in 
 Vermont, Nov. 22, 1815. About a year after their 
 marri.age they moved to New York, settling in 
 Prattsburg, Steuben County, where they lived until 
 1845, when they moved to St. Joseph County. 
 Mich., and settled in Constantine Township. The 
 father purchased a farm in Ciiss County, which he 
 held for a numl)er of yeare. He sold this farm, and 
 moved into Mottville Village, where he resided 
 until Feb. 1(5, 1874, on whi'^^h d.iy he died. The 
 mother died July 2. 1864, in the village of .Mott- 
 ville. Both parents were members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church ; the father held many different 
 offices in the church, and his entire life was exem- 
 plary in all respects. 
 
 A large family of children were born to the par- 
 ents of our subject, and were named as follows : 
 Rhoda A.. Diana, Lavinia, Desdemona, Hermione, 
 Darius. Saloma, Adeline. Caroline, Chester A., Mar- 
 tin D. and Emory G. Rhoda A. w.as born in Pratts- 
 burg, N. Y.,Feb. 14, 181 7, and was the wife of Orris 
 Briggs; both husband and wife are dead. She was 
 the mother of eight children, five of whom arc liv- 
 ing, four in Michigan and one in Iowa. Diana 
 was born in Steuben County, N. Y., June 6, 1819, 
 aud died when quite young; Lavinia was born 
 
■♦- 
 
 ST. .lOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •*^ 
 
 .•^3!) 
 
 Mnrcli 20. 1821, in Steuben County, and is now 
 living in Motlville Villiige, llie widow of Thomas 
 Hums; Des'ieniona and llorniionc are twin sisters, 
 liorn Dec. 31, 1828. Ilermionc is the wife of Jo- 
 seph Parker, and resides in Ontario County, N. Y., 
 and is the mother of five children, two i^irls and 
 three boys. Desdemona is the wife of Nathan Hess, 
 to whom she was married .Ian. 1, 1845; thej' re- 
 side near Jackson, .Mich. Her sister Hermioneand 
 her husband were married on the .same day. Da- 
 rius W. was born in Steuben Comity, N. Y.. April 
 26, 1831, in the town of Cohocton : he was mar- 
 ried in December. 1852, to .Sarah Ray. He is now 
 a farmer, living near Kalamazoo, the father of two 
 boys and one girl. Saloraa is the wife of Ilollis H. 
 Tyler, to whom she was united in marriage April 
 2G. 1831. in Cohocton. N. Y. ; she now resides in 
 Naples. Ontjirio Co., N. Y., and is tlie mother of 
 three children. Her two daughters are married, 
 and reside in Montana; her son is on the old home- 
 stead. Adeline and Caroline were also twins; Ade- 
 line died Dec. 2.i, I 841, aged ten years; Caroline lives 
 in Nebrajika with her husband. CIn'istopher Woolga- 
 niood, where he is a prosperous farmer. .She is the 
 mother of four children, one of whom is dead. 
 Chester A. is married to Rosa Braginton; they 
 were married Oct. 27, 1858. and have two sons and 
 two daughlers. He is a farmer and merchant, re- 
 siding in Russell County, Kan. Martin D. died 
 April 4. 183'.(, in New York StJite; Kmory G. mar- 
 ried Klizabelh Braginton, Sept. 7, 18(il, in .Sturgis. 
 Mich.; they lived in Mottville until 1883. when 
 the}- moveil to Fairmont, Neb., where he died 
 on Thanksgiving Da}', 1885. He was the father of 
 four children, one son and three daughters, all liv- 
 ing in the West. 
 
 The subject of this sketch and his g<io(l wife are 
 the |)arents of four children, three of whom are 
 dead. Their daughter, Klla 1^., is the wife of Ro- 
 dolph Klett, an<l resides on the home farm with her 
 husband, near the village of Mottville. ,She is the 
 mother of one child, a son. Mr. Field is a strong 
 Prohibitionist, and has a conscientious belief that 
 the time is not far distant when the saloon will be 
 dis|)ensed with, and the liquor element, which forms 
 such an im|>ortant factor in the political questions 
 of the day, will become a thing of the past. Both 
 
 himself and wife are members of the Methodist 
 Kpiscopal Church in Mottville Village, conscien- 
 tious and sincere in their religious belief. They are 
 both generous and large-hearted, and lake an act- 
 ive part in all matters pertaining to the spiritual 
 and material welfare of their neighborhood. They 
 are very sociable in their disposition, and the vis- 
 itor to their home is made doubly welcome. Mr. 
 Field h.as been Sunday-school Superintendent for 
 the last twent3--five 3'ears. He is a man who has, 
 and merits, the highest opinion of his fellowmen. 
 In the family of our subject's father there were Ave 
 pairs of twins. 
 
 TKPIIEN \y. GILKISON is one of the in- 
 dustrious, frugal and successful agricultur- 
 ists of Burr Oak Township, and is worthy 
 a place in an Ai.bim of this description. 
 He is a native of Mansfield. Richland Co., Ohio, 
 where he was born on the 12th of June, 1843. His 
 father. George C was the son of James Gilkison, a 
 native of Kentuck}-. and a pioneer of that county. 
 He was fully established in business as a mason, to 
 which he was succeeded by his son, the father of 
 our subject. Besides George he w.as the father of 
 twelve children, of whom four daughters are now 
 living. 
 
 George C. Gilkison, the father of our subject, 
 came to Michigan and located at Centreville in the 
 year 1844, remaining there about twelve months. 
 Thence he removed to Klkhart County, Ind., where 
 he remained for about two j-ears. and then went to 
 dingers Lake. After that he came to Sherman in 
 this county, finally locating in Burr Oak, in the 
 year 18G6. The maiden name of his wife and faith- 
 ful life companion was Mary Kcasey. who bore him 
 nine children, of whom our subject was the fourth 
 born. 
 
 The subject of our sketch is a man of character, 
 wide information, and with large ability as a far- 
 mer, a faithful and true friend as well .as citizen. 
 In the spring of 18C4 he enlisted in defense of the 
 Union, becoming a member of Company G, 11th 
 Michigan Infantry, and served almost two years. 
 During that time he saw many of the larger and 
 
 * 
 
-4•■ 
 
 :U0 
 
 ^ii^Hh^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 more important engagements, besirlos other service. 
 Among till.' hatlles in wliicli lie fought may lie 
 named those of l\'aelitree Creek, Resaca. Atlanta 
 au<l others. He came out of the military service 
 nnseathcrl, excepting as his constitution had been 
 strained h^- exi)osiire and camp life. He recciveil 
 an honorable discharge in IbG.i at Nashville. Tenn. 
 
 On the 10th of April, isTO, Mr. Gilkison and 
 Priscilla Freed were united in marriage at Burr 
 Oak. The wife of our subject is a daughter of 
 J()hn and Priscilla Freed. Jt was her niisfortune to 
 lose her father by death when she was about three 
 years of age. Her mother subsequently removed to 
 Ohio, and later married Mr. .lames C. HIanchard.of 
 Burr Oak. one of the venerable and much respected 
 pioneers of this county. Our subject's marriage 
 has been blessed b}' the birth of ten children, 
 whose names are as follows: Salalhiel S., Zavala V., 
 George I{., Leston T., Claiion M., Amej'. Nina L., 
 Joy L., Slierman Blaine and Mary Gertru<le. 
 
 Our subject, although not a leader in political 
 affairs, is alwa^'s glad to bear his full part anil re- 
 sponsibility as a citizen and as a member of the 
 Bepublican J)art3', with which he has worked and 
 voted for many years. 
 
 JOIIX 1\. (JKNTZLEK occupies a prominent 
 place among the young farmers of Florence 
 Township, and his farm on section 31 is 
 classed as one of the most valuable in this 
 locality. He is a son of Adam and I.ydia A. (Leh- 
 mer) Gentzler, natives of Pennsylvania; his father 
 was born in 1827 and his mother in 18'28. In 1851 
 Mr. (ientzler settled up his affairs in I'cnnsylvania, 
 having resolved to make his residence for the future 
 in the State of Michigan, and in due time he located 
 in St. Joseph County, where he soon became identi- 
 fied with its growing agricultural interests, purchas- 
 ing land in Park Township, which he improved 
 into a good farm. Although he was not among the 
 first settlers of the township, he found that it had 
 not advanced very far from the primitive con- 
 dition of its early d,ays, and well did he perform 
 his I'art in the pioneer labors of clearing the land 
 and developing its rich agricultural resources. He 
 -.4« 
 
 is, politically, a Democrat, and is a member of the 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church and now resides in 
 .St. Joseph County, The good mother of our sub- 
 ject died Aug. 18, 1885, having rounded out a 
 useful and busy life of fifty-seven years. She was 
 also a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. 
 To her .ind her husband were born five children. 
 two sons and three daughters. 
 
 John R. Gentzler. of this biographical sketch, was 
 the third child of these worthy people, and w.ns 
 born in Pennsylvania, April 19. 1853. Consequentlj- 
 he w.is scarcely a year old when his ]iarents came 
 to St. Joseph County to live, and his boyhood days 
 were passed at his father's homestead in Park Town- 
 ship. His education was conducted in the schools 
 of Constantiue. where he stood well in scholarship. 
 After leaving school he entered upon his life work 
 as a farmer, and for seven j-ears managed his 
 father's farm with gratifying success. At the ex- 
 piration of that time he purchased his present farm 
 in Florence Townshi]). and has since labored assidu- 
 ously to bring about its present high state of im- 
 provement. It comprises 160 acres of as fine farming 
 Kind .IS is to be found in .St. .Joseph County, is 
 supplied with a good set of buildings, and every- 
 thing about the place denotes thrift iind careful 
 management on the part of the owner. He is a 
 skillful and practical farmer, employing the best and 
 most approved methods both in cultivating his 
 land and in raising stock, to which he also pays 
 much attention. 
 
 Mr. Gentzler has the hearty co-operation of a 
 good wife in his work, and to her encour.igement 
 and assistance he gratefully acknowledges that he 
 is much indelited for his success in life. They were 
 married at Constantiue. Dec. l-l. 187(5. Mrs. (ientz- 
 ler was formerly Miss Catherine Miller, daughter 
 of George and Susanna (Walters) Miller, natives 
 respectively of A'irginia .ind Ohio. She was herself 
 born in Ohio, Nov. 24. 1859. and of her union with 
 our subject three sons have been bom. namely: 
 Fred W.. born Sept. 13. 1881; Charies K.. Nov. 17. 
 1883; Clare A.. Sept. 19. 1887. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. tJentzler have a jjleasant home, and 
 they often extend it*: charming hospitalities to their 
 numerous friends. They are active members of the 
 Luther.in Church at Constantiue. and their daily 
 
 :!t^ 
 
I 
 
 -<•- 
 
 ST. .lOSKFlI rOUNTY. 
 
 •■► 
 
 341 
 
 lives indicate that they are guided bv tlie highest 
 priiK'ipk's of eondiict. Jlr. flent/.ler exerts a good 
 inlhieiu'e in tlie ooramunity. as lie is liberal and 
 puhlic spirited, and cheerfully <loes all that lie can 
 to advance the various sclicnics for tiie inii^rove- 
 ment of the township. Politically, lie is an ardent 
 DennHTal. 
 
 <3= 
 
 7-^ 
 
 =&- 
 
 ON. WILLIAM MORRIS, of Burr Oak 
 ' Tosvnship, is the son of William P. and 
 ^ Nellie Morris, and was born in the county 
 of Surrey, England, on the •24tli of Septem- 
 ber, 1804. He W.1S brought up on a farm. He was 
 educated in the High Schools, has a good Knglish 
 education, and is a clear, intelligent student of the 
 various questions that are before the people from 
 time to time. 
 
 In 1823 the parents of our subject, willi their six 
 chddren, came to Americ.iand located in New York 
 City. Of these six children only two are now liv- 
 ing, viz.. our subject and his sister Elizabeth, who 
 is a maiden lady and resides at Oakland, Md. By 
 occupation Mr. Morris, Jr., is a farmer. This he fol- 
 lowed upon coming to the New World. They lived 
 on Siurgis Prairie until the spring of 1852, and 
 from there they removed U> Burr Oak an<l settled 
 upon the present farm. Various positions of pub- 
 lic trust an<l honor have been tilled by Mr. Mor- 
 ris since he came to St. Joseph County. He was 
 elected Justice of the Peace in 1842 and continued 
 in the office several years. He was Postmaster at 
 Sturgis from 184o to 1857, and in 1847 was chosen 
 by the Democratic party to represent his district in 
 the State Legislature. After coming to Burr Oak 
 he served for four years as a Justice, and for two 
 terms, viz., 1853 and 1854, he was .Supervisor of 
 Burr Oak Township. 
 
 The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
 was Nellie Cliappell, who was born in England. 
 There were given to her six chihlren. whose names 
 are recorded as follows : Elizabeth ; William, the sub- 
 ject of our sketch ; Mary, Anne. Frances and Emilj'. 
 
 Our subject and Miss Marcia .St. John, of Catta- 
 raugus County. N. Y.. were married on the 30lh of 
 December, 1840. There have been born to them 
 
 thirteen chiMren, of whom nine are still living, 
 viz.: Ellen, who was born on the Kith of Octo- 
 ber, 1842. who is at home; Albert, born .Ian. 24, 
 1847, aixl lives in iMigland ; Freil, born on the 
 .■50th of August, 183i>. of Fre<lericksburg. Tex.; 
 Charles, born .lune 14, 1853, of Fredericksburg, 
 Tex.; Frances, born Dec. 8, 1855; Elizabeth, born 
 Jan. 17. 1858; George, born June 9, 1860; Gilbert, 
 born Aug. 23. 18(;;{; Clayton, born on the 22d f>f 
 March. l8Gt;. 
 
 The Imme of our subject is upon his highly cul- 
 tivateil property of 700 acres situated one and one- 
 half miles west of Burr Oak Village. This he has 
 brought to its splenilid condition by his assiduous 
 care and constant effort. He is a man well-to-do, 
 and his home, which is very pleasantly situated, 
 presents in its interior arrangements the true refuge 
 that home is designed to be. Politically, our sub- 
 ject is a Democrat, and it is safe to say there are 
 few, if any, in the large circle of his acquaintances 
 who do not thoroughl}- esteem him and his family. 
 
 -MM~ 
 
 V. CORNELL, of Burr Oak, came to this 
 point in 1888. He had previously for a 
 period of three yeiirs been engaged .is a 
 hotel-keeper in the city of Coldwater. He 
 had also been on the Pacific .Slope, at Diamond 
 .Springs, fort3'-five miles from San Francisco, Cal. 
 Our subject was born in Niagara County, N. Y., 
 March 14, 1827, and is the son of Daniel and Anna 
 (Smith) Cornell, natives respectivel}' of New York 
 and Canada. They came to Michigan in 1834, set- 
 tling in Lenawee County, where the father carried 
 on farming two years in Raisin Townsliip. Thence 
 he removed to the vicinity of Coldwater, where he 
 followed agriculture until his death, which occurred 
 March 14, 1872. During his early manhood he had 
 been eng.aged in mercantile pursuits. The mother 
 passed away one month before the decease of her 
 husband. The parental family included nine chil- 
 dren, all of whom lived to mature years, and four 
 are now living, residing mostly in Branch County, 
 Mich. 
 
 The educational advantages of Mr. Cornell were 
 
 extreinelv meager during lii- iliililhnud and vnitli, 
 
 '. ■ ■► 
 
 i 
 
h Ti i ^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 he ridt l)eing able to write his name until after 
 reai-liin;,^ lii.s niajoiily. Suljfeqnently lie attended 
 sc'IkkjI, studying arilhmclie and geography and tak- 
 ing lessons in writing until he obtained a good 
 knowledge of the eouimon branehes. He had been 
 trained to habits of industry and eeonomy. and 
 there liad been irni)lante<l within him those elejuents 
 of charaeter which enabled him to enter upon the 
 struggle of life with maul}' courage and resolution. 
 At the age of twenty-three he consi<lered himself 
 justified in the establishment of a home of his own, 
 and was married, in l^i'jO, to Miss Cordelia Uarnes, 
 of Girard Township, Branch County, this State. 
 This lady was born in Michigan, and was the daugh- 
 ter of (.'lianc}' and Eliza Barnes, n.atives of Vermont, 
 the father a l)lacksmith by trade and also a farmer. 
 Of this union there were born three chikhen, all 
 living. Alfred B. married Miss Mary Rooney.who 
 was born July 4, 1861 ; they have one child, Paul B.. 
 born Oct. 22, 18!S2. This son is proprietor of the liv- 
 ery, sale and feed stable in Burr Oak. Za was born 
 in California, married Mr. C. I. Miles, of Coldwater, 
 who is now a merchant of McAllister, Ind. 'ler. ; 
 Frederick AV. is a traveling musician, at present in 
 Illinois. Mrs. Cordelia Cornell, the mother of these 
 children, departed this life at her home, April 25, 
 1M72. 
 
 On the 2(;th of Maich, 1873, our subject was 
 married the second time, to Mrs. Kate P. (Parker) 
 Sutton, daughter of Hiram and Sallie (Crockey) 
 Parker, who were natives of Canada and New York. 
 The former is still living, but the latter died Aug. 
 11,1 H54. Mrs. Cornell is a well-educated lady, and 
 taught for a period of ten years in the Higli School 
 at Burr Oak, and other schools in this vicinity. Her 
 culture and refinement are fully lecognized in the 
 social circles of her community, where she is a gen- 
 eral favorite. 
 
 Mr. Cornell for a period of thirteen years was 
 connected with the music store of C. J. Whitney, 
 of Detrt)it, commanding a salary of ^1 10 per month. 
 During his residence in Branch County he otliciated 
 as Constable, and is at present Justice of the Peace 
 and n)einber of the Town Board. He takes an act- 
 ive part in political affairs, and is a stanch supporter 
 of Democratic principles. A man of good judg- 
 ment and sound sense, he commands respect in the 
 4« 
 
 social ard business circles of his town, numbering 
 amonir his acquaintances hosts of friends. He iden- 
 tified himself with the Masonic fraternilj- aliout 
 1872, and is a member in good standing of the 
 lodge at Burr Oak. As one of the pioneers of St. 
 Joseph County, he has been permitted to note tlie 
 wonderful transformation of the wilderness to a 
 civilized community, and during the early days en- 
 dured in common with the jjeople about him the 
 toils and sacrifices incident to life in a new settle- 
 ment. He has chopped wood for thirty-one and 
 one-fourth cents a cord, at a time when money was 
 scarce and people were glad to obtain sufficient 
 to keep them in food and clothing. Many times 
 for days together he lived entirely on "Johnuy 
 cake," and was thankful to get that. Now. in the 
 enjoyment of a comfortalile home and competence, 
 he is receiving but that which is due him as one 
 who has labored faithfully and conscientiously, and 
 built up for himself the lecord of an honest man 
 and good citizen. 
 
 ,.^ ARY (GOODGER) BRAGINTON. The 
 // iV roll which carries the names of the many de- 
 voted wives, fond mothers, and true Chris- 
 tian women, so widely scattered throughout 
 this broad domain, holds none that casts a brighter 
 light or awakens deeper feelings of respect than 
 that of the lady whose name heads this sketch. She 
 is the widow of William Braginton. who was born 
 in England. She is also a native of England, where 
 in 1828 she and her husband were married. After 
 this event they remained in England for several 
 years, where the husband worked at his trade, which 
 was that of a carpenter. They had heard so much 
 regarding the possibilities of the New World, and 
 the opportunities which it presented, and which 
 coidd not be realize<l in their home countr)% that 
 they determined to try the truth of the reports for 
 themselves. 
 
 In pursuance of this resolution, our subject with 
 her husband crossed the ocean, and settled first in 
 AVestehester County, N. Y., whence they moved to 
 Philadel|)hia, Pa., where they resided several yeare. 
 They then moved to Ohio, making their home near 
 
■<*• 
 
 ^i^h-^ 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 343 1 ' 
 
 Akron, where tliey resided for fjuirteen j'ears. when 
 lliey nii;j;r:itt'<l lo C'mss Comity. Mich., iind pur- ' 
 uhiiseil 11 f.nrin, .iikI tiifro iiveil until they moved ^ 
 into the vill;i<;e of .Mottville; Ihej- lived iiere until ] 
 the litisbiUKl'!! deulli. whieh oceurred Feb. 12. 1876, 
 and here our suhjeet still resiiles. 
 
 Mrs. Hr.nginton is the mother of twelve children, 
 eight of wluini are living, niinicly : Miiry A., Kd- 
 wiinl. Willi.im 15., Rosalie, Martha, Klizahelh, John 
 and Stephen. Mary is the wife of Albert Conwaj', 
 a prosperous machinist; she is the mother of five 
 children, four sons and one daughter. Kdwin is 
 married and lives near Crown Point, Ind.. where 
 he is engaged in farming; he is the father of three 
 children, two sons and one daughter. William H. 
 lives in Dunklin County, Mo., is married, and the 
 father of three sons and three daughters; Rosalie is 
 the wife of Chester Field, a prosperous farmer liv- 
 ing in Russell County, Kan., and is the mother of 
 two sons and two daughters; Martha is the wife of 
 George Brown, anil resides in Red Oak, Iowa, and 
 is the mother of two childreji; Klizaheth was the 
 wife of Emory Field; her husband died on Thanks- 
 giving Day, 1884. He was by occupation a com- 
 mercial traveler. John marrieil Frances Knox, and 
 they live in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he is in 
 business as a real-estate dealer; he is the father of 
 one (laughter. Stephen married Sarah Leiand, and 
 lived in Grand Rapids, where he was eng.iged in a 
 factory; he is now dead, and left a family of four 
 children. George was a soldier in the Civil War, 
 and was killed in 1864, during the siege of Nash- 
 ville, Tenn.; he was a valiant soldier, and among 
 the thousands of brave men none were more coura- 
 geous than he. 
 
 Mrs. Hniginton is a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, and enrleavors by her daily walk 
 and conversation to bear witness to the mercy an<I 
 goodness of the Lord. She is in deed and in fact 
 one of those good old mothers in Israel, who have 
 done so much, and have sufiFered so greatly, that 
 the cause of Christ might (]ouri^ih. .She devotes all 
 her time and labor to the extent of her somewhat 
 limited strength to furthering the cause of religion, 
 and there are none more happ^' than she when the 
 heart of any erring one finds rest and peace in 
 •lesus. .She is well advanced in years, and enjoys 
 
 i' 
 
 the perfect confidence and esteem of evei'yone with 
 whom she comes in contact. Iler life is rounded 
 out with the fulness of the love of God and her fel- 
 low creatures, and now, in the evening of her life, 
 she has the blessed consciousness that she has faith- 
 fully performed her duty in the Master's vineyard, 
 and is patiently awaiting the messenger that will 
 call her hence to a better and everlasting life. 
 
 -<:)= 
 
 ^OIIN.I. STKARS is a line representative of 
 the agricultural community of St. Joseph 
 County, as he brings to his labors an intelli- 
 gent, well-trained mind, and is in every re- 
 si)ecta thorough, business-like, sj-stematic, practical 
 farmer, as is clearly shown by the a|)pea ranee of his 
 farm on section "iit, Florence Township, with its 
 broad, carefully tilled acres, its neat, well-appointed 
 buildings, and the fine stock gr.nzing in the fields. 
 Mr. Stears is a son of the honored pioneer citi- 
 zen, Mr. Thomas Stears, and he is a native of this 
 townshii). M.iy it. 1852, being the date of his birth. 
 He spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, 
 and doubtless assisted in its cultivation when not 
 attending the public school, where he obtained the 
 preliminaries of his education. He was a bright. 
 apt scholar, and being ambitious to .secure a higher 
 education, became a student at Hillsdale College in 
 18(j'.>, spending a year very profitably in the literary 
 department of that excellent institution of learning. 
 In the winter of 1871-72 he took another course in 
 that college, this time in the comineicial depart- 
 ment. After leaving college Mr. Stears chose 
 farming as his life vocation, and by the (piiet force 
 of persistent efforts, directed by sound discretion 
 and constant devotion to duty, he has met with 
 marked success, and already has his farm of 100 
 acres well improvwl. He is engage<l in mixed 
 farming, and has some finely graded stock, to the 
 raising of which he j)ays much attentiim. though 
 not to the neglect of his grain fields, where he 
 reaps abundant harvests. 
 
 To the lady who presides over his lumie. and 
 makes it plea.-ant and attractive to his family and 
 their many friends. Mr. Stears was united in mar- 
 
 f 
 
.»-il^^ 
 
 .t 
 
 344 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 riagc Feb. 16. 1882. A son and a daugliter have 
 blessed tlieir union: Bessie, born Oct. 28, 1883, 
 and Ilarrv. born Aug. 6, 1885. Mrs. Stears wjis 
 born in Wasliington County, Pa., Dec-. 18. 18.59, 
 and eame to Florence Township in 1881. Her 
 maiden name w.is Emma A. Greenlee. Mr. Stears 
 had l)een j)reviously married. Miss .Mattie K. (ilaze, 
 of Northumberland County, Pa., becoming his wife 
 Oct. 24. 1878. After a brief and happy wedded 
 life she passed away at Florence, Feb. 7, 1880. 
 
 Mr. Stears is a man of clear, vigorous intellect 
 and of unirai)eachal)lc integrity, and his fine busi- 
 ness education well fits him for tlie civic offices 
 that have been entrusted to him. He has long been 
 connected witli the management of the schools of liis 
 township, and ha.-; been Seliool Inspector for seven 
 years. lie is now Township Clerii, which office he 
 iias filled to tiie satisfaction of iiis fellow-citizens 
 for five 3-ears. He and his wife are greatly re- 
 spected by all wild have llic plcasine of knowing 
 them, and they are valued members of the Reformed 
 Churcli at Constant inc. 
 
 <* ftlLLIAM H. ROYS. The agricultural inler- 
 \/iJi/ **^* '^^ Constantine and vicinity have l)een 
 ^/% admiralil}' represente<l by the subject of 
 lliis sketcii, who is a scion of stanch New England 
 stock, and came to the West during the early years 
 of his life. The offspring of a good family, he is 
 the son of Lent Roys, a native of Sheffield, Berk- 
 shire Co., JIass., and born in 177.5. He was reared 
 to farming pursuits, but upon approaching man- 
 hood repaired to the town and 1p:uium1 the trade of 
 a tanner, which he followed in .Slu'llield a number 
 of years, carrying on the business for himself. In 
 1830, however, he resumed farming in Sheffield 
 Township. He was married there in 1800 to Miss 
 Mary, daughter of Lewis Holmes, a native of Pl}'- 
 mouth, Mass.. and her parents were of old Puritan 
 stock. She removed with her father to Sheflleld 
 in her girlhood, and there spent her List years, d^-- 
 ing at the age of sixty-seven. Lent Roj'ssurvived 
 his wife a number of years, and passed aw.ay at the 
 home of his daughter, Elizix Angevine, in Dutchess 
 County, N. Y., at the age of ninety-four years. 
 
 The ])arental family of our subject consisted of 
 twelve children, seven sons anil five daughters, all 
 of whom lived until upward of thirt}'-six j'ears — 
 a remarkable circumstance. Of this large family 
 only three are now living: Norman, of Florence, 
 this county; William II., our subject, and Eliza 
 Angevine. William H. was born in Sheffield, 
 Berkshire Co., Mass., July 12, 1823, and spent his 
 boyhood and youth at the old homestead, becom- 
 ing familiar with the various employments of farm 
 life. In 1844. at the age of twentj'-one years, he 
 started out for himself, and was employeil as a 
 farm laborer by the month for six years following. 
 In 1849 he crossed the plains to California and en- 
 gaged in mining in Tuolumne County until 1853. 
 In the fall of that year he returned eastward as far 
 as this county on a visit to his btother Norman, 
 with whom he remained until the spring following. 
 
 Mr. Roys being pleased with the outlook in this 
 section of country, concluded to make it his future 
 abiding-place, and accordingly purchased of his 
 brother Norman 175 acres of land on section 18, in 
 Florence Township. He gave his entire attention 
 to this for a number of \'e,Trs thereafter, bringing 
 the soil to a gooil state of cultivation, and erecting 
 modern and substantial buildings. Later he added 
 to his landed estate until he was the owner of 262 
 acres. He has now one of the best regulated farms 
 in this region, and is considered a man well-to-do, 
 capable and ellicient in the transaction of business, 
 and a skillful agriculturist. 
 
 On the 4th of October, 1854, Mr. Roys was mar- 
 ried, at Lyons, W.ayne Co., N. Y'., to Miss Eliza, 
 daugliter of Harvey and Angeline (Roys) Gcer. 
 Mr. Geer was born in Connecticut, March 16, 1802, 
 and is still living, making his home with his son-in- 
 law, our subject. The mother was a native of Shef- 
 field, Mass.; she was born in 1806, and died at the 
 home of her daughter Eliza, at the age of seventy- 
 four. Their family consisted of ten children, eight 
 of whom are living: Levi R. is at Grand Island, 
 Cal.; Henry resiiles at Upper Lake. Cal. ; Everard 
 resides in Grundy Centre, Iowa; Albert, at Union 
 City; Harvey resides in Berr}- County. Mich.; 
 Selesta Follett resides in this .State, and Ella .1. 
 Dimick in Florida. 
 
 Mr. Roys shortly after his marriage brought his 
 
 T 
 
■♦■ 
 
 4. 
 
 ST. .lOSKPEI COUNTY. 
 
 345 
 
 liride to his now home in the West, and thej' linve 
 since resifled in Fhirence Township. Tiie hoiise- 
 liold circle w.is cmnpletert iiy the liirlli «if tiiree 
 cliiidren. sill of whom me livinfr. Cl.irn, the chh-st, 
 was horn in I 85.T. and is the wife of Henry C. Drake, 
 wlio is carrvinw on fnrmin? and gardening in the 
 vicinity of C'onstantinc; Mahel was born March 1, 
 1861, and continues at home witii her parents; 
 Emma was liorn April 16, 1S7I, and is also at 
 home. Mrs. Drake took kindly to her hooks in her 
 girlhood da3-s. and was graduated from the graded 
 school at Con><tanline. The paternal great-graml- 
 fatlicr of Mrs. Roys was a soldier of llie Hevolii- 
 tionnry War, and spent his last years near Lyons, 
 N. Y. 
 
 f 
 
 i~ 
 
 fOUN C. KINNK. The form of this highly 
 esteemed resident of Leonidas Township 
 has liccn a familiar figure among the people 
 of St. .Io.seph County for a period of over 
 fifty years. lie lirst trod the soil of Michigan soon 
 after it was tr.ansformed from a Territory into a 
 State, and is thus entitled to he ranked among its 
 early pioneers. lie has lieen steadfa-stly loyal to 
 the section of country adopted at that time as his 
 home, having here spent the best years of his life, 
 beginning his labors upon the soil of this region 
 when a youth of seventeen years. Since that time 
 he has remaine<l continuously identified with the 
 best interests of St. Joseph County. 
 
 Life began with John C. Kinne at the modest 
 homestead of his i)arents near the little town of 
 Na|>les. in Ontario County, X. Y.. Jan. H\. 1820. 
 He is the offspring of an excellent f.amily, being 
 the third child of Cajjt. Eli.as B. and Martha 
 (Clark) Kinne, the former born in I'atridgctield, 
 Mass., Dec. 31, 1788, and the latter in Naples, On- 
 tario Co.. N. Y., April 14, ITStfi. The parents after 
 marriage lived for a time in the latter place, V)ut 
 in 1837 left the Empire State, resolved to cast their 
 lot among the pioneers of .Southern Michigan. 
 Comini; to this (•f)unty, the father .secured a tract 
 of land in Leonidas Township, where he lived and 
 labored the remainder of his life. He closed his 
 eyes u|Hin the scenes of earth in 1841>. In the War 
 of 1812 he served as Captain of nu inde])endent 
 
 company, with which rank he wa.s mustered out, 
 and retained the title until his death. A quiet and 
 unobtrusive man, conscientious and of the strictest 
 integrity, he performeil creditably all life's duties, 
 
 ' and shed a srood influence upcm those around him. 
 He never sought oflice, but was content in support- 
 ing by his vote the principles of the Democratic 
 party. 
 
 [ To Capt. Elias H. and Martha Kinne there were 
 
 1 born twelve children, six sons and six daughters. 
 .\11 of these were reared to mature years except one, 
 and made homes for them.selves. Seven now survive. 
 
 I .bjlin C. witi a youth of seventeen when he .iccom- 
 panied his parents to this county, and still continues 
 his residence on the old homestead, which was in- 
 augurated by his honored father and which, it is 
 hardly necessary to say, possesses for him a far 
 more than moneyed value. The original area has 
 been extended, and the farm now emliraces 200 broad 
 acres, with the buildings and machinery necessary 
 for the successful jirosecution of agriculture. The 
 first humble dwelling w.as al)andoned in 1873. and 
 replaced by our subject with a nn>dern residence, 
 substantially built and most cf)nveniently arranged. 
 Ever\thing about the premises indicates comfort 
 and prosperity, and the whole forms a delightful 
 ))icture of country life pleasing to contemplate. 
 Mr. Kinne has liecn quite jirominent in the affairs 
 of his community, holding the ottices of Township 
 Treasurer and Ilighw-iv Commissioner, and filling 
 other i)ositions of trust and responsibility. He is 
 an adherent of the Democratic party. He is con- 
 nected with the Ma.sonic fraternity, being a charter 
 member of Blue L<Hlge and Colon Chapter, and a 
 prominent light among the brethren. He and his 
 excellent wife are also memltersof Leonidas Grange 
 No. 266, V. of II. 
 
 Miss Serena Van Vleet, a native of Ridgeway. 
 Lenawee County', this State, became the wife of our 
 subject April 10.1870. Mrs. Kinne is the daughter 
 of Peter and .\biah (Miller) \an Vleet, who were 
 natives of the .State of .M.ossachu.^etts. and moved 
 to Lenawee County, Mich., during an early period 
 in its history. Thence they changed their resi- 
 dence later to Hillsdale County, where the father 
 followe<l agriculture until his tleath, which occurred 
 at his home in Adams Township. The motlier 
 
 f 
 
*► i r ^ 
 
 ■^ 
 
 .t 
 
 346 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 subsequenth- took up licr abode in Litchfield Town- 
 ship, where she passed the remainder of her life. 
 Mrs. Kinne was born April 12. 1840. and her ear- 
 liest recollections are of tlie pioneer lionic in l^cna- 
 wee County, where her parents battled willi the 
 difficulties of life in a new settlement, and reared 
 their children amid the disadvantajfes incident to 
 that lime an<l place. .Mrs. K. acquired a eoinmon- 
 school education, and remained under the home roof 
 until her marriaije. Of iier union with our subject 
 tliere were l)orn tlirce cliildreu. of wliom only one 
 is livinu;. Ivlith May. who is now at home. The 
 decea.-;ed dauijhter. .Martha .V.. died when an inter- 
 esting- child twelve years of age. and an infant. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Kinne number their friends by the 
 score anionsj the people of this part of St. Joseph 
 County, where they have erected one of its most 
 desiral)le homesteads, and fulfilled tlicir obliirations 
 to the community as worthy and conscientious 
 citizens, 
 
 «i : D — ^-^%r-^ — i : * 
 
 ^^HOMAS STEARS, a pioneer of St. Joseph 
 ijfn^^ County, is one of the influential and leading 
 ^^Jf' citizens of Florence Township, with whose 
 agricultural interests he has been identified for 
 many years. Although he is of foreign birth, he 
 has been a loyal citizen of the United .States for 
 fiftj'-three 5'ears, coming here before he had at- 
 tained his majority, and he was a resident of this 
 State when it was admitted into theUiiion in 1837, 
 when, under its constitution, all foreigners became 
 citizens without naturalization; and it has been his 
 privilege to watch the development and growth of 
 Michigan from an insignificant Territory in the 
 wilderness to one of the grandest and most power- 
 ful commonwealths in the Union. And not onlj' 
 that, l)ul he has contributed to its material pros- 
 perity. 
 
 Our subject is the son of Thomas Stears, whose 
 name is held in honor as that of one of the early set- 
 tlers of .St. Joseph County. The father was born in 
 Yorkshire. England, in 177.'), and was married there 
 to Miss Elizabeth Harrison, a native of Waxholme, 
 that shire, and there reared a family of twelve chil- 
 dren. In 1835, with this large family. Mr. Stears 
 emigrated to the United Slates, and located in 
 
 White Pigeon, this county. In P^ngland lie had 
 served at the grocer's trade, but after coming to 
 Michigan he turned his attention to farming, and 
 took up 120 acres of land in Florence Township, 
 thus becoming one of its pioneers. He was a very 
 industrious, hard-woiking man, and accumulated 
 considerable property during his life. He improved 
 a fine farm, and added twent\' acres to its original 
 dimensions. He died Ma}' 25, 1862, at Cenlreville, 
 in this count}', at the ripe old age of eighty-seven 
 years. He was deservedly respected and esteemed, 
 as in all of the relations of life he had shown himself 
 to be upright and honorable. His estimable wife, 
 who was likewise greatly respected, died at Whit* 
 Pigeon, Sept. 5, 1871. Of their large family of 
 children six are still living, as follows: Thomas, the 
 subject of this sketch; John resides in Waterloo, 
 U)wa; Betsy married William Hull, of Three Rivers; 
 Isabel married Richard Holcom, of Three Rivers; 
 Ann married Mr. Burchell, who is now dead, and 
 she lives in Cass County, Mo.; Charles lives in St. 
 Paul, Minn. 
 
 Thomas .Stears, of our sketch, was born Jan. 6, 
 1816, in Yorkshire, England, and there he was 
 reared and educated. In 1835 he accompanied his 
 father to America, and iii the following year com- 
 menced life for himself by working a farm on shares 
 with an uncle, continuing thus for a year, and mak- 
 ing his home with that relative. March 26, 1839, 
 he was married, in Constantine, Mich,, to Ann 
 Waltham. Her parents were natives of England, 
 and, emigrating to this country in 1830, became 
 early pioneers of St. Joseph County. Mrs. Stears 
 was born at Newbold, Y'orkshire, England, Aug. U, 
 1818. After marriage Mr. Stears made his home 
 in Mottville, St. Joseph County, and was living 
 there when the death of his wife occurred, Aug. 13, 
 1842. Their pleasant wedded life had been blessed 
 to them by the birth of two sons, one of whom died 
 at the same time as his mother. Edmund H., the 
 other son, was born March 14, 1840, and now lives 
 in Constantine, where he is prosperously engaged 
 in farming. After his wife's death Mr. .Stears 
 worked at the carpenter's trade until 1851. In 
 that year, on the ."ith of July, he married .igain, 
 Ann Jackson becoming his wife, and to her devotion 
 and ability he owes much of his prosperit}'. She 
 
-^^ 
 
 •«► 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, 
 
 347 
 
 wns born Oct. 11, 1818, and is the daughter of 
 .lohii and Milclio .Jackson; the}- were both nalivps 
 c>f Kn<;laiid, coniin}; to America in 1H33. Botli 
 are now dccejiscd. and buried in tiie cemetery at 
 White Pigeon. 
 
 Of the second marriage of our subject four chil- 
 dren were born, namely: John J., born May 9, 
 18.i2, is an enterprising farmer of Florence Town- 
 ship (his ••ketch appears on another page of this 
 wcirk); AVilliain II., born July 4, 1854, is a success- 
 ful farmer of Florence; Mary A., born May 18, 
 18.")7. married John W. Gentzler. of Constantine 
 Township: Libbie E.. born Jan. 12, 18C1, lives on 
 the farm that her grandfather (irstowned, and then 
 her mother, the land having been taken up in 1830. 
 
 .Since this second marriage Mr. Stears has de- 
 voted himself entirely to farming, and has ever 
 since t)ccnpied his present farm on section "29. At 
 the age of seventy-two he jtresents the spectacle of 
 a life fully rounded bj- its various experiences into 
 a sei'cne and active old age. He is still capable of 
 attending to his business, and has the care of a 
 large garden. He is well gifted with mental and 
 physical vigor, and is open-hearted and genial. 
 He has always exerted a strong influence in the 
 administration of public affairs, and some of the 
 most inip(irt:int and responsible offices have been 
 entrusted to hjni. He was President of the Count}' 
 Mutual Fire Insurance Company, for St. Joseph 
 County, for three years. He has been Township 
 Supervisor for three years, was Township Clerk for 
 a number of years. Justice of the Peace, and also 
 Highway Commissioner for a term of years. He is 
 a member of the order of Knights Templars, and 
 belongs to what was the Reformed Church of Con- 
 stantine. but now has taken the name of Con- 
 gregational, having united with the Presbyterians. 
 He has voted for every Democratic Presidential 
 candidate since Jackson's day. except Horace Gree- 
 ley, for whrun he did not voti- as he did not con- 
 sider him a true Democrat. 
 
 From his own experiences of pioneer life in St. 
 Joseph County, and fniin what oursiibject knows 
 of Its early settlers, much valuable material might 
 be gathered for a history of the county and its 
 pioneers. He says that among the early pioneers 
 whom he knew was one John Coates. who came to 
 
 St. Josepii County in 1 829. At that time he had to go 
 as far as Detroit for flour, and for some six weeks 
 had no flour except what was ground in a cofTee- 
 mill. Mr. .Stears has known the price of pork to 
 be|il.50 per hundred pounds, and even as high as 
 |2.5 per hundred pounds. In 1837 wheat was 
 worth about $2..')0 per bushel, and Mr. Stears had 
 about 100 bushels, which he sold to his neighbors, 
 and would only take ^2 per bushel for it from them. 
 In 18.i4lie drew wheat twenty miles and sold it 
 for lifty cents a bushel, and at the same time had 
 to pay fourteen cents a pounri for meat. In 1837 
 people came from Jackson and Ypsilanti for oats, 
 and offered to pay 111. 50 per bushel for them on 
 account of their great scarcity, and corn and other 
 kinds of food were proportionately high. In the 
 early days of settlement oxen were commonly used 
 in improving the land, in marketing, etc. 
 
 1,^% EUBEN .STOUT. In the month of May, 
 L# 1846, the father of the subject of this sketch 
 (ITW emigrated from Center County. Pa., to the 
 wg young State of Michigan, locating on a farm 
 on Pigeon Prairie. He occupied this until remov- 
 ing to the Ingalls farm in Florence Township, and 
 from there changed his re>idence to the Kechum 
 farm, which he operate<l twenty-five years. At the 
 ex|>iration of this time he was enabled to purchase 
 the Kechum farm of eighty acres on section 2, 
 Florence Townshi]), where he sjient the remainder 
 of his life, passing away on the 12th of February, 
 1872. 
 
 Joseph .Stout was born in Northampton County, 
 Pa., in 1800. where he s]ient the early years of his 
 life. Upon approaching manhood he learned the 
 trade of gunsmith, which he followe<l in his native 
 State while a resident there, but in the meantime, 
 after his marriage, removed to Center County, 
 when his son Ueulien, of our sketch, was a little lad 
 about six years old. In (enter County he carriiMl 
 on farming until his removal to Michigan. The 
 mother, Jlrs. Susan (Kelley) Stout, was also a 
 native of PennMlvania. The i>arents were only 
 .separated by death a few days, the mother preced- 
 ing her husband to the silent tomb on the 7lh of 
 
i 
 
 348 
 
 ,t 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 February. 1872. Their faniih' consisted of seven 
 eliilflren. six of whom are still living. William, the 
 eldest born, died in California at the age of thirty- 
 two j'ears. 
 
 Reuben Stout, the subject of this sketch, was 
 born Dec. 21, 1832, in Xortiianipton County, Pa, 
 Ilis education was begun and completed in the 
 schools of Florence Township, this county, where, 
 with the exception of six years, he has spent his 
 entire life. In ]\Iarch, 18.56. lie made a journey to 
 the Pacific Sloi)e, and remained in California until 
 tiie fall of 1802. then returnetl to Florence Town- 
 sliip. and jjurcliased tiie farm he now owns and occu- 
 pies. This lies on section 2, and is 120 acres in 
 extent. In California Mr. Stout engaged in min- 
 ing, meeting with fair success. 
 
 Up to this time our subject had remained un- 
 married, but in 18(;o was wedded in Florence 
 Township to Miss Malinda Dufferd. who was then a 
 young lady of twcnly-thrce years. She w.is born 
 in Wisconsin, and was the daughter of Josepli Duf- 
 ferd. Of this union there were born three children, 
 and the wife and motlier departed this life at the 
 homestead in Florence Township, in 1872. The 
 eldest son, Frank, died when an interesting j-outh 
 of fifteen years; Edward died at the age of four 
 years; Gefirge remains at home with his father. 
 
 Mr. Stout in 187it was married a second time, in 
 Constantine Township, to Miss Jennie Jones, and 
 they became the parents of two children — Nellie 
 and Callie. Mrs. Jennie Stout is the daughter of 
 Jerry Jones. Our subject, politically, is an earnest 
 supporter of the princiiilesof tli» Democratic ]iarty. 
 A man of decided views, and one wht) maintains his 
 principles with all the strength of his character, 
 he has acquitted himself as an honest man and a 
 good citizen, and is held in higli respect by the 
 people of his communitj-. 
 
 H. HARVEY LOOMIS, the oldest practic- 
 j); '"t? l)hysician of Burr Oak, was born in 
 the little village of Atwater, Portage Co.. 
 Ohio, Sept. 27. 1824. His parents. Austin 
 and Elizabeth (Hough) Loorais, were natives re- 
 spectively of Counecticut aud Massachusetts, tbe 
 
 father born at Torrington, Conn., Sept. 14, 1794, 
 and the mother in Massachusetts, April 30, 1802. 
 Both families were af English origin. The father 
 was a farmer by occupation, aud one of the pioneer 
 settlers of Portage County, Ohio, to which he emi- 
 grated from Connecticut when the country was wild 
 and new. 
 
 The family of the parents of oursubject included 
 six children, all of whom, with the exception of 
 the eldest, grew to mature 3'ears. This child died 
 when about two j'e»rs of age. Harvey upon emerg- 
 ing from the district school was a student in the 
 schools of Twinsburg and Cleveland, Ohio, and sub- 
 sequently took out a license from the medical de- 
 partment of the AVestern Reserve College in 1847, 
 with the degree of M. D. He afterward taught in 
 the preparatory department of tbe Kenyon College 
 at Gainbier, Ohio. 
 
 Dr. Loomis, in September, 1849, came to this 
 county and established himself as a practicing phy- 
 sician at Burr Oak, where he has followed his pro- 
 fession faithfully for a period of thirty-nine 3'oars. 
 During this time he has built up an extensive and 
 lucrative business, and has accumulated a fine 
 proiiert^'. As a physician he stands second to none 
 in Southern Michigan. In 1861 he purchased 
 twenty acres of land in the wfiods, just outside the 
 village limits, from which he has cleared the tim- 
 ber, brought the soil to a high state of cultivation, 
 and erected a fine brick residence, which he now 
 occupies. A large barn, an orchard of choice ap- 
 ple trees, and an abundance of the smaller fruits, 
 together with the various other appliances of mod- 
 ern life, conduce to the comfort and enjoyment of 
 the family. He has a model home, and enjoys the 
 society of hosts of friends. 
 
 Dr. Loomis has been three times married ; first, 
 Aug. 28, 1849, to Miss Mary D. Mansfield, of At- 
 water, Ohio. Of this union there were born three 
 children: Emma died at the age of one and one- 
 half 3'ears; Minnie C. still lives at home, and has 
 for ten consecutive j'^fii's been a teacher in the Burr 
 Oak High School ; she is a lady of great culture 
 and refinement. Edgar A. is at present clerk in a 
 dry-goods store at Grand Rapids. Mrs. Mary D. 
 Loomis departe<l this life at her home at Burr Oak, 
 June 30, 1867. The Doctor, on the 24th of May, 
 
■► ■ 4* 
 
 -M 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 349 
 
 1868. contracted n second matriinnninl alliance, with 
 Miss Mary I-. Rmr. of Atwiitrr. Oliio, who died in 
 1SG9. He was tlien nianifd. April (■>. IHTO. to Mrs. 
 Mary A. X'nei Pelt, of C'oldwater. Mich., whose 
 husband was killed at the battle of Stone River, 
 while serving as a soldier in the I'nion Army. 
 
 Both Mr. and Mrs Looniis are inenibers in good 
 standing of the Baptist Church, and Dr. L. he- 
 longs to the Masonic fraternity, and the Home 
 Self-Protective Association. Politically, he is an 
 uncompromising Republican, and an active and 
 conscientious worker for the party to which he be- 
 longs. He has taken sjiecial interest in educational 
 mnttcrs. and been an honored member of the School 
 Board in Burr Oak Township since its organization 
 in 1^>6."5. He w.as for a nunilier of j-ears Town- 
 ship School Inspector. He is recognized as one of 
 the most useful citizens in his community, still fol- 
 lows his practice, and lives comfortably in one of 
 the most attractive residences of the township. He 
 is a pioneer who has built up for himself a good 
 record, and is in all respects one of whon) the 
 county may well be proud. 
 
 DWARD GRAY. The history of St. Jo- 
 fe] seph County would not be complete if a 
 sketch of this gentleman, whose name is 
 here given, should be omitted. Coming as he did 
 to Michigan, and .settling in Mottville Township 
 when it was compnrativel3- new. he has taken an 
 importiuit part in bringing al)oiit the present pros- 
 l)erous state of affairs. He is now living on the 
 farm he originally purchased in 1850, located on 
 section "). Mottville 'I'ownship. and containing !.">0 
 acres of choice agricultural land, well improved 
 and very productive. 
 
 The father of our subject, Kdward (irav. .Sr.. 
 was born in Ireland, and came to America about the 
 year liHO, and settled in Northnmberlnnd County, 
 Pa. His wife. Kllen (.McClnnnliJiu) (Jray, was also 
 a native of Ireland, and accompanied her husband 
 when he came to the New Worlil. They were the 
 parents of a large family of children, who were 
 named .John, Mary. Kliz.ibeth. Kilwnrd (our sub- 
 ject). Andrew an<l Nancy. John was born in Ire- 
 
 land, and came to America with his parents, re- 
 maining at home nntd he attained his majoritj'; 
 JIary was born in Ireland, as was also her sister 
 Elizabeth, who came to this country with her par- 
 ents; Andrew. Edward and Nancy were born in 
 Northumberland County, Pa. Nancy was a duti- 
 fid daughter, and resided with her parents until 
 she died, in 1874. 
 
 AVhen our subject left his n;itive State he came 
 directlj- to Mottville Townihip, in 18o0, where he 
 purchased the farm on which he has resided ever 
 since. While in Pennsylvania he learned the trade 
 of a boat builder, and for twenty years was en- 
 gaged in that branch of business, building boats 
 for use on the Pennsylv;inia Canal. 
 
 The subject of this sketch and his good wife are 
 the parents of eight children, six of whom are liv- 
 ing: Andrew was born May 22. 183(j. is a mechanic, 
 and resides in Goshen. Iml.; James S. w.is born 
 on the Gth of April, 1838. is living on the old home- 
 stead, and is unmarried; John died when an infant.. 
 John Edmund was born Jan. j. 1842. is mar- 
 ried, and lives a short distance from the home 
 farm; Elizabeth Ellen was born Feb. 8. 1844. is 
 unmarrieil and living with her father, the misti-ess of 
 his home; William was born .]\\\y 23, 1846; he is 
 unmarried and lives at home with his father. Mary 
 J. was born May 28. IH50; she is marrieil to John 
 McTafifer. anil is the mother of two children, a 
 son. aged eight years, and a little daughter three 
 ye.'irs ohl ; the}- live in the villageof Nappanec. Inil. 
 The wife of our subject died Sept. 7. 1877; she 
 was a clevout member of the Dutch Reforme<J 
 Church. 
 
 Mr. Gray h.is hehl the office of Su|)ervisor in his 
 township for sixteen years in succession : he has 
 alsoserveil as Justice of the Peace for two terms. 
 He was a member of the Lutheran Church in the 
 Sf.ite of Pennsylvania, but in his later years he 
 joined the Dutch Reformed Church, and has since 
 been a steadfast, earnest member. He is now 
 and hius been for many years an Elder in that so- 
 ciely. He has been living a retired life for the past 
 seven years, and is a hale and hearty old gentleman, 
 giving a fair promi.-ie of enjoying life for many 
 years to come. The sons living at home are oiier- 
 •ting the farm. While he was in active life llieie 
 
 r 
 
i 
 
 350 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 were but few of his neighl)Ors. if any, who could 
 excel him in energ}' ami ambition. He has alwaj's 
 lived a frugal, sober life, and l»y his persistent ef- 
 forts has accumulated a snug corapetence, .and is 
 fully able to enjoy the years that are yet left to 
 him in quiet and rest. 
 
 •»«flCi2/®1@~-H>>^ 
 
 .'s^.S/OTa** 
 
 a^S^'HOMAS REDFEARN. This gentleman, al- 
 though born across the ocean, is one of the 
 earl^' pioneers of St. Joseph County. He has 
 given the best efforts of his life to agricultural pur- 
 suits, and as a reward for his industry and applica- 
 tion he has a splendid farm located on sections 2 and 
 11 in Mottville Township, where he conducts a 
 business of general farming and dairying. 
 
 Our subject w.ts born in Yorkshire. England, 
 Jul}' 2, 182.1. His father, John Redfearn, emi- 
 grated with his family to America in 1830. and set- 
 tled in Tamaqua, I'a.. where the mother died soon 
 after their arrival. Af'.er her death the father left 
 our subject with his uncle. Thomas Gray, and went 
 by way of the ocean around to the delta of the 
 Mississippi River, thence up that stream to Du- 
 buque, Iowa, where he w.ns among the first miners 
 in Ihnt region, but was driven from the mines by 
 the Indians, whi-n lie enlisted in the Black Hawk 
 War. which lasted but a sln)rt time. The subject 
 of this sketch came with his uncle Thomas to St. 
 Joseph County. Mich., in 1834, where the father 
 had come a short time before their arrival. They 
 settled on section 2, Mottville Township, near where 
 the noted Indian chief While Pigeon was buried. 
 Our sidiject planted a Cottonwood tree to mark 
 the spot of the last resting-place of the bones of a 
 noble red man. This tree died of old age, and he 
 planted a black walnut tree in 18ii('); it also died, 
 when he planted the noble elm which now marks 
 tiie Indian's lonely grave. The grave and the tree 
 marking it have been a landmark for many j-ears. 
 The chief whose remains rest beneath this tree, to 
 whose memory it is a fitting monument, was one of 
 the most intelligent Indians of his time; he proved 
 his friendship to the white settlers in many ways. 
 The histor}- of his actions toward them forms one of 
 
 the most interesting legends connected with the early 
 settlement of our country. The town and surround- 
 ing prairie are named in memory of this man and 
 his many good deeds and tried friendship. 
 
 When the gold fever became epidemic in 1849 
 our subject, with tliousands of others, was attacked, 
 and he went overland with an ox- team to California 
 in that5'ear; the train with which he was connected 
 was composed of about 100 persons. It w.as neces- 
 sary to go in large numbei"s like this, .as a matter of 
 safety against the depredations of the various hos- 
 tile tribes of Indians, which at that time infested 
 the plains which our travelers were obliged to cross. 
 He remained in the gold mines for two years, when 
 he returned to the States in 1851, via the '-Central 
 American" route. Although they experienced many 
 hardships on their way westward overland, those 
 experienced on shipboard on their return were far 
 more desperate and intense. The journey eastward 
 was made in a sailing-brig; they were becalmed so 
 long that their stock of provisions became nearly 
 exhausted, and they were put on short allowance. 
 The water provided was black and dirty, and of 
 that, such as it was, they could not get enough. At 
 the end of the voj'age he found himself verj' weak 
 and emaciated. He quickly recovered and returned 
 to his home in Michigan, and in the spring of 1852 
 he bought his present farm of 175 acres, where he 
 has since resided. 
 
 Mr. Redfearn was married, on the 28th of March, 
 1854, to Amelia llachenburg. They are the par- 
 ents of four children, three of whom are living, 
 namelj': Arthur. Mary A. and .Sarah. Sarah is the 
 wife of Albert Potts, and resides in Constantine 
 Township. Mrs. Redfearn has proved herself an able 
 counselor and adviser, ami she has contributed 
 largely to the success which the3- have realized ; 
 she has taken special pains with the education and 
 training of her children, and it is through her in- 
 fluence and example that they are so well adapted to 
 hold the honorable positions in society which they 
 do. This is another and apt illustration of the old 
 precept, "The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand 
 that moves the world." for as parents educate and 
 train their children, so will be the future peojile of 
 the world, and so the laws of society be made, and 
 as the children of to-day will become the rulers of 
 
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 I 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 353 
 
 the future, the mother's care, wisdom anrl careful 
 trainiugari' the force that molds tlieir future destiny. 
 
 Our subject has a hujj^i} number of valuable anil 
 curious articles, the relics of a [jcop'e wlio once in- 
 ' habited the land, but have now passed away to make 
 room for the present age of civilization and prog- 
 ress. The collection contains many articles of 
 stone anil copper, including axes, flesh and butcher 
 knives, copper cooking utensils and iiuplemeiits of 
 warfare. Our subject is proud of the fact that lie 
 is one of the pioneers of the county, and that it 
 has been his lot in life to contribute so much to its 
 prosi-nt prosperity' and growth. He has a good com- 
 mand of language, and it is very interesting to hear 
 him descril)e. in his graphic w.ay, tlie adventures 
 and hardships endured from the time he started to 
 California until his return. He venerates the mem- 
 ory of the Indian chief White Pigeon, and guards 
 the grave holding his remains with a jealous care. 
 
 The improvements our subject has placed upon 
 his farm are of the most substantial and solid char- 
 acter. His residence is a fine piece of architecture, 
 is nicel}' and comfortably furnished throughout, is 
 surronn<lcd l)y a lawn filled willi ornamental trees, 
 shrubbery and flowers, and 'well-kept walks. The 
 barns, cattle sheds and other necessary out-buildings 
 are models of their kind. The entire farm is en- 
 closed ami divided into fields of convenient size by 
 substantial and well-kept fences. He devotes his 
 time to general farming, stock-raising anrl dairying. 
 He is prominent in the Masonic fraternity of White 
 Pigeon, never has sought or held any public oflice, 
 is public-spirited, ami is active in all matters per- 
 taining to the welfare of the commuuity. 
 
 KVI C. UIFKNI!KKf;H. a prominent and 
 (©) well-to-do farmer and stock-raiser of .St. 
 ^i^ Joseph Count}', lias been a resident of Con- 
 >tantine Township most of the time since lH.")().and 
 ha* been an important factor in developing its agri- 
 cultural interests, having improved a valuable and 
 highly productive farm on section l'>. Me has erecti-d 
 thereon a substantial set of farm buildings, and has 
 it well supplie<l witii the various conveniences for 
 
 cultivating the land, gathering in the crops, etc.. 
 and his home is one of the most cozy and comforta- 
 ble in the township. 
 
 Our subject was born Dec. 29, 182.S, in Middle- 
 sex, Yates Co., N. Y., being the sixth child in the 
 family of nine children, six sons and three daugh- 
 ters, of (ieorge J. and Pbebe (Francisco) Rifcn- 
 bergh. His father, it is supposed, was liorn in 
 Schenectady County. N. Y..and his mother was also 
 a native of Kastern New York. In the fall of 1845 
 the}- came to Michig.an, and the ensuing five j'ears 
 made their home in Oakland County. In 1850 they 
 came to .St. Joseph County, and took up their abode 
 in Constantine Township, and passed the remainder 
 of their livr-s here, the mother d^'ing Jan. 21, 1868, 
 and the father July 15. 1880. 
 
 Levi Rifenbergh spent his early years on his 
 father's farm in New York, and under his practical 
 guidance gained a thorough knowledge of farming 
 in all its branches. He was .seventeen years of age 
 when he accoiiii)anied his parents to their new home 
 in lliis Slate, in Oakland Count}'. He also came 
 with them to this county in 1850, and with the ex- 
 ception of two J'ears spent in Cass County has been 
 a resident of Constantine ever since. Me has al- 
 ways been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and now 
 owns 210 acres of the finest farming land to be 
 found within the limits of St. Joseph County, on 
 which he has erected good buildings, and made 
 various other substantial impi-ovements. and besides 
 this farm he and his wife own fifty -two acres of 
 valuaijie land in Cass (Jounty. Mr. Rifenbergh's 
 ability and skill as a farmer are of a high order, as is 
 shi>wn by the appearance of his well-managed farm 
 and the success that he has met in its cultivation, 
 which places him in the froirt rank of the intelligent 
 and representative agriculturists of Southern Michi- 
 gan. 
 
 Mr. Rifenbergh has been f»'ice married. His first 
 marriage took place in Ca.ss County. M.ay 13, 185-1, 
 and was to Miss Harriet Draper, a native of Cass 
 County. She bore him one child, who died in in- 
 fancy. Mrs. Rifenbergh was a woman of high per- 
 sonal character, and her death, while yet in the 
 bloom of young wumanhood. after a brief wedded 
 life. Aug. 23, I85lj, in Constantine Township, was 
 a source of sorrow to her friends. Our subject was 
 
 ■► i 4* 
 
4 
 
 354 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUMY. 
 
 married to bis present wife, formerly Miss Lydia 
 Carr, in Porter Township, Ca$s County, Nov. 15, 
 1857. and slie lias bren to liim a true helpmate, and 
 a most excellent wife in every sense of the word. 
 She was born in Porter Township, Cass County, 
 Oct. 2, lt<;jH, a daughter of George E. and Polly 
 (Fuller) Carr. Her parents moved from their na- 
 tive SUfe, New York, to Cass County in 1836, and 
 thus became eaily settlers of the county, wliere they 
 passed their remaining days. They had a family of 
 nine children, of whom Mrs. Rifenbergh was the 
 fourth in order of birth. To lier and her husband 
 have been born nine children, namely: Hattie. the 
 wife of A. U. Hoffman, of Reece, Greenwood Co., 
 Kan.: Henry F., Phyiena, .leunie. Jesse and Alnora 
 are all yet under the parental roof, ^■iola, Loren 
 and Olen are deceased. 
 
 Mr. Rifenbergh is highly respected and esteemed 
 for his many good qualities of head and heart. Ilia 
 reputation is of the best, and both in public and in 
 private life he h.is ever been found to be a man of 
 principle and honor. He has interested himself 
 greatly in township affairs, and lias taken part in their 
 management, having served with credit and fidelity 
 in luinierotis minor odices. In polities he sides with 
 the Democratic party and uses his influence iu its 
 behalf. 
 
 It is with pleasure wc present on an adjoining 
 page the portrait of this worthy representative far- 
 mer of St. Joseph County. A man of unblemished 
 integrity he is eminently worthy of this honor. As 
 a most fitting companion picture is given that of 
 his estimable wife. 
 
 -i^- 
 
 y ILL] AM H. CA.STLE. The subject of 
 this sketch, who at the ck>se of a well- 
 spent life departed hence, in 1887, was 
 born in Litchfield, Conn., April 12, 1811. He was 
 a son of Isaac and Phebe (Beech) Castle, who were 
 natives of the same State. Upon lo:iving New En- 
 gland they made their way to the vicinity of Buf- 
 falo, N. Y.. and thence came to this county during 
 its pioneer days. The father liere had in view the 
 building up of a homestead, but his plans were cut 
 short by his death, which took place six weeks af- 
 
 •^h^ 
 
 ter his arrival. The mother then returned to Buf- 
 falo and made her home there, where her death 
 took place about 1841. 
 
 The early years of Mr. Castle were spent in Sul- 
 livan County, N. Y., and he came to Michigan 
 during its Territorial d.ays, while a single man. in 
 1835. He purchased a tract of wild land on sec- 
 tion 13 in Colon Township, where be made his 
 home until his death, his labors being attended with 
 prosperit}'. He wisely invested his accumulating 
 capital in additional land, and left an estate includ- 
 ing 210 acres, with am|)le farm buildings, machinery 
 and live stock, and all the appurtenances of the 
 modern country home. A glance at his property 
 conveys the idea of plenty and comfort, with ample 
 means and all the good and desirable things of life. 
 
 The lady who for nearly fifty years was the com- 
 panion and helpmate of our subject. Miss Mar}' T. 
 Webster in her girlhood, became his wife April 6, 
 1837, the wedding taking place at the home of her 
 parents in Colon. The latter were Jesse and Cyn- 
 thia (Webster) Webster, both natives of Delaware 
 County, N. Y. From the Empire State they re- 
 moved to Lorain County. Ohio, when Mrs. Castle 
 was a little child five years of age. There the father 
 carried on farming, and died about 1824. Mrs. 
 Webster was subsequently married to Lorenzo Schel- 
 hoiise, and with her little family accompanied him 
 to this county as earl}' as 1831. It is hardly nec- 
 essary to state that they were among the earliest 
 liioneers who first ventured into the wilderness and 
 eliminated a homestead from a wild and unculti- 
 vated tract of land. Here tliey spent their last 
 days. The mother lived to the advanced age of 
 eight3'-four years, and passed away at her own home 
 in 1.S75. 
 
 To Jesse and Mary T. Webster there were born 
 two children only, both daughters — Mary T. and 
 Sarah M. The latter is the widow of Orrin W. 
 Legg, a well-to-do farmer of Colon Township. 
 Mrs. Mary T. Castle was born in Amherst. Lorain 
 Co., Ohio, April 24,1819. She was twelve years 
 old when her jiaronts came to this count}'. Her 
 education was .acquired in the district school, and 
 she remained with her mother until her marriage. 
 Of her union with our subject there have been Ijurii 
 five children: Amelia A. is the widow of Edward 
 
i 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ■•► 
 
 :j.^.o 
 
 Striiiik, of Leoiiiflas Toniisliip, this county; Isaac 
 II. is farnilng in Merrick Coiinly, Neb.; Willie F. 
 (lii'd at tin- ajie of five years; Hc'iiry B. dicil when 
 ,1 lirigiit lad of thirteen years; Jesse L. is farming 
 in Colon Township. 
 
 Since the death of her hushand Mrs. Castle has 
 su|)erintende(l the operations of the farm. She has 
 long borne the reputation of a lady of more than 
 ordiujiry ability, an<l is amply fitted to look after the 
 valuable cstiUe left her by her husband. She has 
 witnessed with interest the man}' changes transpir- 
 ing during her residence of si.Kt}' j'ears in tliis 
 countj'. and none have rejoiced more heartily at the 
 evidences of its wealth and prosperitj'. She has 
 performed her part well as a wife, mother an<l 
 friend, and is hehl in warm esteem bj' a large niira- 
 bor of people throughout this region. She has 
 been identified with tlie Baptist Church since 18.08 
 with her husbau<l, and through their united efforts 
 and liberality it has attained much of its present 
 standing to-d.ay. 
 
 Mr. Castle was Clerk of the church society for 
 a period of thirty years. Politically, he conscien- 
 tiously supported the principles of the Democratic 
 party. lie held the various townsiiip ollices during 
 his younger years, and invariably signified his will- 
 ingness to aid by his means and infiuence every 
 worthy enterprise in connection with its welfare 
 and prosperity. The children have grown up to be 
 an honor to their parents. 
 
 ^^HORGK DICKIN.SON. We are glad to be 
 (|| (==, able to place on these pages a brief record 
 ^^J4l of the life of the gentleman whose name 
 heads this sketcli, as he isafine representative of the 
 native-born citizens of St. Joseph County, who are 
 now among its most practical and enterprising far- 
 mers and stock-growers, and upon whom hii-s fallen to 
 a great extent the honor of sustaining its large agri- 
 cultural interesUi. A son of one of its earliest settlers, 
 born almost in the first decade of its settlement, 
 when it had scarcely begun to merge from its prim- 
 itive wilduess. he ni.iy be said to have grown up 
 with the county, within whose limitji his entire life 
 has been spent, and where he built himself and 
 
 family a home that in all its appointments and sur- 
 roumlings is (uie of the most comfortable and at- 
 tractive in the vicinity 'of its location. He is. as 
 we have intimated, prominently iilentified with the 
 stock and grain growers of the county, making a 
 specialty of niising fine horses, owning and manag- 
 ing a valuable farm on section 31. Florence Town- 
 ship, the place of his birth. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is a son of George 
 and Sarah (Bowman) Dickinson, natives of En- 
 gland, the father born in the town of Stockton. 
 They emigrated to this country in I8;51.and the 
 following year found them among the primeval for- 
 ests of .Southern Michigan, seeking a home in .St. 
 Joseph County. They were not married until after 
 their arri v.-xl in this county. Mr. Dickinson, after his 
 removal here, carried the mail on horseback from 
 White Pigeon to Three Rivers, and he was alst) en- 
 gaged in driving a stage for a number of ^years. In 
 1834 he and a brother bought a tract of land, com- 
 prising 180 acres, from the (iovernment and from 
 four individuals, and from that time until his death 
 in 1861 he was active in developing the rich agricult- 
 ural resources of St. Joseph County. While thus 
 promoting the growth of the count}', he was pros- 
 pered in his work, accumulated a valuable property 
 and imjjroved a fine farm. He lived respected, 
 having led an upright life, and he died lamented, 
 as he was a good citizen, a kind neighbor, and al- 
 ways pleasant in his family relations. He went to 
 tiike part in the Black Hawk War, but at the end of 
 three daj's, not being needed, the company was 
 disbanded. He never touched tobacco, and always 
 used his infiuence to discourage the use of it in 
 others. His worthy wife. Mrs. Sarah (Johnson) 
 Dickinson. <lied in January. 1867. She was the 
 mother of six children, three sons and three 
 daughters, all of whom are married and living in 
 St. Joseph County, except .Mary Bowman, who 
 is deceased. Mrs. Dickinson was first married 
 to John Bow-inan. in Yorkshire. Englan<l, which 
 was the place of her birth, ns well as that of our 
 subject's father. By this first marriage one child, 
 a daughter, was born. Mary Ann. who became the 
 wife of J. .1. Davis, of Wliite Pigeon. 
 
 George Dickinson. .Jr.. is the second child and 
 eldest son of these good people, and he w.as born 
 
.^f^^ 
 
 " ^ B ■4* 
 
 356 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •t 
 
 in Florence. St. Joseph County. Jan. 22, 1839. He 
 spent his boyhootl days on the old liomestead 
 where he first saw the li^ht of day, and his educa- 
 tion was conducted in tlie schools of While Pigeon, 
 a part of the tinrie in a select school. After his father's 
 death our subject assisted in settling up tlie estate 
 and dividing the property, in which he had an in- 
 terest. He entered into possession of his present 
 farm A])rll 1, 1880, and has ever since managed it 
 with gotjd financial results. It comprises 196 acres 
 of highly tilled and verj' productive land, admira- 
 bly adapted to mixed farming, to which Mr. Dick- 
 inson devotes himself, with what success may be 
 noted in the rich grain fields, yielding abundant 
 harvests, and in the sleek and well-kept cattle and 
 fine-bred horses roaming in his pastures. The farm 
 is well supplied with neat and tasty buildings for 
 all purposes, and everything about the place wears 
 an air of thrift and plenty. Aside from the man- 
 agement of his farming interests Mr. Dickinson 
 does business as an agent for agricultural imple- 
 ments for Mr. Deere, of Molinc, 111., and has been 
 very active in introducing these implements into 
 the county. 
 
 Mr. Dickinson was married, March 10, 18G4, to 
 J.ydia, daughter of George and Frances (Arney) 
 Hardy. Her father was born in England and her 
 mother in \'erniont. and they were among the early 
 settlers of St. Joseph County, coming here in 1833. 
 Mrs. Dickinson was born in Lockport Township, 
 this county, Maj- 12. 1839, and lived with her parents 
 until she married and gained a home of her own. 
 Their marriage has been blessed to our subject and 
 his excellent wife by the birth of five children, four 
 of whom are living: Carrie E.. born Jan. 13, 186.5, 
 married Eilward Ilotcliin, of Florence ; George H., 
 born July 20, 1868, lives at home; Sarah F., born 
 Feb. <J, 1870; M.ay, July 16, 1872; E:rnest L.,born 
 Sept. 18. 187.^, died .Sept. 22. 1887. Mr. Dickin- 
 son and family occupy a high standing in this com- 
 munity, and they are all valued members of the 
 Jlethodist Eijiscojjal Church at White Pigeon. The 
 pleasant abode of our subject and wife is the scene 
 of a generous hospitality, ami its inmates are often 
 called upon to welcome the coming and speed the 
 parting guest, as they nunilier man}' friends among 
 their acquaintances. Jlr. Dickinson is a man of 
 
 much shrewd foresight and keen enterprise, possess- 
 ing a resolute will and a sound understanding. Ilis 
 geniality, tact, and obliging manners, have won him 
 a warm place in the hearts of his neighbors. Po- 
 litically. Mv. Dickinson is a standi Republican, 
 heartily in favor of the policy of his party. 
 
 ^s^ .VML'EL E.\.HLV. Occupying a proud place 
 ^^^ among the names of those who have con- 
 (j\£_Jl) tributed .<o much toward making the State 
 of Michig.in such a proud member of the 
 great family of States of the Americ.in nation, 
 there are none more conspicuous than that of the 
 gentlem.in Avhose name heads this sketch. He now 
 resides in Mottville A'illage. where he transacts 
 business as a merchant, carrying a stock of goods 
 adapted to the needs of the country. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Xortbuni- 
 berland County. Pa., Sept. 24, 1824. The father. 
 David Early, was a native of Lancaster County, 
 Pa., where he was born in 1768. and followed farm- 
 ing for many years. He was a consistent mem- 
 ber of the Presb3-terian Church. He died at the 
 residence of his son, our subject, in St. .loseph 
 County, ^lich. The mother's name w.as Elizabeth 
 (Frees) Early. She was born in New Jersey in 
 1762. She died .at a ripe old age. John, brother 
 C)f our subject, was born in Norlhumberl.and County. 
 Pa., in 1822: he is a farmer, now residing in Cas^ 
 County, -Micli. His brother William was born in 
 Pennsylvania in 182(). and died in the county of 
 his birth. Hcbecca w.as born in Pennsylvania in 
 1817, and died at the age of fifty-three yeai-s. The 
 wife of Richard Jtmes. of Pennsylvania, she was the 
 mother of four children, one only surviving. .Vda- 
 line was born in Northumberland County, Pa., in 
 18.'U. an<l was married to Jerry Dyer, who is a far- 
 mer in that .State. 
 
 Mr. Early was married to Miss Margaret Gray. 
 .Sept. 27. 1844. This l.ady w.as a native of Northum- 
 berland County, Pa., where she was born in 1827. 
 The early days of our subject w^ere not passed in 
 paths of eiuse and jileasure. but. on the contrary, 
 were filled with many troubles and much hard 
 labor. When old enough to handle a team he was 
 
t 
 
 \ 
 
 ST. .lOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 :5.i 
 
 h 
 
 tlic ilrivff of a st.njro. In the yo.'ir IX\\ lie w.-is 
 a "ItuvliKv" on tin- IVnii.Mlvania fniial, luiil wns 
 tlic driver uf the ti-.iin nttaL-lii'il lo the luml tliat 
 carried the remains of President William llenrv 
 Harrison from IIarrisl>iirjT. I'a.. to Clark's Ferry, 
 on the way westward to liis final restin.y^-plaee on 
 the lianks of the Ohio River. He leealls distinctly 
 tlie many expressions of re:xret and sorrow shown 
 l)V tlie people along the route. Puhlie huildings 
 and private residences were draped with all the sad 
 paraphernalia of niourninir. and wlien tlie boat 
 p;u<sed i>eople woidd stand with bowed and uncov- 
 ered head.s until it had passed from sight. The 
 boat that, carried the remiins w.os nami'd "(ieneral 
 .laekstMi." 
 
 Our subject followed canal and stage driving for 
 tliree years, when he .asked for leave of al)sence. in- 
 tending to come to the great Northwest, which re- 
 quest was granted. He wrote his emjjloyers that if he 
 did not come back in three weeks they might tiiink 
 lie had said good-b^-e. lie came to Mottville. St. 
 Joseph County, and then went to Bristol ami en- 
 gaged in kPeping a hotel. At the end of one year 
 he sold his hotel interest, and returned to Mott- 
 ville and engaged in farming, which he followed 
 for twelve years. In this he was prosperous, and 
 accumulated a goodly store of this world's effects. 
 Leaving his farm, he moved into Mottville Vil- 
 lage, but having been aci-iistomed to an active, 
 stirring life, he could not obtain his own consent 
 to remain in idleness, so he purchased a stock of 
 dry-goods. bcMjts, shoes and groceries, and com- 
 menced business as a merchant. 
 
 This venture proving very successful, Mr. Early 
 found a goiwl opportunity of dis|)osing of it to an ac- 
 quaintance from California, after which he returned 
 to Bristol and purchase*! the Western Hotel. After 
 conducting this hotel awhile he sold it to .loseph 
 Wheeler and returned to .Mottville. after which he 
 was out of active business for a short time. He 
 then purcli!u.e<l another general stock of goods and 
 opened a store, in which he is located to-day. He 
 is doing a good business, and is considere<l a good, 
 straightforward, pros|jerous man. He is also Post- 
 master at thus [loint. 
 
 Mr. Karly loves to tell to his customers and 
 friends the history of his past life, and lK?ing a 
 
 4* 
 
 lluent talker and having a good commmd of lan- 
 guage, his de-^criptions of many of the adventures of 
 that tim '. dt'<cril)j I in his e.'cceadiugly gra;)hic 
 m inner, are highly entertaining, and do not fail to 
 enlis! the entire attention of the listener. He hai a 
 nice hom;'. c'omfortably furnished, situated in the 
 midst of ple.isant surroundings, and now in the 
 evening of his life he is eiiablerl to enjoy that which 
 wiis denied him in ids earlier years. 
 
 To our subject and his wife were born eight 
 children, seven girls and one boy. four of whom 
 are now living. Mary .lane is the wife of C. Koh- 
 ler, .and resides in Elkhart, Ind.; Martha A., now 
 the wife of Ira Sloan, resides in Three Rivers. 
 Mich.; Sarah Belle is the wife of .1. II. Madden, 
 and lives in Mottville. Mich., and Lucinda is re- 
 siding with her |)arents, and is the only child at 
 home. She clerks in her father's store, has re- 
 ceived a good common-school education, and is a 
 fine ])enswoni;in. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 W. TEAL, one of the pioneer settlers of 
 Burr Oak Township, came to this county 
 in 1872, and located upon the land which 
 comprises his present homestead. A native of York- 
 shire, England, he ivas born .Tan. 2. 1HI4. and is 
 the son of .lohn and Nancy Teal, who spent their 
 entire lives in their native England. 
 
 At the age of fourteen years our subject w.ia 
 apprenticed to a sea captain on a lumber vessel, the 
 •' Tiiton," with which he sailed about three ^'ears. 
 During this time he made four trips between En- 
 glan<l and the Dominion of Canada. On their Last 
 vo^'age the}" came very near being shipwrecked, 
 and the vessel w.as declared unseaworthy. Shortly 
 afterwanl. in 18.'?:!, young Teal took up his abode 
 in New York City, ami was employed about the 
 wharf nearly a year. Thence he went to Oneida 
 County, where he was variously employed, some- 
 times as a boat hand, sometimes as a grocery clerk, 
 and whatever he could Hnd to do. He finally mi- 
 grated to the vicinit}' of Coldwaier. .Mich., and 
 thence to Lagrange County, Ind., where he pur- 
 chased forty acres of land. This was all timber, 
 which he cleareil away, brougut the soil to a state 
 
 9^ 
 
 i 
 
•^•- 
 
 3.-,.S 
 
 ^^►^K-* 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 of ciilUvntion. and added forty acres to his first 
 purchase. In due tiino be was the owner c)f 120 
 acres, and continiieil there fur a period of twelve 
 years, tlien came to tliis county. 
 
 Mr. Teal has been twice married first, in '837, 
 to Miss Kutli Pilbeam.a native of pji^land. and the 
 (laughter of Henry and Klizalieth Pilhe.'ini, who 
 spent their entire lives there. This lady died at 
 her home, in 1«G7. after having been his faithful 
 wife and helpmate for a period of thirty years. 
 The present wife of our subject, to whom he was 
 married in 1870, was formerly Miss Caroline M. 
 Mellon, at that time of Lagrange County, Ind. 
 Mrs. Caroline Teal is Ihe daughter of Arthur and 
 Rachel Mellon. Of this union there have been 
 born seven childien — Olive, Mary Jane, John 
 William, Arthur, Hattie, Caroline and George. 
 
 Mr. Teal, politically, was in earlier years an active 
 worker in the ranks of the Democratic part3'. Of 
 late, however, he has taken but little interest in 
 politics. He served as Justice of the Peace in La- 
 grange County, Ind., a number of terms, and in 
 Burr Oak has been Street Commissioner and a 
 member of the Town Council. He is a reliable 
 and substantial citizen, a ma'n of strict integrity, 
 and one generally respected among his neighbcrs. 
 
 ^IJUDGE WILLIAM CONNOR. Upon the 
 I' 11th day of Jul^'. 1803, there was born in 
 I one of the prettiest farmhouses in Hilisboro 
 (^jA Count}*, N. II., a child who shortly afterward 
 received the name which stands at the head of this 
 sketch, who, in the years which have succeeded, 
 lias abundantly justified the rejoicings of which be 
 was the occasion at that time. In the above county 
 our subject spent his earl}' days, occupied with the 
 sports and pastimes incident to childhood, and 
 graduall}' taking his place amidst the sterner duties 
 of 3'outh and manhood. 
 
 Young Connor remained in his native county 
 until 1828, when, starting out for himself, he came 
 "West as far as Detroit, remaining there a short 
 time, as he did also in the cities of Ypsilanti and 
 Ann Arbor. He acted in the capacity of a peda- 
 gogue during the winter of 1828-29, and in the 
 
 spring came to what is now St. Jofe])h County to 
 look at the lay of the land. The surroundings 
 meeting, if not indeed surpassing, his hiiihest ex- 
 pectations, he purchased eighty acres in Nutlawa 
 Township. lie then returned to Ypsilanti. and 
 commenced teaching school, but Sept. 1. 1821), lo- 
 cated permanent!}' upon his land in Nottawa Town- 
 ship, where be is one of the old time residents. It is 
 ilirongli the energy and self-sacrifice of such men 
 as Mr. Connor that .St. Joseph County is indebted 
 for her present prosperous condition. 
 
 In the election of 1836 Mr. Connor was elected 
 Judge of the Probate Court, but resigned in 1837. 
 He has also been County Commissioner, and a mem- 
 ber of the County Board of Supervisors for nearly 
 twenty years. Beyond the good which be might 
 accomplish in bis own community, in discharging 
 the duties of an unsalaried oflice, he has no aspira- 
 tions for political i)referment. Judge Connor mani- 
 fested bis interest in the upbuilding of the county 
 by superintending the erection of its present court 
 house, and also that of ibe county jail, which shows 
 hirii to be able to lake his place as an able worker 
 in any department. 
 
 Judge Connor was united in marriage, in 1835, 
 with Mrs. .Sarah Ann (Rapalje) Wicks, who only 
 survived her wed<iing seven montiis. In due time 
 our subject was the second time married, to Miss 
 A. Powers, who bore him four children, namely : 
 Mark W. ; Clara A., who is the wife of R. C. Bar- 
 nard ; Helen J., now Mrs. C. A. E^nsign ; and Clin- 
 ton M., now deceased. Mrs. A. Connor departed 
 this life in 1869. 
 
 Politically, our subject does not meddle in poli- 
 tics, otherwise than to cast bis vote at the National 
 elections. 
 
 * ftlLLIAM M. WATKINS. Among the many 
 \/sJl' ^^ell-to-do and highly respected citizens of 
 W^ LeonidasTownsbipis the gentleman whose 
 biography is here presented in outline. His resi- 
 dence is upon section 21. where he owns 190 acres. 
 His father, Levi Watkins, came from Ontarit) 
 County, N. Y.. to this county, in the fall of 1832. 
 and built his bouse on the Nottawa Creek, in this 
 township, in November of that year, and there made 
 
 -»^hM* 
 
«► ■ <• 
 
 -» n ^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 3a ;i ' ■ 
 
 his lioini' until lii> iU':\\h in 1H.')1. His wife, whose 
 inniden name wn-s Lneiiia Kil)l>ee. died on the lOtii 
 of Fehrnarv. 1H(!2. They were the parents of four 
 sons and two (huighters, of whom our siil)jeet was 
 the yoiiniresl. 
 
 Levi Waiivins was one of the leading citizens in 
 his distrii't. lie built the first bridge across the St. 
 .loseph Kiver. l)etween AFottville. St. .losepli County, 
 and .lonesville. Hillsdale County. He was a man 
 who took tlie deepest interest in the welfare of the 
 community of which lie was a resident, was intelli- 
 gent, active and relial)le. It was his endeavor in 
 his family to so train and develop the various pow- 
 ers of his children a.s to tnake them of u.se in the 
 world, and capable of taking their places, so .■».* to 
 leave it better than they found it. 
 
 The sul)ject of our sketch was born in Naples. 
 Ontario Co., N. Y.. on the 17th of August. IHUi, 
 and w!is there until he was about sixteen years of 
 age. He then accompanied his parents to this State. 
 He attendee! the Naples schools, and returned from 
 Michigan to Nai)les to attend school in the fall of 
 IH.'J.'i. remaining until the following .June. In 1H.'?8 
 he also attended a branch of the State I'niver- 
 sity. located at White Pigeon, from December. 
 1«38. until March 1, I«40. Leaving school, our 
 .subject went to Texas, wliere he engaged in clerk- 
 ing until the spring of \K^\. when he returned 
 home, where he has lived ever since with the ex- 
 ception of the four years that he was SherilT of the 
 county. Then he lived at Centreville. 
 
 Mr. Watkins is the owner of 190 acres of choice 
 laufl, and has also erecteil a very line dwelling. In 
 November. 1866. he was re-electe<l .Sheriff of the 
 county. He has also held the otiices of Townshij) 
 Clerk. SuiH-rvisor. and .lustice of the Peace, which 
 latter he has held almost continuously since 1864. 
 He was elected Townsiiip Clerk in 1813, and in 
 •luly, 18!)2. his present term of otlice as .lustice 
 of the Peace will expire. He is also one of the 
 leading members of the .State Agricultural Society 
 and a member of the ,Sl. .loseph's Mutual Fire In- 
 surance Company, from which it will be seen that 
 he is certuiidy very actively engaged in the inter- 
 ests of the community. 
 
 Kurthcrmore, in the matt«rof railroads Mr. Wat- 
 kin- h!i.-i been no less interested. He aiiled larirelv 
 
 in putting through this section of the county the St. 
 Louis. Sturgis X- Battle Creek Railroad, and also 
 the .Mr-Line Road. He now lives a retired life, 
 and is enjoying the com])etencv he has accumulated 
 and the well-nigh perfect health with which it is his 
 happiness to be blessed, ami which wxsonly marred 
 by the result fif an accident, that occurred at 
 Leonidas, in the year 1H88. by which his left foot 
 was cr\ishe(l. 
 
 On the 2i;tli of October, 1841. the subject of our 
 sketch and Miss Barbara K. Hill were unitefl in 
 marriage. This lady is a native of Manchester, 
 Ontario Co., N. Y.. where she was born Veb. 24, 
 1821. There have been Ixjrn to them eiglit chil- 
 dren, five of whom are living, viz: Edward W.. 
 Marcus L.. Levi II.. lunery O. and Eva. Eva is 
 the wife of Fred 15. Oreenleaf. Those deceiused are 
 hia M.. Sarah and Marcia .\. Ida and Sarah died 
 when }-oung: Marcia was born in 181 1, and died in 
 1887. after a happy married life of .seven years. 
 Her hiisb;iiid was I'hineas . I. Simons. 
 
 Mr. Watkins is identified with the Masonic fr.a- 
 ternity, and is a member of the Blue Lodge at 
 Colon, the Centreville Chapter, and Three Rivers 
 Comm.indery. He has been a member in good 
 standing of the Methodist lOpiscopal Church since 
 1846. !js li:is also his wife. Bi)th take the great- 
 est possible interest in religious and educational 
 institutions, and not infrequently liave they filled 
 olliees in connection therewith. Politically, our 
 subject is a stanch Republican. 
 
 \|p^ LoN OLNEV. deceased. This gentleman 
 Is was one of the worthy and esteemed citizens 
 /** — ^ of I..eonidas Township. He was the son of 
 the late .losejih Olney, and was born in Mendon 
 Township, this county. Aug. 7. 1844. Hia early 
 life was spent upon the farm, and he engaged in 
 agriculture throughout his life. He w.as a man of 
 shrewd intelligence, with a large capacity for work. 
 jKi-sse-ssed of many social virtues, and a general 
 favorite. .Mthough not a professor of religion, he 
 was a nuin of high moral character. luid directe<l 
 his life according to the precepts of Christianity. 
 He had been careful Ui bring his farm t*) a high 
 
 T 
 
 ^^j^ 
 
4. 
 
 360 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Hr 
 
 state of cultivation, to liave it fully supplied with 
 substantial buildings, and also provided for bis 
 family a pleasant and c-omfortable home, lie was 
 in the full prime of manhood when he was stricken 
 by death, which was caused by measles. Tiiis sad- 
 dening event came to his family on tlie loth of 
 March. 1887. 
 
 .M r. Olney was united in marriage, in Nottawa 
 lownship. to ^Nlary Tost, on the 10th of Janu- 
 ary. 1871. This excellent lady was the daughter 
 and fourth child of Russell and Uuth (Trusdale) 
 Post. who. after tlieir marriage, settled in NolUiwa 
 Township. Mr. Post having come to this county 
 and made it his home at a very early date. There 
 he died in 1873. Their family included nine chil- 
 dren, live of whom were sons. 
 
 Mrs. Olney w.as born in Xottawa Township, 
 Marcii 17, 1844. She was educated in the scliools 
 of the district, and there made her home until her 
 marriage. There have been given to our subject 
 and his wife five children, whose names are recorded 
 as follows: Sarah, (leorgiana. Leroy, Clarence and 
 Glenn. 
 
 When the dark cloud of bereavement overshad- 
 owed tlie home, it w.is a soml)er background tliat 
 only threw into more striking relief the character 
 and m.Tny womanly virtues of Mrs. Olney. who. 
 throughout all iier tri.als. exhiliited a most beauti- 
 ful spirit of Christian patience and affectionate 
 trust. 
 
 ^^KOROE 51. SIDES is identified witii tiie in- 
 dustrial interests of St. .loscph County as a 
 carriage painter, decorator and paper hanger, 
 and is actively engaged at his tr.adc in Colon, where 
 he is prospering, and has a plwisaut, attractive 
 home. He is the son of Dr. Sides, whose biography 
 appears on another page of this work. lie w.as born 
 in l.cwistown. Pa., in 1850, and was but a boy of six 
 years when he came with his parents to Michigan 
 to settle in tlieir new home in Colon. lie was 
 reared here and had the benefit of an education in 
 the excellent schools of this town. He was of an 
 independent, energetic turn of mind, and being 
 an.\ious to make Ids own way in the world, when 
 but fifteen years old commenced to learn the trade 
 
 at which he is now engaged, and in 18G8 went to 
 Three Rivers in |)ur,-uance of his lalling. In 1869 
 he went to work for .Mr. Shepard, of Battle Creek, 
 and remained in hisemplov for four years. He also 
 worked for Upson it Rrown. of the same place, for 
 two years. He then found employment iji the es- 
 tablishment of E. Clapp, carriage-maker, of Battle 
 Creek, with whom he staid for two and one-half 
 j'ears. With all this exjjerience he became a su- 
 perior workman, .and w.as highly prized by his 
 employers for his intelligence, efiiciency and trust- 
 worthiness. Mr. .Sides returned to Colon in 1882, 
 and established himself at his trside, and has been 
 working at it ever since. By his steady devotion 
 to his business he has made monej-. for as an expert 
 in his line his services are in constant demand, and 
 he never fails to find work when others are forced 
 to be idle. 
 
 Mr. Sides has been twice married. His first wife, 
 , to whom he was united in 1872. in Battle Creek, 
 was Miss Cora Lobdell. a native of Battle Creek. 
 She was born in 1850, the third in a family of four 
 daughters of Jacob B.and Maria (Knapp) Lobdell. 
 Her parents were natives of New York, and were 
 among tlie early settlers of Battle Creek, wliere her 
 father, who was known as a p.itent-rigiit man. fol- 
 lowed his trade of eari)enter. The pleasant wedded 
 life of our subject with his first wife was of brief 
 duration, as she died Jan. 7, 1879, after lingering 
 some fifteen months in consumption. She was a. 
 lady of superior culture, a gr.aduate of the Battle 
 Creek High School, and was conversant with the 
 French and Germ.an Languages. She had a frank, 
 generous disposition, .and was well beloved by all 
 who knew her. Mr. Sides' second marriage, which 
 occurred April 14. 1886. was to Miss Rebecca Lid- 
 dlc. a native of Colon Township. Mrs. Sides was 
 born in September, 1860, and wiis the fifth in a 
 family of six children born to Gilbert .and Rebecca 
 (Weston) Liddle. natives of ^leadvillc. Pa. They 
 came to Michigan in the very early days of its set- 
 tlement by the while man. Indi.ans still lingering in 
 the country when they came. Detroit, then a small 
 place, and Cleveland, Ohio, were the nearest towns. 
 Mr. I-iddle settled on land which he procured from 
 the Government, and from the primeval forest that 
 then prevailed in this part of the State he built up 
 
-4^ 
 
 -■»- 
 
 ST. .lOSKPU COUNTY. 
 
 301 
 
 4 
 
 n lionio. IK' (lii'il in .Inly. 1MH4. at an adviinccil 
 atr«. tlms ronndin-; ont a iisi-fnl and hnsy life. His 
 wife rt'siik's on tiie old liomt'.'-tead in Colon. Mrs. 
 Sides had two half-brotliers who took part iu the 
 war. the Ilenrv .M. I.iddle Post, of Colon, being 
 named iu lionor of one of them. .Mrs. .Sides is a 
 woman of line character, of pleasing manners, and 
 makes their home comfort.-ihle and cheery for her 
 husband, and for their numerous friends, with 
 whom they often share its hosi)italities. 
 
 Mr. Sides stands higli in the estimation of his 
 fellow-citizens, as he is a man of unexceptionable 
 habits, of a sturdy and independent character, and 
 in all the relations of life, as son. brother, husband, 
 he is all that can I'c de.-ired. lie tJikes an intelli- 
 gent interest in politics, and afllliates with the 
 Republican party. 
 
 ^ ftllAAASl lllNKLK. deceased, who was a 
 \ylJl/ '■'^*'''<^"^ ^^ Mendon Township since April, 
 WW !>«>'.•. by his life of industry and econ- 
 omy accumulated a comfortable property, and dur- 
 ing his last years lived retired from active lal)or at 
 his pleasant homestead on section 1(5. He owned 
 about ninety-five acres of good laud, where he 
 erected a substantial set of frame buildings, and 
 gathered alxjut himself ami his family the thousand 
 little comforts and cijuvenicnces so essential to their 
 welfare and happiness. The household includes a 
 highly intelligent wife .and three chiblren, all at 
 home, forming a family grouji .imply worthy of rep- 
 resentation in a work which will claim the attention 
 of scores of the best citizens of this county, whose 
 history it is designed to jx-rpetuate. In the years 
 to come a future generation will turn these leaves 
 with more than a passing interest, and note the 
 names of those who have been prominent in the 
 progress and development of St. Joseph County. 
 .\mong them the Hinkle family will occupy their 
 rightful |)o.->ition. 
 
 Our subject was the scion of an excellent family, 
 a native of Y»)rk County. I'a..and in wiiich county, 
 when reaching man's estate, he formed the ac- 
 quaintance of a mf>st estimable lady. Miss Matilda 
 Hites, with whom he was united in marriage March 
 
 4* 
 
 21. IMII. .Mrs. Ilinklc wa.- a ii;)tivc of Crawford 
 County, .'uid was born .March I. 1H2<I. They re- 
 mained re^illents of their native State until IHiUi. 
 making their home on a farm in llaylield Town- 
 ship. Crawford County, afterward removing to 
 Fairview Townshii>. Erie County, where our suli- 
 ject engaged successfully in the pursuit of agricult- 
 ure. In the spring of the year above mentioned, 
 deciding to try the experiment of life in the West, 
 they removed to Lagrange County, hid., where 
 they sojourned a [x-rioil of three years. The spring 
 of 1M()',) found them .settleil in .Mendon Township. 
 this county, where they have since lived. 
 
 Our sul)ject and his excellent wife watchcl 
 with deep interest the growth and develoi)ment 
 of Southern Michigan, and bore no unim])ort- 
 ant part in l)ringing .Mendon Township to its 
 present status, having built up one of the best 
 farms within its limits, fulfilling the idea of the 
 Sage of Cliappaiiua. that a moderate extent of land 
 well cultivated is more desirable than a large area 
 partially neglected. Their little farm is therefore 
 more valuable than many embracing a larger acre- 
 age. 
 
 Mr. Hinkle. the eldest of nine children, was born 
 in \\)rk C"ounty, I'a.. May 12. 1820. and was the son 
 of Andrew and Catherine (.Sliue) Hinkle. who were 
 akso natives of the Keystone State, the father being 
 born in the eastern part, .\fter marriage the par- 
 ents settled in York County, but later removed to 
 Erie County, and after having lived in different 
 l)lace.s in Pennsylvania, removed from Krie County 
 to Lagrange County. Ind.. where the mother died 
 about 1873. The father later came t<> the 'home 
 of his son William in Mendon Township, where he 
 sjX'Ut his last days, passing away alH>ut 18H4. There 
 are living seven children of the |)arental family, 
 most of them making their homes in the We.-^t. 
 
 Mrs. Hinkle is the daughter of Jacob and Mary 
 Hites. who were natives of Pennsylvania, and are 
 now deceased. They spent the greater part of 
 their lives in Crawfonl County. Pa. The home 
 circle included eight children, five of whom are 
 living. 
 
 To .Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle there were l)orn nine 
 children in Pennsylvania. Their sons an<l daugh- 
 ters were named respectively: ,\ndrew .1., George 
 
 ;*^Hh-^ 
 
•^^i^Mi- 
 
 362 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 AV., ]Mary C JIartlia P., Jacob W.. Amos S., Ma- 
 tilda A., Meliiida E. and Winfleld S. Tlie eldest is 
 forty-three \'ears of age. and tlie yoiingcfft twenty- 
 five. All are residents of Mendoii liiit three daugh- 
 ters, who are married, and living in Iiuiinna. Ohio 
 and California respectively. 
 
 After his marriage, and wliile a resident of Erie 
 County, Pa., Mr. llinkle suffered quite a loss in the 
 destruction of his dwelling and liouseliold goods 
 liy fire. During his early manhood lie learned tiie 
 carpenter's trade, wliicli he followed a number of 
 years, hut later preferred to give his attention to 
 agricultural pursuits. lie cast iiis first Presidential 
 vote for Henry Cla^-, being a member of the Whig 
 party until identifying himself witli tlie Kepub- 
 iicans, to whose princi[)les he gave his unqualified 
 support. He held the minor otlices of his town- 
 sliip. and was an active member of the Chris- 
 tian Church for man^- years. A man ])rompt to 
 meet his obligations, and one whose opinions are 
 generally respect<>d, he formed one of the most im- 
 portant factors of a community more than ordina- 
 rily intelligent and progressive. Dec. i;5, 1888. 
 he wa.s stricken with paralysis from whicli he never 
 rallied, and peacefully passed aw.iy December 22. 
 aged sixty-eight years, seven months and ten days. 
 
 ^1 OHN AV. HARUISON. a prorainentand well- 
 I I to-do citizen of Florence Township, was for 
 ^,^1 : many 3'ears actively identified with its lead- 
 {^/y ing interest, that of agriculture. He still 
 retains a general supervision of his farm, on section 
 21). which is justly considered one of the most 
 valuable in the township, but he has retired from 
 the more severe labors connected with its manage- 
 ment, and he and his estimable wife are enjoj'ing 
 the handsome competence that they have accu- 
 mulated b^' their united labors. 
 
 Mr. Harrison's father, .John Harrison, was early 
 identified with the pioneers of St. Joseph Count}', 
 and was for many years a leading citizen of Con- 
 slantine, where he had a large farm, taking a con- 
 spicuous part in public affairs, and doing a great 
 deal toward its devekipmcnt. Our subject being 
 reared amid the primitive scenes of pioneer life. 
 
 has many interesting incidents to relate of the 
 brave, sturd}'. generous, self-sacrificing people who 
 first came here to subdue the i)rimeval forests of 
 Southern Michigan, and on this rich soil build up 
 homes for themselves, their children, ami their 
 children's children. Many of them were jxior. and 
 had a hard struggle for existence. Owing to the break- 
 ing up of so much new land, the country was very 
 unhealthful. which caused much sickness, and these 
 people were very de|)eudent on each otiier. Not- 
 withstanding the privations and hardships they had 
 to undergo, they were uniformly cheerful, friendly 
 I and s<jcial. and many were the good times that 
 the}' contrived to have to lighten the tedium of 
 life. The}' were contented, and made the best of 
 their circumstiinces, and so it hajjpened that many 
 of the leading people, even, went to church bare- 
 footed, and the sensible women did not trouble 
 themselves about the prevailing styles of bonnets, 
 but wore handkerchiefs on their heads when they 
 attended divine service. 
 
 The parents of our subject were born in England, 
 the former in the town of Waxholme, Nov. 6, 1796, 
 and the latter in Hull, in 1792. They were mar- 
 ried .Sept. 23, 181 i), in their native country, and 
 continued to reside there for several years. In 
 1835 they concluded to emigrate with their family 
 to America, and after a voyage of seven weeks 
 landed in New York, .•ind were soon after on a 
 boat in the Erie Canal, that great highway of the 
 Western pioneers, bound for Michigan, coming by 
 way of the lakes from Buffalo to Detroit. Mr. 
 Harrison left his family in that city, and taking a 
 stage, crossed the intervening wild country to .St. 
 Joseph County, where he bought a farm in Con- 
 stantine Township, and then returned for his wife 
 and children. After settling on his land, a part of 
 which was imi)roved, he rented it until his sons 
 were old enough to carry it on. In l!sG8 he sold 
 his extensive and valuable farm and moved into 
 the village of Constantine. About two years be- 
 fore his death, which was Dec. 2. 1868, at the age 
 of seventy-two years and twenty-five days, he dis- 
 posed of his property, and spent his last days with 
 his son, our subject. Mr. Harrison was a man 
 whose high character, strong common sense and 
 shrewdness made his presence in the councils of his 
 
 r 
 
M^ 
 
 ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 3C.J 
 
 fellow-townsmon itlmost iiiilispensable. anrl for six- 
 teen yvars he was Supervisor of Constantine Tdwii- 
 sliip. still retniniii;: that position after lie lieeaine a 
 resident vf the village, ami, iiideefl, until nliout 
 two years before his death, when lie came to Flor- 
 ence to make his home with our subject. His wife 
 passed away in ConsUintine, Mich.. Oct. 2.5, 1800. 
 They had five chililren, four of whom were livini^ 
 when they came to America, as follows: Eleanor, 
 born July .i, 182.5, died in Florence, .Ian. 25, l«oO; 
 .lohn William, the subject of this sketch, born Nov. 
 25, 1828;Thomas, born .Sept. 12. 1H30, lives in Con- 
 stantine; Mansfield, born Jan. 25, 1835, died Feb. 
 8, 1851. 
 
 John W. Harrison, of this sketch, was reared in 
 Constantine on the old homestead, and the pioneer 
 influences that he obtained in the early days of his 
 youth molded his character into boldness, strength 
 antl self-reliance, whereby he has been enabled to 
 make his own way in the world, and attain to a po- 
 sition of jirominence in its social and business cir- 
 cles, MS represented in .Southern .Michigan. He re- 
 mained in his father's home in Constantine Town- 
 ship until he was married, Aug. 23, 1854, being the 
 date of that important step in his life. He was 
 then united to Miss Ellen, daughter of John and 
 Mary Burnham, natives of England. The father 
 was bom in Yorkshire, in 1800, and the mother in 
 England, in 1803. They migrated to this country 
 and settled in St. Joseph County, in 1831, and here 
 the father died Aug. 28. 1832. a few weeks after 
 his arrival in this country. His wife died Jan. 28, 
 1853. They had two children, the wife of our 
 subject, and Anna, who was born June 22, 1831. 
 became the wife of Henry Sevison, and died Feb. 
 7, 1857. Mrs. Harrison was born in England, April 
 28. 1829. The plcasJint home circle of herself and 
 her husband is completed by the presence of the 
 three sons and three daughters who have blessed 
 their union, of whom the following is recorded: 
 John B., born April 4, 1858; Edward, Aug. 23, 
 1800; William, March 27. 1803; Mary Eleanor, 
 April 25, 1805; Annie Elizabeth, Vvb. 14, 1808; 
 Minnie, Oct. 28, 1871. 
 
 After marriage Mr. Harrison com menccd farming 
 on the farm he still owns. It comprises 200 acres 
 of as fertile and highly productive land as is to be 
 
 4* 
 
 found in the county ; is amply supplied with sub- 
 stantial buildings and faini machinery, and is well 
 stocked, as he has devoted much time to that branch 
 of agriculture, although not to the neglect of his 
 grain fields, where he has reaped many abundant 
 harvests. He has now retired from the active la- 
 bors of farm life, merely supervising ami planning 
 the work to be done. His long residence in this 
 country has given him a wide experience in farm- 
 ing, and he has witnessed many changes, noticeably 
 in the wonderful improvement of the machinery 
 which so lightens the labors of the farmers. He 
 remembers when wheat in the early times com- 
 manded |$3 a bushel, and the holders would not 
 let it go out of the county, but kept it for their 
 neighbors who had none. 
 
 Mr. Harrison and his famil}' are members of the 
 Reformed Chur'-.li of Constantine, and they are 
 ever foremost in all the good and charitable works 
 that are carried forward in this community. Mr. 
 Harrison is accounted one of Florence's most re- 
 liable and trustworthy citizens, and he has been 
 called upon to fill some of its most responsible of- 
 fices, lijiving been .Supervisor and Highway Com- 
 missioner. He IS a prominent member of the social 
 organizations of the F. & A. M.. and of the P. of 
 H. In politics he is a thorough Republican. 
 
 GEORGE W. .SPALSBURV, M. D., whose 
 1! ^w? *'^'" '" '"''* profession is attested by the 
 ^^ll many patients who seek his aid, was born in 
 Kingston, Canada, on the 1 1 th of March, 1821. 
 While he was yet an infant his parents removed to 
 Jefferson County, N. Y., and there are laid the 
 scenes of his childhood, youth and early manhood. 
 He attended the common schools, and afterward 
 took a course in the High School, which occupied 
 him until he was about twenty years of age. From 
 eighteen to twenty-four years of age he was en- 
 gaged in teaching school during the winter seasons, 
 anci showed no little talent in that direction. 
 
 In 1 843 the subject of our sketch began the study 
 of meilicine, reading first with Prof. Amasa Trow- 
 bridge, of Watertown, X. Y. He remained with 
 that gentleman for about three years, during which 
 
 f 
 
JL 
 
 <•■ 
 
 3(U 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 time, however, he atteiKled lectures at Willoiighl)y, 
 Ohio, .iiiii a second course at Berkshire Medical 
 Coilfge. at rittsfield. from which institution he was 
 graduated in the fall of 1847. 
 
 The Doctor first 0|)ened an ofHce in Lodus, Wayne 
 Co.. N. Y.. where he remained until the year 
 18.')0. and then removed to Three Rivers, in this 
 Stale, entering into partnership witli Dr. S. L. Her- 
 rick, and continued in that relation for about a 
 year and a half. In the spring of IHiVJ he came to 
 Leonidas Township, where he has been ever since, 
 actively engaged in the pr.acticc of his profession. 
 lie is everywhere highl3' esteemed as a physician, 
 and enjoys the full confidence of the people. 
 
 In .September, 1851, the subject of our sketch 
 was married, in Lodus, X. Y., the ladj* who gave 
 him her hand upon that occasion being Miss Silbj' 
 Ann White, who was born in Columbia C(»niity, N. 
 Y. She has become the mollier of three children, 
 whose names are: Klla, now Mrs. Eugene D. Barron, 
 of Three Rivers, and DeWitt and Dtiane. who are 
 twins. Duane is at Kalamazoo, where he is engaged 
 in learning the drug business. His brother is a 
 stuilent in tiie dental department in the Universiti' 
 of Ann Arbor. 
 
 Dr. Spalsbury is the seconil in a family of eight 
 children, six of whom were sons, and all of whom 
 are living. Although he has made his way thus far 
 in his profession, enjoying a large and lucrative 
 practice, and is honored in the community, he is 
 not idle, but gives good attention to the keeping 
 up of his medical studies, so that he may be abreast 
 of the times in the treatment of his patients. 
 
 „ : :i^W^^r. : ■ 
 
 ■IP^iOHERT S. (iKll-'l-TTli is an honored citizen 
 'L^Y of Fabius Township, with whose agricult- 
 ^^\ ural interests he is i)rominently identified, 
 ^^both as a farmer and a stock-raiser, lie 
 is the owner of one of the valuable farms' for which 
 this .section is somewhat noted. It is finely located 
 on .section 18. and its well-tille<l. productive acres 
 have amply repaid the care and money that he has 
 be-stowed upon them. 
 
 .Mr. (Jritlith wju; Ixirn in Hnckingham Township. 
 Kucks Cf).. l*a.. .Tan. 11. 1824. and is a son of 
 
 Joseph and Mary (.Scarborough) (oillitli. the father 
 a native of Wales, and the mother of that part of 
 I'ennsylvania included in William I'enn's grant. 
 The mother wa-; of (Quaker antecedents, her people 
 belonging to that denomination, and her ancestry 
 coming from England to .settle in Pennsylvania at 
 an early day in its colonial history. They had a 
 family of thirteen children, of whom our subject 
 w.as the eldest. He w.<is reared on a farm and received 
 the benefit of a f.air education, such a.s his father 
 could afford to give him in those days, before free 
 schools were known. lie worked by the month some 
 before he wjus allowed to start out in life for him.-^elf. 
 Being an active, enterprising youth, at the age of 
 nineteen be bought his time of his father, paying him 
 the sum of ^125. He wiis inarrieil. Man-b 'id. 
 18.51, to Miss Susan Cox. daughter of .lonas and 
 Elizabeth (Larue) Cox. Folk)wing is a short 
 chronological record of her parents and their cliil- 
 dren: .lonas (ox was born on tlic I.Mli (la\' of 
 October. 17!)7. Elizabeth Larue w.a^ liorn on the 
 20th day of August. 17!t7. They were united in 
 marriage at Fallsington. Bucks Co.. Pa., on the 15th 
 of April. 181!). .lonas Cox died on the li)th of 
 December. 18H4. Elizabeth, his wife, survived 
 him many years, dying on the lltb of May. I8(;<». 
 Their union wji.s productive of eight children, as 
 follows: .Sarah was born on the 7th of February. 
 1820, and died on tlie Idtli of March, 1845; .John 
 L. w.as born on the 17th of .Inly. 1821 ; Hannah, on 
 the 1st of September. 182;5: Elhvood. on the 2itth 
 of M,ay. 1825; Mary Ann L.. <m the l.'Uh of Feb- 
 ruary. 1827; .Sus.anna. wife of our subject, on the 
 .3()th of March. 182;); Samuel L. w.t, born <m the 
 8th of .Tune. 1831. and died on the 20th of Septem- 
 lier. 1833; Elizabeth was born on the 30th of 
 March. 1834. .Tohn L. Cox married Catherine 
 Ililes. who w.a..i born on the 27th of .\prit. 1838. 
 Two children have been born of that marriage: 
 •Toseph. on the lUli of Miiy. 1858. and Charles W., 
 on the 28tb of September, 1863. 
 
 For two years after his marriage our subject 
 was emi)loyed a-s a day laliorer. He was economical 
 and thrifty, and carefully saving his earnings 
 bought a horse, and went into debt for another, 
 and thus equipped rented some Land and w.as in- 
 dustriously eng.aged in farming it for four years. 
 
 -5^1^ 
 
«» m ^^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •9^ 
 
 365 
 
 
 At tlu' i-xpirnlion of tli.-it time he liad saved 
 Itl.irtO, lii'sidi's owning' some j>ersoiial properly, 
 sueli as liouseliold <roods. In 1><.")7 lie eoncluded 
 to try ntrrieultural piii>iiits on llic misurpassinjrly 
 fertile soil of St. .losepli County, in tliis State, of 
 wliieli he had heard many jjlowiiifj accounts. .Vfter 
 his arrival herewith his family he purchased 111 
 acres of land, one and one-half miles east of Three 
 Hivers, and there he lived until 1878. For a time 
 he was very i)rosperous and made money fast. 
 Durinjr tlie war he huilt a handsome and commo- 
 dious house at a cost of %l,(l(IO. hut afterward 
 came the financial panic, times were hard, and the 
 expense that he had lieen at in improving his place 
 proved too heavy a burden, and he was obliged to 
 dispose of his (iroperty to pay his debts. After 
 having honorably discharged every floUar of his 
 indebtedne.s.*. he found that he had about $1,200 
 left with which to start life anew. lie then bought 
 his jjresent farm, which, with the same indefatigable 
 industry that ha.-* always characterized him. he has 
 improved into one of the best places in the neigh- 
 borh<Hi<l. It comi)rises 100 acres of fertile soil, 
 well adapt<'d to both the raising of grain and cattle 
 Over the ple^isant household of our subject the 
 shadow of death fell Nov. 24. 1887, and the de- 
 voted wife and tender mother was removed from 
 the scene of her usefulne,ss. .She was a woman 
 whose sincerity, tact, and great goodness of char- 
 acter, made her beloved by all who knew her. and 
 in her death the comnninity lost one who.se place 
 will be hard to till. Although she dedicated her 
 life to her duties as a wife and a mother, she w.os 
 ever ready to respond to the needs of others out- 
 side of the home circle, and her memory will be 
 fondly cherished by relatives, friends and neigh- 
 bors. The Methodist Kpiscopal Church, of which 
 she was a member from the time she was thirteen 
 years of age. lost in her a bright and shining 
 light. Kight children were born of her marriage 
 with our subject, of whom .seven are living, namely: 
 Mary .Vnna. lM)rn March 28, 1«;)2. is the wife of 
 .Joseph Fisher, of Park Township, an<t has four 
 children living; .Sarah I,.. Imrn Dec. 12, 18.'».S. died 
 Dec. 2."». 1871; Kliza C.. born March i:». 18.-)(). is 
 the wife of Frank Dougherty, lives with her father, 
 and has one child; .John Cox. born March 6. 1858. 
 
 is married to Minnie Cox, has one cliihl. and lives 
 on the home farm; Lizzie, born Oct. 1!(, 18(;ii. is 
 the wife of Mills Howard, of Cass County, Mich., 
 and lias one child; William A., bom .lune (5. 
 18(;;{. is at |>resent working by the month; Rachel, 
 born .lune 24. 18()5. lives at Three Rivers; Katie 
 M., born .Ian. I.'!. 1868. is her father's housekeeper. 
 .Mr. Orillith is a thoroughly upright, conscien- 
 tious man, one in whom his neighbors place the 
 highest confidence. He is a sincere and earnest 
 Christian, and for twenty years has been a member 
 of the Jletliodist Kpiscopal Church. He takes a 
 deep interest in improving the agricultural meth- 
 ods of to-d.iy, and is a valued member of the 
 grange. Politically, he sympathizes with the Re- 
 jjublican party, and has always voted the Kepub- 
 lican ticket. .Apropos to the past camiiaign and 
 his party candidate. Mr. (iriltith says he well re- 
 members taking part in the "log cabin and hard 
 cider" campaign of 1840. although he was not old 
 enough to vt)te. He has never .sought <itlice, al- 
 though he h.ts served very .tcceptably on the 
 School Hoard. Mr. (iriHith was drafted into the 
 I'nion .\rmy in 18(;i. the last draft in the district. 
 Hegave?i20(i toward providing a sulistitute. the 
 town giving the balance and tilling its quota. 
 
 ■.-.^ * 
 
 ■fyOSIAS SIMPSON is one of the well-kn(.wn 
 1 I farmei-s of Leoniilas Township, and ()i)erat<.'s 
 500 acres of lanil as a general farmer. His 
 father, whose name was identical with that 
 of our subject, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, 
 as W!is also his mother, whose maiden name was 
 Ellen Cuddy. They were married in the year 1829, 
 in their native county, and emigrated to America 
 in 1854. coming ilircct to Michigan and settling in 
 Lconidas Township. Here they made their home 
 for the remainder of their lives. The mother of 
 our suliject died on the 5th of September, 185.s, 
 and the father on the 2.'!d of .January. 1877. Their 
 family included nine children. 
 
 The subji'ct of our sketch was llie youngest of 
 the family of which he was a member, and was 
 born on the olh of .Mav, 1830. in County Tyrone. 
 
J. 
 
 ^*- 
 
 366 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Since coming to this country he lias lived in 
 the above townsliip. From his youth he has been 
 connected with fanning and farm life, and his 
 l)roperty is one of the finest in the district, his 
 buildings, fields and pastures all revealing the fact 
 that a master hand has been at work. 
 
 The township offices have been held by our sub- 
 ject, that of Supervisor for three years. He was 
 elected Justice of the Peace, but did not qualify. 
 Mr. Simpson has taken a great interest in educa- 
 tional affairs, and h.as held several offices in con- 
 nection therewith. He is one who enjo3's the entire 
 confidence of Ills fellows, an<l as a result has been 
 asked to serve in the offices held by liini. 
 
 Mr. Simpson was married in Centreville. on the 
 1st of January, 1857, the lad^' of his choice being 
 Miss Jane Gibson, daughter of J<jhn and Margaret 
 (Moore) Gibson, both of whom were natives of 
 County Tyrone, and representatives of good old 
 Irish families. They emigrated to America in 
 June, 18,i0, and settleil in New York Stale, com- 
 ing to this county in April of the ^-ear 1853. 
 They located in Nottawa Township, and there 
 made their home. 
 
 The l)irth of the wife of our subject occurred on 
 the 2.sih of September, 1827, in County TjTone. 
 Her marriage with our subject has been very happy, 
 wliicli ha()piness has been in nowise diminished i)j' 
 the birth of five children, whose names are: Ellen 
 M., Mary I.; Sarah J., now the wife of James Eth- 
 vine, of Nottawa Township; William and James A., 
 both of whom reside at home. Mr. and Mrs. Simp- 
 son arc in accord with the religious views embodied 
 in the Congregational Church, and are members of 
 that communion. Their children have been brought 
 up according to the same teaching, and are some- 
 what attached to the church. 
 
 ATTIIIAS BECKER PUTNAM stands 
 
 u among the foremost of the agriculturists of 
 
 St. Joseph County who have been instru- 
 mental in building up its great farming in- 
 terests. He is a prominent citizen of ConsUintine 
 Township, where he owns a large farm ou section 
 36, and is extensively engaged in agriculture. He 
 
 has one of the finest residences in the township, 
 and his home is very attractive. ^Ir. Putnam is 
 the son of a pioneer family well known iiere in 
 early times, and our subject, though but nine 
 years of age when he accompanied his parents to 
 their new home in the forest depths of Southern 
 Michig.an, may well he denominated a pioneer him- 
 self. He has been a dweller in St. Joseph County 
 and Ccmstantine Township. l)oy and man. for over 
 fifty years, and in that time has witnessed the won- 
 derful change that has been brought about by the 
 energy and indomitable perseverance of the early 
 pit)neers and tlieir successors, rendering this one of 
 the richest and most prosperous farming regions in 
 the country, with extensive commercial interests 
 and tloiirishing towns and cities. It must be a 
 ple.xsant thought to him that he has materially con- 
 tributed to this prosperity. 
 
 Our subject was born in Johnstown, Montgomery 
 Co., N. Y.. March 17. 1827, and was theseventhof 
 tlie eight cliildren. four sons and four daughtei-s. 
 born to Peter V. and JIaria (Becker) Putnam. His 
 parents were also natives of Montgomery County, 
 and were born respectively in Johnstown and 
 Florida Township. They married and settled down 
 in their native county, and there all of their chil- 
 dren were born. In August, 1836, they broke up 
 their *)ld home, and with tlieir family came to St. 
 Joseph County, Mr. Putnam having the April pre- 
 vious visited this part of Michigan, and purchased 
 a tract of land in the southeastern jtart of Constan- 
 tine, paying therefor $12.50 an acre. He and his 
 wife made their home here the remainder of their 
 lives, he dying in November. 18.J8. and she several 
 years prior to that date. 
 
 Matthias Putnam was a lad of nine years when he 
 accompanied his parents to this .State, consequently 
 most of liis life h.as been passed here, and he has 
 been as much interested in the progress and growth 
 of the commonwealth of Michigan .as if he were 
 native and to the manor born. He was reared on a 
 farm, and in the [lioneer influences that obtained in 
 his early home here grew to be a vigorous, self- 
 helpful and capable young man. He adopted the 
 calling to which he was reared, and in following ag- 
 riculture has accumulated considerable wealth. He 
 owns 300 acres of valuable land all in one bodv in 
 
 
-4»- 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ■«► 
 
 367 
 
 CoiK-it-aiiline Townsliip. and lins it un<l»>r fmr ciilti- 
 vntioii. !*ii]>|)lit'<l witli siihstanliMl Mini coininoilinus 
 buililiii«rs ft)r!ill pui'iiost'S. and the niojit aiiprovcd 
 farm machinery for lightening hilmr. 
 
 Mattliias I'utnam and Miss Sarali A. Dickinsoii 
 were united in marriage Oct. 12, l><o!l. the cere- 
 mony being performed in Florence Township. Mrs. 
 Putnam is in nianj- respects a superior woman, and 
 she presiiles witli ciiaracteristic graciousncss over 
 her and her husband's commodious and well-ap- 
 pointed home, dispensing its hospitalities with a 
 free hantl and a happy heart, and she is warmly 
 seconded in her efforts to entertain friends or 
 strangers wlio mav come to tiiem by lier iiusband 
 and family. ^Irs. I'utnam. who wa.s born in Flor- 
 ence Township, this county. March 11. 1^*37. was 
 the eldest of the five children, tiiree sons and two 
 daughters, born to George and Sarah (.lohnson) 
 Dickinson, natives of Yorkshire, Kngland. Her 
 fatlier came to America when he was sixteen years 
 old, and in \M2 came to Michigan, and w.-is a pio- 
 neer of White Pigeon. His wife came to this 
 country in lH:i;?. and they were married in tiie town 
 of Gilead, liranch County, near the residence of 
 Gov. Luce, in 1IS36. They began their married life 
 in Florence Township, .and. indeefl. continued it 
 there until death did part them, he dying -M.ay 3. 
 18(51, and she .Ian. 12. 18(57. .Mrs. l)ickin.son h.ad 
 l)een twice married, and at the time of her marriage 
 to (ieorge Dickinson was the widow of .lohn How- 
 man, who died in England. 15y that marriage she 
 had one child. Mary, who died in 18(5^ at White 
 Pigeon; she was the wife of .lohn .1. Davis. IJy 
 her marriage with Mr. Dickinson she had five chil- 
 dren, viz: (ieorge. a farmer in FUirence Townshii): 
 Anna, wifeof Charles Kellogg, of tlic same township; 
 Richard, in White Pigc<in Township; Charles, also 
 in Florence, and Mrs. Putnam. Mr. and Mrs. Put- 
 nam are the |Kirents of .mx children: .Vnna. who 
 lives at home; .Maria, who dieil when about two 
 years and a half old; Mary. Nellie. (Jeorge and 
 •John. Tiieir daughter Mary w:is marric<l at tlieir 
 residence. Dec. .^. 188M. t«» Frank I'. Hotchin. of 
 Florence Townsliip. !in<l tlicre was a l.-irgc gather- 
 ing of friends to witness the impressive ceremony. 
 .Mr. Putnam is a man of clear head and sagacious 
 judgment, and |x>ssesses weight and influence in 
 
 the affairs of this community, with which his in- 
 terests have been bound up so long. No one is 
 more liberal ami public-spirited than he in encour- 
 aging the various schemes for the benefit of tlie 
 township and county. an<l he is thoroughly re- 
 spected for tho.se characteristics that mark the true 
 man and honest citizen. He has been School Di- 
 rector for many years, and li:is held some of the 
 minor ollices. In politics he casts his vote with the 
 Democratic party. Mrs. Putnam is a consistent 
 member of the Metliodisl Episcopal Church, and 
 has been for upward of thirty years. 
 
 AMUEL KLADV. The subject of this 
 sketch is one of those who have achieved 
 the goal after years of toil, labor and anx- 
 iety, and all the attendant incidents of a 
 busy life, and now has retired from active service, 
 residing in the village of Nottawa. He h,is been 
 engaged in the peaceful pursuits of an agriculturist 
 since his advent here, in 1H;J7, while Miciiigan was 
 still a Territory. Although now retired from the 
 active ihilies devolving upon a farmer, he is one of 
 those men whose intimate knowleiige of his calling 
 and success in the same are worthy of mention in 
 connection with any volume treating of the town- 
 ship. 
 
 The ancestry of an iiulividiial is next in impor- 
 tance to his own personality, and can never be prop- 
 erly omitted from the record of his life. Our 
 subject's father. Isaac Klady. was a native of the 
 (.Quaker Slate, while his mother, whose maiden name 
 was .Mary Morgan, named New .lersey as the State 
 of her nativity. Isaac Kl.ady looked his Inst upon 
 the scenes of earth in Livingston County. N. Y., 
 whence he had removed with his family. The 
 mother joiirneyeil westward after the death of her 
 husbnnd to this county, and iiinde her home with 
 her son until her death. 
 
 The parental family of our subject numbere<l 
 eight chihlreu. five sons and three daughters, of 
 whom Samuel was the eldest. Consequently, upon 
 the death of the father a great deal of the respon- 
 sibility of the family fell upon the shoulders of the 
 
 ■4•- 
 
 -•► 
 
JL 
 
 <^ 
 
 368 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 oldest son. He was born Maj- 15, 1806, in Cayuga 
 Count3'. N. Y., in wliicli place he lived until attain- 
 ing the age of twenty years. Livingston County, 
 however, held out greater|] inducements than he 
 could hope for in his native county, whence we find 
 him migrating. So correct did his foresight in 
 regard to Iiettering his condition prove, that he re- 
 mained in Livingston County until 1837, being en- 
 gaged in tl)e meanwhile upon a farm. At the ex- 
 piration of that time, however, feeling that the 
 largely undeveloped State of Michigan would prove 
 an excellent field to carve out for himself a financial 
 prosperil}', he migrated hither, locating in Nottawa 
 Township. Kor was Mr. Klady in the least mis- 
 taken in selecting Michigan as his future home, as 
 the reader will see that he began with practically 
 nothing, and whatever has been attained is the re- 
 sult of his earnest, miinly efforts, which have, how- 
 ever, been supplemented by the faithful affection 
 and counsel of his devoted wife. 
 
 In 1S52, Mr. Klady desiring to see something of 
 the farther West, crossed the plains to the Pacific 
 Slope, remaining there five j'ears, when he retraced 
 bis steps to this county, and with that one excep- 
 tion has been a resident here since his first advent 
 into the county in 1837. As before stated, our 
 suliject has always been engaged in the cultivation 
 of the soil, and is the prt)prietor of a tract of 17!) 
 acres, which, although not very extensive, it is to 
 be doubted if any in the county is more perfect in 
 its operations and workings. 
 
 Mr. Klatly, in August, 1888, had the dire mis- 
 fortune to lose his house b,v fire. In the fall of the 
 same year, however, he erected a beautiful dwelling 
 on the old site, complete with nil iniub'ni improve- 
 ments and conveniences, and which is not only a 
 credit to its proprietor, but something to be ad- 
 mired by the entire county. He was married in 
 Kew York City, to Miss Mary Sisco, and to them 
 were born two children, William K. and Charles J., 
 the former of whom died in Washington Territory, 
 when twenty-four years old, and the latter died in 
 infancy. The mother of these chihlren died at her 
 home in Nottawa Township, Aug. 1,, 18.47. Mr. 
 Klad}' was a second time married, at Centreville, 
 this State, to Mrs. Jane Heed, the wedding being 
 celebrated Nov. 13, 1860. Mrs. Klady was the 
 
 widow of William A. Reed, by whom she had four 
 children, three dying in infancy. The remaining 
 child, a son, William M., died in Centreville when 
 a 3'oung man. 
 
 The parents of Mrs. Klady were Richard and Han- 
 nah Keeler. The father departed this life in Erie 
 County, Ohio. The mother survived her husband 
 many years, and passed from this life in Nottawa 
 Township, in the fall of 1885. The wife of our sub- 
 ject was born in Hopewell, N. J., June 30, 1812. Mr. 
 Klady has served his township in the capacity of 
 Constable and Justice of the Peace, and on all mat- 
 ters of political interest takes his stand with the 
 Democratic party, but never at the expense of prin- 
 ciple. He is a friend to good morals, and anxious 
 to do all in his power as a citizen to further the in- 
 terests of his community. 
 
 UILI.IA.M II. STEAK.S. Prominent .among 
 the native-born citizens of ^Michigan who 
 W^ are now some of the most active meinbers 
 of its agricultural community, is the subject of this 
 biographical record. He was liorn in Florence 
 Township. July 4, 1854, and is now one of the lead- 
 ing farmers and stock-raisers of his birthplace, own- 
 ing and occupying as fine a fai'm as can be found 
 in this locality. He is a son of Thomas Stears, a 
 prominent pioneer of St. Joseph, whose sketch ap- 
 pears on another p.age of this voluinc. Our sub- 
 ject wa^ reared on the old homestead in this town, 
 and was carefully instructed by his father in all the 
 details of farming, so that when he h.ad to choose 
 his life work he naturallj' preferred the iiursuit of 
 agriculture. He received a substantial education 
 in the i)ublic schools of Florence, and lived under 
 the parental roof u^itil twenty-two years of age. 
 He then, in 1876. came to take possession of his 
 present farm on sections 32 .and 33. one of the 
 ple.a.<.antest and most valuable sites in the neighbor- 
 hood. He immediately entered upon its improve- 
 ment, and with persistent energy and skill has 
 brought his land under high cultivation. He li.as 
 his farm well stocked with stock of good grades, 
 as he pays much attention to that branch of agri- 
 
n 
 
 1 
 
-^^ 
 
 4^ 
 
 ST. .lOSKPlI COUNTY. 
 
 .171 
 
 culture, as well as to raising grain and other farm 
 produi-t-s. His liuildings are all in good order, and 
 adapted to their various uses, and he has a good 
 ,sii|>|)ly of inaehinerv for carrying on his farming 
 operations. 
 
 Mr. Stears was married in Florence Township. 
 Dee. 13, 1876, to Miss .Mar_\ . daughter of Henry 
 Sevison, of Florence Township, whose sivetch will 
 lie found on onothcr jiage of this work. Mrs. 
 Stears is likewise a native of Florence Township, 
 her liirth occurring here Dec. 13, 1J556. Slie was 
 educated in the i)ublic schools here, and is an intel- 
 ligent and well-l)re<l lady, whose kind liospitality. 
 together with her husband's genial courtesy, makes 
 their home one of tlie most attractive in the com- 
 munity. One child. Thomas H.. w.is born to them 
 Dec. 23. 1879. 
 
 Mr. Stears has shown himself to be a man of 
 much decision of character, prompt and capable in 
 the management of hi,s business affairs, and a thor- 
 oughly practical and systematic farmer, who is 
 meeting with deserved success in his calling, and 
 will undoubtedly be counted among the monej'ed 
 men of the county in the course of a few years if 
 he continues to pmsper. and he has the good wishes 
 of many friends that he may do so. As an intelli- 
 gent citizen should lie takes much interest in poli- 
 ti<'s, and is an ardent supinirter of the Democratic 
 jmrty. He is identified with the T. of H. Mr. and 
 Mrs. .Stears are earnest Christians, who strive to do 
 their duty in their home and towaril their neigh- 
 bors, and they are members of the Reformed Church 
 at CV>nstantine. 
 
 J AMKS JOHNSON i> ..n.- ..1 the represent- 
 I ative citizens in this county, and held in 
 I high regard by all who know him. He i.s 
 ' one of that mast a|)preciable class of citi- 
 zens who hail from the IJuckeye State. He was 
 born in .Somerset. Fairfield Co.. Ohio, on the 22d 
 of February. 1814. He is the son of James and 
 .Sarah (Schaefer) Johnson, natives respectively of 
 Maryland and Pennsylvania. 
 
 Our subject was brought up on a farm, and ainid 
 surroundings of an agricultural nature. He came 
 to Mieliigau. and in April. 1832. located at Sturgis. 
 
 taking the land that wa.s then the wildest prairie, 
 but which is now one of the best cultivate*! and 
 most productive farms in the county, and owned 
 by Mr. Peter Hakcr. In 1862 he removed to his 
 present farm, part of which is on the Fawn Hiver. 
 comprising 2.")() acres, and 140 acres in IJurr O.ak, 
 sixty-five acres located near the Sturgis Pike, and 
 130 acres at Hronson. He Iuls always been very 
 active a.s a business man. and has been very suc- 
 cessful. He made his first start as contractor on 
 the Chicago Turiii)ikc. with which enterprise he was 
 connected from 1832 until 1836. Since that time 
 he has been continuously and extensively engaged 
 in the lumber business and agricultural pursuits. 
 The years 18.53 and 18.54 were spent in California, 
 where he was engaged in mining. His interests as 
 a lumberman have been chiefly in Kent County, of 
 this State. There, in 188i), he sustained a loss b^- 
 fire of iaO.OOO. He still has extensive yards at 
 Mcndon, in this county. He has the reputation of 
 being one of tlie pioneers, and perhaps the most 
 prominent of pioneers, in that industry in Michi- 
 gan. 
 
 The marriage of our subject was celebrated on 
 the 19th of February. 1839. the lady of his choice 
 being Miss Jane Moe. the daughter of Charles 
 and Maranda Moe. the former one of the venerable 
 pioneers of Sturgis. This lady was born in Ashta- 
 bula County. C)hio, on the 5th of September. 1820. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have no children of their 
 own. but have furnished home and educational 
 opportunities to others, and aided them to start in 
 life. Their home is very pleasantly located on the 
 Chicago Turni)ikc. about four miles east of Sturgis. 
 They live a comiiaratively retired life, but are very 
 highly esteemed throughout the county. 
 
 .Mr. .bthnson is a man well informed on all gen- 
 ' eral subjects, and broad and liberal in his religious 
 views, believing that true Christianity consists in a 
 large measure of doing unto others as you would 
 have them do unto you. He has been particularly 
 fortunate in his selection of a life partner. .Mr. and 
 Mrs. J. seeming most admirably adapted to e,ich 
 other. They have trodden the path of life together 
 for a period t>f fifty years, sharing each other's joys 
 and sorrows, and. if appearances are correct, mak- 
 ing it the study of their lives each to insure the 
 
 T^::^^ 
 
•^1^^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 .^t^ 
 
 liappiness and comfort of the other. They appear 
 more like a newly weclded couple than ]jcople who 
 have sjient so manj- years together, apparently as 
 careful and considerate toward each other as in 
 the daj's of their early wedded life. Few homes 
 are more pleasant to look ujion, hoth within and 
 without, and the sunset hill of life for Mr. and 
 Mrs. Johnson seems to be a very pleasant and easy 
 path. They are surrounded by hosts of friends, 
 whom tiiey have made by their uniform iiospitality 
 and kindness, and who will recall their names with 
 affection lontr after thev have departed lience. 
 
 It is eminently fitting that the portraits of Mr. 
 Johnson and his estimable wife should be presented 
 in this volume as the representatives of all that is 
 reliable, worthy and good, and >ve are pleased to 
 be able to perpetuate their features in this manner. 
 
 ^^^HSAMUS C. M. BATES. Among the jjromi- 
 nent and successful farmers residing within 
 the limits of this county, the name of our 
 subject holds a jjroud pl.icc. His handsome and 
 highly improved farm is located on section \'2. 
 C'onstantine Townsliip. He is a husbandman of 
 niudi ability, and keeiisliis home in tliebest cc>ndi- 
 tion. and lias from the beginning of his agricultural 
 life m.ide the business a study, and reduced it to a 
 science. He was born in IJcnnington County', Vt., 
 Feb. 21, 1806. He lived in his native State until 
 lie was nine years old, wlien his parents witii their 
 family moved to Middlesex, Yates Co., N. Y., where 
 ho lived until, in Scpt^mlicr. I8.'53, he came to St. 
 .loseph County, and settled in this township, first 
 on a farm on section 1, wliicii lie yet owns. Nine 
 years later he bought his present home.<tead of 108 
 acres, on sections 12 and 13. on which he lias ever 
 since lived. 
 
 Mr. Bates was married to Sarah .M. Harwood, in 
 September, 18.'H, just prior to his leaving for the 
 West. This l.ndy was a native of Vermont. Tliey 
 were married in (iorliam. Ontario Co.. N. Y. Siie 
 was a refined and higiily educated lady, and in all 
 things proved to be a helpmate to her husliand.and 
 a prudent and careful adviser. She iiad a great 
 pride in her family of children, and carefully in- 
 
 structed them in their early childhood in the ways 
 of uprightness, honor and virtue. Siic was .attacked 
 wiUi tiiat dread disease, consumption, and departed 
 tills life Jan. 5, 1875, leaving her husband and a 
 family of five children behind her. Each and all 
 revere the memory of the wife and mother. The 
 children were named: Philorman B.. Esther M., 
 Kachel M.. Bradford L., jVvis R. and Orsamus M. C. 
 Philorman B. is a fanner residing on the home 
 farm in Constantine; Esther is the widow of A. Sel- 
 leck; Uachel is the wife of George Kinney, and 
 resides in Sumner County, Kan.; Bradford died 
 before his mother, when he was six months ol(l; 
 Avis is a farmer in Sumner Count}', Kan, ; Orsamus 
 M. ('.. Jr.. resides with his father in Constantine 
 Townshi]). 
 
 The father of our subject. Caleb Bates, was horn 
 in Bennington County, Vt.; his mother w.as Hachel 
 (Milliiigton) Bates, and was a native of Vermont. 
 Both parents were earnest, thorough-going, jn-os- 
 perous people, looking well to all the details of 
 life, which quality thev transmitted to our subject. 
 His grandparents. Joshua and Avis (.Sherman) 
 Bales, were natives of the State of Rhode Isl- 
 and, find before the War of the Revolution re- 
 moved to Vermont, in Bennington Count}', where 
 both died. The night liefore the battle of Bunker 
 Hill Joshua Bates was emplo3"edin running bullets, 
 expecting to take part in the fight, but got to the 
 field as the battle closed. 
 
 Since his settlement in Michigan, which w;i:5 at a 
 very early day in the histor}' of the State. Mr. 
 Bates h.os brought into pl.ay the many sterling quali- 
 ties inherited from his New England parents, and by 
 close application and the exercise of an indomitalile 
 will and perseverance, he h.is gathered about him n 
 snug competence and all the comforts of life, and 
 now, when he has reached the evening of life, he 
 can look about him and feel tli.it the world is better 
 for his liaving lived in it. Always generous and 
 l)ublic-spirited. the various interests that have ad- 
 vanced the .State to its present proud position have 
 found in him an earnest and hearty supporter. 
 
 In jiolitical matters our subject has always acted 
 with the Republican party, feeling th.at it has for 
 its object the advancement and enlightenment of 
 the masses. He has taken a prominent and active 
 
 ■» 
 
ST. JOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 a7;3 
 
 part in tlie educational interests of the townsitip, 
 and lins made them bear the im[)ress of his indi- 
 vidnality and force of character. Durinsr his life 
 in Micliiiian .Mr. IJates has liad a varied experience, 
 can recall many successes and in.'iny failures, many 
 joys and many plcusures. In the earliest days he 
 suffered discomforts from sickness and pt)verty. 
 liut the trials incident to the life in a new country' 
 were borne by himself anil wife with fortitude, as 
 he felt assured in his own mind that the time would 
 come when lie would be relieved of the burdens 
 then imposed. Ilf)W well his fcelinir was jiistitie<l. 
 it needs but a glance about him to witness. 
 
 The residence of our subject is finely situated, 
 and In its outward appearance is one of the most 
 elep;aiit in the township. The interior is handsomely 
 furnished, is large and roomy, the ideal American 
 country home. The grounds surrounding tlie house 
 arc large, and are ornanieuteil wiih a number of 
 trees, shrubbery, flowers and bcaulifiil wjilks. The 
 other farm buildings, barns, granaries, etc.. are ex- 
 tensive, well designed, and constructed in the most 
 substantial manner. Ills residence is on what is 
 known as Broad street. 
 
 4 
 
 ;*1LLIAMBELLAIR.S is recognized through- 
 out White Pigeon Township as a fine speci- 
 men of the typical Kngllsh farmer, who 
 came to the West in his 3-ounger years. equip|)ed 
 with a gocKl supply of muscle, and the sturdy (x>r- 
 severance which seldom falls to succeed. He is now 
 the owner of a gotxl farm on section 7, which he 
 lias built up from a tract of uncultivaterl soil, plac- 
 ing thereon good buildings, making fences and set- 
 ting fruit trees, laboring early and late, and la3'lng 
 the foundations of a good property. He Is now 
 practically Inilependent. and sitting under the vine 
 and lig tree of his own planting, certainly' uuij' look 
 upon the result of his labors with satisfaction. 
 
 A native of l^incolnshlre. Kngland. our subject 
 was born .luly 31, I H20, and Is the sun of Vincent 
 and Ami (.lillins) Hellairs, who were natives of the 
 same county !is their son. 'I'hey were the parents 
 of eight children, and spent their entire lives u|>on 
 their native soil. The sole survivors of their fam- 
 
 ily are our subject and his brother John, the latter a 
 resident of Van Unren Township, Lagrange Co.. Ind. 
 William at the age of twenty-five years decided to 
 emigrate to Aiuerlca, and upon reaching New York 
 Citj- proceeded westward to this county, within 
 whose limits he arrived with a capital of ^2.oO in 
 his pocket, lie at once secured employment as a 
 farm lal)orer at $7 per month, which wages during 
 the summer were Increased to ^'J. For the labor of 
 twelve nionlhs. the (irst year In America, he received 
 $127. The year following he made |!|30; this he 
 lnveste<l in land in Lagrange County, Iiid.. pay- 
 ing therefor ^IJO down, and had two years In which 
 to pa}' the balance of Iil30, the wjioje sum required 
 being >!2(<0. 
 
 Mr. Uiilalrs, while a resident of Van Bureii Town- 
 ship, Lagrange Co., Ind., took unto himself a wife 
 and hripmato. Miss Ruth .lullan. Tlieir wedding 
 was celeliratcd In White Pigeon. Mich.. Dec. 19, 
 1852. This lady was born in Pickaway County. 
 Ohio. Oct. 8, 18;31. and is the daughter of John 
 Julian, who spent his last years In Nappanee, Ind. 
 The young couple commenced life together on the 
 new farm, where our subject put up a house, into 
 which they removed the spring following their mar- 
 riage. In the fall of 1857 he returned to White 
 Pigeon. settling near Fish Lake, where he remained 
 six years, then returned to Indiana. In the fall of 
 1864 he recrossed the Atlantic to look after the es- 
 tate of his father, who had died that year. He 
 spent a few weeks in his native country, and then 
 returned to his farm In Indiana, which he now 
 owns, comprising 24fi acres, after which he came 
 back to White Pigeon Township and secureil pos- 
 session of his. present farm. This comprises 142 
 acres of good land, which, with Its substantial bulM- 
 ings, its goodly assortment of live stock and the 
 convenient farm machinery, presents a picture of 
 comfort and plenty which Is pleasant to look upon. 
 
 There have lieen born to our subject an<i his es- 
 timable wife an intelligent family of eight children, 
 who were named respectively : < )live. Annie. George. 
 Henry. Caroline, .los<'|ihlne, Levi and .Mar)'. An- 
 nie is the wife of William lienham, of Lagrange 
 County, Ind., aiul Is the mother of one child, a son 
 Frank; Olive niarrif<l Charlie Linn, is the mother of 
 one child. Otto, and a resilient of \Vhile Pigeon 
 
.^1^^ 
 
 371 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Townsliip; George married Miss Fanny Beiote. lives 
 in Lagrange County, anil has three ciiilrlren — Ethel, 
 Inez and Hugh; Henry married Miss Minerva Wal- 
 ter, and occupies the old homestead in Lagrange 
 Count3', Ind. 
 
 Mr. Bellairs, jjoliticall}', is a warm supporter of 
 Kei)ul(licaii principles, and in religious matters a 
 member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
 has never had an}- weakness for oHice, preferring to 
 give his attention to his farming affairs. He is re- 
 garded hy his neighbors as a law-abiding and relia- 
 ble citizen, who in the building up of one of the 
 best homesteads of White Pigeon Township has 
 thus contributed much toward the development of 
 its most available resources. 
 
 <Sf 08EPH BROWN. It is a well-known fact 
 I that Michigan is one of the greatest sheep- 
 raising States in the Union, only Oiiio, Cali- 
 fornia and Te.xas outranking her in this 
 respect. The gentleman whose name stands at the 
 head of this sketch is one of the leading re])resent- 
 alives of this great industr}', as carried on in St. 
 Joseph County. He is a i)rominent farmer and 
 stock-grower of Florence Township, where he owns 
 a valuable farm on section ;?1. 
 
 Mr. Brown is of Engli.-h birth ami ancestry, as 
 were likewise his parents. He was born in Not- 
 tinghamshire, May 9, 1834. His father, Charles 
 Brown, was a lifelong resident of England, born 
 in 1807, and dying in 1835, while yet a young man. 
 The worth}' mother of our subject, whose maiden 
 name was Elizabeth (Kempshcll) Brown, was born 
 in 1807. In 1845 she left her native England, talk- 
 ing with her her little hoy, our subject, and made 
 her way to this country and to Michigan, where she 
 had determined to make her home for the future; 
 she now has a home on her son's farm, where 
 she is spending her declining jears. surrounded by 
 every conifort that filial love can provide for her. 
 
 The little English lad who was thus brought to 
 this country when he was but eleven years of age. 
 grew up under Republican institutions, and is 
 to-d.ay one of the foremost sheejj-growers of this 
 great and poweilul commonweallh of Michigan. 
 
 He spent the first few years after coming to this 
 State in his mother's home at White Pigeon. At 
 the age of sixteen years he commenced to earn 
 his own living by working on a farm for the sum 
 of 18 a month, and was thus emplo3-ed for about 
 fourycars. receiving nearlj- §100 a j-ear for a full 
 year's work. At the age of twenty he had saved 
 money enough to carry out his ambitious project 
 of seeking a fortune in California, and in 1850 he 
 started for the land of gold, going by boat from 
 New York to the Isthmus of Panama, and then 
 walking across the isthmus to take passage in a ves- 
 sel for San Francisco, arriving there in Januar}-, 
 1851, having been fifty-eight <lays en routp. He 
 remained in California three years, working dili- 
 gentlj- in the mines all of the time, and man.agcd 
 to accumulate some monej\ Tiring of the hard 
 life of a miner, his thoughts turned once more U.> 
 home and friends in Michigan, and he soon retraced 
 his steps and once more settled in this .State. He 
 IHirchased a threshing-machine, and during the har- 
 vesting season for twenty-two 3'ears was emploj'ed 
 in running it at a great profit, and worked a farm 
 on shares the rest of the j'ear, having purchased 
 his present farm after his return from California. 
 It comprises 198 acres in an excellent state of till- 
 age, and am|)l3' provided with all the necessary 
 farm buildings. Mr. Brown carries on mixed hus- 
 liandry, his lan<l being admirabi}' adapted both to 
 raising grain and stock, and he makes sheep feed- 
 ing a sijccialty, feeding from 1,500 to 1,800 annu- 
 ally, and shipping them to Buffalo. He has made 
 this branch of industr}' a great success, and is now 
 numbered among the solid, raonej-ed men of St. 
 Josepii County. 
 
 In 1858 our subject was married to Catherine 
 Dale, a native of Penus3'lvania. and a daughter of 
 Amos and Mary (Shineberger) Dale. Her father 
 was born June 13. 1813, came to Florence Town- 
 shi|) in 1848, and died June 18, 1853. Her mother 
 was born in 1811, and died Sept. 24, 1 860. She 
 and her husband were the parents of seven chil- 
 dren, of whom Mrs. Brown was the third in order 
 of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have spent their 
 entire married life at their present place of resi- 
 dence, and in their pleasant home five daughters 
 have been born to them, as follows: Mar3' E., born 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 
 Felt. 1, 1862; Anna 11., July 21, 1804; Alice E., 
 Juno 10. 18G(); Vinna. July 7. ISC'.); Ih-lcii L.. M:iy 
 1. 1H72. The family arc all nicinbcrs of the Pres- 
 byterian Church at White Pigeon. Mr. Brown is a 
 stanch Democrat, and uses his influence to promote 
 parley measures, although he never seeks public 
 honors, as he prefers to devote his time to the man- 
 agement of his extensive interests. He is a man of 
 wide experience, systematic in his methods, of 
 l)rompt business habits, and one who can thoroughly 
 be relied upon to act in the most honorable man- 
 ner in any transaction with others. 
 
 o^S^ 
 
 ■^^ 
 
 -<«f«tf— 
 
 d JONATHAN A. HAIMZI.KH. Prominent 
 11 among the many substantial and prosperous 
 I farmers who are reside;it within the limits of 
 /' .Mottville Township, the subject of this 
 sketch holds no secondary position. He resides on 
 section 13. where he owns and operates a splendidly 
 cultivated farm containing 110 acres. He comes 
 from- that sturdy r.ace of people that originally set- 
 tled in Pennsylvania, from the (Jerniau countries 
 of Kurope. The various peculiarities characteristic 
 of those iwople are fully exemplified by the life 
 and conduct of our subject, (^uiet and persever- 
 ing, be has yet to learn what the word failure 
 means. He is very conservative in his life, and 
 liefore he engages in any enterprise, he calmly 
 weighs the matter, and when be decides to act. the 
 invarial)le result is success. 
 
 This gentleman w.-ls born in Mittlin County. Pa., 
 Jan. 2;"), 1«;53. He is the .«on of Abraham Hartzler, 
 who is now living in Ca.<s County. Mo. The father 
 wa.s born Nov. 26, 1K()7. in Mitliin County, where 
 he wa.s married to Magdelena Zook, in the year 
 1832. She is a daughter of Abraham Zook. was 
 born Aug. 13. 18(l.j. and is also a native of Mitflin 
 County, Pa. They lived in Pennsylvania until 
 March. 185.'). when they moved to Klkhart County. 
 Ind., where he purchased a sawmill and a farm. 
 They lived in that county until IHfit!, when they 
 moved to St. Joseph County. Mich., where he ])ur- 
 chaseil a small farm, and lived there until 18M1. in 
 which year he traveletl a great deal for the benefit 
 
 of his health. Henow resides in Cass County. Mo.. 
 a hale and hearty old gentleman, .igeil eighty-one 
 years; his wife is ilead. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject. David .\braham 
 Hartzler, w.-is born .Ian. 2<j. 17()8. in Berks County. 
 Pa. He died Oct. 21, 18.^);'). His wife was Mary 
 Yodcr; she was born Sept. UI. 1771. and died June 
 2.>, 18.')(J. Jacob Hartzler was a native of .Switzer- 
 land, and was born in "The Palatine." at that time 
 a Province of France, where he was married. He 
 came to .Vnierica. and returned a widower to his 
 native country. There he wits married again. The 
 dates of his marrisige and his trips to and from 
 America are lost. The father of David Hartzler 
 was John, the sou of .lac(jb Hartzler. He wa^; mar- 
 ried to Veronica Reichcnbachi She is now^ decea.sed. 
 John died April 1, 1801, in Berks County, Pa. 
 
 Our subject is one of a family of six sons, who 
 are named as follows: Jacob, Alu-aham D.. David 
 E.. John .1.. .lonathan (our subject), and .Samuel Z. 
 David K. married Mary Yoder. and lives in Cass 
 County. Mo., where he is engaged in farming; he 
 is the father of a son .and daughter. .lacob married 
 .Susannah Blough. and resides in IClkhart County, 
 Ind.. where he is a farmer; he has two sons 
 and two datighters. .\braham I), married Mat- 
 tie Schrock. and to them were liorn three sons; the 
 mother ilied in Klkiiart County. Ind. He afterward 
 married Miss Lydie Blo\igh. and to them have been 
 born two daughters, and they now reside in (ioshen. 
 Ind.. where he does general work, and h.as a family 
 of five children, two sons and three (laughters. 
 John J. is the husband of .Mattie Ma.st. and they 
 live in C;vss County. .Mo., where he is a farmer and 
 11 minister in the Mennonite Church; he has a large 
 family. .Samuel Z. is a single man. and lives in Ne- 
 braska, where he teaches school and is also engaged 
 in railroading; Jonathan .V. Hartzler. «»ur subject, 
 was married in Mitliin County. Pa.. June 6. 1831; 
 his wife died .Vpril 7, 1872. and her name was 
 Nancy Hartzler. daughter of .Vdam and .Mary 
 (Ilooley) Hartzler. He is the father of eight 
 children, who are named: Hachel. Mattie, Eliza- 
 beth. -Katie. Nancy. .Miraliam. Matilda and Lydia. 
 K;icliel is married to Levi .1. Pem-hey; he is a la- 
 borer, and has no family. Mattie is unmarried, and 
 resides in Cass County. .Mu. ; Elizabeth is the wife 
 
4> 
 
 37(5 
 
 ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 4 
 
 of Elias R. Miller, a farmer in Ca-ss County. Mo., 
 and she is tlie mother of one son; Katie is unmar- 
 ried .Tiid lives in Cass County, Mo.: Xancy is un- 
 married and lives with her father; Abrali.-im is 
 single, and is employed as a carpenter; Matilda un- 
 married, and 1-ydia. the youngest, are hotli .it licme 
 with their father. 
 
 Mr. llartzler has been a farmer all his life, in 
 whicli he has proved fairly suoc-essfid. lie has held 
 various ofliees in the town in wliich he resides, and 
 h.is lived on his present farm for the last twenty- 
 five vcars. The whole farm is umler a very high 
 state of cultivation. The buildings, although not 
 elaborate, are <:)f a very substantial and permanent 
 character. The house is rocmiy and very comfort- 
 ably furnished; nicely located, the barns and other 
 necessary out-buildings are very capacious and well 
 adapted for their intended use. lie has always 
 lived a very frugal .-md contented life, and he has 
 gathered about him a handsome property, and one 
 which speaks very highly for his industrious habits. 
 He is Signal Service Reporter for his locality. He 
 is a member of the Mennonite Church, of which his 
 wife was also a memVter. and they were very earn- 
 est and devout in their religious duties. lie is a 
 man of considerable note in his neighborhood, and 
 he prides himself on tlie fact that all his undertak- 
 in"-s are almost alw.ays crowned with prosperity. In 
 politics he is a Republican. 
 
 (,TP^' THAN B. PIF^R. Some things must be seen 
 
 tto be appreciated. AVordy deseri|)tions, 
 ( whether abbreviated or more lengthy, fail 
 to do justice even when useil by a master in rhet- 
 oric. The property of Mr. Pier is a case in point, 
 and one glance at his excellent farm, which stretches 
 away acre after acre until 200 have been told, his 
 farm buildings, excellent in construction and adapt- 
 ability, his commodious, well-furnished and admir- 
 ably situated home, would be better than all the 
 merely verbal descriptions that could be given in 
 this Album. 
 
 Our subject is the son of Solomon Pier, who was 
 born in Steuben County, N. Y., in the year 1814. 
 He grew to manhood in that and Genesee County, 
 
 where he lived until he was about twenty years old, 
 when he came to Allchigan. and for the next few 
 years lived here and at other diflferent points in the 
 .State. During the first few years he devoted him- 
 self to farming, afterward following the carpentry 
 trade for about twenty years, during which time he 
 constructed quite a number of bridges for different 
 railroads. Subsequently he returned once more to 
 faiming, and continued in agricultural pursuits. In 
 18tj9 he came from Texas. Kalamazoo County, with 
 his famil}', and settled in Leonidas Township, where 
 he died on the 20th of February, 1 880. 
 
 December 3, IHo."). Jlr. Pier, Sr., was married to 
 Miss Frances Bird, at .Saginaw City, this Stale. 
 This ladj- was born at Mansfield. Warren Co.. N. 
 J., Sept. 17, 1818, to .lolin ami Frances Bird. Two 
 children were born of this union, viz: Hiram .1. and 
 Ethan B. Hiram died atGirard. Branch Co.. Mich., 
 in 1879, when twenty-two years of age, and the 
 second child is the subject of this sketch. 
 
 Mr. E. B. Pier was born in Mattawan, Van Buren 
 Co., Mich., on the 1st of April, 18.JS). He received 
 a good, practical, English education in the common 
 schools, and has been engaged chiefly in agricult- 
 ural pursuits. Since the death of his father he has 
 operated the farm, which he owns, and which, as 
 before stated, contains 260 acres. The chief build- 
 ings thereon were put up by the father of our sub- 
 ject, but numerous improvements have been made 
 since that time, and additions as required. 
 
 On the 2Gth of November, 1881, the nuptials of 
 our subject and Julia A. Crafts were celebrated at 
 Fulton, Kalamazoo County. This lady was born 
 in .Sherwood. Branch Countv, on the 31st of Jann- 
 ary, 18.')7. Of this union one daughter has been 
 born, whose name is Fannie M. Mrs. Pier is the 
 daughter of Myron and Mary Crafts, who were na- 
 tives of New York. The famil}- circle included 
 four children, and of these their daughter Julia was 
 the ehlest born. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Pier are members in good standing 
 of tlie Reformed Church, and are very active in ad- 
 vancing the interests of the cause as oi)portuiiity 
 presents. They are held in high regard, both there 
 and in societ}' at large, where they move in the best 
 circles. Mr. Pier has been elected Justice of the 
 Peace, but is not given to office-seeking, neither is 
 
 *r 
 
-4•- 
 
 ST. .lOSlil'Il COUNTY, 
 
 ••»• 
 
 a; 
 
 Ir 
 
 lie very prominent in political circles. Uikin<r de- 
 light first in his family, and secondly in his f.nrm. 
 He nsually voles the llc|)nlili(vin ticket, of wliicli 
 party he has long been an afliliate. By its mem- 
 bers he is reirarded as a good and loyal citizen, and 
 stanch friend of the parly. 
 
 JFOIIN TROST. There are few more worthy 
 II representatives of the German Empire than 
 j{ the subject of this sketch, who is now an 
 fj American citizen and enterprising farmer in 
 
 Colon Township, this connty. lie was born at Meck- 
 lenbnrg. Ciermany. on the "ilsl of August. 1830, 
 and was cdncaled in the schools at Mecklenburg, 
 leaving them when ab(jnt twenty-four years of .age. 
 He remaiiiccl at home with his parents until about 
 1854. and then started in life for himself. He was 
 reared upon the farm, and the greater part of his 
 life h;is been given to agricultural pursuits. 
 
 In the spring of 1 8.')4 .Mr. Trost came to America 
 and landed at New York City. He came on from that 
 jtlace direct to this county, and determined to set- 
 tle in Colon Township. On landing in New York 
 his excheipier was reduced to ¥4.40, and upon ar- 
 rival in Si. .Joseph Counl3' he had but three siiillings. 
 This condition of affairs w.as speedily remedied, for i posed to meet the same 
 he at once found work as a farm hand, and con- 
 tinued thus employed for about eight years. As 
 soon as he felt himself able he rented a farm until 
 he could purchase eighty acres of land. This was 
 situated on section IC, Colon Township, and here 
 he began to work in earnest, and made headway 
 from a financial standpoint. 
 
 The eight}' acres which were first purchased by 
 Mr. Trost have been added to by other purchases, 
 an<l the |)resent farm is 120 acres in extent, and all 
 has been brought to a high state of cultivation. 
 Upon the farm he had erected a very pleasant and 
 commodious farm dwelling, which is to him all that 
 home could possibly be to any man. His farm 
 buildings are built upon sanitary principles, and are 
 calculated to meet his requirements fully. He has 
 two large barns and all necessarv other out-build- 
 
 the husband of AHss Henrietta Coohon. in Ib-ancli 
 County. His wife was born in Germany, Feb. 12. 
 1831. and came to this ctuintry in .June, IH.'itS. .She 
 is the daughter of Chris and Dora Coohon. Of 
 this union there have been born eightchildren. viz: 
 Rachael. now the wife of William Trahnes. of Colon 
 Township; Charles, now of Elgin. III.; Henry, who 
 died in fSeptember. 18H0. when twenty-two years of 
 age; Albert is at home; Eilla. the wife of George 
 Haumeister, an enterprising farmer of Burr Oak 
 Township; Mary; Lena; and Maude, who died at 
 home on the 29111 of October, 1H87. when fifteen 
 years of age. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Trost are both esteemed members 
 of society, and are also held in much regard in the 
 German Lutheran Cluncli, with which they became 
 united while in the Fatlierland. They sustain their 
 profession by strict adherence to the rights and rules 
 of the church, and are among its most devout mem- 
 bers. Our subject, although deeply interested in 
 all the institutions of his adopted country, and ap- 
 preciating them to the utmost possible extent, has 
 never taken a prominent part in politics. He is, 
 however, a member of the Republican partv. and 
 usually votes its ticket, endeavoring alw.iys to do 
 so intelligently, and with a view to the necessities 
 of the case and the ability of the candidate pro- 
 
 > ■ >»j ! ^ - < ■ 
 
 ings. 
 
 In the month of .June. IH.jt'i. .Mr. Trost became 
 
 "ifl AME.S W. WOOD, owning and occupying a 
 good farm on section 4. Eabius Townshij)' 
 St. .loseph Co.. Mich., is one of the farmers 
 and stock-raisers of .Southern Michigan who 
 have been instrumental in developing its splendid 
 agricultural resources, and be is well worthy of 
 representation in this biographical work. He was 
 born in Wayne County, N. Y.. .Vug. 22. 1821, 
 and is a son of William and Hulda (Merrill) Wood, 
 natives of New York, anil of I^nglish ancestry. By 
 his father's death, when he w;us (juite young, our 
 subject was left without a home, and he went to 
 live with his grandfather, and at the expiration of 
 two years an uncle took charge of him. and 
 brought him to Michigan as early as 1836, while it 
 wa.« under Territorial government. This part of 
 
 H- 
 
4= 
 
 378 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 -t 
 
 ]\Iiclilo:an was then in a wild, un.settled condition, 
 settlements were few and far between, the greater 
 part of the primeval forests was still standing. 
 Indians still made their home in their depths, and 
 savajre animals prowled amid the trees and swamps. 
 Educational advantages were then very limited, and 
 our subject lived here about two years without 
 even seeing a school-house. At length he attended a 
 school that was established in Coldwater. His 
 rough experience in the pioneer life of his first 
 3'ears in this. State early developed in hinksagacity, 
 strength of character, and a reliance on his own 
 faculties and resources, tliat made a man of liim long 
 ere he had attained his m.ajority. lie commenced 
 to work for himself when he was about eighteen 
 years old. being ein])lo3cd bv the month, and as 
 the result of his hard labors and frugid economy 
 in the few years that followed he had bought eigiity 
 acres of land, and had it all paid for by the time he 
 was t\venty-one j'ears old. He immediately com- 
 menced the improvement of his ])lace to prepare it 
 for a home, and on tlic 22d day of October. 1848, 
 he was united in marriage to Miss Roxanna Puffer, 
 daughter of Ira and Charity (Pangborn) Puffer. 
 Mrs. Wood was born Sept. 16. 1821. 
 
 ^Ir. Wood disposed of his first farm after living 
 on it a few years, and bought another in Florence 
 Township. St. Joseph County. He managed that 
 farm with good financial success for eighteen years, 
 when he sold that, too. and bought one in Flower- 
 field Township, which he afterward traded for a 
 large farm in Tuscola County, Mich. Subsequentlv 
 he sold all of his propertj- in that countj', and re- 
 turned to St. Jo.sei)h County in 1860. At that 
 ti me he bought his present place, which was then a 
 tract of wild land. By unremitting and skillful 
 toil he has wrested a farm from a state of nature 
 which in cultivation and all of its appointments will 
 compare favorably with any other in this part of 
 Michigan. He has erected a -substantial house, barn 
 and other necessary buildings. He owns stock of 
 good grades, and finds a ready .sale for all that he 
 raises. 
 
 The married life of our subject and his worthy 
 wife has been blessed by the birth of three children: 
 Arvilla, Pollen M. and Ira Leroy. Their son died 
 at the age of five years. Arvilla married William 
 
 4* 
 
 II. Wetherbee. who lives on section 6. Fabius 
 Township, and they have three children; Ellen 
 married Fretleric M. Bent, of Cass Countv. Mich., 
 and they have five children. 
 
 Mr. Wood is a man of good business qualifica- 
 tions, of keen, resolute nature, one who does his 
 I own thinking, and in general stands well with his 
 fellowraen. He is a hearty supporter of the doc- 
 trines promulgated by the Republican party, but is 
 independent in local affairs. 
 
 l';'OSEPH RU.SSELL. One of the mightiest 
 factors in bringing about the present high 
 civilization is the religious influence of Chris- 
 tianit}'. Our land has everj-nhere its repre- 
 sentatives of this power. Among those identified 
 with the religious interests of this count)' is the 
 gentleman whose biography is here briefly pre- 
 sented, who for many years has been upon the 
 roster of religious officials and ciuiichmpn. 
 
 The father of our subject, Andrew Russell, was 
 born in Penns3"lvania, and was of English descent. 
 His mother, whose maiden name was Isabell Sunder- 
 land, also of English ancestry, was a native of New 
 Jersey. They were married and first settled in the 
 Keystone State, but removed to Ohio, and located 
 in Montgomery Count)' at an early day in the his- 
 tory of that settlement. From there they removed 
 to Allen Count)', where they were the first white 
 settlers. Mr. Russell <lied in that place in the year 
 1824. His widow subsequently removed to Michi- 
 gan, but returned later to Allen C'ounly, where she 
 died June (i, 1859. 
 
 The family of which our subject is a member 
 included eleven children, all of whom lived to 
 mature years, Joseph being the fifth child of the 
 family. He was born near D.ayton. Ohio, on the 
 24lh of June, 1816. When he was about three 
 years of age the removal to Allen County was made, 
 and when his father died he was seven years of age. 
 After that trouble had come to the family he lived 
 part of the time with his maternal grandfather, Mr. 
 Sunderland, in Montgomery County. Subsequently 
 he made his home in Allen and Williams Counties, 
 
-4^ 
 
 '^^^^tr'^i^ 
 
 Sr. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 379 
 
 -t 
 
 in the same State, until he came to Alichignn, whicli 
 he first visited in the spriiifj of 1838. but onlj' 
 reinainerl a short time, returning to Allen Count}'. 
 
 In the summer of 18;J4 Mr. Russell returned to 
 Mit'higjin and visited St. .loseph County, I'Ut did 
 not come to make his home permanently until the 
 following spring. Then he located on section 36 
 ill Nollawa Township, ami there made his home 
 until the fall of 1883. He has ahv.iys been engaged 
 in agricultural pursuits, and is a thorough, practi- 
 cal farmer. In the fall of 1883 he removed to his 
 present home on section 33 in Leonirlas Township, 
 where he owns 100 acres of splendid tillahle land, 
 adniinilily adapted to his purpose. Here, hy the 
 aid of his niachiner}-, he is enabled to gather in 
 abundant harvests, except upon rare occasions, 
 when, owing to causes absolute!}' beyond human 
 control, it w.ts impossible. 
 
 Mr. Kussell has been twice married: first on the 
 1.5th of Novemlicr. 1837. at Ottawa, in this .State, 
 when he became the husband of Lucinda Knox, 
 who was born in the Empire .State, on the 20th of 
 October, 1819. Hy this marriage there were born 
 three children, viz : Anflrew C a prosperous far- 
 mer in Notlawa Township; Orlando D.. who is 
 engaged in business as an agricultural implement 
 dealer at Sturgis, and David E., who died when 
 about nine months old. Mrs. Russell died after 
 seven years of happy married life, on the 11th of 
 March, 1844. 
 
 The present wife of our subject entered that ■ 
 relation on the 3d of June, 1845, at .Sturgis. Her 
 name prior to that date was Lucinda A. Lyman. 
 .She was born at Fenner. Madison Co., N. Y., on 
 the 2()th of April, 1828, an<l received her educa- 
 tion at Hatavia, N. Y. Mrs. Russell is a lady of 
 character and cidture, and has made the home of 
 our subject bright and homelike by her presence. 
 .She is respected and admired bj- a large circle of 
 friends, and is one who is more esteemed as she is 
 better known. She has presented her husband with 
 the following children: Langdon E.. who is a far- 
 mer in Sherman 'J'ownship; Francis E.. who died 
 when but two years of age, and F"redcrick, J., who 
 resides at home. 
 
 Mrs. Russell is a daughter of Colrin and Betsy 
 (Swift) Lyman. Her father was born near Pitts- 
 
 field. Mass.. and her mother was a unlive of the 
 same State. They came to .Michiiian. and shortly 
 after settled in Mendon Township, where they 
 made their home until their death, which occurreil 
 April 6, 1872. and Aug. 2.5, 1876. respectively. 
 
 The subject of our sketch has held several oflices 
 in Nottawa Township. With his wife he is an 
 e.irncst and cdicicnt member of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church, with which he has been identified for 
 nearly half a century, and Mrs. Russell since she 
 was fifteen years of age. Since the first few 3'ears 
 of his church life he has been almost continuously 
 in olHce in connection therewith, and is one of the 
 most able an<l trusted in the communion. He is one 
 who endeavors to adorn his profession and sustain 
 his oflicial position by a consistency that is much 
 commended, and in this his wife is b}' no means be- 
 hind him. The political position of our subject is 
 almost identical with the Republican party. He 
 cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison, and also voted 
 for the grandson of that gentleman in the Presiden- 
 tial election of 1888. Orlando D. Russell, the 
 second son of our subject, was one of the first to 
 answer the call for troops. He enlisted in the 1st 
 Michigan ^'olunteers and served for three months. 
 
 -i- 
 
 4- 
 
 ^\ AMIEL Y. ROWER. This gentleman is 
 one of the young and enterprising but pros- 
 perous farmers of Colon Township, and is 
 the owner of a well-kept farm of 120 acres 
 in extent, situated ujxm section 12. His father. 
 Samuel Hower. was born in the year 177!l. On the 
 28ih of August, 185.5. he became the husband of 
 Elizabeth Brumgard. of Clinff>n County. I'a.. where 
 she was l)orn on the 1 1th of February. 1831. After 
 their marriage they settled in I'nion County, Pa., 
 and there lived until their removal to Colon in 
 1880. 
 
 The mother of our subject was the daughter of 
 .John anfl Mary (Barner) Brumgard. They were the 
 pjirents of twelve children, and their daughter 
 Elizsibeth was their sixth child. Mr. and Mrs. 
 .Samuel Bower had in their family circle six chil- 
 dren, of whom our subject was the fourth. He 
 was born in I'ninn Countv. Pa., on the 21tli of 
 
 •wi » 
 
*^^i^Mi. 
 
 •*^ 
 
 ,t 
 
 380 
 
 ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 August. 1859. He refcived :i common-school educa- 
 tion and started in life for himself when seventeen 
 years of ajre. givinp: liis attention to agricultural 
 pursuits. 
 
 Our subject was married in Colon, on the 30th 
 of Noveml)er, 1882. His wife, who is a native 
 of tliat place, was Adell. the daughter of Sanuiel 
 and Matilda (.Shipman) Hafer. Mr. and Mrs. Hafer 
 were married in Buffalo Townshi)). Union Co., 
 I'a., and afterward settled tliere upon a farm, wliere 
 they made their home for ten years. At the end 
 of tliat period they removed to Colon, and settled 
 on section «. in the township of tliat name. 
 
 Mr. and ^Irs. Bower settled on section 12, in 
 Colon Township, in the fall of 1883. Their family 
 includes two children. wIki hear the names of 
 Maude K. and .\iny K. Mr. and Mrs. Bower are 
 nt>t incniliersof any religious denomination, hut are 
 friendlv to all orthodox organizations and systems, 
 and tirm friends of whatever will sustain and ad- 
 vance the higlier types of morality and .assist in 
 the preservation and uphiiilding of society. 
 
 The political aspirations of our subject are in 
 accord with those of the Democratic party, and he 
 usually votes that ticket. He takes the greatest 
 jxwsible interest in his farm and devotes himself 
 chiefly to its improvement and cultivation. His 
 farm buildings are substantially built and well ar- 
 ranged. They are supplied with a multitude of 
 ai)pliances, conveniences and implements familiar 
 only to the modern and progressive farmer. 
 
 =E>- 
 
 p9) L. (iODFRKY. M. D., a practicing i)hysi- 
 »] cian and surgeon of Colon, is one of the 
 JL^ leading members of the homeopathic school 
 of medicine in St. Joseph County. He is very 
 popular here, and has an extensive .ind lucrative 
 pr.actice. He succeeded his father, the widely 
 known ])h}'sician. Dr. L. M. Godfrey, a representa- 
 tive of the same school, wlio has given up the 
 practice of his profession. His wife, whose maiden 
 name was Lydia ^Varren. is also living, beloved 
 and respected by a large circle of friends. They 
 are natives of Wyoming County. N. Y.. l)ul in 
 
 July. 1855, they left their old home in that .State 
 and came West, locating first in Wisconsin, remain- 
 ing there two years and then coming to Michigan. 
 Dr. (iodfrey first established himself in Bronson, 
 Branch County, where he practiced his profession 
 until 18fil. In that year he removed to Colon and 
 opened an oflice. and for several years was one of 
 the leading physicians in this part of the county. 
 
 Our subject w.is born in Attica, X. Y., in 1852, 
 the eldest of the three children of his parents. 
 He comes of sterling stock, his forefathers on both 
 sides of the house being representatives of families 
 of good standing in tlie East. He w.a.s a mere child 
 when his parents came to Michigan, and he was 
 reared in this State. He received the preliminaries 
 of his education in Colon, and w;is then sent to the 
 Jackson Business College, whence he was graduated 
 after pursuing a thorough business course, but 
 when it came to choosing a career in life, he deter- 
 mined to adopt the medical profession, having a 
 decided taste for it, perhaps both acquired and in- 
 herited. To fit himscJf for his work he entered 
 the Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, where 
 he was a careful and hard student until he was 
 graduated with honors won for ripe si'holarship in 
 February, 1876. He immediately- settled in Colon, 
 where he would not only have the prestige of his 
 father's name and the advantage of his wider ex- 
 perience and wise counsels, but would step into a 
 good ])ractice among people with whom he was 
 reared, who welcomed him again to their midst .is 
 an old friend, and regarded him with trust and con- 
 fidence. The Doctor is the only representative of 
 the homeopathic school of medicine in Colon. 
 During his twelve years' practice, bj' constant at- 
 tention to his duties, he h.is accumulated a fine 
 pi'operty, his superior business talents an<l training 
 enabling him to invest his mone3- in a judicious 
 manner. In 1885 he built a handsome brick resi- 
 dence, in which he and his pleasant famil3- dispense 
 a generous hospitality to their many friends. 
 
 The Doctor was married, in September, 1873, to 
 Miss Belle M, Grover, a native of Branch County, 
 Mich,, where she w.is born in 1852. .She w.as the 
 second child of the five born to Joseph and Harriet 
 (Benedict) (irover. natives respectively of Penn- 
 svlvania and New York. They came to Michigan 
 
 '^^"T-^^?" 
 
 ^♦Hl-^ 
 
»► m^ 
 
 ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 381 
 
 in pioneer days, and lier father still ri'sides in 
 Colon, where he is eiiiraued in farniinir. Her 
 niotlier died in IKKI.at the atre of sixty-four years. 
 To the Doetor and his wife live chililicn were 
 horn. a.s follows: Clare K.. thirteen years old; Ina 
 .\.. eleven; .1. I,., nine: (ilenn K.. six; Kva K.. 
 four. Mi-s. (lodfrey departed this life Oct. 2K, 
 1KN8. leavinfT a husliand and five ehildren. and a 
 larsjeeirele of friends to inouni herilealli as a kin<l, 
 affectionate mother and lovin<r coin])anion. and good 
 eitizen. 
 
 Our sulijeet .and his wife occupied a U'lidini;^ po- 
 sition in the society of Colon, and he is a promi- 
 nent menilier of the .V. F. it A. M. of this town, 
 lie does not take a very active part in iK>litics, liut 
 he always casts his vote with the Hepnblican party. 
 He is entirely engrossed in his profession, and al- 
 though he h;is n large practice, he is still a student, 
 and keeps abreast of the times in evervtliing per- 
 taining to medicine, 
 
 _ .^.^ ^ 
 
 (i'^iU llAlil) ,M. l)l( KINSON. The history of 
 11^ White Pigeon Township would not be com- 
 plete slK)uld the biography of the gentleman 
 ^^ipwhose name heads this sketch be omitte<l. 
 He resides on section C.White Pigeon Township, 
 anil is one of the representative agriculturists of 
 the count>% and a gentleman well and favorably 
 known on account of the interest that he takes in 
 all matters jn-rtaining to the substantial advance- 
 ment and im|>rovenient of the country. He was 
 born in Florence Township. St. Joseph Co.. Mich., 
 Feb. 24. 1846. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is the son of George 
 and Sarah (.lohn.son) Dickinson. The father was 
 lH)rn in Yorksliire. F.ngland. and came to .Vnierica 
 in 18.1:J. settling in this county. For many years 
 he drove the stage l)etween Detroit and ANhite 
 Pigeon. He died M.iy .'?. IHOl. The mother was 
 a native of Uverpmil. Kngland, and came to Amer- 
 ica, where she met and married our sul)jecl's father. 
 The children were: Richard, our subject; Sarah. 
 Mrs. Putnam; (ieorge; Annie. .Mrs. Kellogg, and 
 Cliarles K. Tlie mother was a widow before her 
 marriage with our subject's father: at the time of 
 
 her second marriage she was the mother of one 
 daughter, Mary .\. Howman. This daughter was 
 the wife of .1. .1. Davis, of White Pigeon, but is 
 now deceased. (See sketcli of J. .1. Davison another 
 page in this work.) The mother dieil .Ian. 12. 18(;7, 
 .-iged lifty-lhree years. 
 
 The education the subject of this sketch received 
 was obtained in the cfmimon schools, and he eagerly 
 availed himself of every advantage otTered. Besides 
 the time siient in school his entire life was |)assed 
 in farming, excepting al)out eighteen months, dur- 
 ing which time he o|)erated a nicat-niarkct in White 
 Pigeon. He was successful in this venture, but 
 felt that he could spend his life to lietter advantaire 
 and more |)rofit on the fiirm; in conseipicnce he 
 closed the business in town and went back to the 
 fartn. where lie Iuls since lived. 
 
 Mr. Dickinson married .Miss Kllen Fieldhouse. 
 Jan. 7, 1869. She is a daughter of Willinni l-"ield- 
 house, who was (me of the earliest settlers in the 
 county, and is now deceased. They are the |)arents 
 of one child, .lennie V... who was born Aug. 21. 
 1879. He and his family reside in a eomfurtnble 
 frame house, handsomely furnished, and contain- 
 ing ail of the latest improved devices to lighten the 
 lal(or of housekeeping, and add to the conifnrt and 
 pleasure of the inmates. Tlie grounds surrounding 
 his residence are beautitie<l with a large number of 
 ornamental trees, shrubliery and flowers. The 
 barns and other necessary out-buildings are con- 
 veniently located, ."ind nicely designed for the pur- 
 ]ioses for which they were intended, and are verv 
 substantially a?i<l solidly built. He owns a farm 
 of 2itt acres, which he devotes to general farming 
 and stock-raising, giving ]>articular attention to 
 feeding sheep, of which he h.as a large number, 
 and their appearance gives evidence of the great 
 amount of care bestowed upon them by their owner. 
 
 This gentleman, and also his wife, are the de- 
 scendants from the most |>opular families of old 
 settlers in the <'ounty. an<i it is a matter of pride 
 to them to refer back to their ancestors who set- 
 tled in Michigan at an early date, and have con- 
 tributed so largely to the present glory of the Stale. 
 In his domestic affairs he isexceptioniilly fortunate: 
 his wife is a refinwl, elegant lady, devoting herst-lf 
 in every way possible to the liest interests of her 
 
 •►Hh^ 
 
 :?^r+-^ 
 
382 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 husband. Both parents are devoted to their little 
 daughter Jennie, who is an unusuall}- bright and 
 precocious child. She hasi the sweetness of temper 
 and dis])0sition which is one of the characteristics 
 of her mother, and the child in return for the love 
 lavished on her fairly worships her jjarents. Siic 
 h.is evinced a great aptitude for music, and alttiough 
 so young in years she is a splendid performer on 
 tiie i)iano. 
 
 Mr. Dickinson luis steadily refused toacce[)t any 
 position of trust from his fellowmen, although be- 
 ing rei>eatcdly requested to do so, jireferring to de- 
 vote his time entirely to the development and 
 successful prosecution of his various business in- 
 terests. Himself and wife are both members of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he always 
 acts with the Republican party. 
 
 J I AY IiAHC'(!)CK. The farming comnninity 
 of Nottawa Township has among its mem- 
 bers no more solid and reliable man than 
 the subject of tliis sketch. He owns a good 
 property on section 24. where he has effected sub- 
 stantial improvements, and where he has applied 
 himself for the Last tiiirty-live years industriously 
 to general farming, and met with the iv.-isonable 
 reward of his labors. 
 
 Tlie main ])(iints in tlie liislory of our subject are 
 substantially as follows: He is the only ciiild of 
 Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Groves) Babcock, the 
 former of whom was born in New York State. Aug. 
 211, 1787. The mother, who was of Holland-Dutch 
 ancestry, was born on the banks of Buffalo Creek, 
 in I'nion County. Pa.. Dec. 1."). 17117. and is still 
 living, making her home in Xottawa. The par- 
 ents, after their marriage, removed, in 1836. from 
 Monroe County, X. Y., to Jackson County, Mich., 
 during its Territorial days, where they resided until 
 18.54. They then took up their abode among the 
 (lioneers of tliis county, settling in Xottawa Town- 
 ship, wiiere tlie father lived and labored for a 
 period of twenty years, and then closed his ej'es 
 \ipon eartiily scenes, about 1874. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Clarkson, 
 Monroe Co.. X. Y.. Dec. 1.5. 1835, and was one and 
 
 one-half years old when he was brought by his par- 
 ents to Michigan. He accompanied his parents in 
 tiieir removal to this county, and lived upon the 
 old farm until 1854. This property is now in the 
 possession of Mr. Babcock. Mr. B. purchased the 
 land which he now owns and occupies in 1854. It 
 embraces 120 acres of land, and he has himself 
 effected the improvements which we see around 
 him to-day. He was married, in Sturgis. Xov. 8. 
 1862. to Miss Henrietta Hayfer. This lady was 
 born in Colon Township, this county, Feb. 7, 1846. 
 and was the daughter of Samuel and Matilda (Ship- 
 man) Hayfer. .She died verj- suddenly of pneu- 
 monia, on the 3d of March. 1888. 
 
 To Mr. and .Mrs. Babcock there were born four- 
 teen cliildren. ten of whom are living, namely: 
 Henry C. William X.. Caroline T., Clara A.. Laura 
 L.. John J.. Chris R.. Homer J.. Marion A. and 
 Bessie A. Those deceased are .Mary E. and Frank- 
 lin, who died early in life, and two who died un- 
 named in inf.aucy. Mr. Babcock. politically, advo- 
 cates the principles of the Democratic party. 
 
 The father of our subject carrie<l a musket in the 
 War of 1812. and on account of his services at that 
 time his widow receives a pension from the Gov- 
 ernment. Mi-s. Elizabeth (Groves) Babcock is a 
 very bright and intelligent old lady, with quite a 
 remarkable memory, being able to recall p.ast events 
 with much clearness, and a jjei-son with whom it is 
 tioth pleasant and profitable to cc)nverse. She has 
 witnessed many changes during a long and worthy 
 life, and can relate man\- interesting incidents of 
 the pioneer days of Michigan. 
 
 ^^^^^;^^^t^^7<^ 
 
 ■V-- 
 
 1p>^ ELSOX M ATHEWSON. The biography of 
 I I/) '^'''^ honored pioneer of Mendon Township 
 /1\/Zfe is not widely different from that of many 
 who came early in life to Michigan Territorj-. and 
 to whom she is indebted for the development of 
 her rich resources. Mr. Matliewson first set foot 
 ui)on the soil of Michigan when a young man twen- 
 ty-five years of age, settling in this county in Octo- 
 ber, 1842. with his wife, taking up land first in 
 Colon Township, where he lived some six or seven 
 j'ears. Thence he came to Mendon Township, and 
 
 -^^IrM' 
 
»► 11 ^^ 
 
 ^i^H^ 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 383 
 
 located on the land whieli lie has since occupied. 
 His farm is now 175 acres in extent. Upon it have 
 been pri'Cted three <;oc)d and comfortable dwolliiifrs, 
 and the structures for the storage of trrain and the 
 shelter of stock, which, together with their surround- 
 ings, the apple orchard and the abundance t)f smaller 
 fruit, comprise a homestead comfortable and pleas- 
 ant in the extreme. Mr. Mathcwson knows all 
 about the toils and hardships of life in a new coun- 
 tr}', but his labors have met with their legitimate 
 reward. 
 
 A native of Onondaga County, X. Y., our sub- 
 ject was born .Inly •.'.'). IM7. and was the eldest of 
 a family of six children, the offspring of John and 
 Lois (Hicks) Matliewson. who wi-re also natives of 
 the Kmpire Stale. The father died when a young 
 man in his native county of Onondaga, when his 
 son Nelson was a lad of twelve j"ears. The mother 
 was subsequently married a second lime, and later 
 coming to Jlichigan. died in ^lendon Township, 
 this county, in the month of .Inly, about l!SC7. 
 
 Mr. Mathcwson was reared to farm pursuits, 
 which he carried on in his native State until com- 
 ing to Michigan. He was first married in Oswego 
 County. N. V., to Miss Polly Works, by wlu>ni he 
 became the father of three children — John 11., \\il- 
 ber and Helen R. Wilbcr was killed iei the pineries 
 of Kent County, Mich., by a falling tree; Helen 
 died in infancy; John H. is married, and operating 
 a farm in Meiidou Township. The mother of these 
 children died nt the homestead, .Sept. 4. 1850. 
 
 Our subject contracted a second marriage, at 
 Three Rrveis. this Slate. Aug. 2.t. 1h5I. with Miss 
 Lucj- .S. Ballon, who was born in Cuyahoga Cuuiily, 
 Ohio, Jan. 23. 1831. Her father, Danford G. Bal- 
 lon, was a native of Herkimer County, N. Y., and 
 the mother, who in her girlhood was Miss Cyn- 
 thia Worrallo was born in Ontario County, N. Y. 
 They came In Southern Michigan in 1838, settling 
 in I'ark Township, this county, where they spent 
 the remainder of their lives, the father dying about 
 187<;, In his seventy-fourth year, au<l the mother 
 pjUHsing away nt the home of her daughter. Mrs. 
 Matliewson, in the spring of 1887. 
 
 Of this marriage of our subject there have been 
 born three children. The eldest daughter, Mary 
 U., is the wife of J. J. Hanshue, of Kalamazoo; 
 
 James W. is in the furniture and undertaking busi- 
 ness in Antrim County, this State; Argie L. died 
 at the age of two years and eight months. Mrs. 
 Mathcwson is a member in good standing of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. M. east his first 
 Presidential vote for Henry Claj", being a member 
 of the Whig |)arty. Since its organization in 1856 
 the llepublican party has received his uniform sup- 
 port. 
 
 — 'i^m- — 
 
 "i^ MANUEL AVAGNER. For genuine com- 
 |ls] fort and those things which complete the 
 Jj^^ well-ordered home, attractive within and 
 without, there is probably no better illustrntion than 
 the home of the subject of this sketch, which is 
 finely located on sectiim 27, in Colon Township. 
 Mr. Wagner, rather than turning his whole attcii- 
 liun tu money-making, seemed to have in view those 
 things which shall conduce in the best manner to 
 the pleasure and happiness of his family. A lover 
 of home and closely bound by domestic ties, he 
 thus possesses in a marked degree one of the best 
 qualities of citizenship. In consequence of this he 
 thus enjoys the confidence of his fellowmeu, and li.as 
 faithfully performed the closest obligations of life. 
 
 IJaniel Wagner, the father of our subject, when a 
 young man was married, and he ami his wife settled 
 not far from the (ilace of their birth, in Mifflin 
 County, Pa. In 1838, however, the year after 
 Michigan had been transformed from a Territory 
 into a State, they came to this county with their 
 little family. The father purchased seventy -eight 
 acres of land in Colon Township, an(l commenced 
 building up a homestead, where he and his estimable 
 wife spent the remainder of their d.ays. His death 
 took place Oct. 8. 18G4. and the mother is still liv- 
 ing. They were the parents of six children, all of 
 whom survive. 
 
 Our subject was born April 18, 1828, and re- 
 mained with his father until atUining the age of 
 twenty years. He had in the incantime received n 
 common-school education, and had become entirely 
 familiar with the various emploj'menls of farm life. 
 Upon reaching his majority he began the estab- 
 lishment of a home of his own. by hismarruoge with 
 Miss Mary Uafer, which took place in Sejitember, 
 
 T 
 
.^1^^ 
 
 4- 
 
 384 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 i 850. The young people began the journey of life 
 together, but Mrs. Wagner survived her marriage 
 only a few months, ber death taking place in May, 
 18.51. She was the daughter of Samuel and Cath- 
 erine (Hinklc) Hafer, who were natives of Union 
 County, Pa. 
 
 The second marriage of Mr. Wagner was with 
 Miss Louisa, a daughter of Benjamin Marks, who 
 with his wife, Tina (Packanl) Marks, was a native 
 of New York Stale, and is deceased. Of this union 
 there was born one child, a son, Alston, who died 
 at the nge of five years. The third marriage of Mr. 
 AVagner, which took place Aug. 28, 1 858, at Colon, 
 in this county, was with Miss Caroline Frye, daugh- 
 ter of .Jacob and Catherine (Bothman) Frye. na- 
 tives of Schuylkill County, Pa. Mrs. Caroline Wag- 
 ner was the seventh of a family of eight childrrn. 
 
 To Emanuel and Caroline Wagner there were 
 born two children — Elmer E. and Tillie E. The 
 former assists his father in the operation of the farm ; 
 he married Miss Sophia L. Teller, and they have 
 one child, George C. Tillie E. is the wife of I. W. 
 Teller, who lives in Colon Township; they have 
 one child. .John E. Mr. Wagner is an uncompro- 
 mising Democrat, politically, and has held the vari- 
 ous school offices of his township. He identified 
 himself with the Masonic fraternity, being con- 
 nected at present with Blue Lodge No. 73, at Colon. 
 The homestead includes ninety acres of well-culti- 
 vated land, upon which Mr. Wagner h.as made all 
 the improvements, which are viewed with interest 
 by the passing traveler. 
 
 -t 
 
 \irOHN M. WELLS, a prominent citizen of 
 St. Joseph County, with whose best interests 
 he has been identified for many years, is 
 widely and favorably known in business and 
 social circles, and he has been an important factor 
 in extending and sustaining the large commercial 
 interests of Southern Michigan. He is a member 
 of the firm of Wells it Calam. Constanline Village. 
 They have a fine, well-appointed, double store, and 
 carry a full slock of well-assorted goods, of many 
 classes, and are thus enabled to meet in every re- 
 
 spect the demands of a large custom, which they 
 have drawn to themselves by inspiring confidence 
 in their patrons bj' their strict, hcmorable and up- 
 right methods in their dealings. 
 
 Our subject was born July 4, 1818, at AVhite 
 Creek, Washington Co.. N. Y.. his parents being 
 Joseph and Lucy (Hollister) Wells, for whose his- 
 tory see sketch of F. Wells. When their son. of 
 whom we write, was four 3-ears old they moved to 
 Granville, and a j'ear later to Salem. Washington 
 County, and there the father was engaged in keep- 
 ing hotel. In that town most of the boyhood da^-s 
 of our subject were passed. In 1837 he came with 
 his father's family through bj' teams to St. Joseph 
 County, and lived in their pioneer home on his 
 father's farm in Mottville until about 1840, when he 
 went to Constantine, and established himself in the 
 hotel business on the corner known as "Langley Cor- 
 ner." He remained there about seven j'ears. when 
 he built the hotel known as the Romaine House, which 
 he managed successfully until 1850. In that year 
 he leased the hotel, and went overland to Califor- 
 nia for the purpose of mining. He remained in 
 the Golden State only a short time, however, re- 
 turning in the same fall to Michigan. He turned 
 his attention to farming, which occupation he con- 
 ducted profitabl3' until J 853, when he again en- 
 gaged in the hotel business. Two years later, in 
 1855, he an<l his brother Franklin embarked to- 
 gether in the mercantile business, continuing for 
 about six j-ears, when they dissolved partnership, 
 and our subject, in the winter of that year ( 18G1 ) 
 formed a partnership with T. H. Calam, under the 
 firm r.ame of Wells & Calam, and they have ever 
 since carried on the business with gratifying success, 
 as we have seen. Their house, which has been in 
 existence for nearly thirty j'ears, must be one of 
 the oldest established in the vicinity. Our subject 
 was appointed Postmaster of Constantine in 1862, 
 and held that office with much satisfaction to the 
 people until his resignation three years later. In 
 politics he is a strong Republican, and voted in 
 1840 for William H. Harrison, .as he did in 1888 
 for his grandson, Benjamin Harrison. 
 
 Mr. Wells and Lydia Arnold were united in the 
 bonds of matrimony in Constantine, in 1843. Mrs. 
 Wells is the daughter of the late Inman Arnold, 
 
 r 
 
«► 1 1^^ 
 
 ■» II ^ 
 
 .ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 a»o 
 
 who came to Coiislnnline from New York in 1843, 
 mnl she was Itorn in I'lindilla. Ot.«e<;o Co.. N. Y. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wells have three eliihiren living, as 
 follows: John II., who married Miss Hattie Lyke, 
 and lives with his parents; Lucy, the wife of J. H. 
 Ilahn, of Detroit; l.cda, the wife of T. H. I'luple, 
 of Chicago. III. 
 
 Mr. Wells' life record is th.Htof a man who places 
 honor and honeslj' above all things, and his char- 
 acter is without stain. He is at once cautious and 
 enterprising in his business, and these traits have 
 brought him success. He owns a handsome and 
 commodious residence, and lives surrounded by all 
 the comforts of life. Both he and his wife, who is 
 a pleasant, prepossessing lady, are exceedinglj' hos- 
 pitable and entertaining to the stranger within their 
 gates. 
 
 ^ .^.^ ^ 
 
 IL1\)N McINTOSH. Self-preservation 
 may be the first law of nature; self-de- 
 penflence is one of the vital factors of na- 
 ture — at least of human nature. The pres- 
 ent sketch designs to present the salient features in 
 the life of one whose self-reliance has enabled him 
 to succeed where a less determined man would have 
 failed. A manly inde|3endence of thought and 
 action has been, and is. one f)f the traits of his char- 
 acter and notable features of hi.s history. He is 
 to-day one of the enterprising and progressive far- 
 mers and ?tock-raisers of .St. ,Iosei>li County, and 
 ojjorates 160 acres »{ land on section 14 of Nottawa 
 Township. 
 
 The father of our suliject. I'eter Mcintosh, was 
 born at Navarre. Ohio, and the mother, whose 
 maiden name was Sarah Mei-se. was idsoa native of 
 Ohio. They were residents of DeKalb County, 
 ln<I.. for about forty years. The family <ircle in- 
 cluded six children, of whom our subject was the 
 second. He first saw the ligjit in Smilliliclil, in the 
 above county, on the I'Jth of -Vpril, IM.jT. His 
 early d.-iys were spent cm the farm, and he has been 
 from his youth brought in contact with agricultural 
 lal)or in all its various departments. 
 
 The education of our subject was received in the 
 common scIi<m>1s of DeKalb (Dunty. and ufKin its 
 completion he remainetl with his |jarents until six- 
 
 teen years of age, when he struck out for himself, 
 anil beg-jin life in earnest. For fully seven years 
 he worked out as a farm hand, and in 1882 came to 
 Nottawa Townsliip, and here purcha.sed 160 acres, 
 ■which he began at once to improve, and in which 
 he saw much more success than he had anticipated 
 or c<<nsidere<l po.ssible. Although he has always 
 given some attention to general farming, he de- 
 votes his efforts mainly to stock-raising, makintr a 
 si)ecialty of breeding thoroughbred I'oland-China 
 hogs, which he does in large numbers, and is abund- 
 antly rewarded for every effort which his enterprise 
 leads him to undertake. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was first married, in 
 Nottawa Township, to Mary Olney, a daughter of 
 the late Joseph Olney. This lady presented him 
 with two children, but one of them died in infancy. 
 The name of the living child is Neva M. His wife 
 departed this life on the 8th of July, 188."), after 
 which he contracted a second alliance, and was 
 united with Lena Spike, of Kalam.-izoo. This event 
 took place in 1888. 
 
 Mr. Jlclntosli was elected Justice of the Peace, 
 but felt compelled to resign the office. He is a 
 memlicr of the Democratic party, and takes no 
 little interest in public affairs, especially where the 
 welfare or honor of the people is involved. Hoth 
 as a man and citizen he is held in high regard, and 
 enjoys a high social position. 
 
 LLSS N. STONK is one of the much esteemeil 
 •^ citizens of Burr Oak Township, who have 
 i®)))* '>f>rne the bunleii and heat of the day in tlie 
 rush of business life, and is now living in re- 
 tirement, enjoying the competency he has been 
 privileged to accumulate. He was born in .St. Law- 
 rence County, N. Y., in Madrid Township, on the 
 30th of April. I82(>. ami is the son of Solomon S. 
 and Nancy (Nash) .Stone. 
 
 The father of our suliject was brought up and 
 educated in his native county, where he first settleil 
 in life, and continued to live, following fanning 
 until 1«4(1, when he started upon a prospecting tour. 
 He returned, and shortly after was taken sick and 
 
 h 
 
J. 
 
 <^ 
 
 .t 
 
 386 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 died. His wife, the mother of our subject, was a | 
 native of Vermont. She became the mother of | 
 eight cliildren.of whom four are living, viz: Louisa, i 
 now Mrs. William .Stace^-, of Brecksviile. Ohio; 
 her- husband was a soldier in the late war, and lost 
 his life at Cliantilla. Our subject; Harriet, the 
 wife of Julius White, of Brecksviile, Ohio; and 
 Stanley G., of the same place. The four deceased 
 were: Lucinda, who was the wife of Guy Carpen- 
 ter, of Blissiield, dieil at Blissfleld, Mich., at the age 
 of thirty-eight years; Celestia was married to Mr. 
 Joseph Carpenter, of the same place, and died leav- 
 ing one child, Hatlic; Marvin, of the same place, 
 died at Blissiield, and Lorenzo, who was a mer- 
 chant. 
 
 Mr. Stone came to Michigan in ISIay, 1847, and 
 lived in Branch County for about three years, after 
 which he came to Burr Oak, where he embarked in 
 the mercantile business, and not without seeing a 
 large measure of prosi)crit3'. He first came lo 
 Michigan in 1847. Before he settled he saw con- 
 siderable of Ihe country, and made himself fully ac- 
 quainted with the condition of the soil, etc., as to 
 its being favorable or otherwise for his purpose, and 
 Dually located in Burr Oak. 
 
 In 1850 Mr. Stone was united in marriage with 
 Lucy C. Webb, the excellent daughter of H. B. 
 Webb, Ksq., of Blissiield. There was born to them a 
 daughter. Bell, who is now the wife of B. D. Misner, 
 also of Burr Oak. For nine years Mr. Stone held 
 the position of Postmaster at Burr Oak, and later 
 became a Justice of the Peace. He has seen much 
 of the checkered experience of life, and has de- 
 veloped a fine character, that wins for him from all 
 who know him the most cordial admiration and 
 regard. 
 
 !hi,A ORGAN PLANT. Among the leading far- 
 mers of Burr Oak Township the subject of 
 this sketch holds a prominent position, he 
 having aiiled largely in the development of 
 its agricultural interests. Whatever he has under- 
 taken has been done thoroughly and well, his pres- 
 ent possessions not being extensive, but nevertheless 
 valuable. His farm comprises eighty acres of land 
 on section 34, and of which he took possession in 
 
 1869. He has a little more than rounded up his 
 threescore years, and such has been his course in 
 life that he is enJDj'ing a hap|>3- and green old age, 
 with his children comfortably settled around him. 
 useful and intelligent citizens, and in addition to 
 them, scores of friends whom he has made during 
 the j-ears of a well-spent life. 
 
 The town of Stafford, Genesee Co., N. Y., con- 
 tained the early home of our subject, and where he 
 first opened his eyes to the light April 30, 1825. 
 His father, Stephen Plant, was born in Litchfield, 
 Conn., June 24, 1782, and married Miss Melinda 
 Bri)wn, who was born in New Marlboro. Mass., Sept. 
 6, 1782, the same year as her husband, being bi^ 
 junior by only a few months. The}- took up their 
 residence in Stafford, Genesee Co., N. Y.. where the 
 fatJier carried on farming, and built up a good 
 homestead which sheltered him until his death, on 
 the 14tliof February, 1853. The mother survived 
 her husband thirteen 3'ears. her death taking place 
 at Pike. Wyoming Co.. N. Y., March 30. 1866. 
 
 The parental household incluiled three sous and 
 four daughters, and our subject is the only surviv- 
 ing member of his family. He spent his early life 
 on the farm in his native township, and a few 
 months after the death of his mother, came, in June, 
 18(16. to Michigan, locating first on a tract of land 
 three miles north of the village, and which embraced 
 the farm afterward occupied by Abner Davis. This 
 remained his home until 1868. 
 
 Our subject was married in his native county, 
 Dec. 28. 1848. to Miss Alice C. Emerson, who was 
 born at Brownsville, N. Y., Nov. 25, 1823. Her 
 l)arents were Ira and Dianna Emerson, natives of 
 New York, and the father a cooper by trade. He 
 carried on business a number of years in Staffor<l, 
 N. Y., and with his excellent wife spent his lastdaj-s 
 in New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Plant com- 
 menced the journey of life together in the year 
 1848, and came together to their pioneer home in 
 the West, accompanied l)y their chililren, who were 
 all natives of .Stafford, Genesee Co., N. Y. Their 
 eldest, Frances A., was born March 21, 1850. and 
 became the wife of Charles C. Needham, of Burr 
 Oiik, Mich., Nov. iS, 1H67. and died at her home 
 there Sept. 13. 1887; Alice K. was born March 5, 
 1853, and died M.-irch 8, 1854; Caroline A. wsis 
 
 •^^ 
 
//t,--^-OOZc/-^tx^ L^ /^C-0'Z-->'T, < 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 389 
 
 boiii Dec. 8, 1851, and married, Dec. 14, 1870, to 
 Elias P. Williani!i, of Sturgis. Mich.; she now re- 
 sides at Uenvor, Col. Albert E. and Alma E. 
 ( twins), were born Aug. 1 4, 1 8.'>G. The former mar- 
 ried, .March 12, 1879, Emma Wilson, of Biirr Oak, 
 this State; the latter w.as married. Aiiji. 14. 1872, 
 to Jasper H. Emerson, of Caleclonia, N. Y. Daviil 
 P., horn July 13, 18;)9, married, Dec. 28, 1885, 
 Sarah Pyle, of Hurr Onk, Mich.; he is now a resi- 
 dent of Goshen, Ind. 
 
 Our subject and his estimable wife, although not 
 members of any religious denomination, usually at- 
 tend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and contrib- 
 ute liberall}- to the support of tlie Gospel. .Mr. P., 
 politically, votes the straight Ucpublican ticket, and 
 has been the uniform cncouragor of the enterprises 
 calculated to benefit the people around him. He 
 is a man of the strictest integrity, one whose word 
 is as good as his bond, and with his estimable fam- 
 ily occupies a leading position in a coninuinity of 
 intelligent and worth\- people. 
 
 
 OX. Wll.I.IAM ALL. MAN. ex-membcr of 
 the .Michigan Legislature, and a retired 
 capilali>t and banker at Stnrgis. and whose 
 portrait appears on tlic opposite page. ha.< 
 made for himself an enviable rccoril a.-ia successful 
 business man and useful citizen. He lirst opened bin 
 eyes to the light cm the other side of the Atlantic, 
 in Yorkshire. England. May 12. 1818. When a 
 young man twelve years of age he emigr.-itcd to 
 .America, ami for tlie following eight jears lived in 
 Canada, engaged at clerking, lie left there during 
 the Patriot War in IH.HK. anil came t<i Sturgis; he 
 became a student of .\>bnry Inivcrsity at Green- 
 castle. Ind.. from wliich he was graduated in 184."). 
 lie became a roiilcnt of this count\- in IM.'tK. and 
 at once identilied himself with the matters nio>t 
 nearly allie<l to its prosiHMity and advancement, 
 and in IH.")7 and 1N77 reprc-ented in the State 
 l^egislature the district comprising one-half of the 
 (Miunty of .St. .losepli. .Mich. In iM.'il he was n])- 
 [Miinted Secretary anil Treasurer of the (irnnd 
 Kapids A- Indiana liailroad. which position he oc- 
 
 cupied fnmi tlie linu- of its organization until IH.')!). 
 a period of four years. 
 
 .Mr. .MIman w.-is appointed a Tru>iec ni Albion 
 ColK'ge, with which he was c<>nnecte(l a nunil)er of 
 years. During his term of service in the Legisla- 
 ture there occun-ed the great contest concerning the 
 land grant to i-ailroads in the Stale of .Michigan, 
 and concerning which his conscientious and temjier- 
 ately uttered opinions had their due effect in its 
 settlement. He became counecteil with the First 
 National Hank of .Sturgis at its organization, and 
 subse(|nently served .as it.< President for nine ye.-irs, 
 and until failing health compelled him to retire from 
 the Presidency. He was originally a Whig, and 
 upon the abandonment of the old piuty he identi- 
 fied himself with the Republicans, of whose prin- 
 ciples he has been a warm supporter for over tliirt\- 
 years; he is a zealous worker for prohibition. 
 
 March 15. 184(!. witnessed the marriage of our 
 subject with Miss Louisa Fairchilds. who was l(orn 
 in Albany. N. Y.. Nov. 13. 1820. Her parent- 
 were .luliiis and Lueretia (Hrain.-ird) Fairchilds. 
 natives respectively of New York and Connecticut, 
 the father born Oct. 25. 17;tl. and the mother. June 
 15, 1798. The fatlier died at his home in Sturgis, 
 .Ian. 4. 1H73. and the mother Sept. 1(1. IMCH. Tin. 
 former w.as in his early manhood C.-iptain of a 
 steamer on the Hudson River. Their family in- 
 cluded twelve children, namely: .lane .\.. Mary F.. 
 Louisa. Penjamin, Sally. .Vsal 15.. Emily. Ilarriel. 
 •lulius, Lueretia. Ezra ami Emily. Of thoe.si.x are 
 living, and residing in different States of thelnion. 
 Tlie p.arenls of our subject were Major .MIman 
 and .M.-irgaret (Ilaxby) .MIman. and they were of 
 pure English stock. The father was liorn Nov. 22. 
 1791. and departed this life Dec. 2H. 1H5K. .at his 
 home in Sturgis. In earlv manhood he learne<l the 
 tailor's triwle, but being religiously inclined, occii- 
 pie<l the pulpit of the Methcxli.st Episcopal Church 
 for a number of years as a local preacher. From 
 .Sturgis he moved to Crown Point. Ind.. where he 
 
 ' ofIiciat«-d as Postmaster a number of vi'ars. but 
 
 I 
 
 linally. on account of failing health, was compelled 
 to retire. .Vt the time of his death there were left 
 six children, four of whom are still living, nameh : 
 j ElizaU-th. .Mrs. ( inn-e. a resident of Canada. :ini| 
 who has been blind for a numlter of years: Matilda. 
 
 i 
 
•*>Hi:^ 
 
 ,t 
 
 ■•► 
 
 :'.90 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 tlu' widow of S. Cade; William ami Amos. .Tohn 
 died ill 1«75. and .labez in 188.'). 
 
 To .Mr. and .Mrs. .Mlinan there were liorii tliiee 
 children, the ehlesl of wliom. Harriet 1... died in 
 inf.-nu V. l-iieretia i.* the wife of Dr. T. I". Thorn- 
 loii. a ])raeticiiiji( i>li_vsiciaii of Sturiji>: William M. 
 married ^liss Annie, daiisrhtcr of Thomas S. Heals, 
 of Detroit, and is eashier of the National IJank of 
 Sturgis. 
 
 .Mr. .\llinaii. in 1H(;.'>. iielped to estjiljlish the 
 First National IJank of .Stnrjris. and twenty years 
 later, in IHK'i, renewed the charter and has .since 
 been Vice President. He has been a Director of 
 Schools many years, and been active in the erection 
 of school buildings, believing soimdly in the edu- 
 cation of the young. He luLs contributed more to 
 the snpi)ort of the Methodist Episcoiial Church 
 than ."iny other member of its congregation, giving 
 liberally and cheerfully as his means justified, and 
 has held the most imiiortant ufliccs therein for 
 forty-five years, and was Sui>erintendent of its Sun- 
 day-school for over thirty years. In the public 
 meetings called for the discussion of the enterprises 
 calculated for the general good of the community, 
 he has taken a iiromiiient part, jxissessing as a 
 speaki>r rare talents, being forcible and convincing 
 in arguiiK'iil. With the exception of Constable. he 
 has held nearly all the oHices of the tf)Wiiship. lie 
 still retains possession of the spot of grouml u|h>ii 
 which he first sell led. and where lie lias built uj) 
 one of the most coiiifortabic .■lud atli:irti vc homes 
 in the city. 
 
 — i^m- — 
 
 ^Ij ACOB HL'RGER. There were few among 
 I' the early settlers of St. Joseph Count}' who 
 I, took a more thorough hold upon the esteem 
 ^&)/ and affections of the people than the subject 
 of this biography, a native of Pennsylvania, who 
 caiwe to Southern Michigan with his parents in 
 1.SI7. He was born in York County, in llie Key- 
 stone State, March l'>, 1830, and departed this life 
 at his home in C(Histaiitine Township. Feb. S, 1882. 
 The beautiful and well-ainiointed homestead which 
 he built up from a tract of uncultivalcil land, 
 left as a rich heritage to his children, is not as dear 
 to lliein as the record of his life, which was that nf 
 
 an honest man and a good citizen. The Burger fam- 
 ily it is supposed is of German descent, the fore- 
 fathers of our subject crossing the Atlantic at an 
 early period in the histoiy of America. Henry 
 Burger, the father of our subject, was also born in 
 Pennsylvania, and upon reaching manhood was 
 married to Miss Sarah Benage, a native of the same 
 .State. Soon after uniting their lives' and fortunes 
 the}- decided to seek a home in the West, and after 
 coming to this count}' lived about one year in 
 Mottville Township. Thence they removed to 
 Constantine Township, where the father died in the 
 spring of 18(>G. Mrs. Sarah Burger survived her 
 husband a period of eighteen years, remaining 
 a widow, and passing away at the home of her son 
 Jacob, March 20, 1 884, aged eighty years and two 
 mouths. 
 
 To Henry and Sarah Burger there were born 
 seven children. Jacob w.as one of the elder mem- 
 bers of the family, and grew up a genuine farmer's 
 boy. strong of muscle and healthy of mind, and 
 when reaching manhood was fully competent to 
 enter upon his chosen calling — that of a farmer. 
 At the age of twenty-four years he was married, 
 Nov. 8, 18o-l. to Miss Lavina, daughter of Wiiliani 
 and Catherine (Brower) George, who, like the Bur- 
 gers, were natives of Pennsylvania and emigrated to 
 this county during its early settlement. They lo- 
 cated in Constantine Township, where, they spent 
 the remainder of their days, dying at an advanced 
 .ige, the father when ninety years old and the mother 
 when ninety-one. They were the parents of five 
 children, of whom Mrs. Burger was the third. .She 
 was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 2, 1830, and was a 
 small child when her parents came to Michigan. 
 She with her husband watched the growth and de- 
 velopment of this now prosjjerous commonwealth 
 with that warm interest only felt by those liberal 
 and public-spirited citizens who, while having much 
 to absorb their minds in their own concerns, were 
 nevertheless not too selfish to interest themselves in 
 the welfare of the people around them. 
 
 Five children came in due time to the home of 
 Mv. and Mrs. Burger, the eldest of whom, a daugh- 
 ter, Sarah C, is the wife of William B. AUerton, of 
 Constantine Township; of William H., the second 
 chilli and eldest son. mention is made hereafter; 
 
 ■•► 
 
-♦- 
 
 =L. 
 
 ST. .lOSKl'lI COl'NTY. 
 
 301 
 
 Charles M. is carrying on farming on his own «<v 
 count not far from the ol<l liomestcad; John J. ilio<l 
 when an infant of lifleen months, and a little daugh- 
 ter, unnamed, also died in infaney. These young 
 l>eo|)le are exce|)tionally Ijright, which qualities, 
 added to their careful home training and practical 
 eihication, constitute them most promising niemlicrs 
 of the community. 
 
 William II. Hurger was born in C'onstantine Town- 
 ship, July 12, 1H,")8, and was reared at the home- 
 stead, becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits. 
 He received a common-school education, at an early 
 !ige developing those qualities which have placed 
 liim in the front ranks among the leading men of 
 his township. Although comparatively young in 
 years he has obtained a ^ubstantial foothold linan- 
 cially, and in company' with his brother Charles 
 owns and 0|)crates 31. J acres of improved land on 
 section 11. He carries on general farming and 
 stock-raising, and is in the enjoyn)cnt of a good 
 income. I'olitically. he gives his support to the 
 Republican party. He is unmarried. 
 
 (^^ AMIKI. TKKSDALK, senior member of the 
 ^^^^ firm of Samuel Teesdale it Son. mannfact- 
 lH/_J|) urersof bent woodwcnk and wagon-makers' 
 supplies, in C"onslanline, is a well-known and 
 honored citizen of St. Joseph County, and has been 
 identilieil with its business and industrial interests 
 fur many years, formerly manufacturing wagons, 
 carriages, etc., as well as tlie present articles with 
 wliich he sup)>lies the market. 
 
 Mr. Teesdale is a son of one of the early pioneers 
 tif .St. Joseph County, and may be denominated a 
 pioneer himself, as he was nearly grown to man- 
 hood's estate when he .accompanied his father from 
 his native land across the Atlantic to AHchigan, 
 in IS.'M, and not long after established himself in 
 business here. He was born in Lincolnshire, Kn- 
 gland, near the old city of Boston, March ',•, liSl.i. 
 His f.ather, .Samuel Teesdale, was likewise a native 
 o{ that shire, a> was his mother, whose maiden name 
 was Mary Kvason. who died in Englaml in lt*32. 
 In 1S34 the f.nther of fuir subject emigrated to the 
 I'nitpd States with his children, and coming to 
 
 Michigan, located in that part of .St. Joseph County 
 now known as Florence Township, on the edge of 
 White Pigeon Prairie, and thus became one of the 
 earliest settlers of that township. He lived there 
 some twent}' years, clearing his land and carrying 
 on agrlcidture, and then sold his property there, 
 and bought a place in C'onstantine Township, on 
 the line between that township and Mottville. He 
 afterward sold his farm there, and retired to private 
 life in the home of his daughter, the date Mrs. 
 William Heywood, with whom he lived until his 
 death, in IHC"). He was the father of eight chil- 
 dren, of whom our subject was the second in order 
 of birth. 
 
 Samuel Teesdale passed the early 3'ears of his life 
 in the land of his nativit3", living with his parents 
 until he was thirteen years old, when he was ap- 
 l)renticed to learn the wagon-maker's trade and 
 wheelwrighting. He served an apprenticeship of 
 five years, and then accompanied his father's fam- 
 ily to this couutr}-, in 1834. He worked one year 
 at White I'igeon, at joiner work, and at the expira- 
 tion of that time came to ConstJinline, and started in 
 the wagon-uiaking business in a small way. For 
 nearly fifty years he was engaged in the manufacture 
 of wagons and carriages, and gradu.-diy, by strictly 
 honorable dealings and close application to his busi- 
 ness down to the minutest detail, he built up an ex- 
 tensive trade. He used none but the best material 
 in his Work, and his vehicles were so well made 
 and so durable that they met with a ready sde. 
 In 18.^2 he added the manufacture of bent wood- 
 work to his business, still contnuiing the manufact- 
 ure of carriages and wagons for a short time. In 
 the .same year he admitted his son into partnership. 
 with him, ami then discontinued the latter branch 
 of his business, the^- now giving their attention en- 
 tirely to the manufacture of bent woodwork and 
 w.agon-mnker's supplies, which they cany on very 
 profitably. 
 
 Our subject has been twice married. His first 
 wife, to whom he was married on I'igeon Prairie 
 in 1840, was Miss Kll/.abeth Wellbiirn, a native of 
 Yorkshire, Kngland. .She bore him three children. 
 n.-i follows: Mary, now the wife of Mr. Hall, (if 
 Orand Rapids; Kliza, the wife of Levi Machimer. 
 and .Tiis( |)li. Iioth residents of Constantine. .Mrs. 
 
i 
 
 ^^ 
 
 392 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Teesdale, ,1 woiii.in of excellent cli.ir.ncter, who was 
 liigbly rc'siiccled tij- all who knew her, departed this 
 life in Cunslantinc, in 184'J. Mr. Teesdale was 
 married to his present wife, formerlj- Miss Frances 
 E. lirynn, in 18.i0. She was the fourth child of a 
 family of twelve, born to the late .John and .Sarah 
 (Babcock) Br3'an, and her birth occurred In Mos. 
 cow, Livingston Co., X. Y.. Feb. 16, I'S^O. Her 
 parents were among the earliest settlers of Michi- 
 gan, removing from their native State to Ypsiianti 
 in l.S2;i. The team that carried their goods from 
 Detroit to that place was the first that made its 
 way through the woods, cutting a road and blazing 
 the way, and occupying live days in going less 
 than thirty miles. 15efore that gotxls had been 
 shipped down the river, a roundabout ami expen- 
 sive route. When the emigrants arrived at their 
 destination they found but live families who had 
 preceded them, and they were settled on .-in eligible 
 place about a mile outside tlie present limits of 
 the tlourisiiing city of Ypsiianti. They remained 
 liiere until If<;!-I, and came to St. .loseiili County 
 in December of that year, casting in their lot with 
 the ver3' few ])ioneers who had preceded them in 
 Constantino. They afterward removed to a farm 
 in Coustantine Township, and subsequently took up 
 their home in Constantine, where thev spent the 
 remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Teesdale are 
 the parents of five children by this marriage, two 
 of wliom are living. Lois and .John V>. The latter is 
 ill business with his father, and Lois is the wife of 
 II. J. Eelker, of Crand Rapids. The other chil- 
 dren (lied in infancy. 
 
 It has been Mr. Teesdale's fortune to witness the 
 greater part of the development of .St. Joseph 
 County from the wilderness, and, coming here in 
 the strenglli and vigor of eariv manhood, and with 
 great enterprise establishing a business which in 
 time became one of the important inclustries of St. 
 Joseph County, lie h;is been no mean factor in pro- 
 moting the material advancment of tlie county, and 
 in him Conslantiiie lias found a useful, exemplary 
 citizen. A man of Wnn character, well dowered 
 witii firmness, activity and enterprise, together with 
 soinid principles and loft}' religious convictions, 
 his life has been a success, both from a financial and 
 moral sl;uidpoinl. He i:< blessed with a wife of 
 
 more than ordinary- intelligence and capabilitj', who 
 can sympathize with and share his beliefs, and 
 who at the same time knows well how to manage 
 her household attairs, and to make home pleasant 
 and attractive to its inmates. Mr. and Mrs. Tees- 
 dale are, and have been for nianj' years, among the 
 leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 and he has borne a conspicuous part in the manage- 
 ment of its affairs, holding church ollice continuously 
 for forty years, having served as Trustee, Steward. 
 Class-Leader and Chorister, having led the choir 
 for about f()rt\- j'ears. In ante bellnm days Mr. 
 Teesdaje was a strong Abolitionist, and was one of 
 the first five in Constantine who voted the Aboli- 
 tion ticket. He was one of the first to join the 
 Republican jiarly. and through the war and after- 
 ward was a strong suiiporter of its policy. The 
 prohibition movement appealed to his S3'mpathy as 
 a strong temperance man, and he was one of the 
 first to join the ]>art_y after its organization, and 
 still continues to act with it. A thoroughly good 
 man and citizen, he deserves this place among the 
 honored citizens of St. Joseph County. 
 
 -v,w-44jej2/©i@ 
 
 k©J^'3OTv,«."wv» 
 
 ?RANCIS G. HEALD. D. 1). .s. Prominent 
 
 among the rising members of the dental 
 profession in Southern Michigan is the gen- 
 tleman whose name appears at the head of this brief 
 biographical notice. He is a native of New York, 
 born in Kingston, rister County, Nov. 12, 1SU2. 
 His parents, Al>el and Celestia ((Granger) Heald, 
 were both natives of the Empire State, and re- 
 mained there many years after their marriage. In 
 1.S07 the}' removed with their famil}" to Indiana, 
 and settled in Elkhart, where Mr. Hcild eng.aged in 
 the hardware business. He established a nourishing 
 trade, and continued thus cngageil until his death, 
 in .September, 1879. To him and his wife were 
 born six children, of whom three are living, namely : 
 Francis C.; Ccn'a, who resides with her mother in 
 Elkhart, and .Sheldon, a student in the .School of 
 Pharmacy in Chicago. 
 
 Our subject was but four years of .ige when his 
 parents removed to Elkhart, and he there received 
 the preliminaries of liis ediicntion in its iiiibiic 
 
-<•- 
 
 ST. JOSKI'II COUNT V. 
 
 393 \ > 
 
 schools. lie afterward atlemlofl Uic Indiana Dental 
 College, at Iiidianapulis, from which iio was jri-adu- 
 ated in Marcli. 1S,S2. Aftci' rccciviiijf his (iiphmia lie 
 worked one-half year with Dr. Harris, of Chicago. 
 MoetiM>i; with uiuisual success while there. Dr. Heald 
 was cncouragi'd to establish himself in husincss on 
 his own aceonnt. and accord ingly, in the sprinji; of 
 1883, he visited Sturj^is, and lieinjj- pleased with its 
 location and hiisiness indncements, he cletermined 
 to make his home here. .'>inee establishing himself 
 here he has met with good success, and h.is bnilt up 
 a large and lucrative business, and is now one of 
 the most popular dental surgeons in llic county. 
 Dr. Ilealil keeps apace with the newest methods 
 used by his profession.al brethren, and he stands 
 deservedly high in his trailing, his skill and excel- 
 lent workmanship being especially commended b}' 
 all his patrons. 
 
 Tiie marriage of our subject with Alice JI.. 
 (laughler of John C. and Caroline (Mathewson) 
 IJennett, was solemnized Feb. 28, 1888. She was 
 born and reared in Sturgis, and is a young lady of 
 much culture and relineinent. Dr. Ileald and his 
 wife are much esteemed throughout the community 
 for their many pleasant social qualities. Though 
 not connected with any religious organization, both 
 are interested in the nniral sis well as the educa- 
 tional and material advancement of their town and 
 conntv. 
 
 J"- ACOH .s. (;|;NT/.LKU i.- one of the le.-iding 
 farmers and stock-raisers of .St. .Joseph 
 Cimnty, owning and man:iging one of the 
 largest and most valuable farms in or near 
 Constantinc Township, finely located on section ".'.■). 
 On this he an<l his family have a beautiful home, 
 as he has erected one of the handsomest residences 
 in .Southern Michigan, and has fitted it up with all 
 the modern conveniences. His farm is supplied 
 with sulistantial and commodious barns, and itther 
 necessary buildings, and all kinds of machinery for 
 cultivating the land, or in any way facilitating the 
 labors of the farm. 
 
 Our subject was born in Washington Township, 
 York Co., I'a., Sept. 2'.i, 183:'.. being the sixtlfehiM 
 in the family of .lacoh and Klizabelh (Spej-k) 
 
 Gentzler. (For further parental history see sketch 
 of Adam Gentzler, elder brother of our subject, 
 under whose name a full history of the family is 
 given.) 
 
 The boyhooil of our subject was passed on his 
 father's farm in his native county, and he received 
 a commj)n-school education, lie was about six- 
 teen j-ears old when he came here with his parents, 
 in 184;>, but Ijefore coming to .Michigan he learned 
 the carding and fulling business, and was engaged 
 at that for five years; aside from that he has been 
 engaged chielly in farming an<l stock-dealing, en- 
 gaging in the latter for upward of twenty 3'ears. 
 He owns little less than 500 acres in St. .Tosoph 
 County, and the bro.ad, well-tilled fields, with the 
 fine herds of cattle and horses, all of good stock, 
 and the neat and commodious buildings, with all 
 the modern conveniences, constitute a model farm, 
 with all its accessories. Mr. t ientzler erected a fine 
 house, which was destroyed by fire March 23. 
 I87;i. He immediately replaced it by one finer 
 and more costly, and now has one of the most ele- 
 gant residences in St. Joseph County. 
 
 Our subject was united in marriage to .Miss 
 Klizabeth Lehmer, in Constantinc Township. April 
 27. 18,)4. She was born in Carroll Townshi|). 
 York Co., Pa., March 12, 1835, being thej-oungest 
 of the four children, two sons and two daughters, 
 of John and .Snsaima (Fickes) Lehmer. Her par- 
 ents were natives of York County, I'a.. ami weie 
 there married, and made their residence there for 
 several years afterward. In 1855 they came to 
 Michigan, and settled in Constantinc Township, 
 where thej' spent the remainder of their live-. Of 
 the five children born to our subject and his wife, 
 but two, John W. and Adam II., are now living, 
 the othei-s d^'ing in infancy. John married Mary 
 A. .Stears, daughter of Thomas Stears, of Florence 
 Township, and they now reside in Constantinc 
 Township. 
 
 Mr. (Jenlzler has accumulated his wealth by the 
 exercise of rare business talent and clear judgment. 
 He is a man of great ilecision of character, with 
 strong opinions, which he docs not[.hesitate to ex- 
 press on proper occasions. A man'of his ability, 
 worth and wealth, necessarily wields a strong infiu- 
 cnce in his community. This is especially true in 
 
-^•■ 
 
 394 
 
 -■^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 f 
 
 regard to educational matters, in whicli be is deep!}' 
 interested, as he believes that education is the surest 
 foundation for a successful ajid useful life. He is 
 a sincerely religious man, and be and bis wife are 
 prominent members of the Lutheran Cburuh, hav- 
 ing done much toward building it up. and sustain- 
 ing it financially. He lias been Trustee uf the 
 church, and as a raeniberufliic building committee, 
 was active in securing the erection of the jiresent 
 house of worship in ConsUuiline Village. 
 
 Jl^^ OX. THOMAS MITCHELL. The wealth 
 '^JJ and prosperity of Conslanline are wholly 
 K^ due to the men whose judgment singled it 
 ^p out as an eligible point for business in the 
 midst of a country possessing rich resources ready 
 for development by master bands and minds. 
 Prominent among these is the subject of this sketch, 
 who was for many years intlucnlial in building up 
 its business interests, and thus while contributing to 
 the advancement of the growth and prosperity of 
 St. Joseph County, materially added to his own fort- 
 une, and was enabled to retire on a handsome com- 
 petence in 18G7, while scarcely past the meridian 
 of life. Though not among the earliest settlers of 
 this county he may well be considered one of its 
 pioneers, as it can scarcely have emerged in any 
 great degree from its original wildness when hefiist 
 came here, and he has witnessed and airled its 
 present advanced state of civilization. 
 
 Our subject is of Scotch-Irish descent, his father, 
 John Mitchell, having been born in the North of 
 Ireland, where his ancestors had settled, coniing 
 originally from Scotland. Mr. Mitchell's grand- 
 mother was born in Glasgow. Scotland. His mother, 
 whose maiden name was Lois Hall, was born in 
 AVasbington County, N. Y., and she there spent the 
 earlier part of her life. The grandparents of our 
 subject emigrated to America in 179.S. bringing 
 their infant son John with them. The latter was 
 born in 1797, and on arriving at a proper age was 
 apprenticed to the trade of carpenter and joiner, 
 which he followed for many years. He was a con- 
 tr.ictor and builder at Oswego, N. Y., subsequently 
 becoming a farmer, which latter ciccupation he en- 
 
 gaged in until his death, which occurred at Fulton, 
 N. v.. in Ks.'jS. His wife died in 18;il. Both were 
 justly held in high consideration, as tbey were 
 people of prudent, llirifty habits, and were kind, 
 careful and tlKUiylitlul in liicir relations with their 
 neighbors and friends. 
 
 Our subject w.as the second of the live child ron 
 born to those worthy people, and Greenwich, Wash- 
 ington Co., N. Y., was his place of birth, and June 
 '2i), 18Ut, the date of that important event in bis 
 life. His early years were spent on his father's 
 farm until he attained bis majority. At about that 
 time he engage<l in the foundry business in Oswego 
 County, N. Y., following it there for two years. 
 His next move was to Syracuse, in his native Stale, 
 where he pursued the same business for three years. 
 In October. 1843. Mr. Mitchell, seeing in the then 
 young .State of Jlichigan a fine opening fi>r his 
 business, came to .St. Joseph County, and estab- 
 lished a foundry in Constantine. which he managed 
 with maiked linancial success until 18G0. He then 
 abandoned that business, and subsecpientl}' turned 
 his attention to the hardware trade, which he car- 
 ried on very prolitabl}- from 1 8Gi) until lf<G7. when 
 he sold out and retired to ])rivate life, at least as 
 far as actively engaging in any extensive business 
 transactions was concerned, devoting his leisure to 
 looking after bis property, or emerging from the 
 quietude vf his home to take part in the man.age- 
 ment of pulilic affairs. Mr. IMitchcll was one of 
 the charter members of the First National Bank of 
 Constantine, and has been continuously a Director 
 since its organization in 1800. and has been for a 
 long time and is now one of the Bank l^xamining 
 Committee. 
 
 The Hon. Thomas Mitchell and Miss Melirida E. 
 Stafford, a native of Madison County, N. Y.. were 
 united in marri.age in Constantine Village in June, 
 1847. She is the daughter of the late David and 
 Kate (Gates) Stafford, who came to Michigan in 
 1843 and cast in their lot with the pioneers of St. 
 Joseph County, and our subject wiis in the foundry 
 business with the father for a short time. .Mrs. 
 Stafford died in Constantine, and Mr. Stafford re- 
 turned to his old home in New York, where lie 
 died. Mr. and !Mrs. Mitchell have a pleasant home 
 in a substantial, well-appointed residence, and then 
 
 eir T 
 
■^•- 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ••► 
 
 395 
 
 liiippy wcdiled life has been blessed to Ibcin by the 
 birth of fdur I'hihh'en. i>f whom the foliinviii^ is 
 ri'conled : Mary M. is the wife of K. \V. Keigiitley: 
 Stafford T. is a student in the hiw ()epai'tn)ent of 
 tiie Slate liiiversily nt Ann Arbor; one ehil<l died 
 in infancy; Kittic died when lifteen years old. 
 
 Mr. Mitchell is a gentleman of dignified bearing, 
 of true refinement, and of unimpeachable integrity. 
 His fellow-citizens recognize his worth and ability, 
 and liavi- called him at various times to fill i-espon- 
 sible oHices, and the town and county have in such 
 cases invariably commanded his most etlieient and 
 faithful service. He has been Supervisor of the 
 township, and has been Justice of the Peace. He 
 \Yas elected to the Legislature in the fall of l?i,i|S. 
 and served one term with distinction. He is a 
 member of the Masonic fraternity, being iilentftied 
 with Siloam Lodge No. 3.5, F. iV A. M.. Con- 
 stnntine Chapter No. 61, R. A., and Three Rivers 
 C'omniander\- No. 29, K. T. He Uikes an active 
 ])art in political matters, and in him the Republican 
 party finds one of its ablest advocates. 
 
 .\MKI, W. R.VNK. Among tin- many ex- 
 ample.- we have about us of what ener<rv 
 and perseverance will accompli.-h. none 
 present evidence of greater .>uccess lli:m is 
 represi-ntefl in the life and past career of the <ren- 
 lleni:in whose name heads this sketi'b. who. >iiRv he 
 was fourteen ycjirs of age. has liecii oliliged to pro- 
 vide for his wants by his own efi'urls and exertions, 
 which hc'ha.s so successfidl\' done that in- is now 
 the owner of a first-<-la.-<s bakery and grocery store 
 in While Pigeon. His father, .\ndrew Rank, was 
 a native of While Dtvr Valley. .Milton Co.. P.a.. 
 where our subje<-t was born .M;i\- 22. iM.'il. The 
 cd\ication that he received wa.» obt.Mineil at l)an\ ille. 
 I':i.. where he re>iiled until be eanie to White j'iireon 
 in l«t;.'i. 
 
 .Mr. Rank wa> fourteen M-:ir> olil « lien he nr- 
 riveil here, and from that (l.nv to thepre>ent he has 
 been oliliged to depenil entirely on his own exer- 
 tion.-. In the early day- of hi- re-idenee here hi- 
 -ol<l |K-anuts .-it the ile|H>t. in which bnsine— be put 
 .'I- much vim and energy il- though he were tran- 
 
 4» 
 
 sactiiig a business amounting to thousands of dol- 
 lars, and he made a suecc-s of it. lieing offered an 
 opportunity to better bis condition he went toKlk- 
 liart, Ind.. in l«(;!l. and worked in the Lake .Shore 
 iV Miebigan Southern Round House, and later in 
 the starch mill for sever.al years. While in Klk- 
 liart be learned the baking trade. In the spring- of 
 l!S7K he came b.iek to White Pigeon and established 
 his present busines.s. At that time his entire worldlv 
 |H)sse.-sions amounted to $14l>. 
 
 From the humble beginning mentioned our sub- 
 ject now owns bis projierty and h:i.s a large and in- 
 creasing trade, which represents the investment of 
 between *!l..'i( 10 and' *2.(Mt(). All his dealings are 
 notably fair and honest, and in mercantile circU-s 
 he is known to Ik? a man of undoubted integritv 
 and substantial business alulity. an<l in iiis life we 
 find an excellent example that the \f)ung man just 
 embarking in the field of active life may follow to 
 good advantiige, and it shows what mav be accom- 
 l)lishe(l by a man who began poor, and adojited the 
 principle- of honesty, prudence and industr\' .-is his 
 guide, which princii)le- are guide bo.-iril- alouir the 
 road to success. 
 
 The subject of this sketch wa.- married to Mi- 
 Carrie Dider, A|»ril (i, 1881. She was bi.rn lure. 
 Nov. 21. I8.t7. She is the daughter of .lolin Di- 
 der. .-I highly res])ected resident of the town. The 
 present success that her husband has achievcfl is to 
 a great extent due to her faithful and imlustrious 
 .-ittention given the business. She assists him m:i- 
 lerially in the store, and may be found at her po-I 
 at all times, and never under :in\- circuni-tance- 
 avoiding a duty, however unple:i-ant it m!i\- be. 
 Ih.-it will contribute in any way In tiieir ultimate suc- 
 ee-s. It is the <le-ire of both husband .and wife to 
 acipiire a coniiK'tency. which, in the eveninir of life, 
 will allow them a season of rest and <|uiet. and it is 
 admitted that they are o)i the broad road to a re.-ili- 
 '/ation of their hopes. 
 
 The grandfather of our -idijeet left him -ouie 
 money, but :l- has often h:ip|N-ne<l In-fore, the ad- 
 ministrator to whom the -ettlement of the e-t:ite 
 was entrusteil. applied the fluids to his own per- 
 sonal n-e. ignorinir the right- of our -iibjeet. 
 .Some othei- valuable pro|H-rty in Peiin-yh .-inia 
 -hould have come to .Mr. Rank, but it has Ik-cii sue- 
 
 f 
 
 ■•► 
 
•«► 
 
 390 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ct'ssfiill.v witlilifhl until the Statute of Umitatidiis 
 intervened, and lie iir now left without i-ect)urse. 
 
 Our suliject attends strictly to his business, and 
 lias steadily refused political preferments that have 
 been tenderefl him by his friend>. lie does not 
 lioast of the (louiishing condition of his business, 
 but wisely holds his own council as to his plans and 
 future prospects. It is enou!,di to say that he is 
 very prosiierous. He is an esteemed member of 
 tlie Masonic fraternity. ."Mrs. Rank is an earnest 
 and consistent member of the Hefori]ic<l Church. 
 
 ' AMKS KENNKDV, of .Sturgis. agent for the 
 
 J Phillips Fanning Mill, is a solicitor of many 
 3-ears' experience, and has been very success- 
 ful in introducing the said mill into general 
 use throughout Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. He 
 came to Sturgis in 18;') I, and for several years was 
 identified with its industries, both as a manufacturer 
 and agriculturist, before entering upon his present 
 business. 
 
 Our subject was born in Monroe County, N. Y.. 
 near the city of Rochester, Dec. 11, 1830. His 
 father, John Kennedy, a Scotchman by birth, emi- 
 grated from his native heaths in old Scotland in the 
 early days of the settlement of Monroe County, and 
 became one of the original settlers of the present 
 site of Rochester. There was then but one house, 
 a rude log cabin, covered with shakes, on the spot 
 where a great city now stands, and there were no 
 stieets, the highways consisting of Indian trails, 
 .lohn Kennedy married Cynthia Ball, and to them 
 came five chihlren, of whom our subject was one. 
 Mr. Kennedy had three children by a previous 
 marriage. 
 
 He of whom wc write received but a limited 
 education in the schools of his native county, as he 
 had to w^ork hard and could attend school but little. 
 This defective education of his earlier years he has 
 greatly improved by observation and intelligent 
 reading. He came to Michigan in the fall of 18.50, 
 a little ahead of the railways. In 18o-l he came to 
 this township from his home in Branch County, and 
 has since lived here. He was actively engaged in 
 aijricultural pursuits until 1864, when he came into 
 
 the vill.age of Sturgis. and tlic following fifteen 
 years was engaged in selling pumps, and a part vf 
 the time in their manufacture, although he was on 
 the road mostly. Since 1877 he has been engaged 
 in the fanning-rnill business, and travels by team 
 over Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, doing a fine 
 business, as his pleasant, frank manner? and his 
 undout)ted honesty (juickly gain him popularity 
 with the people among .vliom he travels, and he 
 easily makes sales. 
 
 The marri.age of our subject with Miss Martha 
 C. Morse took place April iO, 1854. Mrs. Kennedy 
 was born in New York .Slate. Aug. IG, 1831. She 
 is the daughter of E. '/.. Morse, of Cass County, and 
 Permolia (T^h-r) Morse, the first still living and the 
 latter deceased. Four chihlren have been born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy, three of whom live, nanielj- : 
 Ella, Frank and Edward. The name of the deceased 
 child was Myrtie. who died at the age of ten years. 
 Ella married Edwin G. Thompson, editor of the 
 Ligonier Leader, and thej- have three children — 
 Martha. Grace and Jamie. Frank married Lizzie 
 Xolton, and tliej- live at Adrian, Mich., and have 
 one child. Bessie. Mrs. Kennedy is a woman of 
 superior character, and an active worker in the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she is an es- 
 teemed member. 
 
 The employers of our subject place the utmost 
 confidence in his worth and ability, and he has never 
 betrayed their trust. He has always worked for 
 their best interest, and is regarded by them as one of 
 their best salesmen. He is well esteemed by his fel- 
 low-citizens, and he and his wife are pleasanti}' situ- 
 ated in a coz}- home. 
 
 *ri«^i^^^i^-t 
 
 ()N..I(>11N HAMILTON, cx-mcmbcr of the 
 Jl .Michigan Legislature, did good service in 
 'J^^ that liody <luring the session of 187!l. olli- 
 ((^ elating as a ntember of some of its most im- 
 jMirtant committees, namely, supplies and expendi- 
 tures, and agriculture, and was interested in variou> 
 other measures under discussion at thai time, lb- 
 has louii' lieen recognized .as one of the most enter- 
 ])rising farmers of Constantine Township, but in 
 the spring of 1882 retired from the active labor> 
 
 f 
 
-^^ 
 
 i^K* 
 
 ST. .lOSKIMI COUNTY. 
 
 v.r, 
 
 r<>nncfte<l thcivwitli. aiirl is imw takin*; his ease at 
 ;i pleasant lioiiu- not f;ir from the town limits. He 
 i> the owner of 12(> .•iiTt-s of vnhinlilc I:iii<l. wliichis 
 |irovi(ii'cI with a tine set of linii(lin<.'s. .-inil wliicii is 
 now operateil l>_v liis son Wiillaiii. 
 
 Our siiliji'cl was horn in Woosler. Wayne ( o.. 
 Ohio. Sept. 1. 1K12. at the modest honie>te:iil of 
 his parents, William anil Nane\ (Inirniver) Ham- 
 ilton, who were natives respectively of lieaver 
 County. I'a.. .■md of Maryland. They came to 
 Mieliii.;an Territory in the sprinj; of 1)^32, arriv- 
 iuu here May 2^. and settled in Constantine Town- 
 ship, where the father liattled with the elements of 
 a new .soil and sneeeeded in Imililinir up a eomforl- 
 alile honieste.'id. Here liotli parents spent the re- 
 maindei' of their da\ s. William Hamilton pass- 
 iiiiT away Dee. I. lHti2. and \\\> excellent wife 
 April 17. 1H.")2. 'i"hey reared a line famil\ of 
 eiiflit children, four sons and four d.an^'^hter,-. two 
 of wlmni .-ire livinir. our sulijecl and W illiaiu.,i res- 
 ilient of Dundas. Minn. 
 
 .lohn ll.-iniilton was a younir nian twenty years 
 of a^e when he .■iceonipanied his parents to this 
 county, .and since that time has lieen :i resilient of 
 Constantine Township. The people of this rejfiou 
 have lhu> had aliuu<lant op|Hirtunily to make iiis 
 acijuaint.anee. :iud the fact that they have entrusted 
 him at various times with m;itteis of ;rreal inipor- 
 taui'c iu<lieates the esleeni ;uhI conlicliiire in wliieli 
 he is helil. rolitie.ally. he l> ;i nu'iidier of the 
 Dennicratie party, anil was elected to the l.cirisl.a- 
 ture in a liepnlilic.an count \ . rnnniniLr on .-i National 
 ticket. He is l>ro:id and liheral-niindeil in his 
 views, a man well infornu'd .and not easily turned 
 from his pur|M>se. Kew men .are more wideU oi- 
 favor.alily known thron;.diout tlii> reirion. He hits 
 hnill np for himself a ;;ooil record :i> a man and 
 citi/en. one of which his posterity will have no 
 reason to lie .aslianieil. 
 
 .Miss Nancy I'oe. of Constantine Township, he- 
 came the wife of our sulijeet Nov. I.'{. \M[. .Mrs. 
 Hamiltou was horn in St.ark County. Ohio. Nov. 
 1:5. |H12. Iiclnii !i few montli> the junior of her liiis- 
 liand. 'I'heir union was lilesst-d liy the Mrth of 
 twelve children, of whom the record is .as follows: 
 Klizaheth hec.anie the wife of William Sloate. a 
 resident of Florence Township ; .Sarah married 
 
 Andrew Morristm. of Fabius Township : Marfjaret 
 is the widow of l'i;iMcis (Ireeiie. and resides in Con- 
 stantine: William I', mairied Miss .lulia l{\inaMin. 
 and they arc comfort.alily located on a farm not far 
 from the Haniilt<in homestead; they lia\e oiu-child. 
 a danuhtei-. Hlanche .M. Matilda .V. married Is.a.ac 
 Horn, a well-to-do farmei- of Florence Township: 
 .lohn was liist m.arried to .Miss Fliza Denllcr. now 
 dece.'ised; his second wife wa.- AHss Susan (iross. 
 and they live in T.ark Township. Nancv. .Mrs. 
 CMrli> rnwell. is a resident of Cass Connlv. Ilil> 
 Sl.ate; (ieorire married lldsey (ient/.ler. and llie\- 
 live on a farm in Constantine Township: Harriet. 
 .Mr~. l-'ranklin Denllcr. is a resident of I'arkville: 
 Heni'v T. is in business in Const.antine. Two .arc 
 deceased: Charles when nine months old. and Fli.a 
 when lifteen years of aire. 
 
 Mrs. Nancy (I'oe) Hamilton dcparled this life 
 at the family residema' in ( onst.antinc. ,lan. III. 
 IW\. She was a native of Stark County, Ohio, 
 and a lad\ irreatly respected by the people of this 
 county, who knew her so lonir and well. She cucour- 
 ajjed her husliami in his woithy ambitions and was 
 his true and faithful helpmate dnrinir all the vears 
 of their wedded life. Her parents were natives of 
 I'ennsylvania. .and the mother died in ( )|iio. the 
 father in C:i.ss County. .Mich. The Hamilton 
 f:imily is of Irish oriuiu. and is represented in 
 -Vmerica at a ver\ earlv period In its history, be- 
 fore the openini,' of the Kevolutionarv War. The 
 subject of this sketch is one of Its most worth\- 
 de.scendants. .a m.an who has left his mark anionir the 
 e.arly settlers of Soutluan >Hcliliran. .and who will 
 be remembered louir aftei' he has dcjiarlcd hence. 
 
 On both sifles the ijrand]>arents of Mr. Hamilton 
 took part In the struirirle for indepenilcnce. His 
 srrand fat hci'. Thomas Hamilton, enlered the pjilriot 
 army ;ls a private, but for irallanl .and nierltoriou.s 
 conihu'l w.as promoted to the rank of Captain, .and 
 served from the iK'-finninjr "f the war until inde- 
 |K'ndence was achieved. William, father of our 
 subject, speakinir of his fathci-. often told his chil- 
 dren wh.at had been told him by his p.arents: that 
 from the time he was six months old until he w;i> 
 over three years of aire he m-ver saw his f.athei'. 
 who diiriui; all tli.at tinn- wa.s with his couiinand in 
 the lield. Ketnrninir to the pursuit.- of peace he 
 
M^ 
 
 398 
 
 ,t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 s(-tllc(l (Inwn on n f:irm in Wayne t'ountv. Ohio. 
 :inil IhciL- till- old soldier lived many years toenjoy 
 tlic lilo.-isinsrs of peut-e wliicli liis sword had lielped 
 lu win. nnrinsr the second war with (ireat Britain 
 lie MLiain en.uaued in the service of iiis country, anit 
 was one of theiralhint l)and whodefen(h'd thefron- 
 lier aLrainst the incursions of the savajje allies of 
 tiie iSiitixh. Full of years and honors, the brave 
 |ialiinl passed aw.iy altout the year 182(). leavinjf 
 to his descendants a name of which they may well 
 lie proud. 
 
 Mr. Hamilton's maternal L>randfather. Insrniyer. 
 was also a Uevolutionai-y soldier, and irave his life 
 to his country, lieinvr killed in battle. 3Ir. Hamilton 
 an<l lii> descendants thus inherit on both sides a 
 love of liberty, one of the best bulwarks of a free 
 count i\ . 
 
 'iHOMAS t'ATTON is numbered among the 
 substantial farmers of St. Joseph County, 
 and is successfully can-yin": on agriculture 
 on section 3."), Constantiue Township. His farm is 
 well tilled and improved, yielding abundant har- 
 vests in repayment of his care and toil, and, aided 
 by his good wife, he has built up as neat and com- 
 fortable a home as one could desire. 
 
 ( )ur subject is a native-born citizen of C'ouslanliiie 
 Townsliii>. his birth having occurred here April 28, 
 1 84 1 , within a distanee of fiftj' rods of where he now 
 lives, and he m.ay be said to have grown up with 
 the township, as in his early days it can hardly have 
 been of any size or importance as regards popula- 
 tion and business. The parents of our subject. John 
 and Fanny (.Stears) Catton. were both natives of 
 England, having been born in Yorkshire. It is not 
 sl.-ited when they came to this country, but after 
 marriage they settled in Florence Township, this 
 county. They lived on different places in Pigeon 
 I'rairie until their death, the mother dying in 1877, 
 and the father in ists7. They had four children, of 
 whom our subject was the eldest. He was reared 
 on a farm, and receiveil the benefit of a common- 
 .seliool education. Since att.ainiiig man's estate he 
 has been engaged cliielly in farniliKr, with the ex- 
 ception of six years' experience in business as a 
 dealer in agricultural implements. He did very well 
 
 at that, but he preferred the freer and more health- 
 ful employment to which he had been reared, to the 
 close confinement necessitated bj' his business, and 
 he again resumed the pursuit of agriculture, giving 
 up his pl.ice in town, but still <lealing to some extent 
 in implements. lie has met with the success that 
 his labor and strict attention to work merit, and is 
 now the possessor of 120 acres of well-tilled land on 
 section 35, provi(lcd with comfortable buildings, 
 and the necessary appliances for farming. 
 
 The marriage of our subject with Miss Lottie 
 O'llarra was solemnized in Constantine Village. 
 Jul}' 17, I8G5, and their happj" union has been 
 blessed to them by the birth of two children, Fan- 
 nie O. and Hattie B. Mrs. Catton is a daughter of 
 the late Hugh t)"Harra, of Allen County, Ind., 
 where she was born Dec. 28, 1840. 
 
 Mr. Catton is a jjractical man of shrewd common 
 sense, who deals justly- and fairly with his neigh- 
 bors, who recognize him as eminently trustworth}' 
 and entitled to their full respect. He and his wife, 
 who is likewise held in high estimation, are sincere 
 Christians, and conduct themselves in accordance 
 with high (>rinciplcs. The}- arc active members of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has 
 been Steward and Trustee. He is influential as a 
 citizen, and while a resident of Constantine ^■dlage 
 was a mendier of the Village Board, and held the 
 responsible ollicc of Treasurer of that board for one 
 year. 
 
 *" " -H — 
 
 llj=^|Kl,A r. SC()\1I.1,K. M. I)., is one ..f the 
 ifM\\ ''■•"''".^ pli\sicians of St. .loscph Connl\. 
 l'(f^) II and he is also prominent in soci.al and po- 
 "^^y litical circles. He is pleasantly situated in 
 Constantine. where he and his wife have one of the 
 most iittractive homes to be foun<l within its limits. 
 He W!i.s an oflicer in the late Civil >\'ar. and won ;i 
 • listinguished leputation for bravery and fortitude 
 in the time that tried nu'u's souls. 
 
 Our subject is a son of Theodore M. .Scoville. of 
 whom sec sketch on another ))agef)f this work. He 
 was born in Collinsville. Lewis Co.. N. V.. .^ug. II. 
 1H43. The first five years of his life were pjissed 
 there on his father's homestea<l. and his parents 
 then reniovi'd to Conneaut ville. Crawford Co.. I'a, 
 
 
-4•■ 
 
 ■•»> 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 .3:»o 
 
 When he wa.< twelve ye.irs of a^e liis parents took 
 lip tlieir ivsidi'iu'c in Hiirkc. Dnni' Co. .Wis. 'I'lircc 
 venrs later the family seltleil in Warren. Oliiii. 
 Two years after tliat. our snlijerl. a lad of .seventeen 
 years, started out in the world fur himself. Previous 
 to that lime he had uaiiied the preliminaries of his 
 ediieatiun in the eoinmon sehools. and had attended 
 the Normal Seliool at Madixin. \\i>.. ;ind also at 
 Warren. Iliiio. lie then went to I'nion .Mills, 
 Krie Co.. l':i.. for the purpose of studying inedieine 
 with the late Dr. 11. K. I'helps. and wa.s with him 
 one year, lie «!Us inakiiiir rapid protjres!* in his 
 studies when the jrreat Keliellioii lnoke out. and 
 though he was amiiitious to lit himself for his pro- 
 fession ami to enter upon his duties, his intense 
 patriotism and love of eountry liore down all 
 things elsi'. ami at the lirst signal of distre.ss he 
 lliiiig ajiide all youthful liojies and aims and sprang 
 to the defense of the stars and stripes, enlisting in 
 the sjiring of IMtil for a term of three months, 
 .laii. ;». 1KI)2, the young hero again enlisteil, and 
 Iteeame a niemlier of the 12tli Pennsylvania Cav- 
 alry, with the rank of Sergeant, lie was suhse- 
 (piently promoted to be .Seeond Lieutenant of his 
 regiment. His seeond term of .serviee e.\tended to 
 .Iiily 2", lM(i,"). when he wits lionoralily di.seharged. 
 His regiment w:ls an independent organization, and 
 most of the time aeted .as seouts, and in lighting 
 .Mosli.\ "seommand and other guerrillas in the .Shen- 
 andoah \'alle.\-. Our sulijeet took part in many 
 important liattle.< and wa.s never found wanting in 
 liravery or devothni to the eause. and wa,s always 
 in his plaee in the heat of liattle. While seonting, 
 just previous to the battle of (lettyslmrg, having 
 twenty-live men under his eliarge, he was quite se- 
 verely woiiiideil, but he did not tlini'li and would 
 not allow hi:* wound to prevent his taking part in 
 the battle. At Winehester. \'a.. he al-u leeeivecl a 
 slight wound in the shoulder. 
 
 .\fter his retirement from mijitarv serviee .Mr. 
 S<-oville returned to C'rawforil t'ounty. Pa., and re- 
 Mimeil his me<lieal studies umh-r the direetioii of 
 Dr. Whitley, of Conneautville. lie remained with 
 him one year, and then entered the liiedienl depart- 
 ment of the I'nivei-sity .at .\nn .Vrbor. lli- was 
 gradiiate<l from that institution in the spriiii; of 
 \xi\X. and tliii.- well eipii|>ped entered iipnii the 
 
 praetiee of Ins profession at .Mottville. in this 
 eoiinty. lie <-ontiiMied there eleven years, lb- 
 then established himself in Constantine. where he 
 hits built lip :iii extensive praetiee. lie is ver\ 
 popular, .and is the beloved physieian in many a 
 household, where his presenee has brought healing 
 and stayed the eoniing of the .Vngel of Death. 
 
 Dr. Scoville and .Miss .lennie Ilutehisoii were 
 unit«'d in marriage in Constantine. in l««(i. .she 
 is a daughter of the late .lames lliitehison. and w:ls 
 born in Mottville Township, this county. The 
 Doctor and lii> wife have a flue, well-appointeil 
 rcsidenee on Washingtcju street, and their ple.-isant 
 household eirele is eoni|)lcteil by the presenee of 
 their little son. C harles S. 
 
 The Doctor has attained liis present high pii>iliiiii 
 a.s a member of the medical profession in ,St. .UKsi-ph 
 County solely by the exercise of talents of a high 
 order, seconded by worthy ambitions and an in- 
 domitable will. At one time he was obligeil to rcliii- 
 (piish a part of an extensive i)racticc. .ts his health 
 threatened togiveiyay on .account of his devotion to 
 his beloved calling, but his heiUth has improved, 
 and he is once again in active practice. lie is 
 liromiiieiitly identified with the .Masonic fraternity. 
 Iieing a member of Constantine Chapter No. (>!, 
 H. A.: of Three Rivers Conimanderv No. 2il. K. 
 T.. and he is at present, and has lieen for the Last 
 three years. .Master of Sijoain Lodge No. .'i.'i. 1-". .V- 
 A. .M. lie h.a.s taken (piite an active jinrt in po- 
 litical matters, and is in full .sympathy with the 
 Democratic part\-. 
 
 \I/ KVI T. IIl'LL, editor and proprietor of the 
 ll (^' '^'' •^"^''P^' ('"Hilly .\<li'fi'tisi'r, is a native of 
 jli^ Monroe County. N. Y.. born Feb. 14. 1830, 
 his parents being Henj.amin I), and Polly (Ilecox) 
 Hull. The Hull family are of Knglisli descent, but 
 for many generations have been settled in America, 
 in fact long prior to the Revolution. The father of 
 cmr subject was born in the State of New York, liv- 
 ing there until 1838. when he removed from Niagara 
 County to Washtenaw Comity. .Mich., where he 
 renteil and ran a sawmill. He died, however, in 
 
 August of the following year, at Augusta, in that 
 
 •► ^ ■l ^ 
 
400 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 county. His widow survived him but two years, 
 dying in Saline Township, in the same county, in 
 June, 1841. 
 
 Our subject was thus al an early age thrown on 
 his own resources, and had to make his own wa}- in 
 the world. How well he profited b3' the lessons of 
 ndversit}' is shown by his subsequent c.-uccr. Soon 
 after the death of his father be was taken into the 
 family of Austin Converse, in Briilgewatcr Town- 
 ship, Washtenaw Count}'. Here he lived and worked 
 until 1848, heli)ing to cle,ir and develop a farm in 
 the heavy timber which then covered that count}-. 
 In the year name<l, being eighteen years of age, he 
 determined to learn a trade, and entered the office 
 of the Ann Arbor Anjus to acquire the trade of a 
 printer. In that establishment he remained until 
 the spring of 18.50. when he came to St. Joseph 
 County, and leased the otiice and business of the Si. 
 Joseph Ctiuiity A(l'-ertis<>)\ which was then published 
 at Centreville. In June, 18.")1, he removed the paper 
 to Constantine, where he has ever since published 
 it, having subsequently purchased it. 
 
 June 10, 1853, Mr. Hull was married to Helen 
 Gray, daughter of Hurr D. and Amy Gray. The 
 former died in Constanliiie. in 1871, and the latter 
 in Cold water, Mich., in 1870, she being at that time 
 stayirg there temporarily. Mrs. Hull was born at 
 Charlotte, Chittenden Co., Vt., July 7, 1831. This 
 marriage has been blessed bj- the birth of six chil- 
 dren, of whom one died, an unnamed infant. The 
 survivors are: lA>e G., who followed in his father's 
 fuotsti'ps. and is now foreman in the office of the 
 Herahl at Morris, III.; Fred A. is employed in the 
 t)nice of the Newspaper Union at Fort Wayne. Ind. ; 
 AVarren C. is Superintendent of Schools in Albion. 
 Jlich. ; Helen L. is the wife of Rev. Bastian Sniits, 
 l)astor of the Congregatitmal Church in Constan- 
 tine; and Henry H.. also a printer, assists his father 
 in the newspa|)er ollice. 
 
 The entire adidt life of Mr. Hull has been p;is.-e(l 
 in Constanlinc, where he is as well and favorably 
 known as any citizen in this part of the county. 
 His journal, which he conducts in a clean and 
 wholesome manner, circulates largely in the village 
 and county, and exercises a wideinfluence for good. 
 While Mr. Hull is personally a stanch Republican, 
 his aim is to make a local newspaper which will be a 
 
 welcome visitor in ever}' family in the county, and 
 in that desire he is meeting with gratifying success. 
 Mr. Hull h.as been called by his fellow-citizens to 
 fill positions of trust and responsibility. He has 
 been Township Clerk, for about twenty years a 
 Justice of the Peace, was a member of the Consti- 
 tutional Convention of 18C7, Assistant Assessor of 
 Internal Revenue for years, and until the office was 
 abolished; Collector of Internal Revenue for the 
 .Second District of Michigan from 1873 until the 
 district was discontinued in lS7t>, and was Deputy 
 Collector from 1870 to 1881. In all the positions 
 he discharged their duties in a manner highly cred- 
 itable to himself and satisfactory both to his con- 
 stituents and his superior ollicers. As a man he is 
 respected by all who know him, and as an editor his 
 opinions have much weight in the community of 
 which for nearly forty years he has been an hon- 
 ored member. 
 
 - ♦>r^«C-< 
 
 1^1 RS. MARY A. COOK. Too nnuli credit 
 cannot be given to the noble men and wo- 
 Si men. who. during the early settlement of 
 .St. Jc>sepli County, strenghlened the hand> 
 of their husbands in battling with the diHicultie,- 
 of pioneer life, and bravely encouraged them in 
 their worlliy ambitions of subduing a ]H)rtion of 
 the Great West an<l providing the way for the ad- 
 vance of a l:iter civilization. .\s a ty|)e of one of 
 these, the lady whose life history we briefly note 
 deserves more than a passing mention. .She is now 
 ap|iroaching lier threescore years and ten. and after 
 a well-spent lifr is ijiiit'lly jiassing her declining 
 vears at a |ile;isant home in Motlville. surrounded 
 bv hosts of friends, who only name her but to 
 praise. 
 
 Mrs. Cook was lioni in Northumberland County. 
 I'm.. .\ug. l!l. 182". and is a daughter of .lolin and 
 Catherine (.Mover) lla.-<s. .lohn Hass. alsoa native 
 of the Keystone State, was born in the year 1777. 
 and pursued the [n'aceful occupation of farming. 
 He was a good man in all that Ihc Icrni implies, 
 a member of the Lutheran Church, and after the 
 organization of the Republiean p.-ii'ty became one 
 
-4•- 
 
 ^^•^h-^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ■101 
 
 of it's staiH'hcsl adherents. His wife. Catlierine, 
 was lioni the sjiiiie year as himself. ami hutli passed 
 away in Mil. the ileeease of the father oeeiirriiiir 
 May l.'i. and that of the mother M:ircli .'i. 
 
 .Miss .Mary A. Mass was llrsl married to .lohii 
 Shirts, liy whom >lie lieeame the mother of two chil- 
 dren, who are lioth residents of Montana: .Vinelia 
 married .lolin ( urr. and is the nn)ther of two chil- 
 dren; Toliias m:irried .Mi.-s Susan l.nlirink. and he 
 is the fathei' of eiicht children. 
 
 ( )ur snlijeet after havinfr liveil a widow some 
 time was married to William Cook. Dee. M. I8.")0. 
 Mr. Cook was horn in (Jenesee County. N. V.. in 
 iMill. :ind died Sept. 7. 1.-<M. lie came to .Miehi- 
 iran Territory as i^arly as IH.'l.'i. and for forty-eiirht 
 yeais thereafti-r lived the life of an upright and 
 praiseworthy citizen. Politically, lie atliliated with 
 the Demoeratie party, ami socially, was a mendu'r 
 of the I. ( >. (). F. In relisjions matters he was 
 a consistent memher of the Methodist I'.piseopal 
 CInirch. to which .Mrs. Cook also helonus. 
 
 To Mr. .and Mrs. Cook there were horn live chil- 
 ilren. one of whom. Willard. is a resident of .South 
 Frankfort, this State: his twin lirother. William, is 
 ileceased. l-'.mma is the wife of Sanim-l Fnrl\ . ami 
 they reside with .Mrs. Cook: .Vliee is the wife of 
 .lohn llarker. and lives at Kdward>linru:. this State: 
 llcrmeo m.arriecl William Fro>l. and they livt- in 
 South Frankfort. 
 
 -;»»!»> 
 
 ->^^ 
 
 ■ '^♦tf^ 
 
 i= 
 
 J'OSKPH W. UKIFF is a native-born citizen 
 of St. Joseph County, Constantino Township, 
 where ho h.as passeil the most of his life, 
 having been the place of his birth, and Jan. 
 (), 1838, the date thereof, and since early manhood 
 he has been an inip»)rL'int factor in developing and 
 sustaining its great agricultmal intcrt-sts .is one of 
 the most intelligent and skillful farmers of this com- 
 ninnity. His farm on section lo, in point of ctdti- 
 vation, valuable improvements and neat appearance, 
 ranks with the best in his neighborhood. 
 
 Our subject's parents, Abram and Catherine K. 
 (Kutter) KcifT, were pioneers of St. Joseph Count}', 
 coming here in IS.'iO, when the country ronndahont 
 41 
 
 was still in its primitive wildncss, it being but 
 sparsely settled here and there in the wilderness, and 
 casting; In their lot with the early settlers of Con- 
 stanline Township who had preceded them. They 
 were natives t>f Pennsylvania, and after marriage 
 made their home for awhile in Berks County, that 
 Stall'. Three years after settling in this townshi)) 
 they returned to Pennsylvania to revisit their old 
 home and friends, and there, amid the scenes of his 
 youth and early manhood, the father of our subject 
 departed this life. To him and his wife h.ad been 
 born four sons: Isaac H., wlu) resides near Constan- 
 tino Village; Franklin II., who died in \'andalia, 
 Cass Countj'. this State, in February, 1883, leaving 
 a wife auvl three children; Joseph W. ; and Horace, 
 who died when a lad of six years. 
 
 The mother of our subject was married a second 
 time in the s[)ring of 180 1, becoming the wife of 
 Nathan .Syas. .She and her husband settled in this 
 county near the village of Constantine, where he 
 died. Mrs. .Syas dieil in Vandalia. Cass Count}', 
 June 1'2. 1.S74, while there on a visit. 
 
 Joseph was an infant of about six months when 
 his father died, and he was Anally brought hack 
 from Pennsylvania to his native place by his uncle, 
 George Rutter, and he was reared to manhood on 
 his father's farm in this townshii), where his mother 
 continued to reside until her second marriage. He 
 was educated partly in the common schools, ami 
 subsetpiently had the benefit of one term at a good 
 graded school in the village of Constantine. Since 
 atUiining man's estate he has engaged chiefly in 
 .agricultural pursuits with gratifying success, and 
 now owns liO acres of fine fanning land, on which 
 he has a substantial set of buildings. 
 
 October 1, 1803, our subject took an im|)ortJint 
 step toward the upbuilding of his present home by his 
 marriage to Miss Klida Fitzsimmons. in Constantine 
 N'illage. She is, like her husband, a native of St. 
 Joseph County, having been born in Florence Town- 
 ship, March '28, 1844. She is a daughter of William 
 and Anna (.Morrison) Fitzsimmons. natives of the 
 .State of New York. They came to St. Joseph 
 County in 1844, and settled in F'lorenee Township. 
 The_v afterward removed tf> Centreville, where Mrs. 
 Fitzsimmons died Sept. IH, 1846. Mr. Fitzsim- 
 mons is still a resident of Centreville. They had 
 
Jt 
 
 <^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 402 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 two children: Henrietta, who died when five years 
 Dili, and Elida, Mrs. Reiff. 
 
 Mr. Ueiff is possessed of sagacity, forethought 
 and energy, so combined witli prudence, thrift, and 
 steadiness of purpose, that iiis success in his calling 
 was assured from the start, and he is now in com- 
 fortable circumstances. He and his wife are people 
 of easy, pleasant manners, and their home, the seat 
 of true hospitalit}-, is attractive alike to friend and 
 stranger. Mr. Keiff is inllucutial in public affairs, 
 and takes an active interest in politics, being one 
 of the leading Republicans of this place. He has 
 been Commissioner of Highwaj-s for five years, and 
 has been zealous in improving the traveling facili- 
 ties of this region. He has also held various 
 school olHces, and has done what he could to pro- 
 mote the educational interests of the townsliii). 
 
 -' SI g -^^^sf-M- 
 
 VK^ORMAN IIAIvVKY, decca.xed, wa.s for more 
 I jji than three tlccades one of the mo.st proini- 
 \vs,xL] nent and cntei prising citizens of St. .losej)!! 
 ('(lunly. and a> one of its pioneers and IjU.siness men 
 liiirc a distinguished i)arl in promoting its growth 
 and advancing it.s agricultural, manufacturing, 
 commercial and financial interests. Coming here 
 in l«;5.'i. while still in the prime of early manhood, 
 he at once identifieti himself witli the interests of 
 Constantine Township, and made them his own 
 until the d.ay of his death. 'I'hus, under his eves 
 .•ind with his energetic .nssistance the present site of 
 the township that he found in the depths of the 
 foi-est primeval with a few straggling log cabins .as 
 the only evidence of the white man's i)resence, has 
 gradually changed t<> a line, highly productive 
 farming country, with many pleasant homes and a 
 busy. |>opuli)Us village, where commerce and manu- 
 factures fiourish. 
 
 Mr. Harvey was a fine representative of an hon- 
 orable New Kngland ancestry, and he was himself 
 liorn in that section of the country, June 2;J, 1807, 
 the pietty town of Rupert, Rennington (\)., Vt., 
 being his birthplace. His father. K|ihraim Harvey, 
 was a native of the same .State, and his mother, 
 I'ainelia Harwood, was of a well-known A'ermont 
 fainilv. His father was a farmer, and oui- subiect 
 
 w.as reared on the old homestead. His opixjrtuni- 
 ties for an education were somewhat better than 
 were ac-corded to farmers' lads in the early years of 
 this century, for besides the common-school privi- 
 leges that he enjoyed in liis Ijoyhood. he attendeil 
 the academy at Salem. N. Y., and diligently pur- 
 sued a goo<l course of instruction there which 
 ami)ly (jualified him for the profession of teacher, 
 and in his younger days he taught school during 
 the winter months for sever.al years. In lK2ft his 
 marriage with Rhoda, daughter of Seth and Rho<la 
 Moore, of Rupert, was consummated, and in 183."5. 
 with his wife and two children, our sul>ject re- 
 moved to St. Joseph County, this State, where he 
 began the life of a pioneer. By active labor he 
 cleared a valuable farm of 400 acres, two and oiie- 
 iialf miles north of C<mstantine, on which he re- 
 sided twenty-two years. In 18,")o Mr. Harvey 
 removed to Constantine Milage, and became ex- 
 tensively engaged in various kinds of business — 
 farming, milling, manufacturing, real-estate and 
 mercantile operations, one and all engaged his 
 attention. He always took a lively interest in any 
 sdienie looking toward the advancement of the 
 material interests of the county and township, .•iiid 
 as one of the founders of the First National 15ank 
 of CiHistantine was very active in procuring its 
 establishment in this village, and he was one of its 
 Directors until the time of his de.ath. Our subject 
 was .scarcely past middle age. in the period of his 
 greatest usefulness, and his friends might reason- 
 ably have hoped that he woidd be spared to tln'ui 
 many years longer. Rut it was not to be. and A]jril 
 17, 18ti(). he passed to the life beyond. This sad 
 event w,as a severe blow to tiic business interests of 
 Constantine. ami in hi> death iii;uiy lost a vahieil 
 friend. 
 
 Mr. Harvey was a m:in of warm liearl and large 
 brain, uniting tirmnessand dignity of character with 
 great natural sweetness of disposition and suavity 
 of manner, and as he was always genial and helpful 
 to those aln)ut him, his friendships among all chusses 
 were many and warm. He w.as, however, .seen at 
 the best a<lvantage in his home amidst his loved 
 ones: as a husband, he wjis thoughtful and tender; 
 as a father, he was affectionate and always devoted 
 tf) the interests of his children. In his business re- 
 
-4«- 
 
 ••► 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 10;} 
 
 4 
 
 Intidiis Mr. ll!H\i'\ W!is faitlifiil aiul Inistwuillix . 
 :iii(l as siU'li a malt was iictMlcd in the irniilaiu'c i>f 
 piililic- affairs, lie was oflvii incsscd liy liis fi'llow- 
 i-iti/.ons to take civic positions, the ullice cvcrscck- 
 iiisj tlic mail, and not the man tlic otlicc. and for 
 several years he acted in the varitius eajiacities of 
 Sn|H»rvisor of tlie ■ towiislii|i, .liisiicc of the Peace, 
 and was an incnnilieiit of various iniinn- olllces. 
 ( )iir suliject was never hickiiiir in <h'vi)tiiiii In his 
 own relijfious convictions, and also iiever imiuiiid- 
 ful nf the respect ;ind sympatliy due to those who 
 differed most widely from him. In e.-iriy iiiaiihixid 
 he united witli the C'ontrregational ('lunch at Kii- 
 pert. \'l.. Imt after leaviiifj his old home aniinij;- 
 the New Kn«rlaiid hills and coininir to this State, 
 he liecaine an attendant at and snpporter of the 
 Reformed (Inirch at Coiistantiiu'. 
 
 The wife of our siiltjei-t. Klioda .Mo<ire. was horn 
 in Knpert. \'t.. in Kehniarv. 1«08. and died in Con- 
 stantine. .March it. IM'.i. She hore an estimahle 
 t-liaracter and wiis a sincere Christian, whose death 
 was widely mourned. .Slie was the mother of ten 
 .sons .•iiid two daiiijhters. five of whom now survive, 
 and all residents of (onstantine. N. II. and 1). .M. 
 are farmers; .1. M. is coniiecteil witli the floiiriiiji;- 
 mill and the First National P.ank: \\. \\. is e.-tshier 
 of that hank, and also connected with the mill. an<l 
 Minerva A. is the wife of (ieorge 1. Crossett. of 
 whom see sketch on another pajie. Those deceaseil 
 wt'ie named: Charles .M...Setli .M.. Lyman 1'.. Will- 
 iam S.. Scth M.. IJhoda P. and Cephav 
 
 ON. i;i)\V.\l!l) W. I'HNDl.KTCLN. This 
 ifciitleman retired from active liiisinesssome 
 time since, and is now livini; at a line home 
 n the city of Stnriris. lie is familiarl\' 
 known to a larjje proportion of the residciit.s of 
 this county. ha.vin<; cjusl his lot with its |K'ople in 
 li^'ri. His earliest recollections are of a modest 
 home in Fulton County. N. V.. where his hirlli 
 took place Dei-. i:i. 1H2.'). 
 
 Henry and Hannah (Wheeler) Pendleton, the 
 parents of our subject, were natives of Connecti- 
 cut anil New York respectively, the father hi'injj 
 horn in Ocloher. Ixno. He wa- a farmer liv oceii- 
 
 p.'iliun. :! iii:mi of ^mod liusincss capacities, ami liveil 
 to attain his threescore ye;ii-^ and ten. pa.ssinjj 
 away Oct. 20. IK7(I. 
 
 The fjitlier of our »ulijecl U'ft the Ijiipire Stale 
 in 1H.1."). and coiiiinu; to .Michiiran. settled in ISiirr 
 Oak Township, wlicre he Ipecanic owner of a ifoodly 
 tiael of l.iiid. Al the time of his death he had dis- 
 posed of all liiit 12H acres. He traced his ances- 
 try to Knjrl.Miid. his trraiidfathcr liavins; lieeii .Maj. 
 IJaync Pendleton. He spent his last years in IJiirr 
 t>;ik. this county. The father of our suliject was 
 independent in politics, and althoiiirh not a meiii- 
 i lier of any religious denomination, he lived an up- 
 right life, aiming to perform his iluty toward his fel- 
 lowincn. and socially, a memlicr of the 1. O. O. F. 
 
 Mrs. Hannah Pendleton, our suliject's mother, 
 was horn in IHlll. and died when comparatively a 
 young woman, in IMlK. in Orleans County. N. V. 
 She wius of Knglish and .Scotch <lescent. and a Bap- 
 tist in religion. Of her union with Henry Pendle- 
 ton there were horn eleven children, namely : .Sarah 
 I... living near Denver. Col.: F-dward W.. our 
 suliject: l-;iiza {'.. Charles 11.. .lon.-ithan .M.. .lames 
 M.. William 11.. Ira W. and l).ill;is M.: two died in 
 infiincy iiiinanicil. .Nine of Ihc childreii iixi'dln 
 mature years, and six are now living. 
 
 The suliject of this sketch was reared to mair 
 IiikkI on the farm, and pursued his first studies in 
 the district school. Later he attended .Vlliion Sem- 
 I iiiary one term. In .Manh. IKllf. he went to 
 California. Iiy way of the Isthnuis of Panama, 
 and tliroiighoiit the winter following conducted 
 a lioarding-house in San Francisco. During this 
 time there were two camps in the neigliliorli<iod of 
 similar names, one hcing Culver and the other Col- 
 lier. 'I'lie first-nameil w.is |)resided over hy the 
 l{ed .Lncket Company, and the latter had liei-n doiiii; 
 some mischief to the Chilians. The l.-itter. in onler 
 to revenge themselves. fire<l into the Culver camp 
 through mistake, killing two of the lied .lai-ket 
 men. the suliject of this sketch iH-iiig ab.sent at that 
 time in Saii Franci.sco: this event naturally created 
 iiiiich cxciti'inenf in that region. 
 
 .>h-, Pendleton in the spring following retiii'iied 
 t*i the mines, where he remained one year on a claim 
 which he had taken up. and then returneil home, 
 after li.avini: heeii aliseiit t wenty-eiiiht months. The 
 
•►-Hl^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 404 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 4 
 
 experiment in tiie meantime had jnuved (jiiite prof- 
 itable. In tiie fall of 18i>l he made his* way to t'hi- 
 easro. 111., where he i)ureh.'L-ied horses, wliieli he 
 shipi>ed to Albany for .sile. In 18.52 he eame to 
 .Aliehis^an, loeateil in ,'>tnrgis, and establi.-^lied him- 
 self in the hotel and livery bnsiness. 
 
 On the l:*t of October, 18iji). our .■<ul)jeet having 
 laid the basis of a future eompetenee. w;is united in 
 marriage with Mrs. Kveline L. (Heard) Moore, who 
 was born in .St. Lawrence County, N. Y., Jan. 'J, 
 1831. Her parents were John and Persis (Peten- 
 gill) Heard, natives of Vermont. The father was 
 born in 1795. was a farmer by oeeui)ation. and died 
 :it his home in Kalamazoo County. Mieh.. in 1872. 
 The mother, who was born in 1800. survived her 
 husband a period of eleven years, her death Utking 
 place in 1883. They were the parents of twelve 
 children, namely: Caroline. Adaline. Cieorge. War- 
 ren. Samuel P.. Kveline 1... l.miisa K.. llolden. 
 Maria A.. William J.. Dexter and I.everette. They 
 all lived lo mature years. Dexter died in the army 
 during the Civil War in 18^2. and nine are now 
 living. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Pendleton after their marriage .set- 
 tled in Sturgis. where they have since lived. Of this 
 \inion there is one child only, a son. Kdward W.. 
 .Ir.. who w.ns born March 6. 18(i3. lie is now a 
 pharmacist by profession. He was gratluated from 
 the Military Academy at Orchard Lake in 1883. 
 Hoth father and son are Knights Templars in Ma- 
 sonry, with which fraternity Mr. Pendleton became 
 identified as early as 1854. and has been one of the 
 active workers in the order. His e.stimable wife be- 
 longs t^i Eastern Star Lodge, and has ollieiated as 
 (irand Matron of the State of ^lichigan. besides 
 occui)ying .all of the other ollices of the order. She 
 has also been State Treasurer for the hist six years, 
 and takes a lively interest in matters pertaining 
 tlicreto. Mrs. Pendleton is a very intelligent and 
 cultured Christian lady, keeping up with her hns- 
 liaud upon the leading (piestions of the day. an<l 
 coinciding with him in iMililics. tliey being both in- 
 deiH-ndent. 
 
 Mr. Pendleton was elected to the .Michigan Legis- 
 lature in 1878. and during his term of service wjus 
 on important committees. He held the ollice of 
 .Justice of the Pe.ace for a period of eight years, and 
 ^ 
 
 has been prominently connectcil with the School 
 Hoard for a long season. He- serve<l in 1885 .as 
 Deputy SherilT. and w.ns particularly cHicient in 
 ferreting out a gang of counterfeiters who were 
 oiK-ratiug at that time in M. .lo>i'ph County. He 
 was one of the jjrimc movers in the building of the 
 public librar\- at Sturgis, which was estalilished in 
 1884. Of this he w.as the first President, and was 
 instrumental in securing a permanent funil so that 
 the public should be sup[)lied with free reading 
 matter. ^Irs. Pendleton has been a leading spirit 
 among the temperance peojile of this county, doing 
 ellicient service, and contributing liberally of her 
 time to this most important work. 
 
 -^-^iVHi^^^:^-^ 
 
 ENRY STULL, .'1 re[)resentative farmer and 
 pioneer citizen of Hurr Oak Township, came 
 to this section of countiy when the cabins 
 of the settler were few and far between. 
 His homestead comprises 120 acres of good land on 
 section 17. where he has labored to excellent ad- 
 vantage, and surrounded himself and famil}' with 
 all the comforts of life. 
 
 Our subject was born in MitUin County, Pa., 
 township of Keeler, Jan. 29, 1820, and is the son 
 of Barnhardt and Elizabeth (Goss) Stull, the for- 
 mer a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of 
 what was then Cnion County, Pa. The father was 
 a farmer bj- occupation. Barnhardt Stull and his 
 excellent wife were people highly respecteil in their 
 community, and after well-spent lives passed away 
 at their home in Pennsylvania. 
 
 The sid)ject of this sketch when a yoniig man 
 twenty-four yeai-s of .age left his native Slate and 
 took up his residence in Seneca County, Ohio, lo- 
 cating on a tract of land in Thompson Township, 
 where he carried on farming twelve years. He 
 had, prior to leaving his n.ative count3-, been mar- 
 ried, in 1839, to Miss Elizabeth Decker, who w.as 
 born in Union County, Pa., Jan. 25, 1821, and who 
 is the daughter of Henry and Mary A. (W.agner) 
 Decker, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and 
 spent their last years, the former in Ohio, and the 
 latter in Michigan. To our subject and his es- 
 timable wife there were born four children, namely : 
 -•►- 
 
■1^ 
 
 J 
 
 ^^:^<^ck''z-<^o^cyia1' 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 407 
 
 Harvey, Amanda, Lovina und Charles. The j'oung- 
 est son is the only child living, and he remains on 
 the homestead with his parents. lie was married, 
 in 1«7."), to .Mi:sS Kliza, daughter of I-'rederic-k II. 
 and Clara liastian, of dinger Lake, and they have 
 three children. Charles is the owner of eighty 
 acres lying north of his father's land, and, like the 
 latter, is full of encrg}- and enterprise. Mr. Stull, 
 politically, votes the sliaight Democratic ticket, 
 and is a member in good standing of the Dutch Re- 
 formed Church at Colon. 
 
 »M£C.'©^r' 
 
 '-S!-SW!'3»»v 
 
 ON. .lo.NAllI.VN \\. I-1,A.M)|;KS. atlor- 
 ney-at-law. is a worthy representative t»f 
 ^ the intelligent. indeiK-ndcnt and enterpris- 
 ing citizens of Sturgis. where he has lived, 
 a respected and honored man. for morethiiu thirty 
 years, lie is oT good New Kngland origin, having 
 lieen horn in Colebrook. X. II.. April IH. 1«22. 
 Ills ancestors were natives of (Jermany. who emi- 
 grated to Wales, thence, during the reign of ( ieorgc 
 III. came to the Inited States, and at oni'c took 
 their rightful position among the intelligent, nnjral 
 and law-aliiding citizens of the country. ,\ greal- 
 un«'le of our siilijcct was at one time a profes.-.or in 
 Dartmouth College, and other mem hers of the family 
 have <K'cupicil worthy iH)sitioiis. havliig hccn edu- 
 cated and upright men. 
 
 Kzekiel Flanders, the grandfather of our sul)ject, 
 enlisted .-is a private in the Continental .Vrmy when 
 only si.xteen years of age. and fought during the 
 entire devolution. Francis Flanders, father of our 
 subject, a niitive of Sutton, \t.. w:is a soldier in the 
 War of IHI2. After his nnirriage he lived for >ome 
 years in New Hampshire, then. (U-sirinj; a change, 
 in February. 1M2«. nn)vcd with his f.imily to New 
 Vork. and located in Canandaign.-i. lie remained 
 there until l«ll. when he :ig:iin emigrated with his 
 family still farther West, settling in Fawn Hiver 
 Town-hip. this county, where he engaged in the 
 wiMilen business. He was a Democrat in politics, 
 and held the otlice of .lustice of the I'eace during 
 the la>l twenty years of his life: also l*ostnnt»ter 
 for M'verai years; both of said ollices beheld at the 
 
 time of his death. He was a charter member and 
 First Worshipful .Master of Meridian Sun l,o(li,'c. 
 of Sturgis. 
 
 The subjeil of our >kt't( li was .-i xoung child 
 when lie left the liill> of lii> ii:iti ve .New Ilamjtshire. 
 and liis ciliu-ation was begun in the district sclioojs 
 of Can.nndaigua. N. Y., where he lived until tlic 
 renunal of his parents to this State. For four 
 yeai-s after coming to F'awn Hiver our suj>jcct 
 :»ssisteil his father in his business, then, in IMI.'i. 
 returned to Canandaigua and complete<l his law 
 studies, lieing admitted to the New Vork bar in 
 18411. .Vfter practicing his profession in that Stale 
 for cme \ear. our subject came to Fawn Hiver and 
 helped his father to build a large woolen factorv. and 
 jussisted in the management of thi' business until 
 18;')G. August .') of that year he opened a law 
 (,)flice in Sturgis. where he has since been busilv 
 employed in his profession. He is the pioneer at- 
 torney of ihix place, and. witii the cxccpticm of one 
 retired lawyer, of St. .loscpli County. He was jid- 
 miltcd to practice in thi> State in lM."i2. ami in the 
 I 'nited States Court in \HC,V). He has a clear. <lis- 
 ccrning intellect, great decision of character, is an 
 able and lluent s|)eakei-. and hmidles his cases with 
 a high degree of judgment, evincing in the plainest 
 nnmner close resc.Micli and careful -tudv in their 
 preparation. His work is never faulty or neglected. 
 b\it compares favorably with the best efforts of the 
 attorneys of the State. }>lv. Flanders hx- been 
 retained in many import,ant cases, and while livin;: 
 ill l-'awn IJiver wxs counsel for T.-iyne. in the cele- 
 bralcil damage suit. f,ee rn, I'ayue. the case havin>; 
 licen carried to the Supreme Court. He is also 
 frequently retaiiiecl in criminal >nit>. liaxing been, 
 during the war. counsel in the murder cxse. the 
 I'eople m. .Mien, and in m:iii\ olber iin|Kirlant 
 cnses. 
 
 The marriage of the Hon. .1. W . Flanders with 
 .Miss Kli/.abeth Sutherland daughter of the late 
 .losiah Siillierland. of Canandaigua. .N. '^■.. took 
 place Sept. 22. IH.'iT. .Mrs. Fi.-inders was a woman 
 of rare personal worth, a devoted wife, intelligent 
 cum|mnion. a loving, tender mother, and her death, 
 which occiirrefl May 2, IHT'.I. was a sail blow to her 
 alllicted liouseliold. She iMjn- her husband one 
 child. .lohn S.. who married Miss Henrietta, daugh- 
 
 i 
 
M- 
 
 408 
 
 ±. 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ter of William Stiirsis. and jfranddaiiwliter of the 
 late .hidirc -lolin Sl\iiiris. one of the tiist settlers of 
 this county. 'I'liey liave one ehild. Ilenrv 1. In 
 polities he is a jn-offressive and airj,'ressive Dennj- 
 erat. and lias aided his son in eslalili.'-hing the news- 
 paper known as tlie Michkian Demorrat. piililished 
 at Stiiriris. 
 
 Soeiallv. our >iiliject is a charter member (if the 
 Commanderv, a M.osonie order, of Sturgis, and had 
 the order of kniirhthood conferred on him in the 
 Cokhvater Cdnun.andcry. Althoujih he has several 
 times accepted the nnmin.-itinn for Prosecuting At- 
 torney and for Circuit .ludge. at one time running 
 on the Democratic ticket, he cares not for public 
 otlice. He has also been a candidate f(ir the State 
 Legislature, and in IHHl fur I'residi'Utial Klectoi-. 
 He is a thorouuhly honest, sipiaie-dealing man. 
 possessing in the highest degree the coMl'Hlcncc of 
 his clients, wlio fre(piently entrust witli liini laigc 
 sums of money to invest for them. 
 
 The portrait of Mr. I'landers is [H'oentcd on an 
 adjoining page. 
 
 4 
 
 ^=^1{AXK H. .VIXCKH. ])ulilisher. jiroprietor 
 
 Pfi ami editor of the Sturgis Jnuriial. one of 
 the m(tsl iiilhienlial and ably conducted 
 country papers in the Stirtc of Michigan, is not 
 only conspicuous as a journali>t. but as a hading 
 and public-spirited citizen of SI. .loscph County. 
 
 Our sulijecl was born in Chagrin Falls. Cu\ahoga 
 Co.. Ohio. .\ug. 2!t. \»:>-i: llis father. William 
 W. Ainger. a leading lawyer, well-known anil 
 patriotic citizen of that State, died in the ]irime of 
 life in ISIU. while recruiting soldiers for the late 
 war. riic mother of our subject, whose iruaiden 
 name was Nan<'V Hrainard. wasa nativeof Fremont. 
 ( Hiio. and a woman of wide information and fertile 
 intellect. To her and her husban<l were born live 
 children, of whom Frank 15. was the youngest. 
 The others are Daniel 1!.. Charles F.. .Marcia .\. 
 (.Mrs. Armour) and Clara .V. (Mr-;. Wheeler). 
 Daniel 15. is Adjutant (ieneral of .Michigan. lie 
 was formerly l'ostnni>ter at Washington. 1). ('..and 
 was once also a nuiierintcndcnl of railway mails. 
 
 .Mr. .Vinger. of wlnim we write, went with his 
 l)arents to Fremont. Ohio, in IHt)."), and thence to 
 
 Napoleon, in the same .State, in 1807. In the latter 
 town he learned the printer's trade iu the Henry 
 Ontiily Signal oHIce. that paper having been 
 established by his brfither and uncle. Subsequently 
 our sidiject went to JIaumee. Ohio, in 1H7;?. to 
 accept the i)osition of foreman on the .Maumee 
 City Advertiser. In the same fall he went to 
 liryaii. Ohio, as foreman and city editor of the 
 Bryan Press. In January. 1874. he bought the 
 Deliance (Ohio) Ejq)ress. and conducted it until 
 aftei' the Hayes and Tilden campaign in 1M7(!. In 
 the spring of 1877 he sold that paper, and returning 
 to Hryan. resumed his former jiosition on the 
 Press. In the fall of 1878 he established the 
 Middleville Blade, in Barry County. Mich., and 
 conducted it until the month of December, when he 
 disposed of it iu order to accept the e<litorial and 
 business management of the Charlotte (Mich.) 
 HfpuhJican. the jn'operty of his brother, the 
 (u-neral.who had been a])i>ointed Superintendent' 
 of Hallway Mails. Our subject acted in his com- 
 bined capacity of editorial manager until A|iril. 
 188:5. .\t that date he came tt^i Sturgis and leased 
 the Journal for one year, but before the expira- 
 tion of that time he was apix)inted railway mail 
 clerk 1)11 the Michigan Central, between (iraiul 
 Itapiils and Jackson. After a few months he re- 
 signed that position to return to the fields <if 
 journalism, buying the Journal, which he has 
 since conducted with signal success. This pajx'r 
 was established in 18(;0 by Hon. J. O. Wait, of 
 Stur'i:is. one of the most prominent business men 
 ;inil politicians in Soutlii'iu Michigan, .'iiid it w.as 
 under his luanagcnient for several years. Mi\ 
 Aiiiirer was married in (iodfiey. 111.. May 2."). 1876. 
 to Miss Hattie N. .Sims, daughter of Robert 
 Sims, now of Alton. 111. They have one child. 
 Frank 15.. Jr.. born May 2;'). 1877. 
 
 .Mr. .Vinger possesses great executive ability, and 
 a varied experience in journalism, and he has given 
 his p.apcr a diameter and inrtuence that places it 
 among the best journals in the Stale, and its edi- 
 turi.'ils and other matter are often ipiotetl in the 
 Detroit dailies and State papers. He is President 
 of the Sturgis Improvement Committee, conijiosed 
 of (iftvof the most prominent business, professional 
 and iiuMieved men of this locality, whose object is 
 
,t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 409 
 
 to advance the interest.s of Sturgis. While hoUUiitr 
 this |>o.<ition Mr. .Miiircr h.-i.s liei'ii vitv .ictive in 
 ;i<lv;nu-iii<J cvcrv si-hi-iiu' for the (ievelopineiil of 
 the town and the .suiroiindinir eoiintrv. anil, with 
 his confreres, has assisted in secnring all those con- 
 venienees and improvements that make this a 
 in«Klel town and a very desirable locality in which 
 to make one's home, besides assisting in the estah- 
 lisliment of .several manufacturing industries here, 
 and securing the building of the ('. A' St. I,. 
 K. \V., thus making Sturgis the market foV (|uite 
 an extensive area of farming country and the 
 junction of three 4-ailways. Our subject w.'is the 
 original projector of the .Sturgis Klectric I-iglit 
 plant, .and is a stockholder and director of the 
 company. He has just closed his fourth con.secutive 
 year as Deputy State Oil Inspector, having served 
 two years under (iov. Alger and was re-a])pi>iiiti'd 
 bv < Iov. Luce. 
 
 #^ 
 
 '^ ARRI.M)N H. LAWRKNCK, a son of one 
 of the earliest pioneers of Michigan Terri- 
 tory, and late a well-to-ilo resident of Flor- 
 ence Township, w.os born in Monroe Conn t}", 
 this .State. .Sept. 1, 182.), and when a little lad three 
 years of .age came with his parents to this county, 
 of which he has since been a resident. When a 
 youth of fifteen years the father of the family was 
 called hence, and Harrison H. natm'ally assumed the 
 man.agement of the honieste.ad, remaining ujion it 
 until a man of twenty-seven years. In the fall of 
 IH.'iihc purchased seventj'-five acres of land on 
 section .5 in Florence Township, from which he 
 built up a good homestead, and where he spent the 
 remainder of his da\'8, p.assing aw.ay on the 1st of 
 April, 1888, when nearly sixty-three 3'ears old. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is the son of Jere- 
 miah Lawrence, who was born in Connecticut, Sept. 
 ■J.'i. 179s. He came to Monroe Count}', Mich., in 
 1812. and moved to White Pigeon in 1829. living 
 there five years. In early manhood he married 
 Miss Alpha Calhoun. He and his excellent wife 
 spent their last daj's in Florence Township, (i rand- 
 father Lawrence dying Nov. 1. 1841. Their fam- 
 ily consisted of nine children, three of whom are 
 
 living: Allen and Horatio in California, and Jere- 
 miah in Florence T<)wii>liip, this State. 
 
 Our subject when ready to establish a hearth- 
 stone of his own, was married in White Pigeon, 
 Feb. 4, 18.'>0, to Miss Marj- A., daughter of Louis 
 and Clara (Anthony) Oarrison. This lady was 
 born in AUiaiiy, N. V., July 2.3, 1831, and was the 
 second in a family of six children. They came 
 to this county about 183<''. settling in Constaiitii>e 
 Township, where the father was onl^' i)ermittcd to 
 sojourn a few years, his death taking place when he 
 was comparatively ayoiing man. at the age of thirty- 
 six years. The paternal grandfather came to this 
 county, and spent his last years in Constantine 
 Township, dving at the advanced age of seventy- 
 six years. Mrs. Clara Garrison Corwin is still liv- 
 ing, making her home in Three Rivers, and has now 
 arrived at the advanced age of eighty-two j-ears. 
 After tiie death of her first husband she was married 
 to Edwin Corwin. 
 
 To .Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Lawrence there were 
 born three children, one of whom, a daughter Lucy, 
 died at the age of fourteen years, nine months and 
 two days. Lorenzo C, the eldest living, was born 
 Dec. 2G, 1851, and isoccupied at Florence in farm- 
 ing and stock-raising; Jennie May, Mrs. Breese E. 
 Moore. W!is born Feb. 6, 18G7, and lives with her 
 husband at the old farm. The}' are the parents of 
 a bright little girl. Hazel Fern, who was born Dec. 
 1 2, 1 88G. Lorenzo Lawrence, a resjiected citizen ami 
 a man of decided views, alliliates with the Demo- 
 cratic party. Besides Harrison H. the children of 
 Jeremiah Lawrence were Lorenzo W., Charles A.. 
 Wiilcott H. (the first white child born in Florence 
 Town^hip), Lucy C, Horatio F., Cynthia J., Jere- 
 miah A. andAlthia A. (twins.) 
 
 »»>.-^)<(-J«>^<5<- .<;<«,> 
 
 \1 
 
 )AMKS PHILLIPS. Among the citizens of 
 .St. Joseph County who in 3'ears gone by 
 have materially aided its growth and added 
 to its prosperity, the gentleman whose name 
 is at the head of this sketch occupies no mean 
 •position, and \vc are pleased to be able to present a 
 brief record of his life to the readers of this vol- 
 ume. He is now living in honorable retirement in 
 
A. 
 
 ^ ^ ii <• 
 
 410 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 his pleasant home in Sturgis, having by the quiet 
 force of persistent effort, directed by some discre- 
 tion and a conscientious devotion to dutj', gained 
 a well-deserved competency, so that he can now 
 l)ass his declining j-ears free from the cares and 
 toils that beset his early manhood. He is still the 
 possessor, however, of a farm, which, with its well- 
 tilled acres, neat buildings, and other valuable 
 improvements, is considered one of the finest pieces 
 of property within a radius of man}' miles. 
 
 Mr. Phillips has been a resident of St. Joseph 
 County for over fiftj' years, and it has been his 
 privilege to watch the great change that has been 
 been brought about jince, when a lad of thirteen or 
 fourteen years, he came here with his parents. 
 Michigan had that j-ear been admitted into the Union 
 as a .State, but tlie greater part of it was still an 
 unreclaimed wilderness, as the people were but be- 
 ginning to dimly comprehend tlie va.^tncss of the 
 many and varied resources of the State, although 
 there had been settlements made on her borders 
 more than a century, yea, more tiian a century and 
 a half before, the first permanent settlement being 
 made at .Sault St. Marie in 1G88. But as late 
 as the first quarter of the present century it was the 
 conlirracd belief that the interior of the .State was 
 a vast swamp, this belief being supported by the 
 geographers of the day and by the Government 
 surveyors who had penetrated the primeval forest 
 to survey bounty lands for tlie soldiei-s of the 
 Union. This had so retarded emigration to 
 this fair and goodl}' country that when our subject 
 came here the gigantic task of clearing a.\\sxy the 
 forests, draining the swamps and cultivating the 
 wild prairies, found here and there, had but scarce 
 begun. It required the herculean labors of brawnj', 
 brave, stout-hearted pioneers to subdue the power- 
 ful forces of Nature in the wilderness. As a result 
 of their work and that of their successors Southern 
 Michigan can now boast of as fine an<l i>roductive 
 farms as can he found in the Union, and her com- 
 merce and manufactures in her thriving towns and 
 prosperous cities are as flourishing as in other 
 States. 
 
 Our subject may well be proud that he has had a 
 hand in developing the agricultural resources which 
 form so important a source of the wealth of the 
 
 State of his adoption. He has also been conspicu- 
 ously identified with the civic life of his township. 
 having served as Township Treasurer for two 
 years, as School Director for some 3-ears, and 
 as School Assessor for nine years. He is a quiet, 
 unassuming man, whose downright honest}' and 
 simplicity of character, combined with .shrewd 
 common sense and good business qualifications, 
 render him thoroughly respected by all with whom 
 he comes in contact. He is a prominent member 
 of the Masonic fraternit}', and has taken the ninth 
 degree, that of Knight Templar. 
 
 He of whom we write was born in Ulster County, 
 N. Y., Jan 7. 1823. His father, Elijah Phillips, 
 was a native of the same State, and was there reared 
 and married, Catharine Hogan, a native of New 
 York, becoming his wife. To them were born 
 seven children, three of whom are living, namely: 
 James, Hiram and Margaret. In 18.37 Mr. Phil- 
 lips came to Michigan witii his family, travel- 
 ing on the Erie Canal to Buffalo, whence they 
 embarked on a lake steamer for Toledo. There 
 the father bought two 3'oke of oxen, and with the 
 household goods started for his destination in this 
 county, passing through the famous Cottonwood 
 Swamp. That was before the days of macadam- 
 ized roads, and the poorly constructed highways 
 were almost imp.assable, it requiring three days to 
 get through the swamp. The women came on the 
 primitive railw.ay that extended between Toledo 
 and Adrian, the cars being drawn bj' horses, 
 and from the latter city the}' came to St. Joseph 
 County by stijgc. Mr. Phillips purchased wild 
 land in thir- township, six miles west of Sturgis, 
 and in the pioneer home that he established there 
 our subject grew to stalwart manhood. He 
 received his education in a subscription school that 
 w.as taught in a log cabin, with slab seats, and 
 a board on pins against the wall for a desk. 
 
 January 1. 1851. Mr. Phillips and Mary Brown 
 united their lives for better or for worse. She was 
 a daughter of Archibald Brown, and was born in 
 New York, in 18'20. Her parents came to Michi- 
 gan in 183.1, and were early pioneers of this county, 
 settling first in Burr Oak Township, and the next 
 year coming t<i this township. The unit)n of 
 our subject and his wife provccl a happy one. and 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 411 
 
 f 
 
 it lia> been blessed 1)V the birlli of three children, 
 two of wlmm arc living, Archibald and Mar}' .1. 
 Archibald married Adda llaiicr, a daughter of Lewis 
 Ilancr, of White Township, and to them three chil- 
 ilrcii have been born — llonici', Xir^il and l-'.dna. 
 Mary J. married Herbert B. Henry, of this township, 
 and they have three children — James, Catharine 
 and Mary. 
 
 |<r=^ KLSON I. TOlJKY. a druggi?t of Sturgis, is 
 j[ jji a line rcprcscnUitive of the young business 
 |1!j/^ men of St. Joseph County, native and to 
 the manner born, who are fast stepping to the front 
 to take an active jtart in sustaining and extending 
 the e.vtensivc commercial interests of Southern 
 Michigan. He is a worthy descendant of an old 
 pioneer family of this county, his grandfather, 
 Bracy Tobey, having been an early settler in this 
 part of Michigan, and taken an active |)arl in its 
 development. 
 
 The parents of our subject were William and 
 Augusta (.Sanborn) Tobey, natives of .Schenectady, 
 N. Y., and Vermont. When the father of our sub- 
 ject was fourteen years old he accompanied his par- 
 ents to their new home in the wilds <»f Southern 
 Michigan, an<l here, amid the exigencies of the pio- 
 neer life that prevailed in those early days of the 
 settlement of .St. Joseph County, he grew to m.an- 
 hood. He married Augusta Sanborn, daughter of 
 Gideon and Jane .Sanborn, and they began their 
 wedcled life in Burr Oak Townsliip. Some yeai-s 
 later he moved willi his family into Sturgis. 
 
 Nelson Tobey was born in Burr Oak Township, 
 May 7. liSGl.and when in his seventii year came 
 to .Sturgis to make his home with his granilfather 
 Tobey, that he might attend the city .schools, where 
 lie gleaned a substantial education, as he was a 
 bright, intelligent lad. He began his career as a 
 druggist in the store of Mr. Anthony, for whom he 
 clerked a |)eriod of six montli>. He subsequently 
 clerked in Hibbanl's drug >tore for .seven years, 
 and became thoroughly familiar with the drug 
 business in all its details, and is n tirst-class phar- 
 maceutist in all that the name implies. In Septem- 
 ber, 188.'i, .Mr. Tobey esLalilislied himself in his 
 P'?sent Ijusiness. He has a neat and pleasant store, 
 
 well fitted up, and carries a full line of drugs, medi- 
 cines, paints, oils and a general line of sundries, 
 having a capital stock of >il,80i). and his annual sales 
 amounting to ^4,000, he having (luite an extensive 
 and prosperous trade. 
 
 Mr. Tobey was married, April 1 I, lf<82, to Miss 
 Clara B., daughter of the late M.alaclii and .Sarah 
 (Williams) Roat. She w.as born in this county. 
 She has become the mother of two children, Alta 
 and Teddy. Our subject is a young m.in of good 
 1 jR-rsonal habits and of high character, and his tact- 
 ful and gentlemanlj' manners have won him a large 
 i degree of popularity. He pays strict attention to 
 his business, and his long experience in that line 
 I has given him an enviable knowledge of the <lrugs 
 I that he dispenses and of their various uses, so that 
 ; his customers patronize him with the utmost con- 
 lidence. Mr. Tobey is identified with the Knights 
 : of I'ythias as a prominent member of the order. 
 
 4 ;»i^->^^MtfS«fH (, 
 
 i' 
 
 I^'RVING J. GOODKNOW, the enterprising edi- 
 tor and proprietor of the White Pigeon Jour- 
 J nal, was born in Henrietta, Monroe Co., N. Y., 
 April 10, IS.'iO. where he resided and i-cceived his 
 education. He was graduated from the Academic 
 Institute at LeHoy, N. Y.. in June, 1868, after 
 which he engaged in printing and publishing in 
 Holly, Mich. This business he has since followed. 
 He was foreman in the Daily Denwrat office in 
 Grand Rapids for several years. When he left 
 that position he went to Marlette. Sanilac County, 
 and purchased the IiuUj:, which he remodeled, and 
 changed the name to that of the Marlette Leader. 
 which he published for four years, and made it one 
 of the leading pa|)ersof that section of the State. 
 
 His venture here proving successful our subject 
 disposetl of his business, and in the spring of 1884 
 he went to Ceilar .Si>riiigs, Kent County, and was 
 employed in the oflice of the CVi/>y)*>r until .September. 
 1888, when became to White Pigeon and purchased 
 the ./'<i<r;i<i/. which he is now "puljlishing. It is an 
 eight-column folio, and is one of the most .spicy 
 and well edited newspa|K'rs of the many published 
 in the county. He enjoys a liberal share of adver- 
 tising patronage, and has a very large and incrcisiiig 
 
 •► 
 
tl2 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Hr 
 
 paid subscription list. The editorials in the paper 
 are alwa3-s short and direct, having for their sub- 
 ject the current events of the da}-. The editor is a 
 level-headed, elear-tliinking individual, and his 
 paper has a great influence on all questions of pub- 
 lic and vital interest. 
 
 This gentleman was married to Alice A. Smith, 
 Feb. 2-2, 1871. She is the daughter of Elijah Smith, 
 who is now deceased. They have become the par- 
 ents of four children — Fannie, Ralph, Maud and 
 Harold. Thej' are verj- bright and intelligent and 
 are a source of much comfort to their parents. 
 Thej- are attending the schools of their native town, 
 laying a foundation for acquiring such knowledge 
 as will make them useful members of society. 
 
 The subject of our sketch has never sought any 
 public oflice, preferring to wield any political in- 
 fluence that he might i)i>ssess through the columns 
 of his paper, the circulation of which would allow 
 him to reach every week the hearts and minds 
 of Ills many intelligent readers. lie was a dele- 
 gate to the Republican State Ccrnvt-ntion which 
 met in Lansing in 1882. He is an honore<l mem- 
 ber of the I. O. O. F., and is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 -^ ^-^ ^ 
 
 *L^ 
 
 INDIL H. CALAM, a member of the Arm 
 of AVells it Calam, dry -goods merchants of 
 Constantino Village, is a man whose business 
 ability has given him prominence in mercantile and 
 financial circles in St. .Toseph County, and rendered 
 him no unimportant factor in its material pros- 
 perity. 
 
 Our subject was born in Yorkshire, England, 
 July 20, 182G, being the eldest of the four children 
 of John and Mary (Harwood) Calam. They were 
 lifelong residents of Yorkshire, where his father 
 carried on the trade of butcher. JIuch of the ear- 
 lier life of our subject was spent with his grand- 
 parents on a farm until he was fourteen years old, 
 when he was apprenticed for six years to a shoe- 
 maker to learn the trade. After the completion of 
 his term of apprenticeship he followed that voca- 
 tion for a year and a half in his native land, but in 
 the early part of 1850 the course of his life changed, 
 
 he having determined to seek a new home in the 
 United States, and crossed the Atlantic for that 
 purpose. After his arrival in this country he made 
 his way to Sturgis, Mich., and was engaged by his 
 uncle to work on a farm. Two years later he 
 abandoned farm work to resume his trade, and 
 building a small shoe-shop in .Sturgis. he was actively 
 engaged in making shoes there for about two years. 
 He then came to Constantine and established himself 
 here as a manufacturer of boots and shoes, and 
 built up quite an extensive trade, sometimes em- 
 ploying as many as ten hands to fill his orders. He 
 continued in that line of business until the winter 
 of 1861, when he formed a partnership with John 
 M. Wells, and they have since continued together 
 in the mercantile business. They have a commo- 
 dious, neat and well-arranged store, do a large 
 business, and arc prospering financially. Jlr. Calam 
 was apitointed Postmaster of Constantino July 
 29, 1867. and lu'ld that office until April, 1886, 
 when he was succeeded l>y the picseiit incumbent, 
 E. J. lleimbach. Prior to his appuintment his 
 partner had been Postmaster for several years, but 
 during that time Mr. Calam discharged the duties 
 as defjuty. making more than a quarter of a century 
 in all in which the office was under his management. 
 While holding that oflice our subject discharged its 
 duties with a faithfulness and efficiency that made 
 him popular with the people. In politics he is a 
 true Reijublican. and has taken quite an active part 
 in part}' affairs. He was fi)rmerly a member of 
 the Reformed Church, and since its consolidation 
 with the Presbyterian and the change of name to 
 the Congregational, he has been identified with 
 that. He is entitled in the fullest degree to the 
 respect and confidence of his fellowmcn, as his 
 character is without blemish, and his life is guided 
 by upright motives. He early displayed the tact, 
 keen sagacity, and prompt business habits that 
 have made him so successful in his mercantile ca- 
 reer, and has placed himself among the most pros- 
 perous and well-to-do citizens of Constantine 
 Village. 
 
 Mr. Calam has been three times married. He 
 was first wedded in Florence Township, St. Joseph 
 County, to Miss Ann, daughter of the late Robert 
 Shellcock. She was born in Constantine, and her 
 
 :^^h-4. 
 
ST. JOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 413 
 
 death oc-euiTcd in that villaj^o .Ian. 2, 18CI. .Slie 
 l)ore him live I'liildren, of (viioni Robert F. and 
 Charles E. arc the only ones now living. Tiiose 
 dfoeasi'd are .Mary and Annie, who died young, 
 and .luhn M., who died at the age of twenty-seven. 
 •Mr. CaJam's second wife, whose maiden name was 
 Martha .). Melcalf, died in dmstantine. He was 
 again niurried in tliis village, Miss Lizzie Wai-h- 
 tenhauser l>eeoraing his wife, and she still presides 
 over his pleasant home, making it comfortable and 
 attractive. 
 
 ^=??K(»i;<.i: W. .\1( ).M\. Although not having 
 if <^w} '*' P'"*"'' :""<"ig Ihe old-time settlers of the 
 ^^5) town of White Pigeon, this gentleman t.lkes 
 an important positi4in in the busine.-^s circles of the 
 town, where he has large laisiness interests, lie is 
 one of the |>ronioters and active managers of the 
 Cyclone Fanning .Mill Company, one of the thriv- 
 ing and growing business enterprises in the south- 
 ern part of the .stale. He is at |>re.sent one of the 
 foremen in the factt»rv. 
 
 Our subject is a native of the town of Sharon. 
 .Schoharie Co.. N. V.. where he was born Sept. 18. 
 IKll. Uoth his jiarent.s. .lohn and Nancy ( Mere- 
 nes.s) Moak. were natives of the same county, lie 
 is one of a family of seven children, live (^f whom 
 are living, namely: (leorge W.. our subject; .Jacob, 
 .lohn. .\bram and Nancy M. Oiu- son. Nicholas, 
 died in the army during the Rebellion, lie was 
 marrii'<l and left a wife and live children. The 
 brother David wa.s killed on the .\lbany A- .Sus(|ue- 
 hanna Railroad, lie wjls deaf, having lost his hear- 
 ing while in the I'nion Army during the late wai'. 
 lie lost his life by stepping from one track of the 
 roail. to get out of the way of an approaching 
 train, directly in front of one approaching from the 
 opposite direction, and wa.s run over and killed. 
 
 The eilueation obtaine<l by the subject of this 
 sketch was in the common .scIiim>Is, in which he 
 availed himself of every advantage oflfere<l. and 
 nc(|uired habit.s of study and observation, which he 
 exercises daily. IIi- came to White I'igeon in 
 IMtlO. where he has live<l contin\iously. except the 
 ve:ir>^ lielween !><•!" nn<l 1H72. which he "iK-iit in 
 
 lierrien County. Mich, lie is a carpenter, and he 
 followed that occu|)alion until October. IHHt;, when 
 he engaged in his present business. The factory 
 operated liy the Fanning Mill Comp:iny is well 
 eijuipped with the latest improved labor .saving 
 devicKs. including one single-surfacer. a band-.saw. 
 mortising-machine. rowting-machine sticker. an<l 
 with a full complement of I'ip and cut-ofT saw>. 
 The power is sup|>lied by a 2()-hf»rse |K(wer Ames 
 engine. The mei'hanical [K-rfection of the mill 
 manufactured is due. to a large extent, to the 
 knowleilge possesse<l and a]>plied by our .subject, 
 it is designeil to be simi)le, and at the same time; 
 substantially constructed, that it may be able t-o 
 withstand the rough usage often subjected to in 
 the hands of the farmers. 
 
 .Mr. .Moak was married to Louisa (Jeist. No\ . >*. 
 IHdH. She is a daughter of Thom.a.s (ieist. Ibr 
 father is now decea.sed. They are the parents of 
 live- chililren. four of whf>m are living — Charlie. 
 Vina. Mety and Frank. The decea.se(l child w.as a 
 son. Fearl. who died at the .age of live yeai-s. I'lic 
 <loiuestic life of this gentleman is exception:ill\ 
 happy, and with their four children about I hem. 
 the parents have one of the most pleasant .-ind 
 .agreeable home circles in the neighborhood. 
 
 The subject of this sketch wa.s a soldier in the 
 late war. lie enlisted in ('om[)any F. IS.'Jd New 
 York Infantry, in which he served two years, and 
 particiiKiteil in the baltles fought during the his- 
 l<»rical Red River ex|X'dition. and in the Shenan- 
 doah N'allev. \'a.. a.s well as many of the smaller 
 skirmishes. lie wa.s not wounded in any of llicm. 
 but w.ts sick in the hos|)ital f(»r five months. lb' 
 was honorably discharged, and is n<»w an a<'tivi- 
 member of theC. A. R. Post at White Pigeon: he is 
 al.so !Lss<x'iate<l with the .V. F. A- .V. M. 
 
 Our subje<-t is f»ne of those men who have from 
 earliest IhivIiihxI earned their living by the labor 
 of their hands. In this ca.se he Inis performefl his 
 part in life nobly. .\s a car|N-nter and builder he 
 hits, by attention and study of the in:iny mechanical 
 principles e<ninected with his calling. nuLstered the 
 profession in all it.- details, lie <-onsidere<l th:it 
 anything wtirth doing at all wxs worth doing well, 
 anil when engagt-il upon any work he devoted his 
 entire time and attention to il« successful comiili-- 
 
 ■*► 
 
 i 
 
414 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, 
 
 nr 
 
 tion. and lahorert hotli mentally and pliysically to 
 attain tliat rosiilt. As a consequence tliere is no 
 one in tlie vieiiiily who has a better knowle<l,ije fir 
 a more thonmirh understanding of tiie trade, ami 
 has a better repul.ation as a nieehanic than uur sul)- 
 ject. The business in wliieh lie is now interested 
 is destined to make him one of tlio wealthy and 
 tinaneially solid men of tiie county. His residence 
 is in a neat and tasty buililing located on East 
 Chicago street. He attiliates with the Kepubliean 
 party. 
 
 'jt^AVH) 1". HAMILTON. While traveling 
 I JjI through St. .loseph Count}' the biograph- 
 (sj^^ ''"'*' writers of this Ai.bu.m met but few 
 active business men who were born natives 
 of the county. A large majoritj-of those who to- 
 da}' are tilling the soil and raising stock or engaged 
 in business or corameicial enterprises, or members 
 of the professions, were born without the borders 
 of the countj'. Among this number is the subject 
 of our sketch, who is now one of the leading and 
 enterprising men of White Pigeon, where he owns 
 and operates one of the finest floiiring-mills in the 
 State. He was born in Cumberland Coimty, Pa., 
 Jan. 10, 1828. His parents migrated to Ohio in 
 1835, our subject accompanying them. They set- 
 tled in Fairfield County, in that State, where David 
 was reared and received his education. While a 
 resident of this count^'he learned the carpenter and 
 joiner trade, which he followed for eleven years. 
 In 1847 he went to Vicksburg, Miss., where he 
 worked a short time. He also visited Louisiana, 
 in which State he passed one year. 
 
 At the expiration of that time our subject re- 
 turned to Fairfield Count}' for a short visit. He 
 then went to Columl)us, Ohio, where he remained 
 six months. In December, 1848, he went to St. 
 Mary's, Ohio, where he followed his trade until 
 1855, in which year he engaged in milling. He 
 pursued this business until 1860, when he moved to 
 South Bend, Ind., where he bought an interest in 
 the Harper tlouring-mill, which ho held until 18G2, 
 in which year he came to White Pigeon, Mich.. 
 an<l in company with John H. Keedy he built the 
 niill he now owns. He retained his interest in the 
 
 4* 
 
 .South Bend Mill until 1865, when he disposed of it 
 and concentrated his interests m their present shape. 
 There had been a mill on the site now occupied by 
 his property, which had been burned. 
 
 Our subject purchased his |>artner Keedy's inter- 
 est in this mill in 1865. which he still owns and 
 operates. The system employed in the mill is the 
 full roller process, which was put in operation in 
 1883. Water supplies the motive power, which is 
 brought to the mill through a race three-fourths of 
 a mile in length. At all seasons of the year he has 
 six feet head, the power of which is transmitted to 
 the mill by means of a modern turbine wheel. 
 The mill is capable of producing 150 barrels of 
 flour every lwent3'-four hours. The product of the 
 mill is of the very best qualit}'.. and commands the 
 highest price in the markets where it is sold. 
 
 Mr. Hamilton was married, May 19, 1853, to 
 Catherine Beclidoldt. .She was born in Auglaize 
 County, Ohio, and died July 2, 1866. She was the 
 mother of four children: Robert J., Mary and 
 Alice are living; and Frank died at the age of eight 
 }^ears. Our subject married Miss Mar}' E. Salver 
 Oct. 20. 1870. She died Dec. 24, 1884. She w:is 
 the daughter of George Z. Salyer, who is now de- 
 ceased. 
 
 In the spring of 1857 our subject went to Law- 
 rence, Kan., leaving his family in .St. JLary's, Ohio. 
 He remaineil there until August of the same year, 
 when he returned to Ohio, and in the spring of 
 1858 he went b.ack to Lawrence and from there to 
 Denver, Col., in August of the same year in the 
 winter of which the city of Denver was located. 
 In October following he returned to St. Mary's, 
 where he remained until he secured his business in- 
 terests in South Bend, Ind. His daughter Mary is 
 married to Elliot O. Grosvenor, and now resides in 
 Monroe, Mich., and is the mother of one child — Ira 
 Rufus. 
 
 Our subject is the son of .Samuel Hamilton, 
 who was a native of Cumberland County, Pa.; he 
 is now deceased. His paternal grandfather, George, 
 was born in Scotland and served as a soldier in the 
 Hevolutionary War. Mr. Hamilton's mother was 
 Mary (Weaver) Hamilton. She was also a native 
 of Cumberland County. The parents reared a 
 family of eight children, six of whom are living. 
 
•^^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 ST. .lOSKl'lI COUNTY. 
 
 41.". 
 
 namely: Davkl, our siiliject; Margaret. Eliza, Voc- 
 loriiie, Rolicrt J. and Aiiiiiistiis. The sci-tmd smi. 
 .Itiliii, was diowiieil in llie i-anal in Lickiii-^ County, 
 Ohio, in l^t.'iT, at liii' age of twenty-tive years: 
 wiiile filling the lock he foil into the water aixl was 
 drowned hefore he could he rescued, and the son 
 George W. was drowned atTecumseli, Mich., in the 
 Raisin River, in June. 1871. He was fifty •ft)ur 
 years old. lie lost his life while taking some tim- 
 hers out of the whirlpool at their mill dam. 
 
 Mr. Hamilton lakes a first pl.ace among the many 
 prominent citizens of the locality where he lives, 
 and during his long and eventful business career 
 he has ever strictly observed that most important 
 factor in the successful public or business life of 
 any man — honesty. lie combines strictness of 
 moral i)rinciples with energy and decision of char- 
 acter. Ue is a careful, conscientious business man, 
 ever adhering to the dictates of his conscience, in 
 matters l)oth of public and private nature: he has 
 made profitable investments, become interested in 
 remunerative enterprises, and has won honorable 
 success in business, and secured a competence as the 
 product of [lersonal industry and good judgment, 
 put forth in a field wisely selected. In politics he 
 is devoted to the Republican I)art3\ 
 
 -«=4H='' 
 
 r^K Rl C. WHEKLER. Among the many pros- 
 
 ^ perous and successful I 
 
 L^ I'igeon, who have, through their own efforts 
 
 perous and successful business men of White 
 
 and the exercise of economy and energy, .accumu- 
 lated a competenc}'. is the gentleman whose name 
 heads this sketch, lie is now engagetl in business 
 as a general merchant, in the conduct of which he 
 exercises a rare degree of business slirewdncss and 
 a complete knowledge of all its details. He was 
 born in New Ham|>shire. March 8, 1841, and is the 
 son of (Jeorge Wheeler, a native of <;t)ffstown, N. 
 II., where his birth also occurred in 18(i;i. His 
 fathei is now deceased. 
 
 Our subject attended the common schools of the 
 community where he live<l,aiid laid the foundation 
 for the rich store of knowledge he now possesses. 
 Although never .itteuding any college, he has, by 
 
 his experience and observation, added to his ever 
 increjising stock of information, until he is now one 
 of the best informed men in the town where hi' 
 lives. At the age of twenty-three he entered iiitu 
 the business of railroading, which he followed con- 
 tinuously for eighteen years. The last fifteen years 
 of his service was as a locomotive engineer on the 
 L. S. it M. S. R. R., whose service he entered Sept. 
 1. 18G", and which he left Aug. 31. 1882. Two 
 years prior to his leaving the road he opened a 
 store in White Pigeon, devoted to the millinery and 
 fancy goods trade, which was looked after and 
 successfully managed by his wife. In 1882 he left 
 the railroad service :iii<l opened a dry -goods and 
 grocery store making the milliner}' store a depart- 
 ment in the new venture, of which his wife still has 
 charge. They have a capital of about ^12.000 in- 
 vested, and their annual sales will amount to x2.').- 
 000 or over. They employ one clerk steadily, and 
 a portion of the tiine the services of two are 
 necessary. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler were married .June C, 1867. 
 Her maiden name was .liilia M. Smilh; she is a 
 daughter of Henry Smith. Her father was a sohiier 
 in the Union Army during the Rebellion. He is 
 now dead. The couple have no children, but have 
 adopted a boy, Charles, who is now twelve years 
 old, a remarkably bright, intelligent lad. 
 
 Whatever Mr. Wheeler does he does with all the 
 energy of which he is capable, thinking that what- 
 ever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. The 
 economical disposition he possesses is shown bv the 
 f.act that when he began railroading he had com- 
 paratively nothing, and now, by his efforts an<l the 
 valuable assistance of his wife, they carry a fine 
 stock of goods and do a business, the sales from 
 which amount high up into the thousands of dollars 
 annually. While employed on the railroail he was 
 one of the leading men in his profession, and stood 
 high in the estimation of the otiicials of the road, 
 lie endeavored, by leading a life of sobriety ami 
 devoting his attention closelj- to his business, to 
 merit a continuance of this feeling towani him, and 
 succeeded in doing so to his fullest expectjition. 
 
 From the nature of his calling in years past Mr. 
 Wheeler acquired habits of regularity and close 
 attention to his work, which he has brought wiib 
 
 h 
 
-h 
 
 _t 
 
 llf> 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, 
 
 him into his new business, and it' is these that con- 
 tribute so largely to his present successful career. 
 The part that his good wife has taken in the past 
 •should not Ijf overlooked, but full credit be given 
 licr for licr devotion and tact shown by conducting 
 the tirsl IjusImcss started in the able manner in which 
 she did. They arc i)oth generous, public spirited, 
 and t.ike a prominent place in the social life of 
 White Pigeon. 
 
 (P^OLOMON DILTZ FLOWERS, manufact- 
 urer and dealer in boots and shoes, carries 
 on quite an extensive business in that line 
 in .Siurgis, and is numbered among the 
 wide-awake aud prosperous citizens of this town. 
 His wife assists him in the business, and has charge 
 of a hair de|)artment in connection with the neatly 
 arranged, commodious store. 
 
 Mr. Flowers was born Oct. 12, 1847, in Cliam- 
 paign County, Ohio, his birthplace being eleven 
 miles west of Urbana, the count}' seat. His par- 
 cuts, William T. and Sarah (Martindale) Flowers, 
 were natives respectivel}- of Ohio and Greencastle. 
 Ind., his father having been born near the citj- of 
 Dayton. He is now deceased, but the mother of 
 our subject is still living, and makes her home in 
 this town. They were the parents of five children, 
 three of whom are living: George, William and our 
 subject, and all reside in Siurgis. 
 
 Solomon Flowers was brought up and educated 
 ill his native county, in the town of St. Paris, to 
 which his parents removed when he was a small 
 child. His father was a shoemaker, and he learned 
 the trade of him when a boy, and has always fol- 
 lowed it. He came to .Sturgis in 18G8, and has 
 since lived here. He began life for himself in 1H72, 
 establishing himself in his present business. He 
 curries a full line of boots, shoes, gaiters, slippers, 
 etc., having a stock of 4;1,500. and an annual busi- 
 ness of ?!2,000 or inorc. Besides making shoes 
 himself he keeps three hands at work, as he has a 
 demand for all tliat he can manufacture. He also 
 makes for the trade all kinds of boot, shoe and 
 gaiter uppers. 
 
 ."\Ir. Flowers w.as united in marriage to .Mar\' K. 
 
 Wait, May 31, 1874. .She is a daughter of Hiram 
 B. Wait, a resident of Point View, Pawnee Co., 
 Kan. She was born near Saratoga, in Balston .Spa. 
 Js. Y. As before stated, Mrs. Flowers .assists her 
 husband in his business: she is a woman of more 
 than average capacity, and her husband is much in- 
 debted to her for her valuable aid in bringing 
 about his prosjicrity. The}- are esteemed members 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are active 
 workers in every good cause that interests this com- 
 munit}', among which is the Y. M. C. A-., of which 
 he is an active member. 
 
 Mr. Flowers is emphatically' a self-made man, as 
 he began life with no other capital than industrious 
 habits, good business principles, a thorough knowl- 
 edge of his trade, and a steadj' determination to 
 succeed. It is therefore more to his credit that, 
 notwithstanding the reverses he has met he is 
 now in comfortable circumstances, although he has 
 not yet reached the meridian of life. He has a 
 profitable business, and his credit is good in finan- 
 cial circles. 
 
 ERRITT WEMPLE. The history of any 
 locality or place is nothing but the liiog- 
 raphies of the lives of the people making 
 it their home. The history of White Pig- 
 eon would not be complete should we overlook the 
 life of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, 
 who claims the town as his home, and where he is 
 engaged in luisiness, operating a general |)rovision 
 and meat market. This he conducts in a very quiet, 
 unostentatious iiianiier, which is peculiar to llie in- 
 dividual. 
 
 This gentleman wa,- born in Mciidon, Monroe 
 Co., N. v.. near Rochester, Feb. 28, I8.$3. He 
 lived in his native (liace. attending school and 
 working at various avocations until 18.54, in which 
 j'ear he came to Michigan, and settled in Van Bureii 
 County, on a farm twelve miles west of Kalamazoo. 
 lie prospered in this undertaking, ami in llie year 
 1868 he disposed of his interests, and established his 
 ]iivsent business, where he has since lived, except- 
 ing one year (1873) which he spent in Chicago. 
 Mr. Wemplc is the son of Garrett I!. Wciiiiilc. 
 
 •►Hh-^ 
 
 4 
 
>► ■ ^i 
 
 ^i^|--4» 
 
 ST. .TOSKriI COUNTY. 
 
 417 
 
 who w!is a ii.Hlivc of Dutchess Coimtj", N. Y. He 
 WHS H s.iilor .111(1 mate on the Great Lakes, and the 
 .St. Lawrenec Kivcr. Tiie giiiiidfalher was a native 
 of Holland. The mother of oursulijeet was Dorcas 
 Irwin; she was born in the town of Mendon, N. Y. 
 The subject of this sketch was married, April 2!), 
 1865, to Sarali .J. Harrison. This lady was born in 
 .Sacketi's Harbor. JelTerson Co., N. Y.; she was the 
 daughter of Alanson Harrison, who is now deceased. 
 He was a native of Jefferson County, N. Y.,wiierche 
 followed the trade of a stone-cutter. The years of her 
 girlhood were spent on a farm. Her mother w.as 
 Nellie Luno; she was born in Jefferson County, N. 
 Y., of German ancestry-. This lady is a devout 
 member of the rresbyterian Church : she blends her 
 ('hristian belief intimately with her everyday life, 
 and is a model woman and wife. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is a very quiet, unas- 
 suming man, seeking to avoid notoriety or public at- 
 tention. He is singularly modest and retiring in 
 his disposition, although genial in address and gen- 
 erous to a fault, and his friends are as numerous as 
 his acquaintances. He is very enterprising, and 
 takes a leading jiart in all matters calculated to ad- 
 vance the best interests of the conimunit}'. In 
 politics he acts with the Republican party. 
 
 —MM* 
 
 KNKV I.. AN riloNY. the popular druggist 
 of Stuigis. is one of its leading citizens, and 
 is identilied with many of its variinl inter- 
 ests. He ha.-> a line military record, and al- 
 lliougli a youth when he ('iili>t('d. attaining his 
 majority about the close of the war. his loyalty 
 .and devotion to the stars and >tripes. his courage, 
 etliciency. anil other soldierly ipialitics in thcf.aceof 
 danger on many a liard-fought balllc-ticld. won him 
 the comiuendation> of his superiors, and raised him 
 from the ranks through the v.arious grades of non- 
 commissioned otiiees to the po>itioii of .'second 
 Lieutenant. 
 
 Our >ubject derives his docent finm an old New 
 Ijigland family, who were pioneers of liliode Isl- 
 and, coming to that .State from Kngland very 
 early in Colonial days. Mr. .\iithony is himself a 
 native-lMirn citizen of tliis State, his birth havintr 
 
 taken place in Calhoun County. Nov.!). 1K4I. The 
 .s'une pioneer spirit that actuated the original ances- 
 tor of our subject to cross the ocean in those f:ii-otT 
 days must have descended from father to .son for 
 s(»me generations. a.-< some progenitor of our sub- 
 ject must have settled in New York Slate in an 
 early day. David .\nthony, father of our >ubject. 
 having been born there, and he. in his turn, liecame 
 the pioneer of the still newer Slate of Mii-hig:in. 
 He hail been married in his native State to Cynthia 
 ^laynard. likewise of New York birth, and to them 
 were born live children, three of whom are living, 
 namely: Kmma and Oscar, on the home place in 
 Kalania/.oo Co\inty. and our subject. 'I'lie father 
 has attaiiu'il the advanced :urc of seventy-nine year>. 
 
 While the war was r.oging our subject enlisted, 
 spite of his youth, becoming a member of Conip:in\' 
 -V. 7th Michigan Cavalry. an<l served faithfully 
 tlie interests of his country on Southern battle-fields 
 three years and three montlis. and took an activi- 
 part in ue.arly all the battles fought by the.\rmy(»f 
 tin- I'otoniae in that time, except during the sum- 
 mer of 1H()4. wlien be w.a.s on detached service, hav- 
 ing been partly disidileil 1)V a wound. He was 
 woundeil twice, once in the hip, which disabled him 
 for six luonlhs. He enlisted as a private, and 
 passed through all the non-commissioned olliees. 
 and Sept. 17. IHI!;?. was coniini.ssioned Seconil Lieu- 
 tiMiant. His regiment conip<ised a part of the 
 famous cavalry brigade cominan<led by the late 
 CJen. George A. Custer. 
 
 In the fall of ISfiG Mr. .\nthony came toSturgis. 
 where he Ims >ince lived. His first euiplo\ nient 
 here wjis that of teailiing peiini.-uisbip .and book- 
 keeping in the .stiirgis Itusini'ss ( ollege. .after which 
 for nearly four years he w:is a clerk and book-k<>epei' 
 in the dry -g<H)ds store of Herbert l'iii». In No\eni- 
 ber, 1K7;1. he established his present busine»>. and 
 ; luL-i since followeil it. He carries a full line of 
 drugs, medicines. p;iints. oils, druggist>' suiidrie>. 
 fancy gixxls. etc.. carrying a >l4K'k of ^.">.tlll((. and 
 having an annu.al >ale of )ji!ll,(l(lll. His e.-t.ablish- 
 meiit is tinely .and t.-istefnily fitted up. and a." lie 
 sells none but the best and purest drugs, medi- 
 cines, etc.. he hits a large patron.age. 
 
 The marriage of .Mr. .\nthony and Miss Louisa 
 I'innev was solemnized Oct. II. 1H7(>. Thev h.ive 
 
.>-ll^^^ 
 
 ,t 
 
 418 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 one tliild. Etliel. lioni Feb. 6. 1886. :Mrs. Anthony 
 was liorii Fi'l>. 1. I8.')2. :it DeKalb.St. L.iwrence Co.. 
 N. Y. She loo is of New Knglanrt p.arentage. her 
 aiieestors lieing of Seotch cle.-<ceiil. an<l c<»niiug to 
 tlii.- couiitrv very early in its liistnry. Her father, 
 S. \i. Pinney. ilied at .\nies. Kan.. Aim. 17. 187i>. 
 at liie age of .seventy-one years. 
 
 Our subject lias tiiken an active interest in the 
 administration of local affairs, his cool judgment, 
 clear intellect, suiierior education and iir.ictical 
 sagacity, eminently tilting liim for civic life. Ik- 
 was a member fif the Town Council for four years. 
 an<l 'rownsliip Clerk for the same length of time, 
 lie is a valued member of the (i. A. II. . and is 
 lironiiiicnily identified with the M.asonic fraternit}'. 
 liolding the ortice of Crand .lunior Warden of the 
 (irand Commandery of the State of Michigan, and 
 he h.a.s lilled all the chairs of the subordinate lodges 
 except that of the Worshipful ^Master of the Blue 
 Lodge. Mr. Anthony is President of the electric 
 light plant of Sturgis. He h.T-s always been identi- 
 fied with the business interests of his adopted town, 
 l)eing a recognized leader in every measure looking 
 to its material growth and iH-osperity. giving gen- 
 erously of his means f<»r the upbuilding of every 
 enterprise for the benefit of the village, and thereby 
 adding to its alre.ady increasing prosperity. 
 
 •i- 
 
 -#^ 
 
 -;- 
 
 4 
 
 ANIKI, r.i;U(ii;i{. muhrtakcr. of Miiigis. 
 is a well-known iuid highly honored citi- 
 zen of St. .loseph County, of which he h.as 
 been a resident for a quarter of a century, 
 lie conies of good old Pennsylvania stock, and is 
 liiniself a native of the Keystone State, burn in 
 I.u/.enic County. Peb. 1. 18:io. His father. Charles 
 Uei-ger. at present a resident of Tama Country. Iowa. 
 was likewise a native of that county, having been 
 born there in .lune. 1801. He married Catherine 
 K'csU'i-. will) was burn in l-\izerne County. Pa. In 
 Im;}?* lie lenioved with his family to Delaware 
 ('ount\-, Ohio, and for a few years cist in his lot 
 with the early pioneers of that jiart of the IJuckeye 
 State. In 1 8.") 1 he again took uj) the westward inarch, 
 and crossing the border into Indiana, settled in 
 sicuben County on a farm, and was actively and 
 
 prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits there. 
 He of whom we write was scarcely three years of 
 age when his jiarents moved from his birthplace to 
 the wilds of Ohio, and eleven years had passed 
 over his head when they took up their residence in 
 Indiana. He there grew to a strong and vigiu'ous 
 nianliooil on his father's farm, and received a good 
 pr.ictical training in agricultural labors when not 
 attending the public schools, where he obtainetl his 
 education. After the breaking out of the Lite war 
 he joined a regiment. Coinp.any A, 2!ttli Indiana 
 Infantry, .and for thirteen months w.os p.itriotically 
 engaged in fighting his country's battles. At the 
 age of twenty-four he h.ad acquired the carpenter's 
 trade, spending a year in Butler. Iiul. In the fall 
 of 18(!4 he came to Sturgis. where he has since 
 made his home. He esUiblished himself in the 
 undertaking and furniture business in this tfiwn 
 Oct. 10. 1880. and in the latter line did (piite an 
 extensive and Hourishiiig business until he sold 
 that branch U> Prank II. Church, in Septeml>er. 
 1888. and now devotes his entire attention to the un- 
 dertaking, he doing about all the business in that line 
 in Sturgis iiiul vicinity. He owns and runs a fine 
 hearse in connection with his establishment, and by 
 the exercise of energv. ability and natural shrewd- 
 ness, he h.is placed himself among the substantial 
 citizens of the county. 
 
 Our subject has been twice married. Dec. 28. 
 1 8.')3. he was united to Ann (iunn. daughter of 
 Morrison Ounn. of Steulicii County. Iiul. .and to 
 them two children were born — Eva E. and Bertha 
 \. .\fter a brief but plea,sant married life, the 
 amiable wife of our subject's early \ears pas.sed 
 away from the scenes of earth, in .lanuary. 18.")6. 
 .Mr. r.erger's marriage to his present estimable wife 
 occurred Feb. 1. IHtil. She was formerly Olive C. 
 Eldridge. daughter of .Iolin(i. Eldridge. of .Sturgis. 
 nnri she w.as born in 181o in Cleveland. Ohio. Mr. 
 Berger not only h.as a fine residence but an attract- 
 ive and cheerful home. renderc<l so by the pleasant 
 courtesy of the host and hostess, and the truly 
 hospitable welcome extended to whomsoever crosses 
 its threshold, whether they be of high or low 
 degree. 
 
 Mr. Berger is a man of iiniin|H>acliable integrity, 
 who has always led a strictly upright iiinral life. 
 
>► ■ M» 
 
 -•^Hl-^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ■no 
 
 He is » sound Christiiui and a valued member of 
 tin- Mc'tliixlist Kiiisropal Clmrcli. Uv is a iiinii of 
 much social iiiiportaucc in tliis coniinunity. ami i.- 
 :i iiicniluT of Ihc C. A. 1{.. llic I. ().(». V.. and also 
 of llu- Masonic fraternity. In politics lie is a stanch 
 Ivcpulilican. lirnily hclicviuir that the )>olicy of that 
 p.Mily is the licsl for the guidance of National 
 affairs. 
 
 5g*Jii^^ 
 
 4 
 
 1{. SAMIKI. 15. KOI. I. KIT. wlio is a i)rac- 
 1) ticinir physician of the Old School antl a 
 •xrailuMte of (ieiieva Collcire. N. V.. has for 
 many years lalR)re<l auionir the people of 
 Sturiris. where he has huilt up a lar<re and lucrative 
 business, and is held in wann rei^ard liy the peo|ile 
 of hi~ eoniniunity. A native of the Kmpire .State- 
 he was horn in Ivoxlitirv. Delaware County. Nov. 
 ti. IW27. and is the son of William and Syliil ( lil.-n-k- 
 m.an ) l'"i>llett. who were natives of the i-anu' Slate 
 .•IS Iheir son. The family is of Knitlish oriirin. and 
 the father of our sul)ject a farmer I ly occupation. 
 The parents spent their last years in New York 
 State. 
 
 'I'he subject of thi> .-ketch was reared a farmer's 
 hoy. anil pursued his tirst studies in the distriet 
 school. Later he attendeil I'>ethan\- .Vcadeinv. He 
 enteral upon the study of medicine under the in- 
 striietion of Dr. Street, of Koxhury. with whom he 
 remained three years, .\fter this he became a stu- 
 dent of (Jeneva Me<lical (olleire. from which he 
 was graduated wilh lir>t honors alioiit IM.');i. lie 
 entered ii|>on the practice of liis jirofession at 
 IShxiinville. N. v.. where he labored successfully 
 for .aliout three years, then, in \X'><). coming to 
 .Michigan, located in the then unpretentious little 
 village of Sturgis. He had been married. Oct. 13. 
 IKiVJ. to Mi.-i!* Almeda ('.White. Ihis lady wa.s 
 born in IJloomville. N. V.. March '2. IM.'t.'i. and con- 
 tinned the loving and affectionale companion of 
 our suhje<'t for a period of nearly t wentv -seven 
 ye!ir>. She passed aw:iy ;it her home in .Sturgis. 
 .\iig. 11. 1M«(I. She w.as a lady of line intelligence 
 and tiHicli culture, well educated, having completed 
 her studies at the academy at Delhi. N. Y. Of this 
 union there had been lH>rn two children: Charles 
 s.. .March I. IK.'d;. and who died at the age of six 
 
 years. Jan. 20. 1863; and Kdwin W.. born .Sept. 
 "i:?. 18fi3. who is still living, a regular graduated 
 |>hMrinaeist. located now in Chesterton. Inil. Mrs. 
 .\lmeda Kollett had for many \ears been a pi'onii- 
 nent light in the .Methoilist Kpisco|)al Clmrcli. and 
 was warmly clevoted to the service of the Ma>ler. 
 Her pai'ents wei'c natives of New Y'ork State, and 
 her father. Shadrach White, was a member of a 
 prominent famil\- of that name there. 
 
 Mr. Kollett. on the 10th of November. l.SMl. con- 
 tracted a second matrimonial alliance, with Mrs. 
 JIarv K. (Osborne) Williams, who was born in Stur- 
 gis. Mich., .\pril I. IHfi. Her parents were Kd- 
 ward and Sarah I. (KIlis) Osborne, natives of 
 (ienesce Ctiiinty. N. Y.. the father being a farmer 
 by occup.ation and a ilealer in (irodiice for man\ 
 years, lie w.as born Keb. ;"). 1817. and his wife. 
 Sarah I.. .Ian. \'.K 1M2I. They were married in St. 
 .loseph County, this .State. March 22. lH;iS. Kd- 
 ward 0>lporne departed this life Dec. 1 I. 1«7:). Hi- 
 wife had precede(l him to the better land, her de;ith 
 occurring March II. {HitX. They were the parents 
 of ten chililren. three of whom died in infancy. 
 They were named res|)ectively: Sophia C.. .Mary 
 K.. Klecta M.. Charles W.. Charles K.. Caroline. 
 Milton K.. Theodore S.. Klla I,, and Keiiben C. 
 Mary I-",, w.as tirst married. Oct. I. IMiJii. to SiK-ncer 
 Williams, and they became the parents of three 
 children, of whom Kdward K. died in childhood: 
 John .1. married Miss Nina Drake, and is living in 
 Sturgis. .Mich.; Lois K. is unmarriiMl. and reimiin- 
 with her mother. Spencer Williams w;i- born in 
 Ohio, in March, |H:{|.and died at his home in Stur- 
 gis, in IH7(;. .Mrs. Kollett received a careful home 
 training and a goixl education in the common 
 schools, completing her studies at Kalama/oo. She 
 Wiu* a most excellent lady, and a conscieiitioii- 
 meinber of the ISaptist Church. 
 
 Dr. Kollett s<M>n after coining here w:is n-coir- 
 ni/.ed its a valiieil aiMition to Ihc communitv. and 
 in 1 H.")8 was elected a Justice of the reace. which 
 olliee he held by successive re-election- for a [K-rioil 
 of twelve yeai-s. He served .as Sii|>ervisor of Stur- 
 gis Township four terms, and was a member of the 
 committee of inve>li;:ation ap|Miint4'd to look into 
 the act,- of the defaulting County Treasurer, there 
 Iieing dis<'overed a defieieiiey of $2. (MM). Diirini.' 
 
^ 
 
 <^ 
 
 420 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 this time also he superintended the laying out of 
 the new eemeterv, which is now one of the most 
 he.Miitifiil hiirial places in tiie county. For two 
 tcniis he has l>een President of tlie Villajje liuard. 
 .■mil has exerted his influenc-c in the estalilisiuiifnl of 
 llie electric liuht and other inipnjvements conncctc(l 
 with his village. In tlie City Council lie has liccn 
 foremost in the cnconrajjement of the estahlish- 
 nienl and maintenance of schools, and every other 
 cnterpri.se calculated for the advancement of the 
 people, mor.ally and socially. Althou<jh no poli- 
 tician, he takes a genuine inteii'st in matters con- 
 nected with National .and State ( iovcrnment. and 
 upholds zealously tiic piiuciplcs of Ihe Hepnlilican 
 pai'ly. 
 
 in 1M71 Dr. Kollctt was ap|)oinle<l .Mail .\gentof 
 the C; rand Hapids i^- Indiana Railroad, a position 
 which he has occupied for a jjcriod of lifteen years, 
 and in which he hixs made a fine record for good 
 judgment, skill and ability. .Socially, lie belongs 
 to the Ma.sonic fraternity. Ills pleasant .-uid eoiii- 
 fortable home is located on .Maple avenue, and is 
 replete with all that makes life comfortable and 
 desirable. 
 
 ■■ I ' ^ 'I' I - g " 
 
 ellAHLES K. HOLMES, a retired farmer of 
 Constantine Village, was one of St. Joseph 
 County's pioneers in the early flays of its 
 settlement, coming here in the summer Of 1834, and 
 thus for fifty-live 3-ears It has been his privilege to 
 watch and aid its development from the wilderness 
 to its present advanced state of civilization and 
 material prosperitv. He was at first identified with 
 its industrial interests as a carpenter, and the chair 
 and cabinet shop that lie opened later must have 
 been among the first manufacturing establishments 
 in the county. In 1841 or 1842 he connected him- 
 self with the farming interests of the county, and 
 for man}' years took an active ]>art in their advance- 
 ment and sustenance. He still owns a large and 
 valuable farm of 380 .acres on Pigeon Prairie, from 
 the rental of which he derives a good income. 
 
 Our subject w.as born in the town of Cambria. 
 Ni.igara Co., N. Y., Aug. 1, 1821, being the third 
 chilli in the family of ten children belonging to 
 
 John and Betsey (Strouse) Holmes, who were also 
 natives of New York, and his father was born in 
 Niagara Count}'. After marri.ige they first settled 
 in Lockport, but subsequently removed to Cambria. 
 In 1824. with their little children, thej- left their 
 native Stale, and making their way to Ohio, settled 
 ill the wilds of what is now Lucas Count}- to found 
 a new home, and there those worthy people passed 
 the remainder of their lives. 
 
 Charles R. Holmes was but two or three years of 
 age when his parents left the comforts of their home 
 in New York to battle with the hardships of life in 
 a new and sparsely settled, forest covered region, 
 and amid the pioneer scenes and surroundings of 
 their dwelling-place in the years that followed he 
 grew to be a stalwart, self-reliant, courageous youth, 
 and starting out early in life to make his own way 
 in]the world, the summer of 183C found him across 
 the borders in this Slate. He came to White Pig- 
 eon, and at first worked at carpentering, as before 
 mentioned, and afterward established himself in 
 business as a chair and cabinet maker. For five or 
 six years he was very profitably engaged at that, 
 and then became a farmer. In time he, by assidu- 
 ous and well-directed labor, developed a fine farm 
 on Pigeon Prairie. In the fall of 1872, though not 
 yet past middle age, he had accumulated a sufficient 
 store of wealth to warrant his taking life easier, and 
 he retired to the pretty village of ConsUmtine, of 
 which he has ever since been a valued resident. 
 
 The marri.age of our subject to Miss Mary Coats 
 took place on Pigeon I'rairie, Nov. 10. 1842. She 
 was a daughter of John and Ellen (Romans) Coats, 
 who were among the earliest pioneers of Pigeon 
 Prairie, entering land there in 1829. They built 
 up a comfortable home in which they spent the re- 
 mainfler of their lives. They had eight children, of 
 whom Mrs. Holmes was the fourth, her liirtli tak- 
 ing place in "York.shire, England, Sejil. 17, 1810. 
 She was an earnest and faithful member of the 
 Methodist Episciipal Church, and the life that closed 
 Dec. 17, 1880, numbering sixty-four years and three 
 months, was well spent and full of all things that go 
 to make a good woniau in the fullest sense, and her 
 memory will be cherished by her relatives, friends 
 and neighbors. Of her union with our subject six 
 children were born: John C, who died July 30, 
 
>► ■ <• 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 -*^ 
 
 421 ' \ 
 
 1879; Elizabeth, the wife of Franklin Caseman, 
 living on her father's farm in Florence Townsiiip; 
 .Julia H.. who died when a year and a half old; 
 Harriet 1... who died in infancy; Adella and Adel- 
 berl, who died j'ounjj. .John C. had Iieen married, 
 Miss .Julia Latter becoming his wife 'Slay '27, 1872, 
 and of their marriage two children were born, Lillie 
 I., and Charles W., the boy dying when nine years 
 of age. His widow an<l tlicir child make their home 
 with his father. 
 
 Mr. Holmes is an unassuming, practical man, who 
 is no less respected as a citizen than as a |)ioneer. 
 and he has alw.ays displayed, both in public and in 
 private life, those traits of character that mark a 
 true and honest gentleman, and his fellow-citizens 
 have shown their confidence in his sterling worth 
 and capacity by electing him at difTerent times to 
 various civic otiices. In him the Democratic party 
 (inils one of its stanchest supporters. 
 
 -€^-»- 
 
 HUAHAM li. GEORGE. In the subject of 
 this biography, the proprietor of an ex- 
 ^ tensive founihy. large machine-shops and 
 manufactory of agricultural implements, 
 wf recognize a l)enefactor to the community. .Mr. 
 George was born at rnionville, Berks Co., Pa., 
 .July 29, 1825, is the son of William and Cath- 
 erine ( Hrower) George, and is the eldest of five 
 rbildri'n. His brothers and sisters were named: 
 Mary, .John H., Lavinia and Abiram 1\. Mary is 
 a resident at Conslantine. Mich., with her husband, 
 Thomas Welbourn : and I.avinia is now .Mrs. .Jacob 
 Uerger. 
 
 The father of our subject was born at Phila- 
 delphia. Oct. 19, 1797, and was the second child in 
 his famil}'. Grandfather George emigrated from 
 Scotland in early manhood, marric<l, and settled 
 near Philadelphia, Pa., where he amassed consider- 
 able wealth, and enjoyed a high position socially. 
 The portion of Philadelphia known as George's 
 Hill is in the vicinity of his residence, and was 
 named after him. Although it was in his power to 
 rear his son in cunipanitively easy circumstances, 
 he early impressed upon him the necessity of work; 
 accordingly, after s|)ending his early years at home 
 
 under the immediate care and instruction of his par- 
 ents, he removed to Berks County, Pa., where he 
 learned the trade of whitusmith (now called lock- 
 smith). He continued working at this traile for 
 some time, afterward clerking in a dry-goods store, 
 where he remained until after his marriage. Shortlj- 
 after this important event he entered into business 
 ft)r himself in the same line, continuing until aliout 
 18.'!(), when he removed to Tamaqua, Schuylkill 
 County, engaging in the same business. At the 
 same time he was in the employ of the Little Schuyl- 
 kill Coal Compau}-, as Superintendent, in which 
 oflice he remained about live j'cars, having the su- 
 pervision of over 500 men. In 183.'> he moved 
 with his family to St. .loseph Count}', Mich., the 
 journej' being performed with wagon and team. 
 Their route laj- through Pittsburgh, Pa.. Canton, 
 Ohio, and across the Black Swamp, and on via 
 Cleveland, which at that time was but a small ham- 
 let. The journej' occupied thirty daj's. The}- .-ir- 
 rived in the month of .June, and settled on IGO 
 acres of Government land, about a mile and three- 
 quarters west of the village of Constantine. Until 
 Mr. George could ])repare a home for his family 
 they took u|) their residence in a small house that 
 had been built by a cousin, A. K. Brower, who had 
 previously come to .St. .Joseph County. With his 
 usual energy. .Mr. George proin|itly began to im- 
 prove his land, and raised the first season a small 
 crop of buckwheat, upon which to live through tlie 
 following winter. Ho continued upon this farm fi)r 
 several years, when he i)ut his youngest sou in 
 charge of it, and made his home in Constantine. 
 The farm at this time w.as in a very high stale of 
 cultivation, and was provided with substantially 
 built and convenient farm buihiings. In .addition 
 to the farm he possessed forty acres of beautiful 
 timber land, also his home in the village, where he 
 resided until the death of his wife in September, 
 1887, when he ren)oved, to live with his daughter. 
 Mrs. Welbourn, which he has sincecontinued to do. 
 He has reached the advanced age of ninety-one 
 years. In his earlier years he was associated with 
 the Democratic, l)ut later alliliated with the Hepub- 
 lican i)arly. He h.as always entertained and ad- 
 vanced high sentiments of the responsibilitii^ and 
 privileges of citizenship, and at all times evinced 
 
 i 
 
f 422 
 
 ,t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 his scrupulous desires for that condition of Gov- 
 ernment and tliose measures which would insure 
 the {rrratest good to the Repultlic. By no means 
 an oflicc-seeker. he has, however, been called at 
 diff(M-ent limes to fill divers oftices, and has always 
 ilone so in a careful and honoralile manner. 
 
 Religiously, hoth Mr. George and wife were mem- 
 bers of the (Jerman Reformed Church. His wife, 
 who for so many years with nf>bl3', womanly sfjirit 
 stood by his side, cheering and helping in all the difli- 
 culties of business and pioneer life, was the daugh- 
 ter of Abraham and Anna Brower. .She was born 
 in Pennsylvania, and spent her earl^- womanhood 
 at home, only leaving it when she was married, to 
 lake the management of lier own household. .She 
 was a ladj- whose temperament and essentially' ma- 
 ternal and womanly qualities commended themselves 
 to all who knew her in familv, church and social re- 
 lations, cither as mother, wife or friend. She was 
 respected, admired and beloved, and has left upon 
 many hearts and lives the imprint of her noble 
 s|)irit. 
 
 With such parental influences, we should lie dis- 
 appointed if no fruit were shown in the historj- of 
 our subject. Reared under these happy influences, 
 in spite of tjie limited educational opportunities of 
 pioneer life, ho grew strong, manly and vigorous in 
 both body in mind, and received the impulses and 
 impetus which have never left him, and which we 
 must consider the secret of the prosperity, jieai'e, 
 anil harinon}- of his life. About 184;3 he lefc the 
 farm ami went to Constantine, and commenced 
 learning the trade of molder in the fonndr}' and 
 machine works of Messrs. .Stafford & Pitcher. He 
 continued his position with this firm until the sub- 
 sequent change in the same in the year 1851, when 
 he was elected Township Treasurer. He subse- 
 (juently became Sheriff and Constable. After this 
 he mastered the intricacies of the photographic 
 camera, and conducted a gallery for about four 
 years witli considerable success. His mechanical 
 genius, however, was not satisfied with pictures, con- 
 sequently, about the j-ear 1858 we find him selling 
 reapers and other implements of agriculture for 
 Messrs. Stafford ik Mitchell, which firm was prac- 
 tically the same as that wherein his first acquaintance 
 with machines was made. In this business he re- 
 
 mained until October, 18G1, when he bought his em- 
 ployers out of the business and continued the works 
 on his own account, adding largely to them in vari- 
 ous departments as occasion required, until the 
 present. 
 
 Mr. George is now the owner of extensive prop- 
 erty in addition to his foundry, machine and imple- 
 ment shops, and is counted among the wealthy men 
 of Constantine. He is a pronounced Republican, and 
 in him the party h.as a very strong and alile sup- 
 porter. In the Masonic fraternity he is deeply in- 
 terested, and by his brethren highly esteemed. 
 Besides his membership in .siloani Lodge No. 35, he 
 is one of the honored companions of Constantine 
 Chapter No. Ul, and a Sir Knight of the Three 
 Rivers Commander^' No. 21), K. T. He has been 
 re-elected several successive years to the office of 
 Secretary of his lodge. 
 
 In the year 18 48 Mr. George was married to Mary 
 A. Boyd, daughter of Jacob Bonebright. When she 
 was about one year old it was her great misfortune 
 to lose her father by death. Her mother remar- 
 ried, and came to St. Joseph County with her hus- 
 band. For a time he squatted on Government 
 land, but afterward took up a claim. His career 
 was cut short by death in 1868. Her mother was a 
 member of the Baptist Church, a good, benevolent 
 woman and kind neighbor, a true friend to the 
 sick and suffering. Her death occurred in Janu- 
 ary, 18G4. 
 
 Mrs. George developed similar qualities to those 
 which marked the life of her mother. Her home 
 has been cheered b}' the birth of two sons. The eld- 
 er, Edward S., was educated at Lake Forest, III., 
 and is now living at Englcwood, a suburb of the 
 city of Chicago; and LinviUe II., who was educated 
 in the Constantine schools, continuing with his 
 parents ever since. 
 
 [L^^EMAN IlARWOOl), whose peacefully de- 
 clining years are being spent amidst the 
 2^ pleasant surroundings of a comfortable 
 f^ home in Constantine, came to Michigan 
 Teiritory as earh' as 1832, accompanied by his 
 lirother Ira, they making the trip in a sleigh from 
 ■» 
 
ST. .loSKlMI COUNTY. 
 
 42.] 
 
 Canniidnigiin, N. Y. lie has been since that time a 
 continnous i-esi<lent of Constmitine Township. He 
 hail l)ecn rearfil from hoyiiood to the pursuits of 
 farm lifi', ami foilowtHl Ihi'se uontenlt'diy from his 
 VDiilh lip, with the exception of ten years in which 
 lie was e'n{.'am'(t in llie himher liiisiiiess. This iattt'i 
 enterprise was eumhiutcd l>y iiimself and iiis two 
 sons, Oliver and Merrill, under llu' linn name of 
 Ilarwood it Co. 
 
 Tiie subject of this sketch was born at Meredith, 
 Delaware Co.. N. Y., June 21. 1810, and is the 
 son of Ileman, Sr.. and Ksther (Millington) liar- 
 wood, further mention ^'f whom is made in the 
 sketch uf Hiram H. Harwood, on another page in 
 this Volume. The llarwoods were an old and 
 highly respected family, who after their settlement 
 in America were residents Orst of Vermont, whence 
 the later descendants migrated to the Empire State. 
 Heman, Jr., upon reaciiing manhood was married in 
 Ontario County, N. Y., in September, 1835, to Miss 
 Rebecca Fisher, who was born there. The young 
 people commenced the journey of life together at 
 their new home in the West which Mr. Harwood had 
 prepared previously fur his bride. They became 
 the parents of four children, three of whom lived 
 to mature years, namely: Oliver, Merrill and Fran- 
 cis M. .Mrs. Harwood departed this life at the 
 homestead in Constaiitine, Sept. 12, 1887. 
 
 Mr. Harwood during the progress of the Black 
 Hawk War was drafted into the army, but his serv- 
 ices were only reipiired one month. Later he 
 was a Captain of the JHchigan Militia. IJoth he 
 and his estimable wife identified themselves with 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church at an early day, 
 and he has been a warm supporter of the principles 
 of the Republican party since its organization. In 
 the >pring of 181>U, after years of arduous toil, <lur- 
 ing which he had been successful in buililing up a 
 good homestead, he retired from active labor and 
 took up his abode at a snug home in the village of 
 Constaiitine. His has been a rich and varied ex- 
 perience, and in common with the pioneers about 
 him he endured hardship and privation while the 
 country was becoming settled up witli a class of in- 
 dustrious and intelligent jjcople. He was one of 
 the men most needed at that period — strong of 
 muscle and brave of heiirt — one who suffered no 
 
 ordinary circumstance to discourage him. In his 
 declining years he is surrounded by hosts of friends, 
 and, sitting under his own vine and fig tree, is en- 
 joying the fruits o( his laljors, often casting back a 
 ghincc at the ohi days, and is enabled to relati' 
 many an interesting incident which is listened U> 
 with intense interest both by young and oltl. Tlie 
 name of Heman Harwood will stand prominent in 
 the annals of St. Joseph County long after he has 
 passed awa}'. and will be held in kindly remem- 
 brance by all who knew him. 
 
 S^ ' 
 
 ■^^ -^-*-^ 
 
 LBKRT U. DINNING, attorney -at-law, 
 Sliirgis, is one of the most able and success- 
 ful membei*s of the bar in St. Joseph 
 County-. He has a very large practice in 
 the Circuit anil Slate Courts throughout Michigan 
 and Xoitiiern Indiana, and also in the United Slates 
 Supreme Court. 
 
 Mr. Dunning is a native of .McEnroe Couiitv, N. V., 
 liorii -March 5, 1844. His father. George Dunning, 
 who came to this county in the spring of 18C0, is 
 now a prominent farmer of this township, and a 
 sketch of his life will be found on another page of 
 this Volume. Our subject received the prelimi- 
 naries of his education in his native Stale, and after 
 coming to this State he pursued an excellent course 
 of study at the H.iptist College in Kalaina/oo. where 
 he attained a high rank for scholarship. He then 
 decided to enter the legal profession, and read law 
 under J. W. Flauflers, of Slurgis, and was admitted 
 to the bar in the S|)ring of 1870. He commenced 
 to practice in this county with Mr. F'landers. re- 
 maining with him until 187.'?, when he entered into 
 parlnership with D. K. Thomas, under the firm name 
 of Dunning A* Thomas. They dissolved partner- 
 ship in 1874. nnd Mr. Thomas is now in Toledo, 
 Ohio. Mr. Dunning continued in practice here, 
 and besides acfjiiiring an extensive clientage, has 
 won an enviable reputation for learning and forhi^ 
 eloquent exposition of the law. 
 
 Mr. Dunning was united in marriage to .Mi>« 
 .Myra R. Bird, Nov. 11, 1808. She was born in 
 Unadilla, Livingston Co., Mich., and is a daughter 
 of David D. and Agnes Bird, of Livingston County, 
 
•^f^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 424 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 f set 
 
 Mich. Mrs/Duniiirig is a lafly wlifise lovely cliarncter 
 and manj' pleasant social qualities eiuUar her to a 
 large circle of friends. She is a a sincere Christian, 
 and a valued memlier of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. The household circle of our subject and 
 his wife is completed by the presence of their two 
 charming daughters, Gertrude and Ruth M., who 
 are aged fifteen and twelve. years respectively. 
 
 Our subject is a fine example of the self-made 
 men of the country, and this brief review of his 
 life shows him to possess more than ordinary talent, 
 and though .still a young man, has already, by sheer 
 force of character and an indomitable will, won an 
 enviable distinction in his profession, and is ac- 
 corded a high place at the bar. He is an ornament 
 to this citizenship, combining, as he does, solid at- 
 tainments, and a clear and vigorous mind with 
 sterling sense and unaffected kindliness. 
 
 
 IRAM II. IIARWOOU. a retired farmer of 
 Constantino, has by the exercise of keen 
 foresight and excellent business tact, ac- 
 ^ cumulated a comfortable property, and with 
 his good wife is enjoying it in one of the pleasant- 
 est homes in the township. In the life records of 
 the pioneers of a country we have.-, valuable source 
 of its history; therefore, it gives us much pleasure 
 to present to the readers of this Bio(;hai'hic.\l Al- 
 BCM of St. Joseph County' a brief .iccount of one 
 who, although one of the earliest pioneers of the 
 county, is still living, and an honored citizen, 
 ()reserving much of the old-time vigor that made 
 his aid so valuable in developing the agricultural 
 resources of this region. 
 
 Our subject comes of a sturdy New England an- 
 cestry, but is himself a native of New York 
 State, his birth occurring in New Lebanon. Colum- 
 bia County. Sept. 2.5, 1812. His parents, Heman 
 and Esther (Millington) Ilarwood, were born in 
 the historical old town of Bennington, Vt.. and there 
 the days of their childhood were passed, and there 
 Ihej' united their fortunes for better or for worse. 
 They afterward became pioneers in New York .State, 
 settling first in Meredith, then in New Lebanon, 
 
 and from there to Ontario Countj'. After spend- 
 ing several years in New York State they again 
 launched out into pioneer life, and made their 
 way. in June, 1832. to .St. Joseph County. Mich., 
 whither two of their sons had preceded thtni. to 
 prepare a shelter .against the time of their arrival 
 on land which had been selected the previous year, 
 in Kabius Township. The following year, in 1H33, 
 the father bought a tract of land in Constantine 
 Township, and in the years that followed built up a 
 comfortable home on Bro.-Kl street. In thatdwelling 
 the life of the faithful wife and devoted mother 
 closed to mortal scenes. June 12. 1835. at the age 
 of forty-nine j'ears. The father spent his declin- 
 ing years in Constantine Village, d.ving March o, 
 18G9, aged eighty-three years. He was three times 
 married, his second wife being Mrs. Polly Eddj'. 
 and the third Mrs. Amanda Rich; all are now de- 
 deased. 
 
 Hiram, the third of the ten children born to his 
 parents, was reared to the life of a farmer, and was 
 aclivel3- engaged in that honoralile calling until 
 his retirement. In January, 1831, then being a 
 youth of nineteen years, he started with his brother 
 Heman in a sleigh from Canandaigua County, N. 
 Y.. to drive to Michigan, for the purpose of locat- 
 ing on his father's land, and prepare for the arrival 
 of the remaining members of the family. 
 
 The boys began that memorable journey on the 
 3d day of January, and on the 25th day of the same 
 month arrived at their destination, the then village 
 of Lockport, now known as part of Three Rivers, 
 on the St. Joseph River. They immediitely erected 
 a log cabin about a mile from there, in the town- 
 ship of Fabius. and commenced to clear land enough 
 for a garden. The following year our subject re- 
 moved with his father to his farm in Constantine, 
 and remained with him until he became of age, 
 when he settled on land purchased by his father in 
 Fabius Township. He built a house, improved the 
 land, married, and lived there some four or five 
 years, when he lost his wife, and after that s.id 
 event returned to his father's home. He lived under 
 the parental roof some two years, when he again 
 married, and returned to his farm in P'abius Town- 
 ship. After living there two years he bought a 
 tract of land in Constantine Township of his uncle 
 
 ^h-^ 
 
"^^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 42.'. 
 
 Millinglon, and removed to that place. He in- 
 dustriouslj* set about clearing his land. an<l, by 
 jiidii'loiis manau;i'nient and downright liar<l labor, 
 siK-ct'eded In iin|)roving a valuable and highly pro- 
 ductive farm. He owns at the present time quite 
 a large tract of land in Constanlinc Township, and 
 owns and occupies the fine old mansion which was 
 owned and built by the late Gov. Barr}', [jjeasantl^- 
 locateil on North Washington street. 
 
 Air. Harwood has been twice marrieil. He was 
 first wedded, in Fabius Township, to Klvira Rice, 
 a native of I'ittsford, N. Y. She ilied in Conslan- 
 tine Township after a brief but ha[)py married life. 
 Mr. Harwood's marriage to his present estimable 
 wife took ])lace in White Pigeon, .Ian. 1, 1839. 
 Her maiden name was Arvillo Denio, and she was 
 born in Bennington, Vt.. Sept. 28, 1813. Her par- 
 ents were Arial and Lovina (Harwood) Denio. 
 The}' spent their last years in Rutland County, Vt. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Harwood have jinssed th'i gohlen 
 milestone that marks a happy wedlock of half a 
 century. For fifty long jears they have been spared 
 to bless each other and the many friends whom they 
 have galhercd around them, to whom they have 
 endeared themselves by the thousand and one acts 
 of kindness and helpfulness so characteristic of their 
 warm, genial, loving natures. During these many 
 years that they have been together their life has 
 not been all joyous; sorrow has often supped with 
 Ihem, and in the death of three of their beloved 
 children they have been reminded of the mutability 
 of life, and of the hope that lies at the heart of man 
 of a home beyond the grave, and their faith in the 
 immortality of the soul h.as been strengthened. Their 
 son Mylon died in infancy; their son Daniel W., a 
 young man of much promise, who was engaged in 
 the mercantile business, died when hut twenty- 
 six years of age; Heman C a bright young lad, 
 died when about fourteen years of age. Our sub- 
 ject and his wife still have four children left to 
 soothe their declining years: Albert E.. who resides 
 in C'onstantine Township; Cerintha, who is the wife 
 of T. H. RItter, of Constantiuc; Mary J., wIkj lives 
 with her parents; ami .lennie A., who is the wife of 
 Samuel llarvey. 
 
 Our subject has an excellent record as a public 
 oHlcial in his township, he being a man of sound 
 <■ 
 
 principles, good business habits and clear judgment. 
 He has held the office of Justice of the Peace two 
 terms, that of Township Assessor for several 3'ears, 
 and has also been the incumbent of all the school 
 offices. In politics he uses his influence in favor 
 of the Republican part}'. He and his wife are 
 members of the Reformed Church, and in their 
 daily lives nobly exemplify its teachings. 
 
 GlKOl 
 
 ,^;^K0R(;E W. GRAY, a retired farmer and 
 hotel manager, is spending the declining 
 ears of a successful life in the beautiful 
 town of Sturgis, in the pleasant home to which he h.is 
 retired to enjoy the ample competence that he h.is 
 gained through the shrewd management of his aflfairs. 
 Through his having been identified with the business 
 and agricultural interests of St. Joseph County for 
 many years, and the proprietor of a popular hotel, 
 he has become well known to the jwople at large and 
 to the traveling public in particular, and all have 
 accorded him the high place in their estimation due 
 to a just, generous and upright man. He is the 
 owner of the Berridge House, which he purchased 
 in 1880 and managed successfully until the fall of 
 1888, when he leased it and retired to his present 
 residence. 
 
 Mr. Gray was born in the town of Scipio, Cuya- 
 hoga Co., N. Y., July 13, 182,i. William Gray 
 his father, a native of .Saratoga County, N. Y., was 
 a brave soldier in the War of 1812, serving under 
 Gen. McLain in the navy department, on board the 
 gunboat "Sackett Harbor;" the same boat, bearing a 
 different name, may still be seen in Sackett's Harbor. 
 Our subject's uncle. Samuel Gr.ay, wjis a soldier 
 in the same war, serving in the infantry under Gen. 
 Scott, and he participated in the battles of Lnmly's 
 Lane. Chillewa. (Jucbec. etc. Our subject's father 
 was also in the bombardment of C^ucbec and .Sack- 
 ett's Harbor. They doubtless inherited their mili- 
 tary ardr)r from Benjamin Gray, grandfather of our 
 subject, a Revolutionary soldier, who served under 
 Gen. DuQuesne. and his brother, Reuben Gray, took 
 part in the Revolution under (ion. F'rancis Marion, 
 an<l was killed in the battle of Cowixins. He left 
 five sons, and ex-Gov. Gray, of Indiana, is lineally 
 
4= 
 
 <*■ 
 
 42G 
 
 ■•► 
 
 bT. JOSEl'll COUNTY. 
 
 i= 
 
 flescended from him. The mother of our siib- 
 jfct, wliose maiileii nnnic was Elizabeth I ledger, 
 was a daugiiter uf another Kc^vulutionary hero, 
 Edward Iledger. vviio tooi< part in the battles of 
 Huiikcr's Hill, Vorktowii, Moiimuiith, White Plains, 
 Sl)iiytendii3vil, Germantown and Bennington, and 
 though he fought bravely and well he never received 
 a wound. 
 
 It will be seen from the foregoing that the blood 
 of sturdy patriots flows in the veins of our subject, 
 and that he has just reason to bo proud of his Hevo- 
 Inlionary ancestors. Doubtless he inherited from 
 llR-ni the bold and enterprising spirit that lias made 
 him successful in his various undertakings. He is, 
 however, a self-made ukui, and obtaining such 
 education as the schools of the time afforded, he 
 startc<I out in the world with no other fortune than 
 a courageous heart and .1 willingness and eapacily 
 to work. He came to this county- Sept. 23, 
 18;')!, and settling in Sturgis, sold boots and shoes 
 and bought hides, etc., for Rittersbaugh, Baker A- 
 Co., of Clarence Hollow, X. Y. After engaging in 
 that busini!ss si.\ years his health failed him, and he 
 resumed his old trade, that of brick and stone 
 mason. He worked at that for four 3'ears and then 
 went into a shop again. Three years later his 
 failing health drove him to the farm, and he w.as 
 prolitably engaged in agrieultur.al pursuits until 
 1 sso, when, as beft)re mentioned, he invested some 
 of his capital in a hotel, and turned his attention 
 to its m.'inagement. He still owns his farm, which is 
 one of the finest in the county, comprising 21 2 
 acres of highly ])r(idu<-li\ c land in Burr Oak and 
 Sherman Townships. 
 
 .Ml-, (iray was united in marriage to JHss Sarah 
 A. liaker. May ii, 1 8."i2, and of their pleasant wedded 
 life three children li.ave been born, two of whom 
 live — Kit C. and Eddie B. Kit married Alice 
 Thurston, and they make their home on section 30, 
 Burr Oak Township; the}' have four children, 
 namely: Eaitli, Thomas, George and Spencer. 
 Mrs. (!ray is the daughter of Benjamin and Nancy 
 (llirshey) Baker, both of whom are deceiised. She 
 was born in New York in 1820. 
 
 When our subject entered the then little village 
 of Siiugis nearly thirty-eight years ago and cast in 
 his lot with its pioneer business men, being a young 
 
 man of exceptional habits and high principles, he 
 gained the confidence of the people among whom 
 he had come to make his home from the very first. 
 He took as active a part in developing the town and 
 its various interests as anj- of his contemporaries, 
 and his name will always be honorably associated 
 with the energetic, enteriirising and worthy pioneers 
 of the town. He is a man of strong convictions, 
 and is broad minded and liberal in his religious 
 views. Politically, he is a stanch advocate of the 
 doctrines promulgated b^- the He|)ublican party. 
 
 ^55)EORGE Wn.LARD MATTICE, editor and 
 if ^w" l'i"0P'"'Pt'*'' f'f tl'P ***'• J"Sf'iih C'liunlii Xeus^ 
 "^^5; which is publishecl at Mendon, established 
 this journal in September, 1886, and although still 
 in its infancy, it is recognized as a very vigorous 
 enterprise, one evidcnth' bound to succeed. Its 
 projector is a man of more than ordinary ability, 
 one who has seen much of life, anil especially the 
 Western World, having visited ncarlj- all of the 
 States and Territories west of the Missouri River. 
 He has made good use of his opportunities, is well 
 read and well informed, and on account of his uni- 
 formly courteous demeanor toward all with whom 
 he comes in contact, has made hosts of friends in 
 this county. 
 
 The first five years of the life of Mr. Mattice 
 were spent in the village of Michlleburg, .Schoharie 
 Co., X. Y., where he wasliorn Aug. 1 1, IS.'d. Five 
 years later his parents removed to Fultonham, 
 the same county, where he attt-ndec) the district 
 school until a youth of sixteen years, and then spent 
 one year as a teacher. He had alw.ays taken kindly 
 to his books, and was ambitious to obtain a thor- 
 ough education. In the eighteenth j'car of his .age 
 he entered the State Normal School at Albanj', N. 
 Y., where he took a full course, and from which he 
 was graduated .June 29, 187.J. 
 
 The following two years were spent by young 
 Mattice as a teacher in his native State, which he 
 was then obliged to leave on account of failing 
 health. He w.is then for three years connected with 
 the advertisiiig department of the I'nion Pacific 
 Railroa<l Directory, and it was in the employ of 
 
 ■» 
 
-4«- 
 
 •«► 
 
 ST. .lOSKlMI COUNTY. 
 
 427 
 
 *t= 
 
 this eoiii|)aiiy llial lie prosecuted the trnvels which 
 wo iiiivo alieiidy spukcii of, not only in tin- West, 
 liiit over iii!iii\- of lilt- Kastorn Statos. In the wiu- 
 tfr uf 1879 he jouriicj'ed to Ori-f^ou. and in .Innc 
 fullowinij prufi'cdod to Takonia. Wyo.. and made 
 lii> initial oxpeiinient as a publisher. 
 
 In lss-_' Mr. iMatlicc bi-j^an sufferinjj from his 
 old pliysifal allliclion. and luiijraling to the eastern 
 pari of \\'asliinj,'lon Territory, esUihlished the 
 Press at Medical Lake. lie was married in Janu- 
 ary. IHS."), and in the f;dl of that yi'ar. leaving the 
 continenient of ollicc work, enili.-irked in stotk-r:iis- 
 injr. at which lie occupied liiniscif until the summer 
 of l.s.sC. He then sold out his interests in that sec- 
 tion of country, and for a time sojourned in Mar- 
 sii.iil, tills State, the former home of hi> wife, llis 
 next enterprise was tlie estaldlshnicnl of the \e"-s. 
 The famil}' of Mr. .M;ittice includes his estimalde 
 wife and two bright boys. lie has never taken a 
 very active part in polities, lie ollieiated as Jus- 
 tice of the I'eaee in Washington Territory', and so- 
 cially, is a memlier of the M.asonic fraternity. 
 
 KKDKRKK 1). IIASNKNGKK. To this 
 gentleman belongs the distinction of being 
 /i\ one of the oldest settlers of St. Joseph 
 
 County now living within its borders, he having 
 taken up his residence here in 1H38, and during 
 these lifty years he has been prominently idcntined 
 with its farming community. He has not onl}* wit- 
 nessed almost the entire growth of this section of 
 the country from the primeval forest that he found 
 here in all iU grandeur to its present wealthy and 
 .-idvaneed condition, but he has been no unimpor- 
 tant factor in developing its agricultm-al re.-ources, 
 and so contributing to its material prosperity. His 
 farm is on section I'J, Conslantine Townslu'p. where, 
 with his sons, he owns ('• 10 acres of some of the linesl 
 farming land in Southern Michigan, also owning 
 1(10 aere;< in I'resque Isle County, Mich. 
 
 Our suliject was born in Milllin Township. Mercer 
 Co., I'a.. July 7. IH\H. Ilig parents, Abraham and 
 I'A'e ( HIechler) II:is.senger, were also natives of that 
 county, and there began their wedded life. They 
 aftcr«ard removed to Kichland Count\ . ( )hiii, whore 
 
 the father died. The mother died in A\ ood County. 
 Ohio. They had a fau)ily of eleven children, of 
 whom our subject was t\n' youngest. He w.ns eight 
 3'ears old wlieii his parents made their home in 
 Kichland ( ounty, and cast in their lot wilh the pio. 
 neers of the county who had precc<led them. lie 
 was reared on a farm to manhood's estate, and then 
 learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed 
 most of the time as long as he was eng.iged in active 
 labor, although he carried on farming at the same 
 time, lie liveii in Hichland County. Ohi(j. until he 
 was about twenty years old, when he came to St. 
 Joseph County, being tli£ii a single man, and has 
 since been a resident of this township, with the ex- 
 ception of a few years which he spent on the line in 
 Cass Count}'. He has been very successful in his 
 agricultural ventures, and derives an ample income 
 from his farm, which is finely located in a rich and 
 fertile region, and is provided with a neat and com- 
 modious set of buildings for every necessary pur- 
 pose. 
 
 Mr. Hassenger was married in Cass County, this 
 Stiite, Dec. 12, 1847, to Miss M.irgaret Lint/.. She 
 is a native of Alsace, and was born in that I'rovincc 
 of French parentage, when it formed a part <>{ 
 France, Feb. 11», 1828. She was eleven years old 
 when her parents, Peter and Elizabeth (Marlow) 
 Lintz, likewise Alsacians hy birth, came with their 
 family to America in 1 839. They settled in Constan- 
 tine Township, this county, and here spent the re- 
 mainder of their lives. They had seven children, of 
 whom Mrs. Hassenger was the eldest. Five scjns 
 have Ijcen born to her and her husband, of whom 
 the following is recorded : John V. married Jlinerva 
 Young, and resides in Constantino Township, and 
 has been a teacher for twelve years; .lonas M. lives 
 at home with his parents, and has also been a teacher 
 for six j'oars; Franklin A. married Ida Young, and 
 resides in Constantino Township, .and for fifteen 
 years past has taught >chool fall and winter, at pr»s- 
 ent teaching in Mottville: Levi I), married Letlie 
 Young, and resides in Constantino Town>hip: 
 Jerome N. lives at home with his p.arents. 
 
 Mr. Hassenger is a min of great intelligence, with 
 a good fluid of inform.-ition and sound common 
 sense, and with hi> «ife. a lady of more than orili- 
 nary Ujcntal eiidownients. occupies a high soci:il 
 
 : ? » Jf ■» 
 
=4^ 
 
 428 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 position in this community, wlitre tliey are botli 
 deservedli' regarded with confidence and respect. 
 Tbeir sons are j'oung men of ability and force of 
 ciiaraetcf, who have inherited from their parents 
 those liigh principles and industrious habits that 
 do and will malve them valued citizens wherever 
 they may be. Mr. Ilassenger is a consistent and 
 esteemed member of the Dutch Reformed Church. 
 He is liberal and public-spirited, and an}' move- 
 ment looking to the advancement of his township 
 finds in him ready and substantial supjjort. He 
 has taken an earnest interest in educational matters, 
 and has done good service while acting in various 
 official capacities on the School Board. In politics 
 he strongly advocates the policy of the Democratic 
 party. 
 
 OTO 
 "o2So~ 
 
 'ift^A\Il) L. WHITE, a respected citizen and 
 I jj) prosperous farmer, and a member of the 
 /iS^j^ Cyclone Fanning ^lill Comi);niy. resides in 
 White Pigeon. He was born in Iluuting- 
 t(m County, Ind.. .Ian. .5. 18i)0. He is the son of 
 Lewis White, who went to Indiana in 1838, from 
 Cayuga County, N. Y., where he was born. His 
 mother was Elizabeth (Gibson) White. The father 
 was born in 1800, and died in April. 1878. at the 
 age of seventy-seven years. The mother died Dec. 
 2il. 1878. They reared a family uf live children, 
 of whom only two are living. Our subject, and 
 his sister .Alary .J., who is now the widow of Dolphus 
 (). Clark, are the survivors. 
 
 The parents of the subject of this sketch settled 
 first in Lockport Township in 1851, and moved to 
 White I'igeon Township in 18G1. Oursubject has 
 alw.ays followed agricultural pursuits until five 
 yeai-s ago, when he leased his farm ;ind moved into 
 town. He now owns a farm of 200 acres, one and 
 a half miles east of the town, which he h.TS leased. 
 The farm is well improved and finely located. He 
 is one of the company which established the C}'- 
 clone Fanning Mill factory, in the spring of 188G; 
 they now employ eleven men and keep eight sales- 
 men on the road. Their produce runs over 100 
 mills a month. During the year 1888 they found 
 the demanil for their goods increasing so rajjidly 
 that tlu'v were unable to fill all their orders, and 
 
 ^t^ 
 
 now have under consider.ition plans to increase 
 their product and sujiply all who wish them. The 
 mill is one of the most novel in construction that 
 has ever been made. It applies to a valuable i)ur- 
 pose one of the laws of nature which so far has 
 proved ver}' destructive to life and property, 
 namely, the spiral, whirling motion of air in the 
 cyclone which gives the mill its name. In this mill 
 it is produced to clean out of grain all the foul 
 seeds, chaff and straw, by which the grain is left in 
 a first-class market:d)le condition. It is the sim- 
 plicity of construction that is the chief recom- 
 mendation, and it is so obvious to every observer 
 that its value is at once conceded. It is in all re- 
 spects a thoroughly scientifically constructed ma- 
 chine, and it does its work so rapidly and well that 
 every farmer will have one and appreciate its v.alue. 
 Our subject was married to Miss Rachel A. Dale 
 Nov. 14, 1877; she is the daughter of .\mos Dale, 
 now deceased. She is the mother Of one child — 
 Clement L. Herself and husband are members of 
 the Presbj-terian Church, in which organizaticm 
 the}' hold an important place. Both husband and 
 wife are members of the County tlrange, P. of H. 
 Mr. White devotes himself exclusively to the prose- 
 cution of his business and enjoying the quiet of 
 his home. 
 
 
 Ky* OXROE EYANS. As is well known, the 
 /// \\\ soldier element has always ))laycd a con- 
 spicuous part in the upbuilding of Michi- 
 gan, from the days of the famous General 
 and Governor, Lewis Cass, and even before, down 
 to the present times, when a ])opular otticer of the 
 I'uion Army recentlj- ably filled the gubernatorial 
 chair. The volunteer soldier who marched in the 
 ranks, and by his strict obedience to the orders of 
 his commanders, his intelligent efficiency, steady 
 courage, discipline under fire, ardor and patriotism, 
 was an important factor in suppressing the Rebell- 
 ion, and oft times receivefl promotion to important 
 olHcial grades for gallant and daring conduct in 
 some hard-fought battle, has also borne an im- 
 portant part in securing the advancement and ma- 
 terial prosperity of this great commonwealth. .\s 
 a fine representative of this class, we are glad here- 
 
 T 
 
■^•- 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 42!) 4 
 
 with to present n sketcli of tlie life of the centle- 
 iimn whose iwime is at the iiead of this biograpiiical 
 notiee. lie is now living in retirement in one of 
 the pleasant homes of the pretty town of Sturgis. 
 
 .Mr. Evans was born amid tiie beantiful hills of 
 Windsor Connty, ^'t.. .Inly 15. IS34. he being de- 
 rived from a sturdy, inlellisjont New England an- 
 cestry. His fatiier. t'alvin Evans, waii a native of 
 Maine, liut when a yonng man he left the home of 
 his l)irth and took np his abode in the (Ireen 
 Monntain State. He there met and married Abi- 
 gail Wyman, a danghter of Uavid Wyman. In 
 1838 Mr. Evans removed with his family to West- 
 fiehl, Chautauqua Co.. N. Y., and there he kept 
 a hotel, which during the Patriot War was the 
 liead(|uarters of the .Vmerican oHicers. The Hon. 
 "William .Seward was his ne.xt door neighbor. The 
 parents of our subject were greatly respected by 
 all in their community. His father was a man of 
 clear head and sound judgment, and in his capac- 
 ity of "mine host" wiis popular with all classes of 
 people. To him and his wife were born nine chil- 
 dren, eight of whom live, namely: George AV., 
 Mary C, James W., Lu<lelia M., Helen M.. Harriet 
 M., Calvin W. and .MiHiroe. 
 
 Our subject receiveil a liberal education in the 
 Newark .Vcademy, N. Y.. which well litted him for 
 aTiy walk in life that he might ])refer. He was in 
 the prime of early manhood when the late war was 
 raging, and he enlisted to assist in the defense of 
 the institutions of the country, liecominga member 
 of Company E, 2d New York .Mounteil KiUes. He 
 w:us actively engaged in several important battles, 
 and his etiicieney and bravery while in action were 
 rewarded l)y [)romoti(m through the various grades 
 to that of .Second Lieutenant, he acting in that ca- 
 pacity in the battles <if the Wilderness. .Spott«yl- 
 vania Court House, North Anna River. Talo|)Ot- 
 oniy Creek. Cold Harbor, etc. He was in the heat 
 of battle in fnmt of Petersburg from July 15 to 
 .Vug. 31, 18(M, and he was at Weldon Railway, and 
 Poplar S| (rings Church. He wjis captured on the 
 Preble Farm, in front of Petersburg, Oct. 4, 18G4. 
 and experienced the hardshi|)s of life in the vari- 
 ous pri.sons at Petersburg, Libby. Salisbury. N. C.. 
 Danville. \'a., and from the latter [K'n wa.s sent back 
 to Libbv. anil from there sent down the river on 
 
 the first boatload of jjrisoncrs for general exchange 
 under (iens. (Jralit and Lee. Arriving in An- 
 napolis, ISId., Eeb. 22. 1865, he was sent home on a 
 leave of absence, and the war dosing before he had 
 recruited fi-om the etfcct^ of diet in the rebel 
 prisons, he received his discharge by mail, and 
 thus closed his life as a soldier and an officer in the 
 great civil strife in which he won an honorable 
 military record, one of which he and his friends 
 may well be prouil. 
 
 Mr. Evans came toSturgis in tiie spring of 18(10. 
 and has ever since been a useful and influential 
 citizen of this community. For four years ho 
 served as Deputy Sheriff, jierforming the; duties of 
 that office with signal ability, and in such a manner 
 as to win the encomiums of his constituency". He 
 is conspicuously identified with the various socie- 
 ties represented in Sturgis. the M.asijnic. I. ()•.(). F., 
 and the (1. .V. R. claiming him as one of their 
 most valued members. In 1884 he w.as one of the 
 grand officers of the (irand Encampment of the I. 
 O. O. F. of Michigan, and he was Offlcer of the 
 D.ay for two years in the (1. \. R. He is a man of 
 fine capacity, and has a clear, well-balanced mind, 
 and ills genuine kindness of heart and good com- 
 radeship have gained him many warm friends. 
 
 Our subject has been twice married. He was 
 first wedded to Miss Cornelia M. Thompstni. a 
 daughter of Jeremiah and Emeline Thomikson. 
 Mrs. Evans was born in .Sodus. Wayne Co.. N. Y.. 
 in 1834, and died May 5. 1885, and thus was 
 clo.sed a life well spent and full of all things that 
 go to make a good woman. My that marriage f«)ur 
 children were born, of whom Imt one survives, 
 Frances E. She is the wife of Wilfred H. Wilde, 
 of .Sturgis. .and they have five chihlren. namely : 
 (irace, Nina. Arthur, Cornelius and Ralph. 
 
 The marri.age of our subject to his present wife 
 was solemnized in .lune. 1887. She is a gracious, 
 frank, warm-hearted woman, and makes their home 
 pleasant and co/.v. Mrs. Evans' maiden name was 
 Mary E. Morse, she being a daughter of Emory 
 and Emily Morse. She has been twice married, 
 and by her first mai-riage to H. E. Boyd became the 
 mother of one daughter, Carrie M.. who is now 
 sixteen years old. Religiously. Mrs. Evans sub- 
 scribes to the Methodist doctrines, and i< nii nt- 
 
 i~ 
 
 :?^r*^ 
 
■<^ 
 
 430 
 
 -■» 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 teiulant at church although not a member, and is 
 also a member of the AV. li. ('.. an auxilliaiy of the 
 (;. A. R. Mr. Evans always resi)on(ls generously 
 to anv c.ill fm financial aid from the various 
 churclic> and lienevoleiit institutinns. 
 
 A\ ID PA(tK. Among the pioneers (jf St. 
 Joseph County no one is looked upon with 
 if^m^ more respect and veneration than he whose 
 ^"^ name appears at I lie head of this sketch. 
 He lia.s taken true and heartfelt pride in watching 
 the sturdy growth of the county, and he having 
 been an important factor in building up its business 
 interests, a record of its rise and i)rogress would be 
 incomplete without mention of him. He kicated 
 in Sturgis. his present jilace of residence, in 1837. 
 and at that time l)uilt the first foiuulry ami ma- 
 chine-shop in the county. 
 
 Our subject was born al llcliroii. (iiaftou Co.. 
 N. H.. April 18. 1811. His father. Thomas I'age, 
 deceased, was also a native of New Kngland. born 
 in the town of Heliron. Conn., of Knglish parent- 
 age. He was a prominent man and influential citi- 
 zen of his town, and after the War of 1812 was 
 appointed collector of the direct tax. He married 
 Sallie dale, of Concord. N. H. They were tiie 
 jiarents of ten children, three still living. 
 
 David I'age. of whom we write, received a lim- 
 ited education in the common schools of his native 
 State, bnt a |)raetic.al training at home in the indus- 
 trial l)ranciies. At the age of eighteen years he 
 determined to learn the trade of an iron molder, 
 and for th.at purpo.se went to I'.ainesville. Ohio, and 
 remained in the iron works of that ])lace for eight 
 years. He then came to Michigan, as before stated, 
 and built a foundry and a machine-shop, the only 
 one in fills part of the State, the nearest one af tiiat 
 time liiMiig at Mishawaka, Ind.. forty miles distant. 
 The foundry is still in operation. !Mr. Page hav- 
 ing had charge of it until 18.')2. when he sold out. 
 and for the ensuing three years engaged in the 
 flry -goods business. In 185.5 our subject opened a 
 hardware store, which he carried on fgr several 
 years. Subsequently, in partnership with .'^il.a.s 
 
 A* 
 
 \ 
 
 Stow, he engaged in the manufacture f>f furniture 
 and chairs, under the firm name of Page A- Slow. 
 He met with his former good success in this liusj- 
 ness. continuing it until 18(55. when hesf)ld out his 
 interest, and the next four years conducted a flour 
 and feed business. Having by that time ama.ssed a 
 sufficient sum for .all his temporary needs, he has 
 since lived a retired life. and. though now in feeble 
 health, is enjoying the rewards of an honest busi- 
 ness man, who toiled while it was yet ntorningthat 
 in the evening he might take rest and ctmifort. 
 
 The marriage of our subject with Miss .\nianda. 
 daughter of the late Luther Jewel, took place in 
 Painesville. Ohio. Jan. 28. 1835. Mrs. Page was a 
 most estimable woman and a true helpmate to her 
 husband, presiding with womanly grace and tender- 
 ness over her household until her death. March 7. 
 1872. She bore her husband five children, of whom 
 four are now living, of whom the following is ic- 
 corded: Olive .1.. boin in I'aincsvillc. Ohio. Oct. 
 20. 1835; S:irah J., born in Sturgis. Dec. 25. 1838. 
 married Crebillion Jacobs. David Cl.ayton. born 
 in Sturgis, Keb. 5. 18-16. attended the Law .School 
 af .\w\\ .\rbor. and was admittj'd to i)ractice in the 
 Initeil States District Court. He is now an attor- 
 ney of note in Petoskev. Mich., and is .ludge of 
 Probate for Kmmet County, and li;iving bci-n elected 
 in a Democratic district shows without coinmcMit 
 that he must be a very popular and highly esteemed 
 citizen of the coimty. .as he is a standi Republican in 
 his political views. He married Mrs. Sarah Rey- 
 nolds, and fliey have one child. Lottie. Mrs. Piige 
 h.id one child by her first husband, who. having been 
 .adoi>ted by Mr. Page, now bears Ihe name of l-',u- 
 gene Reynolds Page. Lama .1. M.. born in Stur- 
 gis. Dec. 15. 181'.l. married < Imrles Nichols, of 
 Chicago. 
 
 Our subject resides with his eldest daughter. 
 ( »li\ e. widow of the late (ien. AVilliam L. Stoughton. 
 who died from the effe<'fs of ii wound receivil dur- 
 ing tlic late «;ir. (ieii. Stoughton was born in 
 Hangor. N. V.. .March 2(1. 182'.t. and there he spent 
 the early years of his life. He was a man of 
 intellectual ability, steadfiLSt integrity and firm 
 moral jirinciples. He received a legal education, 
 anil after coming to Michigan soon took a high 
 rank among its proiniiienl ••ind influential cili/.eiw. 
 
 -- ■- -- 
 
•» II 4* 
 
 ^ 
 
 ST. .ios?:ph county. 
 
 4.31 
 
 having lieeu twice elodcrt I'rosociitinfr Attorney for 
 SI. .losopli Conntv. and in 1X61 wa.* appointed l>v 
 I'lcsident Lincoln rnited States Di.-itrict .Vttorney 
 for Mi(liiir:in. At tlie lireakinjj onl of tlic late 
 Civil War lie laid aside all personal aniliitions and 
 enlisted in the .service of his country, lie had the 
 confidence and e.st<'eni of all his fellow-citizens, 
 and after the orjjanization of the Jltli Mi<'lii<;an 
 Infantry he was mustered in as Lieutenant Col- 
 onel of the reirinient. He was suliseiineiitly pro- 
 moted for brave conduct to the rank of IJriiradier 
 • iener.'d. and later, for u^dlant service in the field, 
 was lireveted .Major (u-neral. .\fter the clo.se of 
 the war (ien. Stoujjhton w.-us not allowed to retire 
 to private life, hut in l«6fi w.as elected .Vttorney 
 (ieneral of .Michifjan. servin<f until ISfiS. when 
 he wa.s elected to Con<iress from the Fourth .Michi- 
 <:an District, and ajrain re-elected in ISTII. Ileserved 
 with distinction on the Coinniittee on Military .\f- 
 fjiirs, and under his elHcient leadership twd Mils 
 were [lassed (Mjualizintr the liounties of soldiers. A 
 fuller and more extended account of (ien. 
 Stought<ni may he found in the ".Vnterican IJio- 
 trraphical History of Kniiuent and Self-made Men 
 of the .State of Michijran." 'I'o (u-neral and Mrs. 
 Stougliton were Ijorn five children, of whom three 
 are now liviufj. William 1'.. Imrn Sept. 22. \X'>~. 
 married Miss Dell, daughter of .lolin .McKerlie. a 
 pioneer of this county; .Sanford F.. horn .Ian. 17. 
 1H(;2. is a clerk in Farwell's drv-giMxls store in Chi- 
 c:i;ro: Blanche, horn Feh. 2f.. l«7:l. Willi.im ]'. is 
 head postal clerk on the fast mail train on Ihc l.aki' 
 Shore Railway. .Vrlhur was the second son; he 
 died .lune 21. \HM. Olive died at the age of five 
 months. 
 
 SA r. KKNYON. a member of the firm of 
 vCwLir K. T. I'arker A- Co., livery stable kee|>ci-s, 
 /// lS> Sturgis, is the pioneer liveryman, and one 
 of the oldest settlers of the town, and is 
 widely known and esteemed throughout ,St. ,)osei)h 
 County. lie and his i^irtncr, who is his stepson, 
 do the main business in their line in this and sur- 
 rounding towns, besides having a large transfer 
 business. 
 
 Mr. Kenvon was horn Oct. II, 1.h|.'). in the town 
 
 -t= 
 
 of Ellisbnrg, Jeffei-son Co., N. Y. His parents, 
 Harnabas and Betsey (Parkhurst) Kenyon, were 
 natives of Rhode Island and Oneida Count}', N. 
 y. His father went to the .State of New York 
 when a child, and there, when he grew to man's es- 
 tate, he carried on the clothier's trade and also that 
 of a miller. Uoth parents are deceased. 
 
 Our subject received a good common-school edu- 
 cation in his native county, and he grew to he a 
 sturdy, self-reliant, active j'oung man, and at the 
 age of nearly twenty -one he started out to .see 
 something of the world, making his wa}' to La- 
 grange County, Ind., in .Inly, 1836. He worked 
 on a farm in the summer seasons, and in winter 
 utilized his education by teaching school for about 
 eleven years, becoming very successful in that pro- 
 fession. In 1849 Mr. Ken3'on came to Sturgis, and 
 has been an honored resident here ever since. lie 
 was actively engaged in carpentering for sevcr.nl 
 years, and then turned his attention to w.agon-mak- 
 ing, which he followed four or five years. In 18G5 
 he entered upon his present business as a livery 
 stable keeper, and has been prosperously engaged 
 in that ever since. He is iu)w in comfortable cir- 
 cumstances, and his credit sUmds high in business 
 circles, as he has alw.ays dealt fairly and squarely 
 by all who have had dealings with him. His genial- 
 ity, kind-heartedness, anil obliging manners render 
 him popular in this community, where he has manj" 
 warm friends. 
 
 Mr. Kenyon lia> been twice married. His fii-st 
 marriage was to Rachel Cummings, daughter of, 
 Robert Cummings, to whom he was united in April. 
 1843. After a brief but happy wedded life of a 
 year's duration, Mrs. Kenyon was calleil hence by 
 death. March . 31. I.S14. She left one son, .1. Mil- 
 ton, who was married in iMichigan Cit}', Ind., to 
 Nean Higgins, and they live in Toledo, Ohio, anil 
 have three children — Kate. Nettie and Rachel. The 
 marriage of our subject to Mrs. Isabelle Parker, his 
 present estimable wife, was consummated in t)cto- 
 ber, l.Hll). She was the wirlow fif Krastus Parker, 
 and a daughter of .lames McKerlie. an earlv pio- 
 neer of St. .loseph County. By her first marriage 
 she had one son. Krastus T. Parker, our subject's 
 p;utner, who.se sketch will be found on another p:ii;i' 
 of this volume. By this second marriage Mr. ami 
 
 S- 
 
A. 
 
 432 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 
 Mrs. Keiiyon have hnr\ three children : DeWitt, 
 who died at the age of four years ; Mar3- and Franiv. 
 Marj" married Emmons S. Hudson, of Rilej'. Kan., 
 an() they have three children — Harlow K., Bessie 
 B. and Nettie. Frank married Eliza Bottornly, and 
 thev live in this town. 
 
 (^^=^H(JMAS .1. .lONKS. who w:is for many years 
 4k^N prominently identified with the agricultural 
 ^^^ interests of St. Joseph County, and still 
 owns one of its finest farms, pleasantly located in 
 C'onstantine Township, has relinquished the active 
 labors connected with the m.inagcment of his prop- 
 erty, and is now living in retirement in Coustan- 
 tine Village, in the enjoyment of the means that he 
 has .accumulated hy energetic and well-directed 
 toil. 
 
 Mr. Jones is a native of Maryland. Iioni in Wasli- 
 ington County, Feb. 1, 1818, and. allliougli not 
 among the earliest .settlers of this county, may yet be 
 numbered among its pioneers, as he first came here 
 in 1853. and a year or two later, after a brief resi- 
 dence in Indiana, became interested in developing 
 its agricultural resources, .is a member of its farm- 
 ing community. His father. John Jones, was a 
 native of the same county where our subject had 
 his birth, and there died. His wife, whose maiden 
 name was Elizabeth Rutter, was also a native of 
 Maryland. In 1874 she came to White Pigeon, 
 this county, and in 1881 passed away from the 
 scenes of earth. She wiis the mother of four chil- 
 dren, of whom Thomas J. was the second. 
 
 The death of our subject's father left him practi- 
 cally on his own resources at the tender age of six 
 j'ears. As wius the custom at that time and in that 
 locality, he w.as bound out until he was sixteen 
 j-ears of age. These years were spent on a farm, 
 where he accpiired not only a thorough knowledge 
 of agriculture, but also laid the foundation for the 
 rugged health he has always enjoyed. When six- 
 teen he began learning the tr.ade of shoemakiug 
 with hi> unrlc. Benjamin Rutter, in Northumber- 
 land County, Pa. With him he staid three vears, 
 and then began .as a journeyman. Two years later 
 he returned to farm work, until three vears after 
 
 his marriage, when he was emplo^yed in the Montour 
 Rolling Mills, at Danville, Pa. This was his voca- 
 tion for seven years, until he made up his mind to 
 emigrate West. 
 
 During his residence in Northumberland County 
 Mr. Jones was married, Jan. 5, 1813, to Miss Jane E. 
 Guffy, daughter of John and Nancy ((irier) (niffy, 
 who died in Northumberland County. Pa. They 
 were the parents of eight children, of whom Jlrs. 
 Jones wiUi the fifth in order of birth. She was born 
 in Northumberland County, May 23. 1823. She is 
 a woman of superior capability, a deft and thrifty 
 housewife, who looks well to th^ ways of her 
 household, and in so doing h-as co-operated with 
 her husb.and, and in no small measure contributed 
 to his prosperity. The following is recorded of 
 the seven children who have' been born of their 
 wedded life: Elizabeth Agnes is the wife of Joseph 
 Stangal. of Constantine; Emma .lane is the wife of 
 William Iloats. of Three Rivers; Sophia is the wife 
 of Clark Shellcnbarger, of Indiana; Clara is the 
 wife of Arthur Red fern, of White Pigeon; Mary 
 L. is at home; John D. died in Constantine Town- 
 ship, May 1, 1881. and Frederick died when five 
 years of age. 
 
 In the spring of 1853 Mr. Jones disposed of his 
 property in Pennsylvania, and migrated with his 
 wife and three children to St. Joseph County, this 
 State. During the following summer he lived in 
 AVhite Pigeon, and then removed to Elkhart County, 
 Ind., where he eng.agcd in the lumber business. 
 Eighteen months Later we again find him in St. Jo- 
 seph County, on a farm which he had bought in 
 White Pigeon Township. He remained there seven 
 3'ears, vigorously and successfully engaged in ag- 
 ricultural pursuits. At the end of th.at time he 
 had a fine chance to dispose of his property there 
 at a good profit, and immediately availed himself 
 of the offer, .and then sought a home in Const.an- 
 tine Township, where he purchased aiujther farm. 
 He carried on that place twenty-two years, and so 
 improved it by careful cultivation, and the erection 
 of substantial buildings, that its value was greatly 
 increased, and it became one of the most desirable 
 farms in the township. It comprises 280 acres of 
 highly productive land, is finely located, and ad- 
 mirablv adapted both to raising stock and grain. 
 
■<- 
 
 Sr. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 433 
 
 In November. 1887, lie luiilt n liiniilsonu' l>ri(k 
 rt^siideiico. ni'.sr the Lake Slioic A- Mii'liifran Soiitli- 
 (Mii Railway station in C'onstaiitiue. and lie and 
 liis family have one of the most attmetive homes 
 in tlie place. 
 
 The native ability, furesijrht. and deci.-ion of 
 character of our subject have been imi)ort,int fac- 
 tors in making life a success with him. He has 
 ever been true to the principles of good citizen- 
 ship, and in his relations with others has done his 
 duty like an honorable man; as a husband and 
 father, he is kind and devoted to the best interests 
 of his family, and he and his wife have reason to 
 be proud that their children have been reared to 
 lead useful and upriifht lives, and have not de- 
 parted from the example set by their parents; as a 
 neiffhbor. he is kind and obliijinff. Mr. .loncs is 
 deeply interested in politics, and stanclily upholds 
 the policy of the Republican party, lie has con- 
 tributed to the maintenance of l.iw and order in this 
 community by his faithful discharjfe of the duties 
 connected with the office of Justice of the Pe.ice, 
 which he held for one term. Mrs. .lones wiis for- 
 merly a member of the Reformed Church, but is 
 not now identified with any religious denomination. 
 
 As illustrating the habits of economy and thrift 
 which have governed his life, Mr. Jones mentions 
 that the first money he ever had of his own was 
 fifty cents, which w.is given him by his employer 
 when he was fifteen years old. This money he kept 
 for many ye.ars, finally giving it to his mother 
 when he was about twenty-two years old. This 
 habit of saving has been the basis of the finan- 
 cially inde|)endent position now occupied by Mr. 
 Jones. 
 
 dVwJON.V.S WOLF occupies a leading iKisition 
 {l| .-imong the public-spirited and liberal citi- 
 I Zens who by the free use of their wealth have 
 1/ given great impetus to the growth and de- 
 vehipment of St. Joseph County. He was for a 
 few \ cars closely identified with the farming inter- 
 ests of the county, owning and managing a large 
 and valuable farm in Florence Township, but he 
 dis|M)se<l of that .-ieveral years ago and removed to 
 the village of C'onstantine. where he has since re- 
 
 I sided, he having an ample fortune, so that he now 
 lives in retirement from the active duties of busi- 
 ness. 
 
 I Our suljject comes of an old (n-rnian family 
 w1k> lived in WurtiMubcig. (icrinaiiy. and his par- 
 ents, .lolin and (atlicrinc ( llahn ) Wolf, were na- 
 
 I lives respectively of Wurtemberg, Germany, and 
 of Kt'tlili'hcm. Northampton Co., Pa. We are not 
 told when the father emigrated to this country, but 
 he was married in the Keystone State, and there 
 spent his last years, dying in Ciilninbia County. 
 The mother died in St. .loseph County, Mich. They 
 were people of solid worth, and were deservedly 
 held in high estimation. They h.id a family of 
 eight children, of whom Jona.< was the youngest. 
 
 Our subject was born in Mittlin. Columbia Co.. 
 Pn.. Nov. 12. 1«I2. lie w.ts reared on a farm until 
 he w.as twelve years of age. when thus early in life 
 he began his initiation in the mercantile business, 
 and for six years was engaged as a clerk. At the 
 youthful age of eighteen he established himself in 
 business on his own account at Roaring Creek, in 
 his native county, and w.-is engaged a.« a merchant 
 there and at other points in Pennsylvania for some 
 thirty-seven years. He bought a farm for 812.5 
 an acre, the said farm being located on the west 
 branch of the Susquehanna River, and after man- 
 aging it for three years in connection with his busi- 
 ness, he sold the \)hwo for ^200 an acre. He disposed 
 of all of his interests in his native State, and com- 
 ing to Michigan in the fall of 186.5. bought a farm 
 in Florence Townshi)). paying ^ 1 7,(1(1(1 for it. This 
 he carried on with the usual success that attended 
 all his efforts for three and one-half yeai-s. when he 
 sold it for ^27. ()(>(), and removed to C'onstantine 
 Village, of which he has since been an honored 
 resident. 
 
 Mr. Wolf has been twice married. His first mar- 
 riage occurred in Northumberland County. Pa., on 
 the north branch of the Susquehanna River, when 
 he wa.s united to Miss Margaret (iearhart. a native 
 of that county. She diinl in Danville, I'a., leaving 
 six children, of whom the following is recorde<l: 
 .lohn W. resides on Uroad street. C'onstantine 
 Township; Joseph 1). resides in Florence To\vnshi]i; 
 Hernian CI. resides in C'onstantine Village; Mary 
 C. is the wife of Jackson Darrah. of IVnnsvlvania: 
 
 -4*- 
 
 ■•►■ 
 
•►Hf^ 
 
 ■*► 
 
 4;u 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, 
 
 Fannie A. flicd in Pennsylvania in May. 1876; 
 i-;ila 1\. is till' \\\U' (pf Dnvifl Kci<nioan. f)f River- 
 side. I'.i. 
 
 .Ml. wolf's marriage lo liis present wife looiv 
 place on llie west lirancli of the Nnstjuelianna River, 
 in Xortliunilx'rlaiKl County. Sejit. 2(1. 1«.'>1. .Mrs. 
 \\ nif at tlie time of iier niarriai^e with our sul>jeet 
 was the wi(l<»w of William LenKjn. who dieil in 
 Point Township. Xortliumlierlaiul Co.. I'a. Her 
 maiden name was N.aney N'ineeiil. and she wa.> lioiii 
 in Delaware Township. Northiimherland County. 
 .Sept. !>. JJ^lfi. Her parents. Isaac and Rel)eeea 
 (Coml\) \ineent, departeil this life in Nortluim- 
 lierland County. Tliey had ten children, of whom 
 .Mr>. Wolf was the second in order of lijrlh. ISy 
 this marriage 'Sir. and yiv>. WOlf have had two 
 children. Carrie and Sally. Carrie is the wife of 
 S. K. Davis, of Constantine; Sally, who was the 
 wife of .Vlherl Reynolds, died Oct. 2(i. l?<7f<. 
 
 .Mr. \\\>\( first visited St. .loseph Count \- in lf<;52. 
 when it was in its primeval wildness. and purch.ised 
 a tract of land in Loekport Tow-nship. on wliieh he 
 resided for aliout three moiilhs. when he tired of 
 the limitation^ and restrictions of pioneer life, as 
 he found that he could make more money at the 
 mercantile business in his native State, to whieh he 
 ri'liiined. He is inllnential in polities and in local 
 alTairs. .and has heen one of the Directors of the 
 I'irst National Bank of Constantine for some ten 
 ye.'irs. He was an ardent Democrat until thelireak- 
 iug out of the Reliellion. wlien he sent two of his 
 sons lo the front, where they served faithfully for 
 four years, and he on his p;nt vigorously sup- 
 ported the IvepuMican |)olicy in ri'gard to the nian- 
 .•igement ot the war. from his Pennsylvania home. 
 He continued to act with tliat part\ until ISi.Sl. 
 when he returned lo hi> allegiance to the Denio- 
 cr;itic part\. .Mr. \\ Hlf and his wifeare among the 
 leailing memliers of the U'eformed Church. He 
 w;is Klder in the church for several ye.ars. .-ind was 
 iu>trumenl!d in securing the erection of the present 
 idiliee. ill whii-h the congregation worship. He 
 donates lilierally toward the support of the Cospel 
 in this (own. .and every good work meets with Ids 
 eordi;il symp.'ithy and suhslantial aid. Mi. Wolf 
 owes his success as a husiness man to the tact that he 
 w:i> gifted with rare judgment, keen discernment. 
 
 great tact and an enterprising spirit. He is also 
 greatly indebted for his pros|)erity to the cheerful 
 :iid and active i-o-operation of his capable wife, who 
 is [lossessed of a large share of common sense and 
 decision of character. 
 
 .VMKJ, MJLI.KR. a retired and well-to-do 
 j)i f.armer. came to .Sturgis Nov. lli. 1881, to 
 ^ sjiend his declining years in this pleasant 
 town. Ill the few years that have elapsed 
 since that time In- has gained tlie gootl-will of the 
 people among whom he has come to make his home, 
 and he is held in the highest ei^teem for his con- 
 siderate and kindly ways and his honorable chai'- 
 adei-. 
 
 ;Mr. Millei- was born in Highland County, Ohio, 
 .Inne 28, 1827, in the jiicjueer home of his parents, 
 .Iacol)and Klizabeth (Proucius) .Miller. They were 
 natives of Penn.sylvania. and had Ik'cu early settlers 
 of Ohio. In the si)riiig <»f 1^31 they once more 
 became pioneers, taking up their abode in the wilds 
 of l>agrange County. Ind. They had twelve chil- 
 dren, nine of whom are living, namely: Christiana, 
 now ]\Irs. Young; David; (ieorge: Sarah, now .Mrs. 
 Robliins; .\(lam. Joseph. Henry, William and our 
 subject. The names fif the decea.sed were .lolin. 
 Cathcriiu' (.Mrs. Pobliius) and James, all of whom 
 were married and had families. The father of our 
 subject died on the old homestead in Lagrange 
 County, hid.. May I'i. \MX. and Mother Miller 
 dieil .Vug. IG. 186!*, having rounded out a life of 
 more than orilinary length. 
 
 Daniel Miller was nearly four years of .-ige when 
 his parents moved to Indiana, and he has a good 
 recollection of the condition of the country in his 
 boyhood, forests of ]>rinu'val growth abounding, 
 Indians numerous, and .also wild animals, such as 
 deer. be?.rs. wolves, coons, etc. The same pioneer 
 condition (hen prevailed here, and as late as 1MI7 
 two or three bears from the forests pas.seil through 
 the streets of Stnrgis. Our s\ibject received his 
 educatiim in the primitive school-liouse of Ihi' 
 limes, a log cabin with ;i clapboard roof and 
 with poles as weights to hold it down, lireplace at 
 one end of the room, with stick and clav cliiinnev. 
 
 T 
 
■m 
 
 <gf!^ v*'^ ■» 
 
 
 vy 
 
 CI- ^^v/vc^ 
 
•«► 
 
 ST. JOSEPH cor NT Y 
 
 135 
 
 -t 
 
 nut] sliibs si-rvt'd as Ikmu'Iios. a board on i)ins ajrainst 
 IIk' wall for (li'slv on wliicli In write, and :i imnclipon 
 lloiir. i)\\v subjoct jrii'W to niMnliiiod. with a fliai- 
 actt'r molded by the inllnenees that prevailed in 
 ^tieiiiith and stuidine>.-. I le ailopled Ihi' calling nf 
 faiiner as best sniteil to his tastes. an<l it is iin- 
 neeessarv to say that he met with maike<l success 
 in his chosen callillfj. as he has licen enabled to re- 
 tire on a conifortabic competence, removinir from 
 his old lioiiie in lnclian;i to Stur-ris in IKHl.as be- 
 foic incDtioned. 
 
 .Mr. Miller lias been twice m.arrieil. lie was 
 weddeil to Miss Kli/.abelh YoiiniT. May -21. IHIM. 
 and to them came eh'ven children, ten of whom ai'c 
 livinir. nanu'ly: Sclina. Manfreil. Henry. Diantha, 
 Carleton, Daniel. .Mary. .Minon. Delos and Charles. 
 Selina inarrieil (h.'irh's .^trnnd.of (Ireenlield 'I'owii- 
 ■«hip. I,:iuraiii.^e to.. Ind.. and they have had one 
 child. .Mary 1'... who is dead: .Manfred married 
 ( lara I'atchin. :ind they live in Scdjjfwick Conntv. 
 Kan.; they have seven children, namely : I.ocey. 
 William. .\sel. Nellie. /,cll:i. .and a Llirl and bfn". in- 
 fant» nnn.'inicd. Henry married .Mary .Moore, of 
 the same county, anil they have three children — 
 Zadie. Iterth.'i ;ind lleman. Diantha m.Mrried Carle- 
 ton I.illie. of Lajjraiige t'otinty. Iml.: (arlelim 
 married l.odeina .Snider, and they .are livinir in 
 Sedifwick (dnnty. K.an., and have one child; Dan- 
 iel ni.ai'i'icd l.onisa t'arpenter. who dicil. and he 
 then married her sister .Mta: they now live in (old- 
 water. .Mich., .and have one child, Clarence. Mrs. 
 .Miller was a daiiiihter of I.ocey Youiiir. Iler 
 death. .Vpiil 27. ISTI.was a severe blow to her 
 family, to whose members she was <jreally devoted, 
 anil tlie\' now cherish her memory with the ntmost 
 ri'Verence. 
 
 .Mr. Miller's second marria^rc which took place 
 .\pril ■>■>. IMT.'i. was to Miss Helen M. I'ield. :i 
 danirhter of the late David S. Field. Her mother. 
 who>e maiden name w.'is .Martha (Wheeler) Field. 
 i> now livinir in ^Volt•ottville. Ind.. at the advanced 
 • lire of seventy-nine years. To our snbject and his 
 present wife have been born three children, two 
 livinir — Helen M . and ( I.Mude ]■'..-. one died in in- 
 fancy. 
 
 .Mr. .Miller, broiiirht np .-L-i he was in a pioneer 
 country and under pioneer intlufnces. early :\v- 
 
 r|uiii'da bold, self-reliant. .«clf-lielpful spirit, which. 
 
 willi hi> persevering nature ami his <rood capacit\ 
 for labor, were important elements in hi> after suc- 
 cess, and he mi man.Mired his farininir intere.-ts as 
 to ;icipiirc :i comt'orl.alile competence, .and is now 
 enjoyinir the well-earned fruit of his early l:ibor>. 
 He is a st:incli member of the .Methodist Kjiiscopal 
 ( hurch. and his daily life shows the sincerity of 
 his rclijriou> professions. .Mrs. Miller is a faithful 
 member of the Itaplist Church, and noiu' are more 
 active in promoting irood works than shi-. .Mr. 
 Miller is an adherent of the Kcpublicfiii p.artw and 
 his views of the political situation of the il«\ .-ire 
 sound and intelliircnt. 
 
 flL^ON. .I.e. HISH01',e.v-member of the Miohi- 
 Ijj). g:m Legislature, and long Chairman of the 
 ^^^ Hoard of Supervisors, was elected Snijer- 
 (^) visor first in the spring of 1S07. He has 
 served in this capacity, with the exception of one 
 year, 1878. since that lime. He was .luslice of 
 the Peace for a term of four years, and Iligliwaj- 
 Commissioner for a term of three years. He was 
 elected to represent the people of the then eastern 
 district fif St. .Joseph County in the Ststte Legisla- 
 ture, and served .acceptably his term of two years, 
 in which tliere were two sessions of the Legislature. 
 He has been Chairman of the Hoard of Supervisors 
 for four years. In the village of Hurr Oak he holds 
 the ofliceof Assessor, and in lS7r> w.as elected Presi- 
 deiit of the \illairc Hoard, but declined to qualify. 
 Mr. Hishop has discharged the duties of his various 
 olllces in a innnner highlj- creditable to himself and 
 satisfactory to his constituents, (ienerousand pidi- 
 lic-spirited, he is nund)ei'cd among the leading men 
 of St. Joseph Cotinty, and one intimately connected 
 with its welfare and prosperity. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born at Franklin- 
 ville. Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.. April 1. 1«2K. He 
 came with his parents to this county in 18.3C. when 
 a little lad eight years of age, and, with the excep- 
 tion of si.\ years in Colorado and Nebraska, has 
 since resided within its limits. He .acquired early in 
 life a knowledge of agricullunil pursuits, in which 
 he has ahvavs been interested, and noiwithstandinir 
 
-^^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 ,t 
 
 436 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 a large proportion of his time has been devoted to 
 the discharge of public duties, he has continuously 
 been interested in farming. Mr. Bishop, in 1874, 
 took the State Census of the township of Burr Oak, 
 and in 1880 the United States Census. Four years 
 later he was agaiu connected with the taking of the 
 State Census. 
 
 The parents of our subject, .Tames L. and Mary 
 (Carpenter) Bishop, were natives respective!}' of 
 Connecticut and Massachusetts. The father was 
 born Jan. 17, 1790, and the mother August 5 of the 
 same j-ear. Their family included eight children, 
 two of whom died in early childhood, and two sons 
 yielded up their lives upon the battle-field in the 
 service of their country, and one was killed during 
 the Kansas troubles, supposed to have been mur- 
 dered. 
 
 The marriage of J. C. Bishop and Miss Cordelia 
 Clark was celebrated in this count}', Jan. 11. 1851. 
 Mrs. Bishop was born Nov. 8, 1 830, and is the daugh- 
 ter of William and Marg.nret (Whitney) Clark, who 
 were natives of New York .State, and spent their 
 last years in Michigan and New York. Their fam- 
 ily consisted of two children only. Mr. Clark came 
 to Michigan in 1840, being one of the earliest set- 
 tlers of Burr Oak Township. To our subject and 
 his wife there were born two children — .Mary and 
 William C. Mr. Bishop is a member of the Self- 
 Protection Association of Burr Oak and vicinit}'. 
 Politically, he is a warm supporter of Republican 
 principles. In 1883 he took up his residence at 
 Burr Oak, and has now a most pleasant and attract- 
 ive home located at the corner of Third and Kagle 
 
 streets. 
 
 =s*5ii^e 
 
 R. ROBERT A. GREEN. The subject of 
 this personal historj' is a lionieopathic 
 physician and surgeon, of good repute and 
 enterprise. He is well esteemed by the 
 public at large for his success in his chosen field of 
 industry, and for his unquestioned abilit}' and 
 accurate knowledge of his work. He is one of the 
 most highl}' esteemed citizens of AVhite Pigeon. 
 
 The ancestry of this gentleman can be traced back 
 to the earliest Colonial times of the country. At a 
 time before the colonies which compose the Union 
 
 had grown into States, three brothers, including one 
 Nathaniel Green, came from Scotland to America, 
 and settled in Rhode Island, and it is from one of 
 these brothers that our subject has descended. Na- 
 thaniel Green went to Charleston, S. C, and has 
 never been heard from, and it is not known if he 
 left an}' posterit}' or not. The third brother is sup- 
 posed to have gone to New York. The brother to 
 whom our subject traces his ancestry is noted as 
 being the original propagator of the famous apple 
 known as the "Rhode Island Greening." 
 
 The father of our subject, Benjamin Green, was 
 born in Peru, Clinton Co.,N. Y.,and pursued the 
 vocations of a tanner, currier and shoemaker. In 
 his later years he was a farmer. Our subject was 
 born in the town of Macedon, Wayne Co., N. Y., 
 eighteen miles east of the present city of Rochester, 
 Dec. 16, 1824, where he lived with his parents, and 
 attended the public schools and the academy at 
 Marion, N. Y. At an early age he expressed a 
 desire to enter the medical professioft, and all his 
 studies were such .as to prepare him for it. When 
 he was twenty-four years old he began reading 
 under various preceptors; to secure money, which 
 was not plentiful, to p.ay his way, he worked by the 
 month for farmers in the neighborhood of his home, 
 devoting all his spare time to his books. After 
 reading three j'ears in the olDceof Dr. A. G. Austins 
 a noted lecturer of that time, then located in Will- 
 iamson, Wayne Co., N. Y., he practiced with him 
 for a 3'ear and a half. 
 
 At the end of this time our subject thought it 
 advisable to practice alone, which he did for awhile. 
 In December, 1860, he came to Michigan, and 
 March 21, 1861, located in White Pigeon, where he 
 has since continued to live, and has built up a large 
 and remunerative practice. When he entered into 
 his practice he did not discontinue his reading and 
 researches, but kept them up, and w.as graduated 
 from the Western Homeopathic College at Cleve- 
 land, in March, 1858, whose diploma he holds. 
 
 The Doctor was married to .Miss Jane Ann Jos- 
 lin, Sept. 23, 1846. She is the daughter of George 
 Joslin, now deceased. He and his good wife are the 
 parents of four children — Marietta. Ruth E., Burnice 
 S. aud Benjamin E. MariclUi is the wife of William 
 A. Sheap, of Terre Haute, Ind., and is the mother of 
 
» m '^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •«»> 
 
 437 
 
 lliree cliildren — Lucy, Ina and Robert; Kulh is 
 married Ui Lou Aruold, anil resides iii Knglewfxjd. 
 111.; she is the uiothor of six children — Bessie, Bur- 
 tou, (irace, Glenn. Koliert and .lennie. Burnice 
 married Miss Mar}' E. Reed, and now lives in Granil 
 Rnpids. Mich., and is the father of one child. Harry 
 A.; Benjamin married Winnifred .I.Long; he lives 
 in his native town, and is the father of two children 
 — Charles and Don P. 
 
 The D(»clur never seeks any office, as the accej)!- 
 ance of anj* public duty would interfere materially' 
 with the practice of his chosen professi(jn. of which 
 he is a devoted disciple, honestly believing that the 
 jirinciples enunciated in his chosen school of medi- 
 cine are the only correct ones. He is proud of his 
 family, all of whom hold high places in the social 
 life of the various neighborhoods in which they live. 
 He has a large conception of the value of education, 
 and of the great lienetits derived by the country by 
 virtue of the intelligence of the people, and from 
 the time he settled in White Pigeon to the present 
 he has tJiken a deep and abiding interest in the wel- 
 fare and success of the schools. He has been Chair- 
 man of the School Board fur forty years, and is 
 Presiilent of the Village Board of Trustees. His 
 granddaughter Be.ssie was taken bj' him in infancy, 
 and lias assumed the name of our subject instead of 
 Arnold. She tills the place of daughter in the home 
 circle anil life of our subject and his good wife. 
 
 LVLCOTT C. CAKPF.NIKR. one of the forc- 
 es most lawyers of .Southern .Michigan, has his 
 pV>ce of business in Sturgis. where he is ex- 
 tensively <'nirage<l a.* an attorney and collecting 
 agent. His father. Younglove ('. Carpenter, was well 
 known a.s a sturdy pioneer of St. .lose))h County, 
 coming here as early as the year lH.Tr> with his 
 wife and children from Delaware County. N. Y.. 
 .settling among the Indians and wild animals that 
 then infestiHl the primeval forests of Mendon 
 'I'ownsliip and the surrounding country. Our sub- 
 ject wa.s but an infant when his i)arents thus 
 plante<l a home in the wilderness, and he has a dis- 
 tinct recolU'<'tion of the pioneer scenes amid which 
 his pioneer d.i^'S were jjassed ; of the deej), centuries 
 4* 
 
 old forests tliat surrounded the clearing where his 
 father had built a log cabin, and of the deer, 
 wolves, bears and other wild animals that nuide 
 their home among those trees; and he also remem- 
 bers the aboriginal sons of the forest who used to 
 visit his parents to beg and tr.vle. 
 
 Our subject is derived of good New England 
 stock, his father having been a native of Connec- 
 ticut, and liis mother, whose maiden name was 
 Klioda .Sabini, was born in Massachusetts. They 
 reared a family of nine children, four of whom are 
 living besides our subject, namely: Sarah, now 
 Jlrs. Worcester, of Orinnell. Iowa; Elizabeth. .Mrs. 
 Howard, of California; Lucetta L., Mrs. Howard, 
 of California; Maria T.. Mrs. Pctorman. of Marcel- 
 lu.s. .Midi. 
 
 Our subject received the advantages of a fine 
 eilucation in the best literary institutions in Michi- 
 gan, taking ii thorough course in the literary de- 
 partment of the Normal .School at Ypsilanti. and 
 two years in the literary department of the ^liclii- 
 gan I'niversity. at .\nu .\rbor, with an additional 
 year in the law department of the world-renowned 
 I'niversity at Ann Arbor, leaving there in the 
 si)ring of IHfil. The education that he thus se- 
 cured was the result of his own exertions, as he 
 had to ilepenil on his own resources for the means 
 of going through school. He was an ambitious, 
 high-sj)irited youth, whose intense desire for learn- 
 ing, he having inherited a viirorous mentality from 
 an intelligent New I'-nglan<l ancestry. <)vercanie 
 every obstacle thereto. While in college he sawed 
 wimmI for a living a part of the time. bo.-irdiuL; him- 
 self and living on mush an<l milk for months at a 
 time. He also worked in Prof. Wincliell's garden, 
 and asop|iortnnity olTi-red taught school. lie taught 
 at Cuba and at Ipava. in Fulton County. 111., from 
 18.")7 until IHGO. and also taught winter .sessions in 
 Bloonifleld Township district .si'IkmiI. Oakland. 
 Mich., before entering the Cniversity and after 
 leaving Ypsilanti. .\fter his graduation from the 
 law school Mr. Car|K-nter entered the law ollice of 
 the Hon. Henry F. Severns. read a short time willi 
 him. and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 
 IHGl. He remaine<l in Mr. Severns' ollice a few 
 months longer, and tlu-n came to Sturgis in the 
 same year. and went into the ollice of the Hon. 
 
 -•► 
 
 i~ 
 
" ^ i . » 
 
 438 
 
 ST. .lOSEPlI COUNTY. 
 
 Willinm I.. Stoiiirliton. who .subseiiuciitly went into 
 1 111' army :iik1 iK'faiiie a (General, leavinjj our !-iili- 
 ject in elmrge of hi.* lui.-iine.-'s. Mr. {'arpeiitiT has 
 ever siiK'O been a resident of this town, and has 
 liuilt uj) a larije practice. 
 
 .I,niu;ii\ 1. lH(i;?.oiirsiihjecl was married in Cuba. 
 111., to Helen M. Whitney. She is ri (hniirliter of 
 Nathan 1{. and Kstlier \\ hitney. then of Cuba. 111. 
 Mr. anil .Mrs. Carpenter are the parents of three 
 chihlren — l<»hn II.. Ella L. and Carrie I., .lohn is 
 Station Agent at Stryker. Ohio. All are grarluates 
 of the Sturgis High .School. 
 
 Our subject is regarded a.> one of the most emi- 
 nent members of the bar now practicing in this part 
 of the .state, his [M'ofound knowledge of jurispru- 
 dence and his success in the courts justifying this 
 lielief. He has held some of the most resjjonsible 
 legal (jttices with great distinction. He was Cir- 
 cuit Court Commissioner for six years. Prosecut- 
 ing .\ttornpy for four years. an<I lias held local 
 otliccs. He is a leading memlier of the Masonic 
 fr.atcrnity. and has taken the degrees of Knight 
 Templar and of K. of I'. 
 
 Mr. Car|)ent<'r and hi^ excellent wife belong to 
 the Jiaptist Church. In him the l{ei)ublican part^' 
 has a devoted adherent, who slrimgly supports its 
 policy by voice anil vote. 
 
 '-^-^i^Vt^i^rT^'^-^ 
 
 'S[()ll.\ .1. I).V\ IS. St. .Joseph County has 
 within her borders numerous enterprising 
 men. who in an early day came in to 
 (^^// ••lengthen her conls and strengthen her 
 stakes." and prominent among them is ft)unil the 
 name uf the subject of this sketch, who is now a 
 resident of White Pigeon, where he is engageil in 
 business :us a grain and produce dealer. He was 
 liDrn in .Marblctuun. T Ister Co.. N. V.. .luly IM. 
 l.'^KI. His fatliei. .lacob Davis, was a native o( 
 the same eoiinty. and was a deseend.'nit from a 
 well-known Holland family. The mother was 
 Cornelia Tack, who was also a native of I'lster 
 County. They were the parents of four chihlren. 
 of which number our subject is the oidy >urvivor. 
 The father and two of the sisters. .Sarah A. and 
 .Maigaret .V.. died in Se|ileniber. IH:\H. The third 
 
 sister. Mary, w.is married to Cornelius C. New- 
 kirk. :uid at her death was the mother of four 
 children: Cornelius; .Sarah, who is Mrs. IJesel. and 
 resides in LaCrosse. Wis.: Emma and .Mary. The 
 mother of our sidiject died some time in the .seven- 
 ties, over eighty years of age. 
 
 ^Ir. Davis married Louisa Kerr in .September. 
 1811. .She was a daughter of John Kerr. Her 
 father is now dead. ^Ir. and Mrs. Davis are tlu' 
 parents of one child. Hevlett .1. Davis, now the 
 trusted agent of the United .States Express Company 
 at .South Heiid. Ind. He married JHss Lottie 
 Hhoades. and is the father of three chihlren : Charlie. 
 Gail .and Lorene. Mrs. Davis died in 1H4G. Mr. 
 Davis married >Iary Howman in October. 18;')2. She 
 is a daughter of .lohn Howman. a native of York- 
 shire. England, where he died. -Vfter his death 
 the Miiiilicr emigrated with her family to America. 
 
 Our >ubject and his second wife were the parents 
 t)f :i family of eight children, four of whom are 
 living, namely : Nettie. .Sarah C. Emma M. and 
 .lohn . I.. .Ir. Nettie is the wife of Fred Hotchin. 
 and is the mother of one child. .Jennie; they reside 
 in White Pigeon. Sarah is the wife of .1. Wesley 
 .Siegel. :ind resides in Three Rivers. Mich.; Emnni 
 'SI. is the wife of Fr.ank Tr.icy; she is the mother 
 of one child. Anna Marliea; they reside in Sturgis. 
 Mich. After a long and tedious illness, which 
 she bore with remarkable fortitude. Mrs. Davis 
 died in .I:inu;iry. \Si;x. 
 
 One ye:u- prior to the death of his wife our 
 subject sold his farm and engaged in his present 
 business, whiih he has zealously prosecuted up to 
 this time. He is widely known as an honest, 
 straightforward man. and is a sjilendiil example 
 of wliMi ni;iy be accomplished bj- energy and close 
 applic.'ition to business. He may w-ell consider 
 himself one among the pioneers who have been 
 instrumental in opening to civilization and bring- 
 ing to its present high state of advanct-ment the 
 original wild country comjjrised within the bor- 
 ders of this county. Coming here in 1 «."{('> he 
 settled on a farm one mile east of town, which at 
 that time was the oidy trading-post within the 
 county. .V larger amount of business w.is d<»ne 
 then than now. :ls all trading was concentrated at 
 this point. One tirm. Kellog ik Bros.. eni|)loyed 
 
,t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 439 
 
 eifjht or ten clerks in their store constantly. There 
 were other firms transacting business who were 
 almost as extensively interested. 
 
 .Mr. Davis beloiitrs to that large class of iiilt'lli- 
 fjent anil enterprising jjeople who came into Michi- 
 gan from New York ami the New Kngland .States 
 (luring its pioneer i)erioil. and who have been 
 .Mich important factors in developing, to such a 
 high degree the resources which Nature has so 
 generously lavislied upon the State. This element 
 hiis contributed so vastly to the development of 
 the material resource.^ of the country that it to- 
 day takes a front rank as a prtxhieing section of 
 the country, and it has stood as a champion of an 
 enlarged and elevated civilization and education, 
 and no one man has contributctl more to bring 
 about this desirable state than our subject. Al- 
 though not a member of any church. Mr. Davis 
 contriliutes largely to the sujiport of the Presby- 
 terian Church. His views on all questions are 
 extremely liberal. Both his wives were members 
 of the Presbyterian Church, earnest and zealous 
 in the profession and practice of their faith. His 
 son John is a member of the firm of Bracken A- 
 Davis. general merchants of White Pigeon; they 
 make a s|jecialty of dry goods and groceries. 
 
 Our sviliject steadily declines all official honors, 
 preferring to act independently sis he may deem it 
 projjer for the best interests of White Pigeon, to 
 the present prosperity of which he h.as contrib- 
 uted so much and with which he is so thfiroughlv 
 identified. He is proud of his family, all the sur- 
 viving members of which reflect the greatest credit 
 and honor on their parents. 
 
 KOF. SHKHIDAN (^SBON. Sui>erintendent 
 of the schiMils of .St. Joseph County. Mich.. 
 is an honorable, learned man, an able edu- 
 I \ cator, an influential citizen of Sturgis. 
 where he makes his home, and as such, it affords 
 us great pleasure to place a brief record of his life 
 before the numerous readers of this Biook.vpiiicai. 
 Ai.iUM. He is a native-born citizen of this .State, 
 his birth having occurreil in .sturgis, ( )ct. .'{. 1M12. 
 
 (2d), was born in Painesville, Ohio, Aug. 3, IKll. 
 He remained in his native State until ready to estab- 
 lish himself in life, when he joined the tide of emi- 
 gration that was flowing into the unsettled portions 
 of the Peninsula State, and in 1838 became a pio- 
 neer of St. Joseph County, engaging for several 
 years in the mercantile business in .Sturgis. He re- 
 mained an esteemed and honored resident of the 
 place until his death, which occurred March il, 
 1870. He w.as an enterprising, conscientious busi- 
 ness man, and performed efficient service in aiding 
 the growth and development of his adopted town. 
 He married Miss Cornelia H. Hawes, a native of 
 Hamilton, Ohio, born April 14, 1821, who still 
 resides in .Sturgis, She bore him seven children, 
 of wliom two only are now living, Henry H. and 
 Sheritlan. One son. Prank, was a soldier in the 
 I'nion .^rmv during the late Uebellion, and died 
 fi'om (lise.ise contracted during the service. 
 
 .Sui)erintendent Osbon, of this sketch, was reared 
 and received the rudiments of an excellent edu- 
 cation at Sturgis. having been gra<luated from its 
 High .School in 18.')H. He subsequently attended 
 the Agricultural College at Lansing. Mich., com- 
 pleting the soi)lioniore year in 18.');i. The ensuing 
 .year our subject, imbued with a strong desire to 
 see life in sonic of its rougher aspects, visited the 
 Western mining regions, and as an active worker in 
 one of the gold mines, proved himself, at the youth- 
 ful age of seventeen years, fully adequate to combat 
 all the obstacles to be met with in the typical min- 
 ing camp. He was not. however, sufficiently en- 
 chanted with the life there to st.ay many months, 
 anil returned home to take up the profession of 
 teaching, and for live years tjiught with eminent 
 8ucce.>'s in .Mongo. Ind. In 18(;(; Prof. Oslion fur- 
 ther pursued his studies at HillMlale College, com- 
 pleting the junior year, and in 18(57 and 18(58 ttjok 
 charge of the schools at Muir. Mich. From that 
 time until 1877 Superinten<lent Osbon gave his 
 time and attention to farming on a tract of land 
 near Sturgis. tlnis utilizing the knowledge of scien- 
 tific farming gained at the .\grieultural College. 
 In .September of th.nt year, receiving an urgent call 
 to take charg<> of the educational institution of 
 Mongo. Lagrange Co.. Inil.. he gave up his ajrri- 
 
 The father of our subject. (Jeorge W. Oslxm : cultural works and ilevoted himself to the improve- 
 
 -^» 
 
 !'^r*-^ 
 
>^f^ 
 
 ^^►Hl-* 
 
 440 
 
 .ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 inent of the schools of that place, remaining there 
 three _vears. In the meantime he organized a Higli 
 Seliool in Mongo that was second to none in that 
 part of the State, and tiiat his successful labors 
 were appreciated is amply shown l\v his having 
 received a call for two consecuti ve seasons to take 
 the iirincipalsliip of the summer Normal Institute, 
 held at the county seat. In 1880 the Professor 
 accepted the principalship of the Sturgis schools, 
 but after teaching one year was promoted to the 
 superintendency^ of the city schools, an ofHce in 
 which he served with signal al>ilitv until 1887, 
 when he resigned to accept his |)resent position as 
 County Superintendent of Schools. During his 
 professional career the Superintendent has taught 
 in all grades, from the lowest to the highest, and 
 the experience thus gained, and the knowledge of 
 what a school ought to be. has well fitted him for 
 his present duties. IJeing a gentleman of polish 
 and culture, an excellent organizer, and tiiorouglily 
 conversant with the most approved Normal meth- 
 ods in use. he has won an enviable reputation as a 
 scholar, an educator, and supervisor, and his man- 
 agement of the county schools is above criticism. 
 
 Prof. Osbon was united in marriage, in Sturgis. 
 Sept. -24, 1809, to Miss Adaline C. daughter of 
 Andrew and Pliillip|)ine (Schoneberger) Negle, 
 both natives of (Germany. !Mrs. Osbon w.as born 
 in Europe in 1849. 
 
 -S- 
 
 ^<^ 
 
 -5- 
 
 ?RANK W. NOKTIIROP. The present com- 
 
 .. ™, mercial importance and prosperity of White 
 /li Pigeon are unquestionalily due to the wis- 
 
 dom, foresight and enterprise of her merchants,and it 
 is a fitting tribute to tiiose who have so honorably 
 distinguished themselves in the couiniercial arena, 
 th.at their names and successful career should be 
 commemorated among those of the leading men in 
 all branches of commerce. It is a fact worthy of 
 consideration that nearly all of our prominent 
 business men have strugirled up to their command- 
 ing positions and foremost places in l)usiiiess from 
 a dark obscurity. As a representative of this class 
 we present the following brief outline of one who 
 has won. unaided, the leading position he holds to- 
 
 day among the merchants of this city, where he is 
 engaged in the sale of hardware, stoves and tin- 
 ware, as well as in all the late imi)roved agricult- 
 ural implements. 
 
 This gentleman w:ls born in Warrensville, 
 Cuj-ahoga Co., Ohio, Sept. 5, 1856. He is the 
 son of Charles II. Northrop. The father is a direct 
 descendant of one of five brothers who came to 
 America from Wales at a very early day. Thej' 
 are noted for their longevity. His mother was 
 Caroline (Smith) Northrop; she died in 1866. 
 After her death Frank lived among strangers, 
 being obliged virtually to support himself. lie 
 learned the tinner's trade with George C'huir at 
 Berrien Springs, Mich., where he went to work 
 when he was seventeen years old. After he had 
 completed his apprenticeship he came to White 
 Pigeon in June, 1877, and %vorked for six years for 
 J. II. Watson it Bro. After he h.ad worked three 
 years for .Messrs. Watson he went, in the fall of 
 1880, to Michigan City. Ind.; in the spring of 1883 
 he returned, and again entered the employ of the 
 Messrs. Watson, where he remaineil three years 
 longer. 
 
 Our subject bought his present store building 
 Feb. 1, 1886, and established his present flourishing 
 business on the slender capital of %600. By close 
 attention and his stric-t. unswerving integrity he 
 has been prospered, so that now he carries a stock 
 worth $3,000, and transacts a business the sales 
 from which exceed §15.000 per annum. No 
 merchant in tiie city stands higher in reputation, 
 or has higher r.ating of credit, compared with the 
 amount of cai)ital invested, than ^Ir. Northrop. 
 When he began business for himself he knew that 
 if success attended the venture there was but one 
 way to m.ake it so. and that way was to adopt as a 
 rule of action in all cases ab.solute truth and 
 honesty. These principles he has made his guide, 
 and the results olitained prove conclusively tliat 
 his line of rea.-ioning is correct. 
 
 Mr. Northrop was marrie<l to Miss Katie Mar- 
 shall. May 5. 1880. She is the daughter of Abra- 
 ham S. Marshall, one of the earliest settlers in 
 Mottville Township. They have liecome the parents 
 of two children. Alcne and Harry, both very 
 bright and intelligent children, who bid fair in 
 
ST. .lOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 441 , i 
 
 years to come to lie a source of comfort and en- 
 joyment to tlu'ir parents. Mrs. Northrop is one 
 of those women who may l>e considereil as tlie salt 
 of the earth; ijenerous and kind-hearted, she takes 
 a le.adiiifj part in any and all matters that have for 
 their object tiie material i:<M)d of the many 
 unfortunates who surround us in life. 
 
 Our subject began his life under exceedingly 
 adverse circumstances. Left at the tender age of 
 ten years to provide for himself, he has had a con- 
 stant struggle from that time up to the day he be- 
 gan business for himself. To those who arc born 
 to weallli. ."iccustimied to having every want antici- 
 pated and supplied without exertion on their part, 
 the circumstances surrounding the early life of our 
 subject are unknown, and cannot lieappreciatetl by 
 any save those who have traveled the same rough 
 way. The education he was able to obtain was 
 secured in a disjointed, rambling manner, but with 
 will anil determin.ation to succeed he lost no oppor- 
 tunity of adding to the knowledge gained by 
 ob.servation and stufly. lie is a close observer of 
 men anrl events, and to-day he possesses a large 
 fund of ])ractical knowledge, and r.anks among the 
 intelligent and thinking class of people. His busi- 
 ness has increased very rapidly, and he is now 
 doing the largest trade in his line in the southern 
 part of .St. .loseph t'ounty. Himself and wife are 
 members of the Methodist Kpiscoijal Church. lie 
 is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has ob- 
 tained the Chapter degrees of that society. 
 
 ^=^KOH(;i-: FOIST. The farm of our subject, 
 jlj ^=^ consisting of 2(i(l acres on section 2;5. Fk)wer- 
 ^^^Jj tiehl Township. lia> been nicely improved and 
 is the source of a lucrative income, while it is 
 ndorned with ne.-it and well-arranged buildings, and 
 the tields are sepjirated into con\'enicnt size by rows 
 of gcKKl fencing. Mr. Foust is entitled to his share 
 of jiublic honors, which is the ju.-t due of all early 
 settlers, who have endured the hard.-hips and trials 
 incident to pioneer life and prepared the way that 
 tliose who came after nnght enjoy the fruits of 
 their industry. 
 
 Mr. Foust comes of an ancestry successful in life. 
 
 honorable in career and heroic in national loyalty. 
 He names Montour County, Pa., as the place of his 
 I birth, the date thereof being July 8, 1827, His 
 parents were .lohn an<l Mar}- (Iloats) Foust, natives 
 of the Keystone .State, and both p.'issed away in 
 Park Township, the father aged eighty-four years 
 and the mother lifty-six. .John Foust, .Sr., grand- 
 father of our subject, cjime with his son and grand- 
 son, our subject, to this State, and died at the 
 advanced age of ninety -eight years, 
 
 'Mv. Foust of whom we write wjis the tifth child 
 in order of birth of liis parents' family of six chil- 
 dren. In common with his brothers and sisters he 
 attended the district school, and in the fall of 1847 
 migrated to this county with his parents, locating 
 on section 18, Park Township. He lias always been 
 engaged as an agriculturist, and is identified with 
 the various interests and projects that have been 
 formed for the benefit of the community and ad- 
 vancement of its surroundings. The social quali- 
 ties that make our subject .«o popular, his genial, 
 affable manner, supin)rtcd by his strong force of 
 character and strict business integrity, combine to 
 make him one of the most prominent and worthy 
 citizens, whose place of residence in his community 
 is so eminently satisfactory and enjoyable. 
 
 ( ieorge Foust w.is married in Three Rivers to Jliss 
 Polly, tiaughter of (ieorge and Hannah Rorniig. the 
 wedding being celebrat'Cd in November, 1858. .Mrs. 
 Foust was born in Snyder County, Pa.. Dec. 2;i. 
 1844, Their union has been blessed with five chil- 
 dren, one of whom died in infancj'. Those sur- 
 viving are: William A., who was born July 19. 
 18G3. and took for his wife Jliss Lilly Ryan; they 
 are at present residing in Flowerfield, and are the 
 parent-* of two children — Kena and an infant. 
 Klizabeth. born May 17. 186(;; .\ddie, June 23, 
 1870, Mild Luciiia. April ',1. 1878. are at home with 
 their parents. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject did good service 
 as a soldier in the Revolutionary AVar. I>eing one 
 of the very first to resi)ond to the call for volun- 
 teei>. In all matters of |>olitical interest .Mr. Foust 
 is inclined to take his stand with the Democratic 
 party, but never at the expense of principle. He is 
 a friend of good morals and anxions to do all in 
 Ills power as a citizen to forward the iiighest 
 
 -v 
 
 •> k <• 
 
•^^^^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 442 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 interests of the county. Mrs. Foust is a consistent 
 memlier of the German Reform Church. Botli her- 
 self and husband are prominent in local societj- 
 and are gladly welcomed to the best circles thereof. 
 They are identified witli the various interests and 
 projects that have been formed for tlie benefit of 
 the community and adv.incement of its surround- 
 ings. As regards honor and social virtue, they 
 occupy as high a place as any in the county. 
 
 ly famil 
 
 EWIS RIIOADE.*^. Among the prominent, 
 jj, successful and enterprising n)en residing 
 ^ within the limits of this county, there are 
 none more favorably and well known than our sub- 
 ject. He has been a resident of the count}- from 
 the earliest Territorial days, and is now engaged in 
 buying grain and stock in White Pigeon. He was 
 born in Monroe County, Mich., Nov. 26. 1820, 
 and is tlie son of Orrin Khoades, a native of Gen- 
 esee Count}'. N. Y., who came to Monroe Count}-, 
 Mich., in 1795. He was a farmer bj' occupation, 
 which pursuit he followed on a well-located farm 
 two miles east of While Pigeon, where he lived 
 until Feb. 22, 1832, the daj'of hisde.ath. He took 
 an active part as a soldier in the War of 1812. 
 
 The mother of our subject was Eueretia (Lewis) 
 Rhoailes. She was the daughter of Silas Lewis, one 
 of the early settlers of Mt>nroe County. The |)ar- 
 ents reared a family of seven children, who were 
 named: Rebecca (Murr.iy), Knima (Russell). Cy- 
 rene (Reynolds), Clarissa (Creelman). Orrin, Lou- 
 isa, and Lucretia, the mother of our subject, who 
 died in 18C0. The uncle of our subject, Silas 
 Lewis, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Our sub- 
 ject was the eldest son and third child in his father's 
 famil}'. In his earlier years he attended the sub- 
 scription schools that were taught in the log cabins 
 of the time. 
 
 Our subject and .Sarah Ruiiynn were married 
 April 4, 1844. She is the daughter of Hon. Phil- 
 lip E. and Priscilla (Brush) Runyan. Her parents 
 came to this county from Buffalo, N. Y., in 183;'), 
 and settled in White Pigeon Township. The lady 
 was horn in Geneva, N. Y.. and she was one of a 
 family of nine children, four of whom are living. Her 
 
 sister Priscilla. now Mrs. Barker, and her brothers 
 Casper and Phillip, all live in this township. Her 
 father was elected in the fall of 1842 to the Legis- 
 lature, which then met in Detroit. In his journey 
 to that city he was five days on the way. A por- 
 tion of the distance was by stage, another portion 
 of it was made on a freight train, which traveled at 
 the rate of two miles per hour, and a portion was 
 made by a lumber wagon. 
 
 When our subject came to this county it was in 
 a wagon drawn by oxen. They followed the old 
 Detroit and Chicago Indian trail. When they ar- 
 rived where they now live there was but one house 
 where the town of White Pigeon now stands. In 
 the year 1830 the town began growing, until it has 
 reached its present fair proportions. The nearest 
 point at which they could secure flour or meal was 
 the mill at Niles; the first corn cracker in this 
 county was built in Constantiue, in the fall of 1830. 
 It was oiierated by water power, which was applieil 
 by a water-wheel of very primitive and crude con- 
 struction. A horizontal shaft extended from the 
 mill over the water; the outer end of the shaft was 
 provided witli padilles, which projected down into 
 an<l below the surface of the water, and, the current 
 pressing against the paddles, caused the shaft to 
 revolve. 
 
 During these years Mr. Rhoades became .ic- 
 quainted with many Indians, who at that time were 
 very numerous. They caused no special trouble, 
 excepting that arising from the natural proclivity 
 of an Indian to steal anything that is loose, although 
 the white settlers often became scared. Religious 
 services were held in the private houses. The 
 building that is now used as a cart factorv w-as 
 built in 1833 by the Presbyterians, and used by 
 them for many years as a church. The steeple on 
 this house was the first one built west of Tecumseh. 
 The first school-house ever erected here was sold to 
 make way for a larger building, and was purch.ased 
 by.Ios. Cloyes, our subject afterward purchasing it. 
 and a portion of the timbers he has used in con- 
 structing his iH-esent barn. 
 
 Our subject and his good wife are the parents of 
 three children — Lottie, Charley and one dead. Lot- 
 tie is now married to Hulett J. Davis, the trusted 
 agent of the Uuitcfl .States Express Company, at 
 
 T* 
 
>»• ■ ■<»■ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH roUNTY. 
 
 ••► 
 
 4i:; ',' 
 
 South Beixl. Ind.; she is tlic mother of three chil- 
 dren — Charley. (Jail and Larene. Our siihject's 
 son t'harley is now a student in the Chieago Art 
 Institnle. and gives great promise of future success. 
 Mrs. Ulioades is a valued member of the Presby- 
 terian Church, and Utkes an active interest in all 
 matters pertaining to the religious welfare of the 
 neighborhood. 
 
 .Mr. Rhoades is Justice of the Pe.icc, wliich ollice 
 he has filled for the last eleven years, and h.as at 
 divers times filleil man\' of the minor offices in his 
 township. lie is noted as having the most re- 
 tentive memory of any of the many old settlers in 
 the countj'. Having been born within its limits 
 when the Territory was in its infancj', he has been in a 
 position to know all of the hardships and privations 
 to which the pioneers in a new countr3' are subject, 
 and has been identified in a prominent manner 
 with the advancement of the county. He possesses 
 a good education, and has watched the march of 
 events for the last half-century, which he is able 
 to graphically describe to the willing listener. 
 
 ROF. JOSEPH O. PLOW.MAN is the Prin- 
 1/ cii)al of the While Pigeon schools, which 
 
 t 
 
 ■^ he conducts on tlir latest and most ap- 
 proved Normal method. This gentleman 
 is one of the most energetic, pushing citizens resi- 
 dent in White Pigeon: in addition to his duties ns 
 Princi|)al t>f the schools, he is Secretary and Treas- 
 urer of the Cyclone Fanning Mill Company, a 
 verj- prosfjcrous inslitutiiui ; he also has a financial 
 interest in the .Sultan Carl Company, which lat- 
 ter concern Is manufacturing a lini' of goods which 
 are in growing demand. 
 
 This gentleman was l)orri In Ionia County, Mich., 
 Oct. 9, 1846. His father. John Gee, was a native 
 of New York ; he is now deceased. The mother 
 was Caroline (Haddock) Oee. .She was born in 
 Buffalo, N. Y., and died when our subject was a 
 babe. The Professor's name was originally Gee, 
 but after his mother's death he was adopted by 
 John N. Plowman, and as a cons«'quence he as- 
 sumed the name of his foster father. His early 
 education was received in the common school near his 
 
 home, and he was graduated In 18G7 from the State 
 Normal School at Y|>silnnti. After he left the 
 Normal School he w.is In charge as Principal of the 
 Central .School building in Bittle Creek, Mich., for 
 three years. In 1S70 he left the latter city and 
 came to White Pigeon, where he has since lived, 
 and has had charge of the schools here for nineteen 
 consecutive years. Iieing the longest time which any 
 Principal in the State has had charge of one school. 
 
 The Professor made the larger part of the de- 
 signs for the new school building, which was Itullt 
 herein 1872. It is a large modern building, con- 
 taining six schools, including the Professor's room. 
 The s3-stem of ventilation Introduced into this 
 building is upon a scientific basis, and its adoi)tlon 
 w!»s largely due to him. The school is supplied 
 with a library, cabinets of geology, organ and piano, 
 and diflferent apparatus used for illustrating the 
 studies of anatomy, geography, mathematics and 
 astronomy. Everything connected with the school 
 is reduced to a system, which is followed out to the 
 smallest detail. The scholars in the Professor's 
 room march to and from their different recitation 
 rooms in perfect order, keeping step to martial 
 music played on the piano by one of the pupils. 
 The building is heated throughout liy the "Ruttan" 
 system. 
 
 .Many of the improvements which add to the 
 cleanliness and comfort of the school room are the 
 results of the Professor's ingenult}'. The remova- 
 ble chalk r.ick, of which he is the in venter, obviates 
 entirely the disagreeable and unhealthy dust arising 
 from the use of cr.ayons on the blackboard, the use 
 of which Is a boon to both teacher and pupil. It 
 unquestionably should be adopted by the school 
 oHicers of ever}- school in the country. 
 
 .Mr. Plowman was married to Miss Ida Munson, 
 April 5, 18G9. She is the daughter of Charles H. 
 and Jane L. (West) .Munson. The ladj-'s father is 
 now deceased, losing his life In the array during the 
 Rebellion : he was a member of the Michigan En- 
 gineer Corps. The mother lives with her daughter. 
 Our subject and his wife are the parents of two 
 children — Jessie and Grace. The former is now 
 deceased. The Professor stands high In the estima- 
 tion of the people of White Pigeon and vicinity, 
 both as an able instructor, and an enterprising an<l 
 
■<^ 
 
 ->► 
 
 444 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 4~ 
 
 valuable citizen. The two business enterprises re- 
 ferred to in the bei^inniu;; of this sketch owe their 
 success to n <jreat extent to him. Tiie Fanning 
 Jlill Company was organized in 1886; they liave a 
 series of new and valuable patents on which to base 
 their claim for a share of public patronage. The 
 com])any is doing a large and increasing business 
 and virtually has no competition. The Cart Com- 
 pany is doing an immense business, the demand for 
 their goods exceeding the com|>any's capacity to 
 supply them. 
 
 I'rof. Plowman was a member of the County 
 Board of School Examiners four years, when he was 
 unanimously re-elected, liut resigned. He isa mem- 
 ber of tiie .Methodist Episcopal Church, stands high 
 intlie .Masonic fraternity of the town, and in politics 
 he is Republican. Both himself and wife are the life 
 and spirit of the social circle in which they move; 
 every proposeil enterprise having for its purpose any 
 good and laudable end linds in them hearty support 
 and .assistance. 
 
 -i^m- 
 
 Vff^ AVH) L. FLANDERS, M. I)., the eele- 
 ]' jji brated physician and surgeon of Stur- 
 yj t'^ gis. is the original inventor and proprietor 
 ^^'^^ of Fliinders' DitTusible Tonic, a well-known 
 and valuable remedy for typhoid fever, it being the 
 only positive cure for that dread disea.se ever dis- 
 covered, and it has also proved an absolute cure 
 in evcr% case of j-ellow fever to which it lias been 
 applied. 
 
 Dr. Flanders is a native of New Hampshire, born 
 in Coos County. Feb. 25. 1824. His paternal 
 grandfather. Ezekiel Flanders, was a soldier in the 
 Revoluliunary War, having enlisted when only 
 sixteen years of age. and served eight yeai-s. Francis 
 Flanders, deceased, the father of our subject, 
 inherited a p.itriotic spirit from his progenitor, and 
 fought for the defense of his country in the War of 
 1812. He moved with his family from New Hamp- 
 shire to New York in 1828 and settled in Ontario 
 County, where he lived for many j'ears. For further 
 parental history see sketch of the Hon. J. W. 
 Flanders, brother of our subject. 
 
 He of whom we write was four years of age when 
 he accompanied his parents to New York, where he 
 
 4* 
 
 was educated, attending first the district schools of 
 Canandaigua. and subseciucntly supjilementing that 
 education at the iicarlemy. In 1841 he came with 
 his parents to Michigan, where lie continued his 
 education still further, and in 18.');* commenced the 
 practice of medicine in Newberg, Cass County, 
 remaining there four years. In 18(53 Dr. Flanders 
 moved to Mottville. St. .loseph County, and after 
 practicing his profession there for five years, came 
 to Sturgis, and remained here until 1871. The 
 ensuing two years he sjient in Vandalia. Ca.<s 
 County, returning tlience to Sturgis. In 1877, 
 desiring a new field of labor, our subject moved to 
 Iowa, and established himself .as a jiractitioner in 
 Maquoketa, where he met >vith much success. 
 Besides attending to his professional duties, Dr. 
 Flanders continued his experimental work, which 
 he had commenced while in Michigan, and after 
 man}' years of trial he has succeeded in obtain- 
 ing a compound which is an absolute cure for 
 tj-phoid or yellow fever, having been used with 
 complete success in over 500 cases of the former, 
 and proved an infallible remedy in every febrile 
 disease in which it has been tried. In October, 
 1888, during the presence of yellow fever in Jack- 
 sonville, Fla.. Dr. Flanders visited the afflicted city 
 and used his medicine with most beneficial results, 
 curing every patient that tried his tonic. In 1886 
 Dr. Flanders returned from Iowa to Sturgis. and 
 in March, 1888. under the laws of ^Michigan, formed 
 a stock comp.any for the m.anufacture of his 
 medicine, which is in great demand among those 
 who are aware of its elGcacy. and the coiniianv is 
 doing a pros|DeroHS business. 
 
 The marriage of Dr. Flanders with Miss Julia 
 A. Chandler was solemnized at Maijuoketa. Iowa, 
 June 14, 1852. Mrs. Fl.anders is a daughter of 
 Gen. Samuel Chandler, a patriot who served in the 
 War of 1812, and afterward, during the Canadian 
 rebellion, was taken prisoner in Canada and con- 
 demned. His sentence w.as. however, commuted 
 to banishment to Van Diemen's Land, but after 
 living there two years, he escaped in a Yankee 
 whaling vessel, and again became an honored 
 resident of the I'nited States. He w.-is at one time 
 possessed of much wealth, but subsequently lost 
 nearly all his property. To Dr. and Mrs. Flanders 
 
•4^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 445 
 
 \ 
 
 h.ive been horn tliroo cliildreii, two of whom are 
 .still livinj);. Fraiici.s W. .nnd Mary Kmiim Smith, of 
 Wall Lake. Iowa. Frauri.s. a resident of .Stiir<;is. 
 married Miss Knima Dishrow, anil they have two 
 children — .John .S. and Leola. 
 
 Dr. Flanders is a man of strong intellectual 
 viijor antl good business capacity, lie occupies an 
 excellent jKisition in the community as an honor- 
 able and upright citizen, liberal and benevolent in 
 his ways, and he has done an inestimable service to 
 suffering humanity through the discovery of his 
 imiK)rtant medical compound. Mrs. F'landers is an 
 esteemed member f)f the Methodist F|)iscopal 
 Church. 
 
 H. S.VMIKL R. HOBIN.SON. The sub- 
 ject of this personal sketch is a physician 
 and surgeon, .is well as the esteemed Post- 
 m.tster of White Pigeon. He has l)een one 
 of the highly respected citizens of the cit}' since 
 •Ian. 2.'). 18«l.on which date he settled in this com- 
 munity. Since that time he h.as. by a life devoted 
 to his profession, and a consistent, straightforward 
 course, challenged the respect and won the adniir.i- 
 tion of his fellowmen. This gentleman is a native 
 of Indiana, and was born in Allen County, March 
 2.-?. IH.ri. 
 
 'I'lie Doctor is a son of .lonathaii Robinson, who 
 was a native of Carroll County, Ohio. He moved 
 t<» Allen County. Ind..in IMH. He died in February. 
 1««1. The mother wsus .Sarah .). (Shatter) Robin- 
 son; she died in June, 1886. The earlier years of 
 the Doctor's life were siient on a farm with his 
 parents. He attended the common schools of the 
 neighborhood, the Butler High School and also the 
 Chauncey (Ind.) Norm.il School. In March, 1«78, 
 he graduated from the Columbus (( Ihio) Medical 
 College, a student under Prof. John W. Hamil- 
 ton, and then went to South Milffird. Lagrange 
 Co.. Ind.. an<l entered into [wu-tnership with Dr. 
 John Dancer, a practicing physician. 
 
 This prtifi-ssional arrangement continued for 
 eighteen months, when Dr. Robinson movetl to 
 I.^range, Ind.. continuing in the practice of 
 nie<licine. where he reside<l for ten months. During 
 the time lie s)>ent in both pl.-UM's. South Milff)rd 
 
 and Lagrange, he lectured two terms in the Ft. 
 Wayne (Ind.) College of Medicine <m pathology 
 and microscopy. Removing from Lagrange, we 
 lind him located in White Pigeon as named above. 
 
 .Vfter settling in the city the Doctor devoted 
 himself most assiduously to the practice of his pro- 
 fession, and conducted himself in such a manner as 
 to speedily and thoroughly win the full confidence 
 and esteem of the people among whom he had 
 settled. A vacancy occurring in the post-office, he 
 was appointed to fill that position Dec. 20, 1886, 
 by President Cleveland. 
 
 Our subject w.is married. Jan. !. 1879. to ^liss 
 Fannie M. Smith, daughter of David Smith, of 
 Lagrange. Ind. Her father is now deceased. Our 
 subject and his wife are the jiarentsof four children 
 —Lulu L.. Helen K., Dora A. and Robert L. The 
 entire family circle presents the cinliodiment of a 
 ple.asant home. 
 
 The Doctor deserves great credit for the position 
 he has won in the hearts of his neighbors and 
 friends, not only as a physician and surgeon, but 
 in holding the entire conlidence of the ]>eople whom 
 he serves. 
 
 V^^.VTHAN FRANK is one of the most enter- 
 I /// pi'''''"g 'ind successful merchants in .Sturgis, 
 /ll/fe or, indeed, in St. Joseph County. He is a 
 dealer in clothing, hats, caps, furnishing goods, 
 piece goods, woolen cossimeres, etc., carrying a full 
 line of all these articles, .ind having the largest 
 establishment of the kind in the county. He does 
 a very large business, which is constantly increas- 
 ing, the main reason for his enormous trade being 
 l)ecause he sells the best class of goods at the lowest 
 jirices, so as to astonish the most exacting pur- 
 chasers or sejirchers after rare bargains. 
 
 Mr. Frank wa.s born in the Netherlands, May 2, 
 1H.')1. His ])arents, Simon and Lina Frank, were 
 n,itivcs of the same country. Tlu'v emigrated to 
 the I'nited States in 1860, and settled iu Kalamazoo, 
 Mich., where the father died in the same year. 
 
 Our subject w:is t-ducated in the Kalamazoo 
 schools, and lived in that cit}- until Feb. 19, 1875, 
 when he came to Sturgis and bought a half-interest 
 in his present store, with S. Hirsh as partner. He 
 
 i~ 
 
 r^::^^^ 
 
■•»- 
 
 446 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 -=»t> 
 
 -^!l^ 
 
 <tf*S?v 
 
 ^i^ 
 
 )ENJAMIN F. FIELDHOUSE is a prosper- 
 y ous livei'jnian and grain dealer, residing in 
 i^vfcl)!) ^Vliite Pigeon, where he is doing a tin-iving 
 ^ Imsiness. He is a native of tliis county, in 
 which he was born Sept. 14, 1839. He is the sou 
 of William Fieldhouse, a native of Yorkshire, 
 England, who came to America in 1835, and settled 
 in the town of White Pigeon, where he lived until 
 the S|)ring of 1840, when he bought a farm two 
 miles south of town and moved to and operated it 
 for a number of j-ears. He was a strong Union 
 man during the war, and was a stanch Republican. 
 He wiis a conscientious and consistent member of 
 the Cliurch of theSecond Advent. He died in the 
 village. iM.irch 30, 1882. 
 
 Our subject resided on the farm with his father. 
 and obtained his education by attending the com- 
 mon schools and the academy in Wliite Pigeon. 
 He has been very prosperous in his farming opera- 
 tions, and has become the owner of 140 acres of 
 well-improved land, which at this time is leased. 
 He followed farming and stock-raising until 1886; 
 he has been a resident in the town for the past nine 
 years. The time since 1886 has been devoted ex- 
 clusively to his livery and grain business, and both 
 his business ventures have proved very successful. 
 
 afterward bouglit the latter's interest in the busi- ' 
 ness and the building in which he conducts it. | 
 
 ilr. Frank w.as united in marriage to.AIiss .iennie 
 :Meyers l^ec. 14, 1879. She is a daughter of Samuel 
 Mevers, formerly the largest clothing merchant in 
 (ioshen, Ind. Mrs. Frank was horn in Alliany. X.Y'.. 
 Dec. 4, 1860. 
 
 :Mr. and Jlrs. Frank have three bright and 
 interesting children. Harry, Hattie and IJellc, and 
 theirs is an attractive, happy home. 
 
 Our suliject is a thorough l)usiness man, prompt 
 and systematic in his methods, and always dealing 
 squarely. His whole-souled generosity, his courteous 
 and obliging manners, and his attempts to entertain 
 and satisfy his customers, render him a general 
 favorite. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. .ind of 
 the I. O. P>. B.. the latter being a benevolent insti- 
 tution. 
 
 A\ hen he began buying stock for shipment there 
 was a very jKjor market at White Pigeon for stock 
 of an}- description, but owing to his efforts and 
 square, straightforward manner of transacting 
 business, he made the market of the town tlie Iiest 
 for many miles around. 
 
 ( )ur subject is one of the most public-spirited 
 citizens of the town, and takes a lively interest in 
 all matters pertaining to the prosperity of the peo- 
 jile. He was married to Miss Mary A. Swartz, Feb. 
 2, IHfi'); lliislady is a daughter of Solomon Swartz, 
 of Fairbury. .Jefferson Co., Neb. Mr. Field- 
 house and his good wife are the parents of two 
 children, one of whom is living. Flora E.. who is 
 now teaching in tiic White Pigeon city schools and 
 is veiy successful in lier chosen profession. Our 
 subject is a member of the Baptist Church, has 
 been a Trustee of the society for many years, was a 
 Deacon for some time, but resigned; he is now 
 Superintendent of the Snnday-school. He is a 
 strong temperance man, .ind takes an active part 
 in all religious and moral work. 
 
 Mr. Fieldliouse has been a member of the .School 
 Board for the past five j'ears. Willi this exception 
 he has steadily refused to accept any position of 
 official trust at the hands of his neighbors, although 
 repeatedly requested to do so. All his life he has 
 taken a greiit interest in educational matters. Ik- 
 is public spirited, and is foremost among liis ncigli- 
 bors in all plans designed to bestow any lasting 
 benefit on the people about him. 
 
 -^f^- 
 
 IdllHS FOLWKl.L. Of the number of men 
 ; who have contributed largely to the ma- 
 terial wealth and prosperity of White 
 (^J Pigeon, the subject of our sketch has not 
 done the least. He has been a resident for several 
 j-ears. and has conducted his business, that of gen- 
 eral blacksniithing, with great benefit to the town 
 and prosperity to himself. He is the son of James 
 and Elizabeth ^Davenport) Folwell. The father 
 was of Welsh ancestry, and is now deceased; the 
 mother was of English descent, and our subject, in 
 his characteristics and peculiarities, possesses the 
 
 ■^^i-^ 
 
; 
 
 -^•■ 
 
 ST. .lOSKlMl COUNTY. 
 
 44'i 
 
 many lifood ((unlitios of hulli riict's. His fnthcrdied 
 w lien In' w.'is very yuuii':, .Tfler wliicli lie lind to 
 work liiird to assist in tlic sii|)])ort of the family. 
 
 « )ur subject was l>oin in Holmes County. Ohio. 
 No\-. .•?(!. 18'24. in wliicli State he lived until he 
 reached his majority. Durini: the earlier years of 
 his lioyhood he devoted what lime he eould take 
 from his work to .-ieeurinjj an education, and hy 
 dint of hard study lunl close a|i|ilication to liis 
 hooks, and an umdlerable dcterndnation to succeed, 
 he took a course of instruction in the N'erinillion 
 Intitute. at Ilayesville. ( )liio. .\fter this he went 
 to Lajrrange County, hid., in A|iril. 1M.')1: he 
 worked at his trade of hlacksmithinii: in La<>r,injre 
 County for two and one-h:df years. .Vt theencl of 
 that time he removed to I,im:i. in the same count3', 
 livinij there until 1867. lie learnwl his trade in a 
 country shoji in his native county. 
 
 .Mr. l-'olwell came to ^\■hite Pigeon March \2. 
 1H67. and entered upon his busuie.ss. which he has 
 steadily folloNve<l to the [iresent time. Jle was mar- 
 ried, Oct. 2, l84;t. to Mary K. liennett, a dausrliter 
 of Aquilla Bennett. Iler father is now dead. They 
 are the parents of two chiUlren — Rufus II. and 
 Cora K. Hiifus married .Vnna Helle Caseman; he 
 is telci^raph operator and Station Aueut for the 
 Lake .Shore iV: Michijran Southei'n Hailroiid. Kala- 
 mazoo hrancli. at Flowerlield. in this county. 
 Cora is now the wife of Prof. David A. Ham- 
 mond, who is at jjresent Superintendent of the 
 city schools in Charlotte. Katon Co.. Mich.: she 
 is the mother of one son, Harry V... who is a very 
 hrijrht lM>y. four years old. Before her niarriaife 
 .she was a prominent and very successful teacher in 
 White Pigeon and Bli.sstield. Mich. .She is not en- 
 gaged in teaching at ]>re.<ent. as her househcdd 
 duties wcupy her time to its fullest extent. 
 
 The sul>je<-t of this sketch is deei)ly inten-sted in 
 the .Ma.sonic fraterinty. He is connected with the 
 Columbia Commandery at Sturgis, is a member of 
 the .\. F. iV -V. M., nt White Pigeon, and has been 
 .Ma.«ter of the loilge for some time, anil lie has 
 also held other important offlces in the lodge. 
 
 .Mr. Folwell is one of those enterprising, indus- 
 trious, and at the same time una.ssuniing men. who 
 possess an inherent force of character, which, 
 without any great amount of loud talking, makes 
 
 itself felt, and exerts a marked inHuence in all 
 affairs in which they become interested. He is 
 I favored with a good physical constitution, which 
 he maintains by leading a life of strict sobriety. 
 He combines strictness of moral principles with en- 
 ergy and great decision of chai-acter; he is not h.asty 
 to arrive at conclusions, but when he is determined 
 ui)on any subject, he remains firm until good rea- 
 sons for a change are given. .Mlhough he li.as fol- 
 lowed a comparatively liiiinlile following, the 
 inlluences of his life and example are indelible- 
 stamped <ni the history of the town. He occupies 
 a pleasant, comfortable home, nicely furnished, and 
 it is the abode of contentment nii<l peace. 
 
 t HS. ( L.M{.\ B. (lAHDNKH.. It gives us 
 much pleasure toreconl in this BioiiifAPiii- 
 (AL Ai.niM a brief sketch of the life of this 
 estimable lady, i^he owns and occupies a 
 handsome residence in .'^turgis. where she liius lived 
 f<jr more thai} twenty years, enjoying the resjiectof 
 those around her. called forth by her many g<io<l 
 qualities of head and heait. 
 
 Our subject wjus born in the town of Hatavia. 
 Genesee Co., N. Y., ^larcli 18, 1818. Her parents 
 were David R. and Sarah (Chapman) Coolev. na- 
 tives of Springfield, Mass. They settled in New- 
 York after marriage, but in the si>ring of 1837 
 brought thei;- family to Michigan, and became 
 pioneers of Branch County, settling in the town- 
 ship of Sherwood. They had fifteen children, of 
 whom our subject was the twelfth in order of 
 birth. 
 
 Mrs. (iardner pa.ssed her girllKKxl in her native 
 State, and was nineteen years of age when she ac- 
 companied her parents to their new- home in the 
 wilds of Branch County. M that time Southern 
 Michigan wjls sparsely .settled, although emigration 
 from <ither States w.as in progress, but not enough 
 settlers had conic in to alTccI the general w-ildness 
 of the country, or to tr.-nisform the priine\'al 
 forests, swamps or open prairies intosmiling farms, 
 busy towns and jwpulous cities, so that this 
 great change ha.* been brought al»out within her 
 
 V 
 
 
J^ 
 
 448 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 ^•^^^tT^ 
 
 remembrance and in part under her observation. 
 On the 2Htli of .lune. 1841. her union with .lames 
 Bisliop was solemnized. He was tlie son of Will- 
 iam and Sybil (Ilurd) Bishop, and he was born in 
 Dryden. Tom|)kins Co., N. Y., Oct. 27. IHHi. Of 
 his mariiage with our subject four children were 
 born, three of whom are living — Charles, Dellie 
 and .lessie. Olney died in 1880, at the age of 
 thirty -eight years; he married Kttie Ferguson, and 
 they had one child, Clara, who is now Mrs. Howe, 
 of La|)eer County, Mich.; Cliarles, a merchant, 
 grain and live-stock dealer, of IJuchanau, Mich., 
 married Delia Long, and the3' have one son. John; 
 Dellie mai-ried Frank McCrary. of Chicago, and 
 they liave one child, Zora; .lessie married Fred 
 W. Shoecraft. the leader of the Sturgis band. 
 
 Mr. Bishop was smitten with the gold fever, and 
 bidding farewell to his little family, lie started for 
 California overland witli tiie last ox-team tiain 
 that crossed tlie plains in 181!(. He remaincil in 
 the gold diggings until the fall of 18;jl, meeting 
 witli fair success, and tlieu retraced his steps over 
 the long and lonely way that separated him from 
 his wife and children, with whom he was anxious 
 to be reunited. On the way out to tlie Pacific I 
 Coast his party had been attacked by the Indians. 
 and two of his comrades were killed. Mr. Bishop 
 ■was wounded by a gunshot in the leg. and the ball 
 remained in that limb until his death. After his 
 decease our subject had his remains disinterred and 
 brought to Sturgis for burial, and the ball was 
 found among his bones, and is now In the posses- 
 sion of his .son Charles. In the spring of 1852 Mr. 
 and ISIrs. Bishop removed to Lconidas Townsliip, 
 this county, and there ^Mr. Bisho]) died in 18()7. 
 
 In 18(58 Mrs. Bishop moved to Sturgis, and has 
 ever since been a resident of this town. Maj- 27, 
 18fi;i. her marri.ngc with Bolscr B. (Jardner was con- 
 summated. He wiw a native of \'irginiu. He had 
 been previously married, and liad the following 
 children by his lirst wife: IMkcIic. now Mrs. (iil- 
 hams; I'eter; Adaline. now Mrs. Barker; Loretta, 
 now Mrs. Cresler; Soph ronia. now Mrs. Smith, and 
 Calvin B. Mr. (iardner departed this life Ajjril 
 27. 187;). 
 
 Mrs. Gardner is a woman of good understanding, 
 and is amply gifted with sound oonimon sense and 
 
 unfailing judgment. She has the heart to feel and 
 the hand to respond to calls for aid from tliose less 
 fortunate than herself. She is liberal in her 
 religious views, holding to good deeds rather than 
 to meaningless creeds for her salvation. 
 
 ^pj HARLKS .J. LOCKWOOD. The subject of 
 III this sketch was born in the township of Burr 
 
 ^^'' Oak, St. .loseph Co., Mich., M.iy 18, 18G3. 
 His father, .John M. Lockwood, was born at .St. 
 Albans. Vt., Sept. 27, 1827. and moved with his 
 parents to the Stale of Indiana in earl}- boyhood. 
 He received a common-school education, and sub- 
 sequently came to the State of Michigan, and mar- 
 ried .lulia Moe. daughter of Capt. Charles Moe, of 
 Fawn River, in 1853. soon after locating on a 
 farm in the township of Burr Oak. where they have 
 since resided. Throe children blessed their union: 
 Otho M., will) died in infanc}'; Maranda J. and 
 Charles .1. The Litter, the subject of our memoir, 
 has distinguished himself in various ways. As a 
 school bo}' he was bright and of keen perception, 
 and possessed the winning grace which made him a 
 favorite with teachers and si-hoolmates. He was grad- 
 uated at Sturgis Union .School in 1881; then at- 
 tended the Michigan Military Acaderaj". and was 
 graduated Iherefroin in 1882. Having acquired a 
 taste for military discipline, he presented liimself 
 as a candidate for West Point at a competitive ex- 
 amination held in Kalamazoo, in .July, 1883. where 
 he won the distinction over a class of fourteen 
 brilliant competitors. Accordingly, the following 
 June he entered the United States Military Acad- 
 emy at West Point, and by diligent .-ipplication 
 did credit to himself during the first year. But 
 not all was smiles that fate bestowed upon him. for 
 he was now doomed to disappointment. His e3'cs 
 began to fail, and he w.as obliged to go to New 
 York for treatment; but from constant strain they 
 refused to improve, and he was forced to abandon 
 this project, the dream of his life, for he had built 
 great hopes of eminence upon completing the course 
 and attaining a commission in the Regular Army. 
 With his acquittal at West Point ended our sub- 
 
 •Mh^ 
 
M^ 
 
 ST. .lOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 44'J ' ^ 
 
 jecl's siliool (lays, lie caiiio lioiiii" Mini ciiijjij^cil in 
 toncliiiiuf for a lime, until he as.siiiiK'd tin- iH-sixmsi- 
 bilitii's c'omu'cli'cl with the |iulilicati(in <if tlic ^fi(^hi- 
 gan Democrat, the R'l'ugiiizi'd iiarty organ of St. 
 .Tosi'pli C'diiiitv, having the largest eircnlnlion of 
 any paper in ihe cmmty, and whifli. by his di'ter- 
 niined .and tireless efforts, is rapidly growing in 
 popidarily. 
 
 Mr. Lockwood is heart and soul a Denioeral. as 
 was his father before him. He thoroughly believes 
 in his part}- and loves its principles, and seeks 
 through the inedinni of his paper lo promote the 
 growth of the methods of governmental execu- 
 tion, to which he so firmly adheres. In |)olitical 
 tactics his opinions are sought and his counsels 
 heetJed. 
 
 In stature Mr. Lockwood is six feet one inch, 
 well proportioned and a line figure. He is still 
 unmarried. .Socially, he is benevolent and fraternal, 
 a devotee to Free Masonry, having studied its 
 teachings as far as the order of Knights Templar. 
 He is genial, kindly and gracious, Episcopalian in 
 religion, and practical in [irecept. 
 
 R. T. FRANKLIN THORNTON, physi- 
 cian, surgeon and druggist, of Sturgis. is 
 ^ one of the most intelligentand enterprising 
 business men of St. .losepli County. In 
 liis profession he ranks well, his skill and thorough 
 knowledge of surgery placing him in a high position 
 among his medical brethren. He was born in 
 Huffalo. N. Y.. Aug. 21, IM.'iO. His parents, the 
 late .lohn W.and Margaret (Hrailhwaile') 'I'hornton, 
 were born in Lancaster. Kngland. and spent the 
 earlier part of tlieir lives in their native eouiitrj'. 
 In lK4r) they emisirateil to the I'nited States and 
 settled in ISutTalo. where the}' remaineii for several 
 years. They had a family of eight children, five 
 of whom arc now living, namely: Our subject; 
 .bihn AV., of Hastings, Neb.; .Lames B., of Sturgis; 
 Alice T.. wife of Prof. .1. R. Knight, of Sturgis, and 
 Fanny, wife of Samuel .lohnsoii, of Morris, III. 
 
 The subject of our sketch moved with his |)arents 
 to Grundy County, III., when about eight years of 
 age. and there, in the town of Morris, received a 
 
 *■ 
 
 good education, first in its public schools and then 
 in its classical institute. He was sulisrqiiently 
 graduated from the Normal rniversity of liloom- 
 ington. III., which was then in elinrge of the noted 
 e<lu(ator. Prof. Richard Edwards, the present .State 
 Superintendent of Schools in Illinois. In IHC'J 
 our subject went to Hamilton. Province of Ontario, 
 Canada, and reail medicine with Dr. C. F. Rullen. 
 Surgeon of the Great AVestern Itailway, and after- 
 ward practiced for two years in the Hamilton hos- 
 jiital. Dr. Thornton then took a course of study 
 at the Medical College at Detroit, being graduated 
 from there March .5, 187.3. Our subject did not 
 wait long after obtaining his diploma before establish- 
 ing himself in business, but in the ensuing month, 
 April !), he formetl a partnership with Dr. Nelson I. 
 P.ackard. of Sturgis. After the dissolution of the 
 partnership Dr. Thornton openeii a drug-store in 
 connection with his profession, which he has since 
 managed successfully. He carries a large and 
 select stock of valuable goods, inclu<ling a full line 
 of drugs, medicines, toilet and fancj' goods, jewelry, 
 watches, silverware, wall papers, paints, oils and no- 
 tions, all of whi<'h he sells at reasonable prices. .Soon 
 after settliiig in Sturgis the Doctor was appointed 
 United States P^xauiining Surgeon for this place, an 
 office which he held for seven years, when he 
 resigned, to accept the position as Special Kxn miner 
 of the Pension Rureaii, which place he filled with 
 acceptance to all concerned rluring 1882 and a part 
 of 1883. Our subject is, and has for several years 
 been the surgeon of the Grand Rapids <t Indiana 
 Itailwaj'. Besides attending to his professional 
 duties and the care of his store. Dr. Thornton does 
 a good deal of literary' work, and w.as the publisher 
 of the Sturgis Journal from 1875 to 1883. He now 
 publishes the Island Park Assembly, or the 
 Weslern Chniilnufjua, which is conductecl with 
 great literary ability, and the Rural Home, a paper 
 which is devoted to the interests of the farm and 
 the family. Our subject is a prominent member of 
 the American Medical Association, and also of the 
 .St. .loseph Valley Medical Association. 
 
 The marriage of Dr. Thornton with Miss Liie. 
 daughter of the Hon. William Allman, of Sturgis, 
 was celebrated on Dec. 11, 1873. Their union 
 has been blessed by the birth of five children. 
 
JL 
 
 4:)0 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ■*Tr^ 
 
 -t 
 
 namely: Allie L., Xellio M.. Bernice M.. T. Frank- 
 lin. .Ir., and William, fifceased. Dr. Thornton and 
 family ocuiipy a leading social position in their 
 commiinit}', and though not an office-seeker our 
 suliject lends his influence toward proniotino; the 
 welfare of his town and county, and gives substan- 
 tial aid for all beneficial schemes for its improve- 
 ment. 
 
 -<i= 
 
 Jf 0SK:PH B. ZINK, deceased, w.as for several 
 I 3'ears a well-known and highly respected 
 \' resident of Sturgis. with whose stock-raising 
 }j and farming interests he was actively identi- 
 fied. He was a man of an energetic and enterprising 
 disposition, possessing a keen vision and good 
 business tact, and in his various undertakings ever 
 met with substantial success. 
 
 He was born in Indiana County, Pa.. March IG, 
 1816, and was derived from a notable Puritan 
 ancestry, he being a lineal descendant of the cele- 
 brated Joseph Zink, who was once Lord Chancellor 
 of England, and was afterward a passenger on the 
 "Mayflower," landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620, 
 and became one of the founders of New Eng- 
 land, he having fled to the wilds of this then 
 almost unknown country for consciepce sake. 
 Our subject's father, Jacob Zink, was a native 
 of Lancaster Countj', Pa. He was reared to man- 
 hood in his native county, and married Margaret 
 Blackburn, who was born in Penn.sylvania. They 
 spent the early years of their married life in 
 Pennsylvania, and in 1829 migrated thence to Steu- 
 benville, Ohio, out subject, then a lad of thirteen 
 years, driving a yoke of oxen all the waj*. Their 
 stay in .Steubenvilie was short, as in the same fall 
 they settled in Fredcricktown, Knox Count}', where 
 the father died about 1849 or 1850. The mother 
 died in 1836. 
 
 As before mentioned, our subject passed the first 
 thirteen j-ears of his life in his native State, and his 
 j'outh was sjjent in Ohio. He grew to a vigorous 
 manhood, possessing a fine physique, an iron consti- 
 tution and a strong will; and thus well equipped 
 for life's battles, he entered the arena earlj', and 
 sustained his part honorabl}' until death closed his 
 
 earthly career. While residing in Knox County, 
 Ohio. Mr. Zink engaged in freighting for several 
 years, and he was one of the first to cross the 
 mountains to Philadelphia, Baltimore and other 
 Eastern points with a six-horse team, and he also 
 m.ade many trips to places on Lake Erie. He 
 finally turned his attention to farming, and btn'ing 
 eighty acres of timbered land in Middleliurv 
 Township, Knox Co, Ohio, began the hard task 
 of carving out a home from the wilderness. In the 
 few years that followed, by incessant labor .-ind 
 through the force of an indomitable will, he cleared 
 200 acres from the primeval forests. In the 
 }"ear 1856 he began to engage in the stock busi- 
 ness very extensively', shipping horses to the East. 
 The following spring he began to deal in sheep, cat- 
 tle and hogs, with a partner, but after the financial 
 crash of 1857 he conducted the business alone 
 until 1861, when he formed a partnership with 
 Philip E. Frederick, now manager of the stock- 
 3'ards of St. Louis, and during the late war they 
 furnished 5,000 horses to the United States Govern- 
 ment. In 1862 our subject removed to Coles 
 County. 111., and there purchased 280 acres 
 of land, which he sold at a good advance a 
 j'ear and a half later, and then returned to 
 Ohio. In the spring of 1867 he removed to Kan- 
 kakee, III., and from there came to Sturgis in 
 October of the same year, settling on what is now 
 known as the Fisk farm. In 1872 our subject 
 visited Nodaway County, Mo., and coming back to 
 Michigan in the following year, took up his abode 
 in Branch County. Early in 1875 he returned to 
 this county, where he resided until Februar}', 1879, 
 when he went to Columbia Count}', Wis., and there 
 made his home until his death, Jan. 6, 1886, 
 from cancer of the stomach, and thus a busj- and 
 eventful life was rounded out and finished. During 
 its course he had displayed those sterling traits of 
 character that made him exemplary as a citizen, 
 honorable as a man, kind as a neighbor, and as a 
 husband and father, tenderly devoted to the inter- 
 ests of his family, and to his beloved wife, son and 
 grandchildren he left the priceless legacy of a good 
 name. Mr. Zink was brought up in the Quaker 
 faith, but never identified himself with anj' church. 
 Socially, he was a member of the I. O. O. F. 
 
«» ■ 4t 
 
 -•^^h-^ 
 
 ST. .lOStPH COUNTS. 
 
 451 
 
 Our sulijpcl iin(loubU'tIl3' owed imuli nf liis suc- 
 cess in life to his luilijc wife, who, (liiriiig the 
 period of nearly fort3'-six years that they traveled 
 life's patli together, faithfully iifTorded liini all tlie 
 assistance in her power. Their marriage was 
 solemnized Nov. 10, lH-10. Mrs. Zink's maiden 
 name was Anna M. Parker, and she was born 
 March ',(, 1 S-JO, in Baltimore County, nine miles 
 South of 15altinu)re. Md., her parents having been 
 Robert and Elizabeth (Shultz) Parker. Of her 
 marriage with our subject one son, Jacob Black- 
 liuri), was born .Sept. 10, 1841. She is now 
 spending her declining years with him at his pleas- 
 ant home in Sturgis, surrounded by ever}' comfort 
 that Qlial devotion can devise. 
 
 Jacob Zink assisted his father in his stock busi- 
 ness for nian\" years, and did niucl; hard farm woik. 
 He has been twice married. His first marriage, 
 which took place .Sept. 10. 186 1, was to Miss 
 Mary K. Strubel. a daughter of Henry and Harriet 
 Strubel. She was born in New York, and died 
 May 1(). 187(1, leaving two sons, William U. and 
 Frank 1). The former is engineer on the Wiscon- 
 sin Central Railway and the latter is fireman on the 
 same. Mr. Zink's second marriage, July 31, 1871, 
 was to Miss Sarah A. Allgire, a daughter of John 
 V. and Nancy ('Ihuma) Allgire. Mrs. Zink was 
 born in Richland County, Ohio, Sept. 5, 1847. 
 Of this union five children were born, namely: 
 (Jeorge P., John M., Thomas S., Charlie R. and 
 Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Zink are among the most 
 respected citizens of Sturgis. Mr. Zink isa man of 
 sterling character, inheriting much of his father's 
 strong sense and capacity, and in him his present 
 employers. Chapman Bros., of Chicago, pubIi^hers 
 of this work, find one of their most able and faith- 
 ful employes. 
 
 ]yj^ H. ISAAC D. HOWARD. In the person 
 of this gentleman we find that of a m.an of 
 
 more than ordinary intelligence and men- 
 tal capacities, a man of thorough educa- 
 tion and much culture, a student and well informed. 
 He began life on the soil of the Old Dominion, 
 near the town of Bath, in Morgan County, ^'a., in 
 
 18.39. iuid was taken thence when a cliild by his 
 parents to Trumbull County. Ohio, they settling 
 on a farm in Ellsworth Township. There young 
 Howard remained until a youth of sixteen years, in 
 the meantime pursuing his early studies in the 
 common schools. He now entered Cott.nge Hill 
 Academy, about two miles from his home, and later 
 we find him a student in the Western Reserve Col- 
 lege, where he completed the literary and classical 
 course. 
 
 At an early period in lii.s life our subject had 
 determined uihju following the profession of medi- 
 cine, and after leaving college entered the office of 
 Dr. 1). B. Wood, of Warren. Ohio. uu<ler whose 
 instruction he remained until twenty years of age, 
 making good progress and giving his close atten- 
 tion to the best medical works of thed.ay. Eate in 
 1848 he repaired to Philadelphia. Pa., entering the 
 medical college there, which he left in the spring, 
 returning to Warren. In the fall of that year, how- 
 ever, lie went back to the t^uaker City, and pursued 
 his studies in the same college until March. I84'.t. 
 when he was graduated with honors. 
 
 Dr. Howard returning now again to Warren, 
 gave still further attention to his medical studies, 
 being a,ssociated for a short time with Dr. Wood, 
 but finally returning to Pennsylvania, began the 
 regular practice of his profession in the city of 
 Pittsburgh. He was located in the Seventh Ward, 
 and remained there until the fall of 18.>l. Then 
 returning to the Wes;t. he took up his abtnle in 
 Portage City. Wis., where he was continuously 
 engage<i in the practice of his profession for about 
 three years. The spring of 1850 fountl him a 
 resident of Parkville. this county, where he prac- 
 ticc<l six or seven velars, then transferred the scene 
 of his o|)erations Ui Klowerlicld Village, of which he 
 has since been a resident. 
 
 Dr. Howard met bis fate in Portage City. Wis., in 
 the |)erson of .Miss Harriet Childs. She was Uirii 
 in Danville, Pa.. June 13. 1830. and is the daugh- 
 ter of .Vndrew and Margrett (Arnwine) Childs. 
 who were also natives of the Keystone .state. The 
 mother is living in Danville. Pa.; the father die<l in 
 M.ay. IKCl. The l)<«'tor and his wife lH\<ran their 
 wedded life together in Portage City. Wis., and in 
 due lime became the parents of live children, one 
 
 i 
 
 -•► 
 
"^^ 
 
 t 
 
 452 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 of whom died when two \-ears and five months old. 
 Ella M. is engaged in the ministiy of the Protestant 
 Methodist Church, .and located at Lansing; John 
 is engaged as clerk and book-keeper in a lumber 
 establishment at Prescott in the northern i)art of 
 the State; he has chosen the medical profession for 
 his calling, and is at the same time prosecuting 
 his studies; Lola, an estimable and accomplished 
 young lad}-, remains witli her parents at home; 
 Childs Howard, youngest ciiild of our subject, wa5 
 born May 28, 1876, and he is yet attending school. 
 The parents of our subject were AVilliam and 
 Mary (Uosc) Howard, the former a native of York- 
 sliire, Kiigl.and, and the latter born near Bath. 
 Va.. and both spent their last years in Ohio, 
 the mother dying at tlie age of sixty-five and the 
 father at the advanced age of ninetj'-five. William 
 Howard emigrated to the United States at an early 
 period in his life, and did good ser\ace as Second ! 
 Lieutenant in tiie War of 1812. The maternal I 
 grandfather of our subje;^t did good service in the 
 Revolutionary War.aud spent his last years in Ohio. 
 Dr. Howard has been identified with the Repub- 
 lican ijarty since its organization in 18.50. and both 
 he and liis excellent wife are members in good 
 standing of the ilelhodist Episcoi)al Church. As 
 a practitioner, our subject is f.aithful and conscien- 
 tious in the discharge of his duties; as a business 
 man, prompt to meet his obligations, and as a 
 citizen, he jmsscsses those (pialities most useful and 
 valuable in an intelligent communitv. 
 
 l\ ,.. 
 
 nILO INGRAHAM. a pioneer of 1833, made 
 his advent into Miciiijinn Terrltor_v when a 
 vouth of fifteen years, having been born 
 April 21), 1818. in Vermont. His early 
 home was on the shore of the Iteautiful Lake Cliam- 
 plain. but before he was able to appreciate tlie world- 
 renowneil scenery of tiiat region, circumstances in- 
 duced his parents to change their residence from 
 the Green Mountain Slate to Ohio. They settled 
 in the town of Madison. Lake Count}', where they 
 lived until coming to Michigan in the spring of the 
 j'car above mentioned. Here they settled in Kala- 
 mazoo County, where the father improved a farm, 
 
 and where the education of our subject was com- 
 pleted in the common school. Upon approaching 
 manhood he began an apprentlcesliip at the cooper 
 trade, whicli he followed afterward in Elowerfield. 
 In the spring of 1844 he, in company with his 
 brother Alvin, purchased the cradle manufactory 
 of Ami Palmer, which the}' conducted successfully 
 three years together, when Milo purchased the in- 
 terest of his brother in the business, and has since 
 carried it on himself. This has proved a very 
 profitable enterprise, he some j'ears turning out as 
 high as 600 craflles, which he shipped to different 
 States, and which have attained a wide reputation 
 throughout the West. 
 
 Mr. Ingraham has been a resident of Flowerfield 
 Township for a period of over forty years. Here 
 he was first married, Aug. 4, 1844, to Miss Jane 
 Leonard, who became the mother of four children, 
 and died at the present homestead Sept. 14. 1803. 
 Mr. L w.as married a second time, Nov. 2, 1867, to 
 Mrs. Ann (Hair) Briggs. This lad}' was born in 
 Lincolnshire. England, M.ay 20, 1830, whence she 
 came to the United States in 1852. She was first 
 married to John E. Briggs, who served as a Union 
 soldier in the late Civil War. and died of fever at 
 Fairfax Court House at the age of thirty-seven 
 years. Mr. and .Mrs. Briggs were the parents of the 
 following cliiidr. n : Hannah Is the wifeof John Beam, 
 and lives in Ilowardsville, Mich.; Sarah Elizabeth, 
 Mrs. Prank Roach, is a resident of Flowerfield, 
 Mich.; Edward \V. is married, and engaged in the 
 Upton machine works at Port Huron, Mich. 
 
 Our subject's children by his first marriage were: 
 Mary, who became the wife of Harrison Surdam, 
 and they are living in Western Oregon; Isabelle, 
 Mrs. Robert P.ashby, is a resident of Iowa City, 
 Cal.; Irene Is the wife of John E. Jones, and they 
 live in Iceland. Ore.; Celia married Mr. Mark 
 Stoughton. and they are residents of Waveriy Town- 
 ship, Van Bureii County, this State, living on a 
 farm. Tu our subject and his present Wife there 
 has been born one child only, a son. John M.. Feb. 
 1, 1870. He is a bright and promising young man, 
 and has obtained a practical education in the schools 
 of Flowerfield. 
 
 Daniel and Betse}' (Day) Ingraham, the parents 
 of our subject, were natives of Vermont, and spent 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •«► 
 
 453 
 
 [' 
 
 tlip Inst ypifs of tlii'ir livus with their son Miio, in 
 Flowerliflil. who proviilcd for their nceils with 
 tili:ii care nntil Ihey no more leqnired liis :iffeetion- 
 ate services. Daniel Ingr.-iliam departed this life in 
 18-J."), and the faithful mother Oct. «, 1807. Tliey 
 were the parents of nine children, six sons and three 
 daughters, of whom there are living three sons and 
 two daughters. Norman and Alvin have arrived 
 at the advanced ages of eighty-three and sixty- 
 seven years respectively; the former makes his 
 home in Three Rivers, and the latter in Flowerfield 
 \'illage. .Miirie. Mrs. .I(»lin IJarlo, is seventy-six 
 years old. and a resident of Lansing; Martha Ann, 
 the wife of .Joseph Williams, lives in Iowa. The 
 father served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and 
 one brother of our subject, Lysander, was a soldier 
 in the late war. and died at Three Uivers when 
 sixty-one years old, from disease contracted wliile 
 in the army. 
 
 •eca'®*®'" — M 
 
 ^SfSVSW»»- 
 
 ^jULir.S M. BAUUOWS, a prominentand pop- 
 I ular citizen of Sturgis, is one of the leading 
 
 dl architects. contractt)rs and builders in Soutli- 
 ^Jl em Michigan. He does a large and extensive 
 business not only here but in other States, even as 
 far west as Kansas, he having been the superin- 
 tendent of buihling of the Fifth Aven\ie Hotel in 
 Km|H>ria, that .State. 
 
 Mr. Harrows is a worthy descendant of good New 
 Kngland families, and is himself a native of the 
 famous .State of Ct»nnecticut. the city of Hartford 
 being his birthplace, and Oct. 2;5. I82!t, the ilate of 
 his birth. His father was the well-known Dr. Ashal 
 Barrows, a native of Vermont, born Oct. I). 17U4, 
 and his mother was Mrs. Amelia Lamphier. a native 
 of Kliode Island. To them were born six children, 
 of whom our sul>ject was the fourth in order of 
 birth. In 1 ^30 or 1 8;jri the Doctor moved to Cleve- 
 land, Ohio, and practiceil medicine there until IK^t'J. 
 he having begun its practice in 18*25, while still a 
 resident of \'ermont, although before that he had 
 been a .Sergeant in the War of 1812. He was quite | 
 3'onng then, not having nltained his majority. In i 
 184'J he removed with his family to near Grand | 
 
 Rapids, this State, and settled on a farm adjoining 
 the city, whi-re he spent the reniaimler of his days. 
 He lived a retired life mostly, practicing only a 
 limited portion of his time. 
 
 Mrs. Lamphier was a widow with one chilil, and 
 the father, Ashal Bariows, was a widower with five 
 children at their marriage. 
 
 The childhood of our subject was passed mostly 
 in Cleveland, and in tiie cilj' schools he gaineil the 
 preliminaries of a liberal education. At the age 
 of fotn-teen he left home to attend the Nutting 
 Aca<lemy at Romeo. Mich., pursuing a thorough 
 course of study in tiial institution. After leaving 
 school he learned the caipenter's trade, and then ac- 
 quired a good knowledge of the cabinet-maker's 
 trade. He became a citizen of (Iraml Rapids in 
 1849. and signed the petition for the city charter 
 and voted on its a(lopti<jn. He there established 
 himself as a contractor and builder, which business 
 he has carried on for thirty years with ever increas- 
 ing success, and I)}' his enterprise and industry he 
 has accumulated some property and is classed 
 among the well-to-do citizens of .St. .Joseph County. 
 He came to .Sturgis in 1851, and has made his home 
 here ever since, although the demands of his busi- 
 ness have frequently calleil him to other parts of 
 the countiy. He has been the architect and con- 
 structor of the finest resideni?es here, and he built 
 the Methodist. Baptist and Lutheran Churches, be- 
 sifles doing most of the work on the Free Church. 
 He built the residence of the late John B. How in 
 Lima, Ind., which is the finest dwelling in tliat part 
 of the country, and he also erected two fine 
 churches in Lima and also the Presbyterian Church 
 in l.,agrange, Ind., a handsome structure, besides 
 being the architect and builder of some fifteen 
 churches in other places and .Slates. He haserectetl 
 a handsome residence for himself and family in 
 .Sturgis. which is a fine specimen of modern archi- 
 tecture; the interior decorations are es|»ecially fine, 
 and we in.ay mention some handsomely executed 
 hand carving in his parlor and » series of carvinus 
 on the folding cloors as deserving special notice. 
 Our subject is regarded as an architect of supj-rior 
 attainments, and he is commended for his good, 
 substantial and durable work as a builder. 
 
 Mr. Barrows was married, Sept. 2, 184 'J, lo Miss 
 
 -•► 
 
 ^' 
 
J. 
 
 4«- 
 
 454 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Eliza, flaiiglittM- of Elijah and Mary Hammond. 
 Slie was horn near London, England. March 7, 
 1830. Their union has been productive of four 
 chihlren, three of whom are living. The eldest, 
 Mary, died at tlie age of eighteen months; Anna 
 M., Frank R. and Charles V. Anna, a teacher in 
 the public schools of Sturgis, lives at home with 
 her p.irents; she married Alva T. Cathcart, and bus 
 one child. Ja}' M. Frank, a photographer of Ft. 
 Wayne, Ind., married Abbie Hanson, and they have 
 two children. Lulu G. and Raymond; Charles is 
 also a photographer at Ft. Wayne. 
 
 Mr. Barrows is noted for his liberalitj- and public 
 spirit, and any movement set on foot for the im- 
 provement or advancement of the town is sure to 
 receive his hearty support and encouragement. He 
 has long borne a conspicuous part in the administra- 
 tion of public affairs, has been City Councilman 
 for many years, and was Chief of the Fire Depart- 
 ment for two years, and is still popidar with its 
 members. He belongs to the L O. O. F., and he 
 and his family are people of social prominence in 
 this conimunit}-. Although not a church member 
 he contributes generously toward the sui)port of 
 the Gospel and of benevolent institutions. In his 
 political sentiments he is a firm believer in the pol- 
 icy of the Republican party, and supports it at the 
 polls. 
 
 jf? EA'ANT E. WHITE, .lustiee of the Peace, 
 ll (^ real-estate and collection agent, is one of 
 ^fc:^ the leading citizens of Sturgis. and he has 
 been jn'omiuently identified with the various move- 
 ments to advance its interest for several years. He 
 is a native of the State of New York, his birth 
 t.iking place in Genesee County, .Sept. 26. 1833. 
 His parents. Ezekiel and Clarissa.!. (Strong) White, 
 were natives of the same county, and were there 
 reared and married. Three children were born of 
 their union, namely: .John, a citizen of Ottawa, 
 Kan.; .Jay, a resident of Lincoln, Neb., and our 
 subject. 
 
 The Latter received his education in .Mbion 
 College, .Mich., which well fitted him for the busi- 
 ness career which he afterward pursued. In the 
 fall of 1853. after leaving college, he accepted a 
 
 position as clerk in a store in Hillsdale County, 
 and acted in that capacity for four years, thus gain- 
 ing a good, practical knowledge of business in all 
 of its details. In 1859 he came to Sturgis and en- 
 gaged in general merchandising business on his 
 own account, being engaged in that very prosjjer- 
 ously for twenty years. He became prominently 
 identified with civic affairs in St. .Joseph County, 
 and was elected County Clerk in 1879. He serveil 
 two terms, or four years, with distinction, and then 
 returned to Sturgis, where he has since lived, and 
 here he b.as .ilso taken a conspicuous part in the 
 administration of public affairs, his fellow-citizens 
 having a just appreciation of his ability and worth. 
 He was Supervisor of the township for three terms, 
 and held the office of Township Clerk for four years, 
 and President of the Vill.age Board for six terms. 
 He was elected to the oHice of Justice of the Peace 
 in 1885, and is also one of the County Superintend- 
 ents of the Poor. He is one of tlie financiers of 
 the town, is a Director in the First National Bank 
 of Sturgis, and holds a considerable amount of the 
 stock in that institution. Mr. White is largely en- 
 gaged in a general collecting business, and sells 
 and transfers property, etc. In the perusal of this 
 short sketch it will be seen that our subject leads a 
 busy and varied life. His duties are numerous, 
 and he discharges them all, whether of a public or 
 private nature, with the same conscientious fidelity, 
 and thus his fellow-citizens have learned to confide 
 in him as an honorable man. above reproach. He 
 is liberal in his donations for charitable or religiotis 
 objects, although not connected with any church. 
 He is a valued member of the ^lasonic fraternity, 
 both of the Chapter and Encampment. 
 
 !Mr. White has been twice married. He was first 
 wedded to Miss Louisa Buck, in Decemlier. 1864. 
 She was a daughter of the late Philip II. Buck, a 
 well-known pioneer of St. Joseph County, and our 
 subject owns the old homestead where he settled in 
 the early days of the settlement of this county. 
 Mrs. White was a lady of high character, who pos- 
 sessed many amiable qu.alities that endeared her to 
 a large circle of friends, who mourned with the 
 berejived family over her iintimely death, .Aug. 19, 
 1871. By that uni<m two children were born, 
 Mary L. and Lee W. The former is a pupil in the 
 
ss"*' 
 
 
 Ct^j^^-i^ 
 
 ff. 
 
 o 
 
 V-^^J 
 
-^^ 
 
 ^•^r^ 
 
 ST. JOSia'II COUNTY. 
 
 4.">7 
 
 NorniMl Sfliool at Y))silniiti. miuI tin- hitter is nt- 
 trudinif sc'liiKil here. Mr. W'liile was married to 
 his present wife Sept. 26, ISTO. She presides over 
 their iittraetive home, in one of the finest residences 
 in the town, witli the sfraeiousness and courtesy of 
 the model liost^ss, and looks well after the comforts 
 of her household. Mrs. White is a native of Sturgis, 
 and her maiden name was Fannie Hill. 
 
 //„ BKAM II. V001lIIEi:s. Among the lead- 
 ft^/iJI ' ing men of Mendon Township and St. Jo- 
 
 ,// A sepli C'oMiity entire, there are none held in 
 |j? higher respect than the gentleman whose 
 
 name stands at the head of tliis article. His is a 
 peculiar character, strong in its convictions of 
 right, a Christian although not a mem her of any 
 church, hut a man seeking to do good as he has op- 
 portunilj', irrespective of creed or prejudice. He 
 is noted for his liberality to the poor and his con- 
 tributions to educatit)nal enterprises. Providence 
 h:is blessed him in hislabors through, the vicissitudes 
 of a long and useful life, anil he has his reward 
 even here in the esteem and confidence of all who 
 know him. 
 
 A native of the town of Lysander, Onondaga 
 Co.. N. v.. our subject was born March 23. 1824, 
 and is the son of William and Alclie (Van Doreii) 
 Voorhces. His father was born near Monmouth, 
 N. J., and the mother near Trenton, that Slate. 
 They were reared and married in Xeiv.Iersej'. Af- 
 terward, in 1822, they moved to Onond.iga County, 
 N. Y., where William Voorhees engaged in farm- 
 ing, but was cut down in the prime of life, dying 
 about 1H;50, when his son, our .subject, was a little 
 lad sis years of age. 
 
 .Soon after the death of his father Abram H. 
 Voorhees was taken into the home of his maternal 
 grandfather, William Van iJoren, in the village of 
 Lysander. where he was ke|)t in school until twelve 
 years old. Then, deciding that he would like to 
 become a fanner, lu- went to live with a nuin by 
 the name of David Helyea, about five miles from 
 
 the village. This farmer was a good man, and mas- 
 ter of his calling, and the agreement was that he 
 was to give the boy his board and clothes an<l three 
 mouths' schooling each year, providing he remained 
 with him until twenty-one years olil. At the ex- 
 piration of this time he was to present him with an 
 extra suit of clothes and $100 in mone3\ Young 
 Voorhees staid with Mr. Relyea three j'ears, and 
 then his mother was married to|a Mr. .Jacob Spring- 
 stead. The latter offered the youth his board and 
 clothes and §100 when eighteen years of age, if he 
 would come and live with him. This offer he ac- 
 cepted. 
 
 In the spring of 1810 the family' ail came to 
 Jlichigan, and sojourned in Washtenaw County one 
 year. Then coining to St. Joseph Connt^', they 
 settled on a tract of land three miles north of the 
 present site of Mtudon Village. In the spring of 
 
 1842 the three years had expired. The stepfather 
 of young Voorhees met his obligations by giving 
 him one pair of oxen worth ioO, one pair of three- 
 year-old steers worth §;!.), three yearling heifers 
 worth $1.5, and in addition made him a present of 
 a two-year-old heifer besides. He was now his own 
 "boss," and ready to start out with what seemed to 
 him a very fine capiUd. He comnienced operations 
 on his own hook liy building a good log stable and 
 sheds for his cattle on a tract of land which he had 
 rented of his stepfather. The next spring, after 
 planting ten acres of corn, on the farm of Jloses 
 Taft. our hero found work by the ilay. which snpplieil 
 him with the necessary capital for future operations, 
 his oxen by their labor contributing to the general 
 income. He thus paid for his board, and for the 
 use of a horse to cultivate his corn. During that 
 summer he put up in stack nearly twenty tons of 
 marsh hay for himself. During the winter he 
 bought a lot of whitewood trees, cut them in saw 
 logs, and got them to the mill. In the spring of 
 
 1843 he put in a crop of oats and corn, sold his 
 steers, and with the proceeds purchased a few sheep. 
 The summer following he added to his live stock 
 by the purchase of a number of young cattle, and 
 in the fall his mother gave him ^300 in cash as his 
 share of hers ami his father's estate. .Soon aftcr- 
 wanl he purch.-ised seventy acres of laml ailjuining 
 the prairie on section 20, Mendon Township, for the 
 
 -^r#-^ 
 
y 458 
 
 -► II ■» 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 consideralion of 8600. pnyiiig 8300 down nnd giv- 
 ing his note for tiie balance. 
 
 Mr. Voorhees was united in marriage with Jliss 
 Sophia Taft, Feb. 27, 1844, at her home in Mendon 
 Townsliip. By tiie request of liie parents of the 
 bride the young peo|)le took up their abode with 
 them for a couple of years. 
 
 In .January. 1845, Mr. Voorhees purchased 120 
 acres of land on section 12, and in December, 1846, 
 he moved with his little family into the house he 
 had built on the land he first purchased. In April, 
 1847, he added to his real estate, securing eighty 
 acres on section 1 1 , for which he paid 8800. In 
 1849 he purchased anollior eighty acres on section 
 1 1 , paj'ing therefor 8600. That same year he was 
 obliged to accept forty acres of land in Kalamazoo 
 County to .square a debt, giving in addilit)n to the 
 anmnnt of the sum due him 8400. It will linis be 
 seen that he was uniformly prosperous from the 
 outset, while iiis industry and energy niaile him the 
 object of general interest anil admiration in all 
 that section of country. 
 
 Jlr. Voorhees now conceived the idea that he 
 would like to visit the Pacific Slope, and accordingly 
 sold a portion of his land and all of his stock. He 
 set out on the long journey early in the spring of 
 1851, making his way lirst by way of New York 
 City to Chagres, and then across the Isthmus of 
 Panama, in the meantime speniling seven days in 
 I'antuna Cit}', where he met with man}' curious 
 jjcople. and gained a good idea of life in that por- 
 tion of the world. After a voyage of twenty-five 
 days on the steamer '• Republic " lie arriveil in San 
 Francisco, an<l went frt)ni there to the mines by way 
 of Sacramento. Afterward he was engaged in a 
 search for the yellow ore until April, 1852. This 
 enterprise was attended with fair success, and he 
 now returned home by the Nicar.agua route. 
 
 Soon after his return the mother of Mr. Voor- 
 hees was taken with fatal illness, and died in .Sep- 
 tember, 1852. His stepfather then insisted upon his 
 purchasing the homestead, which he did, paying 
 therefor 81.200. In the spring of 1854 Mr. 
 Voorhees sold the seventy acres he had first pur- 
 chased, and soon afterward became owner of the 
 farm upon which he now lives, besides forty acres 
 one-half injlo north of the village, for wliich- he 
 
 paid the snug sum of 82,300. In 1 859 he pur- 
 chased eighty acres in Brady Townshi|), Kalamazoo 
 County, for which he paid 8400. In 1 8()0 he 
 bought sixty acres on section 2 in Mendon Town- 
 ship, p.aying 8600. In 1868, in company with A. 
 W. Glaring, he secured a one-third interest in the 
 Gilbert Laird estate, for which they paid 86,000. 
 In 1874 he added to his possessions by the pur- 
 chase of Mr. Maring's interest in said estate, and 
 in the division of the Land acquired 160 acres ad- 
 ditional on section 24. 
 
 Mr. Voorhees' public career began when he was a 
 3'oung man. As carl3' as 1854 he was elected 
 Treasurer of Mendon Township, and the year fol- 
 lowing was elected Supervisor, holding this office 
 until the spring of 1857. The ^-ear following he 
 failed to secure the nomination, being defeated by 
 the whisky element. It is proper to mention in 
 passing that Mr. Voorhees is a confirmed temper- 
 ance man. and has always given his encouragement 
 to the Proliibilion sentiment. In the spring of 
 1859 the anti- whisky people rallied to the fray and 
 placed their favorite in his old position. In 1860 
 the whisky element came uppermost again, but in 
 1861 our subject weighed dovvn the scales by a 
 larger mijorit^' than ever before, ami retained peace- 
 able possession of the office a period of three years. 
 In the meantime he was appointed United States 
 Marsiial of his district, also enrolling officer of the 
 township. The Civil War being in progress it be- 
 came one of tlie duties of Mr. Voorhees to enroll 
 all tiie men subject to a draft, notify them of their 
 fate, and arrest and return deserters. In the various 
 discharge of these delicate and important duties ho 
 ever preserved that dignity and discretion which 
 made hiui perhaps as few enemies as any man who 
 ever occupieil these posts. 
 
 In the si)ring of 1864 Mr. Voorhees with several 
 of his neighbors and acquaintances set out once 
 more for the farther West. Upon reaching Ft. 
 Laramie, there was made up a train of 124 wagons, 
 manned by 418 men under command of Capt. 
 Hulbert, of Illinois, who appointed Mr. A'oorhees.as 
 his Marshal. The latter was thereafter in effect 
 Captain, being invested with full authority, with 
 power to direct the movements of the train by ad- 
 vice of his superior. They left the California trail 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 459 
 
 4 
 
 near Ft. Laiainic and directed their coui-se to the 
 north of the BifT I [urn and Bear River Mountains. 
 Soon after crossing tlie Big Horn River Mr. Voor- 
 hees was ciioscn Captain of the train, of which he 
 had the entire eomtiiand until their arrival in Vir- 
 ginia City, Mont., when the train was disbanded. 
 Mr. Vooriiees sojourned in this region onl}' a few 
 days, and then returned to liis old haunts in Michi- 
 gan, quite well satisfied to remain thereafter within 
 the liounds of civiiiicaliun. 
 
 Our subject now took up the mantle of a citizen 
 whose ]iublic services had been such that the ])coplc 
 were not willing he should remain absorbed in the 
 concerns of private life. In the spring of 1866 
 he was again called to the front, being elected 
 .Iiisiicc of the I'eace for a term of four years. In 
 IHCT there was conferred upon him the oflice of 
 Highway Commissioner for a term of two years. 
 \l its expiration he was re-electeil for three years. 
 We must not omit to state that in the year 1860 
 he waselcctcil Deputy Sheriff of St. Joseph County, 
 in wliich otiice he served a number of years, and to 
 wliidi he proved himself admirably adapted by his 
 courage and coolness in the discharge of his duties. 
 
 I'pon the approacli t)f the Nationtil Centennial, 
 .Mr. \'oorhees. like thousands of other patriotic citi- 
 zens, aroused himself and proceeded with his fam- 
 ily to the City of Brotherly Love. This wa.s an 
 epoch in his life from which he takes just satisfac- 
 tion. He crowned the expedition on his return 
 with a visit to the home of his chiblhiKid, which he 
 had not seen for a i)eriod of nearly thirt3- -seven 
 _\ears. In the spring of 1880 he was again elected 
 .lusticeof the I'eace for a term of four years, re- 
 elected in 188-t and 1888, and up to this time there 
 has not even been an appeal from his decision to 
 the Circuit Court. 
 
 A man sensibly alive to the beauties of Nature, 
 the smiling fields and growing cro|is. Mr. \'oor- 
 hccs has also loved the other things connected with 
 farm life, especially fine stock. In his younger 
 years he raised and owned some of the best young 
 cattle and oxen in his town-hip. and later exhibited 
 •Mime of the finest horses to lie found in St. Joseph 
 County, .\inong them was the high-bred stallion 
 ".Michigan Hertr," who became famous inlhis region. 
 .Mr. \'oor|;ees has now at the bead of his stahle«> a 
 
 standard-bred and registered young stallion, sired 
 by '•Epicure" and he by "I'rinceps," one of the most 
 noted of Kentucky stock. In this industry Mr. 
 V. has taken great pride, and has been instrumental 
 in raising the standard of fine stock lioth of horses 
 and cattle in this county. 
 
 At the commencement of his voting days Mr. 
 Voorhees was a member of the old Whig party, 
 who gave him his first ofHce, that of Constable, 
 in which he served a nuinl)cr of years. He identi- 
 fied himself with the Republicans at their organiza- 
 tion in 18")(!. but is now a (ireenbacker, with strong 
 I'rohibition sentiments. This sketch would by no 
 means be complete without further mention of the 
 excellent lady who h.as borne his name now for a 
 period of forty-five years. Mrs. .Sophia (Taft) 
 Voorhees was born in the township of Ellicott, 
 Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Feb. 4, 182.'). She came 
 to this county with her i)arents in June, 1 8.3.5, and 
 was reared to womanhood at their homestead in 
 Men<lon Township. Of her union with our sub- 
 ject there were born four children, the eldest of 
 whom, a son, Charles G., is now operating his own 
 farm in Mendon Township; Maria is the wife of 
 E. A. Fletcher, and they live on their own farm 
 near our subject; Alche E. died in infancy; Ellen 
 S. is the wife of fl. W. Hinkle. a well-to-do farmer 
 of Mendon Townshii), and they are pleasantly situ- 
 ated near the Voorhees homestead, the latter of 
 which will be her property when her |>arents no 
 longer nee<l it. 
 
 Mr. anil Mrs. Voorhees are people of intelligence 
 and gooii information, arc liberal in their religious 
 views, and though the supporter of church organi- 
 zations, have never been identifie<l with .iny one of 
 thc-<e. .Mr. X. became a member of the Masonic 
 fraternity in 1 8(51. and is now a member of .Mendon 
 Lodge No. i;i7. He also belongs to Centreville 
 Chapter No. II. R. A. M. 
 
 December 14. 1887. marked one of the pleasant- 
 e^t days in the life of our subject, when he was 
 presented by the member^ of the (i. A. R. Post of 
 .Mention with a heavy, gold-headed, ebony cane, us 
 a testimonial of rt'spect from the veterans of that 
 binly. 'I'hey nn-: at their hall in the afternoon of 
 that day and <u\gani/.ed a relief corps, an<l in the 
 evening sat down to a bountiful repast. Later the 
 
 f 
 
-^^ 
 
 4(iO 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 *t 
 
 companj were invited to attend a public installa- 
 tion of oflicers. the meeting lieing- called to order 
 by the Commander of the post, George Ford. Mr. 
 A'oorhees was elected to preside over the meeting, 
 :ind took his seat by the side of the Commander; 
 the Chaplain. Rev. A. II. Wisner. was called upon 
 to deliver an .address. In opening he referred to 
 the trials and hardships of the Inion soldiei-s dur- 
 ing the Civil War. their sacrifices and sufferings, 
 and later referred to the trouble in organizing the 
 Grand Army of the l{e|)ublic. He spoke feelinglj' 
 of Abram H. Voorhees as tiie stanch friend of the 
 hoys in blue when others failed them, and of the 
 deep satisfaction it gave him to bear testimony to 
 liis services, and present to this gentleman a slight 
 token of the regard in which he was held by the 
 members of V. W. Curtenius Post. He then turned, 
 and taking in his hand the beautiful cane, pre- 
 sented it formally to ^Ir. \'oorhees. It bore the 
 following inscription : 
 
 A. II. ^'00RHKKS, 
 
 from 
 
 F. W. Curtenius I'.ist No. 19.3. 
 
 G. A. K. 
 
 Dec. 14. 1X«7. 
 
 Mr. ^'oorhees returned thanks for the handsome 
 gift as follows: "Commander, ollicersand members 
 of this Grand Army Post, as well as the ladies who 
 are present with you to-night: Let me say that most 
 of 3"0H should be well enough acquainte<l with me 
 by this time to know that I have not words to ex- 
 press sutricient thanks to you for the honor that 
 you have conferred upon me this evening, not only 
 by making me presiding odicer of this meeting, but 
 by the presentation to nie of this l)enutiful cane, 
 that I have just received from the hands of your 
 reverend representative of this evening. Its beauty 
 of design, the skilled workmanship thereon, the in- 
 trinsic value it represents, together with the knowl- 
 edge that it is presented to me by members of the 
 Grand Army Post, make it of more value to me 
 than I shall ever be able to repay, anti of more 
 worth than if it were given to me by a Prince or a 
 King. 
 
 •• Vou saj- this is given me in appreciation of favors 
 from me to you as soldiers. Let me say tluit what- 
 ever favor I may have done for you or for an)- 
 
 other soldier, was nothing more than what I con- 
 sidered my duty. Not onl)' that, but a privilege 
 anil a pleasure. Therefore, I think it is yon who 
 should be the receiver of gifts and tokens of respect 
 and friendship instead of me, for it was the soldier, 
 3'es, it was 3'ou, and not me, that left your homes 
 and firesides, your families and friends, an<l went 
 to the field of battle, tlvere fighting the insolent foe 
 to keep the union of our I'nited States from being 
 dissolved or severed in twain. It was you, and not 
 me, who marcheil over hill and plain, through mud 
 and mire, through rain and sleet, and exposed 
 yourself to rebel bullets and bayonets to keep 
 our Government from being destroyed b}' rebel 
 or guerrilla bands. 
 
 "It was^ou and not me wiio stood and fought be- 
 fore the rebel cannon mouths, and might have re- 
 ceived their shot and shell as well as did many a com- 
 rade by 3'our side, whose bodies to-day lie buried in 
 unknown graves if buried at all, farawa)- from home 
 and frienils. It was the soldier, and not me, who 
 suffered untold agony, not only from ghasth' wounds 
 received upon the field of battle, but from sickness 
 and disease, torture and extreme cruelty, and star- 
 vation in rebel prison pens, until death came to 
 their relief. Many a bi-ave soldier in the pride of 
 his manhood laid down his life that the life of our 
 Constitution and Government should remain as our 
 forefathers had willed it. Therefore let me saj-. that 
 it is the soldier who should receive tokens and em- 
 blems, not onl}' of respect and friendsin'p, but of 
 gratitude; but I accept this gift, and will ever re- 
 gard it as a memento of friendship from the Grand 
 Army boys of the F. W. Curtenius Post, hoping 
 that it will prove as true to my support when lean- 
 ing ui)on it as I pass along the pathway of old age, 
 as you were true to our Government when it leaned 
 upon you for support, when its life w.as .assailed by 
 a rebellious foe, and, while I thank you over and 
 over again for this mark of your esteem, ma}' I not 
 sincerely hope that the friendship which now ex- 
 ists may ever remain." 
 
 Moses Taft. the father of Mrs. Voorhees, w.as 
 born in Mendon. Mass.. July 8. 1792. In 1«16 he 
 went to .lamestown, N. Y.. and afterward married 
 ^liss Ksther Staples, a native of Westmoreland, 
 that State, and who was born Sept. 6. 17^6. For a 
 
■^•■ 
 
 i4»> 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 461 1 * 
 
 numlicr of years he was occupied in rafting lumber 
 down the Ohio Uiver to Cincinnati. In 18.30 he 
 went via the Ohio River and up the Mi.ssi.ssippi to 
 the Falls of St. Anthony, makinj^ the latter jjart of 
 the journey in an Indian canoe. r|X)n his return 
 he passcil throufch thLs county, and was so well 
 pleased with its appearance that in 1H.3J he came 
 and located on Nottawa Prairie. On the 17th of 
 .June, is:j.j, he wa.s joined by his wife and Ave chil- 
 <lren. There they took up their abode, and their 
 children, .lune 17. 188.5. celebrated the tiftieth anni- 
 versary of their arrival. This wa.* made the occa- 
 sion of a family gatherinjr. and an address wa.s 
 delivered by Mr. .\. II. Voorhees, the whf)le 
 of which is well worthy of reproduction, but 
 from which we can only extract a few elo(|Ucnt 
 .sentences. In speaking of their .settlement here, 
 he remarked: "This home was commence<l upon 
 the unbroken sod of the beautiful prairie when 
 nearly all of its surface wa.s covered with native 
 trrass and wild flowers. It has now been made more 
 beautiful by improvement. At first it was a home 
 of toil, care and many privations, but it w.-is dearly 
 love<l by the parents, for here their children grew 
 t^) maturity, and here e.ich child lived after mar- 
 riage and reared a jjortion of their families. In this 
 home the parcnt-s livefl .something over forty years, 
 onlv leaving it when they were conveyed to th.il 
 home of eternal rest whence no one ever returns. 
 How will it Ik* fifty years from to-day.- Will this 
 home then be owned and liebl by the legal repre- 
 sentatives of those parents.' Will there be a cele- 
 bration here then of a home of KM) years, a centen- 
 nial celebration instead of a .semi-centennial.' You 
 three, as well as a number of others that are here 
 to-flay. will never know but some of your children 
 and grandchildren that are now here may l>e here 
 on the 17th of June, 1935, to celebrate a home of 
 100 years." 
 
 Mr. Taft was a man of great energj- and lienevo- 
 lence. He could never say "no" to a |>oor person 
 who asked of hira a favor. In polities a stanch 
 Whig, he abhorred the instituticm of slavery, 
 and later joined the Itepublican party. He was lib- 
 eral in his religious views, but was a little incline<l 
 tu the I'niversalist doctrine. He was successful 
 financially, and had many friends. His death took 
 
 phace Sept. 21. 1874. and that of his wife May 17, 
 187."). They left a good pro|ierty. which wa.s satis- 
 factoril}- divided among their children, the home- 
 stead reverting to the only son. Seth. and at this 
 pl.ice was the g.athering alreafly s|Kjken of. and 
 which was attended by all the living children and 
 grandchildren. 
 
 -^^ - ^ ' I ' i^ - 
 
 J^EORGETHLKSTOX is an honored and ven- 
 ;— , erated citizen of .Sturgis. to whom belongs 
 II the distinction of having been one of the 
 very first settlers of St. .Joseph County, the late 
 Judge .Sturgis sharing that honor with him. No 
 history of the county would be com|)lele without 
 mention of him. ami feeling sure that a sketch of 
 his life and work would add greatl3' to the interest 
 and value of this volume, xe have secured from his 
 lips and those of his friends the material for this 
 biography. No one now living within the bounds 
 of .Michigan can have had a more extensive ex|)eri- 
 ence of pioneer life than our subject, as when he 
 was but a boy of eight years he accompanied his 
 parents to the then Territory of Michigan, in Febru- 
 arj', 1817, and settled with them in their pioneer 
 home among the early settlers of Brownstown, at 
 the head of Lake Erie, in Wa3-ne Count}'. At that 
 time it was the general impressiuo that the interior 
 of Michigan was worthless for purp<jses of colo- 
 nization, as it was supposed to be a vast swamp, 
 and but few white men had penetrated the primeval 
 forests of this part of the countr}-, and none had 
 made an}' attempts at settlement, leaving the wilder- 
 ness to the domain of the Indians and the wild ani- 
 mals, the aborigines not moving beyond the Mis- 
 sissippi until several years later. In 1827 our sub- 
 ject, then a stalwart 3'outh of nineteen, accompanied 
 Judge Sturgis to this count}', with two j'okes of 
 oxen, and wagons in which they had broyght seed 
 wheat, provisions, plow and harrow teeth, intending 
 to secure a location for farming pur()oses. They 
 made their way through the forests by Indian trails 
 uutil they came to the eastern part of what is now 
 known as .Sturgis Prairie, and our sulject being 
 much impressed with the beautj- of its situation 
 and its value as an agricultural region, persuaded 
 
 i 
 
 f 
 
4C2 
 
 ■•►HI-* 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 V 
 
 his fiipiifl to pitch thtir tents, ai.d lliey spent the 
 season there. They made iiumedlate preparations 
 to prei)are the land for cultivation, and our snlijeet 
 turned the fiist furrow ploweil on Slurgis Prairie, 
 and helped to sow the first wheat ever raised within 
 its precincts. Mr. Thurston and Mr. Sturgis cut 
 twenty-five tons of hay that same season, and it 
 being stacked on the closely cut stubble, was saved 
 from destruction by the fire that swept across the 
 l)rairie in the fall. They started homeward on the 
 19tii of September, and overtook the fire about 5 
 o'clock in the afternoon, but for four consecutive 
 niglits they were obliged to rest, and their oxen had 
 nothing to eat during that time except the grass in 
 tlie streams. After that experience our subject 
 finally regained liis father's home in Wayne Count}', 
 and .ludge Sturgis his. For further particulars 
 concerning the latter see biography of his son 
 Amos on another page of this work. Later Mr. 
 Thurston became a prominent member of the farm- 
 ing community of St. .loseph County, and to hira 
 and men of like energj-. forethouglit and capacity, 
 is the county greatly indebted for its high standing 
 as a rich and prosperous agricultural region. In 
 the first few years of the settlement of Southern 
 Michigan Mr. Thurston greatly aided its upbuild- 
 ing, for, .as was necessary in those days, the earl)' 
 pioneers seemed banded together for mutual self- 
 helpfulness, and in flve3'ears after coming here our 
 subject assisted in raising eighty-six houses, some 
 of which still stand. He helped to raise the first 
 house in Kalaniaeoo County, forty miles distant, 
 that of Judge Harrison, the first .settler in the 
 county. He was of Scotch ancestry, inherited an 
 iron constitution, and lived to the advanced age of 
 one lumilred and three years an<l fifteen days. Our 
 subject and his neighbors went over into that 
 county where the said house was to be raised one 
 da}', did the work, and returned the next da\'. 
 
 We must now refer to the birth and antecedents 
 of our subject. He was bom in the town of Lisle, 
 Broome Co., N. Y.. April 11. 1808. He comes 
 from good Revolutionary stock, his grandfather. 
 Joel Thurston, having been a ])atriolic soldier in 
 the Continental Army when the American colonists 
 were having their great tight for libert\". and his 
 son Joel, the eldest of his eight sons, was likewise 
 
 a brave soldier in that contiict. .Samuel li. Thurs- 
 ton, the father of our subject, the youngest member 
 of his father's family, was born in Dutchess County, 
 N. Y. He was reared in his native State, and was 
 there married. His wife was also a native of 
 Dutchess County, and the first years of their wedded 
 life were passed in New York. In the second month 
 of the year 1817, as before mentioned, they c.ime 
 to this State. From malaria, caused by the un- 
 drained swamps, newly broken land, and from other 
 causes, there was much sickness in Michigan in early 
 times, and Mr. Thurston and his family were greatl\' 
 afflicted, his eldest daughter dying three months 
 after their arrival in Brownsville, the failure of his 
 wife's health and her ultimate death two^'ears later, 
 and his own confinement from sickness for five 
 3'ears. After the sad death of the good mother, 
 whose loss could never be replaced, the care of his 
 father and four small children fell on our subject, 
 and nobly did he perform the hard t.isk of attend- 
 ing to their wants and supplying the necessaries ot 
 life, working when he was so sick himself that he 
 could hardly stand. What education he obtained 
 he was obliged to pick up the best wa}' he could, 
 as his school privileges were very limited, he hav- 
 ing attended school t)nl)' two months when a child 
 in his native State, as for four years after settling 
 in Michigan no man or woman could be found 
 competent to take charge of a school. In the De- 
 cember following his return from .Sturgis Prairie our 
 subject and his brother Ira started for this place 
 again, but when they reached Hillsdale County they 
 met a traveler who told them that the hay that he 
 (our subject) and the Judge had stacked on the 
 prairie had been burned by the Indians and traders, 
 so he and his brother concluded to stay where the)- 
 were for awhile, as they could obtain em|>lovment 
 of Moses Allen, then the onlj' settler in Hillsdale 
 County, his place being Bft^'-flve miles west of 
 Ypsilanli, and there was no settlement between the 
 two points. That winter they made rails in snow 
 that was over knee deep, our subject getting $13 a 
 month, and his brother $11 a month. One of our 
 subject's oxen died that winter, and he bought an- 
 other from Mr. Allen, p.\ving $50 for it. Mr. 
 Thurston and his brother i)ut in a crop of corn the 
 next spring, and then came on foot to White Pigeon, 
 
 ^^^^k 
 
>» m '^ - 
 
 >ST. JUSliPll COUNTY. 
 
 403 
 
 u 
 
 loiikiiifi at their wlipat ns tliov ()ass<'(K am) sponding 
 two (lays tliiMi', tlic3' stnitoil hack to see aftir their 
 corn. Kast of iiere tliej' met .Iiidge Stiirgis and 
 family, May 'J, 1 8-2H, ami they tiirne(l ami came 
 liack lo help the .Judge put in his spring crop, he 
 having stopped at Mr. Allen's place and brought 
 their two yoke of oxen along with him. They 
 helped him for three weeks, and then returned to 
 Allen's farm, forty-five miles distant, to attend to 
 theirown crop. Our subject's father, having regained 
 his lieallh, came here in the fall of I82M and bought 
 a tract of land, which he afterward improved into 
 ft fine farm. With the assistance of his .sons he 
 luiilt an unhewed log cabin, with knees and weight 
 poles to keep the clapboard roof in place. 
 
 In those days Indians were numerous, but were 
 |x»aceable and very sociable. Hears, wolves, minks, 
 beavers, muskrats. otters, deer, and other wild ani- 
 mals, were very plentiftd in the forests, butoursub- 
 ject was too bn.sy to hunt much, lie once, how- 
 ever, killed a fine bear, weighing about 300 pounds, 
 and the next day (iov. Cass, on his way to hold a 
 treaty with the Indians at Bertrand, near where 
 Xiles now is, j)aid him a visit, remaining over 
 night, and was feasted on bear steak. The next 
 morning when he departeil on his mission Mr. 
 Thurston gave him half of the bear to treat the 
 Indian^ on. 
 
 .September!!. 1H32, was an eventful day in the life 
 of our subject, as on that date he was united in mar- 
 riage to .Miss Sarah, daughter of Thoniasand Lydia 
 (.I(jnes) .Uines. .She w.-js a native of I'ittsley, I'a., and 
 was born April 22, 1812. Their marriage was blessed 
 to them by the birth of ten children, six of whom 
 live, namely: Lydia, Sarah, Catherine, Phcbe, Ma- 
 tilda, Alice and GriMln I), (i. The wife of our 
 subject closed her eyes to the scenes of earth .Sept. 
 10,1883. They had lived together fifty-one years 
 and one day, and their unusually long period of mar- 
 ried life was t>neof happiness from beginning to end. 
 She was a type of the noble pioneer women who, by 
 their presence, cheerful assistance and self-abnega- 
 tion, inspired and encouraged their hnsbamls, fathers, 
 brothers or lovers, in the gigantic labors of clearing 
 and preparing the land for culture, and building 
 up comfortiible homes in the wilderness that once 
 prevailed here. .She was a good Christian woman 
 
 and a f.'titliful member r)f the Baptist Church. As 
 no sacrifice was loo great for her to make for her 
 home and loved ones, so the needy, sick and poor 
 were never .allowed to suffer when she could succor 
 them. In her good work she was heartily seconded 
 by her husband, whose great heart feels for 
 'the sorrows and troubles of the unfortunate, 
 and he is never so happy as when he can relieve 
 them. In the early pioneer days, when the hard- 
 ships and privations of the settlers were often very 
 bitter, their kindness and bounty to those less able 
 and poorer than tliemselves called down blessings 
 on them. Besides giving to the poor around his 
 own door Mr. T. gives of his means to support 
 benevolent institutions. Our subject is an exem- 
 plary member of the Baptist Church, and as " By 
 their fruits ye shall know them, " no one has ever 
 had reason to doubt the sincerity of his Christianity. 
 Mr. Thurston has always led a busy life, and has 
 never engaged in any other occupation but farm- 
 ing. He began to plow when only teji years of 
 age, and cfmtinued to till the soil until his retire- 
 ment to private life in the fall of 1888, thus making 
 over seventy years of active farm labor. He has 
 always loved the Sturgis Prairie ever since he set 
 bis eyes on it for the first time in that summer so 
 long ago, and he still owns eighty -six .acres of land, 
 which he lets to tenants, but he has given much of 
 his original homestead to his children as each began 
 life for herself or for himself. He was .active in 
 the public life of Sturgis in its early days, and was 
 the first Assessor of the township. He was promi- 
 nently identified with the .State Militi.-i, and was 
 Ensign of a company. 
 
 JIJOIIN WKSLKY .IKWKLL. The Krapire 
 |{ .State has produce*! some of the best elements 
 |{ of social and business life, men who have 
 fj migrated from her borders to all |)ortions 
 
 of the (ireat We.st. and contributed of their intelli- 
 gence and capital to the development of its re- 
 sources. .Vmong these the subject of this biography 
 deserves more than a passing mention. A native 
 of .Vllegany County, he was born in 1823. and 
 when a little lad of six years came with his par- 
 
 i' 
 
 ■*► 
 
 r 
 
■^•- 
 
 ••► 
 
 404 
 
 ST. .JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 •f 
 
 ents to ^licliigan. jiikI developed into manliood 
 amid the scenes of pioneer life iu St. Joseph 
 County. In the meantime he obtained such educa- 
 tion as was given in the public schools, and from 
 his youth up has lieen a tiller of the soil. In con- 
 nection with tills he operated a threshing-machine 
 for a i)eriod of forty -three jears. 
 
 Sias Jewell, the father of our subject, also a 
 native of New York .State, was born and reared in 
 Diitclu'ss County, where he learned the trade of 
 wcavi'r and ;ilso shinirle-inaking'. At the same 
 time he was employed consideniblx in farniino; pur- 
 suits, sufficient to gain a good idea of the proper 
 manner in which to carry on agriculture. In the 
 fall of 1832 he emigrated westward, locating in 
 Lockport Township, this county, and entered forty 
 acres of Government land. lie occupied this six 
 years, effecting considerable improvement, then 
 sold out and purchased 160 acres in the vicinity of 
 Mooiepark in Park Township, of which proiierty 
 he retained possession until his clenth. which took 
 place in 18G2. lie had married in early iiinnliood 
 a French lady; she died iu the East when a young 
 woman. They were the parents of two children, 
 Snlly Ann and Henry. The former went West, and 
 nothing more is known of her; Henry went North 
 after marriage with his family. 
 
 The father of our subject after the death of his 
 first wife contracted a second marriage, with Miss 
 Charlotte Davis, a native of his own State, and of 
 this union tliere were born eight children, four of 
 whom are living. The eldest. Mary Jane, is the wife 
 of Mr. Sylvester Wood, and tliey reside in Tiiree 
 Hi vers: John Wesley, our subject, is the second 
 in order of birth; the residence of Catherine is 
 unknown to our subject, and William 1). is carry- 
 ing on farming in Allen County, Kan. .Airs, Char- 
 lotte Jewell departed this life at the homestead in 
 Lockport Township, in 1834. Sias Jewell was the 
 third time married, in Flowerfleld Township, to 
 jMi.ss Polly AN'alker. 
 
 The subject of this sketch w:;.s liist married in 
 Flowerfield Township in 1851, to Miss Clarissa 
 Maynard. a native pf New Y'ork State, who only 
 survived a lirief time thereafter, dying at the earh" 
 age of twenty-two j-ears. Gilbert and Cyntha 
 were the two children born by this union: both are 
 
 4> 
 
 dead. In the summer of 1858 he contracted a 
 second marriage, with Miss Lucy J. TJrown. daughter 
 of L. G. Brown, the wedding taking place at the 
 home of the bride. This lady was bom in Park 
 Township, this county, Feb. 19, 1839. Her mother 
 was in her girlhciod ^Miss Hester Reigle. Her par- 
 ents are both living. 
 
 Of the second marriage of our subject the follow- 
 ing children were born, two of wliom are deceased: 
 Isadore IL, born Sept. 8, 1859; Ch.arles. Jan. 31. 
 18G2; Ellen M., April 4. 18(54; IdaM.iy .and Edith 
 Bell, twins. Aug. 31, 18G5; Ida Flora. Oct. 2(t. 18G7; 
 Oscar, Sept. 6, 1870; John, July 31, 1 872; and Char- 
 lotte, March 12. 1875. Mr. Jewell, as one of the 
 pioneers of St. Jo.seph County, and one who has 
 been no unimportant factor in its growth and 
 develoimicnt. is k)oked upon by the people around 
 him with that affectionate regard always due the 
 peaceable and law-abiding citizen who has made it 
 his business to countenance every enterprise calcu- 
 lated to benefit the community at large. He cast 
 his first Presidential vote for James K. Polk, 
 and almost since the organization of the Repub- 
 lican part^- li.as been a stanch supporter of its 
 principles. A man prompt to meet his obliga- 
 tions, frowning uixm everything wrong and en- 
 cour.aging everything right, he is one of those who 
 has ni.ide for Himself a record whicli will be re- 
 verted to in after years with pride by his descend- 
 ants. 
 
 \*i^ H. JOHN U. Wll.LlAM.S. Resident within 
 the borders of St. .loseiih County there 
 arc many men whose names are an honor 
 and credit to its records, and prominent 
 among them will be found that of our subject. He 
 is a well-known and widely rcsjiected gentleman, and 
 is noteworth\ not only for his straightforwardness 
 and honorable characteristics, but for that pros- 
 perity and success which gild their possessor with 
 the light of public admiration. He is one of the 
 leading phvsicians and surgeons in this part of the 
 State, and resides in White Pigeon, where he has 
 a large and growing practice, to which he is devot- 
 ing his life and energy. 
 
 This gentleman was born in Columbiana County, 
 
 
■^•■ 
 
 ST. .lOSKPlI COUNTY. 
 
 Ifi5 
 
 Oliin. .I:in. 7. IMK;. llii* fatlier. John \l. W illi;niis. 
 wti- a iialivi' of Caiiiarvoiisliire, Wales, and caini' 
 to .Vnu'iica wla-n he wa,-* .seventoen years of atje. 
 ami lived in Haltimore. and later in I'ittshurjrh. for 
 twenty years. He then went to Ohio and settled 
 near Salem, where he lived nntil 1X72, when his 
 rleath oeeurred. Our subjeet was rearefl in his na- 
 tive town of .Salem, and prepared liimself in the 
 jrood seliools in that town for a eolleijriate course, 
 lie then entered .Mt. I'nion College in Mt. liiioii. 
 Ohio. In IKC!) Mr. Williams began the study ot 
 medicine, .\fter reading under Thomas 15. Will- 
 iams, of Angola, Ind.. he attended the Cleveland 
 (Ohio) .Medical College; then going to Chicago 
 in later years, lie w.as graduated in 1871 from the 
 College of Physicians and Surgeons. In addition to 
 his regular course in the college, he received special 
 instructions from various leading specialists in that 
 city. I'nder the instruction of Prof. A. Reeves 
 .lackson he was thoroughly instructed in the sci- 
 ence of gynecology ; and from Prof. X. Senn, of ^I il- 
 waukcc. he received special instruction in opera- 
 tive surgery; a special course in genito-ui-in;uy 
 surgery under the tutelage of Prof. .1. i". .lelks. of 
 Chicago; a thorough knowledge of tlie projier 
 treatment and cure of the diseases of the eye w.as 
 received from Prof, llarix-r, of Chicago. Prof. II. 
 .1. Reynolds, of Chicago, gave him full information 
 relative to disea.ses of the skin, and Prof, (iibson. 
 the thoroughly informed Professor of Chemistry 
 of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Chi- 
 cago, inducted him into the secrets and mysteries 
 of analylic.'d chemistry. Taken as a whole, the edu- 
 cation the Doctor has received h.as been very 
 conii)lete in .-dl directions, and the immense prac- 
 tice he now enjoys is evidence that the people ap- 
 preciate it at its full value. 
 
 The Doctor came to White Pigeon in the spring 
 of lis7!l. where he has built u)) a large and lucra- 
 tive practice among the liest families in this ])or- 
 tion of the county. lie .seems to be peculiarly 
 ad.'ipted in disposition to the successful practice of 
 his profession. Kind and sympathetic at all times, 
 his entrancj' into the sick room inspires a great de- 
 griH" of confidence in the patient and his friends, 
 and when it becomes necessary to jjerform a serious 
 surgical operation, the Doctor, though kind and 
 
 gentle as the exigencies of the ca.se will allow, pro- 
 ceeds with his duty w'ith a firm and unfaltering 
 hand, and for the lime puts all rpiestion of pity 
 juside, and is wholly and entirely a scientific sur- 
 geon. It was due to the skill which he has evi- 
 denced in many successful oi)erations that the 
 Lake Shore A* Michigan Southern Railway C'om- 
 l)any ap|>f)inted him their local surgeon, which ])osi- 
 lion he now holds for the third year. 
 
 The suliject of this sketch was married to Miss 
 .Mattie K. Fox..Iune 3. 1H7G; this l.ad\ is a daughter 
 of Peter Fox. a resident of (irand Traverse County, 
 Mich. They were the parents of one child, Ches- 
 ter (;., who died at the age of two years. Himself 
 and wife are devout members of the Christian 
 Church; he is a member of the I. O. O. F.. and 
 stands high in the councils f)f the Knights of 
 Pythias. 
 
 There are but few men in the county who can 
 count on such a large circle of friends as our sub- 
 ject. The degree of iiopularity to which he has 
 attained he richly deserves. He is conscientious 
 and earnest in the discharge of his professional 
 duties, and makes no distinction between his pa- 
 tients, treating the poor and humble with all the 
 skill, care and courtesy th.at he would extend to the 
 family of a millionaire. He recognizes the fact 
 that every human creature is one of God's chil- 
 dren, and in times of sickness and suffering no 
 one is more deserving than another. He and his 
 good wife take an active part in the social life of 
 the town, are both kind-hearted and generous, .ind 
 any community in which they live may well be 
 proud of their presence. 
 
 -^ ■ 43 ' c|: ' ^~ 
 
 JOHN DIDKR is one of those energetic, 
 hard-working, industrious German-Ameri- 
 can citizens who have contributed .so largely 
 to the welfare of their adopted country; 
 he is now a resident of White Pigeon. He 
 was l)orn in Bavaria, (iermany. May .'). 1S17, in 
 which country he lived until 1X4. 'J, when became 
 to America, and .«ettled in M«mroe County. Mich. 
 Our subject entere<l the service of the Lake 
 Shore Railwav. which was then under construction. 
 
 *~ 
 
4= 
 
 4G6 
 
 •*¥' 
 
 t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 tlie nature of liis employment requiring his pres- 
 ence in sever.al places, at (lltTiTeiit times. In 18.02 
 he came to White Pigeon, wiiere he lias lived ever 
 since, engaged in the service of the railroad com- 
 pany until December. 1884. lie w.is married in the 
 spring of 1846 to Mary Hetzner; siie was a native 
 of Germany. They were the parents of eleven chil- 
 dren, seven of whom are living, named: .Tohn, 
 3Iarv, Carrie. George, Anilrew. Ilattie and Emma. 
 .Tolin married Anna Stewart, and resides in Chilli- 
 cothe. ^lo., and is the father of tw<^ children — 
 Carrie and Jolin; JIary married Lewis Taber, and 
 resides in Huntington, Ind.. and she is the mother 
 of two children — George and .lolin; Carrie mar- 
 ried Daniel W. Kank.a ])ros|)erous baker and busi- 
 ness man of White Pigeon, to wliom no ciiildren 
 have been born. 
 
 Mrs. Dider. the wife of our subject, departed 
 this life Sept. 27, 1885. She. her husband and a 
 larger portion of the family, were meniliers of the 
 Lutheran Church. Earnest and consistent in her 
 belief, she died with the Christian's hope of a 
 brighter and better life in the world to come. 'Mr. 
 Dider has earned the confidence and respect of all 
 good people. 
 
 IIARLES PETTI 1"KH is a h>comotive en- 
 gineer on the Kalamazoo Division of the 
 Lake Shore & Micliigan Southern Railroad, 
 residing in White I'igeon. He is a rejiresentative of 
 that empire on which the sun never sets, alt liough for 
 many j'ears he has been a resident of this, his adopted 
 country, and h.os become thorouglily imbued witii 
 thesi)iritof American progress. He |)resents many 
 of the national characteristics of his race. He came 
 to .\merica to procure a home. and. being English, it 
 is needless to add that he has clung tenaciously to 
 his purpose, until the object was attained and he 
 now owns a neat and comfortable home, of which 
 he may justly feel proud. 
 
 Our subject was born at Great Caybrook, in 
 Leicestershire. England, Feb. 14, 1840. His father, 
 Nicholas Pettifer. was a native of Northampton- 
 shire. England. Charles came to America in 
 Febriiarv. IHftfi, landing in Xew York Citv. He 
 
 procured employment in a machine-shop in Brook- 
 lyn, L. I., where he worked for three months. 
 Going from there to Riciimond. Va., for four 
 months he was on a plantation in Caroline County. 
 From tliere he went U) Montreal. Canada, where he 
 entered the service of the (irand Trunk Railway, 
 running a locomotive between Montreal and Island 
 Pond, Vt., and Brockville. Canada. At the end of 
 two years he went West, and was engineer in tlie 
 service of the Cnion Pacific Railroad from Omaiia 
 westward. After three months' .service there, lie 
 came e.ist to Port Huron, Mich., where he was Act- 
 ing ^Master Mechanic on the Port Huron iV Lake 
 Michigan Railroad, now the Central (fc Grand 
 Trunk Railroad, where he remained for six months. 
 He then went to Adrian, Mich., and Nov. 10. 
 18G9, ho took charge of an engine on tlie Lake Shore 
 ct Michigan Southern Railroad, and has been in 
 their employ continuou,sly ever since. 
 
 When only eleven years old our subject began 
 working in a machine-shop in Wolverliampton, on 
 the London it Northwestern Railroad, where he re- 
 mained until \XR(\. Tn the autumn of 1869 he 
 came to Wliite Pigeon. He was married, Nov. 10. 
 1861. to Sarah Reeves. She was the daughter of 
 John Reeves, and he is now deceased. She w.as the 
 mother of one child, who is no longer living. 
 She died Jan. 17. 1884. Our subject was miyried 
 again. Feb. 18. 1884. to Minnie Kl.ayman. the 
 daughter of John Klayman, one of the early set- 
 tlers of the vicinity. This Lady was born in ^^'llite 
 Pigeon. Her father is now dead. She is the mother 
 of two children — Edith J. and Charlie. In ad- 
 dition to their own children this worthy couple 
 have .adopted two orphans. Thomas .and ^lary 
 Chapel, now Pettifer (by law), the children of 
 Edwin Chapel. Mrs. Pettifer is a inenilu'r of the 
 L\itheran Church. 
 
 In Mr. Pettifer the community has a citizen who 
 is earnest and thorough-going, devoting his time 
 to his ever hazanlous calling. He belongs to a 
 sturdy class of men to whom the country at large 
 is greatl}- indebted. They are men who under any 
 circumstances and conditions, in fair weather or 
 foul, early and late, are found at their posts, facing 
 danger and death everj' moment of their lives 
 while on duty. He pursues a vocation that de- 
 
 r 
 
M^ 
 
 ST. JOSKFH COUNTY. 
 
 467 
 
 ninnds a complete knowledge, and suflieient nerve 
 to meet .ind overcome <l.Tii<;er.< .Tiid trouliles. lie 
 has led an eeonoiiiieal life and lias aci-nniulated 
 aliout him a jilea-^ant and eomfortalile home. He 
 is an esteemed inemlier of the Mnsonie fraternity, 
 also an active memtier of the H. of I^. K. 
 
 -"^-i-^- 
 
 ) 
 
 "iffOIlN G. .SC'IHRTZ is one of the sulistantial 
 and financially solid citizens of White I'iir- 
 eon. where he is enijaged in the business of 
 jfeneral banking, and the manager of well-lo- 
 cate<l and highly improved farms, containing .^10 
 acres, situated in White Pigeon Townshi|). He was 
 lK)rn where lie now lives. Oct. 6. 18.")7. His home 
 has always been in this place, where he enjoyed all 
 ailvantages for receiving a d.a.ssical education, which 
 he completed bj' going through a full course in the 
 Michigan rniversity at Ann Arbor, where he w.ns 
 grailuatcd with lionors in June. 1881, receiving the 
 degree of A. M. He then entered ui>on the study 
 of law, with a view lo practicing in that profession, 
 which he c<mtinued to the time of his father's death. 
 He then entered the Farmers' National IJank of 
 Constantine. where he remainetl four years; he was 
 Cashier a portion of the time, and was elected \'ice 
 President. He is still a stockholder in that concern. 
 15y the death of his father he was prevented from 
 continuing the study of law. as the various business 
 interests flemanded his full attention. 
 
 Our subject is the .son of Daniel and ( harlotte 
 (Markham) .Schurtz. The father was born near 
 Milton. Cumberland Co.. Pa.. Dec. 12. 181.-,. He 
 was a farmer, and when a young man he was a mer- 
 «'hant. but his later yeiirs were devoted to agricult- 
 ural pursuits. He emigrated to this county in the 
 spring of 18.10. when the country w.-js new. He 
 died .Ian. 2.'). 1882. He was marrie<l to Charlotte 
 Markham. in November. 1846; she is a daughter of 
 Aralzamon .and Flora (Case) Markham. Hotli her 
 parents were born in C<mne<'ticut ; her father died 
 in 1867. and the mother .\ug. 1 1. 1887. at the ad- 
 vanced age of ninety-one years. The father was 
 the son of Tobias Schurtz. of Oerman descent. 
 He is now deeoasod. 
 
 Our subject is the second son of his father's 
 
 family. His brother. Charles H., w.as grnduate<I 
 from Hillsdale College, and later married Augusta 
 Walker. He ilied in IKH.^, from consumption, at 
 the age of thirty-seven years. He left three chil- 
 dren — .Vrthur, Zoe and Daniel. His wife and chil- 
 dren now live in (ioshen. Intl. The mother of our 
 subject came to this county with her |>arents in 
 18:18, from Connecticut, The family settled at the 
 west end of White Pigeon Prairie in Mottville 
 Township, where her father bought a large tract of 
 land. He lived there and brought his farm to a 
 high state of cultivation. The lady was born in 
 Massachusetts. Nov. Id, 1H2:?. Our subject lives 
 with his mother on the old homestea<l: the residence 
 first erected on the farm was burned in 188i>. bv 
 the explosion of a gasoline stove. IJy this fire they 
 lost the greater jtorlion of their household effects, 
 and were left without even a plate or a knife and 
 fork. They erected their present magnificent resi- 
 dence in 1886. It is built of brick, is 40x48 feet, 
 two stories and a ba-sement. 
 
 The entire establishment is lighted with and the 
 cooking is done with gas. which is made on the 
 premi.ses from gasoline. The building is warnie'l 
 bv hot air from one of the latest improved furnaces, 
 located in the ba.semeut. Hard coal is used for 
 fuel. Kach room in the house has a cold and a foul 
 air chamber which connects with a Hue adjoining 
 the chimney, and by this system all the vitiated air 
 is drawn off. and the entire house is kept con- 
 stantly supplied with pure air from the outside. 
 The house is also equip|ied with all necessary 
 bathnMims. water-closets, sewers, and the latest 
 appliances calculated to bring the residence to 
 the highest |tossible sanitary condition. A larire 
 tank in the top of the house is filled with soft 
 water, which is carried from the roof during the 
 rainy seasons into the tank. When the tank is 
 filled the surplus water j)a.s.ses through an over- 
 flow pipe into large cisterns underneath the house. 
 From this t.ank the soft water is supplied to all 
 parts of the building. The entire house is fur- 
 nisl>.e<l in an exceedingly lavish manner from 
 kitchen to parU)r. 
 
 The old hvmiestead, fin which our subject ri-sides 
 with his mother, contains 200 acres, and his brother 
 Charles, at the time of his death, owned a farm ad- i 
 
 h' 
 
 
J^ 
 
 .t 
 
 468 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 joining; which contained 340 acres, tlie manage- 
 ment of which, in addition to the lionie farm, 
 devolves on our subject. Tlie entire tract of land 
 under his control is devoted to general farming, is 
 thorougiily equipped with all labor-saving devices, 
 and a full complement of the necessary- barns, 
 cattle-sheds and other out-buildings for the prolita- 
 hl(> conduct of the business. 
 
 Kroni the foregoing sketch it i^i obvious that Mr. 
 Schurtz baa always fully availed himself of all the 
 l)rivilogcs of instruction to wiiich lie found .access. 
 A distinguishing characteristic of liis is the posses- 
 sion of a great quickness of mind and a talent to 
 grasp the details of any matter or business that 
 may claim his attention. He takes a leading place 
 among the noble, high-minded citizens of the 
 country, who are foremost in all matters pertain- 
 ing to the educational and ])olitical advancement 
 and general welfare of the public in the communi- 
 ties wliere thev live. 
 
 ANIKL R. PARKER. .lustice of the Peace 
 of Sturgis, is an old and time-honored citizen 
 ^J^^ of St. Joseph County. He was for many 
 j^ears a prominent member of its farming 
 community, but in 1884 retired to his present 
 home in town, although he still owns one of the fin- 
 est and best improved farms in .Southern Alichigan. 
 His parents, John and Elizabeth (Leiser) Parker, 
 were among the earliest pioneers of this county, 
 and were well known and highl^^ respected in their 
 d.-iy. Our subject, coming here with them in 1830, 
 when a bright, intelligent, observing lad of twelve 
 j'ears, has witnessed almost the entire growth of 
 this and adjoining counties from the wilderness 
 that then jirevailed, and as soon .as he became old 
 enough he shared the labors of clearing awa3' the 
 primeval forests, draining the swamps and other- 
 wise preparing the land for cultivation, and li.is 
 done his part in promoting the material prosperity 
 and advancement of St. Joseph County to one of 
 the richest and fairest agricultural regions to be 
 found in the Northwest. 
 
 Mr. Parker talks very interestingly concerning 
 those old pioneer days, and the hardships and trials 
 
 endureil liy the courageous, patient. self-sacriBcing 
 men and women who came here more than half a 
 century ago. determined to conquer the wilder- 
 ness, and build up for themselves and their children 
 comfortable, happy homes. He tells us also of the 
 great and almost marvelous change that has been 
 wrought by them and their successors within the sixty 
 years that he has been here, wherein the primeval 
 forests have given way before the march of civili- 
 zation to busy towns and thriving cities, as have 
 also the malarious swamps and wild prairies, which 
 have likewise been turned into smiling and pro- 
 ductive farms in many places. Thus by the luind 
 of man the verj- face of Nature has been greatly 
 changed. The native tribes of the forest who once 
 made their home here were still numerous in the 
 third decade of this century, they not having been 
 removed beyond the Mississippi, and there were 
 many wolves, deer, wildcats, turkey's, some bears, 
 and a panther was killed at King's I>ake b}' an In- 
 dian after Mr. Parker came here. Much of the 
 food of the pioneers consisted of game, and our sub- 
 ject became an expert huntci', and kept the larder 
 well supplied. The people generally made their 
 homes in rude log cabins, there being but few frame 
 houses here in the early days of settlement, and 
 they lived in the most primitive manner, as they 
 were obliged to dispense with many luxuries, so far 
 were thej' from the centers of civilization. But 
 few of the clearings of the pioneers were fenced, 
 Messrs. Buck, Sturgis, Hopkins and Stewart bemg 
 the only men who had fences around their farms at 
 that early date. 
 
 Our subject was born Oct. "27, 1818, in Lycom- 
 ing County, Pa. He comes of good stock, and his 
 uncle. James Parker, w.as a gallant soldier in the War 
 of 1812. The father of our subject was born in 
 Lancaster County, Pa., of which .State his mother 
 was also a native. In 1823 they removed to 
 Livingston County. N. Y., and from there in 1830 
 came to this count}'. They settled on a tract of 
 wild land on section 1 1, Sturgis, township 8, range 
 10, and began the pioneer task of developing a 
 farm. 
 
 Our subject grew to a stalwart and active man- 
 hood under the pioneer influences that prevailed in 
 this count}' in the early daj's of its settlement. He 
 
•4^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 -•»> 
 
 469 
 
 n'roive<l his pdiication in a subscription scliool, 
 which was CDnducleil in a U)g cabin, witli slab 
 benches on pins for seats, and a board against liie 
 wail for the pupils to use for a desk to write ou. 
 lie was reared to the life of a farmer, and lias always 
 pursued that callinjj. He has a valuaiile farm of 
 140 acres on section 1*2, this township, and also 
 owns eii^hty acres on sections 14 and 1.'), sixty 
 acres of which are well improved. All the lan<l 
 devoted to tillage is under a high state of cul- 
 tivation. The farm is finely situated, and is ami)ly 
 provided with a good class of buililings. admirably 
 adapted to their various uses, ami among them we 
 may mention a commodious and pleasant dwelling, 
 and a large and substantially- built barn. 
 
 .Our subject was united in marriage to Miss Mary 
 J. Aikin, Aprd i;5, 1848. Their pleasant wedded 
 life was of brief duration, for Sept. 5, 185G, tiie be- 
 loved wife closed her eyes to the scenes of earth. 
 She was in evcrj- respect a womanly woman, a true 
 homekeeper, of whom it may be .said "It is good 
 to know they have been although they are no more.'' 
 .She was a daughter of .lohn and Elizabeth Aikin, 
 and was a native of Delaware. Of her marriage 
 with our subject four children were boin, three of 
 whom are still living, .as follows: Olive, who keeps 
 house for her father and looks after his comfort; 
 Henry, who married Lizzie Wikle, and lives in 
 Toledo, Ohio; Homer, who niarrie<l Mary Scher- 
 merhorn, and lives on the old homestead ; Ibey 
 have one child. J. Bruce, who was born June 5, 
 1885, and is a fine little fellow, his grandfather's pet 
 and pride. 
 
 Mr. Parker is a man of great practical sagacit}'. of 
 sound common sense, and is advanced and pro- 
 gressive in his views. He is a stjilwarl Republican, 
 uniting with the parly on its formation ; in early 
 days he was a Whig, and voted for the hero of 
 Tifipecanoe in 1840, and for his granflson, Benjamin 
 Harrison, in 1H8K. Ueligiously, he is broad and 
 liberal in his sentiments. He is an esteemed mem- 
 ber of the Masonic fraternity anil also of the Grange. 
 He was elected .luslicc of the Peace in April. 1883, 
 and served so satisfactorily that he w,as re-elected to 
 the same position in 1887. He has held the various 
 school otlices. anil was Highway Commissioner for 
 twij terms. He, however, is not an ottlce-secker. 
 
 l~ 
 
 much preferring the quiet of his comfortable home 
 to the distractions of public life, and when he was 
 elecleil Supervisor of the town he declined to serve. 
 His career through life shows bim to be a man of 
 unblemished honor, whose acts are guided by high 
 principles, and none know him but to respect him. 
 
 JOHN KKKK.M AN. 11 le most successful far- 
 mers are those who were inured to its la- 
 bors from boyhood, and of this cla.ss the 
 subject of this sketch is an admirable ex- 
 ample. Born In Yate.s County, X. Y., July 2, 18.33, 
 he was reared upon one of the most ])le.asant farms 
 of the Enii)ire State, situated in Milo Township, 
 near the city of Penn Yan. His education was ac- 
 quired in the common school, and he was trained 
 to those habits of industry .and economy which in- 
 sured his success in life. He is now one of the 
 most prominent and highl^^ resix>cted residents of 
 Flowerfield. a man looked up to by his fellow-citi- 
 zens, and one wliose personal and business life has 
 been eminently worthy of record. 
 
 John Freeman, the f.ather of our subject, was a 
 native of New Jersey, and was born Feb. 24. 1788. 
 He was a fanner by occui)ation, and departed this 
 life at the homestead in Milo Township. Yates 
 Co., N. Y., in February, 1869, at the age of eighty- 
 one years. The mother, Mrs. Lydia (Briggs) Free- 
 man, was born ;^Iay .30, 1804, in Yates County, 
 within whose limits she spent her entire life. .She 
 too pa.ssed away at the old homestead, before the 
 decea.sc of her husband, her death taking place 
 about 18."i8. The household circle included ten 
 children, five sons and live daughters, eight of 
 whom are now living. Benjamin F.. the eldest, 
 married Miss Esther Mclntyre. and is farming in 
 Harrington Township. N. Y.; Oliver married Miss 
 .Sarah (lark, and is living in Clinton County, this 
 State, engageil in farming; Elizal)etli became the 
 wife of Augustus Bain, anil died in Yates County, 
 N. Y., in May. 1887; .Marietta married .Stephen .1. 
 Raymond, and they live on a farm in Yates County; 
 John, our subject, w.as the fifth child. 
 
 Our suliject continued a resident of his native 
 county until reaching man's estate, and was mar- 
 
 f 
 
t-if^a^ 
 
 ,t 
 
 470 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ried in Milo Township. :Marcli 20, I860, to Miss 
 Adelia AVheeler. Tlii.s lady is a native of the same 
 county as her liusband, and w:is born Sept. 20, 
 1839. Her parents. George C. and Polly (Shaver) 
 Wheeler, were natives of Easton, that State. The 
 former, bom .Tan. 15. 1804, died June I'.l, 188.5; 
 the latter, born Dec. 21, 1807, resides in Yates 
 County, X. Y. Of this union there were burn three 
 children: Edson W., the eldest, was born April li). 
 1863. in Milo Township. N. Y.; he is now a resi- 
 dent of Dubuque, Iowa, and in the employ of the 
 Chicago, St. Paul lir K.ansas City Railroad. Ella 
 D.,the second child, w.is born in Flowerlicld Town- 
 ship, this county, April 20. 1868, and married Will- 
 iam IT. Weinberg, Nov. 8, 1888. Delia E. was born 
 April 20. 1868, and is now the wife of Mr. Fred 
 Hammond, a well-to-do farmer of .Schuyler Countv, 
 N. Y.; Mr. Hammond is a native of New York 
 State. Ella D. and Delia E. were twins. 
 
 Mr. Freeman came to the State of Michigan 
 in the winter of 1863, settling in Decatur, occu- 
 pying himself thereafter for a ])eriod of one year 
 in the lumber business. Later we find him other- 
 wise engaged as an emjiloye of tiie Michigan 
 Central Railroad Company. After three years of 
 this service he came to this county, settling on his 
 present farm of 170 acres on section 24. Flower- 
 field Township. I'pon this he has effected good 
 improvements, and has a ready market for his prod- 
 uce at Three Rivers. He lias been foi-tunate in 
 his farming operations, having accumulated a good 
 property and gathered around himself and his fam- 
 ily all of the comforts and many of tlie luxuries of 
 life. 
 
 A member of the Republican party since its or- 
 ganization. Mr. Freeman cast hi< first Presidential 
 vote for John C. Fremont, and h.as remained faith- 
 ful to his first principles for a period of over thirty 
 jears. .Soon after coming here he w.as elected 
 Highway Commissioner for a terra of three years, 
 and re-elected, serving from 1868 to li^li). with 
 credit to himself and satisfaction to his constitu- 
 ents. Later he was made Township Tre.a-surer, 
 holding this otlice six years, and w.is subsequently 
 elected a Justice of the Peace, being the inenmlicnt 
 of this otlice sixteen years. In tiie spring of 1887 
 he was elected Township .Supervisor, and re-elected 
 
 in the spring of 1888. In addition to his farming 
 operations he has been largely engaged in the buj-- 
 ing and ship|)ing of grain. Mrs. Freeman is a lady 
 greatly resixjcted in her comnumity. and a member 
 in good standing of the Baptist Church. 
 
 The wife of our sui)ject w.ts the youngest of 
 seven children, .and her father spent his last years 
 in the Empire State. The mother is still living at 
 the old homestead in Milo, being cared for by her 
 daughter .Janet. One brother. Aaron, died in in- 
 fancy; Catherine E. became the wife of William P. 
 Capell, a native of Yates County. N. Y.. .and died 
 in Milo in 1882; .\ngeline married John E. Harris, 
 and died in the j-ear 1874; Carlton is carrying 
 on a grain business at Wall Lake. Iowa; he mar- 
 ried .Miss Caroline Trowbridge, who dietl in Deca- 
 tur. .Mich. His second wife was Miss Cora Bugbee. 
 a native of this .State. Minerva married .Archibald 
 Th.ayer. of Milo. N. Y.. and resides in that place. 
 
 -. .^^ ^ 
 
 \f OII.X CILOW. The subject of this sketch 
 is one of the most thrifty German farmers 
 of Flowerfield. the record of wliose life is in 
 its main points as follows: He was born in 
 the (Jrand Duchy of ^lecklenburg. in 1826. where 
 he spent his boyhood and youth and was reared to 
 man's estate, receiving a practical education in his 
 native tongue. While still a youth he learned the 
 trade of tailor, which he followed until coming to 
 the I'nited States in 18.57. His first experience .as 
 a farmer in the New World was upon the soil of 
 Michigan, he coming direc'tly to this county and 
 locating in the vicinity of Centreville. Here he 
 was employed by the month for one Mr. Patchen. 
 and later f)perated the farm of the latter on shares 
 a period of five years. luid until 1863. In the fall 
 of that year he made his first purch.ase of forty 
 acres, and the spring following purchased .another 
 fort}' acres adjoining the first. In the fall follow- 
 ing he .added to his real estate by the i)urcli.a.<e of 
 120 .acres in Flowerfield Township. In 1876 he 
 sold this to his son-in-law. He hiis been abundantly 
 prospered, and is nuniliercd among the well-to-do 
 citizens of the county. 
 
 Mr. Culow was married in While Pigeon. April 
 
 t 
 
•» I I 4* 
 
 ■•^Hh-^ 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 471 
 
 17. 18.57. to Miss Sopliia Timm. Tliis lady was 
 also .a imtivc of (K'niiany. and born in 182!(. She 
 is till' (lauffhtei- of Lewis and llattie Tiinm. and of- 
 licr union witii our subject tiiere have been born 
 four c-iiildren. of wiioni but three are livinij. The 
 elder daujjltter. Klizabetli. is the wife of Christo- 
 pher Tinini. a well-to-do farmer of Flowerfield 
 Townsliip: Lydia, Mrs. Thomas Holmes, is a resi- 
 dent of Marcellus. her husband beinsr a popular 
 salesman in a dry-SToods liouse. Their only son. 
 Charles, remains at home with his father; he mar- 
 ried Miss Henrietta, dausrhter of Henry Cooper, 
 of Flowertield. and tliev liave three children — 
 Myrtic. John and Klsie. 
 
 Mr. Cnlow is one of the most reliable members 
 of the Republican i)arty. a man in favor of the en- 
 forcement of law and order, and willing to give 
 his support to the measures calculated to advance 
 the people. .\s a farmer he has attained a line 
 reputation for thoroughness and skill, and stands 
 second to none, both as connected with his vocation 
 and .ns a member of the community. He and his 
 excellent wife are members in good standing of the 
 Evangelist Church, and the family is held in the 
 highest respect in the township, where they have 
 made for themselves a g(x>d record. 
 
 1 
 
 *■ 
 
 OHN (;. NOlMHRir. widely and favorably 
 known throughout Flowerlidd and vicinity, 
 came with his stepfather. .loseph Noyes. to 
 Manchester, Washtenaw Co.. Mrch., when 
 a little larl six years of age, from (lenesee County, 
 N. Y., where he was liorn Oct. 17. lK2i>. He was 
 reared to manhood in this county and acquired his 
 education in the common scIi(m>1s of Flowcrliehl 
 Township. The family removed to the village 
 about 1H.'?(), where .Mr. Noyes carried <m black- 
 smithing. 
 
 The parents of our subject wer • .Samuel and 
 Sarah (Hicks) Northruj), the latter of whom 
 died when »)ver sixty years of age. The father 
 was a farmer by occupation, ami upon first com- 
 ing to Mii-higan lived in different parts of the 
 county, eflijiloying himself at whatever he could 
 find t<» do in order to gain a foijtiiold. Our sub- 
 
 4» 
 
 ject in the fall of 18.54 took up eighty acres of 
 (Jovernment land in Flowerlidd Township. He 
 w.as marrit'd, Aqg. 23, 18J7, to Miss Maria .1. Fonda. 
 This lady was Iwrn in Home, N. Y.. Dec. (5. 
 IHIl, and in 1H47 came with her parents to this 
 county, they settling in Fabius Township. Her 
 father, Jacob L. Fonda, was also a native of New 
 York .State. He was a farmer by occupation. 
 He died in Fabius Township in 1800, at the .age 
 of fifty-nine years, five months and ten d.ays. The 
 mother. Mrs. Nellie Ann (\'an I'atton) Fonda, 
 died at the homestead in Fabius Township, Dec. 
 .5. 188(1, at the iidvanced age of .seventy-nine years 
 and nine months. She was a member of the Bap- 
 tist Church. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Northrup began tlieir wedded life 
 in Flowerfield Township, and of their union there 
 wiis born a family of fourteen children, t«n of 
 whom are still living and residents mostly of 
 Michigan. Three of the deceased died in infancy. 
 Lydia Ann w.-us married. June .30. 1888. to !Mr. 
 (Jeorge Hardy, and they are living on a farm in 
 Marcellus Townsliip; Sarah J. is the wife of Emery 
 .Swinehart. and they live in ^larcellus Township; 
 Charl»'s A., a promising young man nearly twenty- 
 four years of age, makes his home at Flatbush; 
 Miirv L. if the wife of Jackson Homick. of Marcel- 
 lus; Oscar F.. Florence. Rlanclie. Clifford. .lohn 
 an<l Freddie, are all at home with their parents. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Northrup have had a full experience 
 of pioneer life. Flowcrlicld at the time of their 
 coming here giving little evidence of its present 
 imi)ortance. being only a station from which to ob- 
 tain supplies. Mr. Northru|) has signalized him- 
 self as a thrifty and useful citizen, one held in due 
 respect amon'jf his neiglibors. 
 
 \I'SAAC G. BLl.SS. The spring of 18.54 found 
 II the subject of this sketch establishing his 
 Ji residence on section IC in Flowerfield Town- 
 ship, where he had purchased eighty acres of land, 
 twent3' acres of which had been broken and upon 
 which stood a log house. He hail purchased this 
 property of William Wliiled. and at once proceeded 
 with its further improvement. He was prospered 
 
-4«- 
 
 472 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 in liis laliors, bringing this farm to a good state of 
 cultivation, erecting the necessary buildings, and in 
 (hie lime adding to his possessions until lie became 
 the owner of 480 acres, nearly the whole of which 
 has been brought to a good state of cultivation. 
 It is located about one and three-fourths miles from 
 Howardsville, and constitutes one of the most desir- 
 able estates in the county. The Bliss family has 
 become widelj- and favorably known throughout 
 this region as the S3'nou}"ra of all that is substantial! 
 and the exponent of the best element of the civili- 
 zation of the present day. 
 
 A native of Ontario County, N. Y., Isaac G. 
 Bliss was born in the town of Bristol, in 1823, 
 and grew to manhood in his native State, acquiring 
 a Common-school e<luealion. He was at an earl^' 
 .age made familiar with the various employments of 
 farm life, and thus upon coming to the new State of 
 Michigan was fairly well fitted to enter upon the 
 duties before him. He had been married in his 
 native county to Miss Louisa Pi.xley, who lived to 
 be onl}- a little over thirty years of age, her death 
 taking place at their home in Flowerfiehl Township 
 about 18C7. Mr. Bliss, on the 7th of June, 18C8. 
 contracted a second marriage, with Miss .Margaret 
 Huber. This ladj' was born Nov. 2i), 1852, in 
 Pennsylvania, and was brought by her parents when 
 an infant to Michigan. The latter. George and 
 Fanny (liigle) Huber, were natives of Pennsylvania 
 and the father a farmer l)y occupation. lie died 
 in Marcellus, this Slate, at the age of fifty- four 
 years. The mother is still living there, being aged 
 about si.\ty-tw<). Mrs. Bliss Ii.ts five brothers ancl 
 two sisters. The eldt st brother. Nelson, is a fanner 
 in Marcellus Township; Loren lives in Otsego, this 
 State; Alfred, Kersy and William are also residents 
 of Marcellus Township, the latter making his home 
 with his mother and oceup3'ing himself .as a teacher; 
 Lucy is the wife of Ransom Butler, and they live in 
 We.\for<l County on a farm; Mary is the wife of 
 Benjamin ^'all Valkenburg, and they live in the 
 village of Marcellus. One brother, .lohn, died in 
 Marcellus when tiiirty-thrce j'ears of age. 
 
 There were also five brothers of the Bliss family. 
 Joseph, the eldest, was farming in Texas when last 
 heard from; Isaac, our subject, is the next in order 
 of birth; Joshua is married and lives at Tona- 
 ♦ 1 
 
 wanda, N. Y. ; John dieil at the home of our subject 
 in Flowerfiehl, at the age of fifty-six years. One 
 sister. Zilplia. is the wife of Andrew Conklin. and 
 lives in Van Biiren County, this State; Jenett. the 
 wife of Anson Owen," is a resident of Canada. The 
 brothers deceased are: Otis, who died when an 
 infant, and Selh, who died in Buffalo at the age of 
 fiftj'-eight years. 
 
 To Mr. Bliss ami his first wife there were born a 
 fine family of five children: Hiram O. married Belle 
 Hull, is a resident of Three Rivers, and a practicing 
 attorney and insurance man; Grant is married and 
 carrying on farming near the homestead of his father 
 in Flowerfield Township; Utith Alice died when 
 about three years of age and Phebe KIsie at the age of 
 four; William died when a little child of two. The 
 mother of these children died at the homestead in 
 Flowerfield Township, in 1867. Of the second mar- 
 riage of our subject there were born four children — 
 Nellie, Ada, Bertha and fi^arl. Nellie w.as born 
 .Sept. 6, 1870. married Weslev Guthrie, and died at 
 her father's home. June 28, 1888, at the early age 
 of seventeen years, nine months and twenty-eight 
 years. Ada was born July 8. 1874; Bertha, March 
 •28, 1878; Earl, May 6, 1879. 
 
 Ill politics Mr. Bliss is a stanch Republican. 
 
 JAMES THORNTON, a dealer in grain, has 
 long been iniimately connected with the pros- 
 peril}' of Slurgis as one of its foremost busi- 
 ^^ iiess men. He is a native of Lake Count}-, 
 Ohio, where his birth occurred Feb. 1."). 1820. He 
 comes of sturdy New England stock, and from his 
 ancestry inheritcil those trails whereby he has made 
 life a success. His father, Mathew T. Tlmrnton, 
 was a native of New Hampshire, and an early set- 
 tler of Lake County. Oliio. Thence he brought his 
 family to Jackson County, .Mich., in 1838, and 
 settled in Pulaski Township as one of its pioneers. 
 In those early days tlie country roundabout was 
 mostl}' wild and unsettled, as our subject, then a 
 bright, observing lad of twelve years, well recol- 
 lects. A few Indians still lingered, and used to 
 coinc to his father's house to beg or trade. Wild 
 animals were plentiful, and our subject remembers 
 
-4^ 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 473 
 
 having seen (Iroves of as many as ten or fifteen deer 
 at (liffiTt'iit times. IIill!*<l:ile was at that time l»ut 
 a feeble setlienuMit, and the oidy railroad in the 
 State was the primitive one of wooden strappeil 
 rails, with cars drawn b}' horses, whieh connected 
 Adrian and Toledo. 
 
 He of whom we write gleaned his education in a 
 subscription school that was conducted in a log 
 cabin, which was provided with slab benches for 
 seats, and had a huge fireplace across one end of tlie 
 building, the chimney being of sticks anil cl.ay, and 
 the roof of clapboards. After he became of age 
 our subject engiiged in farming until 1853. when 
 he followed the gold seekers to California, going 
 by the Panama route. He mined for gold until the 
 fall of 1854, when he came back to .Jackson, Mich. 
 In the spring of 1855 he traveled through Illinois, 
 and then returning to Michigan, embarked in the 
 lumber business at Otsego, continuing in that line 
 until October, 1856. Then, after a visit in Jack- 
 son, he came to Sturgis and opened a small grocery 
 store in an old wooden building on the northwest 
 corner of Chicago and Nottawa streets. He carried 
 on the grocery business until the spring of 1864, 
 when he sold (mt in order to cross the plains to 
 Montana, to prospect awhile. He returned in the 
 fall of that year, and established himself in the grain 
 business in this place. The following winter he 
 went to Iowa to engage in buying and feeding 
 stock at Wilton Junction, and closing out his 
 stock business in June. 1865, he once more came 
 back to Sturgis, and resumed his dealings in grain 
 ai the old stand, ami has ever since been profitably 
 engaged in it, carrying on a large business. He 
 owns five-sevenths of the brick l>l<ick on the corner 
 where he now has his headquarters, it being on the 
 same ground where he first began business here 
 more than a quarter of a century ago. The build- 
 ing is three stories in height. 33x75 feet in dimen- 
 sions, ami contains a store, meat-market, the print- 
 ing-ollice of the Journal, an<l a commodious hall 
 in the third story. 
 
 .Mr. Thornton has been twice married. His first 
 marriage was to Miss Julia .lones. a daughter of 
 Horace Jones, of Mendon Township, the date of 
 their wediling being Oct. 16, I860. Of the two 
 children born of 'iial diiion but one, Hattie, is now 
 
 living. Mrs. Thornton died in 1H72. Mr. 'riiorn- 
 ton's marriage to his present wife took place in the 
 fall of 1873. Mrs. Thornton's maiden name .was 
 Melvina Wing, and she was born in the .State of 
 New York. Her father was Jason Wing. Mrs. 
 Thornton is a zealous member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, and works earnestly for the good 
 of the cause. 
 
 Mr. Thornton h.is alw.ij-s been an active, wide- 
 awake man, and has h.adan extended and varied ex- 
 perience in life. In all his business transactions he 
 has conducted himself with the same honest3' and 
 piobit}- that long ago gaine<l him the trust and re- 
 spect of all with whom he came in contact. He is 
 a valued member of this community, and through 
 his enterprise h.as added to its material wealth. He 
 takes a genuine interest in the welfare of his adopted 
 town, and is active in promoting the various meas- 
 ures for its advancement, freely using his influence 
 and money for that. purpose. In him the Repub- 
 lican party of this locality finds one of its most use- 
 ful members. 
 
 -!-Hf=S>^=^-i-H 
 
 ri^'Ri:DI-:i{ICK WOODS. This venerable pio- 
 IH^®) '"'''^' ^^ Michigan Territory came to what 
 iL, was then the Far West as early as 1 833, at a 
 
 time when the deer were roaming plentifully over 
 the country and the Indian still hovered around 
 the place from which the smoke of his wigwam had 
 not long since departed. It is over fifty-five years 
 since Mr. Woods took up his abode in this county 
 of which he has since been a resident. He is now 
 well advanced in ^ ears and has had an experience 
 which, if properly related, would fill a good-sized 
 volume. In his prime he was more than ordinarily 
 active and industrious, and met with success in his 
 labors of subduing the soil and building up a 
 homestead. He was at one time the owner of 208 
 acres of land; he now has 172 acres, but every foot 
 of this is in productive condition and fully adapted 
 to the rich crops of this section of country. It is 
 located in Moltville Township anil forms one of 
 the oUI landmarks which will endure long after its 
 builder has been gathered to his fathers. 
 
 Our subject is of old New England ancestry, and 
 
 _ ■► __ ■ 4* 
 
*^i^^ 
 
 474 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 
 was born in ^Merrimack County. N.H., Sept. 10, 1806. 
 His parents v.ere William L. and Betsey (Dutton) 
 AVoods. also natives of the Old Granite State, the 
 father born Jan. 7, 1776, and died March 29, 1847. 
 His wife. Betsey, was born April 11, 1783, and died 
 at the age of sixty-six j'ears. Thej- had a family 
 of ten children, the record of whose Itirlhs is as 
 follows: That of Frederick, our subject, is already 
 given; Maria W. was born Jan. 21, 1808; Dtitton, 
 Oct. 19, 1809: Fidelia, Dec. 1, 1811; Jeanette, 
 Oct. 12, 1814; Lovillia, June 20, 1816; Julia A., 
 Oct. 1, 1818; Benjamin F., Aug. 8, 1820; Will- 
 iam D. D., Jan. 17, 1823; George A., July 29, 
 1826. Maria, Dutton, Jeanette and Julia are de- 
 ceased. Fidelia is a resident of I'ort Hope. Can- 
 ada; Lovillia resides in New Hampshire, and also 
 George. 
 
 The father of our subject during the latter years 
 of his life was a stanch Kepublican, and a regular 
 attendant of the Presbyterian Church. Inoccupa- 
 tion he was a clothier and miller combined. The 
 mother belonged to llie Baptist Church. Frederick, 
 our subject, attended the common schools of his 
 native State during his boyliood and was also em- 
 ployed on the farm. With the exceiHion of four 
 }-ears spent in a factory, this has been bis life occu- 
 pation. His attention was attracted to the Great 
 West in !833, at a time when there were three In- 
 dians to one white man in Michigan Territory. 
 This was about tlie time of the close of the Black 
 Ilawk War, and although various wanderers of the 
 different tribes passed through this county after 
 Mr. Woods had settled here, he never experienced 
 any trouble with any of them. 
 
 Shortly after his arrival in the count}' Mr. Woods 
 took up fortj'-seven acres of land, and his career 
 was one eminently successful from that time. Ten 
 years later found him the owner of 280 acres, 
 which even at that time was considered valuable. 
 As a young man, he was fond of woodland sports; 
 W.1S an expert with his rifle and brought down manj' 
 a deer which pulled the scales at 150 pounds. At 
 one time upon a wager he drove fifty deer to an 
 island, and in one week he had killed six big fel- 
 lows, winning the wager. His exi)erience was sim- 
 ilar to that of the other early settlers of this 
 county, and he displayed in a maiked degree their 
 
 sturdy perseverance, never admitting an}' such 
 word as " fail," and closely clinging to his first de- 
 termination to st'i}' •• and grow up with the coun- 
 try." Like his father before him, his later ye.irs 
 have been signalized by a close adherence to Re- 
 publican principles. He has never been identified 
 with any religious organization, but has always 
 been careful and conscientious in his walk and con- 
 versation, aiming at all times to do what is right. 
 
 The ancestral history of the AVoods family is one 
 of more than ordinarj' interest, and from David P. 
 Perkins, of Manchester, N. H., our subject ob- 
 tained the earlier records which we herewith sub- 
 mit. Samuel Woods was the original proprietor 
 of the town of Groton, Mass., where he settled 
 prior to his marriage about the year 1662. He is 
 supposed to have been the ancestor of all of that 
 name in Groton and the adjoining towns. The 
 town as laid out originally was eight miles square. 
 He ownitl an 11 -acre right which entitled him 
 and each of the other original proprietors to an 
 equal division of the common lands of the town- 
 ship in jjroportion to the number of acre rights 
 which they severally owned. His residence lot was 
 situated a little south of the Lawrence Academy. 
 
 To Samuel Woods and Alice, his wife, there were 
 born the children named as follows: Thomas, 
 M.irch 9, 1663; Elizabeth, Sept. 17, 1665; Na- 
 thaniel, March 27, 1667; Mar}-, Aug. 2, 1670; Abi- 
 gail, Aug. 19, 1 672 ; Hannah, July 18. 1674. To 
 Nathaniel Woods and Alice, his wife, there were 
 born: Nathaniel, Oct. 19, 1694; Daniel, Aug. 10, 
 1696; John, March 4, 1698; Isaac. Feb. 20, 1699; 
 Bathsheba, April 5, 1702; Hannah, March 16. 1704; 
 Phebe, Feb. 13, 1705: Aaron, May 26, 1707; 
 Moses, July 6, 1709; Reuben, April 11, 1711: 
 Phebe, March 13, 1713; Jonathan, June 4, 1716. 
 
 John Woods niiirried Sarah Longley, June 3, 
 1725. and his offspring were: Sarah, born May 6, 
 1726; John, Aug. 27, 1728 (this one only living 
 four days); Susanna, May 5, 1730; Alice, May 30, 
 1732; Lucy. May 18, 1735; John. Aug. 1, 1737; 
 Benjamin, Oct. 13. 1739: Abigail, Jan. 21. 1745; 
 David, Dec. 31, 1746. 
 
 David Woods married Deborah Swallow, and to 
 them were born David, April 25, 1771; married 
 Miss Brooks, and dieil Oct. 19, 1848. Deborah" 
 ♦■ 
 
.ST. JOSKl'lI COUNTY. 
 
 475 
 
 Mrs. McClnre. was liorn Oct. 5, 1772, uiul died 
 Au",'. 18, l.S,);?; Snrali. Mrs. Barron, was l)orn May 
 11, 1774. aiitl died April 10, 182.'); William L., 
 born Jan. 7, 1770, married Betsey Dutton,and died 
 March 20, 184G: Kzra. born Jan. 12, 1778, married 
 Miss Lyon, and died Nov. 0, 18GG: Warren, born 
 March 12, 1780, married Deborah Brooks, and died 
 Jnne 22, 18G6; Silas was born Nov. 23, 1781, anil 
 was kill(Ml at the battle of Little Rock, Canada 
 West, April 27, 1813, unmarried: Emerson was 
 born March 21, 1783, married Miss Richardson.and 
 died July 10, 1802; Charlotte, Mrs. Isaac Farley, 
 born Aug. 25, 1785, and died Dec. 2, 1850; Ziba 
 was born Feb. 22, 1787, married ILaniet M. Smith, 
 and died Aug 4, 1809: Imri was born June 14, 
 17811, niMiried Hannah Patterson, and died Feb. 10, 
 180'J. The wife of Uncle Ziba was the grand-niece 
 of the celel>raled Ethan Allen. 
 
 The paternal grandfather of our subject died 
 about the year 1790, and his widow subsequently 
 married an Eastman, and moved to Iloliis, N. H., 
 where she dieil. After their father's death the 
 children separated and provided for themselves as 
 best they could. William L., Ezra. Warren, Em- 
 erson and Imri lived and died in New Hampshire. 
 David died in Ohio; Deborah and Sarah in Ver- 
 mont; (harlotle in New Hampshire; Zilia in Illi- 
 nois. 
 
 Phiiindia Fowler was born March 22, 1803, and 
 married to Frederick Woods April 22, 1833; she 
 died March 2, 1843. Mr. Woods then was married to 
 Mrs. Lucy Stuart, Jan. 30, 1844. Mrs. Lucy Woods 
 died Nov. 7, 18.jy, at the age of fifty-seven years 
 and eight months. Jeanetle died March 10, 1847; 
 William L. died March 29, 1847. Mr. Woods was 
 a third lime married, to Miss Caroline A. Vankirk, 
 July 18, 1860. She was born July 14, 1835. 
 
 — MN^ 
 
 4 
 
 .VNIF.L B. BLUE has been a prominent 
 figure in the growth aiid development of 
 Mottville Township, and there is in con- 
 nection with his life and character a rec- 
 ord of more than ordinary interest. A native of 
 Northumberland County, Pa., he was! born April 7, 
 1840. and leaving that region in his childhood came 
 
 to this county with his parents, they locating on a 
 tract of (iovernnicnt laud near tlie present site of 
 Three Itivers. It will rcarlily be guessed that his 
 parents were of more than ordinary intelligence 
 when W(' find that he wa.s given a tirst-d.ass e<luca- 
 tioii, completing his stiiilies in Hillsdale C<»llege. 
 
 About this time the outbreak of the Civil War 
 called forth the best element-; of patriotism in the 
 country, and young Blue wjts among the first of 
 those who signalized their desire to have a hand in 
 the preservation of the Union. His hopes, how- 
 ever, were doomed to disappointment, .as lieing a 
 non-resident of Hillsdale he was not accepted as a 
 volunteer. He conse(|uently remained at the home- 
 stead, and in due time was n]arried. He and his 
 3'oung wife commenced the journey of life together 
 on the old farm which he still occupies, and which 
 remained the home of his honored parents until 
 thej' departed hence. 
 
 Isaac Blue, the father of our subject, and a na- 
 tive of Pennsylvania, was born May 5. 1809. Dur- 
 ing the years of his early manhood he evinced more 
 th.in ordinary skill as a mechanic, and his services 
 were much in demand. He was equally as good a 
 farmer, and spent the closing years of his life en- 
 gaged in agricultural |itirsuits. He was called from 
 his earthly labors April .'>, 1875. He was an influ- 
 ential member of the Presbyterian Church, in which 
 he had held all the oflices and contributed liberallv 
 to its support. His wife. Catherine Bellmyer. was 
 born in Montour Count3-. Pa., in November. 1812, 
 and they were married in 1830. They remained 
 in their native State until after the birth of their 
 six children. The record of these is as follows: 
 Miss EUie Blue became the wife of Frank Wilson, 
 real-estate dealer of Faribault, Minn., and they 
 have two children; Margaret married Horace Rey- 
 nokls. who oi)erates a vegetable farm of forty acres 
 in the vicinity of (iolden City. Col., and the\- also 
 have two children; Daniel B., our suliject, was the 
 third child; John B.. the youngest son. married 
 Mi.ss Jennie Boudman; they reside in Constantine 
 Township and have three children, all daughters. 
 
 When the parents first located in this county the 
 Indians were still roaming over the country, and 
 on his way to school Daniel B. often encountered 
 deer and bears, which tied at his approach. They 
 
•^f^^ 
 
 470 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 *t 
 
 sojourned on the land wliieli tliey first inircliased a 
 period of seven years, then purcliased a jiartially 
 improved farm of 112 acres, eighty of this being in 
 timber. In due time there were added thirty -two 
 acres, and in 18(52 seventy acres. This land is all 
 in one body. ;nid makes cme of the finest estates in 
 the county. 
 
 The parents of oui- subject after the marriage of 
 their sons removed from the farm to White Pigeon, 
 where they remained until the death of the mother, 
 which occurred Oct. 11, 1879. She was a member 
 in gO(jd standing of the Presbyterian Church. The 
 father then lived around among his children, and 
 spent considerable time in traveling. His death 
 occurred in Constantine 'rownshii>on the old home- 
 stead, April 3, IbS.O. when he wa.s nearly seventy- 
 six years of age. He was a man universally re- 
 spected bv all who knew him. and an expert hunter. 
 Daniel B. excels in the use of the rod ami line. 
 
 Our sul>ject upon emerging from the district 
 school took a course of study at Hillsdale College, 
 and afterward was for a number of terms engaged 
 as a teacher. On the 22d day of October, 1867. he 
 was married to Miss Kittie L. I.averty. of Constan- 
 tine Township, and in due time there were gathered 
 arouud their hearthstone seven children, all of 
 whom are living and at home with their parents. 
 Their eldest son, Charles T., was liorn in Mt)ttville 
 Township, March 13, 186!), and in 1887 was grad- 
 uated from the White I'igeon school; he is now one 
 of the most jiopular teachers of the county. M.ittie 
 was born Aug. 14, 1871, and is jjursuing her studies 
 in the above-named school, being one of its bright- 
 est lights; Harry was bt)rn Oct. 20, 1873, and is 
 also attending school at White Pigeon; Minnie 
 May was born May 22. 1877, and is pursuing her 
 studies in the district school; Frank was born May 
 9, 1879, and Katie :\I. Sept. 23, 1882; they are at- 
 tending the district school, .lolin .). was born Feb. 
 2.'), 188.J, and remains the baby of the f:imily. Mr. 
 Blue, politically, is a decided Republican, and al- 
 though no ottlce-secker. keeps him.^elf well [losted 
 upon current events, and gives his siipjiort to the 
 projects calculated to advance the interests of his 
 party. 
 
 In the spring of 1880 Mr. IJlue purchased 213 
 acres of land, which he now occupies, it being the 
 
 old homestead. This farm is all under a high state 
 of cultivation, supplied with substantial and con- 
 venient buildings, neatly enclosed and crossed 
 fenced, and having all the other essentials necessary 
 to the modern rural estate. Politically, he affiliates 
 with the Pepublican i)arty. and with his excellent 
 ■wife, is a regular attendant of the Presbyterian 
 Church, to the sui)port of which they contribute 
 liberally. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 y^ILLlAM liKAKD. Under Sheriflf of St. Jo- 
 seph County, and a man finely adapted to 
 ^J^' his responsible position, is numbered among 
 the prominent nienof Mendon Village and vicinity. 
 His native place was the town of DeKalb. St. Law- 
 rence Co.. X. v.. where he w.as born Jlay 12. 1840. 
 His ]>arents were John and Percis (Pcttcngill) 
 Beard, who were n.atives of Vermont, where they 
 were reared and married. 
 
 John Beard soon after his marriage left >«'ew 
 England with his young wife, and took up his abode 
 in St. Lawrence County. N. Y.. where he carried 
 on farming successfully and lived to be seventy- 
 eight years c>ld. his death taking place April 19. 
 1875. Leaving the Empire State in 1843 he came 
 to ^lichigan. locating in Waukesha County, where 
 both ])arenls spent their last years. The mother 
 survived her husband until 1881. |iassing away 
 when eighty-four years old. The family is of 
 Scotch descent, and were originally numbered 
 among the solid element of New England. The 
 father was successful in his labors, financially, 
 and accnmidated a comfortable property. Their 
 children, twelve in number, were named respect- 
 ively: Caroline. Adeline. Ceorge. AVarren. Samuel. 
 Eveline L.. lAniisa. Holding, ^laria, William. Dex- 
 ter and Leveret. 
 
 William Beard was reared a farmer's boy. and 
 conipletc<l his studies in the district school. He 
 came to -Michigan with his iiarents in 1844, and 
 commenced farming on a tract t>f wild land, fol- 
 lowing this occupation until 1878. He then di- 
 rected a portion of his capital into mercantile 
 channels, engaging in general merchandising .it 
 Leonidas. and was thus occupied a period of nine 
 years. At the expiration of this time, selling out. 
 
»» ■ 4* 
 
 >» ■ <• 
 
 ST. .lOSKl'Il COUNTY. 
 
 lie nindc arraiifreincnts to enter upon his oflicial 
 enreer as I'nder SlierilT of St. .losepli County. In 
 the (lisclinrn-e of his duties lie has made some d;ir- 
 in<j arrests, and proved himself a couraireous and 
 etliciont otHeer. Politiealiy. he atliliates with the 
 Hepul>liean party, and has been (|uile prominent 
 amonir its councils, olliciatinjf as Chairman of tlie 
 Republican Club, and otherwise workinij in the in- 
 terests of his |)arty. lie has been T<iwnship Treas- 
 urer two years, and is President of tlie Driving 
 Park Association. .Socially, he belongs to the Ma- 
 sonic fraternity, in which he is a Senior Warden, 
 and by virtue of that ollice has frequently olliciated 
 in the Master's Chair in the absence of its regular 
 imcumbent. He is a great admirer of the princi- 
 ples of Maiionry, and during his twenty-two years' 
 association with the fraternity has fully acquainted 
 himself with its designs and labors, tinding them 
 notlung l)ul good. He is also a K. of I'., and a 
 member of the I. O. O. V. In the latter he has oc- 
 cupied the various offices of his lodge. 
 
 Miss l>ydia Nichols became the wife of our sub- 
 ject in 1868. and of this marriage there were no 
 children. Within the last year Mr. Heard has 
 erected a tine cottage in the eastern part of town, 
 witli a good barn and other conveniences, the whole 
 forming a snug home for some fortunate family. 
 In .Mecosta County he has .'^id acres of good land, 
 improved with the necessary buildings, and op- 
 erateil bv I. W. Ferris. 
 
 '^->^:i^^it><^«?-^ 
 
 t 
 
 V.\l -I. KNAl'SS. the leading liarne-ss and 
 
 fturf goofls manufacturer of Mendon Village. 
 deserves no unimportant notice in a work of 
 
 this kind. He carries on <iuitv an extensive busi- 
 ness, being not onlv a manufacturer of, but a flealer 
 in all kinds of road vehicles, besides their locomo- 
 tive [lower — horses. His establishment is located 
 on the south side of Main street, and he enjoys the 
 |)atronage of the best element of St. .loseph Countv. 
 Of excellent Pennsylvania sUx'k. our subject was 
 born in Northampton County, that .State. Feb, 27, 
 IH.'il, and is thus a man in the prime of life. He 
 W!is reared on a farm until a lad of fourteen years, 
 then with the natural desire i>f voiith for change. 
 
 repaired to the town of Hath and commenced an 
 apprenticeship at the trade of a harness-maker, serv- 
 ing three years. .\t the expiration of this time he 
 journeyed eastward to Newark. N. J., where he wa> 
 employed as a journeyman one year. He now de- 
 cided to visit the West, and accordingly in the 
 s|uing of IHC'.l came to Michigan. 
 
 Mr. Knauss upon coming to this State located 
 first at \'icksburg. Kalamazoo County, but not be- 
 ing particidarly jileased with the country in that 
 section made his way to Memlon. this county, and 
 worked at the h.'irness trade two years. He had 
 been fortunate in saving something from his earn- 
 ings, and invested his little capital in livery stock, 
 carrying on business in this line four years. Then 
 selling out he established a harness business at 
 Colon, where he operateil two years. Selling out 
 there also he returned to Jlendon. Oct. 2. 1877. of 
 which he has since been a resident. 
 
 In this place .Mr. Knauss made the acquaintance 
 of the lady who afterward became his wife, he l)e- 
 ing married. Feb. 18. 187J. to Miss Ksther Wool- 
 ford. Mrs. Knauss w:l>^ liorn Nov. 1. 18.')5. in 
 Randolph County. Ind.. and is the daughter of .lohn 
 and Mari.aii ((iable) Woolford. wiio were both na- 
 tives of Indiana, and are now living in Michigan. 
 Mr. and Mrs. K. are the iiarents of two children: 
 Nettie H.. born .\uril .?. 1H7(!, and ,\nna M.. M.ay 
 211, 188;^. The family residence is pleasantly lo- 
 cated in the central part of the town, and its in- 
 mate--* number many friends among the people of 
 this vicinity. 
 
 Jlr. Knau.ss carries about ^."i. 0(1(1 worth of stock, 
 and gives employment to ten men, operating the 
 largest shop of the kin<l in .St. .loseph County. As 
 a harness-maker he h.os few cquids. and has manu- 
 facturcKl harness worn by the fastest trotters in the 
 I'nited .States, among them "Roy Wilks." who shows 
 a record of 2.12i. It is hardly necessary to say 
 that these fast horses require the finest and best 
 made harness, both for safety and good work. The 
 liriKluct of the shop of Mr. Knauss finds a market 
 all over the I'nited States, from Maine t<i Califor- 
 nia. Considering the fact that he commence<l in 
 life a poor boy, (le]>endent upon his own exertions, 
 his career h.as been one remark.-dile for |>erseverance 
 and industry. While serving his time without 
 
^ 
 
 478 
 
 ST. .lOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ^i^l-* 
 
 i 
 
 t'oin])eiis{itioii from liis employer, lie was obliged to 
 work in tiie harvest field at intervals to obtain his 
 clotiiing. He now occupies a good position .amoDg 
 his fellow-citizens, .sociall}^ and financially. He 
 votes the straight Democratic ti;ket. and has been 
 a member of the City Council a period of five 
 years. He is also Secretary of the Driving Park 
 Association, in which position he has served three 
 years. 
 
 UI LLI A M B. W Y A N DT. Over thirty years 
 ago. in the spring of 1856. the subject of 
 
 W^ this sketch journeyed from his native State 
 of Pennsj'lvania to the promising young common- 
 wealth of Michigan. Like most of his brother pio- 
 neers, his pockets were nut filled with silver and 
 gold, and he commenced life in the West on a 
 moilest scale, locating on a tiact of wild land on 
 section 23 in Flowcrfield Township. Since that 
 time he has mostl}' been a resident of the Wolverine 
 State, watching its growth and prosperity, and eon- 
 tribnling his industry and worth}- qualities ps a 
 citizen to her development and re|nitatiun. 
 
 Our subject is the oflfspring of substantial stock, 
 his father, John Wyandt. also a native of Pennsyl- 
 vania, having been born in Union Coutity, Jan. 30, 
 1799. He married Miss .Tulia Ann Barbin. a native 
 of the same count}', and who was born Ma}- 8, 
 1801. The parents accompanied their son to the 
 West, and died in Flowerfield Township, this county, 
 the mother Oct. 8, 187G, and the father Jan. 30, 
 1887. The household circle included twelve chil- 
 dren, eight of whom are living. Catherine became 
 the w-ife of Samuel Siiiggeluiyer, and isa resident of 
 P'abius Township ; John chose his home in the Buck- 
 eye State, and is now- a resident of Tuscarawas 
 County; Lewis died at the old homestead. Sept. 16. 
 1883; Polly is the wife of David Kline, and lives in 
 Flowerfield Township; Joseph is carrying on farm- 
 ing in P'lowerfield Township; Elizabeth is the wife 
 of Isaac Smith, a well-to-do farmer of Mottville 
 Township; Hannah is a resident of Mottville Town- 
 shi|), and resides with her brother-in-law, Isaac 
 Smith. 
 
 William B. Wyandt was born in Decatur Town- 
 ship, Mifilin Co., Pa., Dec. 24. 182S, where he 
 
 ^> 
 
 developed into manhood and acquired a common- 
 school education. In the meantime he learned the 
 trade of blacksmith, which he followed in his native 
 State until coming to Michigan. Although after- 
 ward working at his trade considerably, he was 
 soon seized with a desire for farm life, but not until 
 he had operated for a time as a blacksmith in Van 
 Buren. Lagrange Co.. Ind. Thence he returned to 
 Michigan in the fall of 1805, and purchased a farm 
 on section 23 in Flowerfield Township, where he 
 also erected a shop, which he conducted in con- 
 nection with agriculture, and which proved a great 
 convenience to both himself and his neighbors. 
 
 In the spring of 1878 Mr. Wyandt disposed of 
 his property in this county, and crossing the Mis- 
 sissippi jiurchascd 160 ncrrs of land in Garfield 
 Township, Pawnee Co., Kan. Two years later, 
 however, he came back to Flowerfield Township, 
 and in the spring of 1 880 purchased his present 
 farm. He still retains his Kansas property. In the 
 spring of 1883 he moved to the old homestead on 
 section 23. where he has since resided. Over thirty- 
 four years ago, on the 3d of August, 1K54, he was 
 married, in Snyder County, Pa., to Miss Judith 
 Ranch. This lady was born in Middleburg. Union 
 County, March 29, 1835, and is the daughter of 
 Henry and Rebecca (Siep) Raucli, who were also 
 natives of the Keystone State, and who sjjcnt their 
 last years in Pennsylvania. 
 
 To our subject and his excellent wife there were 
 born six children, one of whom, a little daughter, 
 Lucina, died when eleven months ("Id. The eldest 
 son. John II.. was born Jan. 27, 1856, and was mar- 
 ried to Miss Jennie Rand, of Miiuicapolis, Jlinn. ; 
 he is now a resident of .St. Paul, Minn., and is oc- 
 cupied as a railroad engineer. M.ary Ann was born 
 Sept. 12, 1858, and married Daniel T. Fox. a native 
 of .St. Joseph County, this State, and the son of the 
 well-known Charles Fox; they are living in Inde- 
 pendence, Kan., where Mr. Fox is employed as 
 a mason ; they have one chdd, Myrtle Orrilla, 
 born Oct. 31, 1882. Irven, born July 28, 18C1, 
 remains at home with his parents; Charles, born 
 Juno 28, 1864, is also a railroatl man, makir.g his 
 home near his brother in St. Paul; Fred Loren was 
 born Sept. 28, 1866, and is now at home; Lucina, 
 born May 29, 1870, died March 28. 1871. 
 
-4^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, 
 
 During llie progress of the late war Mr. WvaiiHt 
 eiilisleil US a L'liioii soldier Sept. 3, 1HG4, in Com- 
 pany A, 142(1 Indiana Infantry, serving until the 
 elosc of the war, doing duty mostly in Tennessee, 
 and being mustered out at Nashville. June '28, 
 IrtGo. Politically-, he is a sympathizer with the 
 Greenback and Union Labor parties. Both he and 
 his estimable wife are connected with the United 
 Brethren Church, attending services in this town- 
 ship. 
 
 -^m- 
 
 '^1^,-^ III AM CASE is an old and honored resident 
 of St. Joseph Count}', he having lived here, 
 ^^' with the exception of three years spent in 
 ■S0I Indiana, ever since 1834, there being but 
 few men now living who were here at that earlj- 
 period in the settlement of Southern Miohigan. 
 For many years he was actively and prosperously 
 identified with the farming interests of the county, 
 but having gained a competency he has lived in 
 retirement in his comfortable home in Stiirgis since 
 1874. He still owns, however, a farm in this town- 
 ship, which, in point of improvement and cultiva- 
 tion, is as valuable as any within a circuit of many 
 miles, and from it he derives a good income. Mr. 
 Case was a boy of fifteen when he came to Michi- 
 gan in Territorial days, fifty-five years ago, and he 
 has thei'efore witnessed the great strides that this 
 part of it has made from its primeval wildness to 
 its present high state of civilization, and as soon as 
 he was old enough he took a hand in its develop- 
 ment, and has done his share toward promoting its 
 grt)wt!i. 
 
 Mr. Case was born in the town of Spencer. Tioga 
 Co., N. Y., March 20,1819. His father, William 
 Case, was a native of Hebron, X. Y., and was there 
 rcare<l and married. Miss Polina Rohelee, a native 
 of Washington Count}', X. Y.. becoming his wife. 
 When our subject was quite small they removed to 
 Ontario County, N. Y., and there the father died 
 in 1H31. His wife died in 18.^)0. 
 
 Hiram Case spent the early years of his boyhood 
 in Tioga and Ontario Counties, gleaning an educa- 
 tion in the primitive schools of those days. After 
 his father's death he went to Washington County, 
 in the same .State. Jiud from there came to Con- 
 
 stJintine, in this counly. in 1834. April 7. 1842, he 
 was married in that place to Miss Laura Kelohiim, 
 and in their pleasant wediled life of forty-seven 
 years nine children have been born to them, six of 
 whom are living. Tlie deceased were Richmond 
 (who <lied Sept. 7, lM8i), at the age of thirty -eight 
 years), William au<l Harriet. Those living are 
 Mary. Caroline, George, L. Alice, Sarah an<l Eben T. 
 Mary married Albert Ives, and they had one child, 
 Hiram. Mr. Ives died, and Mrs. Ives married 
 John Edwards; by this marriage she has three chil- 
 dren — George, Laura and Carrie. Caroline mar- 
 ried Delos Weatherwax, who is no'.v deceased, 
 leaving one child, Lewis Edwin; George married 
 Matilda Beck, and they live in this township, and 
 have two children — Hiram E. andZella; Alice mar- 
 ried Minor Hil)l)ard. of this townsiiip, and they 
 have two children — Clarence and Arthur; .Sarah 
 married George Hopkins, of Sturgis, and they have 
 one child, Eben ; Eben T. is Postmaster at Esconada, 
 Cal. Mrs. Case was born in Allegany County, N. 
 Y., July 23, 1823. Her parents, George and Sa- 
 rina (Gray) Ketcluim, were natives of Connecticut 
 and Massachusetts. In 1835 they left their home in 
 Allegany County, N. Y., and settled on White Pig- 
 eon Prairie, thus becoming pioneers of this county. 
 They died in Illinois, the former Nov. 18, 18G5, 
 and the latter July 4, 18G1. 
 
 In the spring of 1843 Mr. Case removed to a 
 
 ] farm in Park Township, this county, and was act- 
 ively engaged in agricultural pursuits in that place 
 until March, 1854. At that time he moved to La- 
 
 1 grange County, Ind., and remained there until 
 March, 1857. Then, settling his affairs there he 
 returned to this State, and took up his residence in 
 Sturgis Township. In the busy years that followed 
 he devoted himself to the management of his farm, 
 and so well did he succeed in its cultivation that he 
 was enabled to lay up a handsome competence, and 
 ere old age, with its attendant atHictions. came upon 
 him he was justified in retiring from the hard labor 
 and cares of a farmer's life to as cozy and neat a 
 home as can be found in the town of Sturgis, going 
 there to live Dec. 14, 1874. 
 
 In the half-century or more that Mr. Case has 
 been a resident of St. Joseph County he has become 
 well known, and has ever been justl}' regardeil with 
 
 f 
 
■«► 
 
 480 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 the gicate.'^l respect niu\ consideration, as he is a 
 man of solid wurtli, one in whom his fellow-citizens 
 may safely Irnst. He is a man of much jiractical 
 wisdom, and holds positive views on all sulijects 
 tliat interest him. and he is ospeeiall}' outspoken in 
 his political senlinuMits. be lieinji an uncompromis- 
 ing Greenliacker, thinking that the oidy party for a 
 man to belong to "if he has no ax to grind." Mrs. 
 Case is a sincere Christian, and a devoted member 
 of the Methodist Kpiscopal Church. 
 
 AMDKN A. HECOX. One of the finest 
 Yr"^: farms in Nottawa Township belongs to the 
 subject of liiis biograi)iiy, and comprises a 
 (^ valuable tract of land 360 acres in extent. 
 Upon it he has erected good buildings, with an es- 
 peciail}- fine risidence. which, with itssurrouiidings, 
 forms the ideal rural home, and indicates on all 
 sides taste, culture and mean.*. Mr. llecox is a 
 gentleman born and bred, as is indicated in his 
 daily life, meeting both friends and strangers in 
 that courteous manner which at once gives the 
 most decided indication of his true character. 
 
 Our subject's ancestors emigrated from Ireland at 
 an early day (not on the •' Mayflower," however), 
 and settled at Durham, Conn. Just 102 ^-ears ago. 
 his grandfather, Adna Hecox, started for the then 
 wilderness of Central New Y<jrk, stopping at '• Big 
 Tree " on the Genesee River, and engaged in survej-- 
 ing a large tract of land purchased of the Seneca In- 
 dians li}' Robert Morris. The Indian war came on, 
 and Adna Ilecox and six others of the surveying 
 party were taken prisoners, and for three years 
 lived, dressed and assiniulated themselves as far as 
 possible with Indian life, to save themselves. The 
 defeat of the Indians in the West by Gen. Wayne 
 having restored order, Adna Ilecox married, in 
 1797, Polly Andress, and with his young wife 
 started for the far western Territory of Michigan, 
 and settled on Grosse Isle, eighteen miles below De- 
 troit, where lliraui A. Hecox, the father of our sub- 
 ject was born, in the year 1800. The family con- 
 tinued to reside there until war was declared in 
 1812. Being surrounded bj- Indians who were 
 massacreing the settlers on every hand, they has- 
 
 4* 
 
 tened to Detroit, and were in the fort when Gen. 
 Hull surrendered. After tlie war they moved to 
 Brownstown. sixteen miles below Detroit, and there 
 Hiram A. Ilecox married Relief llazzard. who was 
 born in Connecticut, in the j'ear 1800. and moved 
 to the Territory of Michigan in 1816 with her par- 
 ents. And here on a farm, the deed of which, 
 signed by President John Q. Adams, he now has in 
 his possession, Ilamden A. Hecox w.as born, July 
 19, 1826. ilis father. Hiram A. Hecox, in Decem- 
 ber, 1829, witli his wife and two children, Hamden 
 and Polly, moved to St. Joseph County, and here 
 continued to reside until their death. Neither lived 
 to be aged, the mother dying in 1836, and the 
 father two years later, in 183.S. 
 
 To the parents of our subject there were born 
 five chihben, only three of whom lived to mature 
 years. These latter were Polly; Hamden A., our 
 subject, and Harriet. Polly became the wife of 
 Lewis Harris, and died near Ottawa, III., about 
 18.^8. leaving a large family of children; Harriet, 
 Mrs. Frank Nichols, resides in Perry, low.a. Ham- 
 den A. Hecox was reared to manhood in Nottawa 
 Township, where, with the exception of two years in 
 California, he has spent the most of his life. Mr. 
 Ilecox crossed the "plains" in 1849 with an ox- 
 team, requiring months to reach the Pacific Slope, 
 where he engaged in mining and trade. For a 
 period of nine years he was a traveling salesman in 
 the agricultural implement trade, while at the same 
 time he superintended the operations of his farm, 
 hiring men to do the work. 
 
 Mr. Ilecox was married in Nottawa Township, 
 Maich 1.5, 1848. to Miss Mariamnee Gee. Mr. 
 Hecox after his marriage engaged in farming, and 
 the young people commenced their wedded life in 
 a log house on the farm upon which Mr. Hecox 
 has resided for sixty years. Of their union there 
 have been born six children, two only of whom are 
 living, a son and daughter, Frank and Katie. Those 
 deceased are: Mabel, Frank, Guy and Charles, who 
 all died young. Mr. Hecox, politically, is a Re- 
 publican " dyed in the wool," a man of decided 
 views, liberal and public spirited, and foremost in 
 the encouragement of the enterprises calculated to 
 benefit the people around him. He has served as 
 Township Clerk and filled other positions of trust. 
 
 ^!t^f^ 
 
-4*- 
 
 ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 481 4 
 
 \ 
 
 lie niifl liis fnmily nre rosular altcndants of the 
 Baptist C'limcli at Centri'ville. 
 
 Mrs. IIl'cox was liorii in Ann Ailidr. .Mioli., Nov. 
 2.). 1831. Her parents were Ik-iijaniin an<l Sarali 
 (Cross) Oee, who were lioth liorn in tlie Slate of 
 New Yoriv. Their parents moved to Canaila while 
 they were yet j'oniijj. wlierc Mr. and Mrs. (iee were 
 married in 1827. In 1828 they moved to the then 
 Territory of Michi;;an. an<l settled at Ann Arbor. 
 In 1836 they moveil to Centreville. Mich. In 18")8 
 Mr. (iee moved to the then Territory of Kansas, tak- 
 ing up a large tract of prairie land near Ft. Scott. The 
 lie'tellion soon broke out. and bein;; a Union man 
 the "border rulMans " made it hot for him, and he 
 was obliged to al)andoa everything, and returned 
 to Mieiiigan, where he died at the residence of liis 
 son-in-law. in October, l.S(.!8. Mrs. Gee was after- 
 ward married to John Rutherford, of Centreville, 
 and died at her home in October, 1887. 
 
 .Mr. and .Mrs. Hecox, in an industrious life of 
 more than forty years, have secured a reasonable 
 competency, and have retired from active business, 
 and say, that having struggled hard to climb up to 
 where their shadows begin to lengthen, they would 
 like to slide the balance of tiie w.ay down the " hill 
 of life." 
 
 — ^g^J^jL^g: • ■ 
 
 §t -VVID KLINK.' There came to .Michigan 
 in tiie early days large numbers of the sub- 
 stantial Pennsylvania element of wiiomthe 
 subject of this sketch is a nuist wortiiy de- 
 scendant, lie is now a well-to-do farmer of Flower- 
 field Township, to who.se growth and development 
 he ha.s contributed by the o|X'ning up of a good 
 farm and establishing one of its well-regulated home- 
 steails. \ quiet and unobtrusive citizen, he has 
 pur>ued the even tenor of his way. attending cliielly 
 to his own concerns, but always willing to give his 
 influence and his more substantial supiwrt to the 
 pnijerts having for their object the best interests 
 of the community. 
 
 The native place (jf our subjei't was Snyder 
 County, Pa., and his birth occurred Dec. It. 1M2S. 
 lie wa.s reared to manlxMMl on the farm and acquired 
 a coranion-scli<K)l e<lucation. being at the same time 
 trained to habits of industrj- and economy. He re- 
 
 mained a member of the parental IiduscIhiIiI until 
 the death of his father. whi<-h (Jccurreil alMiiit 1M27. 
 In the fall of 1HJ8 he t-ame to this county, and for 
 two yeai^ lived on the farm of his father-in-law, 
 Mr. .lohn Wyandt. He then removed to a point 
 on tlie Chicago road about three miles west of 
 White Pigeon, now known iis the .Shoemaker farm, 
 wliich he occupied one year, and then in the spring 
 of 18(i2 purcli!i.sed his jiresent place. 
 
 The property of Mr. Kline comprises eighty 
 acres of good land, upon wliicli he h.as erected sub- 
 stantial Hnd ccmvenient buildings, has fruit and 
 shade trees, a goodly as.sortnient of livestock, and 
 the farm machinery necessary for jirosccuting agri- 
 culture in a satisfactory manner. In 18.J7 he re- 
 turned to his native county, anil was unite<l in 
 marriage with Miss Polly Wyandt. This lady was 
 a native of that county, and was born .\pril 28, 
 1835. After their marriage the young people rc- 
 l)aire<l to the home which our subject had provided 
 in this county, and where they have since lived. 
 The household circle was completed by the birth of 
 nine children, two of whom died in infancy. The 
 survivors are recorded as follows: Mary is the wife 
 of Marshall lieaflle. and they are living on a farm 
 in Faliius Township; .\lbert .S.. Lewis W.. Charles, 
 Allic. William and Olie. arQ at home with tlicir 
 parents. They form a bright and interesting group, 
 the youngest a lad of twelve years. The family 
 belong to the Lutheran Church, and number their 
 friends by the score in the township where they 
 have made their residence for a [M?rio<l of thirty- 
 one years. 
 
 Both the parents of Mr. and .Mrs. Kline were |)eo- 
 ])lc held in the higliest esteem in their community, 
 and all were members of the Lutheran Church. 
 Mr. Kline, politically, votes the straight Republican 
 ticket, and has supported the principles of that 
 party since exercising the right of suffr.age. 
 
 .lohn and Polly ( Bower.sauck ) Kline, the ]iarents 
 of our subject, were, like their son David, natives 
 of Snyder Connty. Pa. They both i)a.s.sed away 
 many years ago. the mother dying in the year 
 1K33 and the father alxiut 18J(i. Their family con- 
 sistt-d of twelve children, only four of whom are 
 living: Rebecca, Mrs. .lohn Kline, a widow, con- 
 tinues her residence in .Snyder Countv. Pa., as do 
 
 "•► 
 
 ■<• 
 
 i 
 
482 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ,t 
 
 also the other sister .mil l>rotlicr of our subject; 
 Sophiii married Mr. Georj^e Stuck, and has been a 
 widow mau}' years; Samuel is a farmer by occupa- 
 tion, although mostly retired from active labor, 
 being now flfty-cis>:ht years old. The two sisters 
 and Samuel live within a short distance of each 
 other, the home of the latter being about one mile 
 of the sisters. 
 
 ARON P. EMERY. The industrial inter- 
 ests of Meiulon and vicinity And a worth}' 
 representative in this gentleman, who is an 
 extensive grower of peppermint, and dis- 
 tiller and wholesale dealer in essential oils. He is 
 of substantial New England ancestry, and was born 
 in Northampton Count}', Pa., Nov. 3, 1833, being 
 the son of Philip .S. and IClizabeth (Miller) Emer}-. 
 The parents were also natives of the Keystone Slate. 
 and the father a farmer by occupation. They were 
 most excellent and worthy people, and in earl}' life 
 identified themselves with the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, in which the father served as Cl.ass- Leader 
 many years. 
 
 Philip Eraer}'. leaving Pennsylvania in the year 
 1860, came to Michigan, and located in Marengo 
 Townshi|i, Calhoun Count}-, where he followed 
 agricultural pursuits and continued to live until his 
 decease, which took place in 1871. He acquired a 
 comfortable properly, and was a man held in high 
 respect among his neighbors. The wife and mother 
 is still living, making her home willi her son, A. P. 
 Emery. They were the parents of six children, three 
 of whom are deceased. They were named respect- 
 ively: .Silas R., George W., Reuben P., Lewis C, 
 Susan and Aaron P. 
 
 Our subject was the eldest child of his parents, 
 and acquired his early education in the public 
 schools. Being of a mechanical turn of mind he di- 
 rected his attention to civil engineering, learning 
 the business in Belvidere, N. J., where he lived 
 until 18.53. Thence he came to Schoolcraft, this 
 .State, and for one year thereafter, changing his oc- 
 cupation somewhat, was bookkeeper for .ludge 
 Dyckman. Later he taught school in Michigan, 
 
 Wisconsin, New .lersey and Pennsylvania. Jn 1855 
 he purchased 120 acres of land on section 17 in 
 Mendon Township, this county, the greater part of 
 it being improved. To this he subsequently added, 
 and now has in Mendon Township a fine tract 300 
 acres in extent. His residence in the village forms 
 one of the ideal homes of the place, and its inmates 
 i are surrounded willi all the comforts of life. Be- 
 sides this i)roperty Jlr. Eniery has a hardware store 
 which is the source of a comfortable income. 
 
 Our subject commenced the growing of pepper- 
 mint twenty-five years ago, and about ihat length 
 of time has been engaged in its distillaiion. It has 
 proved to him a very profitable enterprise. He 
 purchased and sold in 1 878 ami 1 87U, 1 5 000 pounds, 
 and the year following probably came up to the 
 same figure. He also deals in other essential oils. 
 His operations extend not only throughout the 
 United States, but to all parts of the world, Lon- 
 don, and other principal cities of the Eastern Hemi- 
 sphere. His long experience in the business has 
 made him an expert, while his remarkable business 
 talents attract more than ordinary attention. He is 
 strong, physically, and has a large and active brain. 
 He has occupied many positions of responsibility 
 and trust, and is at the present time (.January, 1889,) 
 engaged in settling up the business of the bankrupt 
 dry-goods firm of Lewis Van Ness, who failed in 
 1885, being the choice of the eighteen creditors, 
 whose claims amounted to $35,000. The fact that 
 Mr. Emery was not required to give a cent of secur- 
 ity is ample evidence of the esteem and confidence 
 in which he is held in his community. 
 
 In the spring of 1875 Mr. Emery was elected 
 Supervisor of Mendon Township, and by successive 
 elections held the otlice for a period of nine years. 
 He is an uncompromising Democrat, politically, and 
 the fact that he received the majority of votes in 
 a Republican township is a fact worthy of mention. 
 He was selected as Chairman of the County Board 
 of Supervisors, and also to represent them in the 
 State Board of Equalization, which convened at 
 Lansing in 1881. A man liberal and public-spirited, 
 he has been from first to last the encourager and 
 supporter of religious and educational institutions, 
 and contributed largely to the building of the 
 church at West Mendon, which would never have 
 
-^^ 
 
 ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 -4» 
 
 483 
 
 4^ 
 
 i 
 
 l)peii completed lind it not been for liis libernlity. 
 lie in early ninnli(M)fl identified himself with the 
 Mcth»>dist Kpiscopa! Church, in which lie hns otfi- 
 cinted as Class-Leader an(l .Superintendent of the 
 Sunil.ay-school. lioldin<j the latter ulHee n period of 
 seventeen years. lie identified himself with the 
 Masonic fraternity in 1H72. 
 
 Our subject was married to Miss Elizabeth J. 
 Hutchinson in 1 8.S5, and tbej- became the parents 
 of six children. The eldest of these, a daughter. 
 Kinma, died when aliout ci<;hteen years old: I>cwis 
 r. married Jliss Minnie Child, and is living near 
 Cenlreville; Alice is the wife of Lib Gakill, and 
 they live in St. .loseph County. Mich. ; Georgia. 
 Mrs. Ryan, lives in Kalamazoo County; Lottie and 
 Klla continue at home with their father. The 
 present wife of our subject was formerly Mrs. Anne 
 (Smith) Manson, the widow of James Manson, by 
 whom she became the mother of two children — 
 .lohn and .lames. These boys are living at Mendon. 
 Mrs. Anne K.raery is the daughter of John anci .Sa- 
 rah Smith, the former born in Scotland and the lat- 
 ter in Kngland: she was reared in the faith of the 
 Catholic Church, to which she still adheres. 
 
 HARLES J. SLOVER. the druggist of Men- 
 don, is a native of this county, and was born 
 ^^f' in Colon Townshi(> during its pioneer days, 
 Sept. 5, 18.58. His parents, John S. and Eunice 
 (lirown) .Slovcr, were natives respectively of New 
 York and Massachusetts. The father engaged in 
 the mercantile business. He died in 1 8G0, while in 
 New York City purciinsing goods, and when his 
 son, Charles J., was a child of two years. 
 
 John .S. Slover came with his widowed mother to 
 M ichi^an, locating in Centreville. this count}', where 
 he pursued his early studies in the common schools. 
 He took kindly to his books, and also learned to 
 speak the German language. When a youth of 
 seventeen years he entered the employ of Calvin 
 Brunson, of Toledo, Ohio, as a traveling salesman, 
 and in this capacity visited several of the Western 
 Suites with a team, selling tobaccti, and having a 
 man to do his driving. He was thus occupied six 
 years, and later was employed in a wholesale to- 
 
 ■♦■ 
 
 bacco house at Toledo, Ohio. After marriage the 
 parents of our subject took up their residence in 
 Uurr (Jnk, this count}', and the father engaged in 
 mercantile pursuits. Later he removed to Mendon. 
 He made his purchases in New York City, and it was 
 while upon one of these trips that his sudden death 
 took place. He was a man of note in his commu- 
 nity, olHciating as Justice of the Peace a number of 
 j'ears. and occupying other positions of trust. He 
 was reared in the doctrines of the Presbyterian 
 Church. .Socially, he l)eloiigs to the Mas<uiic fra- 
 ternit}". The mother is still living, and is now the 
 wife of Louis A. Leland, who is a leading citizen of 
 Colon, and in good circumstances. 
 
 To the parents of our subject there were born 
 three children: The eldest, a son, Ossian L., died 
 when a lad of eight j'ears; Olivia K. is the wife of 
 Mr. Leland, of Colon; Charles J., our subject, 
 was the youngest of the family at the time of his 
 father's death, and lived with his mother until start- 
 ing out in life on his own account. At the age of 
 fifteen years he entered the drug-store of Mr. Beall 
 at Mendon, with whom he remained until the busi- 
 ness changed li;inds, in 188.5. Then going to East 
 Saginaw he was engaged there in the drug business 
 about six months, then selling out changed his 
 residence to Coldwater, where he occupied himself 
 as a clerk. He returned home in the fall of 1886, 
 and purchased a stock of drugs and other articles 
 connected with the business, establishing himself in 
 Mendon on the south side of Main street, where he 
 is now building up a i)rofitable and lucrative busi- 
 ness. He, like his honored father, is destined to 
 become one of the leading men of his ct)mmunity. 
 He voles the straight Republican ticket, and is at 
 present a member of the Village Council, having been 
 elected to his .second term. He has held the oHices 
 of Township Treasurer and Justice of the Peace, 
 being elected to the latter in the spring of 1887, 
 and still holding the ofHce. In the Masonic frater- 
 nity he is .1 leading light, serving as Junior Deacon 
 and Secretary of his lodge in Mendon, and other- 
 wise laboring for the good of the cau.se. 
 
 On the \2l\\ of January, 1871), Mr. Slover was 
 united in marriage with Miss Georgia IJ. Beall, who 
 was born in Mendon, this county, April 2, 1 8.59, and 
 is a well-educated lady. Mrs. Slover is the daughter 
 
 
484 
 
 ,t 
 
 ST. .lOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 of Orson and Mar}- (Miner) Beall. Mr. B. was born 
 in Vermont, anrl came to Mit-liijran at an earl}- daj-. 
 In addition to iiis business as a druggist he specu- 
 lated considerably in land. Kis death took place at 
 his home in Mendon in 1886. Mrs. Mary Heall is 
 still living, and a resident of Mendon. They were 
 the parents of three children, the eldest of whom, a 
 daughter, .Inelma K., died some years ago. Mrs. 
 Slover was the younger of the daughters. Of her 
 union with our subject there have been horn two 
 children — .John S. and Juelnia. 
 
 Mr. Slover has a full stock of drugs and groceries, 
 and also a full understanding. of his business. He is 
 at present (1889) engaged in a very successful en- 
 terprise, the compounding and selling of a remedy 
 for the cure of headache, neuralgia and rheumatism, 
 which has effected some remarkable cures, and bids 
 fair to gain him quite a rei)utation. It is known as 
 '• .Slovcr's Cure for Sick Headache." 
 
 ^ : :g^^ii^r. • . 
 
 „, NDREW J. KAISER, of the firm of Evans 
 'full ik Kaiser, the leading grocers and bakei-s 
 jll li of Sturgis, is a man of much prominence in 
 ^/ this community, where he is justly held in 
 the highest esteem and respect bj- all who know 
 him. He was a gallant soldier in the late war, in 
 which he acquitted himself nobi\-, and received 
 praise from the ofliccrs under whom he fought for 
 his faithful and eflicient services in the twenty-seven 
 battles in which he took an active part. 
 
 Our subject was born in the neighboring State 
 of Ohio, in Wayne County, is'ov. 2, 1841. His 
 father, Andrew Kaiser, was a native of Baltimore, 
 Md.. and at the age of sixteen he went to Ohio. 
 He there married Axey Harzett, who was born in 
 Portage County, that Stale. To them w-ere born 
 nine children, of whom the following still live: 
 Jacob, Harriet, Mary A., Elisabeth, Solomon, Jeru- 
 sha, and our subject. Isaac wjis killed in the 
 battle of Shiloh, while fighting for the l^nion, he 
 having been a member of a Wisconsin regiment. 
 Solomon was in Company G, 4th Wisconsin Cav- 
 alry, and served three years with credit. In 1861 
 the father of our subject moved with his family to 
 .Jackson County. Wis., and there he died in 1863. 
 
 He was a veteran nf the Mexican War. and was a 
 man of strict integrit}' and genuine worth. His 
 estimable wife, who has attained the advanced age 
 of eighty years, now makes her home here. 
 
 When our subject jarrived at man's estate the 
 great Civil War was raging in the .South, and he 
 resolved to enlist in the defense of the institutions 
 of his country, and he became a member of Com- 
 pany C, 4th Michigan Infantry, and w.as in active 
 service for three years. He took part in the bat- 
 tles of Bull Run (1st), Newl)ridge, Hanover Court- 
 House, Gaines' Mills, White Oak Swamp, Malvern 
 Hill. Harrison's Landing, Culpeper Court House, 
 Antietam, Shophcrdstown Ford, Chancellorsville, 
 F'redericksburg, Kelley's Ford, Mine Run, Pe.ach 
 Orchard, Gettysburg; and he was in all engage- 
 ments under Gen. Grant to Petersburg. Our sub- 
 ject was wounded at Malvern Hill by a ball in the 
 left lower leg. and also by buckshot in the left 
 thigh, the shot being in his jjerson yet. At Mal- 
 vern Hill he had three guns shot from his hands, 
 and a ball, passing through seventeen layers of his 
 blanket, knocked him down, stunning him, and he 
 was left for dead on the field of battle. His death 
 was reported to his friends at home, who mourned 
 him as dead, and held funeral services in honor of 
 his memorj', in .Sturgis. Both in camp and in the 
 field he proved himself to be a brave, capable sol- 
 dier, alwaj's read}' at the command of his Captain 
 to attempt any feat or dut}', no matter how difficult, 
 dangerous or disagreeable, obeying all orders with 
 promptness. After the war our subject returned to 
 Michigan and engaged in the trade of brickmason, 
 going to Hillsdale in 1869 in pursuit of that call- 
 ing. In 1881 he returned to Sturgis, and established 
 himself in his present business with Mr. Evans. 
 The}- are doing well in their line, and have a large 
 patronage. By honest industry and shrewd manage- 
 ment our subject has acquired a comfortable cou)- 
 petence, and he and his family have a cozy and at- 
 tractive home. 
 
 Mr. Kaiser and Helen Barton w-ere united in mar- 
 riage .luly 3, 1865. She is a woman of fine char- 
 acter, a sincere Christian, and a devoted wife 
 and friend. She w-as born in the State of New 
 York, in Wayne County. May 9, 1843. She is the 
 daughter of Josiah and Susana Barton, of Hills- 
 
*► ■ "»i" 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 >«► 
 
 485 
 
 dnlo, .Mich., and the youngest of a family of nine 
 chiiilron. Iler parents were dpvotcd Christians, 
 anil strict nicnibcrs of the Kpiscopal C'hnrch. Her 
 father is still living in Hillsdale, Mich. 
 
 Mr. Kaiser is prominently identified with the G. 
 A. R., .-IS Commander of the local post in Stnrgis, 
 and he is a mem her of the orders of K. of P. and 
 K. of L. He and his wife are active members of 
 the Kpiscopal Church, he having united with that 
 church seventeen years ago. 
 
 'V^ 
 
 ^^^^^;^^^i^ 
 
 •f 
 
 most desirable farms within its bounds, said farm 
 being pleasantly and advantageously located on sec- 
 tion H, .Slurgis Township. Mr. Hil' was born in 
 Pennsylvania. March 2.j, 1835, but though a native 
 of the Keystone State, but vcrj- little of his life was 
 passed there, as when he was still in his infancy his 
 parents became pioneers of this Slate, and here he 
 was mostly reared. 
 
 The parents of our subject. Thomas and Mary 
 (Peak) Hill, were natives of Kngland, and were 
 reared and married in the land of their nativit^v. 
 In the year 1830 they left their home and friends 
 in Derbyshire, and emigrating to the United States, 
 settled in Pennsylvania, where they lived until 1 H3G. 
 In that year they came with their family to Michi- 
 gan. After living for awhile in Tecumseh. Lenawee 
 County, in the fnllowing year. 1837, they removed 
 to a tract of land in Sturgis Township, which land 
 is now owned and occupied by .John Sturgis. The 
 country was then in a wild, sparsely settled c«indi- 
 tion, with but few improvements, as the climate and 
 Soil had been so misre|)resented as to retard emi- 
 gration to what afterward proved a veritable ganlen 
 spot. With the exception of one year spent in Illi- 
 nois, moving there in 1838, and returning to this 
 place in 1831). Mr. Hill and his wife >pent the re- 
 mainder <if their lives here, the father dying in the 
 fall of IH74. and the mother passing away in 1H78. 
 They were hehl in universal respect, not only as 
 pioneers of St. Jose])h County, but for their many 
 fine personal qualities. Of their marriage thirteen 
 
 ,SKCK HILL, a practical, successful member 
 l^ of the farming coniuiunitj- of St. .Joseph 
 1 ^ — ^ County, has one of the best managed and 
 
 children were born, nine of whom are living, namelj' : 
 Mar}-, Mrs. Denio; Klizabeth, Mrs. Hunn; George, 
 John; Jane, Mrs. Jacobs; Rolterl; Ellen. Mrs. Doug- 
 las; Kseck and Thomas. 
 
 Eseck Hill was educated in the common schools 
 of St. Joseph County, and when a j'oung man 
 learned the mason's trade. The same enterprising 
 pioneer spirit that had led his parents to cross the 
 seas more than a quarter of a century before, to 
 found a new home in the wilds of Pennsylvania, 
 and then to iMichigan. moved our subject to trv 
 life on the wild |)rairies of some still newer .Suite, 
 and in 1859 we find him in Iowa Count}-, Iowa, 
 which was then a desolate region, where wild ani- 
 mals roamed at will, and the Indians ma<le their 
 home, there being but few white settlements there. 
 For one j-ear he assisted in the management of a 
 hotel in the village of Homestead for the benefit of 
 the emigrants and such other travelers as found 
 their way to that part of the countiy. He then 
 bought some land, which he farmed somewhat, al- 
 though he still worked at his trade most of the 
 time. Hut the State where he had been reared 
 possessed stronger attracticms for him than the 
 Hawkeye State, and in 18G3 he returned to this 
 township, and has evei- since made his home here. 
 He was actively and profiUibly engaged in the ma- 
 son's trade until 1874, when he removed to the vil- 
 lage to engage in the lumber business, which he 
 carried on for two years. At the expiration of 
 tliat time he accepted a position as conductor on 
 the supply train of the Grand Rapids A- Indiana 
 Railroad when it was being constructed, and be 
 acted in that capacitj' for one season. He then 
 turned his attention to tiie grocery business in .Stur- 
 gis. Later he went to Illinois to run a supply train 
 on the Chicago. Danville ik Vincennes Railroad 
 for three nioulbs. when he returned to Sturgis Vil- 
 lage. The next year he removed to his farm on 
 section 7, this township, and in the spring of 1881 
 settled on his present farm, where he has since made 
 his home. He has made many valuable improve- 
 ments, among which is a substantial set of build- 
 ings, comprising a handsome .and commoil ions brick 
 residence, on which he did all the mason work him- 
 self, and a fine frame barn. His land is under a<l- 
 mirable tillage, and its rich soil yields Abundant 
 
 
>► i r^ 
 
 486 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 harvests. His farm comprises 189 acres, and he has 
 a. half-interest in a farm of IGO ac-res in Sliennan 
 Townsliip. Mr. Hill, besiiles attending to the man- 
 agement of his own propertj', is administrator of his 
 brother William's estate, and a guardian for one of 
 his children, Ida Morris. 
 
 January 1, 1856, Mr. Hill and Miss Eliza Hib- 
 bard were united in the bonds of matrimony. Mrs. 
 Hill was born in 1835, in York Stale, Cattaraugus 
 County, and is a daughter of Arunah and Rachel 
 Hibbard, of Sturgis. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are the 
 parents of seven children, six of whom live, as fol- 
 lows: Nellie, Dora L., Charles, Harry W., Jennie 
 M. and Ktlu'l G. Nellie married Porter Garter, of 
 Sioux Fails, Dak., and they have one child, Lineus; 
 Dora is the wife of George Garter, of the same 
 city; Charles, who lives in Sturgis, married Miss 
 Ilattie W. Wallace, and the}- have two children — 
 Wallace A. and Hazel .M. 
 
 Mr. Hill is an unassuming, frank, kindly man, 
 and by his tact and consideration in his dealings 
 with others he has won the favor and liking of his 
 neighbors, who regard him with thorough respect 
 and reliance. Besides [jossessing those traits in a 
 high degree that mark hiin an honest man and a 
 good citizen, he combines forethought and sagacity 
 with those qualities of thrift, prudence and steadi- 
 ness of purpose that have made him prosperous. 
 He and his wife are prominent socially, and he is a 
 member of the Commander^' in the Masonic fra- 
 ternity. 
 
 h^ ILTON H. ANDER.SON.attorney-at-law. is 
 /// IV a prominent and influential citizen of Stur- 
 gis. where he has a large and remunerative 
 law practice. He was born in St. Joseph, 
 Mo., Aug. 21, 1859. He is of mingled Scotch and 
 German origin, some of his ancestors having set- 
 tled in the United States in Colonial days, and the 
 Andei-son family has since taken an important part 
 in National affairs, seventeen of its members having 
 represented their respective districts in Congress, 
 and two of the family having been mfnibers of the 
 United States Senate. Samuel Anderson, the pater- 
 nal grandfather of our subject, from whom some of 
 the weallhitst families of Lagrange County. Ind., 
 
 have descended, was a pioneer of that county, and 
 built the first frame house there, in 1832. His son 
 Hiram, the father of our subject, was the first white 
 child born in Lagrange County, Ind., and there he 
 was reared to manhood. He married Miss Marj- E. 
 Miles, who was born in Jefferson County*, near 
 Watertown. N. Y.,in 183.'). She is the daughter of 
 the late William Miles, and great-granddaughter of 
 Samuel Miles, who was a soldier in the Revolution- 
 ary War, and loaned the Government a large sum 
 of money to .assist in pa^'ing the soldiers who fought 
 so nobly in that struggle for freedom and independ- 
 ence. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Ander- 
 son took place in .St. Joseph, Mo., in 1854, and of 
 their union three chihlren were born, namely: Al- 
 lie and Mollie, both deceased, and our subject. Mr. 
 Anderson was a representative man and a promi- 
 nent citizen of St. Joseph, where he continued to 
 reside until his death, in 1859. Mrs. Anderson, who 
 now lives in Odebolt, Sac Co., Iowa, was again mar- 
 ried, in 1864, to Mr. John Fraley, a hardware mer- 
 chant of that place, and of her second marriage two 
 children have been born : William II., a clerk in the 
 American House, St. Joseph, and Leona. 
 
 Our subject spent the first thirteen yeai-s of his 
 life in his native city, attending its public schools: 
 he then went with his mother and stepfather to 
 DeWitt, Clinton Co., Iowa, where he entered the 
 High School, from which he was subsequently grad- 
 uated, with a good record for scholarship. In the 
 winter of 1876-77 our subject took a regular course 
 of stud\- at Bryant ir Stratton's Commercial College, 
 at Davenport. Iowa, and at the same time attended 
 a course of law lectures. The following spring he 
 entered the law olflce of K. W. Wheeker, of De- 
 Witt, as a stu<lent. and in the spring of 1870 he 
 was admitted to the bar of Iowa. In October, 1 880, 
 our subject went to .St. Joseph, Mo., and entered 
 the law office of ex-Gov. Woodson, with whom he 
 remained one year. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Anderson to Miss Libbie, 
 daughter of the late John Barr, was celebrated in 
 Sturgis, Sept. 12, 1881. In the fall of that. year 
 our subject established himself in business in La- 
 grange County, Ind., but his wife's health having 
 failed he removed to Traverse City, Mich., where 
 he remained until 1883. In the fall of that year 
 
■» ll ^» i " 
 
 II 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ■•►Hl-^ 
 
 487 
 
 Mr. BniT. fatlicr f>f Mrs. Anderson, havinfi (licH.he 
 returned to Lajjr.nnfje Connty with liis family to 
 lake cli!ir<;e of tiie estate, and remained lliere until 
 it was settled. In the spring of 1885 Mr. Ander- 
 son came t<j Sturgis, whieh he has since made his 
 home, and opened an office here for the practice of 
 his prt)fession. and was admitted to the bar of 
 Michigan in 1 8K.'>. He is the representative for 
 JSturgis of the Williamson Legal Directtjry and Col- 
 lecting Agency of New York City, also general 
 agent for Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana 
 for the Manufacturers' Accident Insurance C'oin- 
 pan3', and general agent for the American Building 
 and Loan .Vssociation for the Suite of Michigan. 
 Mr. Anderson is a member of the M.nsonic frater- 
 nity, and also of the Y. M. C. A., of Sturgis. 
 
 Our suliject is a man of keen, searching intellect, 
 and has a marked genius for unraveling the knotty' 
 points of law. and is steadily gaining a fine reputa- 
 tion for legal ability. He already enjo_vs a lucra- 
 tive practice, which is steadily increasing, and has 
 been retained as counsel on some of the most im- 
 portant cases tried in the courts of Mis-sonri and 
 Indiana, as well as of Michigan. Mr. Anderson has 
 always, and repeatedly, declined to allow his name 
 to be used in political conventions as a candidate 
 for public office, _vet he is a stanch Republican and 
 an active worker in that party. 
 
 ■ — ^•2at''.'5J4@-»^@fe.»®(^a<^OT»~-w>~ 
 
 T^KN.IAMIN C. BICK. To this gentleman 
 l^\ bchmgs the distinction of being the oldest 
 /J)i it settler of Sturgis. He has been identified 
 ^•iS^ with the rise and progress of St. .losepli 
 County from the verj' beginning, and as a repre- 
 scnl<itivc pioneer we are pleased to give a place in 
 this Ai.iu'M to his biography. Our suliject and his 
 father, (ieorge Buck, who (igiircs in the history of 
 this part of the county as one of ius early, well- 
 known pioneers, came here in 182.S, and the latter 
 built the first ho»i»c ever erected in this township. 
 He lived a little over three weeks in a tent while 
 buihiing the house on the edge of the prairie. It 
 was a primitive cabin, made wilii uiiliewe<l logs, 
 with a slick and clay chimney, shakes for a roof, 
 with knees and |K>les for weiglits lo keep it on. and 
 
 the one room had a dirt floor, and a blanket for a 
 door. Our sulijecl's brother. Col. Philip H. Buck, 
 an otlicer in the Black Hawk War, surve^-ed and 
 laid out the town of Sturgis in 18.36. 
 
 Our subject has lived here since 1828, a period of 
 more than sixty years, and for a long time he was a 
 leading farmer of the place, but for the past thirty 
 years he has been extensively cng.iged in the stock 
 and produce business. Besides the property that he 
 owns in .Sturgis Mr. Buck owns a farm in Nebraska 
 of 320 acres, finely' located in the most productive 
 region in Butler County. 
 
 Benjamin C. Buck was born in Erie County, N. 
 Y., Sept. 8, 181'J. His father w.is born in Kingston, 
 and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Her- 
 she}', was born in Lancaster. Pa. The father was 
 killed in a well with one Mr. Waterman in the sum- 
 mer of 1829. leaving a widow with eight children, 
 and the boys had to work hard to make a living, 
 and two of them, Philip and Peter, took an active 
 part ill the Black Hawk War. The mother of our 
 subject died in 1862. 
 
 When the Bucks came to this part of the country 
 it was a vast wilderness, scarcely an}' attempts hav- 
 ing been made to reclaim it, and there was but one 
 family here, and that was in Fawn River Township, 
 that of .Judge .John Sturgis, for whom this place was 
 named. Our subject loved the hunt, and was an 
 expert in the use t)f the rifle, and there was plenty 
 of game here for him to exercise his skill on, such 
 as deer, turkeys and prairie chickens. Wolves were 
 often seen and heard, but he never succeeded in 
 killing any bears. He early gained a practical cx- 
 l)ericnce of the hard labors of a pioneer, and being 
 a great worker undoubtedly performed his share of 
 the har<l task of clearing aw.-iy the forests, draining 
 the swarnps and preparing the land for culture, in 
 lime becoming a skillful fanner, and contributing 
 greatly to the advanccmcnl of agriculture in Sturgis 
 Township. He is classed among the best citizens 
 of St. .Joseph County, he having been eminently 
 successful in his career a« a business man, and inde- 
 [lendent in his enterprises, as well as energetic in 
 carrying them ouL 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Buck and Miss Adelia 
 Green took place Aug. 7, 1841. Mrs. Buck, who 
 was a most estimable lady, was a native of New 
 
 i- 
 
•^1^^ 
 
 488 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 
 York State, and was born in Alleganj' Count}'. Her 
 parents, Alfred and Alfredia (Peek) Green, were 
 natives of tlie Slate of New York. Tiie union of 
 Mr. and Mrs. Buck was blessed to them by the birth 
 of nine children, .as follows: Marion, Isabel, Charles, 
 Estulla, George, Fred, Frank. Katie (deceased) 
 and Sil.is. Marion married Jasper La Dow, and 
 they have two children. Lulu and Herbie; Isabel 
 married Charles E. Stovve, and they have one child, 
 Flora; Charles B., who is the pro|)rielor of the 
 Elliott House in Sturgis, ni!urie<l Miss Ella Cole, 
 and tlicy have one child, llermie; Estella married 
 El win Murdock; George, who lives in Rising City, 
 Nel).. married Miss Edna Rising, and they have one 
 child. Clarence; Fred, who lives in Chicago, mar- 
 ried iMiss Emma Bell, and the}' have two children, 
 Loi P. and Earl B., twins; Frank, who lives in Chi- 
 cago, raarrii'il .Miss Lottie Gt)re. and they have one 
 child, Roila; Silas, wiio lives in Chicago, married 
 Miss Blanclie Gray, wlio died, leaving him one 
 child, Kiina G. The first wife of our subject died 
 in August. 1866, leaving manj' friends to mourn the 
 loss of a kind-hearted, virtuous woman of many 
 amiable qualities. 
 
 Mr. Buck's marriage to his present wife occurred 
 May 19, 18i>9. .She is a true helpmate and com- 
 panion, devoting herself to her husband's iutei'ests 
 most assiduously. Mrs. Buck's maiden name was 
 Hannah Ann Kelley, and she is a daughter of Har- 
 rison and Xanc}' (Edgar) Kellej', and was born in 
 Marion Count}'. Ohio. Her father w.is an early pio- 
 neer of Burr Oak Township, of wliicli he is still an 
 honored citizen, and he has attained the venerable 
 age of ninety-two 3'ears. The mother passed to 
 spirit life in March, 1887, at the age of ninetj' 
 years. 
 
 Our subject made his mark in .St. Joseph Count}' 
 when it was a new country, coming here when its 
 vast, primeval forests, which have mostly disap- 
 peared before the ax of the pioneer and the 
 wooilsman, were the home of the Indians. He has 
 materially assisted in the growth and advancement 
 of this locality, and long after he shall have become 
 a disembodied spirit, his memory and name will be 
 cherished and reverenced for the part he has taken 
 in its upbuihling. He is a man of weight and inllu- 
 ence in business circles, as his transactions are con- 
 
 -<•- 
 
 ducted by strictly legitimate methods, and his in- 
 tegrity is inflexible. He never seeks ofUcial h<uiors, 
 but has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Con- 
 stable, Township Treasurer, and he was Postmaster 
 under Taylorand Fillmore's administrations, and at 
 the same time was telegraph operator on the old 
 Snow's line from Chicago to Monroe. Politically, 
 he afniiates with the Republicans. He is President 
 of the Harmonial .Society, and an ex[)onent of the 
 belief that the spirits of the dead remain on earth, 
 and that ".Man is the highest grade of intellisence." 
 
 -~w«v«iije£;©^@«»^^^g->KSJ.a/Z'3'Ti»>»' 
 
 I^ORM G. COOPER. . 
 
 [| jV have contributed to tl 
 iy.^) the busine-ss interests 
 
 (i;^t\ORM G. COOPER. Among the men who 
 
 the bone and sinew of 
 s of Sturgis. the citi- 
 zens of th.at place recognize in ^Mr. Cooper no un- 
 important factor. A native of Waterloo, N. Y.. 
 he was born July 5, 1838, of the tribe of Levi. 
 The family removed to Fulton, N. Y., and young 
 Norman entered upon his business career peddling 
 newspapers. .\ little later he commenced .an ap- 
 prenticeship at the jewelers' trade, an<l finally went 
 to H.annibal. JIo.. with his employer, in 18.')(). 
 
 After a brief jieriod spent on the other side of 
 the Mississippi tiur subject returned to his home in 
 the Empire State, sojourning both at Hannibal and 
 Red Creek. About this time occurred the outbreak 
 of the Rebellion, and our subject enlisted as a Union 
 soldier in Company F. 24th New York Infantry, 
 in ^lay. 1861, under the first call for trooi)S. He 
 met the enemy in battle and continued with his 
 regiment until shot in the right arm and also taken 
 prisoner at the second Bull Run fight. Aug. 29, 
 1861. He was fxchanged in a few months and 
 joined his regiment, after which he w.as presented 
 with a Lieutenant's commission. He w.as mustered 
 out in ^lay. 186.'J. and rei)airing to his native 
 county engaged in the jewelry business and cloth- 
 ing trade at Red Creek. 
 
 In 1867 Jlr. Cooper ch.anged the scene of his 
 operations to Burr Oak. Mich., opening a store 
 with jewelry and sewing-machines. Later he sold 
 out and came to .Sturgis. taking up his residence 
 here about 1880, and engaged in the life, fire in- 
 surance and pension business. AVe next find him 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 48a 
 
 uc'cupyiiis; the editorial eliair of the Coffee Cooler, 
 a paper mostly devoleil to the interests of the (1. 
 A. K. 
 
 Mr. t'ooper is identified with the Masonic fra- 
 tiMiiity, and ha.'* oceiipied the various olHcei^ of his 
 1(m1<,'c, lu'lnji; Tasl .Masler of Ka<jle l,odj;:e No. 121, 
 at Ihirr t)ak, Past (irand of Sturgis Prairie Lodge, 
 I. (). (). P., and a meniherof the C'hapt<>r in Sturgis. 
 He is prominently iilentified with the (J. A. P.. be- 
 ing Paiit Inspector of the Michigan Department, 
 P.T-st Commander of A. H. Sturges Post No. 7.3, 
 aid on the staff of Coninian<UT-in-C'hief William 
 Warner, and also aid on the staff of Commander- 
 in-Chief Oeorge 15. Ahbott, Sons of A'eterans, ('. 
 S. A.; also Captain of Woo<l Camp No. Ill, Stur- 
 gis. Mr. Cooper is often invited to speak at camp 
 fires and other gatherings of the Sons of ^■eterans. 
 being a fluent talker and iwssessing eloquence in a 
 marked degree. It is hardly* necessary* to say that 
 he is an ardent Kepublican and is also interested in 
 the success of the temperance movement. 
 
 Mr. Cooper was married at t^uincy, this .State, in 
 18G(i. to Miss Lucelia A. C^uereau. They have a 
 daughter and son: Ethel A., aged (1H89) sixteen 
 years, and Leon N., nearl_v fifteen. Mr. Cooi>er 
 observes that he " mjinages to keep prior but some- 
 what respectable." Certain it is, however, that he 
 manages to maintain a jjosition of popularity 
 among his townspeople, and forms a member of the 
 body politic with which they could not very well 
 dispense. 
 
 ' oii6 ' 
 
 '^^ ^ HS. JANE VANDERMARK. There are 
 few residents of .Meiidon Village and vicin- 
 ity unacquainted with the name of this es- 
 timable lad}-, who occupies a beautiful 
 home, and is the owner of valuable property in the 
 township. A lady of culture and refinement, and 
 possessing a good education, she represents the bet- 
 ter element of this county, to which she came in 
 the d.ays of its early ilevelopnit'nt. She has walche<l 
 with warm interest the growth of Southern Michi- 
 gan, and as the wife of one of its most prominent 
 men assisted by her encouragement and influence 
 in his labors toward bringing a portion of its 
 territorv to a stale of cullivnlion. ercctinjj tlirrcdn 
 
 a comfortable homestead and accumulating a gener- 
 ous portion of this world's goods. The main 
 points in a history of more than ordinary interest 
 are as follows : 
 
 Mrs. Vandermark was born Dec. 24, 1S17, in 
 Murray, Orleans Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of 
 Joel and Clarissa (Reed) Warren, who were natives 
 respectivel}' of Vermont and Connecticut. The 
 father in early manhood learned the trade of car- 
 penter, and was a skilled mechanic, becoming in 
 due time an architect of excellent reputation. He 
 emigrated to Michigan in 1848, anti subsequently 
 turned his attention mostly to farming. When 
 about forty years old he met with an accident 
 which rendered him a crippli; for life, but such was 
 his courage and energy that he was enabled to 
 carrj' on this business successfully and proviile a 
 good living for his fanidy. His death look place 
 at the homestead in Holly ,Oakland Count}', in 18G3, 
 when he was sixty-three years old. His wife, the 
 mother of Mrs. V., died in the fall of 1872, at the 
 same place. 
 
 To the parents of our subject there was born a 
 family of eleven children. These were named re- 
 spectively: Adeline, Jane, Erastus, Charles, Lemuel, 
 Joseph, George, Mar}', Sarah, Rhoda A. and Al- 
 mira. 
 
 The childhood and 3'outh of Mrs. Vandermark 
 were spent under the parenUd nxjf, and on the 2."5d 
 of February, 1837, she was united in marriage with 
 John Vandermark. They started in .September 
 following for Michigan, which had then been a Sute 
 but a few inonlhj, having been admilled to the 
 Union in January of that year. They made the 
 journey by water, canal and Lake Erie to Detroit, 
 and thence overland by leam to this count}'. Mr, 
 V. purchased forty acres of land in Mendon Town- 
 ship, only one acre of which had been disturbed by 
 the plowshare. The Indians still lingered in this 
 vicinity, and their white neighbors were few and 
 far between. Mr. Vandermark put up a log cabin, 
 and the young pe<)i)l(' commenced the journey of 
 life together with little ca|)itnl save their affection 
 for each other, their courageous hearts and willing 
 hands. They experienced llie usual hard>hips and 
 privations of pioneer life, and lived upon their first 
 purchase ten years. Mr. Vandermark then selling 
 
 ■•►■ 
 
J. 
 
 490 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 out purchased 155 acres in Leonidas Township, 
 where he improved a fine farm, whicli is still in the 
 possession of liis widow and children. Upon this 
 has been erected a substantial set of frame build- 
 ings, including three barns and a modern residence. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Vanderraark occupied that liomestead 
 a period of nearly fortj' years, and in the autumn 
 of 1883, retiring from the more active labors of 
 life took up their abode in the village, where the 
 death of Mr. Vandermark occurred Oct. 9, 1886, 
 after an illness of five j-ears, during which he liad 
 at times been a great sufferer. 
 
 John Vandermark was born in Marble Township, 
 Ulster Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1813. where he acquired 
 a common-school education and was reared to man- 
 hood. He followed farming all his life, and after 
 coming to Michigan was greatly prospered in his 
 labors and accounted pne of the leading farmers of 
 St. Jose))!) Count}'. He was a very benevolent 
 man and a father to the poor, giving of his means to 
 those less fortunate and never turning awaj' from 
 his door anyone who was in need. He was a con- 
 scientious men) tier of the Democratic party, a man 
 decided in his views, and one who advocated his 
 principles with all the strength of his character. 
 Genial and hospitable, he is kindl}' remembered by 
 hosts of friends, and passed away iu peace with full 
 hope of a blessed hereafter. We gladly copj' 
 from a sketch of Mr. Vandermark wliii-li appeari'd 
 in a local paper at the time of his death. This 
 clearly shows the estimation in which he was held 
 by his neighbors : 
 
 " Our esteemeil fellow-townsman is no more. He 
 passed away iieacefully and quictlj", after giving 
 full directions as to the preparations for his funeral, 
 which he desired to take place quietly- and without 
 ostentation. He was held in highest esteem by all 
 wIkj knew him, and alw.ays proved to be a worth}' 
 citizen, kind neighbor, husband and father, as well 
 as of industrious, economical and regul:ir habits. 
 John Vandermark was born in Ulster County, N. 
 Y., Jan. 6, 1813. He went to Orleans Count}', N. 
 Y., in 1835, was married Feb. 23. 1837, to Jane 
 Warren, and in the following September moved to 
 Michigan, in this county, an<l first settled in Men- 
 don. He lived on the jn-airie, just across the town 
 line in Lconidiis Town.-hip. on a farm which he 
 
 developed, improved and occupied since the year 
 1847, leaving the farm only to occupy a fine 
 residence in this place, where he finally breathed 
 his last. His occupation was f.irming during all 
 these years. The fruits of his marriage were but 
 two children ; one of them, the late Mrs. Charles 
 Cattell, departed this life about seven years ago. 
 The elder daughter, Mrs. John Simpson, still sur- 
 vives him. The funeral was very largely attended, 
 and the general verdict is Mendon has lost one of 
 her most highly respected citizens. His aged con- 
 sort still survives him, and has the S} mpathy of this 
 entire community in her bereavement, though she 
 is well provided for, and has hopes of living some 
 years yet to enjoy the fruits of their joint industry 
 and economy." 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Vanderraark there were born 
 two children only: Lydia A. is now the wife of 
 John Simpson, a farmer in good circumstances, 
 carrying on agriculture successfully in Nottawa 
 Township; they have three children — Alice, Will- 
 iam and Klwin; Marion, the younger daughter, be- 
 came the wife of Charles Cattell, and died at her 
 home in Mendon Township, June 4, 1879; she left 
 three children, two daughters and a son — Addie, 
 Agnes and John C. Marion w.as born April 4, 
 1844, an<l was married March 8, 1871. 
 
 ^^EORGE DUNNING, a prominent farmer of 
 Sturgis, has for nearly thirty years been act- 
 
 _ ively identified with the agricultural inter- 
 ests of St. Joseph County, and is a most worthy 
 representative of the cl.ass which has done so much 
 for its development and for the jjroujotion of its 
 nijiterial prosperity. 
 
 Mr. Dunning wjis born in Penfield Township. 
 Monroe Co.. N. Y., Sept. IG, 181(5, coming of a 
 good New England .incestry. His paternal grand- 
 father, Martin Dunning, w.as the son of an English- 
 man, wlio was one of three brothers who came to 
 America before the Revolution, and cist in their 
 lot with the Colonists. The Hon. .losiah Dunning, 
 one of the early Governors of Indiana, was a lineal 
 descendant of one of the historical three brothers 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 491 
 
 just mentioned. Amos l)iiniiin<>:. tlic father of our 
 sulijorl. w:is horn in \'onnonl, and ln'cnnic jiti i-jirly 
 settler of Monroe County, and at one time could 
 have bought the city of Hoche.ster for %')()(). He 
 actively assisted in the development of the sur- 
 rounding country from the wilderness that in those 
 d.nvs prevailed in Western and Central New York. 
 
 Our suliject receive<l a substantial education in 
 his native county, and w.as thus ampiv fitted for a 
 teacher, which profession he adopted as an avoca- 
 tion, teachini;, however, but a short time, prefer- 
 ring to devote himself to his calling lus a fanner. 
 In 1846 he moved to Chautauqua County, in his 
 native State, and thence came to this county in 
 .\pril. 18G(I. He immediately purchased his pres- 
 ent ])lace of residence, and ha.s lived there ever 
 since. By persistent and well-directed industry, 
 combined with sound judgment and prudence, he 
 has improved one of the finest and most desirable 
 farms in St. Joseph Countv. It comprises 160 acres 
 of exceedingly fertile soil, which he cultivates after 
 the most ajjproved methods. He lia.s erected a 
 (■ommodit)\is and well-appointed house, a fine barn 
 and other substantial farm buildings, and hn.s his 
 farm well supplietl with nioflern machinery for 
 lightening l.ibor. .Mr. Dunning is in prosperous 
 circumstances, and is numbered among the solid, 
 well-to-do citizens of the county. 
 
 ( )ur subject and Miss Maria Shoccraft were united 
 in niarri.ige Jan. 8, 1840. and thus for nearly half 
 a century they have traveled life's journey together, 
 dividing its sorrows and doubling its joys. Mrs. 
 Dunning is a daughter of John Shoecraft, a native 
 of .Monroe County. X. Y.. where she was also born. 
 Of her happy wedded life with our subject five 
 children have been born, four of whom are spared 
 to blftss their declining years: Laura; Albert B.. a 
 prominent attornej' of Sturgis, v( whom .see sketch 
 on another jMige; Frank .V. and Marion. Helen, 
 the youngest, died at the .ige of twenty-seven years. 
 She was engage<I to be married to .lames M. (iuffv. 
 natural gas dealer of Pittsburgh. Pa. Laura mar- 
 ried (Jeorge flartlner. of this township, and they 
 have two children: Matie. a prominent school 
 tesicher. and Bertie. Mary married Hubert Heed, 
 of Sturgis, and they have one child, Bertie. 
 
 Mr. Dunning is well gifted mentally, [xjssesses 
 
 rare stability of character, and is in every w.ay an 
 invahi;il)le citizen. His fellow-townsmen, regard- 
 ing him as a man particularly well endowed with 
 strong common .sense and other attributes that con- 
 duce to success in public life, have often besought 
 him to take some otlice within their gift, and with- 
 out his seeking otticial honors he has had them 
 thrust upon him. so to speak, .as they have often 
 elected him without his knowledge or consent to 
 some position, and thus he became Highway Com- 
 missioner ill 1882, and served elHciently one term. 
 He and his family occup3- a high social position in 
 the community, and are known and beloved b}' a 
 large circle of friends. 
 
 -S- 
 
 -^<^ 
 
 -t- 
 
 i:^\ ILAS .STOW has l)Pen an important fuctiM' 
 in the iipl>uilding of .Sturgis, where he is 
 now prosperously engaged as a dealer in 
 produce, and in him the town (inds one of its 
 ablestand most trusty civic otHcers, he having held 
 the responsible position of Supervisor for eiglityears. 
 Our subject is a worthy descendant of well-known 
 New Englanil families, who settled in that part of 
 the country- when it was under Colonial govern- 
 ment. 
 
 Our subject is a native of the good old .State of 
 Connecticut, the land of steady habits and blue 
 laws, and the pretty town of Colebrook, in Litch- 
 field County, was the place of his birth, and April 
 20, 1817, the date thereof. He comes of a stalwart, 
 hardy, long-lived race. His father, Calvin .Stow, a 
 native of Mifldlelown, Conn.. lived to be seventy- 
 nine years old; his father's sister Lottie, Mrs. Bell, 
 died in Jefferson, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 188G, at 
 the remarkable .age of one hundred and four years, 
 and another sister, Katie. Mrs. Williams, of Bloom- 
 ington. 111., attaiiic<l the advanced age of one 
 hundred years before death claimed her. The pa- 
 ternal grandfather of our subject, Calvin Stow, was 
 a native of Kngland. Our subject's mother, whose 
 maiden name was Esther De Wolfe, was o{ French 
 ancestry, but the family made their appearance in 
 New England prior to the Hevolulion. in which 
 war her father. Daniel De Wolfe, was a gallant sol- 
 dier. Our subject's father in early life was a car- 
 
 ■*► 
 
.► i r^ 
 
 492 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 penter and joiner bj* trade, and followed that calling 
 until he was fifty-five or sixty years old. when he 
 turned his attention to farming. To him and his wife 
 were born nine children, of whom the following grew 
 to maturity': William, Edward, Charles, Harriet, 
 Mary, Cornelia, Silas and Emilj', the latter dying 
 after reaching womanhood, leaving a family of cliil- 
 dren. 
 
 Silas Stow grew to manhood amid the scenery 
 of his native county, and received an excellent 
 education, the Connecticut schools even in that day 
 being famous for their superiority. After leaving 
 school he worked two years in a chair factory in 
 Barkhamsted, in his native count}', and then went 
 to Hartford, in the same State, to act as clerk in tl\e 
 dry-gooils store of Bowles, Sexton & Co., on Siloara 
 street, and during the seven years that he remained 
 in their employ he traveled quite extensivel}' for 
 the firm. At one time they sent him into Michigan 
 on a collecting tour, and he was infatuated with 
 this country, and resolved to settle in St. Joseph 
 County if he should ever come AVest. In 1846 our 
 subject entered into business on his own account, 
 and building a chair factory in Middleville, N. Y., 
 ran it two j-ears. In 1848 he moved to Montville, 
 Ohio, and erected a chair factory- in that town. 
 In 18."»0 he traded it for a farm, but in 18.54 he re- 
 sumed till' manuf.acturing of chairs, coming to Sturgis 
 and building and operating a factory in this place 
 for several years, employing from Mty to sixty 
 hands and doing a large business. During the war 
 he exchanged his factor}' for a farm in Barry 
 County, this State, and for some land in Minnesota. 
 In the latter part of the war he bought cavalry 
 horses for the United States Government. He era- 
 barked in his present business in 18G7. 
 
 Our subject was married, Oct. 20, 1840, to Mary 
 L., daughter of Elisha and Catherine (,Coe) Ran- 
 som, natives of Connecticut. They are both de- 
 ceased. Mrs. Stow was born in Sherburne, N. Y., 
 Dec. 29, 1815. Her union with our subject has 
 been a happy one, extending over a period of nearly 
 fifty j'ears. and ii has been blessed to them by tlie 
 birth of two children — Franklin N. and Charles E. 
 The latter, who married Isabella Buck, lives in 
 Chicago, and to him and his wife has come one 
 chilli, Flora; Fnmklin is a commission merchant at 
 
 No. 138 South Water street, Chicago, 111.; he mar- 
 ried Sophia Buck, and the}' have two children liv- 
 ing — Jessie and Franklin G. Their son Philip S.. 
 who died at the .age of nineteen, was a promising 
 j-oung man of high character, and was bright and 
 well educated. 
 
 Mr. Stow has been an invaluable citizen of Stur- 
 gis since his advent here thirty-five years ago. He 
 has taken a hearty interest in extending its business 
 and commercial relations with the outside country, 
 and has ever lent his influence to all good schemes 
 for its advancement. He is not a member of any 
 church, but contributes generously to the supjiorl 
 of religious institutions. His charitj' and benevo- 
 lence are well known, and his means are heavily 
 taxed to relieve the sufferings of the unfortunate and 
 downtrodden. He is an unassuming man, and cares 
 not for the emoluments and honors of public ofHce, 
 but was prevailed upon b}- his many friends to ac- 
 cept his present position of Supervisor, and for four 
 years he was a member of the Town Council. 
 While a resident of Ohio he was elected Justice of 
 the Peace, but refused to serve. He is a Mason, 
 and has been as high as the Commandery. 
 
 •'<««ii£'©^@'' — m 
 
 K4— >.'®^§W3'»> 
 
 ENJAMIN F. WEINBERG. This name 
 will be recognized as belonging to one of 
 the finest old families of Pennsylvania. 
 The gentleman herein treated of is a most 
 worthy representative of his race, numbers of whom 
 are widely and favorably known throughout the 
 State of Penns3'lvania. His father, Samuel Wein- 
 berg, was born there, in Armstrong Count}', in 
 1812, and carried on farming until the removal to 
 Michigan in 1840. Here he located in Lockport 
 Township on the Buck farm, in the vicinity of 
 Three Rivers, but later removed to Park Town- 
 ship, where he lived three years, engaged in farm- 
 ing. Subsequently he changer! his residence to the 
 Lantz farm, which he operateil one year, then re- 
 turned to Park Township, purchasing farm prop- 
 erty, and sojourning there again three years. We 
 next find him in the vicinity of Three Rivers .again, 
 where he purchased a half-interest in a spoke and 
 
-4•- 
 
 •«► 
 
 •ST. .lOSKPlI COUNTY. 
 
 41)3 
 
 t 
 
 nx liniidle factorj-, the business of wliidi he con- 
 (Iiu'li'il two 3-ears. Upon with'lmwin^ from this 
 ill' piiivlinsccl r.'O acres of land in Flowerfiehl Town- 
 ship, on section 35. To this he suhsoqiiently adiled 
 twenty acres, making: a snnjj farm t)f 140 acres, 
 where, with the exception of three years, lie spent 
 tiie remainder of his life. During this interval he 
 was a resident of Tliree Rivers. His death took 
 place on the farm in Flowerfield Township, Sept. 
 30, 1887. 
 
 Mrs. Anne Klizal)etli (Orinder) Weinberg, the 
 mother of our subject, is also a native of Penn- 
 sylvania, and remains a resident of Three Rivers, 
 making her home with her son-in-law, William 
 Ilepler. The parental household included nine 
 children, one of whom died in infancy, and a daugh- 
 ter. Anne, died ut the age of thirty-five j'ears. The 
 others still survive: Adam G. is a mechanic, and 
 makes his home in Florida; Hiram is engaged in 
 butcherin<; and farming combined, and makes his 
 lK>rue in Flowerfield Township; Susan is the wife 
 of Dudley M. Francisco, who is carrying on a 
 livery business at Three Rivers; Hannah married 
 Frank lluffsmith, who is engaged as a farmer and 
 stock-buyer in Flowerfield Township; Ellen is the 
 wife of William Hepler, who is conducting a de- 
 livery business at Three Rivers; Kdwin Wesle3- is 
 a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Washington 
 Territory. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born on the banks 
 of the St. .Joseph River, in Lockport Township, 
 this county, Oct. 10, 1844. His childhood and 
 youth were spent at the old iKunestead, anil his 
 education was conducted in the common schools. 
 With the exception of five or six years spent as 
 clerk in a general store at Three Rivers, he has 
 mnile farming bis occupation. In 1873 he took up 
 his permanent residence on the old homestead. He 
 was married, Dec. lO, 1880, in Flowerfield Town- 
 ship, to Miss May Eeklei'. This lady was born in 
 ("learfield County, I'a., Sept. 2fi, 1 8.i,!. and is the 
 (laughter of .loseph and .Mary ( Reigle) Kckley, the 
 former of whom died when his daughter May was 
 an infant. The motlier was subsequently married 
 to Samuel Conser. They came to the West about 
 186a. and Mrs. Conser (lied in Flowerfield Town- 
 ship, May 11, 18m:{. Mr. C. nwikes his Innne with 
 
 his stepdaughter, and is now sixlj'-seven years old. 
 The mother was a member in good standing of the 
 Lutheran Church, To our subject and wife there 
 have been born four children : Toria, born Oct. 7, 
 1881; Winnifrid, June 2, 1883; Fern, Oct. 14, 
 1886; and an infant, born April 4, 1888. 
 
 The Weinberg homestead is located about five 
 miles northwest of Three Rivers, and comprises one 
 of the pleasantest places in this part of tiie county. 
 Our subject cast his first Presidential vote for Sey- 
 mour, and since that time has been a uniform sup- 
 porter of the Democratic party. His brother, Adam 
 G.. served sis a Union soldier in the late Civil War. 
 The family comprises one of the landmarks of St. 
 .Joseph County, to whose development and progress 
 they have contributed their full quota. 
 
 KIHEN II. ESTES. The fact that the sub- 
 ject of this sketch was tlie first man who 
 ever sowed clover .seed in .Mendon Town- 
 ship is sullicient indication that he is worthy 
 to rank among its honored pioneers. .Vfter years 
 of long and arduous labor, in which he was pros- 
 pere<l, he retired from the active duties of life, and 
 is now living amid the coinft)rts of a pleasant home 
 at Mendon. He first oiH?ned his eyes to the light 
 on the ruggtKl New England Cojist. in .Vugusta 
 County. Me., .March 27. 1817. anil is the son of Ben- 
 jamin and Sarah (Kirby) Estes, who were born and 
 reareil in the city of Boston. The father in early 
 manhood learned the trade of saddletree-maker, but 
 later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. 
 The |)arents spent their bust days in Livingston 
 County. N. Y.. the father dying in the fall of 1852. 
 Henjamin Estes \va.s a man of strong character, 
 decided in his views, antl w.a.s one of the most 
 worthy exponents of the <loctrines of the (.Quaker 
 Church, of which he was a chief pillar. A question 
 finally arose among the brethren concerning the 
 divinity of Christ; the father, clinging to bis old 
 belief, in which he had l)een reared from child- 
 hood, continued with th" old division of the Friends' 
 Cliun-h. with his estimable wife, until the day of his 
 death. The\' were people greatly- resiwcted in. their 
 community, and in their daily walk and conver-a- 
 ■► 
 
 r 
 
■^•- 
 
 4'J4 
 
 4- 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 tion were a(lmir.nl)le ex.ninjiles of the principles 
 wliich they professed. Tlieir fiimily included ten 
 ehildrcn. who were na'med respectively: Alice. Al- 
 len, Deborah, Hannah; Sarah, who died at the age 
 of five years; Eda. ISenjaniin, Roliert; Reuben II.. 
 our subject, and Tliomas. 
 
 Mr. Estes, of this sketch, was the nintli child of 
 his parents, and spent his boyhood and youth upon 
 the farm, acquiriuij' his education in tlie coninion 
 schools. Soon after reaching his majority he com- 
 menced farniiui;- on his own account in the vicinity 
 of Caledonia, Livingston Co.. N. Y., to which he 
 had removed with his parents about 1826. Two 
 years later. Feb. 12. 1840. he w.-is married to Jliss 
 Lydia l>ewe3'. Squire .\llen olliciatinsr. .Mrs. Estes 
 was born April 2, 1817. near I'tica. N. V.. .and was 
 orphaned by the death of botii parents when a little 
 child six years of age. She was then taken into the 
 home of a maternal aunt. Mrs. Wright, remaining 
 with her until her marriage. She. like our sul)ject. 
 in early years was a member of tlie (Quaker Church, 
 but Later they lioth iilcntitied themselves with the 
 Congregationalists. Of this union there were born 
 five children, namel^y: .Mice. Mrs. \Ve.slcy 1'. Cus- 
 tard, and the mother of two children; Almeron. a 
 resident of llartland. Niagara County; .Adelaide, 
 who died in New York State, in childliood; Arthur, 
 who died in 1853, and Eva, who died at the age of 
 thirteen years. Mrs. Lydia Estes de]iarted this life 
 at her home in Mcndon. Sept. 6, 1887. 
 
 Mr. Estes left the Empire State in the year 1853, 
 with a snug sum of money, and coming to Jlen- 
 don Township, this county, jjurcliased 313 acres of 
 land lying on sections 28 and 33. This jiroperty 
 he still retains. Later he jnirchased 157 acres of 
 his cousin, which he sold five years later for the 
 snug sum of 18,000. He has specul.ited consider- 
 ably in real estate, and in addition to his home 
 farm lias 302 .acres in Lj'onidas Township. About 
 1862 he added lOG acres to the homestead, which 
 now embraces 420 acres — one of tlie finest bodies 
 of laud in the county. He has eighty- -seven acres 
 in Kalamazoo County, and 246 acres on Nottawa 
 Prairie, making in all an estate of 1,04(! acres. 
 
 Mr. Estes in due time turned his attention to 
 the development of Mcmlon Village, in wliiili he 
 has been no unimportant factor. Here he lias a 
 
 business block and two fine dwellings, the latter 
 two stories in height and built of Milwaukee brick. 
 (Jur subject has assisted in tiie building of every 
 church in Meiidun A'illage. and various other enter- 
 jirises tending to its growth and develojimcnt uni- 
 formly receive his support. He labored industri- 
 ously lo have the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad 
 constructed through this place, and was congratu- 
 lated by numbers of citizens upon his success. Po- 
 litically, he is an advocate of prohibition, but cast 
 his vote for the grandson of old Tippecanoe during 
 the late election (1888). Sochally, he is a Royal 
 Arch Mason, and stands high among his brethren. 
 In noting men who have been important factors in 
 bringing St. Joseph County to her present condi- 
 tion, ^Ir. Estes is worth}' of more than passing 
 mention. 
 
 -<3= 
 
 =€>- 
 
 "T 
 
 <i|7 U'l'lIER r. WILCOX. Cashier of the Three 
 I (^ Rivei-s National Bank, and having the prin- 
 /*'— ^\ cipal management of the institution, which 
 is regarded as one of the most solid in the city, en- 
 gaged in banking in this place firet in 1883. He 
 came to Three Rivers in 1857. and was variously 
 occupied for a number of years thereafter. He wa.-< 
 born near St. Johnsville, Montgomery Co., N. Y., 
 Oct. 2. 1832. and is the son of Peter WiU-ox. a na- 
 tive of Vermont, who carried on merchandising in 
 Montgomery County. N. Y.. a numlier of years. 
 The mother, whose maiden name was Mary Youker. 
 was the daughter of George Youker, a veteran of 
 the Revolutionary War, and was also born in Mont- 
 gomery County. N. Y. The Wilcox family traces 
 its ancestry back to England, and Caleb >\'ilco.\, 
 the paternal grandfather of our subject, spent his 
 last years in \'ermont. 
 
 Peter Wilcox after his maiTiage settled in .Mont- 
 gomery County, N. Y., where he resided until 
 1837. when he removed to JetTerson County, in the 
 same State. In Jlay, 1852, he emigrated to Michi- 
 gan, locating with his family in Van Buren County, 
 but only lived thirty days thereafter, his death tak- 
 ing place in the following month. Tliere were six 
 children, three boys and three girls, in the parental 
 family, who are still living, and of whom our sub- 
 
 ^ •► 
 
>► ■ ^ « 
 
 ■•^H^-* 
 
 ST. JU.SKl'U C'UUNTV. 
 
 4yj 
 
 jei't was tlu" yoiiii'ji'jit of llu' lirotlior.*. Tlii'v aiv 
 mostly residents of Mieliij;!!)), with tlic cxcuptioii 
 of Nathnn. who is engaged in contracting in Ten- 
 lu'^isoc. One sister, S.irnli. is a resident of Wood- 
 Imrv County, Iowa. 
 
 The subject of this sketch \\:is twenty years of 
 aire when he came to Mii-higaii. and having re- 
 ceived a practical education, was comparatively 
 well fitted for the coming struggle of life. He had 
 commenced an apprenticeship at the carjienter's 
 trade when a youth of sixteen, and then learned 
 niillwrighting. which lie followed a numljcr of 
 _\ ears. Sulisecpicntly he went South, spending two 
 years in the States o( Tennes.see. ( Georgia and Ala- 
 bama. During that time he was engaged upon 
 (tovernment buildings and liridgcs. and upon re- 
 turning to 'I'hree Rivers engaged with jiartncrs in 
 the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, under 
 the firm name of .\rnold. Wilcox A: Co. lie w.a.s 
 thus occupied for a term of nine years, then sold 
 out, and was not in any active business for two 
 years thereafter. 
 
 Our subject in the year 1M77 was elected Sheriff 
 of St. .Joseph County on the Republican ticket, 
 serving two years. I'pon retiring from this otiice 
 he crossed the Mississippi into I>akot;i 'I'erritory, 
 where he s|>eculated in lands considerably, and then 
 returning to Three Rivers. engage<l in Itanking. 
 hy purchasing slock in what was known as the 
 Manufacturer's 15ank. he assisted in its reorganiza- 
 tion in IHHI. when it wsis named the 'J'liree Rivers 
 National Hank, and -Mr. Wilcox was made its cash- 
 ier, lie has since conducted the business mostly, 
 and with such good judgment that it is named 
 among the solid institutions of the county. 
 
 .Miss Ueliecca N. Caldwell, of Three Rivers, be- 
 canu^ the wife of our suljject in Decemlier. I.S.'i'.l, the 
 marriage taking |)lace at the residence of William 
 Houdman. Flowerfiebl, St. Joseph Co.. Mich.. Mrs. 
 Houdiuan l>eing sister of the bride. Mrs. Wilcox 
 was born in Columbia County. I'a.. in 182'.l, and is 
 the daughter of .Samuel and .lane Caldwell, who 
 were natives of IVuMsyl vania. and spent their last 
 years in Columbia County. I'a. Of this union 
 there have been born three sons and one daughter. 
 The latter. Laura K.. was the wife of .lohn W. .\dams. 
 an attorne\ -al-I.Mw in Kalaina/o<>: >hc flied .Inlv .'! 1 . 
 
 1 888. Edwanl K. married :S[iss Carrie Wolf, of 
 Centerville, and is the assistant c.tshier of his fathci-; 
 Charles W., a stenographer, also makes himself use- 
 ful in the Three Rivers National IJank; HcTirv C. 
 is studying in the Commercial College at Three 
 Rivers. Mr. W^ilcox uniformly votes the Repub- 
 lican ticket, and has served as Assessor and .Vlder- 
 man. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, 
 being a member of Three Rivers Lodge No. 57. 
 an<l the Commandcry No. 2!l. For a number of 
 years he liius been a mcmbor of tiie Ho:ird of Trus- 
 tees of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 The mother of our subject after the death of her 
 husband remaineil a widow for a period of thirty 
 years, continuing a resident of N'an Huren County, 
 this .State, where her death took |ilafein 1882. His 
 eldest brother. Natiian W.. married Miss Irene Free- 
 man, and is living in Tennessee, engaged in contract- 
 ing; Calvin marrie<l Miss Rosana Stuyvesant, and 
 with his sister. Mary .M., the wife of .1. Messneger. is 
 a resident of Van Huren County, this State; both 
 he and his brother-in-law are farmers; Sarah .V. 
 married Ch.arlcs Horning, of Iowa, .and Martha A., 
 the youngest of the girls, is the wife of W. G. 
 Caldwell, of Three Rivers, this county. 
 
 .VMIKL (ilHSON is one of the substantial 
 farmers and solid citizens of Constant ine 
 Township, where he resides on his highly 
 cultivated farm, located on section 11. 
 He was l)orn in Northumberland County. Pa.. Sept. 
 22. 18:Ul. 'The earlier years of his life were p.assed 
 on a farm, and his education w.as received in the 
 common schools of the community. He came to 
 St. .Iose|)h County with his father's family, and 
 settled in Constantine 'Township in the spring of 
 184!t, where he has since resided continuously. 
 
 Mr. (iibson has been engaged in agricultural 
 pursuits ail his life, although he has lieen and is 
 interested in many other lines of business. His 
 home farm comprises |.'?;1 acres, all of which is 
 under a most complete state of cultivation. His 
 improvements are of the mo.st extensive an<l sub- 
 stantial nature. His residence is built of brick, in 
 modern stvlc. and is haiidsdmely and comiiletcly 
 
•>-*^^ 
 
 ^^►HH* 
 
 4<Mi 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •f 
 
 furnished tliroiighout — every (•onvenieiice obtaina- 
 ble may be found within its ■walls. The barns and 
 outhouses net-essar}' to the successful operation of 
 his farm are models of their class, and represent 
 the investment of a large sum of money, yet in the 
 convenience of handling the crops of the farm and 
 caring for the animals, it paj's a handsome interest 
 on the cost. 
 
 ()ursul)ject was married, Dec. 20, 1860, in Con- 
 stantine Township, to Miss ^lartha J. Green, a 
 daughter of William W. and Jane A. (Gray) 
 (ircen. She was born in t lunberland, R. I.. Sept. 
 20, 1838. Her mother died in Dover, Cuyahoga Co., 
 Ohio. Mr. Green was then married to Miss 
 Betsey Taylor. Of the first union there were born 
 four children: Thomas G.. now a resident of Cen- 
 treville. this county; Christopher F., living in 
 Constantine; Mrs. Gibson, the wife of our subject, 
 and ^lary, the widow of Henry Driscol, who died 
 in Porter Township. Cass County. Of tlie second 
 marriage there was one child only, Lillie. the wife 
 of Henry Sooy, of Cass County, this State. 
 
 William W. Green was born in Providence. 
 K. I., where he was married and lived until about 
 181(1. engaged in farming pursuits. That year he 
 removed with his wife and four cliildren to Ohio, 
 and was a resident of Cuyahoga County eight 
 }-ears. The faniilj- then changed their residence 
 to PawPaw Township. Van 15ureu Co., ^lich.. 
 where the father later retired from active life, and 
 has since made his home with a daughter. 
 
 Mr. Gibson is the father of six children, named 
 Elizabeth J., Caroline I., John S.. Frances V., Ger- 
 trude I. and AVilliam (i. The father of our subject, 
 John (iibson. was liorn in Ireland; his mother, 
 Elizabeth DeFrance. was a native of Pennsyl- 
 vania. The father came from Ireland to Penn- 
 sylvania when he was but two years of age. The 
 grandfather of our subject was a .Scotchm.an. The 
 parents came from Pennsylvania to .St. Joseph 
 County in 1848. and in 1849 they settled in Con- 
 st.antine Township, where they lived until tlie time 
 of their death. 
 
 In addition to his farming ojierations Mr. Gib- 
 son owns valuable real estate outside of Constan- 
 tine. He owns a brick block in the center of 
 Three Rivers: he has also bought the Central 
 
 4« 
 
 State Bank, located in Geneseo, Rice Co., Kan., 
 after it had been in operation about a year. His 
 .son. John S. Gibson, is c.-ishier of the bank, and 
 under Lis careful and conservative management it 
 takes rank among the solid institutions of the 
 St.ate. Mr. (Gibson also makes a specialty of loan- 
 ing money to the citizens of St. Joseph County. 
 
 Mr. Gibson's residence is located on what is 
 known as Broad street. It presents the most hand- 
 some appearance of anj- residence in the township. 
 This elegant home is presided over by his estimable 
 wife, who is a lady of refinement and taste. She is 
 one of the leaders in the social life of the locality 
 in which they live; genial .and good-hearted, she is 
 always found in any enterprise having for its pur- 
 pose the benefit of those in need. Those of the 
 children who are at home form a charming family 
 circle, and to a stranger visiting their house they 
 extend every courtesy and attention. !Mr. Gibson 
 possesses a strong personality, and where he is 
 associated with his fellowmen in any enterprise of 
 business or pleasure, he, by force of his character, 
 impresses his individuality on the entire procee<I- 
 ings so strongly, tliat one having seen the gentle- 
 man would not fail to recognize the ruling spirit 
 of the undertaking. In iX)litics he is identified 
 with the Democratic party. Altliougli frequently 
 solicited by his neighbors and friends to accept 
 oflicial favors at their hands, he has steadfastly 
 declined to do so. 
 
 John Gibson, the father of our subject, was bom 
 June 24, 1799. and came to this countiy with his 
 f,ather. Samuel Gibson, in 1801. they settling in 
 Lycoming County, Pa., where John was reared on 
 a farm. I'pon reaching manhood he purch.ased 
 land for himself, which he afterward sold and 
 removed to Northumberland County, where he 
 purch."»sed another farm of 106 acres» which he 
 occupied until coming West. This journey was 
 l^erformed in 1848. and he lived the first year in 
 Northern Indiana, .adj.acent to the Michigan line. 
 The following spring he rented 200 acres of land 
 in Constantine Township, tliis county, which com- 
 prises the ])resent homestead, lie was married to 
 his wife. Elizal>eth 15. DeFrance. Dec. 15, 1825. 
 This lady was of French extraction, and was born 
 Oct. 1. 1799. near Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co,, Pa. 
 
 f 
 
-4*- 
 
 -■► 
 
 ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 497 
 
 In is|:i .Idliii (;il>s(»ii (•iiino to C'onstaiitinc. Mich.. 
 with his fMinily. roiisistiiifi of his wife, seven eliil- 
 (Ireu .Tiitl his fatiier. Tlie httter <lieil at tiie a<;e 
 of eisfhty-two years and eijrht months. His wife 
 (lied Dee. ."?. IH.'ill.nt tlie Jiireof sixty ye:us. I'.olh 
 were devoted nieniliiTS of the I'resliyterinn ( liuich. 
 in whieh tiie father hiid heen for many years 
 an Khler in Northunihei land C'<»iinty, I'a., and 
 w.o-s also an KIder in this eounty up to a sliort 
 time before iiis deatii. To this worthy eouple 
 tliere were liorn seven children: Ellen M. is the 
 widow <»f William Daniels, and lives in Hillsdale 
 County, this State; Nniiey D. is the wife of .lohn 
 V. Wolf, a farmer and hanker near C'entreville; 
 Samuel. (.>f our skeleh. was the third ehild; .Sarah 
 .1. is the wife of Otis .Vrnold. of Three Uivers; 
 .lulia married T. (i. (Ireene. of C'entreville; Will- 
 iam F. is a resident of Three Rivers, as isalst) Mary 
 K.. the wife of Georee Sluirtz. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 K^'I C'OLK. .\s an exponent of the results 
 
 kof industry and perseverance, the subject of 
 this biography occupies a position in the 
 front ranks. .Vfter years of arduous lalior he finds 
 himself in possession of a competence, and now, 
 pr.actieally retired from tlic active labors of life, is 
 oeeu|)yin^ a comfortable home on Xotfciwa street, 
 in Mendon N'illajre. lie looke<l u|Kjn St. Joseph 
 County in its pioneer days, and has contributed his 
 full quota to her development and |)rosperity. 
 
 A native of the Huckeye State. Mr. Cole was 
 liorn in Ornng^e Townshi]i, Cuyaho{?a Co.. Ohio, 
 March 12. IKlM.and is the son of .lonathan and 
 Lydia (Frisbie) Cole, who were natives of Connecti- 
 cut. The Cole family is of En<rlish origin, and the 
 ancestry of our subject it is believed emigrated to 
 America during the Colonial days. .lonathan Cole 
 w.as a farmer by <X'eupation. and emigrating from 
 New England in early life, settled on the Western 
 Reserve in Ohio, near the bank of tlie Chagrin 
 River, where he s|)ent his last days, living to be an 
 old man. He was twice marrie<l. his second wife 
 having been Miss Lydia IJaker. who is still living, 
 and residing in Cumberland, Md., with a marrie<l 
 daughter. The father of our subject was success- 
 
 
 ful in accumulating a good projierty. and is remcni- 
 bered as a good man. a kind and indulgent parent, 
 one who did good as he h.ad opiHirtnnity. He had 
 identifieil himself with the Masonic fraternity, and 
 piililically. supported the Democratic ])arty. The 
 mother of our subject die<l aliout 1 8;W, in Cuya- 
 hoga County. Ohio. 
 
 Levi Cole w.as the seventh child of the parental 
 household and the younger of his own mother's 
 two children. Of the second marriage of his father 
 there were born five children, three of whom are 
 living, two residents of Missouri and one of .Mary- 
 land. Levi, in common with the others, w:ls at an 
 early age made familiar with farm pursuits. an<l ac- 
 quired a very good education. He completed his 
 studies in the city of Cleveland, after having been 
 a student r>f the school at Chagrin Falls, and then 
 enti'red the ollice of the Cleveland Hero Id, as clerk 
 and l)Ook-keeper. After a year's experience in that 
 line he decided upon coming to the farther West. 
 
 Young Cole upon leaving his native Slate made 
 his way first to Detroit, then to Kalamazoo, where 
 he W!ts first em|iloyed as clork in a lumber-yanL 
 and afterwaril for a time in a grocery store. In 
 the fall of 1857 he came to Mendon, engaging here 
 in the grocery business, his partner being Charles 
 Gibbs, his former employer, and in the course of 
 time managed to save a little money, which he in- 
 vested in village property. This proved a ft)rtuu- 
 ate move, and frtmi that time on he gave his .atten- 
 tion principally to the building up of Mendon. 
 having now four gf)od business blocks and two 
 residences. In the former is inclutled the Opera 
 House, a structure three stories in height and cover- 
 I ing an area of (KJxHlt fi'ct. It has a seating capacity 
 of «(i(i, ami h,as become one of ilu' inclispensiible 
 institutions of the place. 
 
 Our subject was first married in .Mendon. Sept. 
 6, l«(i;5, to .Miss Emma A. tiihbs. who bec«me the 
 mother of one child, a daughter. Grace L., and died 
 at their home in Mendon. .Tan. (>, IH72. Their 
 daughter Grace is the wife of Henjamin F. Os- 
 gowl, the village Postmaster. On the i'.Uh of 
 .lanuary. 1h7:5. our subject contracted a .second 
 matrimonial alliance, with Miss Margaret .McFall. 
 This lady was born in Erie County, Ohio, Feb. 14, 
 1841. and is the daughter of William H. and .Sarah 
 
 f 
 
498 
 
 8T. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 ^•^T^ 
 
 II. (Mackey) McFall. wlio were natives respectively 
 of Pennsylvania and Xew .Jersey. Mr. McFall was 
 born in 1814 and is still livinir. making his home 
 in Sanduskj', Ohio. Tlie mother died in 18.53 in 
 Erie County. Ohio. They were the parents of 
 eight children, one of whom died in infancy-. Mrs. 
 Cole was the second child. After the death of his 
 first wife Mr. ^leFall was married the second time, 
 to Miss Clara Miles, by wlioin he became the father 
 of four more children. He has been a Deacon in 
 the IMetliodist Episcopal Church for a period of 
 thirty years, and belongs to the Masonic fraternit}-. 
 Politicallj", he affiliates with the Republican party. 
 (Jf tins marriage of our subject there have been 
 born three children: Kamiy I)., Nov. 22, 1875; 
 Tula M., March 21). 1877. .•ind Leva M.. .lune 26. 
 1879. 
 
 The Cole residence is one of tlic finest in the 
 village of Meinloii. and our subject and his esti- 
 mable wife are numbered anionic its most iiighly re- 
 spected citizens. Roth are members in gco I stand- 
 ing of the Episcopal Church, in whii'h .Mi-. Cole 
 has served as Treasurer and Trustee for some time. 
 Politically, he is a stanch Democrat. He has held 
 the various minor offices, including those of Town- 
 ship and ^'i^age Treasurer an<l A'illage Trustee. 
 
 ^^EORGE ALBERT ANGEVINE, a lifelong 
 III (s=- resident of Mendon Township, it being his 
 ^^gil native place, is a son of one of the earliest 
 pioneers of Michigan, who came within its borders 
 prior to the time it was transformed from a Terri- 
 tory to a .State. The latter, Stephen I). Angevine, 
 was a native of Putnam County, N. Y., and born 
 near the city of Poughkeepsie. He married Miss 
 Jane A. Wotxls, a native of Center County, Pa. 
 
 The father of our subject at an earl}' period in 
 his life became a resident of Niagara Count}-, N. 
 Y.. and thence emigrated to this county. Miss 
 Woods came about 1829 with her father, who 
 located in Washtenaw Count}' during the period of 
 its early settlement, and a few years later removed 
 to Nottawa. The young people were married ni 
 Centreville, and settled in Mendon Township upon 
 a tract of new land, in 1843, from which they con- 
 
 structed a liomestead, and where they spent the 
 remainder of their lives. The father rested from 
 his earthly labors June 19, 1878, in the sixty-third 
 3'ear of his age. The mother passed away some 
 3'ears after the decease of her husband, April 8, 
 1883, in the sixty-fourth j-ear of her age. They 
 were the parents of three children, one of whom, a 
 son,<lied y(3ung. .Samuel II., the brother of our sub- 
 ject, is a resident of Mendon. 
 
 The subject of this sketch first opened his eyes 
 to the light at the modest homestead of his parents 
 in Mendon Township, Nov. 16, 1843. The farm 
 was located on section 32, and is now the i)roperty 
 of Samuel II. George, like his brother, spent his 
 boyhood and youth making himself useful to his 
 parents, aivl acquiring his education in the ciistrict 
 schools. He took kindly to the pursuits of agri- 
 culture, and has wisel}' been content to make of 
 farming his life vocation, finding ample satisfaction 
 in the quiet pursuits of country life and the results 
 of his labors. In no iiaste to marry, his wedding 
 occurred after ho had reached tiie twenty-fifth year 
 of his age, Dec. \i>. 1808, the lady of his choice be- 
 ing Miss Marion R. Ilendrickson.and the ceremonj' 
 Uiking place at the village of Mendon. This 
 lady became the mother of three children — Clar- 
 ence L., Orley C. and Lulu M. She passed away 
 on the I6th of Ma}'. 1881. She was a native of 
 Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Abram and 
 Mary A. (Moore) Hendrickson, who spent their 
 last years in Mendon. Our subject contracted a 
 second marriage, at Three Rivers, April 4, 1888, 
 with Mrs, Marion A. Briggs, widow of Charles D. 
 Briggs, vvho died in Constanline, this State, Feb. 
 20, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs were the parents 
 of one child only, a daughter, Kittie L., who is 
 now sixteen years of age. 
 
 The present wife of our subject was born Se|)t. 
 22, 1852, in Three Rivei-s, and is the daughter of 
 Sylvester and Louisa (Carpenter) Troy, who were 
 natives of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts respect- 
 ively, and came to Michigan about 1834. Mrs. 
 Troy departed this life twenty-eight years ago, at 
 her home in Three Rivers, in 1860. Mr. Troy was 
 again married, and he and his wife make their home 
 in Three Rivers. Mr. Angevine has been identified 
 with tlic Masonic fraternity since a young man 
 
 r 
 
■^•- 
 
 -■»• 
 
 ST. JOStlMI COUNTY. 
 
 49i> 
 
 twtMity-one years old. wlion lie associated liiniself 
 with tlie ludt-e at Meiidon. lie is a nictiilier of 
 Blue Lodjje No. 137. and also Centreville Chapter 
 No. II. Politically, he belongs to the Deiiiocralic 
 party. His homestead comprises 1 MO acres of fer- 
 tile land, upon which tlierc are fairly good liiiild- 
 ings, and everything around pleasant and comfort- 
 able. 
 
 Our subject and his estimable wife number their 
 friends by the score in this county, where they are 
 widely known, and with whose interests they have 
 been identified from youth up. The father of our sub- 
 ject wasa man prominent in his coninmnity. and held 
 the various township oIKces. discharging his duties 
 in that conscientious manner which was one of his 
 loading characteristics. Cieorge A. has neversought 
 ortiee. preferring to give his attention to his farm 
 and family. Among the men who have assisted iu 
 the ilevelopment of .St. Joseph County none have 
 maintained a warmer interest in its prosperit}'. 
 
 /*s^ KY.MOIK II. AXDIil'.W s. one of the most 
 ^^5^ worthy residents of I-"lowerliekl Townshi]), 
 li\£_lj) was born in I'osey County, Ind., Oct. 22. 
 1822, and removed with his parents a few 
 years later to Ontario County, X. Y.. where he 
 grew to man's estate. He received a common-school 
 education, .and continue<l a resident of the Knipire 
 State until the spring of IH'ti. Then, resolving to 
 cast his lot with the (leople of the young and grow- 
 ing State of Michigan, he came to FlowerHeld 
 Townsliii). and located on section ."M, where he has 
 since resided. Mis property embraces eighty-seven 
 and one-half acres in the homestead proper, while 
 he lia-s lifteen acres on section 2(5. lie ha.s erected 
 .substantial buildings, and has signalized himself as 
 a straightforward and industrious citizen, one who 
 in constructing a minlel homestead has contributed 
 thus far toward the development of St. .loseph 
 County. 
 
 Nathan An<lrews. our subject's father, wa,s born in 
 Rhode Island, in 17H2, and died in Ontario County, 
 N. Y., at the age of sixty -six years. He also was 
 a mason l)v trade.and a quiet and unobtrusive citi- 
 zen, who made a srood livinjr for his family and 
 
 fulfilled the duties of life in a praiseworthy nuiii- 
 ner. The mother. Mrs. Orplia ( IJutlcr) .Andrews, 
 was a native of York State, within whose limits she 
 spent her entire life. .*»he also died at the home- 
 stead in Ontario County, having survived her hus- 
 band many years, and passing away at the advanced 
 age of ninety-three. They were the parents of six 
 children — Seymour. William. Frank. Truman and 
 two girls. 
 
 Seymour .Andrews wh<'n about thirty-one years 
 of age wa.s married, in Ontario County, X. Y., to 
 Miss Chloe lienson. who only lived a few years, 
 her death taking i)lai-ein 1H")(!. Of this union there 
 were born two children: (icorge. who is now oecu- 
 pied as a inason in Flowerlield. and James H.. who 
 is folhiwing the same trade in Ooshen. Ind. Mr. 
 Andrews contracted a second marriage, July !l. 
 1866, with Mrs. Keziah Lewis (Hazen) (irillith. 
 the widow of William (Jrittith. and at the time of 
 her second marriage a resident of Flowerlield. Hy 
 Mr. Crrifflth she became the mother of five chil- 
 dren, four of whom are living. Louisa X. is the 
 wife of George Dougl.as. a rcsitlent of Jack.-ion 
 County. 111.; Henry C. married Jliss Ilattie Dewey; 
 they reside in Xewburg Townsliip. Cass Co.. Mich., 
 and have one son. Lucinda and Josephine are at 
 home. Mrs. Keziah Andrews was born Aug. !>, 
 1827. in Canada, and is the daughter of Thomas 
 and Hannah (Jennings) Lewis, the father of Irish 
 birth and parentage an <l born in 1791. The mother 
 was born in Xew York State in 1801. Both are 
 now deceased. They were the parents of eight 
 children, who are recorded .as follows: .Sarah and 
 Mary are deceased; l'liel>e is married, and lives at 
 Tekonsha, this .State; Hilda, a resident of Calhoun 
 County, is married and the mother of two children; 
 Keziah. Mrs. .Vndrews, was the fifth child; Rachel 
 died in infancy; William, a resident of Michigan, 
 is married and has one child; .\nnie is the wife of 
 David Dunton,of I'nionCity. The maternal great- 
 grandfather. Israel Hutler. served as a soldier in 
 the Revolutionary War. and after the struggle was 
 ended was the recipient of a pension until his <leath. 
 His son Xathan later cnrrii-d a musket in the War 
 of 1812. Thomas Lewis also served in this war. 
 He was a worthy citizen and a member in good 
 standing of the Inited Brethren Church. 
 
 <*• 
 
JL 
 
 500 
 
 t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Mr. Andrews upon reaching manliood identified 
 liimself with tlie Democratic party. lie remains 
 loj'al to liis first political faith, and has held the 
 various school offices of his townsliip. besides fill- 
 ing other positions of trust and responsibilit}-. He 
 bears the distinction of being one of the oldest 
 living settlers of Flowerfield Townsliip, coming 
 here before the laying out of the village of this 
 name, wlien he was obliged to transport his prod- 
 uce to the little village of Three Rivers, obtain- 
 ing there also his provisions. lie can tell manj' 
 interesting tales of life in the pioneer times, and no 
 man has taken more genuine satisfaction in noting 
 the growtli and progress of tlio Wolverine State. 
 
 -f^feJ- ^- 
 
 w sr 
 
 tlLLIAM M. IKELER. The medical pro- 
 ion of St. Joseph County is probably as 
 rly represented as in any community of 
 the State. The subject of tliis sketch, a physician 
 and surgeon in the enjoyment of a good practice, 
 was born near Bloorasburg, Columbia Co., Pa., 
 Sept. 12. 1843, and was the fifth in a family of nine 
 children, the offspring of John and Mary (Lauback) 
 Ikeler. who were both of German descent. John 
 Ikelcr was a farmer bj' occupation, and with his 
 excellent wife is now living with his son, the Doctor. 
 The boyhood of our subject was spent after the 
 manner of most farmer's sons, attending the district 
 school in winter, and working around the homestead 
 in summer. He completed his literary education at 
 the academj' at New Columbia, Pa., and at the age 
 of twenty-six years began reading medicine under 
 the instruction of Dr. W. E. Barrett, of Cambria, 
 Pa. Upon being sufficiently advanced he entered 
 the medical department of the State University of 
 Michigan at Ann Arbor, and was graduated from 
 this institution in the spring of 1670. 
 
 Our subject began the practice of his profession 
 on the 1st of March, 1870, as the partner of bis old 
 instructor. Dr. Barrett, with whom he continued two 
 years. He then purchased the business of Dr. B., 
 continued in Cambria two years longer, and thence, 
 in 1874, turned his steps toward this county. He 
 establislied himself in Three Rivers at once, being 
 successful from the start, and on the 16th of Feb- 
 
 ruarj', 1880. formed a partnership with Dr. Law- 
 rence D. Knowles. This firm is now recognized as 
 among the leading ones in the profession in this 
 county. Dr. Ikeler is a member of the American 
 Medical Association, the State Medical Association 
 and the Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine. Socially, 
 he is a prominent Knight Templar in Masonry, and 
 religiously, an active member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, being President of the Board of 
 Trustees, and otliciating as Chorister for the past 
 ten years. His love for music was developed atan 
 earl3' age, and to this art he gives much time and 
 attention. 
 
 The lady who has presided over the home of our 
 subject for a period of sixteen years was in her girl- 
 hood Miss Harriet M. Fellows, and their marriage 
 was celebrated at Schoolcraft. Mich., in 1872. Mrs. 
 Ikeler was born Oct. 19, 1848, near Schoolcraft, 
 Midi., and is the daughter of Abiel and Anne 
 (Insle}') Fellows, who were natives of Peuns3'lvania, 
 whence Later the}' removed to K.ilamazoo County, 
 tliis State. Of this union there have been born 
 three daughters, Anne. Maj' and Hazel, who are 
 now living at home. The home of the Doctor is 
 pleasantly situated in the central part of the city^ 
 and both in its interior and surroundings indicates 
 the exercise of cultivated tastes and ample means. 
 
 €^1 
 
 ^5=5^E0RGE W. LELAND. the proprietor of a 
 f|| ,5-, good farm in Mendon Township, is located 
 ^^J in the western portion of section 30, where 
 he has 120 acres of good land with fair improve- 
 ments, and with his little family, consisting of his 
 wife and one son. Roscoe G., lives comfortably and 
 in the enjoyment of many of the good things of 
 life. He is a man held in universal respect by the 
 people of his communit}', couiteous and kindly in 
 disposition, thorough as a farmer, and prompt and 
 reliable as a business man. 
 
 Our subject comes of excellent Pennsylvania 
 stock, being the son of Andrew M. and Sarah K. 
 (Pellet) Leiand, who were natives respectively of 
 Columbia and Pike Counties, Pa., and who came to 
 Michigan in earl}' life, about 1835-36, with their 
 respective parents. The two families settled in 
 
 t 
 
-4«- 
 
 ST. JOSEl'H COL'NTV. 
 
 -•» 
 
 JOl 
 
 -i 
 
 LiH'kport anil Moiidim Townsliips. tliiscoiiiity. wlicre 
 Antlipw M. Li'latul mihI Mi^^s i'l'llet wcrt' ii).'irrir<l. 
 They lived for a lime in I'aik Township, wlience 
 they retniiveil later to Menilon, where the father 
 luiri'liased land, and engaged in faniiingnianj' years 
 until the fall of 1882. Then, retiring from active 
 lalior, lie took up his al)o<le in town, where he now 
 lives.. 
 
 The parental household included originally six 
 children, only three of whom lived to mature years, 
 namely: William 1'.. George W. and Charles W. 
 Our subject was liorn in Park Township, this 
 county, Sept. 27, IS 10, ancl spent his hoyliood and 
 \"outh in a manner common to the sous of pioneer 
 farmers, acquiring his eiluuation in the district 
 .school, and making himself useful at an early age 
 about the homestead. He was first married in Not- 
 tawa Township, in 1872. to Miss Cassie Clark, 
 daughter of the late William T. Clark, of Xottawa 
 Township. Mrs. Cassie Leiaud died at her home in 
 Ni>ltawa in 1874, when about twenty-four years old. 
 
 Our subject contracted a second marriage, Dec. 
 22, 1875, in Mendon Township, witii Miss Lydia .M., 
 daughter of David and Hannah lluimbach. This 
 lad}' was born in Pennsylvania in 1K|'.». Her par- 
 ents were natives of Pennsylvania, and are now in 
 Michigan. Their family consisted of nine children. 
 The oidy son of Mr. and Mrs. Leiaud, Hoscoe G.. 
 was born .lune 17. 1885, and is a promising lad of 
 three years. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Leiand are members in good stand- 
 ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Park, to 
 which they give a liberal support, ami are num- 
 bered among its chief pillars. Tlie^' also belong to 
 Park Grange No. 22, P. of H. Mr. Leiand, politi- 
 cally, is a warm adherent of the Greenback party. 
 AVilllam P. Leiand, brother of our subject, died ill 
 Mendon Township in August, 1883. 
 
 KXUY L. COOPER. The well-known and 
 Y popular gentleman whose name prefaces 
 ^ this sketch is numbered among the success- 
 ful farmers of Flowerfleld Township, of 
 wliich he has been a resi<lent since early manhood. 
 He came to this county when a yiMiiig man of 
 
 *T 
 
 twenty-four years, and has been closely identified 
 with its development and prosperity. Of substan- 
 tial parentage, he was born in Bucks County, Pa.. 
 .Sept. 2, 18;5(). where he ileveloped into manhood, 
 receiving the education commonly acquired in the 
 public schools. His boyhood was s|»ent mostly on 
 his father's farm, but when a youth of sixteen 
 years, with the common desire of the young for 
 change, he repaired to Bristol, in his native count}', 
 where he commenced an apprenticeship at the trade 
 of cooper, serving five years, and becoming thor- 
 oughl}' acquainted with the business in all its details. 
 Young Cooper, upon reaching his majority, left his 
 native .State for Ohio, taking up his abode in the 
 city of Dayton, in December, 1851, and living there 
 about one year. Next we fiml him at St. Mark's, 
 where he remained until the fall of 1853, occupied 
 at his trade. Thence he proceeded to Ft. Wayne, 
 Ind., where he busied himself .as a coo|)er until the 
 spring of 185(>, when we find him at Union .Mills, 
 fortj'-two miles from Ft. Wa3'ne, which remained 
 his residence until 1855. 
 
 The spring of the year above mentioned found 
 our subject in Three Kivers. this county, and there 
 being little call for the services of a journeyman 
 cooper, he engaged at Wheeler's distillery, where 
 he remained until April, 1857, when the property 
 was destroyed by fire. His next stopping-place was 
 in Flowerfield. of which he h.as since been a resident 
 most of the time. Here he entered another dis- 
 tillery, where ho worked, however, only about four 
 weeks. Returning for a time to Three Rivers, the 
 Wheeler distillery in the meantime being rebuilt, 
 ho .assisted in beginning operations there, and re- 
 maineil until December, 1H57. On the 2-lth of 
 that month he was married to Miss Sarah, daughter 
 of William and Salome Parker, antl the young peo- 
 ple beg.an housekeeping at Three Rivei-s. Two 
 years later they removed to the old .Shurtz farm, 
 near the then unim|wrtiint village of Three Rivers, 
 where Mr. Cooi)er c;irrieil on agriculture for a 
 time, then entered the employ of Peter Plummer. 
 who was proprietor of a machine-shop. 
 
 In the spring of 18G() Mr. Cooper, who had 
 alwa^'s been interested in enterprises calculated to 
 advance the people, assisted in the erection of the 
 first High School building in Three Rivers, and the 
 
-4*- 
 
 302 
 
 4^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 j'ear following made his first purchase of re&l es- 
 tate, a small tract of himl three miles from Three 
 Rivers, which was his first real home after leaving 
 his father's roof. Here he put up a cooper shop, 
 and had laid many plans for the future which the 
 outbreak of the Rebellion put to (light, .as in the 
 ease of thousands of others. On the 2d of August, 
 1S61. laying asiile his personal plans and interests, 
 he enlisted as a Union soldier in C'umiJan^' G, 2.ith 
 Michigan Infanlrj'. the company under command 
 of Capt. Tulkerson, and the regiment commanded 
 by Col. Moore. He remained in the army until 
 September, 1864, and then, on aceountof disability 
 incurred from hardshii) and |)rivation, was obliged 
 to accept his honorable discliarge. He was mus- 
 tered out at Louisville, Ky.. and at once returned 
 to his home, where he lived until lt<66. 
 
 Our subject, now having accumulated some 
 capital, sold out, and purcluised 120 Hcres on sec- 
 tion 20, Flowerfield Township, where he commenced 
 farming, but only retained possession of his prop- 
 ertj- until the following year. In 1869 he pur- 
 chased a farm in Cass County, to which he removed, 
 antl where he lived until April. 1880. Then, re- 
 turning to Flowerfield Township, he jjurchased his 
 present homestead on section 22. Here he h.as ef- 
 fected good improvements, and lias been quite 
 prominent in local affairs, holding the office of 
 Town Clerk since 1886, and occupying other posi- 
 tions of trust. He was a Whig before the or- 
 ganization of the Republican parly, and since that 
 time has been a stanch supporter of Republican 
 principles. A man prompt to meet his obligations, 
 upright in his dealings with his fellow-citizens, he 
 is held in high esteem, and nuu)bered among the 
 representative men of St. .Joseph County. 
 
 Mrs. Cooper was born Sept. 15, 1839. in Bucks 
 County, Pa., and of her union with our subjec'' 
 there were born twelve children, cmly seven of 
 whom are living, five sons and two daughters. The 
 five sons are all at home. Thej* were named re- 
 spectively: William A., born A|>ril lt>, 1858; 
 Samuel D., Dec. 23, 1861 ; Pearson, Aug. 1 1, 1867; 
 Delaware. April 25, 1872; Henrietta Matilda, .Ian. 
 23. 1.S63: Ida M.ny, June 22. 18G5; Bisuiark. Sept. 
 20, 1878. Mr. Cooper, the father of our subject, 
 followed farming all his life, and spent his last years 
 
 at Holmesville. Pa., where his decease took place in 
 1869. The mother of Jlr. Cooper, our subject, 
 died of cholera iu 1^32, when he was a little child 
 two yeai-s of age. 
 
 -3i^ 
 
 ^^ EORGE C. BRISSE ITE. The clothing trade 
 ■l( ,=, of Three Rivers finds a most energetic rep- 
 ^^^ji resentative in this gentleman, who. in fact, 
 stands in a position not far from the head. He 
 possesses a practical knowledge of the business, has 
 excellent taste in the selection of goods and also in 
 the manufacture of material into garments. His 
 patronage comes from the best citizens of the place, 
 among whom he is a favorite both in social and 
 business circles. 
 
 Mr. Brissette is a native of the Dominion of Can- 
 ada, having been born in the Province of Ontario, 
 Sept. 26, 1 840. His parents were Peter and Mar- 
 garet (Chenever) Brissette, the former a farmer antl 
 miller by occupation. Their famil}' consisted of 
 eleven children, seven of whom lived to mature 
 years, and George C. was the youngest. He received 
 a good education, and after emerging from the 
 primary school entered Joliette College, where he 
 pursued his studies three years. 
 
 Upon leaving his native |>lace Mr. Brissette mi- 
 grated to Plattsburg, N. Y., where he became a 
 clerk in the post-ollice, and afterward was employed 
 in a general store a 3'ear. We next find him at De- 
 troit, Mich., as an em]>loye of Mr. E. Lieberman, a 
 merchant, with whom he remained eighteen months, 
 having charge most of this time of a branch store 
 in East Saginaw. Later he returned to Detroit and 
 entered the main store. Subsequently he became a 
 clerk in the store at an advanced salary, remaining 
 with that firm until April, 1865. as head clerk of 
 the reUiil dciwrtment. 
 
 Mr. Brissette came to Three Rivers in the latter 
 part of 1865. and soon afterward associated himself 
 with William H. Cook in the clothing trade, which 
 partnership was dissolved a year later, Mr. B. pur- 
 chasing the interest of his partner. His present store 
 occupies No. 52 SU Joseph street, and is equipped 
 with all the conveniences for the rapid transaction 
 
 ♦ 
 
 f 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 503 
 
 of luisinoss. He lins n residence on Main street, 
 whicli wns put uj) in 18«". in llie Queen Anne style 
 of architecture. Mr. B. bas been quite prominent 
 in Ioc.nl affairs, oflicialing as a memlicr of the City 
 Council, anil occupying otlier positions of trust. .So- 
 cially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which 
 he ofliciate'l as Kmiiient C'linininniler two years. 
 
 February. 1 87 1, witnessed the marriage of our 
 subject with Jliss Louisa Antes, the ceremony be- 
 ing performed at tlie bride's home in Centreville. 
 Mrs. B. is the youngest in a family of eleven chil- 
 dren. To our subject and his wife there have been 
 born two sons, llie elder of whom. Oeorge A., died 
 when an interesting little l.id of six year*. Tlu'sur- 
 viving child is Charles A. 
 
 -Mr. Brisscltc took his first lesson in Knglish at 
 Plattsburg, N. Y.. and subsequently gained a good 
 knowledge of French, being al)le to read and talk 
 fluently. His father at one time was wealth}-, but 
 signed his name to notes for a friend, meeting with 
 the usual results of such a transaction. On account 
 of this our subject w.as called home from college 
 and compelled to abandon his studies and .assist in 
 the maintenance of the family. 
 
 ^ ' ^ ' I ' I ' m" — 
 
 *~ 
 
 KANDKH U. \VKIM',i:i{(;.a pioneer of 44, 
 came to this county in the spring of that 
 /L^^ year from his native place. Kit-ton, Pa., 
 where he was bf(rn March 18, 1821. His first en- 
 terprise in the West wa-s as a teamster in Three 
 Rivers, and he labore<l to such g<K>d advantage 
 that the year folUiwing he was enablefl to invest a 
 little capital of ti2<M) in forty .ncres of land on sec- 
 tion .36. in Flowerlield Township. The home which 
 he then establishe<l ha.s l«e<'n his to the present 
 time, a period of over forty-four years. The home- 
 stead pro|K'r embnices eighty-eight acres of land, 
 to which he has given his special attention, gatlier- 
 ing around him all the comf<»rts and conveniences 
 of modern life. He has lieen greatly pros|)ered, 
 and from time to time adrle<l to his first purchase 
 until he liecame the owner of 1!*2 acres, which he 
 now has. 
 
 Our subject was reared in Northampton Count}', 
 Pa., and soctireil a conimon-school cilucation in bL« 
 
 native town of Ka.ston. Before coming to the Wot 
 he took unto liinL-^elf a wife and helpmate, being 
 married in .Vrmstrong County. Pa.. Dec. 21. 1842. 
 to Mi>s (atlierinc Kiin.selman. Tlii." l;idy was l>orii 
 in Schuylkill County. Pa., in 1 821!, and accompan- 
 iwl her husband to the West, remaining his faitliful 
 and affectionate companion a |H-rio<l of alKjut forty- 
 six years. pa.ssing away at the homestead in Flow- 
 erfield Township when sixty-two years old, Dec. 
 ;j. IKHM. Of this marriage there were lx>rn eleven 
 chililren. 
 
 Mr. Weinberg, on the 2;Hh of .September. 1880, 
 contracted a seconfl marria<;c. with .Mrs. Sybil C. 
 (Furman) Beamier. This l.ady is the daughter of 
 Rol»ert and Mary (Potter) Furman. the former a 
 native of New York State, and was herself bom in 
 Niagara County, that State, Dec. 11. 185.5. The 
 family came to Michigan about 1869. and the 
 mother died in .lonesville. Hillsdale County, at 
 the age of sixty-five years. .Mr. Furman is still 
 living, making his home in Virginia, and is now 
 about seventy years old. 
 
 (Jeorge Weinl»erg. the father of our subject, was 
 born in Northampton County. Pa., and marriinl Miss 
 .Susana Sweetzer. a native of Northampton County. 
 Pa. The household circle wjis completA-d by the birth 
 of nine children, only four of whom are now liv- 
 ing. Leander H.. of our sket<'h. w:ls the fourth 
 child of the family; one brother. .MonrfK'. is a 
 prosi)erou.s grain dealer at Moorepark. this county; 
 Oeorge lives near that pl.ice on a farm; .Mary Ann 
 is the wife of Abraham .Mohney. of Thri-e Rivers; 
 .Jerry died at .Moorepark in Octoljcr. lx«6. when 
 aliout thirtj- years of age. and Ifeulx-n lives at 
 Three Rivers; he is a retired farmer. 
 
 Our sultject is the father of eleven children by 
 the first wife and none by the s<'c<jnd. Of these 
 seven are living. The eldest. .loseph. is a resident 
 of Fabius Township, where he is carrying on farm- 
 ing; Miss Polly continues her residence at the 
 homestead; Catherine, or -Kate" as she is famil- 
 iarly called, is the wife of Kdwanl Tackalierry. and 
 the mother of two children — Floyd and Mattie: 
 they live in Flowerfield Township. Sarah .Lane. 
 Mrs. Winfiehl Hopkins, lives on a farm in Fabius 
 Township, and is the mother of one child, a son, 
 Neal: f harlcj" C. marrie<l Miss Kllen Oemlwrling. 
 
 
JL 
 
 <^ 
 
 a04 
 
 ,t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 who became the mother of om- ihild. a son. Hay. 
 and died April 2!). 1888. when Imt twenty-two 
 years of age; Pharus K. married Miss Minnie 
 Gemberling, and lives on a farm in Flowerfield 
 Township; tliey liave two ehihlren — Mande and 
 Winfiekl. Elmer Egbert continues at home with 
 liis ])arents. 
 
 Mr. Weinljerg has been quite ])i'ominent in local 
 affairs, holding the otlicc of County Coroner two 
 terms, also those of Town Treasurer .-ind Highway 
 Commissioner. Tie and his family belong to the 
 United Brethren Church. Mi-. W. votes thestraight 
 Republican ticket, and during the late Rebellion 
 suffered the loss of his eldest son. William Harri- 
 son, who, in the fall of 18(51. enlisted at Three 
 Rivers in Company E. lltli Michigan Infantry, 
 wliicli was at first commanded )iy Ca])t. Spencer, 
 and later by Capt. Illcks. \\'illiani fought with 
 his comrades bravely and faithfully until during 
 the siege of Atlanta, when he met his death on tiie 
 field of battle. .Vug. 7. 1H(!I. when but twenty -one 
 years old. Ills rem.alns imw till a soldier's grave 
 at Atlanta. C<a. 
 
 ANIEL E. THO.MAS, M. D.. who is suc- 
 cessfully practicing medicine In Constan- 
 ,«, t^ tine Villai;e, ranks In skill and learnlnij 
 among the leading physicians of St. .Jo- 
 seph Count}'. Besides attending to his profes- 
 sional duties the Doctor lakes an active part in 
 the administration of civic affairs, and holds a 
 prominent position in the village government. The 
 community is greatly indebted to hlin for his deep 
 interest in educational matters, he having been a 
 member of the School Board for some years, and is 
 at present Cliairinan of the Town Board of School In- 
 spectors, and has alwa3S used his inlhicnce to secure 
 good schools for the education of the young in this 
 locality. His wisdom and advice are valued in the 
 sessions of the Village Council, of which he is an 
 esteemed member. He is a sound Republican in 
 his political views and relations. Rellgionsly, he 
 and his wife are among the most prominent mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 Dr. Thomas was born in Ui>yallon. Niagara Co., 
 
 N. Y., May 20, 1829. His parents were Eben and 
 Mary (Cheney) Thomas, who were of New En- 
 gland birth. After the birth of their family of 
 seven sons, of whom our subject was the youngest, 
 they removed from their old home in Niagara 
 County, N. Y., to Callioun County, Mich., and 
 settled on a farm among the pioneers of that part 
 of the State. The father afterward died there on 
 his homestead, and the mother subsequently went 
 to .Sauk County, Wis., and spent her remaining 
 years with one of her sons. 
 
 Our subject was a l.ad of nine 3'ears when he 
 came to Michigan with his parents, and he w.as 
 reared to manhood on his father's farm. He was 
 an apt scholar, and with praiseworthj' ambition de- 
 voted himself to gaining an education, having to 
 ]).ay his own way at school with money thai he earned 
 by working out summers and teaching winters, 
 lie thus prepared himself for college, and was an 
 early student at Olivet College, in Eaton County, 
 Mich. After leaving that Institution he began to 
 study medicine with llie late Dr. TImms, of Hills- 
 dale County, .Mich., and in the fall of 18.i6 he en- 
 tered the medical department of the .State Univer- 
 sity at Ann Arbor. He received his diploma, and 
 was graduated from therein the spring of 1858, 
 and establislie<i himself In his profession at Ed- 
 wardsburg, in Cass County. He remained there 
 some six years, and then removed to Hillsdale, 
 Mich., where he practiced about a j'ear and a half. 
 In the fall of 1866 he took advantage of a fine 
 opening for a goad ph\'sician In the village of Con- 
 stantlne, where he has since lived in a comfortable 
 home, and enjoys quite an extensive practice. 
 
 Dr. Thomas has been twice married. He was 
 first married in Ontwa Township, Cass Co., Mich., 
 to i[lss Ann Ormsby. She was born in Cleveland 
 Townslii|>. Elkhart Co., Ind.. Nov. 24, 1836. She 
 died at Cliar.lon, Geauga Co., Ohio, of consump- 
 tion, Aug. 4, 1863. leaving one son, Everett D., 
 who resides in CcMistantine. The Doctor's mar- 
 riage to his present wife took place in Edwnrdsbuig. 
 Cass County, Aug. 18, 1864. Mrs. Thom.is. whose 
 maiden name was Martha E. Mead, was born in 
 Ontwa Township, Cass Count}', Aug. 13, 1842. 
 She was a daughter of Henry H. and Mary (Paine) 
 Mead. Her father died in Cass County, in 1842. 
 
■♦- 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 50u t i 
 
 llcr motliPi- survives at an advanceil age. To Dr. 
 ami Mrs. 'I'humas have l)een liorn three children: 
 Ik-rlierl M.. whd died when over two yeiirs of aj^e; 
 Wilber F., whosUidied hiwat C'onslantine with I'nis- 
 eciiting Attorney F. \V. Knowlen, has been admitted 
 to the bar, and is now enijajfed in practice at White 
 Pigeon, St. Joseph (.'ount^', and Herbert I)., who is 
 a clerk in a store in Chicago, HI. 
 
 .\],V1N W. i;\ ANS, of the linn of Kvans 
 (k Kaiser, grocers and bakers, Sturgis, has 
 already established an excellent reputation 
 as a young man of exceptional business talent, 
 keen, shrewd and jirompt in his dealings, and ever 
 courteously attentive to the want.* of his custo- 
 mers. .Mtliough he h.ns been in business here but 
 a few months, yet, with tlic aid of Ids able partner, 
 lie liiis secured a large and profitable trade, and 
 bids fair in the course of a few years, if his suc- 
 cess continues uninterrupted, to become one of the 
 mone^-ed men of Sturgis. Our subject comes of 
 good old New Kngland stock, and his name and 
 lineage are indissolubly connected with the early 
 history of that part of the country. 
 
 Calvin Ivvans, father of our subject, was a native 
 of .Maine, his ancestf)rs coming from England at 
 an early day, bi'lon;;ing to the aristocracy of that 
 time, and leaving England on account of political 
 didiculties. In about 1841 he became a resident of 
 Newark. Wayne Co., N. Y.. and was there pros- 
 jwrously engaged in business as a shoe maker and 
 dealer for nearly forty j-ears. He married Abigail 
 Wyman. whf> was born near the village of Randolph. 
 ^'t.. on a farm that nestled at the f(xit of the (ircen 
 Mount.iins of Vermont, in the year 1812. Her 
 l)arents were of old Welsh st<K'k. and died when 
 she was a child, and she was adopted by Mr. 
 S|)encer, father of the noted Spencer, the great 
 perfume and extract manufacturer of New York 
 City. Her marriage with the father of our sub- 
 ject was productive of nine children, eight of 
 whom are still living, namely: >ronroe. fleorge 
 W.. .bime.s W., Mary (now Mrs. Warren), Helen 
 (Mrs. Hinton). Ludelia H. (Mrs. Stroud), Hattie 
 
 (.Mi-s. dates) and our subject. Their daughter 
 Elizabeth married Mr. Simpson, and died at the 
 age of thirty-nine, leaving live children. The 
 father of our subject died in 1881. thus rounding 
 out an honorable life of seventy -one years. His 
 wife died in 1876, having atUiineil the age of 
 sixty-four years. 
 
 Calvin Evans, of whom we write, was born in 
 Newark, N. Y., March 18. 18j4. His l)oyhoo<l 
 was passed in his native place, and there he re- 
 ceived a sound, practical education, well fitting 
 him for a business life. In 18(;8 he left the pa- 
 rental home and made his w.iy to Sturgis. The 
 following year we hear of him in Springfield. 
 Mo., where he obtained a clerlcsliip in a dry-goods 
 store. He retained that position eighteen months, 
 and while there saw the first train come in on the 
 Frisco Raihv.ny; 1870 found him again in Stur- 
 gis. In the same year he returned to his birth- 
 pl.ace. Desiring to still further su|>plement his edu- 
 cation, he attended school two years, and in the 
 fall of 1872 once more made his appearance in 
 Sturgis .and has made his home here the most of 
 the time since. He obtained employment in the 
 grocery and bakery of Rice iV Co.. with whom he 
 staid nine years, thus gaining a thorough knowl- 
 edge of his present business down to the minutest 
 detail. He began business for himself in .January. 
 1882. as a grocer, and sold out in 1884. The 
 three following years he was employed in Sturgis' 
 furniture factory. At the expiration of that time 
 he received the appointment of mail messenger on 
 the Lake Shore Road between Chicago and Cleve- 
 land. In October, 1888, he resigned that position, 
 his resignation being accepted November 12. He 
 then went into the grocery and bakery business, 
 with James Ryan as partner. The latter sold, his 
 interest in the store to Mr. Kaiser Dec. 2, 188K. 
 They do a gooil luisiness and have a large whole- 
 sale and retail baking trade, :is they y^upply this 
 tjwn and neighboring village with bread. 
 
 Mr. Evans w;is united in marriage to Miss Id.-i 
 L. Dice April 27. 187.). .She is a daughter of .John 
 A. Dice, a grocer of Chicago, HI. Mrs. Evans 
 W!xs born at Sturgis. .Tan. 11. \H')G. The pleasant 
 wedded life of our subject Iku* been blessed to 
 him by the birth of two children: Mabel D.. who 
 
-4*- 
 
 ' ) 506 
 
 ^^ ^ V <« 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 was born Feb. 12. 1876: and .lames B.. who was 
 born Nov. 27. 1S^«1. 
 
 Mr. and ^Irs. Kvan* move in tlie liijilie^i >iKiut\ 
 that tlie town atTonls. and nnniber anumir their 
 friends the Kv^t people of the plaee. It is the 
 nnited testimony of those who know our subject 
 that he is an upritiht man whose life is without 
 blemish. He is an e.iruest thinker, has a cultured 
 mind, is broad and enliirhtened in his views, and a 
 siniere ( hrislian and firm believer in the doctrine 
 of universal salvation, he being a member of the 
 l"niversalist Church. Socially, he is identified 
 with the 1. O. O. F. 
 
 .>S-| r?<r - 
 
 NDREW LAVEUTY. In this gentleman, 
 WilJ now a retired farmer and hijilily esteemed 
 ti citizen of White Tigeon. we find an exam- 
 ple for the young men of to-ilay, who are 
 just embarking in the field of active life, of what 
 may be acci>niplished by a man in the hiunble walks 
 of life, by being honest, true and industrious. In 
 earlv life he enjoyed but a few advantages, his 
 school days were limited, and he had not wealth nor 
 position lo aid him at the outset. He relied solely 
 ujion his own efforts and his own conduct to win 
 him the success in life he so much desired. The 
 success obtained does not consist esdusivelj' in the 
 sense of accumulating wealtli. but in doing good to 
 others and in treating his neighbors well, and in win- 
 ning their respect and esteem. 
 
 t)ur subject was born in Montour County. Pa.. 
 Nov. 2;!. 1816. He is a son of William and Debo- 
 rah (Ueniun) l>averty. The father was a native of 
 Philadelphia, and dieil when our subject Wi\s very 
 young, lie was the father «.)f foin- children, of whom 
 our subject is the only one living. The mother 
 married Luke Brass, and became the mother of two 
 more children, one v( whom. Margaiet. is living: she 
 is now the wife of .1. C. Else, and resides in Wau- 
 baushene. Ontario, on the shores of the Georgiau 
 B:iy. 
 
 After the death of his father, which occurred 
 when our subject was six years olil. he left his 
 home ti> earn his own living. He tirst learneil the 
 trade of a tailor, which he followed successfully for 
 
 several years. His health beginning to fail he quit 
 it and engaged in farming for two j-ears. He then 
 worked as a carpenter for some time. In 1866 he 
 came to St. .Kiseph County anil settled in Constan- 
 tine Township, where he engaged in farming until 
 in the spring of 1882, when he moved into While 
 Pigeon, where he has since resided. He owned a 
 fine grain farm, but when he moved into town he 
 disposed of it 
 
 Mr. Laverty was married, Jan. 8, 1838, to Sarah 
 A. Schuyler. She was a daughter of Adam an<l 
 Eve Schuyler. They lived near Par.idise. Northum- 
 berland Co.. Pa. The fallier was born in New Jer- 
 sey' and is now dead. The mother w.as born in 
 Northampton County. Pa, Our subject and his 
 giiod wife are the parents of nine children, seven of 
 whom are living, named: Kezia .S., Margaret B., 
 Effie S., Mattie H.. Frank G.. Charles W. and Oliver 
 Perry. Kezia is the wife of Daniel Blue, of Mott- 
 ville Township, and is the mother of seven children 
 — Charlie. Mattie, Harry, Minnie, Frank. Kate and 
 John. JIargarct is the wife of John F. Burnett, and 
 resides at Antwerp. Ohio; she is the mother of three 
 children — Eva. Nellie and Maggie. EtHe is the wife 
 of William D. Wilson, and is the mother of two 
 children. Harry and Rene, and resides in Antwerp, 
 Ohio; Maltie is the wife of Dr. Reuben Schurtz, 
 and is the mother of one child. Carl; they reside in 
 Streator, 111. Frank married Alta Maronej-. and 
 resides in Florence Township, in this county, and 
 has one child. Vera Zoe; Charlie is Principal of the 
 schools in Randolph, Dodge Co., Wis.; O. Perry is 
 a telegraph operator. 
 
 Our subject and his good wife celebrated their 
 golden wedding Jan. 8, 1889, and at the same time 
 i-ecalled to mind the seventy-third anniversiiry of 
 the battle of New Orleans. The reinembraiiees left 
 with this worthy couple at that lime were of intrin- 
 sic value in themselves, but that does not constitute 
 their v.tlue in the eyes of the recipients. The feel- 
 ings which prompted their bestowal render them 
 priceless lo those who received them, .as every arti- 
 cle given serves to recall to mind the love, affection 
 and esteem of the giver, and they are all treasured 
 and valued in the hearts of Mr. Laverty and his 
 wife as beyond money value. Mrs. Laverty 's two 
 brothers. Joliu and Lewis Schuyler, each lived lo 
 
ST. JO.Stl'U COUNT!'. 
 
 507 
 
 ccli'lirate t.hi'irf;iililcii wprMin;;; llic first iiaiin'il dii'd 
 at the iige of i-ijilil}': l^fwis is yet livin;; and i» past 
 eighty years old. Her brother William celebrated 
 his golden wed<liiin in February, 1 8H1». Mr. and 
 Mrs. Liiverty iiave been active, zealous ineinliers of 
 tiie Ltithernn Church for forty-five years. 
 
 Mr. and .Mrs. Lavcrty live in their palatial brick 
 residence on Kasl Cliicaj^o street. Their home is 
 finely furnished throughout, ond the barns and other 
 oiit-biiiidiii'^s arc models <tf their kind, very sub- 
 i-tantially ccjiislructed and convenient in design. 
 This . gentleman is one of tliose men we liiid so 
 thickly scattered thr<>M<^li Micliii^an, and who form 
 the best element of her society'. It is the}' who have 
 laid the foundations of the .State so broad, deep 
 and solid that the colossal edifice of the great coin- 
 monweallli is reared ujioii it without danger of 
 collapse, making it possible to attain the highest 
 pinnacle to which Government or human society' 
 reaches. To these men Michigan owes her great- 
 ness, and of this class our subject is a splendid rep- 
 resentative. 
 
 EKUMT 1'. IIAUWOOD. The present 
 [/ 1\\ prosperous and promising condition of 
 
 Constantine Township is due to the knowl- 
 edge and energy of a class of men of whom 
 our subject is a fair representative. Ho was born 
 in this township, Oct. 24, 1840, and has always re- 
 sided here. His father was Heman Harwood, and 
 his mother Rebecca (Fisher) Harwood; she is now 
 deceased. (See sketches of Hiram and Heman 
 Harwooil, on other pages in this volume.) 
 
 Our subject was the younger of his parents' two 
 children. His entiie life ha.s been p.a.ssed on a 
 farm, excepting the time when he was attending 
 8<-bool. His parent* were educated and intelligent 
 people, and they transmitted to their son a desire 
 for knowledge, to gratify which he never loses an 
 opixirtunity. He is a close observer of men and 
 events, is very liberal in his ideas, and freely ac- 
 cepts the experience ot others in the same line of 
 business with hinisplf, and proflts by their failures 
 as well as their successes. 
 
 Mr. II wo<ii| was married to Miss Sjivill t Wliile. 
 
 in Constiinline Township, Sept. ll.lSfiO. This lady 
 was born in Lycoming County, I'a., Oct. 24, 1 M H. 
 This couple have become the piirentsof two children 
 — Fannie M. and Leonard A. Fannie is now the 
 wife of Kdward ISoles, an<l resides with her husband 
 in ConsU«ntinc Township; Leonard irarrierl Miss 
 Minnie Thomas, anil likewise resides in Constantine 
 Township. The parents of Mrs. Harwood were 
 Abel and Ksther (Bower) White. They came from 
 Pennsylvania to St. .Joseph County in 1K48, and 
 settled in Florence Township, where they ch^ared a 
 farm in the heavy timber of that section, which 
 they sold and removed U) Constantine Townshij) 
 where they resided until the time of their deaths. 
 Her father was a carpenter, but followed farming 
 the greater portion of the time. He met his death 
 by fulling from a building on wliicli he was work- 
 ing, living but four hours after the fall. He was 
 born Oct. 17, IMl 4, and die'l An;;. 6. 1«7;}. Her 
 mother was born .Sept. 11, IKIG, and died in Con- 
 stantine Oct. 27, 1877. The record of their family 
 is as follows: Amelia was born .Ian. 9. 1842, was 
 the wife of Kdwin .Moshier, and died Feb. 14. 188.'J. 
 Her sister, Mrs. Harwood, relates an interesting in- 
 cident of her falling from a primitive bridge while 
 returning from school, and doating down stream 
 half a mile, when she was rescued in an exhausterl 
 condition liy the latter. The next in order of birth 
 was .Mrs. llarwo<jd: then Mary Belle, born Dec. 10, 
 1844, now wife of Melvin Moshier, residing in Dal- 
 las County, Iowa; Almira was born .Jan. 10. 1840, 
 and died Jan. 10, 18.08; and .Jefferson, born .March 
 31, 1847, died Nov. 23, 1801. 
 
 Mrs. Harwood has been an invalid for the last 
 two years, being confined to the bouse, and the 
 greater portion of the time to her room, by that 
 most excruciating disease, rheumatism. She has 
 borne all her sufferings and trials with Christian 
 resignation. Prior to the time she was attacked 
 with this sickness and confined to the house, she 
 took an active part in the sm-ial life of the people 
 about her, and had an especial pride in the manage- 
 ment and care of her ele^jant home. 
 
 The improvements Mr. Harwood has |tlaced upon 
 his farm of 1 20 acres are very complete in their 
 character, and subsL-intial in their construction. He 
 believes lint the stnall things carol for iro far to- 
 
 >» ■ 4» 
 
-♦■ 
 
 508 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ward securing the success of a farmer; in conse- 
 quence, lie watches very closely for the small leaks, 
 which, if alluwcd to grow, would wreck the enter- 
 prise. All the animals on the farm are sheltered in 
 good, warm houses through the cold months of 
 winter and spring, and all of the many implements 
 em|)k)yed on the farm are carefully cleaned, re- 
 paired, and stored away ready for use when re- 
 quired. The success which h.is attended him proves 
 the correctness of his conclusions. 
 
 In politics Mr. Harwooil is Republican. He has 
 declined to accept aii^' public oHice other than that 
 of School Director, which he has held for several 
 years. He accepted this office feeling that any ef- 
 forts he might put forth would be of lasting good. 
 Hiuiself and wife are members of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church. He has been for many 
 years a Steward and Trustee in society. 
 
 15. lUtHiLKS. of J'hrcc Kivcrs, is an old 
 resident of St. Joseph County. He was born 
 
 in Hanover Township, Luzerne Co.. Pa.. 
 
 June 22, 1818. His ijareuts. Lorenzo and Poll3- 
 (Bennett) Ruggles, were both natives of Connecti- 
 cut. The grandfather. Ashlu'l Ruggles. emigrated 
 from Connecticut and removed thence to Luzerne 
 County, Pa., and afterward to Ohio, where he died. 
 On leaving Pennsylvania he also left his son Lo- 
 renzo, who w.ns serving his time as an apprentice 
 to a blacksmith. After completing his term the 
 latter began business for himself, building a shop 
 on a half-.acre of ground which ho had |>urchased. 
 As his means permitted he added to this luitil be 
 became the owner of lOO acres, all the' time carry- 
 ing on his bl.acksmilhiug trade. There he was mar- 
 ried to Polly Bennett, who had likewise emigrated 
 from Co7niecticut with her ])arenls. and they con- 
 tinued to live in Hanover Township until Mr. 
 Ruggles retired from .active life, when he made his 
 home in the then village, now the lUmrisliing city, 
 of Wiikesbarre. Pa., where lie died at the age of 
 seventy-four. .Mr. Ruggles had been twice mar- 
 ried, his first wife. Polly, dying at the age of forty. 
 His second wife was Mary .Vuii Wagner, a native 
 of Xorthamplon County, Pa., who survived her 
 
 husband about five years. All of his ten children 
 were by the first wife, and all grew to maturity 
 except one, who died in chiblhood. The others, 
 all born in Luzerne County. Pa., were: Almon, who 
 was a farmer and blacksmith, and died in his native 
 county; Alfred, a fanner living in Ohio; Josiah. a 
 retired lumber dealer, living in Luzerne County; 
 Z. B. was next in order of birth; then cameCatlin, 
 now a farmer in Fabius Township, in this county; 
 Lorenzo, a carpenter liy trade, living in Will 
 Count3'', 111.; Mary Ann, wife of Rev. John Labar. 
 of Forty Fort. Luzerne Co., Pa.; .Sarah .Jane, wife 
 of John Reimer, a farmer in the same county; and 
 Paulina, wife of Charles Whitesell. a mason and 
 pl.asterer in Pittston. Pa. 
 
 The subject of this sketch learned the tr.ade of a 
 carriage-maker in Bloomsburg, Columbia Co., Pa., 
 and afterward w.is in the same business there on 
 his own account for six years. In 184.') he decided 
 to try his fortunes in the We^t. and emigrated to 
 Micliigun. settling in Three Rivers, which has ever 
 since been his home. On first locating here he 
 worked at his trade for four years for Mr. Petlit. 
 For two years after that he followed farming, but 
 then returned to his trade, building a shop, and 
 afterward buying out the business of bis former 
 employer, .and carrying it on until 1883. when he 
 sold it out. Idleness not suiting his industrious 
 disposition, he is now engaged in selling tombstones, 
 monuments, etc., for the firm of J. H. Iluylar lir 
 Sous, of Three Rivers. 
 
 Mr. Ruggles has been twice married, his first 
 wife being .Miss Mary (icarliart. a n.itive of Colum- 
 bia County, Pa., who died in 18J0. about live years 
 after thej' had came to Michigan. Her only child 
 died when four years old. His second wife is Lydia 
 JIaria Cole, a native of Yates County-, X. Y.. 
 who came to Michigan with her father about the 
 year 1838. They have one child, a son named 
 Ezra C. who is married to Saitlee Nelson, of Flow- 
 ertield Township, this county, has one child, and 
 lives in Three Rivers. 
 
 Mr. Ruggles stands extremely well in the com- 
 munity. He has from youth been a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, and since his residence 
 in Three Rivers has been Trustee, Steward and 
 Class-Leader in the church here. He takes an act- 
 
 ^»- 
 
■^•■ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ■•^^"Br"^* 
 
 .')09 
 
 *~ 
 
 ivc interest in tlie Snhbath-seliool work, nnd has 
 been both teaciier and Superintendent. lie was 
 one of the oriranizers of the first Salilwth-seliool 
 ever estal)Iished in Tliree Rivers. lie lias never 
 tal<en a very active part in pulilie affairs, liut has 
 bi'en a member of tlie Town C'ouni-i! of Three 
 Hlveis. In polities lie is a Hepnliliean. 
 
 -•jici';t!ii®«^g^»®f3«ZTOT»- 
 
 ,EV. LEWIS C. ROLTTZAIIN, Pastor of St. 
 John's Enjflisli Lutheran Church at Three 
 ,1, Rivers, was born in Mt. Morris. Ogle Co., 
 *^^I1I., May, 23, 185'J, his parents beinjj^ John 
 and C';itherine (Ilarbtinph) Ruutzahn, the father of 
 German, and mother of Swiss descent. On both 
 sides the family is of ancient line.ige, the paterhal 
 ancestors coming to this country about "250 years 
 ago, and locating first in New Amsterdam, as New 
 York was then called. A generation or two later 
 the then head of the family removed to Frederick 
 County, Md., where the family are to this daj' 
 numerously represented. The grand father of oursub- 
 ject. Jonathan Routzahn. was liorn in thatcounty, be- 
 came a farmer, and lived there .-dl of his life, dying at 
 a comparatively earl}' age. lie married Miss Eliza- 
 beth Herring, also a native of that counlv. and they 
 were the parents of seven chihlren, namely : Nathan- 
 iel, now a photographer in Winchester. Va. ; Luther 
 was a machinist, and died in Springfield, Ohio, in 
 1886; John, father of Lewis C. was next in order 
 of birth; Lewis was a merchant and planter in 
 Georgia, and died in that .State in IHSC; Daniel is 
 a harness manufacturer in East St. Louis, 111.; .M;iu- 
 rice is in the Government employ at Washington, 
 D. C; and Elizalieth. wIki was the wife of George 
 Chamberlain, die<l in .Middietown. Md. 
 
 John Routzahn was born May 30, 1829, in Mid- 
 dietown, Md. He became a merchant tailor, and 
 carried on business at Baltimore. Md.. for several 
 years, when he removed to Mt. Morris, Ill.,and'was 
 there engaged in business for many years. Later 
 he removed tf) Iowa, where he lived about five 
 years, when he started to revisit his old home and 
 friends in Mt. Morris. Before reaching there he 
 was attacked with heart disease, and died at Chana 
 .Station, twelve miles from his old home, Aug. 1, 
 
 4* 
 
 1873. He was a devout Christian, an industrious, 
 upiight man, of decided opinions, who stuck strongly 
 to what he believed to be right In his political 
 belief he was what was known as a Douglas Demo- 
 crat. He was kind-hearted and generous to those 
 in need, and lost much money by helping his friends. 
 He was raarrieil in M.-iryland to Catherine Har- 
 baugh, who was descended from an ancient Swiss 
 family who emigrated to this country when .Swit- 
 zerland was struggling for independence about 300 
 years ago. Having taken an active jiart in the troubles 
 of that time the}' were compelled to llee to save their 
 lives. On coming to this country the Harbaughs 
 settled in New Amsterdam; later they were found 
 in Pennsylvania, and afterward removed to Mary- 
 laud. The family have been prominent in that lo- 
 calit}', and embraced in their numbers raanj' famous 
 men — statesmen, ministers, large contractors, etc. 
 One of the latter built the Treasury building at 
 Washington, afterward burned by the British. An- 
 other was the famous David Harbaugh. I). D., men- 
 tioned in "Webster's Dictit)nary" among the noted 
 men of Maryland. Catherine Harbaugh died in Mt. 
 Morris, 111., Dec. 17, 1866. ageil thirty-si.^, being 
 born in 1830. .She and her husband were the par- 
 ents of seven children, as follows: Algernon, now a 
 practicing lawyer in Beatrice, Neb.; William and 
 George were both killed by lightning at Oregon, 
 111., in June, 1885; Lewis C. was next; Olen is a 
 farmer near Lincoln. Neb. ; Mary makes her home 
 with our subject, and Ma'tha lives at Dayton, Ohio. 
 Lewis C. Routzahn lost his mother when he was 
 but seven years of age, and his father seven j'ears 
 later. He w.as thus thrown upon his own resources 
 at an earlj' age, and for three years after his father 
 died liveil upon a farm. He then Icjirned the trade 
 of a baker, and when but eightein years old began 
 business for himself in Mt. Morris, III. In l.s7.she 
 gave it up. and visited relatives in .Maryland, slay- 
 ing there for several months. He then went to 
 Springfield, Ohio, where man}' of his father's rela- 
 tives lived, among whom were the foun<ler8 of Wit- 
 tenberg College at that place. There he began 
 studying for the ministry', attending the College for 
 one year, but his health being impaired by too close 
 application to his studies, he ri'lurned to his oltl 
 home in Illinois. The next fall he Uiught school, 
 
 !*r*^ 
 
olO 
 
 ^i^h-* 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 , and .1 3'ear latrr entered Jit. Morris College, where 
 lie eonliniicd liis ?tu<lii'S for two j'ears, Ihcn go'nig 
 back to Spriiigfifld, Ohio, and entering the theo- 
 logical department of Wittenberg College, was 
 graduated therefrom in 1884. A month later he 
 received a call to the church in Three Rivers. Mich., 
 of which lie has ever since been the pastor. It was 
 then but a mission church, having but thirty-three 
 members. Under his care it became in two years 
 self-sustaining, with a membership of 100. Now 
 it has over 200 members, with the largest Sabbath- 
 sciiool in St. Joseph County, a record redounding 
 to the credit of Mr. Routzahn, and illustrative of 
 the zeal with which he has labored. The church is 
 free of debt, and flourishing in every w.ay, and the 
 pastor beloved and respected, not only b}' his own 
 Congregation, but b}' all who know him. 
 
 August 12, 188.5. Mr. Routzahn married Miss 
 Lillian McClure. daughter of Thomas and Minerva 
 (Comstock) McChiie, of San Jose. Cal. She w.as 
 bo'-n in Polo. 111., Sept. 10, 1858, and is tiie30ungest 
 of live children, none of the others being resi- 
 dents of .St. Joseph County. Mr. and Mrs. Rout- 
 zahn have had two children: Oleu. born Aug. 2. 
 1886, and died November 5 of the same year; and 
 Warren Willitts, born in 1887. 
 
 Mr. Routzahn has made many and warm friends 
 during his residence in Three Rivers, and is justly 
 held in high esteem. lie is zealous in his work, kind, 
 charitable and considerate with his fellowmen, and 
 has accomplished much good. Socially, he is a 
 member of Davis Lodge No. 57, F. & A. M., and 
 of Salathiel Chapter No. 28, R. A. 
 
 o^S^- 
 
 4'K' 
 
 "tfStf- 
 
 T 
 
 eOXR.VI) SC'U.V.VI). In our .selection of rep- 
 resentative houses we find the name of this 
 gentleman inseparably connected with the 
 boot and shoe industry, which has a fine showing 
 in Three Rivers, and of which Mr. .Scliaad is a lead- 
 ing representative. He occupies a prominent place 
 in the shoe trade of the city, dealing in durable 
 goods of first-class quality, and as the result of this, 
 has built up a lucrative patronage. A native of 
 Switzerland, he was born in Obeshnllan, Canton of 
 
 Schaffhausen. Feb. 26, 1829. and there received his 
 early education, after which he learned the trade 
 of shoemaker, serving the regular apprenticeship 
 of five years in that country, and becoming master 
 of the trade in all its branches. 
 
 .Mr. .Sch.aad traveled as a journeyman shoemaker 
 through nearly the length and breadth of his native 
 land and France, working sufficiently to i>,iy his 
 expenses, and gained a fine knowledge of the coun- 
 try, viewing its interesting sights and becoming 
 possessor of a practical knowledge which afforded 
 a more thorough school of training than books 
 could have been. Ilis wanderings ended, he then 
 returned home, spent one year, and in 1854 .*ct sail 
 for America. When leaving his childhood's home 
 he proceeded to Havre, France, and there embarked 
 on a vessel bound for New York City, where he ar- 
 rived after a four weeks' voyage. He spent verj- 
 little time in the metropolis, but proceeding directly 
 westward halted at Toledo. Ohio, where he spent 
 four months working at his trade. 
 
 We next find our suliject in Constantino, this 
 county, where he sojourned eighteen months, and in 
 the winter of 1856 came to Three Rivers and occu- 
 pied the shoemaker's bench until 1862. At the ex- 
 piration of this time, having been successful in 
 accumulating some means, he established in busi- 
 ness on his own account, opening up a well-selected 
 stock of boots and shoes in the Kelsey Block. He 
 occupied this place until 1864, then purch.ised his 
 present store, to which he removed his business and 
 where he has since held forth. The building occu- 
 pies an area of 22x75 feet, .and is three stories in 
 heigiil. Mr. Scliaad carries a well-selected stock, 
 to which he is constantly m.aking additions and 
 gradually extending his trade. 
 
 Mr. Seb.aad owes his success to his close applica- 
 tion to his business, his promptness in meeting his 
 obligations, and his courtesy to his custt)mer8. lie- 
 sides his store building, he owns good residence 
 property and four other business houses. For the 
 man who arrived upon American soil with but a 
 few dollars in his pocket, he has certainly made good 
 progress. In jxilitics he is conservative, and .so- 
 cially, belongs to the I. O. O. V.. with which he has 
 been identified a numbef of years. 
 
 Mr. Schaad in 1864 contracte<l matrimonial ties 
 
-4•■ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 oil 
 
 ¥ 
 
 with Miss Mary A. lUi/zanl. i>f Three Rivers. Mrs. 
 S. wiis Ixirii in Montour Comity, I'ii., ami of her 
 union witli oiirsulijeel there are three children liv- 
 injj: C'nroline .1.. the wife of Charle.s Batcmau; 
 Lilly, al home witli her parents, and Arlina, the 
 wife of Charles W.C'ox. One ^•ounJJf danjjiiter. Ar- 
 vina, died at the age of twelve yeai-s. The parents 
 of Mrs. S. were Daniel and rrudence lUizzard, 
 who were natives of Pennsylvania, and spent their 
 last days in Danville. I'a. 
 
 Jaeoli and I'rsiila ( IJainnan ) Sehaad were natives 
 also of Switzerland, liorn in the same canton as 
 their son. Their family consisted orisiinally of five 
 children, only four of whom lived to mat\ire years. 
 One of these still survives, and makes his home in 
 Decatur, Mich. Mr. Scliiuad has fully identified 
 himself with tlie interests of his adopted country, 
 and hiis lonij been recoEfui/.ed in 'I'hree Hivers as a 
 valued addition to the comnuinity. 
 
 -//.i MOS SIT R(;iS, one of the solid, substun- 
 
 *3y/'ir 
 
 "SgfiJii tial men of .St, Joseph County, and a lead- 
 ing agriculturist of Sturgis. owning one of 
 the largest an<l most valualile farms in the 
 township, takes an honest pride in being a member 
 of one of the prominent pioneer families of the 
 county, his father, the late Judge .Sturgis, having 
 been one of the very first settlers within it.s boun- 
 daries. 
 
 Our subject is a native-born citizen of Michigan, 
 his birth having occurre<l at IJrownstown, Wayne 
 County, Jan. I", 182H. His father. Judge John 
 Sturgis, was liorn in I'liiladeljihia in 17H7, and 
 pa.s.sed the first thirteen years of his life in that 
 city. In the o|iening ye.nr of this century his {kw- 
 eut,s. John and .\rdillacv (>Iiller) Sturgis. were 
 married in Mt. I'leiijiant, Canada; they then moved 
 to lirownstown, Michigan Territory, in 1818, 
 making the journey with a yoke of oxen and 
 a sled, crossing the river at Detroit when the ice 
 was so near the point of breaking up that Mrs. 
 Sturgis. taking their only child in her arms, walked 
 across rather than run the risk of breaking through 
 the ice with the team and drowning. They settled 
 on land belonging to Gen. Ctisa. In the year 1827 
 
 .Iiidge .Sturgis and an enterprising young man 
 nanietl Ovorge Thurston came to this part of .Michi- 
 g.in and liroke the first prairie land in what was 
 afterward .St. Joseph County, sowed a crop of 
 wlieat. and put up .a quantity of hay. For further 
 particulars of their journey and sojourn into this 
 then uninhabited country see sketch of Mr. Thur- 
 ston on another page of tliis volume. They re- 
 turned to Wayne County, and in the spring of 
 1828, in the month of May, the Judge came back 
 here with his family to take uj) his permanent 
 abode here, and thus became one of the earliest 
 settlers of the county. He at first located on the 
 southwest quarter of what is now Fawn Hiver 
 Township, but at the end of two years he moved 
 to Nottawa and entered 240 acres of Oovern- 
 ment land, wljich he afterward sold for *l..")On. 
 He remained in that place a ])eriod of only three 
 months, and then came to Sturgis and located on 
 Land where our subject now lives. He was an in- 
 dustrious, energetic man, with excellent Ijusiness 
 ability, and met with eminent success in all of his 
 transactions, thus working his w.ay up from iMjverty 
 to comparative alllucnce, and at the time of his 
 death was the owner of 1.400 acres of land, which 
 he willed to his sons, entailing it so that it should 
 descend from father to son in direct line .xs long, is 
 the race should last. The Judge was an important 
 personage here in his day, and the township of 
 .Sturgis was named in his honor by Gov. Cass, 
 who on his return from the trip in -wliicli he had 
 made his famous treaty with the Pottawatomie In- 
 dians, camped near the Judge's house, and learning 
 that the prairie had no name, called it .Sturgis. 
 To Juilgc and Mrs. Sturgis were born ten children, 
 six sons and four daughters, namely: William, 
 Jane, Catherine, John, Oeorge, Amos, David. Han- 
 nah, Sarah A. (deceased) .and Henrietta. Judge 
 .Sturgis closed his eyes to the scenes of earth April 
 17, 1872, and thus passed away a notable citizen of 
 this town, whose name will be held in remendtrauce 
 as long as the town shall last. His wife dei^jirted 
 this life Feb. l.">, 1877. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was reared on his pres- 
 ent homestead, and received his early scluHjling in 
 the typical school-house of jtioneer days, a log 
 cabin, with rude slab seats, situated in the village 
 
 4' 
 
 
:^i^H* 
 
 il2 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 of Sturgis. and later attended the public school, rc- 
 ceivinjj u substantial education. He is a man of 
 undeniable ability, undisputed financial judgment. 
 and unswerving integrity, who has always devoted 
 his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, and 
 his large and well-tilled farm of .'>:?0 acres in 
 one body, 186 of which he inherited from his 
 father, shows the skill and judicious labor that 
 h.as been spent uiK)n it. He raises .-ill the crops 
 of a Jlichigan farmer, but makes a si)ecialt3' of 
 l)otatoes and wheat. He has erected commodious 
 and convenient buildings, and carries on farming 
 after the most approved modern methods, his 
 place being a credit to him and an ornament to the 
 town and county. 
 
 Mr. Sturgis was married, Feb. S>, 18C9, to Miss 
 Martlia Smith, a native of New York State, and 
 their union has been blessed by the birth of five 
 children, namely: Nettie. Charles. Amos. Mattie 
 and Myra. all of whom are at home and receiving 
 tiie Itenetit of the excellent educational system of 
 their native town. In politics Mr. Sturgis is a 
 firm Democrat, and though he does his duty at the 
 ix>lls. never seeks official honors. He and his wife 
 are highly esteemed in social circles in their com- 
 munity, and their hospit.ible home is the resort of 
 the large circle of friends whom they have drawn 
 to them by tlieir geniality and courtesy. 
 
 =^ KV. .1. EMORY FISHEH. Promineiu among 
 those who have contributed to tlie spread- 
 ing of the Word of God in tliis part of 
 5^ Michigan, none have been more active or 
 zealous than the gentleman whose name heads this 
 sketch, and who is now the oldest pastor and one 
 of the most respected citizens of White Pigeon. 
 His unceasing labors for m.any long years in the 
 Master's vineyard have been crowned with glo- 
 rious results, and liis humble piety and Christian 
 walk in life have endeared him to the tliousands 
 who have from time to time listened to his elo- 
 quent discourses and fervent prayers, as he has re- 
 peated to them the "old, old story of Jesus and 
 His love," and with great humilit}- of spirit and 
 earnestness of purpose lias (winted them to the 
 
 Cross, and guided their w.ayward feet toward the 
 realms of eternal bliss. He is now pastor in chartre 
 of the interests of the Presbyterian Churdi at 
 White Pigeon. 
 
 This gentleman wju^ born in \\ ayiic C ounty. 
 Oliio. near the town of Edinboro. He is the son 
 of Philip R. and Mary (W.altei-s) Fisher. The 
 father was a^ native of Washington County. Pa. 
 Tlie mother was a daughter of Daniel W.ilters. 
 The parents reared a family of eight children, five 
 of whom arc living, n.amed: J. Emory, our sub- 
 ject; David. Jennie. Alfred and William. David is 
 an artist, and now resides in San Francisco. Cal.; 
 Alfred is an invalid at home; William is a farmer, 
 and lives on a jjortion of the old homestead near 
 West Unity. Ohio. 
 
 The subject of this sketch received his educa- 
 tion at Hayesville (Oiiio) Academy, and afterward 
 attended the Western Theological Seminary at 
 Allegheny City. Pa., from wiiich institution he was 
 graduated in 1869. Before lejiving the seminary 
 he received a call from Savannah. Mo., which he ac- 
 cepted, and assumed charge of the Old School Pres- 
 byterian Ciiurch. After the consolidation of the 
 New and tiie Old School societies, which occurred 
 Dec. 12, 1869. the united church was under his 
 pastorate, and on New Year's Dav. 1870, reccivctl 
 sixty-three persons bv profession of their faith, as 
 members of the church, among whom were Judges, 
 bankers, raerch.ants. coloners. and business men of 
 various callings. He moved from Savannah to 
 Lathrop in the same State in 1870. where he built 
 the church. A few days after it w.as dedicated to 
 the service of God he was taken ill and went home. 
 After his'recovery he supplied the churches at Ken- 
 dallville and Elkhart. lud.. for a short time. 
 
 Our subject then went to Fostoria, Ohio, and in 
 March. 1872. he became p.astor of the church in 
 that place, where he remained for one year. a<lding 
 over thirtj- members to the church. Thence he went 
 to Auburn. Ind.. in 1873. While there he was called 
 to WocKlstock. 111., and in 187.5 he removed to 
 that place and was installed i)astor of the churcii 
 there, which he held until 1877. about forty uniting 
 with the ciiurch under his ministry. From Wood- 
 stock he removed to Mineral Point, Wis., and had 
 charge of the church there for one vear. during 
 
 ^^ ^ < • 
 
•^^ 
 
 •t^ 
 
 ST. .lOSEFIl COUNTY. 
 
 j 1 .{ 
 
 which timo the chiirolt was rnisert up, a basement 
 l)Ut under it. and the audience i-(K>ni enlarged and 
 repaired witliin. and twenty-four niemliers were 
 ailded to the cliurcli. In IHTrt he spent several 
 niontlis in evanjrelistic work. In tlie spring of 
 1H7'.( he accepted the pastorate of flie ciiurch at 
 ("oluinhus (irove. Ohio, and durini; liis three years 
 work the church was swelled from about 110 to 
 1.07. In tile spring of 1S82 lie removed to liuiney, 
 Mich., where his work was equally blessed. and in 
 .hily. 1885, he came to White Pigeon. Mich. His 
 work has been mostly of a missiiMiary character, 
 and he has devoted hi:> whole energy and life to 
 milking it a success. 
 
 When our subject .assumed the pastorate of the 
 church at .\uburn, Ind.. it had a meiiiliershipof but 
 twenty -two. and they were decidedly lukewarm and 
 half-hearted in the interests of the society. ( )ur sub- 
 ject at once practically tfiok olT his coat and went to 
 work with a will, determined if possible to rejuve- 
 nate the people and inspire them with some lifeand 
 ambition. .\t the end of his pastorate he had in- 
 creased the membership to eighty -eight names. It 
 is through his labor that the present magnificent 
 I'resbyterinn Church was erected in White I'igeon 
 in 1887; this society h.as prospered both temporally 
 an<l spiritually under his ministrations. To the 
 alreaily large membership on the rolls when he as- 
 sumetl charge, he has been instrumental in secur- 
 ing mftre than thirty additions, twenty-four names 
 having been adfled (luring the last year. 
 
 The society of which our subject is the jiastor is 
 the oldest Presbyterian Church in the .""itate west 
 f>f Ypsilanli. having been organized in I8;J(I. The 
 old church w.as erected in 18.'}2. and was the oldest 
 Presbyterian Church in the State when the con- 
 gregation left it on the 4th of March. 1888. for 
 their new church. When Daniel Webster, the re- 
 nowned .\nierican .Statesman, and his wife and 
 daughter, stopped overnight in White Pigeon, on 
 .July .'). I8.3(!. he went up into the steeple on the 
 old church building and viewed the landscape em- 
 braced in White Pigeon Prairie, and he pronounced 
 the scenery the finest he ever .saw. in the follow- 
 ing words: "How iH'autiful! Never In-fore have I 
 seen such a garden as this." 
 
 The siibject of this sketch was married to Miss 
 
 Linda E. Foster, on Nov. 24, 1873. She was a 
 daughter of Daniel Foster, wlio wjis a resident of 
 Findlay, Ohio. Her father was the first man wIki 
 ever utilized the Mow of natural ga.«. which of late 
 years has adiled so nuicli to the wealth and sub- 
 stantial prosperity of that place. He discovered 
 it escaping from a well as early as 184.'J. in such 
 quantities that he was able U> use it liy conducting 
 it through a rudely constructed tube. He is now 
 dead. 
 
 Kev. Fisher is a gentleman possessing advance<I 
 literary tastes, anil h.is a great tluency of speech in 
 his discourse; he has a generous and magnanimous 
 nature, a manly e;use and freedom of addre.ss. pecul- 
 iarly his own. He is widely known for his integ- 
 rity, his honesty of purpose and uprightness of 
 character. We find him engage<l in every goofl 
 work and lalioring zealously for the suppression of 
 evil, in whatever form it may be found, and the 
 extension and ]>erpetuation of (Jod's kingdom upon 
 the earth. 
 
 I:N1!V D. Crsil.MA.N. a leading druggist 
 of Three Hivers. and making a specialty of 
 the essential oils produced in St. .lusepli 
 County. Mich.. <-ame to this place in .luly. 
 1869. soon after having been graduated in pharmacy 
 from the .Michigan State I'niversity at Ann Arbor. 
 He at once formed a jiartnersliip with .lames C. 
 Keed. and they engaged in the drug business until 
 187."). when Mr. Cushman purchased the interest of 
 his partner and continued the business until 1881. 
 He then dis|H>se<l of his stock to Mr. W. H. Shep- 
 herd. 
 
 In 1872 Mr. Cushman liecame a.ssociated with 15. 
 M. Hicks, and tiogan dealing in essential oils, gradu- 
 ally drifting into the manufacture of the same, 
 dealing in [wpix-rmint, s|»earmint. wormwood and 
 tansy and erigeron. which he furnished to the job- 
 bing trade. He is the inventor of the Menthol 
 Inhaler. ui)on which he secured a jiatent in 1886. 
 This he al.so furnislies to the jobbing trade. an<l 
 from it enjoys a large .side, it being a most plejisant 
 and agreeable renie<ly for such ailments a.s catarrh, 
 hay fever, headache, neuralgia, etc. His Irans.ic- 
 tions extend throughout the entire I'nited States. 
 
 ^ 
 
•4^ 
 
 t 
 
 514 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Great Britain, Canada and >[exico. He is a gen- 
 tleman of good busiiies;* capacities, keeps himself 
 well informed upon all matters concerning the in- 
 telligent citizen, and is considered a valuable factor 
 in his community. 
 
 Our subject was )x)rn in .lackson County, this 
 Stale, Aug. 16, 1846, and is the son of Isaac W. 
 and Maria H. (De Puy) Cushman. who were of 
 New England ancestors. Isaac W. Cushman came 
 to the Territory of Michigan with his father, 
 Joseph AV.. at an early date. Fcnton Cushman. the 
 great-grandfather, was of English descent. Isaac 
 AV. after his marriage settled in Jackson County, 
 and for many years operated a gristmill and en- 
 gaged in general merchandising. He departed this 
 life in ISoT, and the motlier in 1882. They were 
 the parents of three sons and one daughter, of whom 
 Henry D. was the eldest. The bo^'hood of the 
 alter was spent in his native county, and after 
 emerging from the district scliool he attended sch(X)l 
 at Albion College, and prepared for his university 
 course. He was married, Feb. 23, 1870. to Miss 
 Thirza A. Wright, a native of Calhoun County, 
 Mich., and a graduate of Albion College. Mrs. 
 Cushman w.as born July 30, 1848. and is the 
 daughter of Josiah and Eliza Wright, wiio are now 
 residents of Albion. Mich. Their family consisted 
 of three children. To our subject and his estima- 
 ble wife there have been born three cliildren — 
 Herbert W., Harrj- D. and Jessie M. Mr. Cush- 
 man represented his ward as Alderman three terms; 
 is Secretary of the water works, and a member of 
 Three Rivers Masonic Lodge. 
 
 ^j^ZEKIEL FLANDERS. This honored pio- 
 ^ neer of 1844 arrived in this county in the 
 La^ spring of the year, after a tedious and some- 
 what dangerous journey, which was performed in 
 the manner of those days, widely different from that 
 of the present, and during which w.is encountered 
 one of the severest storms known to this section of 
 country. For thirty-six hours Mr. F. held to an iron 
 bar. His clotiies in the meantime were frozen, and 
 himself almost in a perishing condition. This was 
 about November 17. The storm lasted from Fri- 
 
 day morning until Sunday about 7 V. M.. wiien 
 they h.id to give up the trip for that time and re- 
 turned to Huffalo. After it had abatefl tiie journey 
 to tliis county was resumed, and Mr. Flanders for a 
 time made his home with friends. 
 
 Our subject in the spring of 1852 purchased 
 160 acres of wild land on Nottawa Prairie, where he 
 commenced farming amid the ditliculties common 
 to life in tiiat region of country, taking care of his 
 widowed mother and settling up the debts of his 
 father's estate. In the meantime, in order to aug- 
 ment the family income he chopped wood at thirty 
 cents per cord and boarded, himself, economizing in 
 every way jx)ssible. In due time his industry and 
 perseverance brought their legitimate reward, and 
 he found himself upon his feet. He is now numbered 
 among the well-to-do citizens of this county, own- 
 ing 160 acres of good land in Nottawa Townshi|>. 
 besides a good home in the village of Mendou. He 
 carried on agriculture continuously some years, but 
 in 1883 took up his abode in Alendon Village, 
 where he now resides, surrounded bj- all the com- 
 forts of life. 
 
 Our subject was born in Farraersville, Cattarau- 
 gus Co.. N. Y.. June 7. 1823. and is the son of 
 Ezekiel and Lydia ( Wliite) Flanders, who were na- 
 tives of New Hampshire, and the father a farmer 
 b^- occupation. The latter was born Oct. 22, 1782, 
 and dei)arted this life in New York .State. Dec. 8. 
 184(1. at the age of fifty-eight years, one montli 
 and sixteen daj-s. He had been a man of note in 
 his neighborhood, holding the various local offices 
 and bearing the reputation of a jjeaceable and law- 
 abiding citizen, a man prompt to meet his obliga- 
 tions, and with his excellent wife a believer in the 
 Ciu-istian religion. The mother w.as born July 16. 
 1818, and survived her husband six j-ears. her 
 death taking place at the homestead in St. Joseph 
 County, Mich.. Aug. 30, 1846. at the age of fifty- 
 one years, eight months and ten da3-s. 
 
 Ezekiel Flanders. Sr.. when about twenty-nine 
 years of age entered upon a seafaring life, which 
 he followed for about seven vears, being mate of a 
 ve.«sel. He was a man of good education and more 
 than ordinary intelligence, and followed teaching 
 after resuming his residence on terra tirma. He 
 accumulated good property, and politically, afflli- 
 
 •^^ 
 
 i 
 
■^^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 51 o 
 
 atod with the Domoeratic party. The parental 
 household included eleven children, ten of whom 
 lived to mature years. The eldest, Zoroa.<ter S. 
 H., W!\s l«>rn .lune 11. 1814: Sophia, Jan. 2(1. l«li;; 
 David W.. .luly K!. I«18; Klizaheth K.. March 2(1, 
 1820; Kzekiel. .Jr.. .hme 7. l«2.i; Calvin 11.. .\ujr. 
 5, 1H2.'>; Lydia \... Auj;. H. 1.S28; Lucinda W., 
 Aug. 15. IHM); Mary. Aug. 20. 18;J2;-Ann. .Ian. 
 10, 1838. . This latter child died in infancy. The 
 [lai-ents were marrietl Feb. 1.1, 1813. 
 
 Mr. Flanders, our subject, was reared at the home 
 farm in Cattaraugus County. \. Y.. where he was 
 taught haliits of industry and economy, and ob- 
 tained his book learning in the common school. 
 He was content to follow farm pursuits, and when 
 ready to establish a lircside of his own was united 
 in marriage with Miss Amelia Ransom, Dec. 20, 
 18l(!. at the home of the bride in Janesville. ^licli. 
 Mrs. Flanders was lx)rn M.ay <!. 1829, in New York, 
 and is the daughter of Hubble and Charlotte 
 (Graves) Hansom, the former of whom was born 
 in 1777. and the latter Dec. .5, 1779. The family 
 of Mr. and Mrs. Hansom consisted of the children, 
 born as follows: Charlotte. .Ian. 2.'). 1810; .lustin 
 H.. .May 7, 1812; Harry, .luly 7. 1811; Eliza A.. 
 Dec. 14, 1816; Alonzo, Feb. 13, 1819; Charlotte, 
 .luly 4. 1821; Hebecca. Marcli .'>. 1823: Lyman G., 
 April 10. 1827; Amelia. M.iy 2(). 1829; Martha. 
 Aug. 12. 1833. 
 
 Our subject and his estimable wife oomnicnced 
 their wedded life together in Nottawa Townehip. 
 this county, and in due time the household circle in- 
 cluded five children. The eldest of these. Helen, 
 was born Sept. 27, 1847; Catherine, .Ian. 1, 18.10; 
 Frank P.. Sept. 16, 18.')2; F.innie E...Iuly 27, 18.5.5; 
 Ferdinand F., Dec. 27. 1860; Catherine dieil .Vpril 
 14. 18.52, when a little over two years old. Frank 
 V. dii-il March 2. 1860, before reaching the eighth 
 year of his age; Helen became the wife of Almeron 
 Esf^-s, of .Mendim. and die<l at her home in Not- 
 tawa. Nov. 10, 1872, leaving one child; Lydia L. 
 died when an infant r)f a few months. Mr. Flan- 
 ders is a stanch Democrat |M>litically. and has held 
 tlu- various local ollices. the duties of which he dis- 
 charged with great credit to himself and satisfac- 
 tion to all i"oncerned. He w.as elected Overseer of 
 the Poor in the spring of 1874. and has since been 
 
 continuefl in the office, |>roving himself finely 
 adapted to the position, being a man of great kind- 
 ness of heart .and one to whom the sufferings of the 
 poor never appeal in vain. He is a menilier of the 
 City Council of Mendon, and .socially, is a Hoyal 
 Arch Mason. Mi-s. Flanders behmgs to the Epis- 
 copal Church, and is a la<ly who adorns her position 
 as the wife of an honest man and a yood citizen. 
 
 
 \«^UDLEY H. FRANCISCO, of Three Rivers, 
 II 111 IS the son of Daniel Francisco, decoasetl. 
 
 of whom a full sketch is given on another 
 page in this volume. He was born in On- 
 tario Countj', N. Y., June 27, 1842, and was there- 
 fore hut four years old when his parents brought 
 him to Michigan. The death of his mother two 
 years later deprived 3'oung Francisco of maternal 
 care, yet.'lhough a weak boy, he grew to be a sturdy 
 man. He attended the public schools of Three 
 Rivers, and later took a course in the Commercial 
 College at Albion, Mich. He was graduated from 
 there in the fall of 1802, and the following spring 
 took charge of his father's farms, for which his early 
 training had .admirably fitted him. In this ivsxy the 
 time was passed until the sprinir of 186.5. when he 
 began on his own account on a farm of 177 acres, 
 in Fabius Township, owned by his father, and sub- 
 sequently bequeathe<l to our subject. Connected 
 with his farming he also engaged in slock dealing 
 and raising. 
 
 Mr. Francisco continued to live there until the 
 spring of 1883. when he sold his farm and removed 
 to Three Rivers, which h.as since been his home. 
 Being in rather poor health. Mr. Francisco did not 
 engage in any active work until the following 
 year, when he bought the omnibus and bag- 
 gage line, and a short time after built the com- 
 modious farmers' sheds, which have proved a great 
 convenience to (lersons coming to town. In con- 
 nection with this he put in a platform scales for 
 weighing hay, etc. This business he sold out in 
 November, 1 887, and bought the livery business 
 which had formerly been carried on by William 
 Laird. This he largely increased, having now a 
 
^^ 
 
 .t 
 
 oie 
 
 ST. .lOSKPIl COUNTY. 
 
 fine lot of horses, caniasjcs of all kinds, nnrl Ukes a 
 pri'le in keeping eveiytliiiis: in good shape. 
 
 On March IX, 1 HOG, Mr. Francisco was married 
 to Miss Susanna Weinberg, daughter of Samuel 
 Weinherg. of Flonerfield lowuship, formerl3- from 
 Pennsylvania. She was born Oct. 1. 1843. They 
 are the. parents of six children, of whom Mandie 
 is deceased. The others are all under the parental 
 roof, and are named Mary L.. Minnie K., Birtlc 
 Otis, Arthur W . and Lulu. 
 
 ON. A. C. PRUTZMAN, ex State Sen.ator, 
 has represented his district in the Legisla- 
 ture for six consecutive 3'ears. He was first 
 elected in 1868 to represent the county of 
 .St. .losepli, which then composed alone the Four- 
 teenth Senatorial District. Two years later he was 
 elected from the same district, but the rapid growth 
 of the State necessitated a reorganization, and dur- 
 ing his third term, to which he was elected in 1872, 
 he represented the counties of St. Joseph and Cass, 
 which was known as the Kleventh District. 
 
 .Mr. Prutznian is an old resident of Michigan, 
 having come to St. Joseph first in 1834. lie was 
 born March 0, 1813, in Columbia County, Pa. 
 llis parents were Joseph and Maria Prutzman, also 
 natives of Pennsj'lvania, both of whom died in 
 Columbia County. Our subject in early life was 
 brought up to mercantile pursuits, and spent sev- 
 eral years as clerk in stores in Danville and in 
 Pottsville, Pa. Deciding to tr}- his fortunes in the 
 then Far West, he emigrated to Michigan, accom- 
 panied by his sister and her husband, E. S. Moore, 
 Ihey intending to open a store at Pi'airie Ronde, 
 Kalamazoo County. As an illustration of the diffi- 
 culties encountered bv emigrants in those d.ays, it 
 is worthy of note that the stock of goods which 
 they had purchased and shipped from New York 
 was over six months in reaching its destination. 
 The}- were shipped in the fall, but were laid over 
 at Grand Haven during the entire winter. In the 
 spring they were unloaded at the mouth of the St. 
 •Joseph River, and were brought .across the country 
 by teams. 
 
 The place where the partners had decided to locate 
 
 was on the edge of the woods, at Prairie Ronde, 
 and during the winter thej- cut the timber, had it 
 sawed, ami put up their store adjoining a small 
 house which they had bought, and to which they 
 made an addition. Having spare time on their 
 hands, with the industry characteristic of the early 
 pioneers, Mr. Prutzman and his partner went into 
 the woods and logged all the remainder of the 
 winter. On the arrival of their goods they opened 
 their store, which they carried on until April. 1838. 
 when Mr. Prutzman removed to Three Rivers, which 
 offered a better field for business, and where the}- 
 had already' sent some goods. 
 
 Mr. Moore had. a year previous to this, removed 
 to a farm which he had bought in Park Tt)wnship, 
 St. Joseph Count}'. The place where he settled is 
 known as Moorepark. and was namerl after him. 
 The partnership of Moore <fe Prutzman continued 
 for twenty-five years, and in 1844 they bought the 
 Three Rivers Mill, which they had previously' 
 rented, and to which they made additions and im- 
 provements, and there carried on the milling busi- 
 ness until the dissolution of the partnership in 
 I80O. when Mr. Moore took the mill property and 
 Mr. Prutzman the store, which he carried on for 
 several years, and then he sold it and embarked in 
 the manufacturing business with his sons, Joseph 
 E. and John P., under the name of the Michigan 
 Pump Company and Three Rivers Plow Companj'. 
 The firm is now known as A. C. Prutzman, and is 
 engaged largely in the manufacture of wood pumps 
 an<l chilled and steel plows, their goods bearing an 
 enviable reputation wherever intro<luced. 
 
 July 14, 1830, Mr. Prutzman was married, in 
 Chester County, Pa., to Miss Mary L. Phillips, a 
 native of that county, born in November, 1816, 
 her parents being John and Margaret Phillips. 
 Their union w.as blessed bv the birth of five chil- 
 dren, four of whom are living, one, E<lward M., 
 giving his life for his country, having been killed 
 in the battle of Resaca, Ga.. M.ay 15, 1864. He 
 enlisted in the •2.")lh Michigan Infantry, un<ler Col. 
 O. H. Moore, a nephew of his father's brother-in- 
 law. He took the field .as .Sergeant of his coin|iany, 
 and for gallant conduct wiis promoted through the 
 grades of .Sergeant Major, Second and First Lieu- 
 tenant, and was Adjutant when he was killed, while 
 
-4^ 
 
 -■»• 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 .■)i: 
 
 gallantly leaclinjj a charge on n rebel battery on 
 foot, having left his horse to take part in the charge. 
 His remains were brought home by his father, ami 
 interred in Uiversiile Cemetery, at Three Rivers. 
 The G. A. U. Post at that place »vai3 named after 
 thiii gallant otlicer, "Kd. M. Prutzman Post No. 72, 
 0. A. R." He had taken part in many a hard- 
 fonght battle, and was universally esteemed for his 
 bravery and maii3- soldierly qualities. 
 
 The other children of Mr. and Mrs. Prutzman 
 are: Joseph E., who is married to Miss Emma 
 Hutchinson, a native of the State of New York, has 
 two children, and lives in Three Rivers; John P. 
 married twice, his first wife, Julia Goodell, of 
 Massachusetts, dying and leaving one child, Mary 
 E.. who is an inmate of her grandfather's home; 
 the second wife is Florence Wyckoff. who has two 
 children, an<l the family live in Memphis, Tenn., 
 where the father is engaged in manufacturing pumps, 
 and in roofing and paving. Margaret M. is the 
 wife of C. B. Tucker, chief clerk in a large grain 
 house at Minneapolis, Minn., and has one child, 
 Gertrude; anil A. Clifford, who is married to Miss 
 Latir.i Davis, a native of New Hampshire, and they 
 have one child. Ernest R., and is associated with 
 his father in business. 
 
 .Since coming to Three Rivers Mr. Prutzman has 
 been honoretl by his fellow. citizens with many posi- 
 tions of trust and responsibility, and in every pub- 
 lic |ilace to which he has been called has discharged 
 itsduties with a fidelity and failhfidness which have 
 not only justifie<l the confidence of his fellow. citizens, 
 but have honored alike himself and those whom he 
 represented. He has been a member of the Town 
 Council of Three Rivers, Tax Collector, and has 
 held other minor olllces. For ten years he was a 
 member of the Michigiui .Sl.Tle Hoard of Agricult- 
 ure, first appointed for fouryears to fill a vacancy, 
 ami afterward for the full term of six years. His 
 .Senatorial career has already been mentioned. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Prut/man are members of the 
 Presbj'icrian Church at- Three Rivers, of which he 
 is now and has long been an Eliler. During his 
 long and active life Mr. Prutzman has liKme an un- 
 blemished reputation. Asa business man, a trusted 
 oltioial and representative, as a citizen, husband and 
 father, he has ain'.-,ys been true to his trust, and 
 
 now, in the enjoyment of an ample competence, is 
 reaping the reward of a well-spent life, respected 
 and esteemed by everyone who knows him. We 
 are pleased t<i record in this work this sketch of 
 this well-known and honored citizen of ,St. Joseph 
 County. 
 
 DROF. tllAHLHS li. SACK. J'rincipal of 
 ' the Three Rivers Husiness College and 
 Normal .ScIkmjI. is a native of West Troy, 
 Wis., born .Ian. 17. IHjl). his jjarents being 
 Charles Henry and Hannah (Teachout) Sage, both 
 born in the State of New York. On the paternal side 
 his ancestors are of English descent, and on the 
 maternal of German. 'I'he father of our subjei-t 
 was originally a blacksmith by occupation, work- 
 ing at his trade in Wisconsin, where his parents 
 had settled when he wjis ipiitc young. He began 
 business for himself in that .State, but afterward 
 removed to Ionia County. Mich., where he con- 
 ducted business for seven years. This w.os, lu»w- 
 ever, not destined to be his life work. .Selling out 
 his business, he joined the Methodist Ejiisi'opal 
 Conference, and became a licensed |>rc:iclier in that 
 body. A few years later he joined the Free Meth- 
 (Klisl Church, was appointe<l .-i jireachcr in that de- 
 nomination, and later made Chairman of the district, 
 a distinction conferred upon him for conspicuous 
 ability and zeal. In this connection he is yet doing 
 good work. He is a man of marked force of char- 
 acter, an indefatigable worker, generous almost to 
 a fault, and is always trying to help and elevate his 
 fellowman. He has left his impr<'.-.s on all relig- 
 ious and social circles of which he h.as been a mem- 
 ber, and is held in high estwm by all with whom 
 he ha* come in contact. Devoting liiin>elf with all 
 the ardor of his nature to his chosen work, he h.as 
 been more than ordinarily su<'cc.-*sful. and Una ac- 
 complishecl much goiHl. When twenty-three years 
 old he was marrie<l to Miss Hannah Teiichout. who 
 has proved a worthy helpmate, a true wife and a 
 devotcil mother. They are the |>arenls of six chil- 
 dren, four of whom are dereased: George and 
 Henry <Iie<l in eliildliood; Lewis w:is married, wa.- 
 a farmer in Iowa County, and died at the age of 
 
•►-41^^ 
 
 ,t 
 
 518 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 twent\--tlirec; Leslie died at Spring Arbor, Mich., 
 aged seventeen. Besides our subject tliere is living 
 a son, Franklin E.. married, has one child, .and 
 lives at Ft. Scott. Kan. 
 
 The early life of the subject of this sketch, until 
 he was seven years old. was passed at the village 
 of West Troy, Wis. The following seven years 
 were spent in Ionia County, Mich., at which time his 
 fatlier joined the Methodist Episcopal Conference, 
 and he was then mainly thrown upon his own re- 
 sources. When fifteen years of age he attended 
 Sprinsr Arbor Seminary, remaining there for sev- 
 eral years, under the careful and thorough instruc- 
 tion of Prof. Clark Jones. On the death of his 
 elder brother he began teaching school and doing 
 other work until he became of age. Then he be- 
 came a student in the Valparaiso (Ind.) Normal 
 .School, pursuing a thorough course of study in 
 Normal and commercial branches. Leaving there 
 he entered the Excelsior Institute of Pen Art, 
 whence he was graduated in 1882 in a high grade- 
 He w.as subsequently a member of the faculty of 
 Oak Grove Seminary, at Paw Paw, Mich., assisting 
 Miss Abliie Barker in carrying on that institution 
 there for a year, when slie removed it to Three 
 Rivers, calling it tlie Three Rivers Seminary. A 
 year and a half later Miss Barker failed, the te.achers 
 disbanded, and Prof. Sage at once opened a school 
 in a hall down town, commencing with but few- 
 pupils. His school grew in public estimation, and 
 in eighteen months he was strong enough to en- 
 gage the building formerly occupied by Miss Barker- 
 where he has now a highly successful institution, 
 under the name of the "Three Rivers Business 
 College and Normal School," with an annually in- 
 creasing attendance. 
 
 The aim of Prof. Sage is to give his pujjils a 
 thorough and practical training in those branches 
 of knowledge which are essential to success in busi- 
 ness life, also in the Normal department to give 
 such a complete course of instruction as will fit his 
 pupils, male or female, to become teachers in .any 
 grade. To these are added such sjiecial studies as 
 penmanship, not only in its everyday use, but ip 
 the higliest br.'inches of the art. making students 
 really professionals; sleuDgraphy and typewriting 
 for both sexes; vocal and instrumsntal music; Ger- 
 
 man and French languages; physiology- and hy- 
 giene, and other kindred studies. In fact, the aim 
 is to give to every pupil what may be justly termed 
 a practical, finished education. Each department 
 is in charge of a thoroughly qualified instructor, 
 andspeci.al attention is given to thoroughly ground- 
 ing each pupil in the principles of the studies pur- 
 sued, and fitting them to fill honorable, useful and 
 lucrative places in the world. The terras for tui- 
 tion are low. and for out-of-town ])upil$ esjiecial 
 arrangements are made for rooms and board at low 
 rates. The school building is well situated and .ad- 
 mirably- adapted for the purpose, and the institu- 
 tion is constantly- growing in fa\-or, because of the 
 admir.able manner in which it is conducted. Prof. 
 Sage has in his possession manj- testimonials from 
 former pupils, their parents, and others who have 
 examined his school, both as to his ijersonal char 
 acter ami fitness for the work in which he is en- 
 gaged, and :« to the success which lujs attended his 
 efforts. 
 
 Sociall}-, Prof. Sage is a member of the K. of P.. 
 and is Keeper of Records and Seals in the lodge 
 at Three Rivers. He is also a member of the State 
 Militia, and is tJuartermjister-Sergeant in the 2d 
 Regiment Michigan State Troops. He does not take 
 an active part in ix)litical matters, but is a believer 
 in the doctrines of the Republican party. 
 
 *^*i^ •^=»s>r^«*^ 
 
 ON. GEORGE L. YAPLE. There are few 
 (fjjlj people in Southern Michigan keeping tliem- 
 jW^ selves in the least posted in regard to pub- 
 J^ lie matters ^vho are unacquainted with the 
 name of tliis gentleman — a man of unusual ability, 
 and who was in the fall of 1882 elected to repre- 
 sent the Fourth District in the Forty -eighth Con- 
 gress. In this memorable election he ran ahead of 
 his part^- ticket to the numlier of 1.800 votes, an 
 occurrence unprecedented! in the history of the 
 district. He .served his term acceptably, and was 
 nominated for the Forty-ninth Congress in 188-4, 
 being defeated by a small majority. In 1886 he 
 was nominated for Governor by the Democratic 
 party, being this time also defeated by a small ma- 
 joritj-. In 1888 he was nominated by acclamation 
 
■^^ 
 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 51 y 
 
 •T 
 
 for anotlior term in Congress, and declined the 
 noniin.ition. 
 
 Tiie lii-sl ni.'in to intnxluce tlio \vori< of tariff re- 
 form in tiiis State. Mr. Yapleluus in every eampaign 
 made of this a lead in <; question. He lias labored 
 early and late, and left no stone unturned in the 
 advocacy of the principles by which he abides. 
 This quality of character is not only evinced in his 
 political relations, but in his private and husinei*s 
 life. A man in his prime, he is a native of this 
 county, and was Iwrn about six miles east of Alen- 
 don, in I.eonidas Township. tVb. 2(1, 1S.')1. His 
 jmrents were Klisha L. and Delilah A. (Kddy) 
 Yajjle. the father a native of the State of New York, 
 and born March 27. 1M22. He is still living, and. 
 with his excellent wife, makes his home in Mendon, 
 Mich. The latter is a native of Massachusetts, and 
 born July 1.3, 182G. 
 
 Klisha Yaple has spent a large portion of his life 
 in mercantile pursuits, and been successful in busi- 
 ness. George L. attended the common schools 
 during his earlier years, and later, in 1871, was 
 graduated from the Northwestern I'niversit}', .it 
 Evanston, HI. In that class was his wife and also 
 his sister. Alice A., who became the wife of J)r. 
 Levi S. Wilcox, who was also a graduate of that 
 class. Mrs. Wilcox died in 18HH. Our subject, 
 after completing his studies at the University, en- 
 tered the otHce f)f Judge Severns, of Kalamazoo, 
 and w.as s<M>n admitted to practice in the cotirts of 
 Michigan. Circumstan<'es. however, occurred which 
 changed the current of his life for the time, anil 
 returning to the farm, he occupied himself in farm- 
 ing until the fall of lH7(i. 
 
 .Mr. Yaple now visited Nebr.aska. and soj()urned 
 at Beatrice until the fallof XHlH. He then returnetl 
 home and commeiiceil the practice of his profession 
 at Menilon. He had in the meantime been niar- 
 rie(l. .Ian. 1. 1H7:1, to Miss Mary K. ilankinson. 
 This lady was born .July l(i. 1M.')1, in Kockford. 
 HI., anfl is the daughter of KeulH'n and Alvira 
 (Mason) Ilankinson, and the third in a family of 
 seven children. She wiu>i graduated in the Female 
 .Seminary at Roi-kford, anri later, like her husband, 
 enti'red the Northwestern University, where the}' 
 formed an ac(|uaintance, and »vliere she also was 
 graduated. Of thid union there have l»eeu horn 
 
 4» 
 
 seven children, all of whom are living, namely: 
 Edward L.. .Alfred H., Carl, Marie, Harry. Oeorge 
 and A Hie M. 
 
 In 188G Mr. Yaple received the votes of the 
 Democratic mendjers of the .Michigan Legislature 
 for United States .Senator, and was elected by ac- 
 clamation as a l)elegate-at-Large to the Democratic 
 National Convention in 1««H. at .St. Louis, where 
 he was selected as a nicmlier of the committee on 
 resolutions, together with the sub-committee. He 
 has been a close student and an extensive reader, 
 and is a lecturer in this anil other Statos u|K»n sub- 
 jects of general interest to the pi-ople at large. 
 
 Socially. Mr. Yaple is a Kniglit Templar in the 
 Masonic fraternity, and for the last ten years has 
 been prominent among the councils of the Demo- 
 cratic party in this section of Michigan. He is a 
 man progressive in his ideas, and one who keejis 
 himself well posted upon current events. 
 
 Klisha L. Yaple, the father of our subject, was 
 born in Delaware County, N. Y.. March 22. 1822. 
 and is the son of Henry .and Charlotte (Tubbs) 
 Yaple, who were natives of the Empire .State and 
 Connecticut res])ectively. Henry Yaple w.is a 
 farmer by occupation, was lH)rn March 22, 17'J2. 
 •and married in 1821. He emigrated to Michigan 
 in 18415. taking up his abode in Leonidas Township, 
 where he dieil in 1851. tirandmothcr Yaple was 
 born Feb. 13. 17'.»1. and died in 1851. Mr. Y. wa.s a 
 capable business man and a worthy citizen, and 
 although not accumulating as much of this world's 
 goods as many of the men around him. was no less 
 respected by the people of his comnnmity. To him 
 and his excellent wife there were born nine chil- 
 dren, three sons and six daughters. Thi>se children 
 were named resjiectively : Kuiily C...lulia A. I'hilip 
 H.. Esther S.. Elisha L.. Mary A.. Ellen N.. .lam.-s 
 and Luana. 
 
 .Mrs. Delilah \. (Eddy) Yaple. the mother of 
 our snbjcH-t, wa.s lR>rn in .\dams, Berkshire Co.. 
 Mails., in i82(;, and is the daughter of .b>hn E. ami 
 Esther (Clark) Eddy, who were nativesof the same 
 .State, .lohn Eddy was born Jan. l.S, 1798. and 
 diiil Jan. 2(1, IM.'i7. He wjis a farmer by occupa- 
 tion, and a member of the solid and relialile ele- 
 ment of his ciiinmunity. His wife. Esther, w.as 
 born June 21. 1803, and dietl Aug. 27, 1871. They 
 
.J^ 
 
 4^ 
 
 520 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 emigrated to Jlicliigan Territory in IM(>. Tliey 
 were tlie parents of three eliildreii: Sanuiel. who is 
 now deceased; Delihih and William. Elisha Yaple 
 and ;Miss Delilah Ivldy were married July 3(t. 1818. 
 To.Klislia L. and Delilah A. Yaple there were 
 born five children, namely: George L.. Alice A., 
 I'Mward 1).. Henry K. and Lola M. Alice and 
 Edward are dece;i.sed. Elisha Yajile came to Michi- 
 gan in the spring of 184(!, and located in J^eonidas, 
 where he engaged in mercantile business and lived 
 until 1857. Thence he removed to ^lendon. Mr. 
 Ya])le. i)olilic;dly. is a stanch Democrat and a 
 nienilicr of the .Masonic fraternitx'. 
 
 -t 
 
 OBERT S. (IIUFFITII is an honored cili/en 
 of Faliiiis 'J'ownsliip, with whose agricult- 
 ural interests he is prominently identified, 
 l)oth !is a farmer and a stock-raiser. lie is 
 the owner of one of the valuable farms for which 
 this section is somewhat noted. It is finely located 
 on section IK. and its well-tilled, productive acres 
 have ami)ly repaiil the cart' and niont'V that he has 
 bestowed upon them. 
 
 iVIr. Griffith was born in liuckingham Township. 
 Bucks Co.. Pa., Jan. 11. 1824, and is a son of 
 Joseph and Mary (Scarborough) Griffith, the father 
 a natives of Wales, and the motlier of that part of 
 Pennsylvania included in William Penn's grant. 
 The niotlici- was of (Quaker antecedents, her people 
 belonging to that deiiominalion. and her ancestry 
 coming from England to settle in Pennsylvania at 
 an early d.ay in its colonial history. They had a 
 family of thirteen children, of whom our subject 
 wa.s the eldest. I'.sther .\nn was born Feb. 11, 182j, 
 and married Albert Cooper; they have one daughter, 
 Emma. Mercy P.. born March 30. 1K27. married 
 David llolcome: they arc tiic parents of seven chil- 
 dren. .I()hn. burn April 21. 18;i(). married Caroline 
 llolcome; they have eight children. Silas Levi, born 
 March 3. 1833, nianied and has five children; the}' 
 live in Nebr.aska. Joseph, born March 28, 1834, 
 died in 183(>, Eli Paxon, born Sept. 7, 1835, mar- 
 ried Elizalieth Cox. and lia.s six children; they re- 
 side in Pennsylvania, .^arali. born June 1. 1837, 
 manied Janus Uagermau; they had one child, who 
 
 died Feb. 21. 1885. Joseph, born Feb. 11, 1839. 
 is married; he is a minister and is now pastor of 
 St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Ne- 
 braska. William Harrison, born June 25, 1840, mar- 
 ried Cassie Hooker, of Pennsylvania; they are the 
 parents of three daughters, now residing in Ne- 
 braska. Mary, liiiiii Nov. 23. I.s41. married .lames 
 •Shanon. of Nevada; they liave two sons, and reside 
 in Nemaha. Neb. Henry Clay, born Sept. 30, 1843, 
 died Nov. 12, 1801. Elizabeth W., born .Sei)t. 23, 
 1845, and died in 1847. 
 
 Robert S. was i-eared on a farm and received the 
 benefit of a fair education, such a.s his father could 
 afford to give him in those days, before free schools 
 were known. He worked by the month some be- 
 fore he was allowed to start out in life for himself. 
 Being an active, enterprising youth, at the age of 
 nineteen he bought his time of his father, p.ayiug him 
 the sum of %125. He was married, March 20, 1851, to 
 ^liss Susan Cox. daughter of Jonas and Elizabeth 
 (Larue) Cox. Following is a sliort chron<)logical 
 record of her parents and their children: Jonas 
 Cox was born on the 15lh day vf Octoljer, 17!t7. 
 F>lizabeth Larue was born on the 2(lth d.ay of 
 August, 1797. They were united in marriage at 
 l-\allsington. Bucks Co.. Pa., on tlie 15th of April. 
 1819. Jonas Cox died on the 19th of Deeemlier. 
 1834. Elizabeth, his wife, survived him many 
 years, dying on the 1 1th of -Al.ay, 1809. Their 
 union was productive of eight children, as follows: 
 Sarah was born on the 7th of February, 1820, and 
 died on the 10th of March, 1845; John L. w.as born 
 on the 17th of July. 1821; Hannah, on the 1st of 
 September, 1823; EUwood, on the 29th of M:iy. 
 1825; Mary Ann 1^., on the 13th of February. 
 1827; Sus.anna. wife of our subject, on the 30tli of 
 March, 1829; Samuel L. was born on the 8th of 
 June. 1831. and died on the 20tli of September. 
 1833; Elizabeth was born on the 30th of March. 
 1834. John L. Cox niaiiied Catherine lliles, who 
 was born on the 27th of April. 1838. Two chil- 
 tlren have been born of that marriage: Jt)sepli, on 
 the 6th of May. 1858. and Charles W., on the 28th 
 of September. 1803. 
 
 For two years after his marriage our subject was 
 employed as a day laborer. He was economical find 
 thrifty, and carefully saving his earnings bought 
 
 •► 
 
-0^ 
 
 ST. JOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 =4^ 
 
 523 
 
 a luirse, and wont into <,h*l)l fur .inotlier, and thus 
 equipped rented some land and wa.s industriously 
 eiiifajred in fnrniinjr it for four years. At the ex- 
 ])iration of that time hi-Jiad saved ^1.1.')0. U'sides 
 owninijsome jx-rsonal property, sueli as household 
 ^oo<ls. In 18.")7 he eoiicluded to try ajrricultura! 
 ]mrsuits on the surpassingly fertile soil of St. 
 .loseph County; in this State, ofwhieh he had heard 
 many irlowinir aeeonnts. ?Vftor his arrival here with 
 his family he pureh.ased 111 acres of land, one and 
 one-half miles east of Three Rivers, and there he 
 lived until 1H78. For a time he w;u< very prosper- 
 ous and made money fast. Durinjf the war he 
 built a handsome and commodious house at a cost 
 of $4,000, hut afterward came the financial p.anic, 
 times were hard, and the expense that he had been 
 at in improving his place proved too heavy a burden, 
 and he was obliged to dis|iose of his property to 
 \>a.y his debts. After havinjj honorably discharire<l 
 every dollar of his indebtedness, he found that he 
 h.ad about fil.200 left with which to start life anew. 
 He tlien Ixiught his present farm, wliich. with the 
 same indefatigable industry that has alw.ays charac- 
 terized him. he has inii)roved into one of the best 
 places in the neighborhood. It comprises 100 acres 
 of fertile soil, well adapted to both the raising of 
 grain and cattle. 
 
 Over the pleasant household of our subject the 
 shadow of death fell Nov. 21. 1887, and the devoted 
 wife and tender mother was removed from the 
 scene of her usefulness. She was a woman whose 
 sincerity, tact, and great goodness of character, 
 m.ade her beloved liy all who knew her. and in her 
 death the community lost one whose place will be 
 hard to fill. Although she dedicated her life to her 
 duties as a wife and a mother, she was ever ready 
 to res|X)nd to the needs of others outside of the 
 home circle, and her memory will lie fondly cher- 
 ished by relatives, friends and neighbors. The 
 Methodist Kpiscopal Cliurch, of which she was a 
 raenilxT from the time she was thirteen years of age, 
 lost in her a bright and shining light. Kight chil- 
 dren were Ixirn of her marriage with our sub- 
 ject, of whom seven are living: Mary Anna, born 
 March 2H. I«.'j2. isthe wife of Joseph Fisher, of 
 Park Township, and has four chihlren living; 
 Sarah L.. lx)m Dec. 12, 1853. died Dec. 25. 1871; 
 
 Eliza C, born March I'J, IH.jG. is the wife of Frank 
 Dougherty, lives with her father, and h.as one child; 
 .lohn Cox, born March 6. 1H58, is married to Min- 
 nie Cox, has one child, and livas on the home farm; 
 Lizzie, born Oct. 19, 1860, is the wife of Mills 
 llow.'inl. of Cass County. Mich., and has une child; 
 Williiim A., born .lunc tl. 1H(!;!. is at present work- 
 ing by the month; Rachel, born June 24, 1865, 
 lives at Three Rivers; Katie M.. born .Ian. i:i, 
 1868, is her father's housckeei)er. 
 
 Mr. Griffith is a thoroughly upright, conscien- 
 tious man. one in whom his neighbors place the 
 higliest confideiu'e. lie is a sincere and earnest 
 Christian, and for twenty years has been a member 
 of the Methodist Kpiscopal Church. lie tiikes a 
 deep interest in improving the agri<-ultural methods 
 of to-d.\v. and is a vixlucd member of the grange. 
 Politically, he sympathizes with tlie Republican 
 |)arly. and has always voted the Repuldican ticket. 
 Apropos to the psist campaign and his party candi- 
 date. Jlr. (Iritlith .says he well remembers taking 
 part in the "log cabin and hard cider" campaign of 
 1840. although he was not old enough to vote. He 
 has never sought office, although he has served 
 very acceptably on the School Board. Mr. Orillith 
 was drafted into the Union Army in 1864, the last 
 draft in tlie district. He gave $200 toward provid- 
 ing a substitute, the town giving the balance and 
 filling its quota. 
 
 •'c4* —-:•.— - 
 
 :^ AMUKL A. WALTON. The man who has 
 made a success of life should be liappy. (or 
 Ml how many there are who fail, where one 
 succeeds. Ami he who. in tlie midst of 
 success, bears in mind with kindly charity those less 
 fortunate, lays up treasures for himself which no 
 thief can steal from him. The biographer is con- 
 strained thus to philosophize in noting the facts 
 connected with the history of the gentleman whose 
 name prefaces this sketch. 
 
 We fiiul in Mr. Walton an old resident of Tiiree 
 Rivers, one of its earlier merchants, but retired 
 
 r 
 
JL 
 
 :L, 
 
 .■)24 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 from active luisiness about fiflcen j'ears. lie onns 
 and occii|iies a fine lionie, a lianil.^onie luiek lesi- 
 •U'nce, complete in its finiylilngs ant) furnisliings, in- 
 dicative willilii and without of tiie refinement of 
 modern life. He is a man cultivated and intelli- 
 gent, one wlio lias seen much of the world, having 
 traveled over a goodly portion of the United States 
 from Florida to California. His career has been 
 rlistinguished by that broad and liberal spirit which 
 has led him to donate earl^' and often of his means 
 to worthy enterprises, churches, schools, and the 
 other projects tending to elevate man in the social 
 scale, and fit bim to work out his destinj- as evi- 
 dently flesigned bj- the Creator. 
 
 Our subject first began life in Ross County, Ohio, 
 at the modest home of his parents near the town of 
 Chillicolhe. Nov. 17, KS2G. He is the fifth chilci 
 of John and Cassandra (Riltcr) Walton, tlie father 
 a native of New Jersey, and the mother born in 
 Kentucky. They were married in 17US. and soon 
 afterward settled in Koss County, Ohio, where they 
 lived until I S.'i3. Thence the}' removed to Wyan- 
 dot County, that StJite, where the father followed 
 his trade of cooper, and also carried on farming. 
 Our subject there spent his boyhood attending the 
 district school, and making such good progress that 
 he in good time developed into a teacher, which 
 profession he followed four winters. 
 
 Desirous now of n change of scene, young Wal- 
 ton left his native Slate, and proceeded to McLean 
 County, 111. Having in view the pursuit of agri- 
 culture, he purchased HJO acres of land near Hloom- 
 ington. to which later he-added 100 acres more. In 
 the meantime all this preparation for the future was 
 stimulated liy the i>rospect of a hap|\v Imme and 
 congenial companion, and when he had made the 
 requisite arrangements he returned to Ohio, and 
 was united in marriage with one of the most estim- 
 able young ladies of Wyandot County, Miss Mary 
 A. Kissell. Mrs. Walton was the daughter of Rev. 
 George (J. Kissell. who for many years was a min- 
 ister of the German Reformed Cluirch. The young 
 couple at once sought their new home in Illinois, 
 and Mr. Walton gave his attention to the improve- 
 ment and cultivation of his farm for six 3-ears 
 thereafter. At the expiration of this lime he sold 
 out for the snug sum of %7,000. 
 
 Having in view a change of occupation. Mr. Wal- 
 ton now came to Michigan, and invested a portion 
 c)f his cai>ital in a stock of general merchandise, es- 
 tablishing his store in Three Rivers. It must be 
 remembered that he was totally unacquainted with 
 an enterprise of this character, but his natural abili- 
 ties and good judgment enabled him to make of the 
 experiment a success. He was thus occupied until 
 the winter of 18GG, when he sold out to good ad- 
 vantage, and for a year was not engaged in any 
 active employment. Afterward he purchased a 
 selected slock of drj'-gooils. and carried on a good 
 trade in this quality of merchandise until 1iH7.'5. 
 Then selling out once more, he retired permanently 
 from active business, and is now living at his ease, 
 surrounded by all the comforts of life 
 
 To Samuel A. and JIary A. (Kissell) Walton 
 there were born four children, three sons and one 
 daughter. The eldest, Myron K., is a resident of 
 Grand Rapids; Marion I. and .Sherman G., the sec- 
 ond and youngest sons, comprise the firm of Wal- 
 ton Bros., who are numbered among the leading 
 merchants of Three Rivers. The daughter. May 
 K.. is the wife of Dr. E. A. Balyeat, ami they re- 
 side in Kalamazoo. The mother of these children 
 died at her home in Three Rivers, Aug. M. 1SS4. 
 Mr. Walton contracted a second marriage. May 2G, 
 l.s.><G, with Miss Jennie H. AVheeler, who was born 
 Jan. lf>. 185.S, in Jackson County, this .State. 
 
 Mr. Walton has always been a stirring business 
 man, and while his private matters have demanded 
 much lime and alteiition. he still retains a warm 
 interest in the growth and prosperity of his adopted 
 city, and lias been foremost in encouraging the pro- 
 jects best calculated to give it sUuiding and posi- 
 tion in the commercial world. He has been con- 
 nected with' the First Nationul Bank as a Director 
 since its organization, and is one of its lea<ling 
 stockholders. He formerly served as a mem her 
 of the City Council, and in religious matters has 
 been one of the pillars of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church for man}' years, and one of its most lilieral 
 supporters, donating at one time the large sum of 
 S;3,000. Ill political matters the Republican party 
 receives his iiuqualilied support. 
 
 louring the winter of 1 MK3-JS4 Mr. Walton gave 
 his time to rest aiid recreation on the Pacific Slope, 
 
4 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 5-25 i i 
 
 and in the winter of 188G-87 lie and iiis wife re- 
 ptiired to Florida, and spent several weeks enjoying 
 its mild climate, fjreatly to their salisfarlion. and 
 which also proved beneficial to their health and 
 spirits. 
 
 ■ r-i ■ ■ • ' py fl- * ■ ■ ■ ■,_ 
 
 I 
 
 JONATHAN A. IIAHTZLKU. Prominent 
 aniouif the many sultstantial and prosperous 
 farmers who are resident within the limits 
 of Mottville Township, the subject of this 
 tiketch holds no secondary position. He resides on 
 section 13, where he owns and operates a splendidly 
 cultivated farm containing 110 acres, lie comes 
 from that sturdy race of people that originality set- 
 tled iu I'ennsylviinia. from the (ierman countries of 
 Kurope. The various peculiarities characteristic of 
 those pet>ple are fully exeni|)lified by the life and 
 conduct of our subject, t^uiet and inrsevering, he 
 has yet to learn what the word failure means. He 
 is very conservative in his life, and before he en- 
 gage*! in any enterprise he calmly weighs the matter, 
 and when he decides to act. the invariable result is 
 success. 
 
 This gentleman w.os born in .Mitllin County. I'a.. 
 Jan. 25. 1833. He is the son of Abraham llartzler. 
 who is now living in Cass County, Mo. The father 
 W!is born Nov. 26. 1807. in Mittlin County, where 
 he was marriwl to Magck'lena Zook. in the year 
 1H32. She is a daughter of Abraham ZfMik. was 
 lK)rn Aug. 13. 180;'), and is also a native of Milllin 
 County. I'a. They lived in Pennsylvania until 
 March. 18r>.j. when they moved to Klkhart County. 
 Intl., where he purchased a sawmill and a farm. 
 They lived in that county until 18G6. when they 
 moved t() St. .losepli County. Mich., where he 
 j)urch!i.scd a small farm, and lived there until 1881, 
 in which year he traveled a great deal for the bene- 
 fit of his health. He now resides in Ca.ss County, 
 Mo., a hale luid hearty old gentleman, aged eighty- 
 one yeani; his wife is dead. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject, David Hartzler. 
 ■was l)orn .Ian. 20. 1768. in IJerks County, Pa. He 
 died Oct. 21, 18.i.5, in Belleville, Mifflin Co., Pa. 
 His wife was Mary YtKler; she was Imrn Sept. 16. 
 1771. and died .lune 2.'>. 18.')(;. David Hartzler was 
 the son of John Hartzler. born in Switzerland, died 
 
 in April, 1801. He was marriwl to Veronica Keichen- 
 bach. John llartzler w;u? the son of Jacob llartzler. 
 Jacob was born in 1703 of Swiss parents, in Switzer- 
 land. He and his family emigrated from Switzer- 
 land to the Palatinate, a Province in the northea.st 
 of France, on the Hiver Rhine, adjoining ISaden. 
 and resided there for some years during the reign 
 of Louis XV. Jacob H. and faniilj- emigrated to 
 America, taking the rf)ute via Kotterdani, Holland 
 and Plymouth, Kngland. He came over in the 
 ship "St. Andrew," James Abercrombie. master, 
 frt>in Rotterdam, landing in Philadelphia. Pa., Sept. 
 'J, 17t'.). 
 
 Our subject is the eldest of a family of six sons, 
 who are named as follows: Jonathan, our subject; 
 Jacob, Abraham 1)., David E.. John J. and .Samuel 
 Z. David K. married Mary Yoder. and lives in Cass 
 County, Mo., where he is engaged in farming: he 
 is the father of a son and daughter. Jacob married 
 Susannah Ulough, and resides in Elkhart County, 
 Ind.. where he is a farmer; he has two sons .and two 
 daughters. Abraham D. married M.ittie Sdirock. 
 and to them were Iwrn three sons; the mother died 
 in Elkhart County. Ind. He afterwarfl marrie<l 
 iliss Lydia Hlougli, and to them have been born 
 two daughters, and they now reside in Goshen, 
 Ind.. where he does general work, and h.as a family 
 of five children, three sons and two daughters. 
 John J. is the husband of Mattie Mast, and they 
 live in Cass County. Mo., where he is a farmer and 
 a minister in the Mennonite Church; he has a large 
 family. Samuel Z. is a single man, and lives in 
 Kansiis. where he te.iches school and is also engaged 
 in railro-tding. Jonathan A. Hartzler. our subject, 
 was marrietl in MitHin Count}-, Pa., Jan. 28. 18.56; 
 his wife died April 7, 1872. and her name was 
 Nancy Hartzler, daughter of Adam and Mary 
 (Hooley) Hartzler. He is the father of eight chil- 
 dren, who are named: Rachel. Mattie. Eliz-alK-th, 
 Katie, Nancy. Abraham. MatiMa anil Lydia. 
 Rachel is married to Levi J. Peaehey ; he is a lalxjrer. 
 and has no family; Mattie is unmarried, and re- 
 sides in Cass County. Mo.; Elizal)eth is the wife tif 
 Elias R. Miller, a farmer in Cass County. Mo., 
 and she is the mother of one sfin; Katie is un- 
 married and lives in Cass County. .Mo.; Nancy is 
 married, to Epkraim D. Plank, a farmer, and lives 
 
 «» ^ « 4» 
 
•^^f^ 
 
 L. 
 
 52G 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 4 
 
 in Lagrange C'ount3\ Ind.; Al>raliam is single and 
 is employed as a carpenter; Matilda, unmarried, and 
 Lydia, the youngest, are both at iiome with their 
 father. 
 
 Jlr. Ihirtzler has been a farmer all liis life, in 
 wliifh he lias proved fairly successful, lie h.is held 
 various ollices in tlic town in which he resides, and 
 has lived f)ii liis present farm for the last twenty- 
 five years. The w1k)1c farm is under a very high 
 state of cultivation. The buildings, although not 
 elaborate, are of a very substantial and permanent 
 character. The house is roomy and very com- 
 fortably furnished; nicely' located, the barns and 
 Other necessary out-buildings are ver^' capacious 
 and well adapted for their intended use. He has 
 always lived a verj- frugal and contented life, and 
 he has gathered about him a handsome propertj-, 
 and one which si)eaks very higlily for iiis indus- 
 trious habits. lie is .Signal Service IJeportcr for 
 liis locality, lie is a member of the Mennonite 
 Church, of which his wife was also a member, and 
 they were ver3- earnest .-nid devout in their religious 
 duties, lie is a man of considerable note in his 
 neigliborliood. and lie prides himself (m the fact 
 that his undertakings are almost alw.ays crowned 
 with prosperit}'. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 ^ ft 1LLL\M A.MO'WUMa^nianagerof tlielele- 
 \/sJ/l 1'''0"^' c.xchangc at Three Ki vers, is a native 
 W^ of Danville, Jlontour Co., Pa., born Feb. 
 12, 18.37. his i)arenls being I'eter and Mary Mowrer. 
 His father was a farmer in .Montour County, where 
 he was born and where his entire life had been 
 spent. He died in .\pril, 1873, aged forty-nine. 
 He had been a farmer all his lifetime and had never 
 aspired to any public position. He had for many 
 years been a member of the Reformed Church, and 
 was esteemed as a good man and a good citizen. 
 His wife was JIarj' Everette, a native also of Dan- 
 ville, who is now living with her sou William A., 
 in Three Rivers. They were the parents of six 
 children, as follows: Henry A., who is married and 
 lives in Oallalin Valley, Mont., engaged in stock- 
 raising, cattle, sheep anil horses; Margaret. Charles, 
 Alonzo, l-camUr. nil iiuinanitMl and living in Three 
 
 Rivers, and AVilliam A., our subject, who w.as the 
 eldest of the family. He attended the pul)lic 
 schools in his youth, and afterward was graduated 
 in the commercial course at the Danville Academy. 
 On leaving there he went as clerk into a store in 
 that place in which he had previously worked in 
 his school d.ays, and in 1877 decided to go farther 
 West, intending toTocate in Peoria, 111., but finally- 
 decided to make his home in Three Rivers, where 
 he had some relatives. His fust work in that place 
 was as a clerk for G. C. Brissette, the clothing 
 merchant. Prom there he went to Elkhart. Ind.. to 
 close out a stock of ch)thing for R. Blackburn. 
 This being finished he returned to Three Rivers, 
 and with a grand-uncle started on a tour to see the 
 South and .Southwest country. Four months after 
 they had started, and while in Columbia, Tenn., 
 the elder, named Isaac ^lowrer. was taken ill. and as 
 soon as he was able to travel they returned to Three 
 Rivers, where .Mr. .Mowrer .suffered a relap.se and 
 soon died. The following year was spent by our 
 subject in Elkhart in charge of the cloak department 
 of Dorn. Ciemberling it Co.. and Nov. 1, 188(). he 
 eniraged with the Teleiilione and Telegraph Con- 
 struction Company of Michigan, and the Michigan 
 Bell Telephone Company, the former operating all 
 the local lines and the latter the State lines connect- 
 ing the towns with each other all over the .State. 
 Since then Mr. Mowrer has been engaged as district 
 manager for both companies, with headquarters at 
 Three Rivers. 
 
 In September, 1883, Mrs. Slowrer and her chil- 
 dren came to Michigan, and the family are living 
 together in Three Rivers. Mr. Mowrer is a mem- 
 ber of the Reformed Cliurch, is also a member of 
 the JIasonic fnitcrnity; Three Rivers Lodge No. 
 52, F. & A. -M.; Salathiel Chapter No. 28, R. A., 
 and Three Rivers Commandery No. 29. He is held 
 in high estimation as a young man of excellent 
 character and unblemished reputation. 
 
 The Three Rivers Exchange, of which Mr. Mow- 
 rer has charge, wils established M.ay 2.'?. 1882. It 
 began business with thirty-one subscriliers. and in 
 the two years following had increased to fifty -one. 
 At this time and during the year.s 188;") and 188fi 
 the business deerea.sed. the number of subscribers 
 Nov. 1, I88G, being hut eleven. The company 
 
4> 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 had then clecided on abMiulouinjj llic excliaiifje. but 
 on i-oiisiiltin<i: witli Mr. Mowror lie assured tlieni 
 that a business could he huilt up in 'I'hree Rivers, 
 and he was at tnioe ])Ut in ciiarire. The cause of 
 the decline was mismanagement and nefjiect on the 
 part of tlu! managrers. The result justilied Mr. 
 Mowrer's confidence. Tt)day the exchange has sixty- 
 four suhscrihers in Three Hivei-s; is connected with 
 Sturgis, where are four subscribers; with C'eutre- 
 ville, where there are two; C'onstantine two; at 
 White Pigeon. Nottawa. Mendon, Colon, Burr 
 Oak. McKirepark and Sch(x>lcraft. in which places 
 there are public telephone stations only, as there 
 are also in the other places where there are sub- 
 scribers. The exchange luis under Jlr. Mowrer's 
 careful management ])r<.)ved a great advantage to 
 the business men of the county especially, and is 
 widel}' usefl and always favorably s|x>ken of. The 
 prospects of the exchange in Three Rivers are 
 bright for future business, and to-day the number 
 of subscribers is far above the average of towns of 
 
 its size. 
 
 iS^J^^Uss 
 
 ^'OIIN M. I, EI. AM). One 1)y one the pio- 
 I I neers of .St. .Iose])h County are falling be- 
 ^,^1 ; fore the ruthless hand of Time. a,s the trees 
 ^^/ of the forest before the hand of ax men. 
 Another has heard the summons and has "gone to 
 that !)0iirne whence no traveler returns." .Tohn 
 M. Lcland. who settled in this county in 1H34, be- 
 fore the narrow trail of the Indian had given way 
 to the broad track of the white man, departed this 
 life on the 7th of N»)vember, IKT.'i. at the same 
 place which he forty years ago selected in the wil- 
 derness !U'< a home for himself and his family. 
 
 Mr. Leiand was born in Mooresburg. I'a.. March 
 1.'), 1807, and consequently at the time of his death 
 hiid .ittained to the ripe age of sixty-six years. Al- 
 though he shared to n limited extent the'advantages 
 tif the common schools of his day. he yet availed 
 himself of that which enable<l him to be much 
 more useful a.< a settler of a new country than if 
 he had possessed all the culture and refinement 
 our best academic and colle ,'iato institutions could 
 have given — he learned the trade of a millwright. 
 On his arrival here he was the ver\ man wanted. 
 
 the very man sought after to aid in rearing the 
 mills of this country, which at that time were very 
 few. 
 
 In 1830. when the writer of this tribute to Mr. 
 Leiand had just .settled in Western Michigan, the 
 nearest gristmill w.as at Ann Arbor, or Tecumseh. 
 Mr. Leiand wa.s not a man to stop and look on. 
 doing nothing, but at once went to work and busied 
 himself ever afterward, assisting to make this 
 county what it is to-day. Almost ever}' w.ater- 
 mill built during the first fifteen years of its set- 
 tlement bears the marks of his skill and handiwork. 
 Ilis mind an<l labors were not confined entirely to 
 the routine of his trade. Ilis genius, for he was a 
 man of genius, if not cunning, was constantly peer- 
 ing into the unknown, seeking to bring forth some- 
 thing that would be useful to his fellowmen. He 
 fores.iw that when the forest should be stripped 
 from the broad acres of Michigan, and the land, 
 together with the prairies, sliould be covered with 
 grain, th.at something must be invented to gather 
 and prepare the grain for market, something not 
 then known, or the labor of the husbandman would 
 be in vain. 
 
 Mr. Leiand accordingly entered llu' tield of in- 
 vention. One of the first products of his genius 
 was the cylinder threshing-m.ichine. He inventetl 
 the first reaper the writer ever saw or heard of; 
 and the last, the crowning act of his genius. wa.s 
 the inventicm of the sickle whidi is now used in 
 cutting all of our grain. When Hiram Moore, of 
 the county of Kalamazoo, invented the harvester 
 (so called) he used a straight bar with sickle teeth 
 on one side for cutting the grain, but it did not 
 I work well, clogging and endangering the succe.»vs- 
 ful o]icration f)f the machine. It w.-is said that Mr. 
 { Moore wju>* greatly concerned aljout the failure of 
 the sickle bar, and while standing one day looking at 
 ' it. racking his brain and trying to devi.se some- 
 thing better for cutting the grain, the subject of 
 I this notice came along, and after regarding it a few 
 ' moments attentively, said: ".Mr. .M<H)re, I think 1 
 
 can improve your cutting apparatus." 
 
 \ The year following Mr. Leiand brought out the 
 
 ' V sickle, which was inuneiliately adopted, and hius 
 
 I since been in use without any material alterations. 
 
 I'nlike most inventors, he was purely unselfish. 
 
 <- 
 
 i 
 
•¥^i^^ 
 
 028 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 
 lie worked for the welfare of others, and not for 
 hinit^elf. His inventions lie made free to all. and 
 never sought to secure any special advantage bj' 
 obtaining patents. Jn other labors :Mr. Leland 
 spent a long and useful life, and as a citizen, a bus- 
 band .and a father, he was no less to be renu>njl)ered 
 than as a millwright and an inventor. His hand 
 was ever open to the jioor and needy. In his fam- 
 ily he was kind and affectionate, and the example 
 of his life to his children was the guiding star to 
 respect and usefulness. As a brotlier pioneer the 
 writer takes a melancholy ple.isure in paying this 
 small tribute to his memory, feeling that he out- 
 striiiped the majority of men in his usefulness 
 among the various interests of St. Joseph Count}-. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was the son of George 
 Leland. a native of New Jersey, and born in 1769. 
 He was reared in FIiiladcli)hia, Pa., and at an early 
 age had been adopted by a wealthy family, with 
 whom he grew to manhood. He chose farming for 
 his vocation, and upon reaching manhood was mar- 
 ried in his native State to Miss Lydia Moore. Thej' 
 became the parents of fourteen children, all of whom 
 grew to become men and women. The family emi- 
 grated to Michigan Territory in 1836. and located 
 on section 1, in Lockjwrt Township, wiiere the 
 death of Gec>rge I-ehind occurred in 1860. and that 
 of Ids wife Lydia when -lie was seventy -nine years 
 old. 
 
 John ^I. Leland, the subject of this sketch, 
 was reared to manhood in Jlooresburg, Montour 
 Co.. Pa., where lie completed a practical educa- 
 tion in the cominon scIkkjI, and where he learned 
 the trade of a millwright. He was married in 
 Northumberland Coimty, Pa., near Danville, Feb. 
 18, 1834. to Miss Sarah G., daughter of John and 
 Catherine (Gulick) Gaskin, of that county. Mr. 
 Gaskin was of Irish parentage, while his wife was 
 a native of New Jersey. They both died at the 
 home of their daughter, Mrs. Leland. in Lockport, 
 the mother Aug. 8, 1848, when sixty -eight years 
 old; the f.ather Feb. 12. 18.')8. at theage of seventj-- 
 nine j-ears. They were the parents of seven chil- 
 dren, five sons and two daugliters. all of whom 
 grew to mature years. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Leland there were born four 
 children: Harriet E. remains at home with her 
 
 4* 
 
 mother; William G. marrieil Miss ^largaret Castle, 
 and has one daughter. May; he resides with iiis 
 mother and occupies a part of the old farm. .Ann- 
 uel G. married Miss Sophia Straehly. He lives 
 under the old home roof, and is the father of one 
 child, a daugliter Myrtie. Elner F. is unmarried 
 and remains with her mother. Mr. Leland. politi- 
 cally, was a stanch Hepublican. The parents of 
 Mrs. L. were members of the Presbyterian Church, 
 of which Mr?. L. is also a member. 
 
 -^ .^^ ^ 
 
 ^^ HAHLES I'. FISHEIL The Three Rivers 
 {1(^1 House in the city of this name is one of the 
 ^^»( most popular hotels in the place, and was 
 originally conducted many yeai's by the father of 
 our subject, and after his death Cliarles U. suc- 
 ceeded to its management. The latter has had a 
 ripe exjierience in the business, and seems peeuliarlv 
 adapted to m.anage successfully the various emer- 
 gencies which naturally arise in an enterprise of 
 this description. The hotel under his management 
 sustains its early reputation as one of the most 
 hosjiitable places for a weary traveler which can be 
 found within the limits of St. Joseph County. 
 
 Our subject w.as born Aug. 26. 1840. on the 
 banks of Fisher Lake, Lockport Township, which 
 lake took its name from his honored father, who 
 settled in close proximity to it during the pioneer 
 da^-s of this county. To Leonard Fisher and his 
 wife, Sar.ah Underwood, the parents of our subject. 
 there were born eleven children, of whom Charles 
 U. was the fifth, and seven of whom lived to ma- 
 ture years. Three of these are living, residing in 
 Chicago and Detroit. The parents were born in 
 Montour County, Pa., where also they were reared 
 and married, and soon after uniting their lives and 
 fortunes cmigrate<l to Michigan in 1834. during 
 its Territorial days. 
 
 The years 1809 and 1812 designate the birth of 
 the father and mother respectively of our subject. 
 After coming to Michigan they lived a number of 
 years on Fisher Lake, being the first settlers in that 
 region. The father battled with the elements of a 
 new soil for many years and built up a comfortable 
 homestead, upon which he remained until 1855. 
 
 f 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 •«»i 
 
 52U 
 
 f 
 
 Then IwiviiiiT tlii' farm lie iissiiined clinrf^e of the 
 TliriH' Kivors House, whicli lie conducted suceess- 
 fully until 1«7!», sellinfr out to his son Charles U., 
 but continuins; to live with him until his death, 
 which occurred .hine 21. i»H2. The mother in the 
 meantime had liecn called hence Sept. 11, 187."). 
 
 Out suhject W!is a youth of fifteen years when 
 his parents left the farm and took up their residence 
 in Three Rivers. Therejifter he .ncted in the ca- 
 |)acity of clerk in his father's hotel, thus {jrowing 
 up in the business and jiaining a valuable experi- 
 ence in connection therewith. His marriau:e with 
 Miss .lennie Hendrickson w.is celebrated at the 
 Ijride's home in 1S(!7. .Mrs. Fisher is a very capa- 
 ble and intelligent lady, and has proved a most ef- 
 ficient assistant to her husband, looking well to the 
 ways of her large household and doing everything 
 in her |)Ower to make her guests feel welcome and 
 comfortable. 
 
 The Three Rivers House is a substantial structure, 
 comprising fifty rooms, neatly fitted up, and it is a 
 very rare occasion when any of them are unoceu- 
 pietl. "Mine host" of the Three Rivers Hou.se is 
 a gentleman widely known throughout this part of 
 the county, and both he and his excellent wife are 
 kindly remembered b^- those who have ever par- 
 taken of their hosi)itality. There was born to 
 them one child oidy. Jan. 30, 1869, who died of 
 lung trouble, .Ian. 14, 1888. 
 
 RKUKRICIv A. BKLLMAN is proprietor .of 
 
 the (irm of F. A. Bellman, cigar manufact- 
 urer, and in the enjoyment of a good busi- 
 ness at Three Rivers, the firm being ostJiblishcd in 
 1870. Mr. 15., a native of I'nion Coiintj', Pa., was 
 born near Berlin, the old county seat, April 2.3, 
 184;5, and is the son of Samuel Bellman, a native 
 of the same county, where the latter spent his entire 
 life, and died when his son Fretlerick A. was a lit- 
 tle lad five years of age. 
 
 The mother of our subject, .Mrs. Susan (Benfer) 
 Bellman, was also a native of Union County, Pa.; 
 she was niarric<l the second time, and some years 
 hiter removed with her husband, .lohn Walborn, to 
 .Seneca County, Ohio. They settled on a farm. an<l 
 
 Mr. Walborn died in 1876. The mother then came 
 to this county, and made her home with her son, 
 our subject, until her death, which took place in 
 February, 1888. 
 
 Frederick A. Bellman was the fifth in a family of 
 seven children, aiid after the death of his father his 
 lot was cast among strangers. He was taken into 
 the home of George Leitzel, near Kratzerville, 
 with whom he remaineil until fourteen years of 
 age. In winter he attemled the district school, and 
 in summer worked upon a farm. Upon leaving Mr. 
 Leitzel he worke<l at farming two years for other 
 parties. Later he took up house painting, which 
 he followed until the outbreak of the Civil War, 
 then enlisted under the call for three-months men 
 in the 84tli Ohio Infantry. 
 
 After serving out his time and receiving his dis- 
 charge Mr. Bellman migrated to Toledo, Ohio, 
 where he re-enlisted with the three-years soldiery, 
 in the .55th Ohio Infantry, and gave to his country 
 his faithful service during this time. He took part 
 in twenty-three regular battles, among the most im- 
 portiint being the second fight at Bull Run, the bat- 
 tle of the Wilderness, Gettysburg, Look(jut Mount- 
 ain, the siege of Atlanta, ami went with Sherman 
 on his famous march to the sea. Heescai)ed wounds 
 and imprisonment, and was never ill enough to be 
 confined in the hospital, nor ever absent at the time 
 of roll call. He received his honorable discharge ut 
 Washington. D. C, in ,)une, 186.5. ' 
 
 After the war Mr. Bellman resumed painting in 
 Toledo, Ohio, until 18611, which year found him at 
 Three Rivers in this county. He now at once com- 
 menced the manufacture of cigars, associating him- 
 self with his brother George H.,and they oi)erated 
 together until the firm was merged into a stock 
 company, called the Bellman Cigar Company. The 
 business was continued succesijfull^' until the death 
 of George H. Bellman and another partner, when 
 our subject purchaseil the interest of the two de- 
 ceased, and continued the business alone for a time, 
 then to(jk in a partner, the firm becoming Benfer Jt 
 Bellman. I^ater it was changed to Bi-llman iji: 
 Handy, the latter gentleman at that time acting as 
 Po9tm;ister at Three Rivers. .Subsequently Mr. 
 Handy disposed of his interest in the business to 
 Mr. Francisco, whose interest .Mr. Bellman has pur- 
 
 i 
 
 f 
 
-^•- 
 
 ••► 
 
 o30 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 cli.ised. The firm docs a general maniifacturing 
 business, and gives C'mi)liijnu'iit iisuallj' to twenty 
 men. disposing of its goods l)otli at wholesale and 
 retail. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Bellraan and Miss Frances 
 MeGuire ocfurred in Toledo. Ohio, in 1865. Mrs. 
 Bellman was born in Canada, in 1844, and by her 
 union with our subject became the mother of one 
 child, a son, Leon K., who was born in 1806, and 
 is a practical harness-maker, doing business now in 
 Three Rivers. Mr. Bellman is a member of the 
 Masonic fr.iternity of several years' standing, be- 
 longing to the Chapter and Coromandery, and as 
 an ex-soldier is identified with the G. A. R. He 
 belongs to Company D, 2d Michigan State Militia; 
 and held the rank of Second Lieutenant, w.as then 
 niaile First Lieutenant and finally commissioned 
 (.^uaitermaster, which jiosilion he still holds. Ho 
 uniforudy votes the Republican ticket. He served 
 three years as Alderman from the First Ward, and 
 was Cliairman of the Fir« and Water Coniiuitlee 
 for two years. 
 
 -^ 
 
 -t 
 
 -^-fr^ 
 
 ICH^rOXD E. CASE, editor of the Xews Re- 
 porter of Three Rivers, has been a resident of 
 lii \\\ ■ St. Joseph County for forty-four years. He 
 )was born in Richmond. Ontario Co.. X. Y.. 
 April 26, 1828. his parents being William and 
 Paulina (Robblee) Case, who were natives of 
 Washington County', X. Y., whence they had re- 
 moved. The elder Case was a farmer, pursu- 
 ing that avocation until his de.ith. which occurred 
 in 1830. at the age of forty-two years, having been 
 born Jan. 5, 1788. He was married Jan. 18, 1814. 
 His widow some time after his decease became the 
 wife of William Blair, and died June .5, 18.51, in 
 Constantiue. St. Joseph Co.. Mich., where they had 
 settled. At the time of her decease she was fifty- 
 six years of age, being born JLarcb l.'i, 1795. 
 
 William Case wiis a plain farmer, who never 
 .aspired to any jmblie position or notorietj-. He had 
 eight children, as follows: Abraham, who w!u> killed 
 by the bursting of a cannon .luly 4, 1834;Chloe, 
 a twin sister, became the wife of Isaac Benham, 
 and resides at Constantine. St. .loseph Counlv: 
 
 Hiram is living in Sturgis, this county ; Thomas was 
 married and died at Centreville. same county, at 
 the age of twenty-five years; William, likewise mar- 
 ried, died in Xorwalk, Ohio; he had been in Florida 
 several years on account of his health, and while 
 there was correspondent for the New York Tribune. 
 Toledo Blade and Norwalk Reflector; the next was 
 Dennis, who is a farmer in Laiieer County, Mich.; 
 Laura, who was the fir.st born, died in infancy, and 
 the youngest of the family was our subject. 
 
 By the death of his father. R. E. Case lost 
 the paternal care and guidance at a \'ery early age, 
 but the place was filled by his stepfather, Mr. Blair, 
 who brought up the familj- as his own, and was 
 loved and respected by all the children as a real 
 parent. Our subject was mainly reared by an uncle, 
 Abraham Case, of Norwalk, Ohio, with whom he 
 lived until he was eighteen years of age. He then 
 came to this county, and at Centreville leanied the 
 trade of saddlery and harness-maker, and afterward 
 carried on that business there for five years, also 
 having in connection therewith a drug business. 
 
 In 1851 Mr. Case removed to Three Rivers, and 
 engaged in the harness and mercantile business, 
 which he carried on until 1857. During the hist two 
 years of that time he also carried on a farm in 
 Lockport Township, which he hail bought. In the 
 year named he disposed of his harness and mercan- 
 tile business and removed to Constantiue. where he 
 again engaged in merc:mtile pursuits. In 1861 he 
 was appointed Postmaster under the administration 
 of President Lincoln, but resigned the position in 
 1864 .and returned to Three Rivers, where he 
 bought a livery business, which, however, he dis- 
 po.^ed of in a year, it not being congenial to him. 
 He then engaged in real-estate and insurance busi- 
 ness, and in 187^ became the proprietor and editor 
 of the News Reporter, and h.as reuLtined there ever 
 since, conducting both branches of business named. 
 In 1883 Mr. Case was appointed a member of the 
 Board of Control of the. State Public .Schools, wliich 
 position he filled for six years, his term expiring 
 Jan. 1. 1H81I. 
 
 In M.ay. 1849. Mr. Case was married to Laura 
 Hewings. a native of Ashtabula County. Ohio, 
 where she was l.K)rn in 1826. Their union has been 
 blessed with six children, three of whom are de- 
 
 
-^•■ 
 
 ST. .lOSEPlI COUNTY. 
 
 r)3i i A 
 
 I'l'.iseil: Lydiii diifl jii llie nire of twelve j'oars; 
 OiiU'ii \V., in cliildluxxl. .and an infant died at 
 liirlli. 'I'lic survivors aro: Hoxio M.. wife of !•". .1. 
 Si'lden. now living in Kansas City. Mo.; Frank 15., 
 married to Minnie llauii. is a lawyer in Kansas 
 City, and Fred II. is a |)0'ital-route aijent between 
 (ir.'ind Rapids ami I-Ukliart. and is assoeiated with 
 his father in the |)ulilication of the Xewa Reporter. 
 
 Mr. C'juse lias heen a inenilier of the Town Coiin- 
 eil of Three Rivers, an<l a member of the Seliool 
 Board. He is also a member of the Masonic fra- 
 ternity, havinj^ joined in \H'<\. He beloniis to Three 
 Rivers Lod<;e Xo. .")2. F. it .V. .M., and is one of 
 the three oldest members of that body. 
 
 The Xeirs 7?c/*'ir?<>r. of which Mr. Case is editor, is 
 the oldest (Jreenliaek paper now pulilislied in the 
 I'liited States. .Since he ha.s taken it in hand it 
 has been doubleil in size and more tlian dt)uliled 
 in its subseription list. It is a bright, newsy, local 
 sheet, and is a favorite with the [people of the 
 county, where it exercises a wide iiitluencc in the 
 field it essays to fill. Mr. Case bears among the 
 people with whom he has so long lived the reputa- 
 tion of an upright man and good citizen. 
 
 -^-^ 
 
 -Er- 
 
 ^^^KOUGK \V. .MII.LKR. The home of this 
 ||j (=1 gentleman and his estimable wife, remarka- 
 ^^^^ bty ph-asant in its appointments and .sur- 
 rt)undings. but ri-tlects the spirit of its inmates, peo- 
 ple remarkable for their genial cordiality, which, 
 extended tf> frienil and stranger alike, is indicative 
 of the l.iest birth and breinling. Mr. .Miller came 
 to this section of country in the spring of 1K64, 
 and h.'Ls be<'n mostly engaged in agricultur:d pur- 
 suits all his life, although for a time |)rior to his 
 advent in this county he followed blacksmithing. 
 .\ knowledge of this trade has been of great benefit 
 to him in connection with his farm labors, and the 
 home repairing of his farm machinery enabling him 
 to prevent fre<pienlly an outlay of a gfMxl many- 
 dollars. 
 
 Mr. Miller, ujxjn coming to .Si. .loseph County, 
 settled at once in Constanline Township, on the 
 land which he now owns and occupies. Here he 
 has 160 acres with good improvements, a substan- 
 
 tial brick dwelling, a gotnl barn and other out- 
 buildings, fruit and shade trees, live stock, and the 
 machinery ne<'cssary for prosecuting his c:dling in 
 a conifoi'table manner, .\ltliougli a man attending 
 strictly to his own concerns, he has never refused 
 to be of service to his fellow-citizens when called 
 ujHin. although he has usually avoided lieconiingan 
 oHice-holder. He votes the straight Republican 
 ticket, and with his estimable wife is a member in 
 gftod standing of the Methodist Kpiscopal Church, 
 of which he is, and has for many yejirs, been Trus- 
 tee, .Slewanl and Cl.nss-Leader. 
 
 A native of Berkeley County, (now West) \'a., 
 our subject was born Oct. 22, 1S21, and is the son 
 of .\ndrcw and Charlotte (Snyder) Miller, the for- 
 mer a native of .Maryland, and the latter of the 
 Old Dominion. The parents commenced their 
 wedded life together in Berkeley County, Va.. then 
 removeil to Ohio, but finally decide<l to cast their 
 lot among the pioneers of Southern Michigan. 
 They settled in Constantine Township in the fall of 
 18()4, where the father carried on farming with fair 
 success until quite well advanced in years. He de- 
 parted hence .Ian. 2il. IHH:?. The mother survived 
 her husband a period of live years, and died March 
 6, 1888, near the old homestead. Their family in- 
 clu<led eight children, five of whom are living, four 
 make their homes in this county-, and one. Daniel, 
 lives in .Sandusky County, Ohio. George W., our 
 subject, was the third child. 
 
 Mr. >nilcr w.as a child of one year when he was 
 taken by his jmrents from his native State to Perry 
 County. Ohio. Not being satisfied with their sur- 
 roundings in that region, they removed, first to 
 Seneca County, and then to Sandusky County. 
 They finally returneil to Seneca County, where 
 they lived until coming to .Michigan. Oeorge \V., 
 our subject, was first married, in Sandusky County, 
 to Miss Susanna M'alter. who w.as born in I'nion 
 County, Pa., and moved to Ohio with her parents 
 when quite young. Of her union with our subject 
 there were born six chihiren. and the wife and 
 mother passed away in the fall of 18(M. less than a 
 year after their removal to this county. Their 
 eldest son. Levi, makes his home in Constantine 
 Township; Harvey died when about fifteen years 
 of age, and Kmily when a child of six years; CaUi- 
 
 !?^ri--^ 
 
■► l r <r 
 
 532 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 erinc is the wife of .lolin (lentzler, of Florence 
 Township; .loiin is oeeii|)ie(l in fiirminsr. and lives 
 not far from the old homestead; I'eter died in 
 infancy. 
 
 Our subject, in the early jwrt of IMIi.J, returned 
 to Seneca County, Oliio, and was there married a 
 second time. January 12 of the same j'ear, to Mrs. 
 Matilda (llartman) Horner. daui>rhter of Samuel 
 and Mary (Haker) llartman, and widow of .Jerry 
 lloiner. Mr. Horner was a tailor Iiy occupation, 
 and died in Seneca County, Sejjt. 2!), 1863. Of 
 this marriage there were horn five children, the 
 eldest of whom, a daughter, Frances, is the wife of 
 W. J. Ensrlcman, of Constantine Township; George 
 died when a lad of seven years; Joseph is a resi- 
 dent of Leadville, Col., where Samuel also lives, 
 and Amanda E. died when an infant of sixteen 
 months. 
 
 Mrs. Matilda Miller was born in Snyder County, 
 Pa.. Sept. 14, 1833. Her parents were natives of 
 Pennsylvania, and are now both deceased. Of tliis 
 latter unit)n there have been no cliildren. Mrs. 
 Miller is a lady looking well to the ways of her 
 household, m.aking her home pleasant, not only to 
 her family, but the stranger who may happen 
 within their gates. 
 
 BENEZER OSBORN. The name of this 
 ^ worthy pioneer, who is now deceased, de- 
 ka^ serves honorable mention among the earl}- 
 settlers of St. Joseph County. He came to this 
 region when a j'oung man from New York State, 
 where he was born on Aug. 10, 1822. He took 
 up a tract of land on section 21, in Flowerfield 
 Townsiiip, opening up a good farm of eight}' acres 
 near which the village of Ilownrdsville afterward 
 sprang up. He battled with the dilliculties incident 
 to that time, and after making a good record de- 
 parted this life at the homestead which he had built 
 up. Feb. 11. 1887. 
 
 Mr. Osborn was married at Three Rivers, after 
 coming to this county, July 1 0, 1 862, to Miss Nancy 
 Clark, who passed away prior to the decease of her 
 husband, her death taking place at the old farm, 
 June 21.1 884. They were the parents of two sons : 
 
 Charles, the elder, was born April 13. 1863. and 
 was reared upon a farm, becoming familiar with its 
 various employments an<l receiving his education 
 in the common school. Frank, the }'ounger son, 
 also grew up on the farm, and upon reaching man- 
 hood was married at Buchanan, Bei-rien Count}', this 
 .State, to Miss Fannie Cave. This lady was born in 
 Marcellus Township. Cass Count}', the 9th of Sep- 
 tember. 1867, and is the daughter of John L. an<l 
 LucinaCave. Her father was a native of England, 
 whence he emigrated to the United States early in 
 life. He came to Cass County during its early 
 settlement, antl after opening up a good farm spent 
 the latter years of his life in prosperity and quiet. 
 Mrs. Cave was born at Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and is 
 still living, making her home in Lamoni, Iowa. Be- 
 sides Mrs. Osborn there are three other daughters: 
 Addie, the wife of Is.aac Judson, of Covert; Nettie 
 and Jessie, who live with tiieir mother in Iowa. 
 Both the Cave and Osborn families represent the 
 better element of society, being people well-to-do 
 and of good standing among their neighbors. 
 
 AVH) KNOX. Three Rivers contains some 
 )j very able "legal lights," and prominent 
 among them as a lawyer, orator and gen- 
 tleman, stands David Knox, a native of 
 Michigan, and born in Sturgis Township, this 
 county, Feb. 26, 1848. It will thus be seen he is 
 in the very prime of life, .and his career thus far 
 has been signalized by ability and success. 
 
 David Knox, Sr., the father of our subject, w.as 
 a native of New Yt)rk St.ate, and departed this life 
 at his home in September, 1886. He migrated to 
 Detroit from Seneca County, N. Y., as early as 
 1822, and to Michigan Territory ten years later, 
 locating in Sturgis Township, where he followed 
 agricultural pursuits in connection with officiating 
 as minister of the ^rethodist Church, and became 
 owner of a good farm pro[)erty. The mother, Mrs, 
 Thir/.a (Jacobs) Knox, was also a native of the 
 Empire Stnte. and the daughter of Benjamin Ja- 
 cobs. The parental household included seven chil- 
 dren, three sons and four daughters, David being 
 the fourth child. He spent his boyhood largely in 
 
 •►HH^ 
 
 •^t ^ i ^' 
 
-4«- 
 
 ■•^HK-* 
 
 ST. .lOSKI'H COUNTY. 
 
 53:5 
 
 attendaiu-e at tlie distriot scIkkjI. and later was a 
 student in the I'nion Scliool at Stiirjfis. lie finally' 
 entered AlMon College, from wliicli lie was trradu- 
 ated in IMIili. We next liiid liini !L« a teaelier in 
 the I'nion School wliere lie liad foinu'ily lieen a 
 pupil. 
 
 Mr. ivnox entere<l upun the studv i>f law in the 
 otliee uf William .Sadler, at Cenlreville, and wa.s 
 afterward a.-:.-i(iciateil with ( ). F. IJenn. of Three 
 Ixivers. lie \va.< admitted to the bar in 1872. and 
 at onee oi»ned an ofllee for the praetice of his pro- 
 fe.<sion at Three Rivers, of which he ha.< since con- 
 tinued a resident. In connection with, his leiral 
 business he operates as a real-estate dealer and 
 money loaner. and fi'oni the three I'nniliincd enjo^'S 
 a comforlalile income. 
 
 The family of our subject comprises an intelli- 
 jjent wife and three inteivstiiii; children, the latter 
 name<l resiK'ctively: Stuart K.. .Airnes I., and Kd- 
 ward Moore. The maiden name of his wife was 
 T,oni.<e Kelsey, and their marriage w.ns celebrated 
 at Three Rivers, in .Inne. 1M7H. .Mrs. Knox is the 
 daughter of Stephen Kelsey, Esq., a well-known 
 resident of this county, and of an excellent family. 
 
 Mr. Knox keeps himself well inforni<Ml in regaril 
 to matters of general interest, and uniformly votes 
 the Repul)lican ticket. lie has always been inter- 
 ested in the prc>niotion of education, and for the 
 past eight j-ears has served as Trustee of Albion 
 College. He has held some of the minor otiices, 
 but is not ambitious of honors in this line. He is 
 a Knight Templar of the Masonic fraternity, be- 
 longing to Lodge No. ;")". and Comnnindery No. 
 2".i, at Three Rivers. As the agent for the Free 
 Will Ha ptist .societies for this vicinity lie has charge 
 of large amounts of money devoted to the cjiuse, 
 and in this, as in other positions of trust and re- 
 sfMjnsibility, has acquitted himse^ as an honest man 
 and a good citizen. 
 
 ^ OUTHARI) CHAl'lN. one of the most iu- 
 ^^ telligenl and [)ublic-spiriled men of Not- 
 tawa Township, owns and occupies a snug 
 home at Prairie Corners, Nottawa Town- 
 ship, and which is pleasantly located on section 3. 
 
 Until the fall of 1H81 he carried on farming quite 
 extensively on 2II0 acres of land in I5urr Oak 
 Township, which he cleared and upon which he 
 erected a fine set of frame buihiings. He disposed 
 of the greater iiorliou of this about the time of his 
 removal. 
 
 A native of Granville. Washington Co., N. Y., 
 our subject was born March 12, 1 822, and was but 
 fourteen years of age when he came to this county 
 will) his parents. He lived with them in .Sherman 
 Township until his marriage, which took place at 
 the home of the bride in that township, Sept. 1, 
 1844. The maiden of his choice, .Miss Ro/.illa Mc- 
 Cloud, was born in Darby Township, Madison Co., 
 Ohio, Aug. 22, 1825. 
 
 The parents of our subject, David and Collie 
 (Rurcli) Chapin, were natives respectively of Ver- 
 mont ami Dutchess County, N. Y. The father mi- 
 grated from the Green Miiuntnin .State earl}' in life, 
 and was married to Miss Burcli in the Empire State. 
 They settled in Granville, but later removed to 
 Livingston County, and from there in .lune, 18.'Jt!, 
 came to the Territory of Michigan and located in 
 Sherman Tow-nship. The fallier put up the third 
 house within its limits and on section 10. He im- 
 proved a farm from the wilderness, and there both 
 parents spent the remainder of their lives. They 
 had four children, three s<jns and one daughter. 
 
 Charles McCloud, the father of Mrs. Chapin, was 
 born in Vermont, and married Miss Mary Patlec, a 
 native of Massachusetts. The}' began the journey 
 of life together in Darby Township, Madison Co., 
 Ohio. Upon leaving the Buckeye State they came 
 to Michigan, settling first in the vicinity of Browns- 
 town, Wayne County, and from there came to this 
 county in 18:i5, while .Michigan was still a Terri- 
 tory, locating on a wild tract of land just north of 
 the present site of Nottawa. Mr. McCloud built up 
 a good farm, but later relumed to Ohio to live with 
 his chihiren, and died in .Madison County. The 
 mother later came back to this county, and died at 
 the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Chapin, in Sher- 
 man Township, ihey were the parents of three 
 daughters, of whom .Mrs. Chapin was the eldest, and 
 the only one living lo mature years. To our sub- 
 jcct and his estimable wife there have been born 
 six children. The eldest daughter, Dyelsa, is the 
 
 h 
 
534 
 
 ST. .lOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 wife of William C. Hofcr, of Goshen. Iml.; Aiiel- 
 pliia, Mrs. F. .1. Lang, lives in Minneapolis, Minn.; 
 Eineline married Mr. A. T. Mann, and died in 
 Hutchinson Count3', Dak., in Ma}', 1887; Alice, 
 Mrs. Charles Simpson, lives in California; of Will- 
 iam P. a sketch will be found elsewhere in this vol- 
 ume. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Cimpin have been members of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church a period of thirt}' 
 years, contributing liberally and cheerfully to its 
 sup|)ort, and laboring as they have had opportunity 
 in the cause of Christianity. Mr. Chapin cast his 
 first Presidential vote for Henry Clay, and is an 
 ardent supporter of Republican principles. 
 
 if ASON HORTOX HUYLAR h.is been for the 
 past thirty 3'ears a resi<lent of Three Rivers, 
 St. Joseph Co., .Mich., and prominently iden- 
 tified with its business interests. He was 
 born in New Brunswick, N. .1., Feb. 23, 1825. His 
 ancestors were of Dutch and Knglish extraction, his 
 paternal grandfather, William Huylar, coming from 
 Holland and settling in New Brunswick, N. J., where 
 he successfully carried on the business of a baker 
 until his death. His wife (lertrude survived him 
 many years, dying at the extreme age of ninety- 
 seven. On the materna! side our subject's ancestors, 
 of English lineage, were for manj- generations resi- 
 dents of the eastern end of Long Island, N. Y., set- 
 tling near Southold over 225 years ago. The first 
 of the family to come to America was Barnabas 
 Horton, and the house which he built about 225 
 years since stood until si.x years ago, when it was 
 demolished to give place to a more modern struc- 
 ture, at which time there was present a large gath- 
 ering of his descendants. The house being the old- 
 est on Eastern Long Island, its demolition excited 
 great interest and was much commented on bj' the 
 press. 
 
 William and Gertrude Ilu^dar were the parents 
 of a numerous family, numbering in all twentj'-four 
 children, all now deceasecL Their son Adam was 
 the father of J.ason II., and was born in New Bruns- 
 wick in 1779, and died March 7, 1847, in his sixty- 
 ninth year. He followed the occupation of his 
 
 father, and carried on baking in the citj- of New 
 York, afterward removing to Key Port, N. .1., wliere 
 he died. He was a man of good character, indus- 
 trious and sober, alwaj's in comfortable circum- 
 stances, but never accumulating much wealth. He 
 was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss 
 Vanderbilt. a relative of the ancestors of that now 
 famous family. She died in 1816, leaving six chil- 
 dren: Gertrude, William, Abraham, Charles, and 
 an infant unname<l, all now deceased. The only 
 survivor is John Vanderbilt Hujdar, a farmer near 
 Battle Creek, Mich. 
 
 The second wife of Adam Hujdar was Mrs. Eliza- 
 beth Denniston, widow of John Denniston, and 
 daughter of Jason and Mary Horton. Her father 
 was a man of exemplary chariicter and of great 
 piety, a conscientious, consistent and sincere Chris- 
 tian, beloved and respected bj" all who knew him. 
 He is held in such veneration liy his descendants 
 that in every family tracing its descent from him 
 one of the sons is named Jason Horton. His daugh- 
 ter Elizabeth was born in Mendliam. N. J., in 17!tl, 
 and attained a great age, dying in her ninet3-third 
 j-ear. B3' her marriage with John Denniston she 
 had four children, three of whom are now living. 
 She was a woman of positive character, who im- 
 pressed her personalit}- on her children, who in a 
 great degree inherited her characteristics. B3' her 
 marri.age with Mr. Huylar she had seven children, 
 as follows: Elizabeth F., who was the wife of Hiram 
 Allen, of Newark, N. J., and both now dece.ised; 
 Adam is a dealer in s.ash and blinds at Ke3' Port, N. 
 J. ; .Mary died in childhood; J.ason Horton w.is next 
 in order of birth; then Isaac W., who died in child- 
 hood; Edward P., a well-known ph3-sician, was the 
 originator and proprietor of the celebrated rcmed3' 
 known as "Clark Johnson's Indian Blood Syrup," 
 and died in New York City, Aug. 11,1888, after 
 accumulating a large fortune. The youngest, Mar3' 
 Voorhees, died in childhood. The subject .of this 
 sketch received his education in the public schools 
 of the city of New York, and early began to 
 work at the business of marble cutting. His first 
 venture on his own account was in Ive3- Port, N. J., 
 in 1855, at which lime he established a shop there. 
 Three 3"ears later he determined to Irv his fortunes ^ 
 
■» II <• 
 
 ■» 11 ^ 
 
 ST. JOhEPH COUNTY. 
 
 53r> 
 
 in the j'ounj; and growinj State of Michigan, and 
 ri'niovpd to Stuifjis. St. .Joseph County. There he 
 st:ii(l hut a year and a half, when he removed to 
 Three Rivers, where the balance of his life has been 
 passed, and where he built up a lucrative trade, and 
 acquired the repiiintion of a thorough-going, enter- 
 prisin<r and upright business man. 
 
 On May 20, IH-IU. Mr. Iluylar was married to 
 Sarah C. Uansom. daughter of Pliisha and Catii 
 Ransom, of Riverton. Conn. She was liorn in 
 Hartfiird. Conn., in 1H27. her ancestors being early 
 residents of that .'^(ate. in which both her parents 
 were born. Mr. and Airs. Iluylar have ha>) five 
 children, three of whom are deceased. CullierineL. 
 died at the age of eleven, Charles Edwin in his third 
 year, and Lillian Ransom in the sixth year of her 
 age. The survivors are : Mary E., wife of Dr. Will- 
 iam II. Kestler,a proniinentdentistof Detroit.Micb., 
 and Allen llurton, who is his father's successor in 
 business in Three Rivers. 
 
 In 1H(^6 Mr. Iluylar gave up active business, 
 turning it over to his son, but still takes a warm 
 interest in the success of the business which he 
 founded. He is now enjoying the fruits of a life 
 of well-directed effort, and .is the architect of his 
 own fortunes can t^ike a ju>t pride in the success 
 which has resulted from a life of industry and pro- 
 bity. He enjoys in a marked degree the respect 
 and confidence of the comniunil}' among whom so 
 manj' years of his life have been passed, and who 
 appreciate the sterling qualities of the man and citi- 
 zen. Mr. Iluylar lakes a considerable part in the 
 affairs of the town. He has been a member of the 
 Council several limes, is a director in the Three 
 Rivers Nalinnnl Hank, a member of the .Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, and in every way a useful and 
 desirable member of society. 
 
 r 
 
 OEIX)X CREVLINfi. The family of which 
 ' this gentleman is the he.ad is considered one 
 of the finest in St. .loseph C«>unty. He 
 
 came within its bonlers during the pioneer days, 
 and assisted in the struggles of its carl}' develop- 
 ment, contributing to its prosperity his strength 
 and bis capiUil, and he has an ample reward in the 
 4« 
 
 esteem and confidence with which he is universally- 
 regarded by its people. A man of property and 
 infiuence. he has been chief among those rearing the 
 standard of morality and virtue, while in financial 
 circles his standing and repuUition are unimpeach- 
 able. 
 
 John Crevling, the father of our subject, was a 
 native of Easton, N. J., and upon migrating 
 to New York Slate during the early j'ears of his 
 manhood settleil in Columbia County, Pa., with his 
 parents. He was content, like his father before 
 him, to *ake up the()ccupation of agriculture, which 
 he followed all his life. He spent his last days in 
 Columbia County. I'a.. dying there Aug. 27, 1«27, 
 at the age of fifty-five years, five months and sev- 
 enteen day.s. He was born March 10, 1772. 
 
 Mr. Crevling, .Sr., the paternal grandfather of 
 our subject, spent the early years of his life in Eas- 
 ton, N. J. Thence he removed to Columbia County. 
 Pa., settling near the village of Espey (hiring its 
 pioneer days. He also pursued farming, and died in 
 Columbia County at a ripe <»ld age. His son .b)hn 
 was born in 1772, and upon reaching manhoixl mar- 
 ried Charitj- Moore, of Ct>lumbia County, Pa., and 
 they became the parents of nine children, six sons and 
 three daugliteis. Of these Nelson, of our sketch, 
 was the youngest child. He was born on the old 
 homestead near Esp3', Columbia Co., Pa.. Feb. II, 
 1H17. This pro|)erty lay about midway between 
 Bloomsburg and Espy, and was consequently quite 
 valuable. 
 
 The common scliool supplied for our subject his 
 early educatioi), and he remainetl a resilient of his 
 native county until a young man thirty years of 
 age, when he determined lo seek his fortune among 
 the pioneers of Michigan. We find him within the 
 boumls of Lockpori Town.sjiip, this county, in 
 October. lM4a, he locating first on section 5, where 
 he purchased 160 acres of lanil from William Eck. 
 He improveil the greater part of this, beginning 
 from first principles, as there were neither biiilil- 
 ings nor fences upon it. Two years later, however, 
 he sold out and purchased on another part of the 
 same section. He now has a fine farm of ;52."( acres, 
 lying one and one-half miles from the village of 
 Three Rivers. This has been brought to a high 
 state of cultivation, and is supplied with modern 
 
-h 
 
 4*- 
 
 53C 
 
 ,t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 farm buildings, a goodly- assorlmtMit of live stock, 
 the latest improved machinery, and all the facilities 
 necessary to the success of the modern agriculturist. 
 
 Our subject was wedded in his native county, 
 Jan. IG. 1840, to Miss Phehe. daughter of Joseph 
 and Mar3- (Rittenhouse) Eck. Mi's. Crevling was 
 the sixth child of her parents, and first opened her 
 eyes to the ligiit Jul}' 29. 1817. There came to the 
 household of Mr. and Mrs. Crevling ten children, 
 seven of whom are living. Albert J. died at the 
 home of his parents in Lockport Township, at the 
 age of twenty-three j'ears; James H. died when an 
 infant of eighteen months; Mary C. is the wife of 
 Samuel Nye,andthej' reside inThree Rivers; Martha 
 A. is living with her parents at the old homestead; 
 Harriet, Mrs. John Hawkins, died at her home near 
 Constantine. Oct. 14, 1888; John F. is unmarried and 
 living at home with his parents; William E. is a 
 well-to-do farmer of Jlilcliell County, Kan.; Anna 
 M. is the wife of Martin Robbins, of Three Rivers; 
 Delilah, Mrs. Harry Cation, lives witii her husband 
 on a farm in White Pigeon Township; Joseph Nel- 
 son continues a member of the parental household. 
 
 Joseph and Mar^' Eck. the parents of Mrs. Crev- 
 ling, were natives of Chester County and Phila- 
 delphia, Pa., respectivel}-, but s|>ent their last days 
 in Berwick, Columbia County. Mr. Eck reached 
 his fourscore years, and his excellent wife had 
 nearly approached that age at the lime of her death. 
 They were the parents of eight children, three .sons 
 and five daughters, four of whom are living: Will- 
 iam R. is a resilient of Colon, this count}'; Eliza 
 continues at the old home in Berwick, Columbia 
 Co., Pa., of whicii siie is the owner; Amelia is the 
 wife of Archibald Henry, and lives in Mitchell 
 County, Kan., on a farm three miles from Heloit. 
 The paternal grandfather was a soldier in the War 
 of 1812. 
 
 Our subject and his estimable wife have been 
 members in good standing of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church at Three Rivers since 1850. Politically, 
 Mr. C. was first identified with the old Whig i)arty, 
 and cast his first vote for Oen. Harrison, in 1840. 
 Upon the abandonment of the old p;u-ty lie allied 
 himself with the Republicans, and voted for the 
 grandson of -Old Tippecanoe" in the fall of 1.S88. 
 
 Joiui Crevling, a brotherof oursuliject, was born 
 
 Oct. 22, 1810, and is a prosperous farmer, owning a 
 good property in the vicinity of Ashland County. 
 Ohio. Jonathan, born June 26, 1«03. died Jan. 20. 
 1807, when about three j-ears of age. A younger 
 one. Jared, born Jan. 24, 1813, died in Columbia 
 County, Pa., March 14, 182C. when a promising lad 
 of thirteen years. The other brothers and sisters 
 of our subject are named as follows : Martha, born 
 Feb. 1, 17'jy, died Dee. 2. 1853; Margrett. born 
 Dec. 17, 1801, died Nov. 17, 1840; Andrew, born 
 Jan. 22. 1806; Moore, May 6, 1808; Delilah, Nov. 
 4, 1814. Our subject's mother was born Dec. 1, 
 1773, in Chester County. Pa. .She was marrie<l Dec. 
 17, 1797, in Columbia County, Pa., and died July 
 12, 1858. 
 
 ■ : > :@: < l ' 
 
 ANIEL FRANCISCO, deceased, was a well- 
 known resident of Three Rivers. St. Jo- 
 seph Co.. Mich., the story of whose life is 
 full of encouragement to boys who have to 
 make their own way in the world under dillicultics. 
 He was in every sense of the word a self-made man. 
 He was born June 4, 1817, in Rensselaer County, 
 N. Y. His mother died when he w.asbut fouryears 
 old. and the death of his father two years later left 
 him ;done in the world, and dependent even at that 
 lender age on his own exertions. He was bound 
 out at the age of seven to a man named Erastus 
 Green, the bargain being that he should have at 
 least three months' schooling eveiy year. Green was 
 a severe taskmaster, and young Francisco was com- 
 pelled to work early and late, and was never sent 
 to school, except for three monllis in the first year, 
 it being all the schooling he ever received. He re- 
 mained will! (Jreen until his eleventh year, when he 
 ran away from him, working out by the day. month 
 or year as he could secure euiployment. In this 
 way several years were passed, and when he 
 was about twenty -one years of .age he, in company 
 with H man named Ira B. Gage, bought a threshing- 
 machine, with which they made some money, giv- 
 ing him his first real start. About the time he 
 entered into tin's business he was married. With 
 the money he made by the thresher he bought sume 
 land on contiacl, paying a part down. His kind- 
 heartedness led him to sign notes for a friend, and 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 537 
 
 having lo |)ny tliem lie was unable to make the pny- 
 niciits on his land, anri be lost it, leaving him again 
 with but a sniali c:i|iit:i!. 
 
 In I'timpiiny with bis wift-'s p.-iionls, two of 
 her unmarried brothers and two sisters, Mr. Fran- 
 cisco and his little family, consisting of wife and 
 four children, started overland for Michigan. The 
 parly ha<l three wagons, e.ach drawn by a span of 
 horses. Of these one fiiitflt belonged to Mr. Fran- 
 cisco, which, Willi a small sum of monej-, was all his 
 worldly wealth. They stopped first in Lenawee 
 County. Mich., where be enU-ied IGO acres of land. 
 The necessary expenses of travel and entering this 
 land made serious inroads on his limited capitiil. 
 Not liking tlwit pnrt of llic country, because of its 
 wild and unsettled condition, the party deci<lcd to 
 go further South. This was partly due to letters 
 they had rectived from relatives of Mr. Francisco, 
 who were settled in St. .loseph County. Coming to 
 this county they located five miles northwest of 
 Constaiitine, on what is now known as the Slierrick 
 farm. Here the entire part}- live<l in a two-story 
 log house until the following spring, when Mr. 
 Francisco bought an 80-acre farm hsilf way between 
 Three Rivers and Ceiitreville, on which he lived 
 until his removal to the former place, in the fall of 
 18UtS. to the house now occupied by his widow, in 
 which the remainder of his life was passed. His 
 death occurred Feb. 7, I SS.'J, in his sixty-sixth year. 
 At the time of his death .Mr. Francisco owned G(J7 
 acres of land in St. Joseph County. The land in 
 Lenawee County he had sold for a slight advance. 
 He was also the owner of properly in Three Rivers, 
 besiiles a cmisiderable amount of personal proiierty. 
 All this lie acquired b}' his own labor, thrifty hab- 
 its, and the exercise of comimm sense in all his 
 business transactions. WliMe living on his farm he 
 engaged largely in the growing of peppermint, being 
 at one time the largest mint grower in the West. 
 This W!us one of his gre^itest successes, and helped 
 largely in making the liberal com|>etence which he 
 acquireil. 
 
 Mr. Francisco was twice innrrieil, first while a 
 resident of New York, to Hester Maria Wager, born 
 in that Suite July 18. I SI 'J. Their union was cele- 
 brated Nov. U. |M37. and she accompanied him lo 
 this StaU', and died here June 23. 1848. They 
 
 4* 
 
 had five children, as follows: Charles Oscar, born 
 Sept. G, 1838, is married, and is a resident of Three 
 Rivers; Mary Kmma is the wife of Nathan H. Cary, 
 a farmer in Lockpoil Township, this couiily; Dud- 
 ley H., of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this 
 volume; Margaret A., wife of Capt, I). M. Hicks, 
 of Three Rivers, residing in Minneapolis, Minn. ; 
 anil Hester JL, who died in infancy. 
 
 In 1848 Mr. Francisco was married to Miss 
 Hannah Ryder, a native of the Slate of New York. 
 They had three sons, the eldest of whom died when 
 eighteen months old; William Byron, born Oct. I), 
 1852, is married to Miss Ella Knapp. and has two 
 children. Gracie and Frank; and lives in Three 
 Rivers; Frank E.. born July 1.5, 18G0, is married 
 lo Miss Nellie Clapp, and is a resilient of Jackson, 
 Mich. 
 
 After removing to Three Rivers, as soon as his 
 bojs became of age Mr. Francisco put each of them 
 on a farm, keeping, however, a general oversight of 
 the work himself, and willing the properties to them 
 on his death. 
 
 After coming to Three Rivers Jlr. Francisco en- 
 gaged first in the banking and brokerage, then in 
 loaning money for E»stern capitalists, which he con- 
 tinued until a few years before his death. He look 
 considerable interest in public affairs, was a member 
 of the Council, and President of the \'illage Boaril. 
 He was greatly iiiteresled in educatiunal mailers, 
 and for inure than twenty years was a member of 
 the .School Hoard. He w.is a consistent ineinbcr of 
 the Presbyterian Church, and was liberal in its sup- 
 port. He was noted for his kindness and benevo- 
 lence of heart, was a kind husband niid faillifiil 
 father, and his death was regretted by every person 
 who had ever known him. 
 
 *|H^H 
 
 ON. RCSSEL I{. I'EALEH. one of the 
 rjj' prominent citizens of St. .loseph County, 
 wa3^)orn in (Ireenwood Township. Colum- 
 bia Co., Pa., Jan. 1, 1842, his parents being 
 George and Rebecca (Hampton) Pcalcr, likewise 
 natives of that count}'. On the paleriinl side the 
 family is of (Jermaii lineage, the graiulfathcr being 
 named Pealer and ihe gniiidmolher Kouder. 
 
 i 
 
 ,. ..„ • 
 
t 538 
 
 .t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 llie maternal side the famil.v is of English descent, 
 coming from llie Hampton and Hopliins stock, early 
 and well-known settlers in Columbia Count3'. The 
 father of the subject of this sketch, George Pealer, | 
 was born Aug. 13, IS18. and is .yet living in his 
 native county. He has been a farmer and lumber- 
 man all of his life, and is living on the farm which 
 has been his residence for over forty years. He has 
 been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
 for man}' years, and has always been looked upon 
 as an honest, upright man and a good citizen. In 
 his political views he is an ardent Republican. 
 
 Mr. Pealer has been twice married, first in 1841 
 to Miss Rebecca B. Hami)ton, who died in 1876, 
 aged fifty-two; she was the mother of eight chil- 
 dren, but three of whom are now living. Those 
 deceased were: Mary A. who was the wife of Wes- 
 ley Auten, and died near Freilericktown, Ohio; 
 Clarinda S. died in girlhood; Daniel Webster, at 
 the age of seven; Alvarctta also died young, and 
 likewise an unnamed infant. The survivors are: 
 William O., partner of our subject, in Three Rivers; 
 Matilda is the wife of Clarence Price, of Danville. 
 Pa.; our subject was the eldest of the family. Of 
 the second marri.ige of Mr. Pealer there is no issue. 
 
 Russel R. Pealer was brought up on a farm, at- 
 tending tlie common school, as farmers' boys do. 
 In Feliruary, 1859, he began attending the JNew 
 Columbus Normal School in Luzerne County. Pa., 
 where he remained until the following winter, when 
 he returned to his home and taught school for the 
 term. The next year he returned to Columbus and 
 the following winter again taught school. The fol- 
 lowing spring he was made Priuci|)al of the High 
 School at Light Street, in his native county-, and in 
 the ftillowing fall went to New .Jersey, New York 
 and other places, to recruit his health, which was 
 somewhat impaireil by close study. On his return 
 he attended the High School again, and was prepar- 
 ing to enter the Albany Law .School, having decided 
 on the law as the profession to which he would de- 
 vote his life work. He had inherited from his 
 mother a love for education and reading, which she 
 wisely encouraged, and to her is due the fact that 
 our sul)jeet acquired a fine education. 
 
 On the 'Jth of .September, 18G2, Mr. Pealer of- 
 fered his services lo his country, anil enlisted in 
 
 <■ 
 
 Company E. ICtli Pennsylvania Cavalry, known as 
 '•Gregg's Cavalry." He serve<l until Aug. 11. IHG.j, 
 and during this time was repeatedly promoted for 
 meritorious conduct, passing through all the griides 
 to that of First Lieutenant, and wtis recommended 
 for promotion to a Captaincy, but the close of the 
 war stopped all further promotions. During this 
 time he served in over tlurt^'-five battles an<l cav- 
 alrj' engagements, com|)rising all of the great bat- 
 tles fought by the heroic Army of the Potomac. 
 On the 6th of Februarv. 1865. at Hatchers Run. Va., 
 near Petersburg, while in command of a squadron 
 and leading a charge on Pegram's division of Infan- 
 try. Lieut. Pealer was wounded in tlie left thigh b^' 
 a rifle ball, which was afierwanl extracted at Balti- 
 more. Before his wound was healed he rejoined 
 his regiment, so anxious was he to be with them. 
 During his time in the hospital Mr. Pealer studied 
 surve3'ing and engineering, which he afterward put 
 to good account in securing means to continue his 
 law studies. 
 
 On our subject's return to his home he again began 
 the study of the law, entering the otfle-e of Robert F. 
 Clark at Blooinsburg. Pa., where he spent two years, 
 and was there admitted to the bar Sept. 3, 1867. 
 and a short time after came to Three Rivers, decided 
 to make it his home, returned to Pennsj-lvania, 
 and bringing his wife, settled permanently in Three 
 Rivers Nov. 12. 1867. The .January following he 
 was admitted to the Michigan bar, and .at once en- 
 gaged in the practice of his profession. 
 
 A few years later Mr. Pealer was elected anc] re- 
 elected Circuit Court Commissioner, and before the 
 expiration of his last term was appointed Prosecut- 
 ing Attornej'of the county, and afterward re-elected 
 to that position. He declined a rcnomination to 
 that office, and continued to practice until Jan. 1, 
 1882, when he assumeil the position of Circuit 
 Judge for the Fifteenth District, to which he had 
 been elected the previous April. He served his full 
 term of six years with great credit to himself and 
 siitisfaction to his constituents, and his decisions 
 while on the bench have always been regarded as 
 sounil by the leg.nl fraternity of the district. 
 
 In 1888 .Mr. Pealer resumed the i)ractlce of his 
 profession in Three Rivers in company with bis 
 brother William O., under the firm name of Pealer 
 
"♦- 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 .■..i'J 
 
 Bros., and the s.ame year was elcclpfl to represent 
 his county in the State Legislature, beginning iiis 
 services in that capacity in .January, 18^9. Tiie 
 count\- liaH been for some years represented liy a 
 Democrat, and Juilge Pealor was put in nomination 
 for tlie purpose of overcoming that, as iiis reputa- 
 tion led his friends to believe he could do it. The 
 result justified their anticipations, he getting a ma- 
 jority of over 200. thus changing the pitlitical com- 
 plexion of the county. He has also held many 
 minor offices, and l)eing particularly interested in 
 educatii)nal matters served for many years on the 
 School IJoard. 
 
 Judge I'ealer has been three times married. His 
 first wife, to whom he was married on the 'i.'ith of 
 December, 18G.'>. was Miss Sallic A. Stevens, a na- 
 tive of Luzerne County, Pa.; she died in Three 
 Rivers. Mich.. Nov. G, 1871. By this marriage there 
 were four children, two of whom. Nora Josephine 
 and George .Stevens, died in childhood; the other 
 two, Anna Geraldine and Mary A., are j'et under 
 the parental roof. 
 
 August 28. 1872, Jlr. Pealor was married to Miss 
 Amanda Stevens, a sister to his first wife, but she 
 too was called, death claiming her March 28, 1874. 
 Judge Pcaler's present wife was Miss Sue F. Santee, 
 to whom he was married April 15, 187.i. By the last 
 two marriages there is no issue. Notwithstanding his 
 busy public and profession.'il life Judge Pealer does 
 not neglect its social stile. From his boj'hood he 
 has been a consistent member of the Methodist 
 Kpiscopril Church, and has taken an active part in 
 its work. He ha.s held every official position, from 
 Su|)erintendentof Sabbath-school to Delegate to the 
 General Conference. He is a member of and at 
 present Commander of lid M. Prutzuian Post No. 
 72. G. A. R..anil belongs to the .^Lasonic fraternit}', 
 being a member of Throe liivcrs Lodge No. 52. 
 F. <fe A. M.; .Snialhiel Chapter No. 28, R. A., and 
 •St. Joseph Valley Commandery No. 29. K. T. In 
 politics he is. like his fatlier, an ardent Itepnblican, 
 and his first vote was cast while in the army, in an 
 open field in Virginia, for Abraham Lincoln. 
 
 .Inilge Pealer is a living exemplification of our 
 
 beneficent institutions and what can be accomplished 
 
 unilcr Ihcm by well-directed effort and perscver- 
 
 ^ ance. .St.urting without anv social advantages, he 
 
 •Ji-N — 
 
 has .icquired an excellent literary and legal educa- 
 tion; he has been called by his fellow-citizens to fill 
 man}' positions of honor and responsibility, and has 
 by their suffrages occupied the bench in one of the 
 courts of his adopted State, and now represents the 
 countrj' in the councils of the State. Just in the 
 prime of life, with a large and lucrative practice, 
 an unsullied reputation, the esteem of his fellow- 
 men, with ap|)arently m'lny years of life before him, 
 his future is undoubtedly bright, and his well-de- 
 served success should serve as an incentive to every 
 boy striving to elevate himself in the social scale, 
 and to do work worthy of emulation. 
 
 J^KVILl.o J. NKHOLS. .M. 1). This popu- 
 jl lar physician and surgeon of Three Rivers 
 ^ located .at this point in March, 1877, and 
 ~ opened an office for the pr.acticeof his pro- 
 
 fession, which he lias followed with flattering re- 
 sults. Michigan is his native State, he having 
 been born in Marengo. Calhoun County. .Sept. 4, 
 1847. His father. Dr. A. S. Nichols, wa* one of 
 the pioneers of the Badger .State, coming here from 
 his native place, in Madison County, N. Y.. as early 
 as 1844. He settled in Marengo with his little 
 family, where they resided many years. The elder 
 Nichols followed a successful jjr.ictice. and was 
 called hence in 1874. During the period of his 
 thirty years' residence in Michigan he distinguished 
 himself as a most worthy and useful citizen, mak- 
 ing a record which his children should be proud to 
 look up<in. Of the latter, two in number, both are 
 living, our subject being the elder. 
 
 After leaving the primary school our subject 
 entered Albion College, where he studiefl four 
 years, fitting himself for the literary department of 
 the .Michigan State University. This course ended 
 he entered upon the study of medicine under the 
 instruction of his father, and later returning to the 
 university took a course in the meilieal depart- 
 ment, whence he was gmduated with honors in 
 1871. He commenced the practice of his profes- 
 sion in Tekonsha. where he spent two years. Dur- 
 ing this time he w.as unitc<l in marriage with Miss 
 Alinda Randall, of that place. This lady was born 
 
 
■► ir^ 
 
 =L, 
 
 540 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 in April. 1847, in Tekonslm, and is the daugliterof 
 Harvey Randall, a native of New York. After his 
 marriaj^e Dr. Nichols took up iiis residence in Hills- 
 dale, becoming the partner of U. T. Gill. Tliis 
 partnership was dissolved in 1874, and Dr. Nichols 
 then became associated with his brother-in-law, A. 
 G. Randall, the3' operating together two years. 
 Then being able to sell out to good advantage, 
 Dr. Nichols changed the scene of his operations to 
 Three Rivers, .and later formed a partnership with 
 Dr. AV. E. Parker, with whom he is at present asso- 
 ciatctl. 
 
 To the Doctor and Mrs. Nichols there have 
 been born three children, one living, a daughter, 
 May L.. born Aug. 6. 1876. The^- occupy a ple.is.ant 
 home in the southern i)art of the city, which is the 
 frequent resort of its cultivated jjcople. Dr. Nichols 
 meddles ver^- little with matters outside of liis pro- 
 fession, but keeps himself well posted in regard to 
 National affairs, and uniformly supports the prin- 
 ciples of the Repulilic.an party. lie ha.s a well- 
 equipped office on St. .loseph street, and numbers his 
 patrons among the best element of Three Rivers. 
 
 'VACS/^^^ — J>>s 
 
 I?}— — SS5Wr2w»» 
 
 ^OHNCOX, retired inanufnctiirer and capi- 
 talist of Three Rivers, was for many years 
 one of its most active business men. His 
 early home was in the southeastern corner of 
 tlie Keystone State, he having been born in Bucks 
 County. .July 17, 1821. His parents. Jonas and 
 Elizabeti) (Larue) Cox, had a family of eight chil- 
 dren, of wiiom John was the second eldest. The 
 Cox family is of English ancestry, generallj' indus- 
 trious, thrifty and well-to-do. The mother of our 
 subject was of French extraction. 
 
 The parents of our subject were both natives of 
 Pennsylvania, and died when John was a lad of 
 thirteen years. Thus left an orphan he was thrown 
 early in life upon his own resources, while his 
 brothers and sisters were taken into the homes of 
 strangers. John worked upon the farm in summer 
 and attended school in winter, but was thus enabled 
 to pursue his studies onl}- a few months each j'ear. 
 At the age of sixteen years he commenced an ap- 
 
 prenticeship at the blacksmith trade, serving five 
 years, and receiving only his board and clothes. 
 Upon becoming a jnurneynian he took up his resi- 
 dence in Trenton. N. J., where he acquired valuable 
 knowledge as a machinist, and where he spent about 
 six years. Thence he migrated South to the State 
 of Georgia, and was emplo^-ed in the iron works of 
 Cooper, Sprout & Wiley, where he spent two sum- 
 mers and one winter. 
 
 Our subject now returned to his native count}', 
 which be left not long afterward in companj' with 
 Cyrus Roberts, and tiiey repaired to Belleville. III., 
 in the autumn of 1848, where they began on a 
 small scale the manufacture of threshing-machines. 
 They prosecuted this industry a period of eight 
 years, building up quite an extensive business 
 throughout the States of Illinois and Indiana. In 
 1856 lliej' sold out. and our subject returned to 
 Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1857. 
 
 Mr. Cox now made his way to Michigan, where 
 his friend Mr. Roberts h.ad prece<led him, and es- 
 tablished himself once more as a manufacturer of 
 threshing-machines. Later he associated himself 
 with other parties, under the style of Roberts, Hibbs 
 & Co.. and they for some j^ears carried on a thriv- 
 ing and profitable business. In 1866 Mr. Cox with- 
 drew. During this time the firm enjoj'ed a very 
 successful patronage, and after a time combined 
 with the thresher the separator, and put out one of 
 the most complete machines of the day, upon which 
 they realized a very large sale. 
 
 Mr. Cox while a resident of Three Rivers was 
 united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Hilcs, who was 
 born in Danville, Pa., and came to Michigan with 
 her parents. Of this union tliere were horn two 
 children, and the mother died in 18G8. The elder 
 son, Jiisper H., died at the parental home in Three 
 Rivers, in tlie twentj'-fourth j'ear of his age. Charles 
 W. makes his home witii his father, and is engaged 
 as a clerk. Mrs. Cox w.as a devoted wife and 
 mother, and a devout member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. Her death was the occasion of 
 great sorrow to her husband and a large circle of 
 friends. 
 
 Our subject identified himself with the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church in 1842, and for a period of 
 forty-six j'ears has given cheerfully and liberally of 
 
-^^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ;"i41 
 
 4 
 
 his means to the support of religious find cfliicntional 
 institutions. Politically, lie is a stanch Kepuhlican 
 with prohibition tendencies, and has lived astrictlj' 
 temperate life, using no stimulant in any form. He 
 is a fine illustration of the self-made man, having 
 begun his struggle with the world entirely depend- 
 ent upon himself, and working upward through 
 many ditliculties. His career has been one which 
 he should look back upon with satisfaction, as he 
 has succeeded where many have failed. 
 
 ,^g^ IIARLES RICE. Men gaze with admiration 
 l( at the work of the builder and the architect, 
 
 ^^^J and sometimes give little thought to the 
 genius and the training which must have been cm- 
 ployed in the erection of the edifices upon whicl; 
 the reputation of a city is largely dependent — as 
 the coral insect, a little creature, seemingly insig- 
 nifii^ant, rears a bulwark with which even the hand 
 of man cannot compete. The beauty and the pros- 
 perity of the cities of the United .States are depend- 
 ent upon the architect, the contractor and the 
 builder. In this department of th'j industrial world 
 Mr. Uice has been an important factor, especially in 
 this county'. 
 
 The name of Charles Rice, buililer and con- 
 tractor, is familiar to a large portion of the people of 
 Three Rivers, among whom he has lived and labored 
 for the last forty-two years. A native of New 
 York, he w.is born in the town of Pittsfonl. near 
 Rochester, Feb. 28, 1833. His father, Isaac Rice, 
 was a native of Vermont, as also was his paternal 
 grandfather. Charles Rice. Sr. The latter distin- 
 guished himself as a soldier and a i)atriot in the 
 Revolutionar}' War, and also the War of 1812, and 
 for a nuniiier of years before his death received a 
 pension from the Government. Charles Rice in 
 early manhood was married, and he and his wife 
 settled in I'iltsford, N. Y., where they lived until 
 lH;t2. He then gathered together his family and 
 household eftecl:* anci started for Michigan Terri- 
 tory. The trip was made overland In wagons, and 
 up<m their arrival in this county they located a 
 truit of laiul on .lolinny Cake Prairie and opened 
 up a farm, whifh was subsequently included in Fa- 
 
 bius Township. Here Grandfather Rice lived and 
 labored, succeeded in building up a comfortable 
 homestead. and died at the advanced age of ninety- 
 three years. He was the father of three sons and 
 four daughters. 
 
 Isaac Rice, the father of our subject, was reared 
 to manhood in Monroe County, N. Y'., where he 
 learned the trade of stonemason. Upon reaching 
 man's estiite he was married to Jliss Maria, daugh- 
 ter of Thoni.is Jones. Esq., who was a native of that 
 county. He sojournetl in the Empire .Slate until 
 1850, then joined the grandfather's family in this 
 county and settled in Lockport Township, where 
 he lived until 1870. The famil}' then returned 
 eastward ns far a.s Ohio, where Isaac Rice was called 
 hence in 1874. 
 
 The uKjther of our subject died while a young 
 woman, in New York State. Isaac Rice, after com- 
 ing to this county, contracted a second marriage, 
 with Miss Ovcrmeier. Of the first marriage there 
 had been born three children, two sons and one 
 daughter, of whom Charles, our subject, was the 
 eldest. The others were Elizabeth and Malcom. Of 
 the second marriage there were born five children, 
 four sons and one daughter. Two of the children 
 of Isaac Rice are living. 
 
 The subject of this notice spent the earl}' years 
 of his life in Monroe County, N. Y., he becoming 
 familiar with farm pursuits and studying his lessons 
 in the district school. When a lad thirteen years of 
 age, in 1 846, he accompanied his uncle, Josei)li Rice, 
 to this county, and thereafter "paddled his own 
 canoe." He commenced learning the trade of stone- 
 mason at the age of seventeen years, under the in- 
 struction of Mr. Ilile. one of the pioneer ni.asons of 
 this section. Upon attaining his majority' j'oung 
 Rice began business on his own account as a con- 
 tractor and builder, which business he hsis been en- 
 gaged in, with the exception of a few years, up to 
 the present time. It seemed a calling to which he 
 was particularly adapted, ami in which he gained a 
 large measure of success. 
 
 After the outbreak of the Rebellion Mr. Uice en- 
 tered the Union Arm}' .as a member of the band in 
 the 11th Michigan Regiment, which was subse- 
 quently <lisliandeil by oriler of the War Depart- 
 ment. FHiling to serve his country in this capacity 
 
 •> j k <• 
 
-4»- 
 
 54-2 
 
 ~^ U <• 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 he became a member of a biigarlc.and served there- 
 after in the ranks until tlie close of the war. He 
 jjarticipated in many of the impcirtant engagements 
 which followed, and was wounded before Atlanta 
 in Jul)'. 1864, bj' a stray hall, which struck him in 
 the back, passed through his right lung and lodged 
 in his clothing. He still has the ball in his jiosses- 
 sion. He was sent to the hospital at .leflferson, Ind., 
 where he remained until the surrender of Lee, and 
 was mustered out in June. 1865. He has never 
 been able to perform manual labor since being 
 wounded. 
 
 Upon leaving the army Mr. Rice returned to 
 Three Rivers and resumed his former business as a 
 builder and contractor, which he followed almost 
 continuously up to 1884. and then retired. He 
 was married in the nineteenth jear of his age, in 
 18.52. to Miss Harriet, daughter of John Neuman. 
 This ladj' was born in Lewitlmrg. I'a.. A])ril 2. 1 833. 
 The}- became the parents of three children, two of 
 whfim are living: Dan, a resident of Fabius, this 
 county, and Elizabeth, llie wife of Robert Craw- 
 ford, of Kansas City. Mo. Estella met with a most 
 painful death, by burning, in 1862, when eight 
 years old. 
 
 Mr. Rice is a stanch supj orter of Greenback 
 principles. He has lieen quite prominent in local 
 affairs, rei)resenting the Thiid Ward in the Cil}' 
 Council several terms, serving as Depul}- Sheriflf 
 twc> years under Charles Coddington, was Under 
 Sheriff of .St. Joseph County four j'ears, and is 
 Deputy Game and Fisli AVnrdenatthc present time. 
 Socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity and 
 the G. A. R. 
 
 RS. LYDIA BAUM, widow of John Baum, 
 is one of the oldest residents of this part of 
 /// u" the State of Michigan, having lived in the 
 town of Lockpoit. Si. Joseph Count}', for 
 more than fifty-one years, coming here with her 
 parents in April. 1837. Her husband came in the 
 year 1830, prior to that. The latter was born in 
 Chester County, Pa., Nov. 23. 1811. ami died Nov. 
 14, 1888, lacking but a few days of completing his 
 seventv-seventh year. He lived in his native 
 Count}- until his twenty-si.xth year, when he deter- 
 
 mined to try his fortunes in the then Territory of 
 Michigan. He had learned the tr.ide of shoemak- 
 ing, but on coming "West became a farmer, enter- 
 ing 160 acres of land in Cass County, which he 
 subsequently exchanged for a farm of 160 acres 
 in Lockport Township, near Three Rivers in .St. 
 Joseph County, to which he added eighty acres by 
 purchase. He also became the owner, in partner- 
 ship with a Mr. Brower. of a farm of forty acres 
 about two miles south of Three Rivers. 
 
 About this time Mr. Baum was married, March 
 10. 1839, and the young couple began housekeep- 
 ing on the 40-acre place. There they lived but for 
 six months, when they removed to Three Rivers, in 
 what is now the .Second Ward, and near where his 
 wiciow now lives, and where he himself died. In 
 this place they lived for about two and a half years, 
 during which time and afterward lie was Constable 
 and Collector. Giving up their village residence, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Baum in 1842 went to live on their 
 own farm in Lockport Township, and there they 
 remained until March, 188.0. when Mr. Baum retired 
 from active life, and bought and rebuilt the hand- 
 some and commodious residence in which he spent 
 the remainder of his days, 
 
 Mr. Baum was a prominent and highly resix!cted 
 citizen of Lockport Township, and was often called 
 upon to hold positions of trust and responsibility. 
 In addition to the offices already mentioned he w.is 
 at different times Supervisor of the township, hold- 
 ing that odice eleven years in all. Once he was 
 elected Justice of the Peace, but never qualified. 
 He had also held other minor positions. He was a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church, and in that 
 body was held in high esteem, and w.as a Trustee of 
 the church in Three Rivers at the time of its erec- 
 tion. He was an upright, conscientious man, 
 straightforward in all his words and acts, and was 
 universally esteemed and respected in thecominimity 
 of which for so many years he had been a member. 
 His death deprived his widow and children of a de- 
 voted husband and faithful parent. 
 
 On March 10, 1839, Mr. Baum w.is united in 
 marriage with Miss Lydia Jane Spencer, who 
 was a native of Wayne County, N. Y., and born 
 Jan. 26, 1823. her parents being Asa and Betsy 
 Spencer, who were natives respectively of Connect- 
 
u 
 
 ••► 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 543 ' ^ 
 
 iciil aii'I \'cnn()iit. In 1S37 the f.imily came to 
 Micliiy;Mii, st'tUiii<j on a farm near Tlircc Rivers, 
 where the father died, the iiu>lher j;*J'"g *■•> Iowa 
 with one of her sons, and dj'ing in that SUte. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs Haiim were the parents of six ciiil- 
 dren, namely: lilizabetli Ann, born Jan. o, 1840, 
 who is the wife of Charles .Smitii, a resident farmer 
 t>f Walworth County. Dak.; Georj^e S., horn June 
 1 1, 1842, is married to Susan Casper, and is also a 
 farmer, living in Iliitchinson County, Dak.: he en- 
 listed in the lllli .Mifliigau InfaHtry in 18G2, in 
 Company- K. of which his iincle. ILenr^' N. Spencer, 
 w.as Captain, and served for tlie entire term of 
 three j'ears. taking part in niriiiy of tiie most des- 
 perate battles in the Southwest, but was fortunatel}- 
 never wounded, although his health has been under- 
 mined by the hardships endured. William Penn 
 was born Aug. 2, 1844. and was likewise in the 
 Union service, serving in the navy on the Missis- 
 sippi, enlisting Feb. 22, 1862, and dying on the 
 gunboat "Judge Torrance," Aug. 17, I8G2, an- 
 other martyr for his country; Henry N. was born 
 Nov. 2.1. 1846. and died Oct. 26, 1849; Charles A., 
 born June 12, 1851. is married to .Mar_v Miller, a na- 
 tive of Iowa, and lives in the house with his 
 mother, in Three Rivers; John Franklin, born 
 A|)ril l(t, 1853, is married to Ilinlinda Ann.Stryker, 
 and is a resident of the Second Ward in Three 
 Rivers. 
 
 The family is one of the most respected in the 
 county, and the heads of it have alwaj-s been looked 
 up to in the community. Mrs. Haum, like her 
 worthy husband, has been for more than forty 
 years a consistent member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and is now enjoying the fruits of a well- 
 spent life, and calmly awaiting the summons that 
 will call her to rejoin her loved companion of nearly- 
 half a century. 
 
 -i?^^ 
 
 .^',VAV.,VJJ 
 
 S»^- 
 
 IjHIT.MAN K. CLAUK. .M. D., homeopathic 
 physician at Three Rivers, has been a full 
 fledged member of the medical profession 
 for a period of fifteen years, having been regularly 
 graduated from the Hahnemann .Medical College of 
 Chicago, III., on the 21st of March, 1873. He had 
 
 practiced, liowcver, several years previously, but 
 took a course in this institution in accordance with 
 the new laws rel.ating to members of the profession 
 in Illinois and other Western .Stales. 
 
 Dr. Clark was born in the cit^' of Ingersoll, Can- 
 ada, March 23, 1851, anfl is the son of Moses C. 
 and Lucy A. (Kasty) Clark, who were natives of 
 New Hrunswick. and are now residents of Detroit. 
 Their fauiilj' consisted of seven children. The 
 boyhood of Whitman E. w.as passed in his native 
 city, where he attended the public school, anil being 
 graduated from this entered the Can.idian Literary 
 Institute at Woodstock, where he prosecuted his 
 studies for two years. He then became a student 
 of medicine in the office of his two brothers at 
 Aylmer, and upon leaving here entered Hahnemann 
 College. 
 
 Our subject was first located at Three Rivers in 
 1872. After receiving his college diploma he re- 
 turned, and as.sociated himself in partnership with 
 Dr. E. B. Graham, which continueil eighteen months. 
 Dr. Clark then removed to Centreville, this count}', 
 where he conducted a very successful practice four 
 years, and at the end of this time returned to Three 
 Rivers, which has since been his home, and where 
 he has established a large and lucrative jiractice 
 both in town and countr}-. On the 1st of Decem- 
 ber, 1887. the firm of Drs. Clark <t Chaffee came 
 into existence, and is still operative. 
 
 The members of the .State Homeopathic Societj' 
 elected Dr. Clark Vice President of their associa- 
 tion in 1878, and he holds the office of President of 
 the .Southwestern Michigan Homeopathic .Society. 
 He is a Mason of high standing, being Eminent 
 Commantler of the Knights Templars, Chancellor 
 Commander of the Knights of Pythi.as, and has 
 passed all the Chairs in the I. O. O. F. A few 
 years after being graduated from Hahnemann Col- 
 lege there was conferred upon him by the Chicago 
 Homeopathic College the honorary* degree of M. D. 
 He has .accumulated a handsome propcrt}' entirely 
 by his own efforts anti gootl management. He is 
 one of the principal owners of the M.agnetic .Springs 
 and .SaniUirium located on Flint avenue. This in- 
 stitution was remodeled and refitted in 1887, and has 
 become a popular resort for theaffiictcd, the waters 
 of the springs containing miny healing properties. 
 
-4^ 
 
 544 
 
 ^i^H* 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Dr. CI.Ti'k h.is boon twice married, liis first wife 
 having been Miss Sula Davis, of Aylnier. Canada, 
 bj' wliom he had one daughter. Mrs. Clark died 
 Sept. 27, 1878. The present wife of our subject, 
 to whom he was married in Centreville, this county, 
 Oct. 13, 1880, was formerly Miss Ella, daughter of 
 John Wolf, Vssq.. of that place. The}' occupy a 
 pleasant home in the central part of the city, and 
 are held in high esteem in its social circles. 
 
 I/;ARREX D. PETTIT, a i)rominent farmer 
 of Lockport Township, and in good circum- 
 W^ stances, settled on the land which he now 
 occupies nearlj' thirt}- years ago, in the fall of 185'J, 
 owning it since 1855. He has been a lifelong ag- 
 riculturist, excepting about thirty years when b.e 
 carried on a carriage works, and his career has been 
 that uf a public-spirited and praiseworthy citizen, 
 who has accomplished much in a quiet way, having 
 a good intluence upon the community around him, 
 and contributing his quota as he has had opportu- 
 nity to its general ad vancenicnt. The son of Williani 
 I'ettit, he was born in Benton Township, Yates Co., 
 N. Y., Oct. 14, 1812, and spent his boyhood and 
 j'outh on his father's farm. His education was con- 
 ducted in the common school, and he remained a 
 member of the parental household until after the 
 decease of his father, which occurred iu his fifty- 
 sixth year. 
 
 William Pettit was born in Canaan Township, 
 State of Connecticut, in 1770, and in early manhood 
 removed to Yates Count}', N. Y., locating on a tract 
 of land in Benton Township, where he built up a 
 good homestead and spent the remainder of his 
 life. In the Empire State he was married to Mrs. 
 Delilah Bateman, who was a native of New York, 
 and the daughter of Ezra Cole, and thej- became 
 the parents of five children. Of these Warren D., 
 our subject, was the eldest born by his mother's 
 second marriage, and he is the oul}' survivor of his 
 family with the exception of a half-sister, Mrs. Amy 
 Draper, who is a resident of Benton Center, N. Y., 
 and who is now eighty-two years of age. 
 
 Young Pettit after the death of his father, leav- 
 
 -^» 
 
 ing the farm, repaired to the town of Wheeler. 
 Steuben Co., N. Y.. and began an apprenticeship at 
 the trade of wagon maker, under the instruction of 
 John Biirnside. He was then a lad of fourteen 
 years, and remained in the employ of Mr. Burnside 
 for three and one-half j'ears. returning to Benton 
 Center when about eighteen years of age. He pur- 
 sued his trade for nearly four years thereafter, with 
 such good results that he was enabled to purchase 
 the well-regulated wagon manufactory' of Horace 
 Holmes, and carried on the business until about 
 1837. In the fall of that 3'ear, deciding on casting 
 his lot with the pioneers of Indiana, he repaired to 
 Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, where he carried 
 on a wagon factory until the spring of 1842. He 
 then came to Michigan, settling at Three Rivers, 
 which at that time was but a small hamlet. He was 
 the pioneer wagon manufacturer of the place, and 
 conducted a prosperous business until the fall of 
 1859. Then, desirous of changing his occupation, 
 he secured land in Lockport Township on section 
 29, and from that time on until the present has 
 given his attention exclusivel}' to farm pursuits. 
 
 Mr. Pettit was married at Libert}' Corners, in 
 Steuben County, N. Y., April 9, 1835, to Miss Caro- 
 line M., daughter of James and Anna Coon, who 
 were natives of New Hampshire. The mother died 
 at the home of her son Charles J., at Elkhart, 
 Ind., in August, 1886. James Coon departed 
 this life at the home of his daughter, I^Irs. Pet- 
 tit, in Three Rivers, in the fall of 1853, at the 
 age of fifty-six years. Mrs. Pettit was born in 
 Steuben County, N. Y., June 1, 1817. Of her 
 union with our subject there were born nine chil- 
 dren, five of whom are living. The eldest of these, a 
 son, Charles P., is conducting a drug-store at Elmira, 
 N. Y. ; George W. is an expert machinist, and 
 makes his home in Elkhart, Ind. ; Mary Ettie is the 
 wife of Dr. C. A. Hughes, and they are living in 
 Spokane Falls, W. T. ; both the Doctor and his 
 wife are graduates of Hahnemann College, Chicago. 
 Henry P. obtained an excellent education, and is a 
 young man of more than ordinary ability; he, 
 however, has chosen farming for his occupation, 
 and married Miss Eva M. Fulkerson, who is now 
 dead, leaving one child, Ettie M., who makes her 
 home with her grandparents Pettit. He is living 
 
I 
 
 =L. 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 hio 
 
 in Lookport Towiislii)). Minnie Iv also tuoic klmlly 
 to lu-r lioiiks, ami coinplotLMl her education in llie 
 High Selioiil at Flint; she makes her home with her 
 parents. 
 
 Mr. iiiul Mrs. I'ettit arc people held in high es- 
 teem, .ind members in good standing of the Pres- 
 byterian C'hnrcli. The farm is pleasantly located 
 and well improved, and with its appurtenances 
 forms one of the most complete homes in Lock|x>rt 
 Townsliip. Our subject has been prominent in local 
 affairs, and held the ollice of Justice of the Peace. 
 He comes of excellent ancestry, and his honored 
 father durini; the War of 1812 evinced his patriot- 
 ism by shouldering his musket and assisting in driv- 
 ing the aggressive Briton from American soil. 
 
 0C70 
 
 1 ' 
 
 1LLI.\M II. SMITH. Next to the dre.id of 
 dissolution is the dread of being forgotten. 
 The surest manner in which we can pre- 
 vent tliis calamity is by strict adlierence to duty, by 
 lives of charity and kindness, and doing good unto 
 our fellownien as we Have the opportunity. The 
 subject of this record, althouirh decoiised a period 
 of over eighteen years, is still affectionately re- 
 memberecl by his family and friends, who take this 
 method of jierpetualing his name and bis kindly 
 dee<is. He came to .St. Joseph County during the 
 period of its early settlement, in 1838. journeying 
 from his native State of Penn.sylvania in company 
 with the family of Robert Ainsley, when a j'oung 
 man twenty-three years of age. He located for a 
 time in Allegan County, and wa.s employed in a 
 sawmill about six months, then ctjming to Men- 
 don, this county, commenced lumbering, which he 
 proscculwl three years. He finally took up his resi- 
 dence in Lock|H>rt Township, and wa.s employed by 
 Washington (iaskin on his farm. In the meantime 
 he also n.ssisted in the transportation of flour by 
 rafts down the .St. .loseph Uivcr, and such were his 
 skill and success that he was familiarly known as 
 Cai)t. Smith thereafter. 
 
 Capt. Smith m.ide his first i)urch!ise of laud in 
 Lockport Township in 181.'). takin<> up eighty acres 
 from the (lovernment on section 16. He paid (or 
 Ibis at the rate of ^1.2."i per acre, and after be had 
 
 improved his first purch.ase added to his landed 
 estate until he had 200 acres, all of which, with the 
 exception of forty acres, was purchased from the 
 (lovernmeut. He brought IfWt acres of this to a 
 gotxl state of cultivatitm, building up a good home- 
 stead, where he spent the remainder of his life. 
 His de.ith occurred .\pril 12. 1870, after having 
 been ill but six days, of peunmonia. He was born 
 in Belvidere, Js. J., in 1818, and when a little child 
 tliroe years of .age was taken by his parents to Pike 
 County, Pa., where he w.is reared to man's estate 
 and received his education in the common schools. 
 He followed lumbering in Pennsylvania until com- 
 ing to the West. 
 
 John Smith, the father of our subject, was born 
 in New York State, and lived there until changing 
 his residence to Belvidere, N. J., and then to Pike 
 Count}-, Pa. He onlj" lived to be middle-aged, dy- 
 ing in Pike County at the age of forty -five years. 
 He married Mi.ss Klizalieth Chamberlin, a native of 
 Belvidere. N. J., and who, after the death of her 
 husband, removed to Illinois and made her liome 
 with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Olive C<jurt- 
 wright. at Oalva, where she died at the age of sev- 
 enty years. The parental faniil}- consisted of six 
 daughters and two sons, all of whom grew to m.v 
 ture j'ears, were married .and reared families. None 
 of these died under forty ^-ears of age. The sur- 
 vivors are residents mostly of Illinois and Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
 William II. Smith was married in Lockport. this 
 county, March 19. 18.50, to Mi.ss Margaret A., 
 daughter of James L. and Elizabeth (Paul) (Ira- 
 ham. Mr. and Mrs. (Jraham were natives of W.a.sh- 
 iu^ton County, N. Y., and came to the West about 
 1810. The father engaged in farming, and died in 
 Lockport Township, this county, at the age of 
 forty-two years. The mother survived her husband 
 a long period, remaining a widow. an<l living to be 
 eighty-two years old. Their children, twelve in 
 number, lived to be men and wtimen with one ex- 
 ception, and ten still survive. Mrs. Smith w;is the 
 third child of the family and of her union with 
 our subject there were born four children. Sarah 
 E. died at the old homestead when thirty-one years 
 of age; William dieil when a child of two years: 
 A''nes .1. i- tlie wife iif Lewi-* Collisi. a 'jrocor of 
 
 :5^h-^ 
 
M^ 
 
 546 
 
 ^•^Hh-* 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Toiu-ka. Kail. EUiridge II. was born in Lockport 
 Town.'*lii|), .luly 11. 1867. and was a lad wlio took 
 kindly to his books, passing through the graded 
 school, and taking a commercial course in the sem- 
 inary at Tliree Hivers. He wsis occupied as a clerk 
 one year in Topeka. and lias made three trii)s over 
 the Western country, sojourning in Leadville. Col., 
 at one time six months. He is nt)w operating the 
 old homestead one and one-half miles from Three" 
 Rivers. 
 
 Mr. Smith identified iiimself with the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church in 1850, and was prominent 
 among its councils, olllciating as Stew'ard and Trus- 
 tee, and contrll)uting lllicrally to its support. Jlrs. 
 Smith united witli this church at the same time as 
 her husliand, an<l her daughter Sarah was a mem- 
 ber of the same at tlie time of her death. 
 
 •t 
 
 4- 
 
 1? UCAS TIIEUREK is a successful farmer and 
 (?§) stock-raiser of Fabius Township, where, on 
 L^^ section 16, he owns one of tlie finest farms 
 in tliis part of St. Joseph County. He is a (lernian 
 by birth, liaving been born in Wittenberg. Oer- 
 inany. Oct. 9. 1825. His parents were (ieorge and 
 Anna M. (Seyboldt) Tiieurer. Botli lived and 
 died in Wittenberg. 
 
 Our subject is one of tlie ^'ounger members of a 
 family of eight iliildien, and has one sister and two 
 brotlieis living in (Jermany. He received a sub- 
 stantial education in the excellent schools of the 
 Fatherland, and a careful training as a farmer from 
 his father. He grew to be a vigorous, enterprising, 
 ambitious young man. and. desirous of seeing 
 sometliing more of the world than was embraced 
 in ills native place, and to tr}^ his fortunes in 
 America, the Mecca of so many of his countrymen, 
 in 1848, when he w.as about twenty-two years of 
 age. he came to this country. For awhile he lived 
 in New York with a brother, and farmed for a liv- 
 ing. He returned to Germany to visit his old 
 home in 1851, and after staying awhile among his 
 old friends, he came back to the I'nited Slates, and 
 was married, April 12, 1852, to Miss Barbara Stein- 
 hilber, who has been to him a devoted wife, and has 
 done her share in accumulating the prciperty which 
 
 will enable them to jass their remaining years in 
 ease and comfort. To this worthy couple have 
 been born ten children, three sons and seven daugh- 
 ters, namely: Augustus. Louisa (now Mrs. Warren 
 Smith). Adoliihiis. Mary. Emma. fJeorge. Cornelia. 
 Rosa, Nettie and Polly. 
 
 After his marriage Jlr. Theurer settled in New 
 York, and worked hard to obtain a comfortable 
 home for himself and his wife, but in this he was 
 unfortunate, and finally lost all his hard earnings. 
 He w.is in the employ of Gov. Throop. of New 
 York, who, finding him faithful and trustworthy, 
 placed his large farm in this State under his care, 
 and he removed here in 1855. He managed the 
 Governor's farm with great success, and to his em- 
 jiloyer's entire satisfaction. He continued to super- 
 intend that property until 1858. when the (iovernor 
 sold it. Mr. Theurer then moved to Three Rivers, 
 where he established him.«elf in the butcher busi- 
 ness, but this venture diti not prove to be a very 
 prosperous one. and he failed. He continued 
 in the same business, however, in Three Rivers, 
 working in the employ of others for six years. 
 Tliat did not suit his independent spirit, and he 
 subsequently turned his attention to the calling 
 to which he had been reared, and bought a farm of 
 ninety-four acres, on which he has ever since re- 
 sided. After that Mr. Theurer became his brother 
 Philip's heir; he having lieen a soldier in the Civil 
 War. was shot at the battle of Resai'a. and dying 
 from the effects of his wound, had willed all of his 
 property to his brother Lucas, our subject. This 
 was a great help to the latter, and enabled him 
 to buy his ])resent farm. By unremitting and well- 
 directed toil, he has improved this to a tirst-cl.a.-is 
 place, with as good buildings as are to be found 
 within the limits of St. Joseph County, with a line 
 orchard of live acres, and his land all under excel- 
 lent tillage, all showing him to lie a practical, 
 wide-awaki' man. einjiloying the best methods of 
 conducting agriculture. 
 
 Although Mr. Tlu'iirer is of foreign birth, this 
 (u>veniment has no more loyal citizen than he h.as 
 proved himself to be during the course of the forty 
 years that have elapsed since he first came to make 
 his home in this country. His honest and upright 
 character has won for him the unalloved esteem of 
 
 ^- 
 
 T 
 
-4»- 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 547 
 
 all in the oonimunity. In his domestic ri'lntions he 
 iri all that a devoted husband and loving father 
 should lie. and takes jjreat jileasui-e in his family, 
 thinking; that while others may have more dollars 
 and cents, they are no richer than he. Mr. Theurer 
 is a prominent member of the Reformed Chureli at 
 Three Rivers, of which he wa.s one of the or;ian- 
 izers. and is now one of its Klders; hi> family are 
 likewise members of that church. Mr. Theurer 
 also takes n great interest in educational and ])oliti- 
 cal matters. lie ha.s been for a long lime a member 
 of the School IJoard. and has tilled the office of 
 SchiM)! Inspector two terms, lie ha,s served as Jus- 
 tice of the Peace one term, and has been a mcnilier 
 of the Central Committee of the Clreenbaek party, 
 whose principles he upluilds. although he is inde- 
 pendent in his political views. He was Highway 
 Commissioner one term. l'|K)n the organization of 
 the Corey (irange, in 1873. he became one of its 
 charter members, and held several offices in that 
 Grange; later he demitted. .and joined the River- 
 side (} range, and ft)r seven years was Chaplain of 
 that organization, also was Marshal for one year, 
 and is now serving his second term as Steward. He 
 is likewise a member of the Pomona County 
 (irangc No. 4, of St. Joseph County, and for sev- 
 eral \'ears held official positions in that organization. 
 
 ACOB KKRN. The National Hotel at Three 
 Rivers, of which the subject of this sketch is 
 the present proprietor, is one of the most 
 popular institutions of its kind in St. Joseph 
 County. It requires no little tact, forethought and 
 business ability to conduct successfully a public 
 house. That Mr. Kern possesses these in a marked 
 degree is evident by the success which has atten<led 
 his labors and efforts, and under his careful super- 
 vision the hotel is the source of a handsome income, 
 and has become vnluable. 
 
 Kssentiallj' an Ohio man, our subject wsis born in 
 Seneca County, that .State, March IC. 1845, and is 
 the sou of Yost and Mary (Romig) Kern, both of 
 whom were natives of that part of Snyder County, 
 Pa., which has since been erected into the county 
 
 of Union. On both sides of the bouse the family 
 were of German ancestry. Yost and Mary Kern 
 was married In 1834, and the year following, leav- 
 ing the Keystone State, took up their abode in 
 Thompson Township. Seneca Co., Ohio, where the 
 father purchased land in the forest. Years of hard 
 labor were required to clear this and bring it to a 
 sUilc of cultivation, but the elder Kern was well 
 equipped with the perseverance and resolution 
 handed down to him from his ancestry, and in the 
 course of a ilozen 3"ears or so had reason to regard 
 his labors with satisfaction. He now sold out at a 
 fair profit, and j)urchased another farm in the same 
 township. 
 
 In 1838 the father of our subject disposed of his 
 property again and purchased in Adams Township, 
 in the same count}'. He made considerable money 
 b_v these various operations, but in 18G2 disposed of 
 all his interests in the Buckeye State, and with his 
 wife and family came to Alichigau, locating in 
 Lockport Township, this county, about two miles 
 north of Three Rivers. He was always rcaily to 
 .sell or trade to advantage, and was a good judge 
 of property. In 1867 he rlisposed of his first pur- 
 chase and bought a farm in Fabius Townshi)). He 
 then retired from active labor a couple of years, 
 leaving the farm in the hands of his son jacol). 
 Town life, however, was not suited to his active 
 temperament, and later we find him in possession of 
 another farm in Kalamazoo Countv. to which he 
 removed and liveil upon a few years. He then 
 made another change, selling once more, and buying 
 another farm near Howard City, in Montcalm 
 County, where, however, he remained but one year. 
 Thence he removed to Vicksburg, Kalamazoo 
 County, and shortly after buying a farm southwest 
 of that place, made this his home until his death, 
 which occurred when he lacked but one day of 
 completing his seventy-seventh year. 
 
 The father of our subject possessed remarka- 
 bly fine business qualiBcations. and at one period 
 of his life was the owner of a large amount of 
 prfiperty. His great good nature, however, and 
 his trust in those whom be believed to be his friends, 
 together with his willingness at all times to oblige, 
 caused him man)' severe losses, by becoming surety. 
 At one time he lost in this manner the sum of 
 
 •► B ^ »■ 
 
 >» ■ 4* 
 
•► 1 1 ^^ 
 
 ,t 
 
 548 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 $1.1,000. This resulted iu placing iiim in .i position 
 of comparative povertj- during tlie last years of his 
 life, but be possessed hosts of friends, who, had it been 
 neecssarj'. would never have allowed him to want. 
 He was a good neighbor and upright citizen, and 
 for man3- years a member of the Reformed Church. 
 
 <ffl ftlLLIAM II. GARDNER, editor and pro- 
 \&Ji pi''Ptt)>' ^>f the St. Joseph County Eepub- 
 'C'nS lican, and located at C'entreville, although 
 having been only a brief time resident of this place, 
 has already established himself in the esteem and 
 confidence of its citizens. He is a gentleman of 
 good ability and of excellent family, a native of 
 .Steuben County. N. Y.. and born March 1.5, 1830. 
 
 Hiram Gardner, the father of our subject, was 
 born in Bristol County, R. I., whence he removed 
 to Steuben County, N. Y., when it wa.< a wilder- 
 ness. He constructed a comfortable homestead after 
 j'ears of industrious labor, and there spent the last 
 years of his life. The wife of his youth was Miss 
 Sarah Patchen, and they became the parents of two 
 children; both are living, the brother residing at 
 Cooper's Plains. N. Y. 
 
 The subject of this sketch grew up amid the 
 scenes of pioneer life in the Empire State, receiv- 
 ing such education as tlie imperfect school system 
 of that day afforded. His educatit)n wj»s carried on 
 mostly during the winter season, while the balance 
 of the year lie made liini.^elf useful around tlie home- 
 stead, manufacturing rails and shingles, driving 
 oxen, and utilizing himself in whatever m.anner re- 
 quired. When out of school lie by no means neg- 
 lected his books, making a practice of reading as 
 time and opportunity presented. At the age of 
 nineteen years he commenced teaching, and offici- 
 ated thereafter as a pedagogue for a pei'iod of more 
 than twenty j-ears. Leaving his native State in the 
 spring of 1856, he migrated to Lee County. 111., 
 where he employed himself in fanning and teach- 
 ing, and became a prominent citizen in connection 
 with educational affairs. He w.is twice elected 
 Su|H'rintendent of Schools. During the war he got 
 out timber for the United States Government, and 
 upon one occasion seven days from the time the 
 
 trees stood in the forest a bridge was made of them, 
 spanning a river in Tennessee. 
 
 Mr. Gardner has been engaged in the newspaper 
 work since 1866. being formerly part owner of the 
 Grand Raiiids Democrat. He withdrew from this 
 to enter the office of II. N. F. Lewis, publisher of 
 the Western Mural, at Chicago.'and took the first 
 order for advertising for that paper, nailing up the 
 first office sign of that pajjer in Chicago. He con- 
 ducted the affairs of this otiice one year, when the 
 main office was removed from Detroit to Chicago, 
 and Mr. Gardner became traveling correspondent 
 and editor. Later he was connected with the Hu- 
 mane Journal for a period of eleven years. He 
 purch.ased his present paper, the Republican, in May, 
 1888, of which he took charge in .July following. 
 It is a spic^- six-column octavo, devoted to the in- 
 terests of the county and Rcpubliciin party. 
 
 The marriage of AVilliam II. (iardncr and Miss 
 Margaret Holmes w.as celebrated in Homer. N. Y.. 
 Dec. 31, 1855. This lad3- was the daughter of 
 Am.a.<a Holmes, of Homer, and of her union with 
 our subject there were born two children, one of 
 whom, Frances, became the wife of AVilliam Chad- 
 band. ,Sui)crintcndent of Rose Hill Cemetery; they 
 reside in tlie beiiutiful suburb of Rogers Park, near 
 Chic.igo. Mrs. JIargaret (Holmes) Gardner de- 
 jiartcd this life at her home in Rogers Park. March 
 2. 1888. She was a lad\- highh" esteemed by her 
 acquaintances, a member in good standing of the 
 Baptist Church, and an active Christian worker. 
 
 -^-^^ 
 
 iRD, lawver. Three 
 
 ^^^^S^nEWTON II. BARN A I 
 If ))j I^'^'"'*- ^I'fli" '*^-'>s born at Lyndonville. 
 j^M) ^- Y.. -Ian. 28, 1855. He is the eldest son 
 of Rev. O. Holmes Barnard, a Presbyterian minis- 
 ter (now a resident of Ottawa. 111.), and Elizabeth 
 (Johnson) Barnard. His parents were both natives 
 of Saratoga County. N. Y. 
 
 At the age of twelve years Mr. Barnard removed 
 with his parents to Paw^ Paw, Mich., and there at- 
 tended the |)ublic school until 1872. when he went 
 to .Monroe. Wis., and while there w.is graduated 
 from the Union School, and commenced the study 
 of law with Hon. Edmund Bartlett. in September. 
 
-♦■ 
 
 •a^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 549 
 
 1H73. IIo entered tlie law depart nient of Union 
 I'niversity at Alliaiiy. N. Y.. and on May ."). 1H71, 
 was graduated therefrom witli tlie degree of LL. 
 B.. and was immediately admitted to the practice 
 of law liy the Sii])reme Court of New York. Soon 
 afterward he took up the study of law in the olliee 
 of John A. Talbot at Cassopolis, Mich., remaining 
 there until the spring of IHl.'t. when he located at 
 Ft. Dodge, Iowa, and prac'.iced his profession until 
 the fall of 1876, when he formed a copartnership 
 with Marsli:ill L. Howell and .lohn 1{. C'arr, under 
 the firm name of Howell. C'arr A- Itarnard, and 
 commenced the practice of law at Three Rivers, 
 where he has since remained, and where said firm 
 hjis built up an extensive business. 
 
 Mr. Harnaril is a careful, hard-working niMii.;uid 
 by his energy and close application to business has 
 established an enviable reputation in his chosen 
 profession, and is bound to rise still higher. He 
 has taken a great interest in jxjlitics, and h,as served 
 as \"ill.age .\ttorney three years. Circuit Court Com- 
 missioner of St. Joseph County two 3-ears, and 
 School Inspector of Lock|)ort 'IVjwnship ten years. 
 In the fall of 1888 he secured the unanimous nomi- 
 nation of the Democratic party for State Senator 
 for the Kightli District, comprising Kalamazoo and 
 St. Jo.seph Counties, making a strong run for tlie 
 ]K>8ition. 
 
 Mr. I?arnard is one of tlie Trustees of the First 
 Presbyterian Church, and for two years filled the 
 position of Treasurer of the society. On May 22, 
 1m7!I. Mr. Harnanl wjls married to Verna M.. only 
 daughter of Dr. and .Mrs. L. D. Tompkins, of Cass- 
 opolis, and he now resides with his wife in a pleas- 
 ant cottage on the corner of Fifth ami Fitst st reels ; 
 their marrie<I life has been blessed with one son, 
 who died in infancy. 
 
 JOHN M. HOWARD, who has been a resident 
 of Florence Township all his life, is a son of 
 1 one of the foremost of Michigan pioneers, 
 Orin Howard, who came to this county as 
 early as 1833. The latter was born in Connecticut 
 in 1812, and was consequently a young man twenty- 
 one 3-ears old when casting his lot with the pioneers 
 
 of Michigan Territory. He took up a tract of land 
 on section G in Florence Township, and in due time 
 secured unto himself a wife and helpmate. Miss 
 Cornelia Peek, who was born in New York in 1818. 
 
 To the parents of our subject were born eight 
 children, all of whom with the exception of one son, 
 Carl, who died at the age of ten j'ears, are still liv- 
 ing. Mar}' J., the eldest daughter, is the wife of 
 John Yaune^', and lives on a farm in P'lorence 
 Township: Charles E., also a farmer of this town- 
 shif), married Miss .Mahala Cloud; Arthur E. H. is 
 engaged in the insurance business at Three Rivers; 
 Clarence A. married Miss Olie Fulker.son. and is 
 engaged as clerk in a drug-store in Constantine; 
 John M.. of our sketch, was the third child. He 
 occupies a part of the old homestead. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Florence 
 Township, Sept. 30, 1849, and spent his boyhood 
 and 3'outh amid the scenes of pioneer life, assisting 
 his parents around the homestead and obtaining 
 such eclucation .as the schools of that da^- afiforiled. 
 At the age of twenty-two j-ears. ready to establish 
 a home of his own, he w.as united in marriage, Dec. 
 3, 1871, with Miss Florence .Stears, who was also a 
 native of Florence Township, and who w.as born 
 Dec. 14. I8.i2. Her parents. .Samuel and Elizabelh 
 (Pash by) Stears, were natives of England and New 
 Y'ork, and spent their last years in Florence Town- 
 ship. Of this union there were born three children : 
 Lizzie C, born April 4, 1874; Mary J.. Aug. 2.5, 
 1876, and Evelyn, Aug. 29, 1879. Mr. Howard 
 carried on farming successfidly. and became quite 
 prominent in local aflfairs, serving two terms as 
 Township Treasurer, and giving his nnqualified 
 support to the Republican parly. 
 
 The parents of our subject were gooil people in 
 the strictest sense of the terra, and devout members 
 of the .Methodist Episcopal Church. The father 
 served as Justice of the Pe.ace a uumber of years, 
 and for two terras was clecleil bj- the Republicans 
 of his countv to the .State Legislature. He lived to 
 be sixty-three 3'ears of age. and after a well-spent 
 life died at the old homestead in Florence Town- 
 ship, in 187."). The mother p.issed awaj- in Febru- 
 ary. 1866. Orin F. Howard contracted a second 
 marriage in 1866, with .Miss .Martha Gray. Her 
 father died in Florence Township at the age of sev- 
 
 ■» ^ B ^ 
 
.#-11^^^ 
 
 ■*► 
 
 _f 
 
 ooO 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 enty-three j'e.ars. The mother is still living on the 
 old liomeste.nd on section 7. Of this union tiiere 
 were born two children, Orin F.. and Elmer G., who 
 now attends the business college in Three Rivers, 
 Mich. 
 
 ILLIAM L. WURTllINGTON. The mer- 
 cantile circles of St. .Joseph County rec- 
 ognize in the subject of this sketch one of 
 their most able and efliciunt representatives. He 
 has been located in Centreville since 1863, carries a 
 well-selected stock of general merchandise, having 
 his headquarters on Main street, and enjo^-s a gener- 
 ous patronage from the best people, both in town and 
 in the rural districts. 
 
 Chenango County. N. Y., was the early tramping 
 ground of our subject, where he first opened his 
 e.ves to the light Nov. 24, 182.'5. He is the scion 
 of an excellent family, his parents having been 
 Theodore and Eliza (Ervin) Worthington, the 
 father a native of Massachusetts and the mother of 
 New York State. Grandfather Ervin followed the 
 sea, within whose depths he met his death when a 
 young man. 
 
 After their marriage the parents of our subject 
 settled in Chenango County, N. Y., where the father 
 followed his tr.ide of carpenter, and where they re- 
 sided until 1836. They then changed their resi- 
 dence to Tioga Count}-, Pa., where the}' sojourned 
 two years, and upon their next removal sought the 
 young .State of Michigan, locating in Flowerfield 
 Township, this county. The father was stricken 
 down in the prime of life, his death occurring in 
 1855. The mother had preceded her husband to 
 the silent land in 1850. Their family comprised 
 six children, four sons and two daugiilers. 
 
 Our subject was a twin of his brother Warren, 
 and,spent the early years of his life in his native 
 county. He was a lad of fifteen years when the 
 family removed to Pennsylvania, and he accom- 
 panied them later to Michigan, completing his edu- 
 cation in the schools of Flowerfield Township. 
 Upon approaching manhood he began learning the 
 trade of a carpenter, at which he worked until 
 IH.')4, when he changed his occupation to that of 
 
 miller, and also carried on merchandising in Flower- 
 fielil. He had prior to this been elected, in the fall 
 of 18G2, .Sheriff of St. .Joseph County, and was re- 
 elected for a second term in 1864. .So faithfully 
 did he perform his duties in connection with this 
 office that he was next chosen as the Treasurer of 
 St. Joseph County, which position he held four 
 years. Next we find him conducting a hardware 
 store in Centreville, in which business he engaged 
 in the fall of 1870, continuing until 1882, and 
 then selling out. 
 
 Mr. Worthington. in the fall of 1884, invested a 
 portion of his capital in the drug and grocerj' busi- 
 ness, which he has isince successfully carried on. 
 He has a neat and substantial residence, located in 
 the western part of the citj', which, with its sur- 
 roundings, forms a very attractive home, frequented 
 bj' hosts of friends of the proprietor and his worthy 
 wife. Our subject was married iu 1845, at Flower- 
 field, to Miss Catherine Hale, whose parents were 
 natives of New York State, and who was born in 
 1823, in that .State. This union resulted in the 
 birth of ten children, six sons and four daughters, 
 nine of whom .ire still living. The eldest, Caroline, 
 is the wife of John J. Hasbrouck, of Centreville. 
 The others were named respectively: Henry AV., 
 Fl(;rilla; Charles R., a resident of Kans.HS; Elva 
 L., who died when nineteen years of age; George, 
 William, Sarah J. and Catherine. Most of them 
 are at home with their parents. 
 
 Mr. Worthington cast his first Presidential vote 
 for J. G. Birney, and is a stanch supporter of 
 Republican [jrincipies. He has served as a member 
 of the Town Council, also represented Noltawa 
 Township on the County Board of .Supervisors. 
 Socially, he belongs to Mt. Heruion Lodge, A. F. <fe 
 A. M. 
 
 "i|)OKN STEWART MAJORS. The man who 
 I traces his ancestrj' to Scotland has some- 
 thing of which to be proud, as in the case 
 of the subject of this sketch. His f)ater- 
 nal grand fatlier. John Majors, was born in the 
 '• land of the thistle," and came to this countrj* in 
 ear\y manhood, settling in Amsterdam, York State, 
 where he spent his last j'ears. His son William . 
 
 •►^H^ 
 
 • ^ l i 4> 
 
ST. JOSEl'll COUNTY. 
 
 551 
 
 the father of oiir siilgoct. was born in Saratoga 
 County, N. Y.. in Novt'nilicr, 179(!. anil married 
 Mls^s Mnrpari'l .Stennrt, who w:is liorn in the town 
 <.>f May field, Montgomery County, Jan. 1. \W6. 
 She was the dauuhter of Thomas Stewart, also a 
 descendant of substantial .Voteli ancestry, and who 
 traced his linenfre lunk to the ri)yal house of 
 Stewart. 
 
 • After their niarrinije. in 182-1, the parents of our 
 subject settled in Montgomery County, N. Y., but 
 in Maj', 1834, gathered together their household 
 effects and started overliind for Michigan Terri- 
 tory. Coming to this county, they settled first on 
 a tract of land in the vicinity of the embryo town 
 of Centreville. and the patent secured by the f;itlier 
 at that time is still in the possession of the family. 
 It called for 160 acres, and upon it the parents la- 
 bored diligently in the building up of a homestead, 
 where the father died in December, 1876. The 
 mother is residing in LockportTownship. at the ad- 
 vanced age of eighty -six. 
 
 William Majors was a good man in the broadest 
 sense of the term, a model farmer, and a conscien- 
 tious and useful citizen, lie learned the trade of 
 tanner in early life, but upon coming to Michigan 
 abandoned it for the more congenial pursuits of 
 agriculture. He was a man held in high respect in 
 his community, quiet and unobtrusive in his de- 
 meanor, unambitious of otlice, but consented to 
 discharge the duties of Township Supervisor, to- 
 gether with minor positions of trust. Their fam- 
 ily consisted of six children, of whom one daughter, 
 Mary K., died when about twenty-nine years old. 
 The only daughter now living is Margaret, the 
 widow of Rev. .loseph Kershow. deceased; she 
 now resides with her mother. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in the old 
 Ft. Johnson, Montgomery Co.. N. Y.. Sept. 23, 
 1830. and was the third child of his parents, .lohn 
 S. spent his boyhood at the homestead, and later 
 attended the public school in Centreville. making 
 his home with his parents until his marriage. This 
 interesting event of his life occurred in February, 
 1864. his bride being Flizabeth. daughter of Ocorge 
 Yauney. Mrs. Majors was born in .St. .lohnsville, 
 N. Y., Nov. 17. 18 10. and the result of her union 
 with our subject was three children, one daughter 
 
 and two sous: Katie is now teaching in Saginaw, 
 Mich.; Thora.as .S. is now attending school in Cen- 
 treville; and George was born Jan. 22, 1877. ami 
 died Nov. 29, 188:5. 
 
 After their marriage Mr. and .Mrs. Majors set- 
 tled at the farm which they now own and occupy. 
 It is pleasantly located on section 1 'J. and embraces 
 280 acres of good land, upon which Mr. Majors has 
 erected first-class buildings, effecting many improve- 
 ments since its purcha.se by' him. It was formerl}" 
 known as the old Angevine farm. Since 1861 he 
 has operated largely' as a stock <lealer, shipping an- 
 nually large numbers of cattle, swine and sheep to 
 Chicago, Unffnluand New York City. He is known 
 far an<l wide as one of the most thorough ami skill- 
 ful farmers of this section, and is a favorite both in 
 business and social circles. 
 
 Mr. Majors, politically, is a uniform supporter of 
 Republican principles, and in religious matters at- 
 tends the services of the Reformed Church. The 
 daughter Katie received an excellent education, 
 and was graduated from Ypsilanti (Mich.) State 
 Normal. 
 
 
 
 ATHAN B. CARY. The f.all of 1854 wit- 
 nessed the advent of the subject of this 
 ^ sketch into Lockport Township, (»f which he 
 hassincebeen a resident. He at that time first pur- 
 chased 100 acres of land of Daniel Johnson, on sec- 
 tion 12. about eighty acres of which were under a 
 state of cultivation. The winter following he spent 
 in Allegan County, this State, but in the spring re- 
 turned to Lockport, where he was joined bj- his 
 father's family, who had removed from New York 
 State, anil they all took up their abode on the new 
 farm. There the parents lived until the}' passed 
 away. 
 
 Isaac Cary. the father of our subject, was a native 
 of New York .Suite, and married Miss Mary B:is- 
 sett, who was born in .M.-issachusetts. They settled 
 in Fulton (formerly Montgomery) Ctmnty. N. Y., 
 after their raarriige, and became the parents of 
 seven children, three sons and four daughters. 
 After the d -"itli of his lir-ft wife .Mr. C.iry w.is m ir- 
 ried a secon<l lime, and there were added to the 
 
.► i r^ 
 
 552 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 household circle three more children, a daughter and 
 two sous. 
 
 Nathan B. Gary was the second child of his 
 father's second marriage, and was horn in what was 
 then Montgomery Count}', N. Y., but is now Fulton 
 County, Aug. 15, 1827. The homestead Lay in 
 Maylield Township, and there our subject was reared 
 until a youth of eighteen j'ears. In 1845 the fam- 
 ily changeil their residence to the vicinity of Attica, 
 W3'oming Country, where Nathan K. completed 
 his education and developed into ujanhoud. When 
 not in school he assisted his parents around the 
 homestead. He came to Michigan in the fall of 
 1853, and after a brief sojourn in Mendon Township 
 took up his abode in this township, as heretofore 
 stated. In the meantime, however, he had made a 
 brief visit to the State of Ohio, spending the winter in 
 Lorain County. In returning to the farther West 
 he made the journey via Cliicago and St. Louis, for 
 the purpose of looking more thoroughly over the 
 countr3',ashe had not fully decided where he would 
 locate. He finally decided there was no more de- 
 sirable place then this county, and he has had no 
 reason to change his opinion during the more than 
 thirty years of his residence here. 
 
 Young Gary proceeded with the development of 
 the new farm, having in view the establishment of 
 a home of his own when the proper time should 
 arrive. On the 10th of January, 1861, he was mar- 
 ried to Miss Mary K., daughter of Daniel and Ksther 
 Francisco, the wedding taking place at the bride's 
 home in Three Rivers. Mrs. Cary was born in On- 
 tario County, N. Y., Sept. 27, 1840. Her parents 
 were natives of New York State, and spent their 
 last years in this county. The mother died in Lock- 
 port Township when a young woman only thirty- 
 two years old. The father lived to be sixty-nine 
 years of age, and died at his home in Three Rivers. 
 Both were members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 They had eight children, of whom six are living: 
 Charles O. is engaged in the liver}- business at 
 Three Rivers; Mary E., Mrs. Cary, was the second 
 child ; William M. is operating a prosperous business 
 at Three Rivers; Margaret A. is the wife of B. M. 
 Hicks, an active business man at .Minneapolis. .Minn. ; 
 William B. is the traveling agent for a carriage 
 manufactory, and makes his home in Three Rivers; 
 
 Frank is traveling salesman for a Chicago dr3'-goods 
 firm, and makes his home in Jackson, this State. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Cary l>ecame the parents of six 
 children, three of whom are living. Cora AVestella 
 died when four weeks old; Edward F. died at the 
 age of nine and one-half months; Maggie M. passed 
 away when an interesting child of fourteen 3'ears. 
 Of the survivors, Albert H., the eldest of the fam- 
 ily, w.as born .Ian. 24, 186.3; Charles M., Jan. 29, 
 1869. and Irwin B., July 3, 1878; these are all at 
 home with their parents. Albert H. was married 
 in Detroit, Nov. 25, 1885, to Miss Fannie P. Curtis, 
 who w.as born in Louisville, Kv., Sept. 14, 1861; 
 her parents, George G. and Debby Annie ( Wescott) 
 Curtis, were natives of Vermont and New York, 
 and are now in Stafford Count3', Va. Theii' family 
 consisted of seven children, of whom Fann3'P. was 
 the third. Four of these are living, and three make 
 their homes in Virginia. Our subject and wife are 
 members of the Reformed Church at Centreville. 
 Mr. C. is a member of the grange. In politics he is 
 a Proliibiiiouist. Isaac Cary, father of our subject, 
 died Sept. 19,1856, .aged seventy-four; li,is wife, 
 JLary, died June 21, 1858, aged seventy-one 3'ears. 
 
 ^ I^ILLIAM F.ARNOLD. As a pioneer of 
 \cj// 1832 Mr. Arnold deserves more than a 
 \y'sff passing mention in noting the main facts 
 connected with the first settlement of St. .Foseph 
 County. He came to this region when a young man 
 of twenty years, and h.is since been closely identified 
 with its various interests, giving his attention 
 mostly to agriculture. When making arrange- 
 ments for a home of his own. he took up a tr.act of 
 (jovernment land, and operated thereon until 1876, 
 when advancing years admonished him it would be 
 wise to lay aside the cares and responsibilities at- 
 tendant thereon. He then retired to a pleasant 
 home in Three Rivers, of which he has since been 
 a resident. 
 
 The Empire State, which has furnished so many 
 of the solid men of the West, claims Mr. Arnold as 
 one of her sons, he having been born in Otsego 
 County. Aug. 6. 1812. His father. Caleb Arnold, 
 was a native of Washington County, that State, 
 and the son of Abimelcch Arnold, an old Revolu- 
 tionary hero, who carried a musket during the Colo- 
 
»» ■ 4' 
 
 ••»> 
 
 ST. JOSEril COUNTY. 
 
 553 
 
 
 nial times, niul m.'idf for liimst'lf :\ worthy record 
 ill ilrivinj; llio Iliiloii frinii AiiU'ric:;n soil. Tlio 
 inotticr of our sulijcct wns in licr <rirliioo(l Miss 
 Kiu'licl lU'iinctl. n luitivo of \ eriiiont, and tlio 
 (hiiiifiiter of I'iiineas lU'iinett. wlio was the son of 
 .Joseph Bennett, the offsprinfr of a substantial old 
 Knirlisli family who crossed the Atlantic prohaMy 
 ahout the time of the Kevohilionary War. 
 
 Caleb Arnold iip<m leavinjj his native place emi- 
 jrrated to A\'asliinfrton County. N. V.. where he was 
 married, and where the family lived until William 
 F.. onr subject, was a little lad three years of age. 
 .Vfterward they sojourned at Itcrkshire, in Broome 
 County, anil in 'I'ioiiu Ctiunly. where our subject 
 altended the common school, and in the latter 
 reached man's estate. In tlie autumn of 18;?2 the 
 family came to Michiiran Territory, locating first on 
 a tract of (lovernment land. 160 acres, in Fabius 
 Township; later entered lltl acres near the i)res- 
 eiit site of the village of Constantine, removing to 
 this in November following. In IH36 this farm 
 wa,s sold, and Mr. Arnold purchased KKJ acres in 
 another portion of the same township. At this 
 latter Willi.am V. began in earnest for him.self. The 
 parents remained u|Min the old homestead, the 
 father passing away .Tan. 31, 18;')2. .'mhI tlie mother 
 Feb. !>. 1804. 
 
 William F. Arnold was the second living of eight 
 children born to his |)arents, six of whom lived to 
 mature years and four of whom survive. He was 
 married. May 15, 1831, to Miss Hhoda Churchill, 
 whose parents had removed from Ohio to this 
 county about 1831. The young people began their 
 wedded life together at the new farm, and endured 
 in common with their neighbors the hardslii|)s and 
 toils of life in a pioneer settlement. There came 
 to tlieir he.'irthstone in due lime the bright faces of 
 nine children, seven of whom livi'd to manhood 
 and womanlxKxl. Two of these dieil in infancy, 
 and .lanuti when about twenty years of age. The 
 survivors are l.ucy. Cornelia. Sarah. Fhilo. Kdwin 
 I*, and Frank M. The wife and mother depnrto<i 
 this life at her home in Tliree Rivers, Oct. fi, 1851. 
 
 Mr. .Vrnold on the 17th of .March, 18.j(!. con- 
 tracted n second matrimonial alliance, with Mrs. 
 Margaret .1. (Ireen. widow of H. C. Oreen, and 
 daughter of .lames an<l .Margaret .Stump. Mrs. 
 4* 
 
 Margaret Arnold w.as born in SteulK-n County, X. 
 v.. in 183(1. and of her union with our subject 
 there is one child, a son, Ira B. Of her first inar- 
 riiige there was born one child, a son, Wilbur, who 
 is now in Texjis. 
 
 •Mr. .Arnold cast his lirst Presidential vote for 
 .Martin \'an Buren. and for a period of over fifty 
 years has given liis un(|nali(ied support to the Dem- 
 ocratic party. He has been prominent in local af- 
 fairs, serving as Justice of the Peace twelve years 
 and Supervisor eighteen years. lie h.as serveil a.s 
 County Commissioner over three years, ami al- 
 though in the seventy-sixth j-ear of his age. pos- 
 sesses in a large measure the energy and activity 
 of his vounger years. 
 
 •!^^- 
 
 W KSTER B. I'LACE. There are few enter- 
 11 (^' 1"'''^''' o'^ more importance in the bushiess 
 ilL^^ world than the iron industry, and the roan 
 who has made (>f himself a master meclianic in this 
 department of the industrial world contributes 
 largely to the bone and sinew of a nation's successes. 
 What the world would do without machinery it is 
 almost impossible to conceive, and the man who has 
 a thorough understanding of his business in con- 
 nection with this is worthy (»f honorable mention. 
 The subject of this biography, as foreman of the 
 Sheffield Velocipede Car Company, of Tliree Rivers, 
 occupies a responsible position, for wliich he is evi- 
 dently ami>!y (itte<l. 
 
 An Ohio man by birth and education, Mr. Place 
 fiisl opened his eyes to the light near Sunbiiry. 
 Delaware County, that State. Feb. 14. 1842, prov- 
 ing a very interesting valentine to his worthy par- 
 ents. The latter were .lacob and Mary (Foiist) 
 PInee, the former of whom w.as of French extrac- 
 tion, and the latter traced her ancestry toGernmny. 
 The elder Place was a fanner by occupation, but 
 died in 1843, when his son, our subject, was but an 
 infant. The latter whs the j-onngest of the |jarenlal 
 family, which included Sve children. The mother 
 is still living. 
 
 The boj-liood of our subject was spent in the 
 manner common to most farmers' sons, pursuing his 
 studies in the district school, and assisting his par- 
 
-4*- 
 
 ■•► 
 
 554 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ents around the homestead. By the death of the 
 f.ither the family were thrown mostly on their own 
 resources, and Lester B. when a lad twelve years of 
 age started out for himself, working at whatever he 
 could find to do. When a 3'outh of seventeen he 
 began an apprenticeship at the molder's trade in 
 Mt. Gilead, Ohio, which he followed there until 
 reaching his majority. Thence he migrated to Mt. 
 Vernon in the same State, where he sojourned four 
 months, and from there went to Gallon, where he 
 lived five years. He was now recognized as a mas- 
 ter in his calling, and in the latter place was given 
 charge of one of the departments of the shop, where 
 he was employed until the outbreak of the Rebellion. 
 
 Mr. Place in 1H62 enlisted as a Union soldier in 
 the 136th Ohio Infantry, and 'was employed mostly- 
 in garrison dut}'. In 1870 we find him at Lockport, 
 X. Y.. where he entered the employ of the Holly 
 AVater- Works Companj', with which he continued 
 two years. In the spring of 1872 he decided to 
 push further westward, and coming to Michigan 
 was given charge of the foundry department in the 
 machine-shopof the Jackson Foundry and Machine 
 Company, which position he held five years. At 
 the expiration of this time he changed his residence 
 to Allegan, and was there employed by a stock 
 company until the suspension of the works. 
 
 Our subject next was employed on Lake Michi- 
 gan for a period of six months, at the expira- 
 tion of which time he returned to Allegan. He 
 embarked in business for himself in company with 
 II. L. Peck, and they operated under the style 
 of Place it Peck two years, when the works were 
 destroyed by fire. LTpon resuming Jlr. Place be- 
 came associated with M. Willis, and they also 
 operated together two years, but not with the suc- 
 cess they had hoped for, and finally abandoned the 
 project. 
 
 The year 1883 found .Mr. Place first in Three 
 Rivers as the Superintendent of the foundry de- 
 partment of the Sheffield Velocipede Car Works, 
 which position he is filling with credit to himself 
 and satisfaction to all concerned. He occupies a 
 snug home in the southern part of the town, and his 
 family consist-s of his estimable wife and their only 
 son, Frederick A., who was born Aug. 'J, 1SG2. 
 They have been greatly afflicted l)y the loss of four 
 
 <■ 
 
 children, who died young. The wife of our subject 
 was in her girlhood Miss Emily J. Carpenter, and 
 they were married in 18G1 in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. 
 Mrs. Carpenter is a native of Mt. Gilead, and the 
 daughter of John Carpenter. 
 
 As may be supposed, Mr. Place has very little 
 time to give to public affairs, but he is an intelli- 
 gent man. keeps himself posted upon matters of 
 State and National interest, and gives his support to 
 the Republican party. Socially, he is a K. of P., 
 and also belongs to the G. A. R. 
 
 1? A. ASPIXWALL. The inventive genius 
 I (?S) of man has perhaps been a source of the 
 j'*— ^^ most value to the world at large of an}' one 
 thing that can be mentioned, facilitating labor, not 
 taking from the hand of the laboring man as many 
 maintain, but on the other hand providing him 
 with additional employment, although perhaps in a 
 different channel. It is conceded by all that the 
 inventor, like the " prophet in his own country.'' 
 has never received the credit, especially during his 
 lifetime, which is his just due. As the world goes 
 on, however, they are coming to the front, and be- 
 ginning to occupy their rightful position among 
 men. a position which is fast bringing to them their 
 financial reward as well .as the honors to which they 
 are justl}' entitled. 
 I The subject of this sketch. President of the As- 
 ! i)in wall .Manufacturing Companj', of Three Rivers, is 
 a man who has given the results of his invention to 
 the farming community in the shape of a potato 
 planter and a potato digger, which are destined to 
 become very popular all over the West in the near 
 future. The factory for their construction was 
 established in 1885, at Three Rivers, and in con- 
 nection with this the company also puts out a corn 
 planter, the invention also of Mr. Aspinwall. It is 
 probable that his forefathers flourished in New 
 Englantl generations back, but his parents. L. E. 
 and Margaret R. (Enders) As|)inwall, were natives 
 of New York State. There also L. A. was born. 
 Oct. 14, 1842, at Hastings, in Westchester County, 
 near the banks of the beautiful Hinlson River. 
 The father of our subject was a bell foundryraan, 
 
» , T ^^ 
 
 ST. .lUSKl'll COUNTY. 
 
 a profession which lie f<j||(iwed during liis carl}' 
 nmnhuud, hul Inter he turned his attention tu farm 
 pursuits. He found the eulture of potatoes to he 
 very profitable, and accordingly gave to this com- 
 modity a large share of his labors and attention. 
 
 The family, as the records indicate, have been as 
 it were a race of inventors, and the father of our 
 subject jwssessed mechanical skill of no mean order. 
 On llie other side of the hon.se the maternal granfi- 
 f.'ither of our subject was a man largely interested 
 in politics, very intelligent and well informed, but 
 loved farm life notwithstanding, and made his home 
 in the rural districts. 
 
 The early j'ears of Mr. Aspinwall were spent at 
 the homestead in Westchester County, N. Y. He 
 received a good practical education, completing his 
 studies in the Albany Academy. When but a lad 
 of twelve years he constructed an implement for 
 drilling garden seed, which was utilized at the 
 homesteaci many years, and of which he might have 
 nia<le considerable money had he npplie<I for a 
 patent, which he did not do. He also was at the 
 same time considerably interested in bee culture, 
 dealing with Italian stock, and at one time had up- 
 ward of seventy stjuids. 
 
 At the age of nineteen 3'ears Mr. Aspinwall began 
 to develop his idea of the potiUo planter, to which 
 he devoted his time, thought an<l money for a 
 period of twenty' years before it became a practical 
 success. In the meantime he also invented the 
 first successful corn husker, which is able to husk at 
 the rate of one bushel per minute, and the patent 
 of which he sold for $"20,000. After e.xperiraenting 
 some fifteen j-ears, he crossed the Atlantic, and in 
 the various districts of the Ohl World inves- 
 tigated all kinds of machinery', and while there 
 occupied himself in perfecting his potato planter, 
 making of this :dso a success. The digger was more 
 fully develo|>ed later. He owes the success of the 
 digger to the e.\|)eriments he was enabled to make 
 in Kngland. Owing to the fact of the climate being 
 humid, he was compelled to abandon the original 
 principle, and adopt a plan which seemed to be more 
 in accordance with the needs of that climate, and to 
 his great satisf.iction he succeeded in his efforts. 
 He returned to America, and prepared to establish 
 the factory, which is now in successful operation. 
 
 Mr. Aspinwall came to Three Rivers in 1H84, 
 and soon afterward organized the Aspinwall Manu- 
 facturing Comp:iny. He acknowledges that he 
 owes his success in a large measure to the generosity 
 of Mr. C. W. Brega, of Chicago, a heavy ca|)italist. 
 and now the \'ice President of the compfiu}-. The 
 works are located at what is called Lockport, in the 
 Second Ward of the city, and the buihlings occupy 
 one and one-half acres of ground near the junction 
 of the Lake .Shore it Michigan Southern and Michi- 
 gan Central tracks, thus affording the best of ship- 
 l)ing facilities. The establishment gives employ- 
 ment to about thirty men, anil their shipments ex- 
 tend from Maine to California, embracing all the 
 intermediate points of importance. Mr. Aspinwall 
 was made the first President of the company, a 
 position which he has since lielil. 
 
 ^|, rSTlN W. STADDKN. A really good 
 8S^/lJiI hotel is so rare and high priced that when 
 one is found which combines excellence 
 with cheapness it surely deserves a word 
 of commendation in a work of this nature. Such 
 a hotel is the St.adden House, at Centreville, under 
 the able directitm of its genial and courteous pro- 
 prietor, the subject of this sketch. It has a pat- 
 ron.age commensurate with its merits, and the tired 
 traveler who has once been domiciled under its 
 hospitable roof will repeat the experiment at the 
 first opportunity. 
 
 A Pcnnsylvaniau by birth and breeding, Mr. 
 Stadden was born in the village of .Milton. North- 
 umbcrlanil County, that .State. .\ug. 24, 1843. and 
 wail the eldest of six children, two sons and four 
 daughters, comprising the family of James and 
 .\nn (Waldron) Stadden. Four of these died in 
 infancy, and the two besides our subject are resi- 
 dents of Nebraska. The parents wore likewise na- 
 tives of the Keysltme State, the Staddens of 
 Holland de.scent. and the Waldrons tracing their 
 anco-stry to Kngland. The imme<liate forefathers 
 of our subject settled first in New .lersey. while the 
 Waldrons uimn their arrival in this country t<x)k 
 up their abode in Pennsylvania. 
 
 'I'he ijaternal grandfather of our subject, .lohn 
 
 r 
 
•»-HI^^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 556 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 Staddei), was born, reared, and spent his entire life 
 in Pennsylvania. Grandfather Cornelius AV.aldron 
 spent his last years in Pennsylvania. The former 
 carried a musket in the War of 1812. and after lay- 
 injr down liis weapons of warfare took up the im- 
 plements of ai^riculture. following the peaceful 
 pursuits of farm life until he was gathered to his 
 fat hois, .lames Stadden. the father of our subject, 
 was born .\ug. 25. 1818, in Northumberland 
 County. Pa., and tlie parents were married in that 
 State in 1841. The mother died in this county 
 when her son .\ustin w.as a little lad ten years of 
 age. Her birth occurred in 1817, a year before 
 that of her husband. They emigrated to Michi- 
 gan in 1814, settling first at Prairie Ronde. in Kal- 
 amazoo County, wliere they lived until 1847. then 
 coming to this county, located in Xottawa Town- 
 ship, three miles northeast of Ccntreville. where 
 the fatiier eontinueil to reside, with the exception 
 of two years, until issd. He then retired from 
 active lajior and took uji his abode in Centreville, 
 where he n^iw lives. Their daughter. Hannah .1.. 
 is the wife of .leBferson Hull, of Nebraska; and 
 .George W.. the only brother of our subject, is 
 bookkeejiing in t)maiia. Nel). 
 
 .Viisiiii W. Stadden spent his boyhood d.iys after 
 the manner of most farmers' sons, assistiui;- in the 
 development of a new farm and acquiring his edu- 
 cation in the district school. He remained a mem- 
 ber of his fatlier's household until twenty-six years 
 of asre. and. in 18(>!( was married to Miss JIargery 
 McKercher. of Nottawa Townshi]). Mrs. St.adden 
 w.as born .Tune 14. 1845. and is the daughter of 
 John C. McKercher, now a resident of Nottawa 
 Townsliip. Of tins union there were born two chil- 
 dren, daughters. Kate and .\nna. who are now at 
 home. 
 
 Mr. :ind Mis. Stadden after their marriage set- 
 tled on a farm in Florence Township, where they 
 lived five years, then, coming to Centreville. our 
 subject for a short time conducted a meat-market. 
 This not proving entirely congenial to his tastes, 
 he. in 1H77. started a hack and omnibus line, run- 
 ning from Centreville to Xottawa, and in connection 
 with it operated a general livery business five 
 years. This latter still goes on under his super- 
 vision. In Novemtier. 1886. he purcha.<ed what 
 
 was then called the iletzgar House, of which he 
 took possession on the 8th of February following. 
 It is a comfortable and substantially built structure, 
 comprising thirty rooms, neatly fitted up with 
 everything comfortable for the traveling public. 
 Mr. .Stadden is a general favorite, both in business 
 and social circles, and uniformly votes the Re- 
 publican ticket. In December, 1885, he was made 
 Treasurer of St. Joseph County Village Fire Insur- 
 ance Company, was re-elected after the expiration 
 of his first term of two .years, and still holds the 
 position. He is considered a man worthy to fill 
 any position of trust, and is numbered among those 
 who form the bone and sinew of the well-regulated 
 community of Centreville. 
 
 -•«afia'©-i@»«-^^^T..®faKJ2'3> 
 
 JnOHN ANNIN KLINE. The pioneer ele- 
 j ment of St. Joseph County is perhaps one of 
 ' the most interesting features of this work, 
 ' which was instigated b3- the reflection that 
 the old settlers are passing awaj-, and it is impor- 
 tant to preserve the record of their experiences dur- 
 ing the first settlement of Michigan. ^Ir. Kline is 
 enabled to relate an interesting tale of his earl3' ad- 
 ventures in this section of counUy, to which he 
 came in the autumn of 1838, the year after Michi- 
 gan had been admitted into the Union as a State. 
 He followed agricultural pursuits during the years 
 of his active life, and after a time well spent and 
 prolific of a competency, he retired from active 
 labor, and is now passing the later years of his life 
 at a comfortable home in Three Rivers. 
 
 It will be well, perhaps, to commence at the be- 
 ginning of the life of our sul>ject by stating that he 
 was born in Seneca County, N. Y.. near Townsend- 
 ville, Nov. 13, 1822. His father, Jacob U. Kline, 
 was a native *>f .Somerset County, N. J., and born 
 in April, 17'.»5. His paternal grandfather was David 
 Kline. The mother, Mrs. Klizabeth (Annin) Kline, 
 was the daughter of John Annin, Esq., a prominent 
 and highly respected citizen of New Jersey, who 
 traced his ancestrj' to Scotland and Holland. The 
 Klines were of German descent. 
 
 The father of our subject after his marriage set- 
 tled on a farm in Seneca County. N. Y.. where he 
 
 ^^ 
 
■*► 
 
 ST. JOSKl'll COUNTY, 
 
 lived iiiilil 1838, tlieii resolved louast liis lot amung 
 the pioneers of iMirhisan, Joliii being then a youth 
 of sixteen years. They traveled liy steamboat to 
 Detriiit. thence overhmd by wagon to (.'entrevilje, 
 settling on a trad of land near Fisher's Creek. 
 The father and sons erected a log house, and at 
 Once began the improvement and cultivation of 
 their property, which they occupied for maii^' j'cars. 
 Upon leaving it they took up their abode (irst in 
 Kalamazoo County, and later moved to Three 
 Rivers, where the death of the father took place in 
 1H()8. The mother is still living, making her home 
 with her daughter, ami has nearly attained to the 
 advanced age of ninety years. She is in the enjo}'- 
 montof quite good health, and retains her faculties 
 of mind to a remarkable degree. 
 
 To Jacob D. and Elizabeth Kline there were born 
 five children, three of whom are still living. John 
 A. was the second born. He acquireil his educa- 
 tion mostly in the schools of his native county, 
 only pursuing his studies a short time after coming 
 to Miciiigan. He continued a member of the pa- 
 rental household until his marriage, and was mar- 
 ried, Jan. 1, 1S.")2, to Miss Mary A., daughter of 
 John an<l Jane (.Major) Mclvee. Her parents came 
 to Michigan from New York State, when she was a 
 small girl, and settled among the pioneers of this 
 county. They are now deceiu<eil. 
 
 After their marriage .Mr. and .Mrs. Kline settled 
 at the old liomestea<l of his father; they subse- 
 quently remt;ved U) Cass County, and five years 
 later came to Lockport Township, this count}'. In 
 the latter Mr. Kline operated the farnj of his father- 
 in-law seven years, and until \XI','.). when he hail 
 made such good headway that he was enabled to 
 retire. In his agricultur'il (>|jerations he maile a 
 specialty of buying and shipping stock, anil in the 
 meantime superintended the opernlions of three 
 farms, one in Cass County, the one in the vicinity 
 of Centreville, and his father's homestead. The 
 latter comprises 365 acres, the Cass County farm 
 300 acres, and the other lOO acres. Mr. K. owns 
 forty acres in Sherman Township. 
 
 There came to the fireside of Mr. and Mrs. Kline 
 in due lime four interesting children, two sons and 
 two daughters, .lohn .1. o|ieraies the Cass County 
 farm, and William A. is a clerk and book-kee|K'r for 
 
 J. Grilflth. The two daughters, Helen J., the sec- 
 ond child, and Kilie K., the j'oungest, remain at 
 home with their parents. .Mr. Kline, politically, is 
 an ardent Republican, and with his estimable wife 
 and children is a member in good standing of the 
 Presbyterian Church. The family residence is a 
 handsome brick structure, built in modern style of 
 architecture in 1883, and with its grounds and sur- 
 roundings, forms one of the most complete homes 
 in Three Rivers. 
 
 -^I^^t^*-- 
 
 //f^ IIARLES K. PERRIN. County Tre.isurer of 
 ll r ^^' •'*^-'"^P'' County, is a native of this county, 
 '^^S^^ having been born in .Sherman Township, 
 Sept. 2. 1843. He is consequently in the prime of 
 life and the midst of his usefulness. The Perrin 
 family is supposed to be of French origin. Thomas 
 Perrin, the great-great -great-grand father of our sub- 
 ject, married a Miss Porter, ancestor of the Com- 
 modore. Tl)e\' settled at or near Hebr(>n, Conn., in 
 1710, where they lived and died, after rearing a 
 large family. The names Thomas and Porter seem 
 to have been favorite familj" names through all 
 the late generations. After several generations we 
 find the family located in Oranville, N. Y.. where 
 lienjamin Perrin, the father of our subject, was born 
 Oct. I.'i, 1814. His father having died inearly life 
 Henjamin came to .Michigan with his mother's fam- 
 ily in l.s3i;, while it was still a Territory. After 
 they were comfortably located he returned to his 
 native Stale, and on the 17th of January, 1.S3S, 
 was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Lyman. 
 The 3'oung couple began the journey of life to- 
 gether in .Sherman Townsiiip, this county, where 
 they resided for a period of seven years, then re- 
 moved to the town of Park, near the present village 
 of Parkville. Benjunin Perrin followed agricidture 
 successfully, accumnlaling a snug fortune, and after 
 laboring many years left the farm on account of 
 failing health, and took up his residence in the vil- 
 lagi' of Moorepark, where his death took place 
 April 8, IM.si;. 
 
 The father of our subject was a faithful Christian 
 man in the highest sense of the word, and a de- 
 voted meml)er of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 
 _^ f ^' 
 
>^l^^ 
 
 558 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 *t 
 
 with which he wns connected for a period of thirtj' 
 je.irs. Ilis fin;il illness w.ts brief luit very jiaiiifiil. 
 but his heart was filled with peace an<l the lio|)e of 
 everlasting life. A large concourse of relatives and 
 friends' paid to him their last tribute of respect as 
 his Jiiortal remains were hidden from their sight. 
 
 To Benjamin and Louisa Perrin there were born 
 three sons and two daughters, namely : AViliiam II., 
 Charles E.. Lewis B. ; Mary B., now Jlrs. Coy Ilein- 
 bauch, of Park Township, and Emma L., Mrs. 
 MoElrath. of Moorcp.irk. The family is being per- 
 petuated by numerous grandchildren and great- 
 grandchildren, honored and useful members of so- 
 ciet3',and most of them prominent in the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 The subject of this sketch pursued his early stud- 
 ies in the schools of Three Rivers and KnI.-imazoo. 
 at the same time working for his board and em- 
 bracing every opportunil}' for the .acquirement of 
 gener.il and useful informatitin. He made his home 
 at the farm until reaching his majority, then repair- 
 ing to Appleton, AVis., commenced learning telegra- 
 phy. He made such good progress that si.x months 
 later he was given charge of the station at Des- 
 plaines. 111., on the line of the Northwestern Rail- 
 road. He continued there as agent and operator 
 for a period of live years, in the me.anlime also of- 
 ficiating as Postmaster of that village. When leav- 
 ing Dcsplaines he located in Three Rivers, this 
 count}', and, changing his occupation somewhat, 
 engaged in the grocery and bakery business. This 
 not being entirely congenial to his tastes, he secured 
 a position as bill clerk with the Lake Shore & Michi- 
 gan Southern Railroad Corai)an3', and took up his 
 residence in Grand Rapids. Six months later we 
 find him at Eaton Rapids, in charge of the ticket 
 and telegraph ollice of the Michigan Central Rail- 
 road, where he remained a period of eight j'ear.s. 
 Thence he returned to this county, and taking pos- 
 session of his residence in 1882. there resided 
 until 1888. 
 
 Mr. Perrin. on the 10th of October, 18G7, at the 
 home of the bride in Lockport, this county, was 
 united in marriage with Miss Clara R. Fisher, who 
 was born Sept. 1. 1845, in Lockport Township, 
 this county. This union resulted in the birth 
 of two interesting children: Charles L.. bdrn .June 
 
 12. 1869. and Eva M.. .Ian. 13. 1878. They are 
 living at home with their parents. The farm of 
 our subject comprises 100 acres of good land, which 
 is highl}' productive, and upon which stands an ex- 
 cellent set of frame buildings. Mr. Perrin votes 
 the straight Republican ticket, and has filled the 
 various local oflices. He is serving at present his 
 third term as Supervisor, and with his excellent 
 wife is a member in good standing of the Method- 
 ist Episcopal Church. To this as to all other wor- 
 th}' enterprises he has given a cheerful and liberal 
 support. He is manifestly in favor of everything 
 to improve and elevate society, and as near as he is 
 able strives to follow in the footsteps of his hon- 
 ored sire. Mr. Perrin was elected Treasurer of .St. 
 Joseph County in 1888, since which he has moveil 
 to Centreville, where he now resides. 
 
 <Wl EVERETT A. CLAPP, President of the 
 I (^ First National Bank of Centreville. is the 
 /*'— ^^. subject of a busy and interesting career, and 
 has a life record eminently worthy of preservation. 
 He is a gentleman of fine abilities, .and has had am- 
 ple experience in the business world, in which he 
 has gained for himself a high position, socially and 
 financially. He is a native of this county, of which 
 his parents were early pioneers, and was born .hiiic 
 24, 1837. • 
 
 To Ashel and Charlotte (May) Clapp, the par- 
 ents of our sidtject, there were born four sons and 
 three daughters, of whom Leverett A. was the 
 second son. Both Ashel Clapp and his estimable 
 wife were natives of the Bay .State, the father born 
 in Northampton, in 1804. and the mother in IMtts- 
 field, in 1814. They were married in their native 
 .State in July, 1833, .and leaving New F^ngland 
 emigrated to Michigan Territory, settling first in 
 Monroe County, in October. 1834. In November. 
 1835. they removed to a tract of land in Mottville 
 Township, this county, where they lived until the 
 election of the father as Register of Deeds, in 
 1854. Then, in order to enter ujion the discharge 
 of his duties, he removed to Centreville, and con- 
 tinued in ollice for ten consecutive years. Prior 
 
■♦- 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 559 ' > 
 
 thereto tlie el<lcr Clapp ollieiiitecl as Supervisor of 
 Mottville Towusliip. aail oi't-upied otlier positions 
 of trust anil responsibility. 
 
 I.envinji Centreville in 18()!>, llii'. father of our 
 subject settled in White I'ijreon, where he engjigeil 
 in sfeneral nierehanilisinii and bankinii^, beingsenior 
 member of the tirni of \. Clapp A- Son. He wjis 
 thus oeeupied until his death, whieh oeeiirred in 
 November. 187l!. The wife and mother is still liv- 
 inir, and resides at While I'ijfeon. Leverett A. 
 spent his boyhood at Mottville, where he attended 
 the district school, and later, in 18.') 1. re|>aired to 
 Shelbyville. hid. as the clerk of Abrani (loble. who 
 had formerly lived at Mottville, but later engaged 
 in the mercantile business at Shelbyville. Our sub- 
 ject remained in the latter place two years, then re- 
 turned to this county, and entered the office of the 
 Register of Deeds, becoming the a.ssistant of his 
 father, whom he suuceeiled, being regularly elected 
 to the office in 1864. 
 
 I'pon retiring from the above-mentioned oHice 
 our subject compiletl an abstract of titles of St. 
 .losi'ph Countj", a work which proved of great value 
 to owners of real estate. In 1872 he wjis elected 
 Commissioner of the .State Land Ollice of Michi- 
 gan, which iK)sition he held four years, having been 
 re-elected in 1874. I'pon the organization of the 
 First National Hank, at Centreville, in 187;5. he 
 wius chosen a Director, and three years later was 
 made its President, which position he luis since oc- 
 cupied. I'nder his careful management the bank 
 h.is become one of the solid institutions of the 
 county, patronized by its best men. 
 
 One of the most impf>rtant events in the life of 
 .Mr. Clapp was his marriage, Dec. 6. 18(!4, with 
 .Miss .Amanda K. Ilampson, who, like her husband, 
 is a native of this county, and born in the village 
 of Centreville. Aug. 12. 18l(i. Her parents. Henry 
 W. and Mahala (Fletcher) Ilampson. were natives 
 of I'ennsylvania and New York re.spectively. Of 
 this union there is one chibl only, a son. Kdwin L,, 
 who was bfirn Sept. 21, 18(;,'), and is now a.>>sistant 
 cashier, also a meml>er of the firm of Clapp Hros. 
 it Co., who conduct a banking business at .Sturgis. 
 
 .Mr. Clapp is a man of decided opinions. Me 
 W!Ls rearinl under the wing of the iiepublican l)arty, 
 <if which he has lMH?n a warm adherent since his 
 
 4* 
 
 boyhood. .Socially, he belongs to Mt. Hermon 
 Lodge No. 21. .\. F. &- \. yi.. at Centreville, al.so 
 to Centreville Chapter No. 11. Royal Arch .Mitsons. 
 He has held the ollicos of Wt>rshipful .Master and 
 High Priest, and is a warm defender of the princi- 
 ples of the fraternity. 
 
 <| IfelLLlAM H. SNYDER. Ne.xt to lieing 
 xJsJi ''•'"s^'f * pioneer the son of one justly 
 \^/ss feels a pardonable pride, as in the case of 
 the subject of this sketch. The thrilling scenes 
 through which the early emigrant worked his way 
 to success and prosperity, will ever hold their right- 
 ful place in the memory of those wliu live to sur- 
 vive them, and to whom their experience is one of 
 the most ])recions legacies which can be left in the 
 shape of a record. To pave the way for those who 
 followed, to make settlement in the West a pleasure 
 as well as a matter of policy, the early settlers en- 
 dured and suffered much, but having passed away, 
 many of them full of years and honors, they leave 
 their children and their chihlreirs children, also 
 strangers, to succeed them and enjoy tlie fruits of 
 their toils, savings and privations. These thoughts 
 frequently dwell in the mind of the subject of this 
 sketch, .as he recalls the ex|)erlences allotted to his 
 honored parents, who were among the very earliest 
 settlers of St. Joseph County, arriving within its 
 limits as early .as 1832. They were then in the 
 vigor of youth and hope, and their subseipient life 
 indicated how well they devoted themselves to the 
 task before them. 
 
 Henry Snyder, the father of our subject, was a 
 native of Fennsylvania, and married Miss .Sarah 
 Slote, who was born in the sjime Slate, her hon>e, 
 like that of her husband, being in Snyder Count}-. 
 The}' emigrated first to Columbia County, N. Y., 
 but after a brief sojourn in the Kmpire .Stale pushed 
 on further westward to this count}'. The father 
 secured a tract of land in Fabius Township, where 
 the family lived a number of years, then removed 
 to a farm north of Three Rivei-s, where the death 
 of the mother took place in October. 1840, soon 
 ofer the birth of her son William IL. which occurred 
 October 2 of that vear. After the death of his 
 
 :^jU. 
 
■^•■ 
 
 .J Id I 
 
 ^•^Hl--* 
 
 ST. .lOSKlMI COUNTY. 
 
 first wife Honrj- Snyflcr contiacterl a second niar- 
 ria<re, and there were adtlccl to llie lioiiseliold circle 
 fcmr more children. He die<l at tlie old liomestead 
 in 1872. Mrs. Ljdia Snj-der is still living there. 
 Mr. S. was a stonemason by trade, but upon com. 
 ing to Michigan Territory, finiling comparatively 
 little demand for his Libors in this line. tiiriie<l his 
 attention mainly to agricultural pursuits. He was 
 one of those men most needed in the settlement of 
 a new couTitry, being generous and hospitable, 
 liberal-minded, and uniformly interested in the en- 
 terprises calculated to advance the interests of the 
 people. By those who still live to recall bis life 
 and character, his name is held in the most kindl}' 
 remembrance. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was reared araid the 
 scenes of pioneer life, spending his boyhood at the 
 farm, and acquiring his education under the im- 
 perfect school system of that day. Upon reaching 
 manhood, desiring a change of scene and occujja- 
 lion, he repaired to Constantine, entering the em- 
 ploy of Mr. Sheldon, and served an apprenticeship 
 of three years at the tinner's trade. After reach- 
 ing his majoritj' he crossed the plains to Mont;»na 
 Territory-, where he first engaged in mining and 
 freighting, but later became interested in livestock. 
 He lemained on the frontier a period of uineyeai-s, 
 then returned to Three Rivers, and since that time 
 his interests have centered in this count}'. 
 
 The 5tb of February, 1874, was an importint 
 date in the life of our subject, he having on the 
 evening of thatdav been married. He and his wife 
 settled soon afterward on a farm in Fiibius Town- 
 ship, where they lived until removing to that which 
 the}' now occupy. This latter comprises sixty-two 
 acres of prime land, which has been brought to a 
 fine state of cultivation, and which is largely de- 
 voted to stock-raising. The fine residence now oc- 
 cupied by them was put up in 1883, and is one of 
 the handsomest brick structures in Three Rivers. 
 It is two stories in height, handsomely finished and 
 furnished, and the object of admiration to all who 
 view it. 
 
 As a stock-raiser Mr. Snyder has made for him- 
 self an enviable reputation in this part of the county, 
 being interested in blooded horses, and is the owner 
 of the celebrated roadster ''Mexican Chief," an 
 
 ^=!?5EORUE A. K. COOKE. 
 'll ,-^ sketch was born in Belvi 
 ^3^ N. J., Feb. 8, 184i>, and 
 
 animal of remarkably' fine points. Mr. S.. however, 
 ileals more exteiisiveh' in cattle than horses, mak- 
 ing a specialty of calves, and shipping to Chicago. 
 Our subject in politics during the years of his 
 I early manhood ntliliated with the Democratic i)arty. 
 but since the war he has been mostlj' a Cireenl.acker. 
 Both he and bis estimable wife are identified with 
 the Reformed Church at Three Rivers. Mrs. Sny- 
 der was born in this count}', and was reared to 
 womanhood at her father's homestead here. Of her 
 union with our subject there were born two children, 
 who are deceased. 
 
 I EORG E A. B. COOKE. The subject of this 
 •idere. Warren Co.. 
 is the eldest son of 
 Jiseph and Sarah A. (Bowman) Cooke, the latter a 
 si.sler of .John H. Bowman, one of the earliest set- 
 tlers of Three Rivers. The parents of our subject 
 moved from New Jersey to Washington, Pa., in 
 1848, where the father, a stanch old-line Whig, was 
 engaged in the publication of the Washington Chm- 
 7«c<»nceo/f/t until the year 1853. when he removed 
 to Waynesburg. Greene Co.. Pa., and began the pub- 
 lication of the AVayncsburg Eagle, continuing the 
 same for several years. In the fall of 1862 he en- 
 listed in the 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry, for three 
 years; was captured during his service by the Con- 
 federates, and spent six months in Andersonville 
 Prison. In 1805 he received the appointment of 
 Postmaster at Waynesburg, and held the olHce con- 
 tinuously until 1884, where he still resides. 
 
 Of the six children born to the parents of our 
 subject, George A. B. was the eldest. He attended 
 the common schools during his boyhood, and when 
 a lad of nine years began learning the printer's 
 trade under the instruction of his father. He con- 
 tinued at work in his choseu occupation until the 
 second year of the war. in August, 18C2. when he 
 enlisted in the nine-months service as a private of 
 Company H, 123d Pennsylvania Infantry, serving 
 out his time, and taking part in the battles of An- 
 tielam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He 
 was mustered out in May, 1863, as Fourth Sergeant, 
 and in June of that same year made his way west- 
 
4 
 
 -4•- 
 
 ST. .lUSEl'H COUNTY. 
 
 .)f.l I , 
 
 WHr.l ti) this comily, taking up his ahoflo in Throe 
 Uivcis. In llie full of that year lie becaino fore- 
 man in the ollice of the Three Rivers Reporter, 
 which was then conrlncled by CInte Bros., witli 
 whom he continued nntil November. 1S6H. 
 
 .Mr. Cooke now entered into partnership with \\. 
 \l. Cliite, and they oiMjrated togetlier under the firm 
 name of W. H. Clutc it Co., nntil the 1st of Janu- 
 ary. 187fi, when Mr. Cooke retired. After spend- 
 ine; several months among old friends in the Kast. 
 and at his olil home in Pennsylvania, he returned 
 to Three Rivers, and in July, 1877. established a 
 job printinjr-ofHce. which wa# followed the year 
 after, in August. 1878, by the first issue of the 
 Three Rivers Tri/iune, which was projected in the 
 interest of the principles of the Republican party, 
 the field being vacant by reason of the apostasy of 
 the Three Rivers Repnrler to the Greent)ack part}' 
 several years before. The Tribune has since con- 
 tinued a livel}' expounder of these principles, and 
 is now one of the solid institutions of the county. 
 The Tribune is a forty -eight column sheet, neatly 
 printed and ably edited, and the job department is 
 well equipped with steam-power presses and all the 
 other facilities for executing first-cliiss work. The 
 plant was located in the Prutzman Block. .St. Joseph 
 street, until its removal in May. 1888. to the tliree- 
 storj- brick building on Penn street, formerly known 
 as the McMurtrie Block, of which Mr. Cooke is now 
 \A\e owner. 
 
 Miss Sarah M. Rice, of Trueksville, Luzerne 
 Co., Pa., became the wife of our subject Feb. 
 23, 1870, the wedding taking place at the bride's 
 home. Their only surviving child is a daughter, 
 Florence E., who was born June 3, 1878. 
 
 -t-Hg.=3>0^-M- 
 
 ^ IIRl.STIAN J. SCHAFKR. The manufact- 
 (|[^- uring interests of a great country l>ear no 
 
 ^^/ unini|>ortant part in its growth, its wealth 
 and iUs pros|(erily. .Vgricullure, which is usually 
 IteguD in the settlement of a new section, cannot 
 Ik' prosecutwl profitably without the implement-* 
 furnished by the mechanii' and arti.ian. 'J'he man 
 whom nature has endowed with natural genius in 
 the handling of \x\o\» is an individual holding no 
 
 secondary position in the building up of towns anil 
 cities, and he who has shown his intelligence l)v 
 excelling in this department of labor is amply 
 worthy of mention in noting the progress of a .State 
 or county. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, foreman of the v;(»><\ 
 department of the Roberts k Tliropp Manufactur- 
 ing Comi)any. of Three Rivers, belongs to that na- 
 tionality which h!U< borne such an important part 
 in developing the resources of America, and espe- 
 cially those of the Great West. \ native of Ger- 
 many, he was born at Frankfort on the Main, 
 .\pril 6. 1833. and is the son of George and Ja- 
 nette (Loft) Schafer. the father also of substantial 
 German ancestry. Their family consisted of eight 
 children, and Christian J. spent the first eighteen 
 years of his life in his native country, receivin'j a 
 thorough education in the (iernlan tongue, attend- 
 ing school from the age of six to fourteen years. 
 He then began an apprenticeship at the tr.ade of a 
 carriage-maker, at which he served faithfully four 
 3'ears. receiving his board, but no clothing, for his 
 .services. In addition to this his father had been 
 reipiired to pay ii.')() for the privilegeof having him 
 learn the trade. 
 
 Young Schafer not being satisfied with his condi- 
 tion or his pros|)ects upon his native soil, resolved 
 at an early period of his life to seek his future 
 home in .\meriea. As soon as completing his 
 tr.iile. bidding adieu to the friends and associations 
 of his youth, he embarked on a vessel at Havre. 
 France, and sixty -two days later wa.s landed in the 
 1 city of St. Louis. Mo. Thence he proceiMle^I to 
 Belleville, 111., a few miles east of the .Mississippi, 
 and was employed by the firm of Cyrus Roberts, 
 Cox it Co.. with whom he rem:iine<l until they re- 
 moved to Three Rivers, tliis .State. Mr. Schafer 
 accomi)anied them here, and since that time has 
 occupied his pre.-sent |>osition with them. He un- 
 derstands full^' the making of patterns, and, in 
 short, is an adept at the whole business, while .it 
 the same time a prompt, reliable an<l industrious 
 man, who has made himself useful to his employers. 
 
 Our subject was married, in 18.')7, to Miss Mary 
 II. -Vsh. who is a native of Michigan, and the 
 daughter of .lam.'s and Jane .Vsh. To Mr. .and 
 Mrs. .Schafer there have been born four children. 
 
 ■•►' 
 
 f 
 
^ii^K-* 
 
 oC2 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 tliree sons and one (laughter, namely: George. 
 Nettie .1., Earl P. and ( )ra. The two youngest 
 boys are carrying on a farm of eighty acres, the 
 property of tlicir father, wliicli is well stocked and 
 thoroughly improved. Erom this the family en- 
 joy a handsome income, and it is the source of many 
 a comfort and luxury to the household. Their 
 town residence is a neat one, and beneath its hos- 
 pitable roof they frequently welcome the many 
 friends whom they have made during their sf)journ 
 here. 
 
 „^ AliDEN SAlilN. M. I). Ccntreville has 
 III |V seemed a point of attraction for numbers 
 of i^rofesslonal men — men, too. of more 
 than ordinary ability. The medical pro- 
 fession is amply represented, and has no more 
 worthy or popular member than tiie subject of this 
 sketch. His services as a physician and surgeon 
 have been most generously recognized by the peo- 
 ple of tills county, among whom he enjoys an ex- 
 tensive and lucrative business. 
 
 The native place of Dr. Sabin was the village of 
 Orland. Steuben Co.. Ind., where he was born Jan. 
 2. 1840. The eldest of a family of five children, 
 he is the son of Stephen C. and Martha M. (Stocker) 
 Sabin. who were both natives of Vermont, the fa- 
 ther born June 7, 1812, and the mother, whose 
 childhood home wa.s near Jamaica, Jan. 9, 1819. 
 Stephen C. Sabin was a carpenter by trade, whicii 
 he followed during the jears of his early manhood 
 and for a time after his removal to the West. The 
 parents left New England in 183(5. taking up their 
 abode in Steuben County, Ind.. where the elder 
 Sabin became prominent in political affairs, holding 
 various |x>sitions of trust and resjionsiliility, and wa.s 
 finally elected to the Indiana Legislature, in which 
 position be served four terras. The parents both 
 lived at the old homestead in the Iloosier State 
 until three years ago, since which time they have 
 lived with this son. The mother has suffered from 
 total blindne.ss for the last nine years. 
 
 To the parents there were born five children, 
 four sons and one daughter, onl.v two of whom are 
 living, our subject and ids brother Oscar ('.. who 
 is book-keeper and cashier in a wholesale jewelry 
 
 establishment in Chicago. HI., with which he has 
 lieen connected for tiie last ten years. Marden. 
 our subject, spent his boyhood .and youth mostly 
 at the farm of his father in Steuben County. Ind., 
 pursuing his first studies in the common school. 
 He took kindly to his liooks. making good progress, 
 and later became a student at Orland Seminary, 
 where lie prepared liimself for college. In 18;V.) 
 he entered the Michigan rnivcrsity. passing 
 through the Eresiiman. So|>honiore and Junior 
 years, and undergoing a successful examination for 
 the Senior year. During the interval of his return 
 home to spend his vacation, there came a call for men 
 to assist ill putting down tiie Hebellion. and young 
 Sabin. laying aside his personal plans and interests, 
 enlisted as a Union soldier in Comp.any B, 100th 
 Indiana Infantry. He was made a Sergeant upon 
 the organization of the company, and soon after- 
 ward they were sent to Memphis, Tenn.. where 
 (jen. (irant was organizing troops preparatory to 
 the assault upon Vicksburg. The 100th Indiana 
 spent the winter following in Tennessee, then 
 p.assed down the Mississippi River to take part in 
 the siege of Vicksburg. They joined the command 
 of Oen. iSliernian. engaged in the siege of A'icks- 
 burg until its surrender, and later joined in tlie 
 pui-suit of the rebel General. .Johnston, operating 
 around Vicksburg until Augu.st, 1863. Thence 
 they returned to Mem])his and crossed the country 
 to Chattanooga, taking part afterward in the battli> 
 of ^fission Ridge. Later our subject participated 
 in the siege of Knoxville, and was in the Atlanta 
 campaign, after which he marched with the troops 
 of Gen. Sherman to tiie sea. This expedition 
 ended, they moved up tlirough the Carolinas to 
 Washington, taking part in the gi\and review, and 
 being mustere<l out in June. 180;"). at the capitol 
 city. 
 
 In the meantime our subject had been promoted 
 to Fifth Sergeant. Sergeant !Major, later to First 
 Lieutenant, and in June, I8G1, to Captain. His 
 army record was creditable in the extreme, and is 
 one eminently worthy of preservation. I'lion re- 
 tiring tlierefroni. Cajit. Sabin resuinwl the study of 
 medicine with Dr. John Bennett, of Centreville. 
 ■wlio W!U< during the time appointed Professor of 
 •■The Theorv and Practice of ^ledicine," in tlie 
 
 :?^rf^ 
 
-<*• 
 
 ST. .lOSEPII COUNTY. 
 
 
 563 < * 
 
 Cleveland .Medieal Coileije. With liiiii lie read 
 nit'iiiciiH' two ye.'irs. and in tlie nienntiine took u 
 t'our.-i- of lectures in liie nieilieal de|)!irtnu'nt of the 
 Miehijran rniversity; al!<o nuotiier in the Cleve- 
 jaiiil Me<lii-al Colle<je. from wliieh he was >rra(lunle<l 
 in Keliruarv, lH(i7. Later he otlleiated .is Demon- 
 strator of .Vnatomv in a s])rinir course in tlie 
 (levelanil Colletre. and sojourned tliere with Dr. 
 Bennett until .luly. IK()7. Dr. .Sahin now re- 
 turned to Centreville and iissoeiated liimself with 
 Dr. (ieorsie .M. Trowliridge, with whom he con- 
 tinued in jiartnership for a period of ten years, and 
 since that time Dr. Saliin has operated siiifrh' and 
 alone. 
 
 The '2M of .M;iy. 1H(;7. witncsseil the marriage 
 of our subject with Miss Mary M.. daughter of the 
 late Judge P. M. Smith, of the Fourth .ludicial 
 District. Jlrs. Sabin wjus born in LeRoy. N. Y.. 
 .May 2.3. 1846. and came with her parents to this 
 county when a child three years of age. They are 
 the parent* of two children, a sou and daughter, 
 Leland H. and Kdna 15. Dr. Sabin gives the most 
 of liis time and attention to the practice of his 
 profession, and keeps him.self well jwsted ujwn 
 mo<lern theories and methods of practice. l.)eing a 
 close student and an extensive reader. Me thus 
 has little time to give to politics, but usually votes 
 with the Republican i)arty. lie has served on the 
 School Hoard for a periwl of twenty years, has 
 been President of the \'illage Hoard several terms, 
 and in religious matters he and his estimable wife 
 are worthy members of the Haptist Church, in which 
 our subject otiiciates as Deacon. lie also belongs 
 to the (1. A. H., in which organization he has been 
 Post Commander three years. 
 
 !^ AMCKL CRO.SS, Secretary of St. Joseph 
 Counly Village Fire Insurance Compan)', 
 makes his hendqunrlers at Centreville, and 
 has maintained a lifelong interest in this 
 section of couiitr}-, having liecn born in what is 
 now Branch County, near the present site v>f Cold- 
 water, Dee. 31, 1X33. lie was reareil to man's es- 
 tate amid the scenes of pioneer life in Michigan, and 
 his early training was such as wa.< calculated to 
 
 H^t*: 
 
 d<!velop the best points of a character naturally 
 strong and self-reliant. He has had ample experi- 
 ence in the business world, and in connection with 
 the duties of his present position is acquitting him- 
 self in a satisfactory manner to all concerned. 
 
 Next in interest to a man's own personality is tli:it 
 of those from whom he drew his origin. William II. 
 an<l Nancy I,. (Landon) Cross, the parents of our 
 subject were natives of Tompkins County,. N. Y., 
 and .Samuel was the eldest of their five children and 
 the only son. There consequently clustered around 
 him man}' hopes and expectations which it wonhl be 
 safe to presume have in a large measure been ful- 
 filled. William Cross traced his ancestry to Ireland, 
 lie came to Michigan at an early age and after his 
 marriage, which took place in Lenawee County, set- 
 tled near Tccumsch. where he sojourned a short time 
 with his family, and then removed to Branch 
 County, of which they were residents quite a long 
 period. The father of our subject put up the first 
 warehouse in Hillsdale County along the line of the 
 Lake Shore <fe Alichigan Southern Railroad, anil was 
 thereafter engaged extensively in the grain trade, 
 being also Commissioner. 
 
 The father of our subject decided in 1842 u> 
 change his residence to this county, and settling 
 first in Leonidas Township engagerl in general 
 merchandising in connection with other enterprises. 
 He constructed a dam across the St. Joseph River 
 where he put up a sawmill, the operations of which 
 he superintended until 18,50. Next we find him 
 journeying overland to California, where he entered 
 the mines, spent seven 3"cars, and then returned to 
 Leoniilas with a snug sum of money. 
 
 William Cross was bound to make his mark 
 wherever he located, and soon after returning to 
 this county he became interested in politics, and 
 was electetl Judge of the Probate Court, which 
 position he liehl a period of twelve years. He re- 
 tired from this office with his health much impaired, 
 and died at his home in Centreville in October, 
 1886. The wife and mother is still living, making 
 her home on the old homestead. The children are 
 all residents of St. Joseph County. 
 
 Samuel Cross pursued his first studies in the pub- 
 lic schools at Coldwater, and began his ex|)erieuce 
 in the business world as a clerk in the dry-goo<is and 
 
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 k 
 
-<*• 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH roUNTY. 
 
 565 
 
 .John B., wlio was the thin! cliild. and liis three sis- 
 ters. Of these liitter Nam-y is still iiviiifr; Amoret 
 rlieil at the asje of sixty-four years; Kiizalieth is 
 still living. .John H. spent his boyhood mainly in 
 attendanee at the viliaire seh(K>l. and entereil xiyxm 
 his Imsiness eareer a few years later as clerk in a 
 store in Rochester, where he remained until 185(1. 
 He tlien went to Dansville. Livingston County, and 
 W!is similarly oeeupietl live years. 
 
 In 1855 our sulije<'t became a traveling salesman 
 for Hradiier. Smith iV Co.. paper manufacturers and 
 dealers, Chicago, 111. lie contimied with this firm 
 two years in that capacity, and wju* then sent to 
 Three Rivers, as their agent at that place, remain- 
 ing in their emi)loy until embarking in business on 
 his own account. He was desirous of engaging in 
 mercantile pursuits, and with this end in view be- 
 came the partner of Moore. Ha.ssett A- Co., de.ilers 
 in gentlemen's furnishing goods, boots, shoes and 
 clothing. His time w.is thus occupied until the out- 
 break of the Civil War, when he laid .nside his per- 
 sonal plans and interests and enlisted as a Union 
 soldier in the ■2.")th Michigan Infantry. r|M>n the 
 organization of the com|>any ho was elected First 
 Lieutenant, and soon thereafter they were detailed 
 to Louisville. Ky.. and .•issigne<l to the command 
 of Col. Mundy, in the 1st Brig.ide. 2d Division and 
 2;id .\rmy Corps. In August t>f that year they 
 were ordered to cross the Cumlierland Mountains in 
 Tennessee, where they Ifecame identified with (ien. 
 Hurnside's army. 
 
 Lieut. Handy was again the ol>jectof promotion, 
 and we find him. in 18(>4, t^uarterm.aster of the 
 regiment, which i>r>»ition he held until mustere<l 
 out of servitv at Salisbury, N. ('.. in 1805. I'jxjn 
 his retirement from tiie army he returne<l to Three 
 Rivers, and was apjx tinted Postal Clerk of the Lake 
 Shore iV Michigan Southern R;iilroad. o|H'rating be- 
 tween Chicago and Toledo fora |K»ri»Ml of six years. 
 In .June, 1875, he was appointifl the Postnuister at 
 Three Rivers, which otlice he held for a (H^riixl of 
 thirteen years. Having this record, little iipo<is to 
 be ,ndde<i concerning his efficiency and fidelity to 
 duty. 
 
 Mr. Handy remained a Iwchelor until quite late 
 in life, having nearly reached his forty-second year 
 when he was married. His wife was born in School- 
 
 craft, Mich., and is the daughter of .lohn A. and 
 Sarah Lfmiis<»n. .Sjie had been previously married, 
 by which marriage she w.as the mother of one child 
 of her union with our subject there are none. The 
 twain live comfftrtably at a neat home in the 
 northeastern part of the city, and enjoy the com- 
 panionship of hosts of friends. Mr. Handy is now 
 the traveling agent of the Aspinwall Manufactur- 
 ing Company at Three Itivers; he is also Reg- 
 ister of Deeds. 
 
 -^^ 
 
 ,.; I L L I A AI A R N K Y . The h istory of any sec- 
 'ij tion of country is inseparable from that of 
 J/^S its people, and especially its pioneer set- 
 tlers. The sturdy spirits who dared the dangers 
 and difficulties of the wildeniess are i>a.ssiiig away, 
 but they will not be forgotten; on the contrary, 
 there is a greater eflfort than ever being m.ide to 
 |>eriK*tuate their names and the record of their 
 labors. A man wlio to-d.iy can call himself the son 
 of a pioneer occupies an enviable position among 
 his fellows, and to the comparatively few early 
 settlers of St. .loseiih County who still survive 
 there arc extended the reverence and re*i)e<-t which 
 man naturally feels for the jx-culiar character which 
 has bei'U formed amid scenes which are now ini|N>s- 
 sible of repro<Iucti<m. The m<ist we <'an do for 
 these is to preserve in biographical form the tale 
 of their early toil and struggles, also their triumphs, 
 a tale which will l>e read with wonder .ind admira- 
 tion by the firesitles of the future. 
 
 .\s one who looked ujxin .Mii'higjin in its Terri- 
 torial days, we present with satisfaction the name 
 of Mr. .Vrney. who is now living n-tired from active 
 laliorat a handsome ami comfortalile home in Three 
 Rivers. .\ prwluct of New England, he wjis born 
 in Essex County, Vt...Iune 1. 1812. and is thus over 
 seventy -six years old. His parents were .lohn .nnd 
 Ruth (Schoff) .Vmey. of English and Oennan an- 
 cestry respectively. When William was a little lad 
 of alviut six yi>ars the parents removed to Colum- 
 bia County, Pa., .settling near Korwick, where they 
 S|)ent a numN-r of years, then change<i their resi- 
 dence to the coal regions at Pottsvine. 
 
 In the fall of 18;<.i. when our subject was k 
 
 V 
 
 
M^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 .t 
 
 56tj 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 X rio 
 
 young man of twentj'-one years, the family all 
 came to Mit-iiiiran, settling on a tract of wild land 
 in what is now Lofkport Township, this county. 
 The trail of the Indian was still faintly seen, and 
 their white neighbors were few. The father and 
 .sons prosecuted agriculture after the primitive 
 metliods of that day. and succeeded in building up 
 a comfortable homestead. Their property lay in 
 that part of the county wliich is now Lockport 
 Townshi|), .and there the parents spent the re- 
 mainder of their lives, the mother passing away in 
 1 «.">((. and tlie fatlier surviving twenty-one }'ears, 
 dying in 1877. Their family consisted of three 
 sons and one daughter, of whom William was the 
 eldest; the sister makes iier home in Three Rivers. 
 
 Our subject received a common-school education 
 in the State of Pennsylvania, being largely under 
 the instruction of his father, who, having Ijy an acci- 
 dent lost one of his hands, was employed much of 
 the time thereafter as a teacher. Upon coming to 
 Michigan young Arnev assisted in the opening up 
 of the new farm, and remained a member of the 
 parent.al household for six years thereafter. Then, 
 desirous of establishing a fireside of his own. he was 
 married, in his twenty -seventh year, to Miss Emeline 
 Smith, and came to this county early in life. The 
 young peoi)le liegan housekeeping in a very modest 
 dwelling, on a tract of new land which our subject 
 took up from the Government, but five years later 
 he was called upon to suffer a great affliction in the 
 death of liis wife, who passed away leaving two 
 cliildren. one of whom died in infancy. The sur- 
 vivor, a daugliter, Kmily, is married and a resident 
 of New York State. 
 
 Air. Arney. in tiie spring of 18 42. contracted a 
 second mtitrinionial alliance, with Mrs. Mary A. 
 (Lewis) Ash, widow of George Ash, and daughter 
 of Charles Lewis. Slie was a n.ative of New York 
 State. Our subject continued to occupy his farm, 
 which lay in Fabius Township, the long period of 
 forty years. It embraced IGO acres. By years of 
 indaistry and economy Mr. Arney succeeded in 
 bringing the soil to a good state of cultivation and 
 putting up the requisite farm buildings. lie raised 
 large quantities of wheat, whicli he found to be a 
 profitable crop, and continued to operate as an ag- 
 riculturist until 18Hn. when advancing vears ad- 
 
 ^t^^W^^^^^*:^^ 
 
 c 
 
 OL. NORMAN S. ANDREAVS. This late 
 highly respected resident of Three Rivers 
 was born in Monroe County, N. Y., Nov. 
 24, 1824, and departed this life at his home in the 
 pliice above mentioned. May 5, 1882, after a brief 
 illness from pneumonia. He was therefore at the 
 time of his decease aged fifty-seven years, five 
 
 vised him it would be wise to retire. Selling his 
 farm he removed to Three Rivers, of which he has 
 since been a resident. 
 
 Nine children comprised the family of our sub- 
 ject by his present wife, five sons and four daugh- 
 ters. Their eldest, Daniel L., is a resident of 
 Sturgis; Charles W. enlisted as a soldier in the 
 Union Army during the late war, and died in Ten- 
 nessee; Mary is the wife of John .Machin. a resident 
 of Kansas; Frances J. married William Machin, and 
 lives in this county; John W. .and Edgar J. hold 
 the honorable positions of ministers in the Method- 
 ist Episcopal Church; Sarah E. married William 
 Ritchie, and they live in Three Rivers; Ruth A. is 
 the wife of Frank Ritchie, of Hig Rapids, this 
 State. 
 
 Up to the time of the Reliellion Mr. Arney had 
 affiliated with the Democratic parly. He was then 
 convinced that he was on the wrong side of the 
 fence, and wheeled into the Republican ranks, in 
 wiiich he has done efficient service as o|iportiiniiy 
 has occurred. He and his excellent wife identi- 
 fied themselves with the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church in 1840. In this Mr. A. has been a chief 
 pillar, holding its various offices, officiating .as 
 Clas.s-Leader, and occupying other positions of 
 trust in connection tlierewith. He is well versed in 
 the histor}' of Methodism, of which lie lias made 
 quite an extended written record. Although having 
 more than numbered his threescore and ten years, 
 he is still hale and hearty, and an admirable exam- 
 ple of a life of temperance and good habits, and 
 possesses a rich experience of life among the early 
 settlers of St. Joseph County. He is one of those 
 honored men whose names will be held in kindly 
 remembrance long after they have been gathereil to 
 their fathers. 
 
 \ 
 
4^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNT 1'. 
 
 •«»* 
 
 567 
 
 inoiitlis and eleven rla3-s. Nature had endowed him 
 with more than ordinary capac-ilies and fine tastes, 
 and at an early age lie acquired a knowledge of 
 surveying and civil engineering, at which he he- 
 came very proficient, having few equals and ijerhajw 
 no superior in the State of Michigan. 
 
 Col. Andrews came to While I'igpou as early as 
 1851, as it is known that he assisted in platting 
 Sargent's addition to that town in that year. In 
 18,')2 he was an engineer on the Eel River Valley 
 Railroad, and during that j-ear also he accepted a 
 position with the Michigan Southern. During that 
 and the next year this road was located holwcen 
 White Pigeon and Schoolcraft. Col. Andrews was 
 employcil at one time on the Air Line, and in his 
 duties as engineer operated on railroads in Illinois 
 and Wisconsin, and probably other States. Our 
 subject was married after twenty-eight years of age, 
 in December, 1852, to Miss Martha Carlile, step- 
 daughter of Elias S. Swan, of White Pigeon, and 
 with his wife took up his abode in Three Rivers in 
 1856. His talents and his industry' received a 
 ready recognition, and in the fall of this year he 
 was elected Count}' Surveyor of St. .Jose])h County 
 for a term of two years. When his term expired he 
 was re-elected for another term, which closed Dec. 
 31, 1861. 
 
 Being a man of sterling patriotism Mr. Andrews, 
 on the 15th of October, 1861, responded to bis 
 country's call for men, enlisting in Battery F, 1st 
 .Michigan Artillery, with thirty others, and vias 
 chosen .Itinior First Lieutenant. His brother, .lohn 
 S. Amlrews, of Coldwater, was selected as Captain, 
 and the coni|mn3" thus gathered together w.as known 
 as the Andrews Batter}'. It was mustered into the 
 service of the United Siati-s .Ian. '.», 1862. and ex- 
 |)erienced some of the ni(i«t terrible vicissitudes of 
 warfare. 
 
 During it> I'vciiUiil ciircir lliis battery p:irtici- 
 jyated actively in the bntlh-s of Richmond, Ky., 
 Rcsaca. Lost .Mountain. Atlanta, Nashville and 
 many others. In the year 1864 Mr. Andrews assisted 
 in the organization of the 12tli United .States 
 Colored Artillery, and was appointed its Colonel 
 .Iidy 24. His 9U|>erior skill as an engineer attract- 
 ing attention, he was appointed Chief Engineer, 
 with (he rank of Colonel, on the »Laflf of .Mnj. Gen. 
 
 Burbridge. commanding the Department of Ken- 
 tuck.v, which position he held until he was hon- 
 orably mustered out of the service, .Inly 19. 1865. 
 
 The soldierlj- qualities of Col. Andrews, .is had 
 been those of his private life, were of the highest 
 order. After the war, in 1866. he was appointed 
 by President .lohuson United St-ites Marshal for 
 the E.astern District of Michigan, during the mem- 
 orable conflict between the President and the Senate. 
 There were a number of Democratic aspirants for 
 the position, more than one of whom had received 
 executive recognition, only to be rejected by the 
 Senate. Col. Andrews, having some inlluciitial 
 Democratic friends who interceded with the Presi- 
 dent, his appointment was secured, and received 
 promj)t coiilirmation. In 1868, however, when a 
 new administration assumed control, the Johnson 
 appointments were all supplanted, and Mr. Amlrews 
 returned once more to private life. 
 
 In 1874 Col. Andrews w.as again elected to the 
 office of County Surveyor, which position he held 
 continuously, with the exception of one term of 
 two years, up to the time of his death. He had. we 
 are tohl. a very thorough knowledge of law. at one 
 period in his life practiced as an attorney, and was 
 regarded as an able a<lvocate. He platted and 
 mappeil out a number of villages, among them 
 Three Rivers, and chaft«>d the lirst map of this vil- 
 lage m.ade after its consolidation, and which still 
 continues in general use. 
 
 |j lilLLIA.M (i. ( A I.I )WKI.I,. manager of what 
 \sJi was formerly the Three Rivers Mills, and 
 'K^xy what is now the Emery Flouring Mills, is 
 favorably known among the Imsiness interests of 
 the city. .\ native of the State of Penn.sylvania, 
 he was born near Danville, in what was then Co- 
 lumbia, but is now .Montour County. Aug. ."Ml. 1831. 
 His parents. .Samuel and Jane ((Singles) Caldwell, 
 were natives of the same State, and the offspring of 
 .Scotch-Irish ancestry. 
 
 Samuel Caldwell was reared to farming pursuits, 
 and followed these his entire life. William C. was 
 also reared a farmer's 1k)V. and |)ursued his first 
 studies in the flistrict school. Later he attended 
 
 h 
 
-4^ 
 
 56» 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 =^ 
 
 Danville Seminarv. and after pursuing his studies 
 two years in this institrition eoninienced teachinsr. 
 lie thus spent one winter, then engaged as clerk in 
 the Montour Iron Works. After one year there he 
 migrated, in 1852, to this State, locating in Flower- 
 field, St. Joseph County, where, changing his oc- 
 cupation somewhat, he labored as a carpenter and 
 millwriglit, and thus operated for sever.al years. 
 This proved a valuable experience, as he .acquired 
 a thorough knowledge of the machinery belong- 
 ing to flouring-mills, He subseiiuently estab- 
 lished in Three IJivers, eng.aged in the manu- 
 facture of sash, doors and blinds, at which he was 
 occupied until the summer of IH.jfi. Then selling 
 out, lie identified his interests with tliose of Twitch- 
 ell & Swartout, the firm name becoming Caldwell, 
 Twitcliell it Co. They enuiiged in foundry work 
 and the manufacture of .agricultural implements for 
 two years. Our subject then purchased the inter- 
 est of Jlr. Green in the sash. door, blind and lum- 
 ber l)usiiiess. and in connection with .1. W. Arnold 
 and L. T. Wilcox, operated extensively until 1876. 
 At this time Mr. Wilcox sold liis interest to Arnold 
 & Caldwell, and the l)usincss was thus prosecuted 
 until the ilcath of .Mr. Arnold. Our subject then 
 became sole proprietor, and operated alone until 
 188"2. when he sold out his stock and rented llie 
 l)r()peity. 
 
 The year following his withdrawal from the 
 above business. Mr. Caldwell took charge of the 
 rebuilding .and remodeling of what is now the 
 Emery .Alills. and upon its coni|)letion became man- 
 ager. These mills contain a complete roller sys- 
 tem, with a capacity of 500 barrels in twenty-four 
 hours, making a very su[)erior article of Hour. Mr. 
 P^inery. the owner of the mill, and a thorough busi- 
 ness man. is a resident of Bradford County, Pa. 
 The implicit confidence which he placed in Mr. 
 Caldwell is a fiattering commendation to the pniise- 
 worthy manner in which this business was con- 
 ducted. 
 
 The 28th of December, 1858. witnessed the mar- 
 riage of our subject to Miss ^lartha A. Wilcox, 
 who was born in Jefferson County. N. Y.. in Xo- 
 veml)er. 1811. Mrs. Caldwell is the daughter of 
 Peter and Mary Wilcox, who were natives of New 
 York, and are now dead. The family consisted of 
 
 <• 
 
 six children. To our subject and his excellent 
 wife tlierc liave been born two daughters, the elder 
 of whom, ^label, is the wife of Lewis M. Miller, a 
 merchant of K.ansas City, Mo.; Jessie married John 
 F. Drinklc. a dealer in hard and soft coal at Kansas 
 City. 
 
 Mr. Caldwell, politicallj-, is rather conservative 
 in his views, does not desire t>flice. but labors ener- 
 getically for the election of his friends. In early 
 manhood he belonged to the Republican party, and 
 later atfiliated with the Greenbackors. He has 
 served one terra as M.ayor of the city, and two 
 terms as Alderman. Sociall}', he belongs to Three 
 Rivers Lodge No. 57. and Chapter No. 29, A. F. iV 
 A. M. 
 
 jll (=, ville of over 
 '^^il penter by trai 
 
 ^^J^EORGE YAUNEY', a resident of Centre- 
 rer thirt3' years' standing, a car- 
 rade and a skilled workman, the 
 evidences of whose genius maj' be seen in number- 
 less buildings in this town and vicinity, wisely re- 
 tired from active labor in 1882, and is now enjoy- 
 ing the comforts of a pleasant home in the western 
 part of the citj-. He came to Michigan Territory- 
 in 1841. when a young man twenty-three vears of 
 age. and has watched with warm interest the growth 
 and developraentof his adopted county. He formed 
 one of those resolute and persevering spirits whicii 
 dill not allow themselves to be disni.ayeil b}' any 
 or(linary difficulties, but battled with the elements 
 of a new country and came out of the conflict with 
 flying colors. 
 
 The main i)oints in a life history of more than 
 usual interest are esseiitialh' as follows: Our sub- 
 ject was born in the village of Ephratali. In what 
 was then Montgomery Countj*. but is now Fulton 
 County, N. Y.. May 16, 1813. It will thus be seen 
 that be is a veteran of nearl}- sevent3'-six j'ears. 
 His father, Henry Y'aune^', was born in Johnstown. 
 N. Y'.. .Sept. 11, 1779, and met his death by an in- 
 jury received while riding a fractious horse, being 
 thrown violently .against the pommel of the saddle, 
 with f.ital results. 
 
 The Yauney family is of German ancestry, and 
 the first representatives in America settled in the 
 State of New Jersey. There Henry Y'auney. the 
 
■♦■ 
 
 •9^ 
 
 ST. JO.SKPH COUNTY. 
 
 a6"J ' ' 
 
 paternal grand fatlier of our suhjeet. was born Sept. 
 i:!, I74tt. He was llie .-iccdnd sdii of Christian Yau- 
 noy, wlio was liuni in Ai.-.'ict', near tlii" city ofStras- 
 biirg, (lorniany. Tiie m(<tlier of our subject was in 
 her girlhood Miss Klizabeth Allen, a native of Co- 
 lumbia County, N. Y. She was born June 24, 17S3, 
 and was the daughter of Daniel Allen, a scion of 
 a fine old family of Providence, R. I., and of En- 
 jjlisli ancestry. The)" were related to the Spooner 
 family', which emigrated to America in 1600, prior 
 to the advent of the Pilgrim Fathers. The parents 
 of our subject, after their marriage, settled in Mont- 
 gomery Countj', N. Y., where the father was cut 
 down in his prime, when his son George, our sub- 
 ject, was but three years of age. The widowed 
 mother with her four children resided in New York 
 State until the year 183C, then coming to Michi- 
 gan, located near Centreville, and was afterward 
 married to Dr. S. Cumraings. Of her second mar- 
 riage there were also born four children, and the 
 mother died in 1859. The chililren of the two 
 marriages are now eight in number. 
 
 The earl}- years of our subject were spent in his 
 native county, where he mastered the branches of 
 the common school, and at the age of twenty years 
 went to St. Jobnsville, where he learned the car|>en- 
 try trade, and where he met his fate in the person 
 of .Miss Catherine Klock, to whom he was married 
 in 1837. Mrs. Yanney was born in St. .lohnsville, 
 N. Y., ,hine C, 18IG.an<l lived there until her mar- 
 riage. Four 3-ears later, in the fall of lH41.they 
 came to this county and settled on a tract of new 
 land in the vicinity of Three Rivers, which he 
 brought to a good state of cultivation, and upon, 
 which he erected goo<1 buildings. They continued 
 to occupy this until 1H.').5, then changed their place 
 of residence to Centreville. where Mr. Yauney gave 
 his attention almost exclusively- to bis trade, which 
 he followe<l successfully until 18S-2. 
 
 To our subject and his estimable wife there were 
 born three children, one son and two daughters. 
 The s<m, Charles K.,die<l in 185-2, at the age of ten; 
 Elizabeth, the eldest daughter, is the wife of ,Iobn 
 S. Majors, of Centreville; Charlotte F;. is at home 
 with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Yauney have trav- 
 eled the jtiurney of life together for over fiftj- years, 
 and celebrated their golden we<lding in February, 
 
 I 1887. The)' are remarkably well preserved, and 
 , are a most worthy and excellent couple, who by 
 
 their consistent Christian lives have drawn around 
 
 them hosts of friends. Hoth are members in goud 
 I standing of the Dutch Reformed Church. 
 
 Jlr. Yauney cast his first Presidential vote for 
 
 Martin Van Buren, and since the organization of 
 I the Republican party has been a stanch supporter 
 
 of its principles. He has been content to live the 
 I life of a quiet and unobtrusive citizen, having no 
 I ambition for official honors, although in his school 
 
 district he has made himself useful as a member of 
 
 the board fur several years. 
 
 UGIl 1'. STEWART. The subject of this 
 sketch, at present one of the leading at- 
 torneys in the count)', began life in the 
 township of Lockport, in this county, in 
 .luly. 1856. His youth was passed in the vicinity 
 of Centreville, except that he spent a nnujber of 
 years in the neighboring village of Fawn River, 
 where his father conducted a large tlouring-mill 
 and a woolen-mill. 
 
 As a sclmolboy, our subject never was considered 
 a glittering success. His individuality even at that 
 time was marked, and he never willingly bowed 
 before a schoolmaster simply because the latter was 
 clothed in a little brief authority. Nevertheless, he 
 succeeded in gaining a fair education at the Centre- 
 ville Union School, and one which was greatly in- 
 creased by his own labors in historic research and a 
 close study of the English cl.assics. He studied law 
 for two years under Alfred Akey, Esq.. of Centre- 
 ville. and was admitted to the bar in 1878. passing 
 a brdliant exan)iuation. 
 
 Mr. .Stewart continued his studies with assiduity, 
 anil was at a later |K'rii>d in partnership with Mr. 
 Akey for a time. Mr. .Stewart for several years 
 held the position of Township Clerk, and has held 
 various village offices, including that of ^'illnge 
 Attorney. He has always been an enthusiastic Re- 
 publican, and in the fall of 1888 consented to ac- 
 cept the nomination for Pros«'cutiiig Attorney. His 
 election by the largest majority received by any 
 one on his ticket is a suQlcient indication of bis per- 
 
•^^f^ 
 
 :.^h^ 
 
 570 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 sonal [lopularity and professional reputation. He 
 now occupies that position, an<l is senior member of 
 the law firm of Stewart 6: Meaciiam. 
 
 As a lawyer, Mr. Stewart is highly esteemed both 
 by his clients and his brother attorney's. It is a 
 frequent comment that no other member of the bar 
 has gained so rapidly in professional ability. His 
 methods are frequently original, and occasionally 
 looked upon bj' the fraternity as more novel than 
 legal, but as the Supreme Court has a habit of 
 agreeing with him u|)on these occasions, he does 
 not coin|jhiin. While not what is generally termed 
 brilliant, he is possessed of a good knowledge of 
 law, and a w.i^- of presenting it that generally' brings 
 him success. 
 
 As regards his ancestr3- Mr. .Stewart is purely of 
 Scotch descent, though his parents, David and 
 Marj' (McFarland) Stewart, were born in the Slate 
 of New York. David Stewart, who died in 1876, 
 was for many years the leading merchant and busi- 
 ness man of Centreville. 
 
 Mr. Stewart wasmarrie<l, in 1884, to Miss Anna 
 Hasbrouck, of Centreville. and their union is blessed 
 with one daughter. Mr. Stewart is a member of 
 several Msisonic organizations, and was for several 
 years Master of Mt. Hermon Lodge at Centreville. 
 
 JOHN ARMITAGE. Tiie solid and reliable 
 element of Tlirce Rivers, its cultivation and 
 enterprise, are admirably illustrated in the 
 subject of this sketch, who is one of its old- 
 est and most highly respected citizens. After the 
 labors of a well-si)ent life he is domiciled in a beau- 
 tiful residence, surrounded with all needful com- 
 forts and many luxuries, and is living at his e.-ise, 
 being the owner of a large amount of property in 
 the shape of city houses and lots, and a fine farm of 
 215 acres in Fabius Township. Ills land is well 
 improved, with good buildings, ami together with 
 his cit3- propert}' yields him a liberal income. 
 
 Our subject traces his birthplace to the city of 
 heeds, Yorksiiire, England, near which he was born. 
 Jan. li), 1824. His father. William Armitage, w.as a 
 native of the same shire, whence he emigrated to 
 America in 1831, when our subject was a little lad 
 
 seven years of age. The3' located first in Pottsville, 
 Pa., where tiiej- lived some five years and tlicncecame 
 to this county, locating on the banks of the St. Jo- 
 seph River, three miles north of Centreville, and 
 after a time each member of the family was afflicted 
 with fever and ague with no one to assist or wait 
 upon them. This was only one of the many afflic- 
 tions endured by the pioneer settlers. William 
 Armitage possessed a sturd}' perseverance, liowever, 
 and was not a man to flee from difficulties or dut}'. 
 He clung to his |)roperty, and there with his excel- 
 lent wife spent the remainder of his days. 'Ihe 
 mother, Mrs. Bathsheba (Green) Arrpitage, died in 
 middle life, in 1856. The father survived a period 
 of fourteen years, passing away in 1870. 
 
 The parental household included ten children, 
 five sons and five daughters, and of this large fam- 
 ily there is only remaining John Armitage, our sub- 
 ject, and two brothers. He was the eldest son and 
 second chibl. His boj'hood and youth were spent 
 in the manner common to the sons of pioneer far- 
 mers, receiving a limited education in the imper- 
 fect schools of that day, an<l becoming familiar at 
 an earl^'age with the various employments of rural 
 life. Upon approaching manhood he learned the 
 trade of carpentry, but his preferences were for ag- 
 ricultural pursuits. Soon after reaching his major- 
 ity he took the first steps toward establishing a home 
 of his own by his marri.age with Miss .Mary J. Bond- 
 man. This Iad3' was born in Montour County, Pa., 
 and came with her parents to Michigan in 1835. 
 The latter spent their last years in this county. 
 The young people began their w^edded life together 
 on a farm in this count}', where they continueil un- 
 til 1S64, when our subject removed to Three Rivers 
 and thereafter engaged as a contractor, while at the 
 same time he superintended the operations of his 
 farm. Their present residence, a fine brick struct- 
 ure, was completed in 1872, and with its surround- 
 ings forms one of the most attractive homes in the 
 citj'. The family includes two children: .Sarah .M.. 
 who is now the wife of John Grilliths, a hardware 
 merchant of Three Rivers, and George G.. who is a 
 resident of Hastings. Neb. 
 
 Mr. Armit^ige has been for years a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, together with his, excellent 
 wife, and to its support has contributed liberally of 
 
■•► 
 
 ST. JObEl'lI COUNTY. 
 
 571 
 
 liis ine;ins. findinir S'ltisfaclioii in its nilvanctMiient 
 and prusperily. In local politics he believes in giv- 
 ing Ills support to the men best qualified to serve 
 the interests of the people. In SUite anil National 
 affairs hg gives his undivided adherence to the Re- 
 publican party. 
 
 ,KIHKN .M.VCO.MHKH. the youth of nine- 
 teen years who came to the young State of 
 ^\y. Michigan in 1844, is now a veteran of nearly 
 ^^ sixty-four, and the possessor of a rii)e ex- 
 perience in connection with life during the early 
 settlement of this county. lie migrated to this 
 region from (ienesce County, N. Y., where he wa.s 
 born Feb. 18, 1825. He attended school for a time 
 afterward and began his career as a farmer in Park 
 Township, after which he became interested as a 
 stock-dealer, operating in connection with his father. 
 who owned a vorj' large tract of land in Park 
 Township. Tliis land was finely adapted to the 
 raising of corn, which was largely consumed by the 
 stock. Their shipments were made during the 
 winter months, and this business was prosecuted by 
 our subject for a number of vears, .ind until 1866, 
 when he retired from the active labors of life and 
 is now living at his ease, domiciled in a pleasant 
 home in Three Rivers. 
 
 Our subject is the son of Charles and .Mary 
 (^Burt) Maconit)er, who were natives respectively 
 of New York St.ite and ^■erm(mt. the father born 
 July 6, 1800, and the mother March 9, 1805. The 
 latter is still living, making her liome with our sub- 
 ject in Three Rivei-s. Charles .Macoml)er was a 
 very intelligent man. and. although giving his at- 
 tention principally to farming pursuits had a good 
 undcrstiuiding of common law, and frequently 
 olHciated as attorney for other parties before 
 Justices of the Peace. The parents left the old farm 
 in Park Township after a residence upon it for 
 twenty years, settling in Three Rivers, where the 
 father died in October, 1874. 
 
 Ten children comprised the household circle of 
 Charles anfl Mary MaconilH?r. and eight of these 
 are still living, making their home mostly in 
 this Stale. Reuben, our subject, was the second 
 
 child and son. lie was first marrir>d in 1852, to 
 Miss Maria Boutwell. who only survived her wed- 
 ding six months. .Mr. M. did not seek another part- 
 ner for several years, this bereavement jiroving a 
 source of great sorrow and disapixjintmenl in his 
 hopes and plans. In 1868 he contracted a second 
 marriage, with Miss Ora Oritlin. of Kalamazoo 
 County, and to them were born three children — 
 Charles, Gr.iee D. and Ned. Our subject is an un- 
 compromising Republican, politically, and a man 
 who keeps himself well posted Imlh in Slate and 
 National affairs, and those matters pertaining to 
 the world of business and trade. He luis mainly 
 preferred the life of a quiet and unobtrusive citizen, 
 and with the exception of serving as a stockholder 
 and director in the Throe Rivers National IJmk, 
 has confined his attention to his ])rivate business. 
 
 <i«) nWARI) B. LINSLEY, Secretary and Treas- 
 Is urer of the Sheflield Velocipede Car Com- 
 /fc=^ pany. of Three Rivers, is a gentleman in the 
 prime of life and a eai)able and .efficient business 
 man. He came to this place in the sjiring of 1867, 
 and began his business. career here as clerk for the 
 firm of ^Ving <fe JIajor, druggists, with whom he 
 remained a ix?riod of four years. He then formed a 
 partnership with A. W. .Snyder, and they oper.ited 
 together as druggists a number of years, and then 
 Jlr. Linsley sold his interest to his |>artner. and sotm 
 after the organizjition of theShelficld Car Company 
 became a member of that firm. This soon aftorward 
 was merge<l into a stock company and our subject 
 was chosen for the responsible otlices which he still 
 holds. 
 
 The sidiject of this sketch was born near the city 
 of Rochester, .Monroe Co.. N. Y.. July 27. 1847. 
 He is the eldest child of Darius M. and Margaret 
 (Baldwin) Linsley, whose family included only the 
 one son and three daughters. The father was a 
 native of Vermont, a graduate of Middlebury Col- 
 lege, for many years a teacher, and at one time 
 Superintendent of the city schools of Rochester. 
 Sul>se<|Uently he moved to Watt'rtown. N. Y.. 
 where he t<Kik a charge of the Watertown Institute, 
 in those days a witU-ly known educational institu- 
 
 =r 
 
•►-If^^ 
 
 4- 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 tion. - In 18;jG be moved lo Iowa, spent some three 
 years in the Ilawkeye "State, and in 1859 came to 
 Michiiran. Ujeatinir in Kalamazoo. Soon afterward 
 he was made izeneral agent of the Michigan Female 
 Seminary, a iKisition whifh be held several years, 
 and durin<^ wliieh time Kdward B. attended first the 
 public schools and later the High Sehool. He began j 
 Ills mercantile experience as a clerk in the store of 
 Roberts A.- II illhouse, at Kalamazoo. He was an em- 
 ploye of this firm for a number of years, leaving 
 them to take up his residence in Three Rivers. 
 
 ]\Ir. Linsley, in the summer of 187G, led to the 
 altar :Mi.'*s Kmnia Burch. daughter of llosea Burch, 
 Esq.. of Three Rivers. Mrs. L. was born Jan. 17, 
 1852. in Lapeer, and spent tiie early years of her 
 life at Tliree Rivers under the parental roof, re- 
 maining a member of tlie home circle until her mar- 
 riage. :Mr. Linsley holds the office of President of 
 the Building and Loan Association of Three Rivers 
 and also of the Southwestern Jlichigan Fair Associa- 
 tion. His residence is in tlie central part of the cit}-, 
 where he has a pleasant and attractive home. 
 
 .Mrs. Margaret Linsley, the mother of our sub- 
 ject, departed this life at licr home in Kalam.azoo, 
 Mich.. Aug. 25. 1865. The f.ather. in 1807. returned 
 to New York State, and located on a farm in Or- 
 leans County. He is now sixty-four years of age. 
 Tiie Linsleys trace their ancestry back to an old 
 Englisli family whose descendants crossed the 
 -Vtlantic it is believed in the Colonial days.. 
 
 *t 
 
 'if'OHNSON BENNI'VIT. The residence por- 
 tion of Tliree Rivers forms one of its most 
 attractive features, and tiio visitor cuidd em- 
 plvty considerable lime in making a note of 
 the numerous fine dwellings which indicate the lead- 
 ing element in the general character of its peoi)le. 
 In one of these is domiciled the subject of this 
 sketch, a gentleman who during the years of his 
 more active life was closely identified with the 
 growth and i)ro.-perity of the young city, and con- 
 iriltulcd in no small measure lo the development of 
 its resources. 
 
 A native of Ihe Kiiipire Slate, Mr. Bennett was 
 born in its most lovely portion on the bai ks of the 
 
 lorilly Hudson. April 17. 1827. The son of a lead- 
 ing family, bis father was Asa Bennett, a native of 
 Connecticut, a gentleman of fine education and in- 
 telligence, and a giaduate of the New Jersey Busi- 
 ness College. He was a minister of the Dutch Re- 
 formed Church, a man of great force of char.acter, 
 and one who made his influence sensibly felt in the 
 various communities where it was bis lot from time 
 to time to reside. He married, in early manhood. 
 Miss .Sail}' Coram, a native of bis own State, and 
 the daughter of a fine old English family. 
 
 The parents of our subject finally removed to 
 Seneca Countj', N. Y.. where they lived about nine 
 years, thence came in the spring of 1838 to this 
 count}", making the joiu'uey overland with teams. 
 The father selecleil land in Nottawa Township, and 
 was engaged thereafter in its cultivation and im- 
 provement until called from his earthly labors. 
 
 The subject of this sketch w.as tlie fourth in a 
 family of seven children, five of whom are still liv- 
 ing. His bo3bood was spent amid the peaceful 
 employments of farm life, and his education was 
 begun in the common schools of .Seneca County, N. 
 Y. Later he attended school at White Pigeon. 
 Afterward be was a student in Branch University 
 and Albion College. He then returned to the farm, 
 but remained there only a comparatively brief lime, 
 l)referriiig the more stirring scenes of town life, 
 and becoming a clerk in the employ of J. W. Tal- 
 bot, with whom he remained until 1852. F'inally, 
 in the spring of 18G5. be came to Three Rivers, 
 and |)urcbasing ground, built upon the site of his 
 present store. About that time he formed a part- 
 nership with Amos Wolf, and they embarked in the 
 dry -goods trade, operating together for about one 
 year, when the interest of Mr. Wt)lf was i)urcliaseii 
 by J. W. Talbot, and the firm name became Ben- 
 nett <fe Talbot. The partnership continued until 
 1873, when it w.ts dissolvcil, and 5Ir. Bennett con- 
 ducted the business singly. 
 
 The business career of Mr. Bennett was attended 
 with more than ordinal-}- success, he being a man of 
 sound judgment, and one who has ke|)t himself 
 thoroughly posted in regard to commercial trans- 
 actions. Although largely engrossed all his life 
 with business mailers, he yet found lime to estab- 
 lish a iKune and a fireside of his own, being mar- 
 
 i- 
 
-^^ 
 
 4- 
 
 ST. JUSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 ra 
 
 ried in 18.'j4 to a most estimable ladj". Miss Jane 
 Anti's, wlio was burn in Lycoming County, I'a.. 
 and at tiie time of tlioir marriage was a resident of 
 Centreville, tiiis county. Two ciiildren were born 
 of tliis union, a sou and daughter. Charles J. and 
 Claudia. The former is an attorney* in New York 
 City. He is a 3'oung man of more than ordinary 
 abilities, possessing a fine education, and spent three 
 and one-half years in Kurope, and four years in 
 Ann Arbor College. The daughter is also highly 
 accomplished, being a gra<luate of tlie celebrated 
 Wellesly College, near Boston, Mass. 
 
 Mr. Bennett has always been recognized as one 
 of the most ellicient members of tlie community, 
 one adapted admirably to fill positions of trust and 
 responsibility. In 1885 he was elected President 
 of the Village Board, and again in 1887. lie is one 
 of the pillars of the Presbyterian Church, to which 
 he has given a liberal and cheerful support, and has 
 served on its otlicial board a number of years. 
 
 ellANCY K. .SAItS, a wealthy and prominent 
 citizen, and one of the active business men 
 of St. Joseph County, is familiarly known as 
 the proprietor of the Three Rivers Canning estab- 
 lishment, an industry which gives in its season em- 
 ployment to between 400 and 500 men. It has 
 a capacity' of 40.000 cans during the season, and the 
 main building occupies an area of 40x130 feet. It is 
 a large brick structure two stories in height, and was 
 erected in 1882. Attached to it are two wings, 
 45x."jO feet, and the works are supplied with a good 
 engine, and the other requisite niachiner\' for the 
 rapid transaction of business, turning out 20,000 to 
 2."),000 cans, largely of corn. They also handle 
 pears, peaches anil the other fruits. Interested in 
 this project and associated with him is the wife of 
 our subject as a partner, she being a very capalile 
 lady with a good understanding of business. Thej' 
 are people of ample means, and when the canning 
 seas(m is over spend their lime pleasantly in travel. 
 Our subject was born in Lewis County, N. Y., 
 April 27, 1833. of which he remained n resident for 
 a period of forty years, removing thence to Ohio. 
 His parents were Christian and Kmily (Hollisler) 
 
 Sars, natives respectivoli' of New York and Ver- 
 mont, the latter born in Bennington. She is still 
 living, and has now arrived to the advanced age of 
 eighty-five years. Christian Sars is deceased. The 
 parental household included eightchildren. of whom 
 Chancy K., our subject, was the sixth in order of 
 birth. 
 
 Christian Sars was a farmer by occupation, and 
 the boyhood of Chancy E. was spent at the old 
 homestead in the Empire State until reaching ma- 
 ture years. His first business enterprise was in the 
 seed trade, and he finally became connected with a 
 firm at Mt. Morris, which m.ade a specialty of dry- 
 ing corn. In 1873 Mr. .Sars emlmrked in business 
 on his own account, carrying on wh.it was known as 
 the Circleville (Ohio) Drying and Canning Works, 
 which under his excellent managenieut. became, one 
 of the importiint industries of that section. 
 
 Mr. .Sars came to Michigan fortified with a thor- 
 ough experience of the business in which he is non- 
 engaged. He has been a man quite active in poli- 
 tics, and at one time w.as nominated by the Re- 
 publicans of his county as a candidate fur the 
 Legislature, making a good record, and running 
 considerably ahead of his ticket in a strongly Demo- 
 cratic county, being defeate<l by a small niajurily. 
 He has taken a decided stand in favor of temper- 
 ance, a'nd at one time gave himself up to the work, 
 visiting many of the principal towns and cities in 
 Ohio in its behalf. 
 
 Mrs. .Sars was born in Onond.-iga County, N. Y., 
 where she was married to our subject, ami in 1873 
 removed with him to Ohio. They have no children. 
 
 Since the above was written the subject of it has 
 passed from this life, dying Feb. 7. 1889, while yet 
 in the prime of a vigt)ruus manhood. His widow is 
 left to mourn the partner of her earlier years. 
 
 % 
 
 * *ILLIA.M J. ITRNBULL. a pioneer settler 
 \j^// of this county, ami who with his e.xcelleut 
 V7'\5 wife sl.-inds high among the people who 
 have known him for so many years, is iu the enjoy- 
 ment of a good home in the shape of a well-culli- 
 vnled farm lying uii section 2'.l in Burr Onk Town- 
 
 r 
 
-4*- 
 
 574 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ship. Here he 1ms eighty acres of land, and all the 
 buildings necessary for his comfort and convenience. 
 He has lived the life of a quiet and iaw-ahiding citi- 
 zen, at peace with his neighbors, and stekinsr to do 
 good as he had opportunity. 
 
 A native of Glenvillc, Schenectady Co., N. Y., 
 our subject was born July 25, 1824, and is the son 
 of Robert and Elizabeth Turnbull, the former a 
 native of Duanesburg, N. Y., and the latter of 
 Princetown. They were the parents of five chil- 
 dren, aixl the father followed farming all his life. 
 The eldest son, George, is in Princetown; Mrs. 
 Picket and Ellen are in Schenectady; Eveline (.Mrs. 
 .lulin Clow), continues a resident of Glenville, N. 
 Y.; Agnes (Mrs. Calvin Slawson), lives in Todd 
 County, Minn. 
 
 Our subject is the eldest child of his parents. He 
 was married in Glenville, N. Y., Oct. 29, 1850, to 
 Miss Harriet ><. Hullman, who was a native of 
 Glenville, and tiie daughter of Henoni and Mary 
 Bnlinian, who were also natives of Glenville, and 
 passed from earth at their home in that place many 
 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull spent the first 
 seven years of their wedded life in Glenville, then 
 came to Southern Michigan, locating in Burr Oak 
 Township, uixm the land which thej* occupied until 
 18(!0, and which Mr. T. sold that year, puithasing 
 Ins present homestead, which at that time emliraced 
 1 20 acres. He sold forty acres of this in 1 884, and 
 has eighty acres left, which is amply snllicient to 
 furnish him with the neccssarj' income for his com- 
 fort and enjoyment. His career has been one 
 marked by honesty and integrity, while his estima- 
 ble wife has been a true companion and helpmate, 
 standing by his side in storm and sunshine, and in- 
 citing him to every worthy endeavor. 
 
 -*-^=^>^Sr'<>- 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 ISAAC NULL. In the career before us, neces- 
 sarily briefly sketched in a work of this kind, 
 we have that of a man descended from excel- 
 lent Pennsj'lvania stock, who came to Michigan 
 when about twenty-seven years of age with the de- 
 termination to found a homestead upon a poition 
 of its soil and become a worthy citizen among its 
 
 people. He came to this county in the spring of 
 1855, and purchased 103 acres of uncultivated land 
 in the vicinity of Flat Bush, Flowerlield Town- 
 ship, upon which he labored assiduously for its 
 improvement and cultivation, and was so success- 
 ful that he was enabled to add to his landed estate 
 until he became the owner of 1,1 ai acres, which 
 he divided u|) into nine faims. He brought the 
 most of this to a good state of cultivation and en- 
 gaged in mixed husbandry, also in stock-raising, 
 and in due time attained an enviable reputation as 
 one of the most thorough and skillful agriculturists 
 of this region. He occupied his farm until the 
 spring of 1885, then, wisely judging that he had 
 contributed his full share toward the farming inter- 
 ests of St. Joseph County, withdrew from active 
 labor and sought a home in Three Rivere, where he 
 is now living retired and in the enjoj'ment of the 
 fruits of his industr}\ 
 
 To begin with the first experience of our subject 
 in this busy world we find that he first opened his 
 eyes to the light at the modest homestead of his 
 parents near Lewiston, Union Co., P.i., Oct. 13, 
 1825. His parents, Jacob and Sarah (IJaker) Nidi, 
 were also natives of the Keystone Stale, the father 
 born in Berks Count}- and the mother in Union. 
 The former died in Pennsylvania in middle life; 
 the mother sulisequently removed to Ohio with her 
 little family, taking u|) her abode in Sandusky 
 County, where the}' resided a period of twelve 
 }ears. Thence they came to Michigan, and the 
 death of the mother look place at her home in 
 Flowerfield Township in May, 1884. 
 
 To the parents of our subject there were born 
 nine children, five of whom, three l)oys ami one 
 girl, all died in infancy. Two sons and three 
 daughters are living, and residents of this county. 
 Isaac was the fourth in order of birth. lie spent 
 the first fifteen years of his life in his native 
 county, attending the district school and jissist- 
 ing his parents around the homestead. Being the 
 eldest son, he was necessarily made the head of the 
 family after the death of his father, by which afflic- 
 tion they were left in rather straightened circum- 
 stances, and obliged to exercise great industry anci 
 economy to maintain themselves comfortably. 
 
 Mr. Null developed into manhood in Sandusky 
 
 f 
 
■► II <• 
 
 ST. .lOSKlMI COUNTY. 
 
 575 ♦ 
 
 f 
 
 County. Oliio. where lie made the auqiiaintnnce of 
 Miss .Martha. (l:iii;;hler of .lonathan Alexaiificr, 
 and to lier he was united in rnarri.age when he was 
 tweuty-four j-ears old. This lady was also a na- 
 tive of Pennsylvania, and born near Willianisport. 
 The young people began their wedded life to- 
 getner on a small traet of land in Sandusky Count}', 
 Ohio, upon which Mr. Null was enabled to [).iy 
 ^50 down. He wa.-^ to pay il8 per acre, and to 
 have seven years' time at 6 per cent, interest. Seven 
 years later he sold out for double the price he 
 gave. 
 
 Few men have contributed in a greater manner 
 to the development of the agrictdtnral interests of 
 the count}- than the snl)jecl of this sketch, and in 
 business channels he has shown himself no less in- 
 dustrious or lacking in good judgment. In the year 
 1872 .Mr. Null coucludeil to invest a portion of his 
 capital at Three Rivers, and put up the fine brick 
 block a part of which is now occupied by the 
 National Bank. This structure was followed three 
 years later, in 1875. by a handsome and substantial 
 residence, also of brick, and which, with its sur- 
 roundings, forms one of the most attractive homes 
 of the city. He constructed an entire lilock in 
 I88G. which is oceui)ied by six stores, is two stories 
 in height. and forms a decided addition to the busi- 
 ness portion of the town. He also has other build- 
 ings within the cor|)nrate limits. 
 
 The family of Mr. Null comjjrised six children, 
 one son and five daughters, most of whom have 
 fled from the home nest. The eldest. Mary M.. is 
 the wife of Calvin Bingaman, a well-to-do farmer 
 in Flowerfield Township; Sarah A.. Mri>. George 
 Peters, lives on a farm in Flowerfield Township; 
 Lucy is the wife of Alexander Baker, of Flower- 
 fielil Township; .Martha Elizabeth is the wife of 
 Howard Beufer. and lives in Flowerfield Township; 
 Rosa .1.. the youngest. i.< .Mrs. George .Skeer. of 
 Three Rivers, and William married Miss Vie 
 Power. 
 
 Although usually voting the Republican ticket 
 Mr. Null avails himself of the rights of the free 
 American citizen to support the men whom he con- 
 siders best qualified for olHce, irrespective of party. 
 He has given liberally to .schools and churches, and 
 is a member of the United Brethren, of which his 
 
 wife ofHciated .as Trustee and formed one of its chief 
 \ pillars. He is a man of large benevolence anci 
 kindly charity, and it should be a source of pride 
 and satisfaction that he can say the poor have 
 never been turned awiij- from his doors. Mrs. 
 Null died .Ian. 11. 188G, .at her home in Three 
 Rivers. 
 
 €> 
 
 7^ 
 
 JOSHl'll W . FKKNCII. In noting the various 
 industries that have, one after another, 
 been instrumental in contributing to the 
 progress and importance of Three Rivers, 
 none deserve more favorable mention than that of 
 which the subject of this sketch is President — the 
 Three Rivers Paper Company. The very fact that 
 there is a demand for this commodity to such a 
 degree .as to make an establishment for its manii- 
 fa"ture necessary here, is evidence of the intelli- 
 gent class of people who form the bone and 
 sinew of St. .loseph County. .Vmong these Mr. 
 French occupies no .secondary pDsilion. His energy 
 and enterprise are proverbial, ami no one can deny 
 that he is doing honor to bis New Knglaml an- 
 cestry. 
 
 Mr. French was himself born not far from the 
 
 ' rugged Atlantic Coast, in New Haven County. 
 
 1 Conn., .lune H, IB.IS. He is the son of David and 
 hliziibeth (Wooster) French, who were also natives 
 of that .State. The father delved a comfortable 
 living from his native soil, following the peaceful 
 pursuit of agriculture his entire life, and closing 
 his eyes to earthly scenes in the county which gave 
 him birth, in 1815. The mother survived her hus- 
 band nearly thirty-nine years, her death taking 
 place in December. 1881. Their family includtHl 
 five children, two sons and three daughters. Of 
 these Joseph W. was the third of the family. His 
 bovhoo<l days were spent in his native township, 
 where he attended the common school, and was 
 more than usually attentive to his books, lb' 
 finally developed into a teacher, which profession 
 he followed during the winter «ivisiin fur *ome 
 time. 
 
 The Inisiness career of young French began in 
 
 4 
 
-4^ 
 
 o7G 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 4" 
 
 the mauiifacturinji; est.iblisliment of his maternal 
 mule. Henry AVooster. who carried on a good busi- 
 ness as the producer of combs of all descriptions, 
 from plain horn to the finest ivorj-. With him our 
 subject remained a period of five years. He then 
 determined to leave New England, and the fall of 
 1854 found liim in Three Rivers, this county, 
 where he soon afterward formed a jiartnership with | 
 J. S. Shailer. of Boston. Mass.. and J. H. blather. ' 
 of Connecticut, to engage in the manufacture of 
 axletrees for wagons and other vehicles. The firm 
 prosecuted business successfully about five years, 
 then branched out into the manufacture of wagons 
 and carriages. A few j-pars later tlie firm w.is re- 
 organized, under tlie style of 15r.idner Smith & 
 Co., and turned their attention, in connection 
 with the i)revious products of their factory, to the 
 manufacture of paper likewise. This industry was 
 inaugurated in a modest manner, they putting out 
 first simply the different kinds of wrapping paper. 
 As soon as they discovered it was destined to be- 
 come a success, thej- commenced upon good grades 
 of ]irinting paper, and from that day on have met 
 with undiminished success. 
 
 The firm was again reorganized, in 18C7, into a 
 stock company, and operated thus until 18H;').when 
 it was succeeded by the present Three Rivers Pa- 
 per Company, which is now composed of Josepii 
 AV. French and his three sons. The plant is located 
 in the Second Ward, in the southern part of town, 
 conveniently near to the tracks of the JHchigan Cen- 
 tral and the L.ike Sliore Railroads, thus aflfording 
 first-class shipping facilities. Tiie factory is now 
 equipped with modern machinery, and tlie product 
 is of a ver}- superior quality, one that is fullj- 
 recognized all over Michigan and other States in the 
 sending in of large orders, this company probably 
 filling the leading contracts in this section. The3' 
 give employment to seventy operators, and ship as 
 far east as Cleveland. Ohio, taking in Chicago on 
 the way. also St. Louis. Kansas City. Denver, and 
 other important points. Their maehinerj- has a 
 capacity of about six tons per day. 
 
 Mr. French lias lieen connected with this enter- 
 prise from its first inception , and there is no ques- 
 tion that its success is largely' due to his business 
 abilities and good judgment. He is also interested 
 
 in various other leading enterprises at Three Rivers, 
 being President of its National Bank, and holding 
 the office of Vice President of both the Roberts A- 
 Thropp Threshing Machine Company and the Wood 
 Pump Company, of Nilcs. He has also served as 
 I'residcnt of the City Council a term of six years. 
 is a member of the Board of Trustees of the North- 
 ern Asylum, located at Traverse City, and Vice 
 President and Director of the Manufacturers' Mu- 
 tual Fire Insurance Company, of Detroit; likewise 
 a Director of tlie JIutual Fire Insurance Com])any, 
 of Chicago. 111., and a Director of the Midiigan 
 Central Railroad. To give proper attention to 
 these various interests there is required a level- 
 headed man, and the fact tiiat Mr. Freucli has been 
 retained from year to year as a trusted official is 
 indicative that he possesses this (piality in no ordi- 
 nary degree. 
 
 0\-er thirty 3-ears ago, in 1856, Joseph W. 
 French was united in wedlock with Miss Emily J. 
 Wright, who was born in Deep River. Conn., and 
 there reared to womanhood. Three sons have been 
 the issue of this union — Willard W.. Frank J. and 
 J. Edward. They are more tiian ordinarily brigiit 
 young business men, being associated with their 
 father; the eldest .is Vice President of the Three 
 Rivers Paper Company. Frank J. as Secretary, and 
 J. Edward as Treasurer. 
 
 AVINIA (FIELD) BURNS. In writing 
 , the history of any given locality, it is of 
 ^. necessity tiie history of the people inhabit- 
 ing the place described; the tendenc}- is to refer 
 only to the lives of the male members of the popula- 
 tion. In this case we find it our ple.isiirable dutj' 
 to depart from the usual routine, and refer to the 
 life work of the lady whose name heads this sketch, 
 and who now resides in Mottville A'illage, and the 
 part taken by her and her iiusband, Thomas Burns, 
 now deceased, in bringing about the exceedingly 
 favorable conditions that are enjoyed by the people 
 of the township. 
 
 This lady was born in Steuben County, N. Y., 
 townsiiip of Prattsburg, in 1823. She is a daugh- 
 ter of Darius Field, who was born in the Slate of 
 
 t- 
 
 4» 
 
 f- 
 
-4•- 
 
 ■■» ■ ^ 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 Vprmoiil, and livi-il there until lie reached years of 
 mnnhiiod. lie married Saioma Clark, and removed 
 with her to Steuben (.'uunty, N. Y. Tliey lived in 
 Steuben County for thirty-live years, where he fol- 
 lowed farniinLr.eominfi then to Miehi^'an and .seltlinij 
 HI C'onstantine. where they rented a farm for two 
 years, at the end of which they purchaser! land in 
 Cass County. Mich., where they lived for some 
 lime; they then moved to .Mottville, where they 
 lived a retired life until the days of their death, 
 which occurred Feb. 16, 1871. and .Jtdy 2, 1S64. 
 Both were devout members of the .Methodist K|)is- 
 copal Church. 
 
 This lady is one of a family of ten cliihlren. who 
 were named : Lavinia, klioda Adelia. Harvey K., 
 Hcrniione, Destimone. Darius, Saloma, Chester A., 
 Emory G. and Caroline, lihoda A. married Mr. 
 Orris Brings, in Prattsburg. N. Y.; after they had 
 been married about twenty-eight years they moved 
 to Michigan, and reared a family : she died in Lena- 
 wee County, at the resilience f>f her daughter. 
 Caroline married Christopher Wolgamooil : she, with 
 her husband, lives in Nebrjiska. Chester A. lives 
 in liussell County, Kan.; he is married to Rosalie 
 Braginton, a native of Michigan, her father being 
 a farmer in this State. Henry K. w.is born in 
 Wayne County. N. Y., and came West with his 
 parents; at present he resides in Mottville Town- 
 ship, llermione and Destimone are twins: the 
 former was married to .Joseph Parker, a resident of 
 •Steuben Count}', N. Y., where he died; she is still 
 living, a widow. Destimone is the wife of Nathan 
 Hess, who is a native of .Steuben County, N. Y. ; 
 they now reside in Jncksop County, in this State. 
 Darius and .Saloma are another pair of twins: 
 Darius married .Sarah R;iv, a native of .Michigan, 
 and they live in Kalamazoo; he is not in active 
 life. Saloma is living in Ontario County, N. Y.. 
 in the town of Naples; she is the wife of Hollis 
 Tyler, who is a farmer near that town. Emory G. 
 was a resident of Nebraska until his death, which 
 occurred on Thanksgiving Day. 188,5; he married 
 Elizabeth Braginton, who survives him. Mrs. 
 Burns is the mother of three children, all living. 
 They were named: Clayton .1., now living in Cali- 
 fornia, and in the mercantile business; Hcrm}* is 
 living in Benzie County, near South Frankfort. 
 
 Mich., anil is married to Willard Cook; he is a far- 
 mer. Hollis T. is in the .State of Oregon, and is a 
 single man; he is a great traveler. 
 
 Mrs. Burns was married to her husband Aug. 19, 
 1847. The latter was always a farmer until he 
 moved into Mottville N'illage. when he retired from 
 active life. At the time of his maniage with our 
 subject he was a widfiwer; his first wife, Rebecca 
 Odell Burns, died in the year 1844, on their home 
 faiiii in Cass County. Mich. After her death he 
 exchanged the Cass County farm for another in the 
 same county, which he owned for thirteen years, 
 when he disposed of it to William .Simmons. After 
 selling this farm he bought land east of White Pig- 
 eon, where he resided for four years, when he sold 
 it and bought other property in Cass County, which 
 contained 130 acres and was well improved. It was 
 located on the Chicago Road. After operating 
 this for a number of years he sold it, and moved 
 into the village of Mottville. and retired from 
 active life, and there he died .Jan. 1, 18««. 
 
 Mr. Burns' first purchase of land in Michigan was 
 a body of 500 acres from the Government, which 
 he improved, and finally solil at a |>rice which 
 made him some recompense for the many weari- 
 some d.ays of hard lalior, and weeks and months of 
 trouble and hardship endured. All of his tiisles 
 from his earliest life were inclined to farming, but 
 in the year 1849. when the gold fever was epidemic 
 in the countrN-. he did not escape the conLigion. and 
 he would not feel content until he had visited the 
 new Eldorado. He crossed the |)lains to California 
 with an ox-team; he was captain of the train. 
 During his absence his family lived on what is now 
 known as the Ricker farm. During his stay in 
 California, which Lasted about two years, he was 
 successful in the object for which he visited the 
 Golden State. He would have remained there 
 longer had his family kept well, but serious illness 
 obliged him to return. Jan. 1, 1888, he died, at 
 the age of eighty years, seven months and twenty- 
 one days. During his life he was a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, in which organization 
 he had held the ollice of Steward for many years. He 
 w.as a Class-Leader in the same church for fifteen 
 years. In the earlier years of his life he cast bis vote 
 with the Democratic party, but becoming disgusted 
 
 ^^1^ 
 
578 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 ^•^T* 
 
 with the course of that piirtv on certain vital ques- 
 tiuns. lie cast his ballot ever afterward with the 
 Republican party. 
 
 Mrs. Burus has passed through all the hardships 
 and sufferings incident to the life of a pioneer, 
 which she has borne unconiplaininglj'. and she has 
 richly earned the reward of years of quietude and 
 peace, which are now her portion. She enjoys the full- 
 est confidence and respect of all wlioknow her, and 
 none can enter her presence without feeling that tliej- 
 are before one of the man}' noble women and mothers 
 who have contributed so largel}' and done so much 
 to provide for the present generation the comforts 
 and the many advantages they now enjoj'. 
 
 YRUS ROBERTS. Close upon the heels of 
 other leading enterprises in Three Rivers, as 
 ^^r' the cily began to develop in wealth and 
 population, was established the threshing-machine 
 and corn sheller works, and of the company car- 
 rying it forward the subject of this sketch is the 
 President. He is a man eminently fitted for a po- 
 sition of trust and resii(insil)ility. one possessing 
 more than ordinary inlelligence and busine,«s qual- 
 ifications. A native of the State of Pennsylvania, 
 lie was born near the well-known town of Taylors- 
 ville. in Bucks County, Aug. 14. 1820. and is the 
 sou of Samuel and Delilah (Holcomb) Roberts, who 
 were also natives of the Keystone State. 
 
 Samuel Roberts was a well-educated man. and 
 followed the profession of a teadier a number of 
 years during his early manhood. Cyrus, our sub- 
 ject.was the second child of a "family compri-sing two 
 sons and one daughter. His boyhood days were 
 spent mosllv in school until the age of thirteen 
 years, when he commeuced a regular apprenticeship 
 at the trade of cabinet-maker. Five j-ears later he 
 started out for himself, following in the meantime 
 his trade until a man, of twenty -eight years. Ten 
 years of this time were sjient as pattern-maker in 
 different places in his native State, during which 
 he (lispl.ayed more than ordinary ingenuity and 
 skill. 
 
 In the fall of 1848 Ur. Roberts emigrated west 
 to liellevue. 111., where he engaged in the nianuf-ict- 
 
 ■4* 
 
 ure of threshing-machines upon a capital of S^'iOO. 
 This was regarded as a rather hazardous experiment, 
 but bj- careful economv and good management, he 
 niiide of it a success, in the meantime taking in a 
 partner. John Cox, they operating together under 
 the firm name of Roberts it Cox. Four years later 
 our subject purchased the interest of his partner, 
 and in the winter of 185C returned to his native 
 State and spent one jcar. after which he began 
 making preparations for settlement in the farther 
 West. On the way hither he stojjped in St. Joseph 
 Count}-, Mich., to visit an old friend and shop- 
 mate, Stephen Hibbs, and later purchased what is 
 now known as the Robert.s, Thropj) & Co.'s plow 
 shops in Three Rivers. Later he visited many of 
 the ^^'estern States and Territories in the interest 
 of Roberts, Thropp ife Co., taking in besides Old 
 Mexico and other points of interest in the South- 
 west. 
 
 In 1884 Mr. Roberts completed the invention of 
 a corn-sheller. which takes corn in the husk and 
 produces it clean and in good condition for grind- 
 ing. With the most thorough understanding of 
 his business and a practical knowledge which can 
 be gained in no way so well as by experience, he is 
 well fitted for the position which he now occupies 
 in connection with the industry which bears noun- 
 important part among the various manufactures 
 of Three Rivers. 
 
 Mr. Roberts was married in the twenty-third 
 year of his age to !Miss Rebecca Thorp, a native 
 of New Jersey, and they became the parents of 
 four children, one daughter and three sons. The 
 eldest, James B.. is connected with the establish- 
 ment of which his father is President, as is also 
 Oeorge A., Treasurer; Horace is in Denver, Col., 
 and Carrie remains at home with her parents. 
 
 NDREW THOMA. About one of the first 
 ^Wj lj enterprises in the building up of a com- 
 ///~1|) munity is the blacksniilh-shop, an institu- 
 tion wholl}' indispensable, both in town 
 and in connection with the farm. The blacksmith 
 is almost invariably a in.an in comfortable circum- 
 stances if he be honest and frugal, as this class usu- 
 
M- 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 579 
 
 ally nrc. Tlie subject of this sketch forms one of 
 ibe most nortlu' momliers of ilm crafl. mid has a 
 proper luiderstniiiliiii; of liis business in all its de- 
 tails. He is the owner of a good property, and has 
 always been able to maintain liimself and his family 
 in comfort. This fiut, added to his reliable quali- 
 ties of ciiaracter and hi« promptness in meeting liis 
 obligations, has maile of him a highly respected 
 citizen in Three Rivers and vicinity. He combines 
 with his blacksmithing the business of a general ma- 
 chinist, and since his establishment at this point has 
 been tendered the generous patronage of its people. 
 
 Jlr. Thoma is a native of Germany, having been 
 born in the tirniid Huchy of Baden, .Ian. 24, 18.30. 
 His father. Martin Thoma, was a miller by trade, and 
 married a laily a native of his own Province. An- 
 flrew, like his brothers and sisteis, was placed in 
 school at the age of six years, and pursued bis 
 studies until sixteen. When nine years old he com- 
 menced learning the miller's trade, working every 
 other night in the mill, and attending school b}' the 
 day. This, however, was not entirely congenial to 
 his tastes, and when eighteen years of age he aban- 
 doned it and began learning blacksmithing. Upon 
 reaching bis majurit3' he determined to emigrate to 
 America. After landing in New York City he pro- 
 ceeded westward to Tole<lo, Ohio, where he spent 
 two years, and thence emigrated to White Pigeon, 
 this County. He continued a resident of the latter 
 place five years, working in a blacksmith-shop and 
 at whatever else he could find to do. and practicing 
 the most rigid economy in onler to make both ends 
 meet and save something besides. 
 
 The genuine German thrift and prudence of Mr. 
 Thoma met with their legitimate reward. He founil 
 frienris wlierever he went, and was selcloni out of 
 work. In the spring of 1 8i)2 he changed his resi- 
 dence to Lockport, and became an employe in a 
 mainifacturing shop. He remained with this firm 
 a |)eriod of fifteen years, and upon Ids withdrawal 
 established a Itlacksmilh-shop of his own. 
 
 Our subject was marrietl, in 1 M.VI, to Miss Hannah 
 .Schuler, then of Wliite Pigeon. Mrs. Thoma is a 
 native also of the Fatherland. Her parents died in 
 .St. Louis, .Mo. Mr. ami .Mrs. Thoma became the 
 parents of ten children, six sons and four daugh- 
 ters. The eldest of these, Carrie W., is the wife of 
 
 George Haun; Rachel is the wife of Joseph Leck- 
 ner; Charles and William, twins: George H. and 
 Jennie J.: Mary is the wife of Arthur llahn; .bihn 
 lives in Kalamazoo; Adam A. is engaged as a 
 jeweler in Otlumwa. Iowa; Freddie died at the age 
 of eighteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Thoma are 
 memliers of the Reformed Church. They have a 
 neat and comfortable residence, and Mr. Thoma 
 r)wns his sIk)|) with its equipments. He is rcganled 
 as a reliable citizen. an<l has man}- friends. 
 
 rCJU.STl S H. KIlNSKNHOl si:, a lumber 
 lE=/4iI| deader of many ye^rs experience, became 
 IS a resident of Three Rivers in 1885, and in 
 the >pring of 1887 f(»rmed a jmrtnership 
 with Fred II. Muss. They have since ojK'rated to- 
 gether under the firm name of Rensenhouse A- 
 Moss, and they are transacting a lucrative busi- 
 ness, dealing also in wood and coal. The leading 
 characteristics of the firm are the prompt attention 
 to the wants of their )\atrons. their square dealings 
 generally, and their value as members of the com- 
 munity. 
 
 .Mahoning County. Ohio, was the birthplace of 
 our subject, and the date thereof .\ug. 28. 1«1M. 
 He was the third son and fifth child in a family of 
 twelve, the offspring of Frederick and Caroline 
 (Barron) I{ensenhouse. The father was a man pos- 
 sessed of much meclianieal genius, and for many 
 yeflrs foreman of a blast furnace in Youngstown, 
 Ohio, where he died in middle life, having been 
 burned to death while at the furnace. The balance 
 of the family left the Buckeye State about 1854. 
 settling first on a tract of land in .\llegan County, 
 this .State, where they live<l for many years. The 
 mother is still living at the old homestead in .■\lle- 
 gan County. 
 
 The first fifteen years of the life of our subject 
 were s|K'nt in Youuffstown. Ohio, where he attended 
 the common school. Later he entereil the nail de- 
 partment of the rolling-mill of Brown. Itonnell \- 
 Co.. where he spent five years. U|xin coming to 
 Michiiran he lived for a time with his mother's 
 family in .Mlegan County, and later engaged in the 
 lumber trade as the a.«.sooiate of Ira Chafee. nt 
 
 * 
 
 •4^ 
 
"^ ► ~^ ll 4' 
 
 580 
 
 ST. .lOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 Alleiran. tlic county .<e.it. This piiitner.^liip con- 
 tinued until the removal of our subject to Three 
 Rivers in 1885. 
 
 Mr. Rensenliouse at the a2:e of twenty years 
 formed domestic and matrimonial ties, being mar- 
 ried in 1868 to Miss Hattie Clarke, of Allegan, and 
 they commenced tlie journey of life toyetlier in 
 Allegan County. Mich. This lady was born April 
 8, 1850, in Holland, and is the daughter of Adrian 
 and Fanny Clarke, who are now- still living in Alle- 
 gan County. To our subject and his estimable 
 wife there have been born foui- diildren: Cora, 
 deceiised; Grace, (ilenn and Raymond. Mr. Ren- 
 senliouse votes the straight Democratic ticket, and 
 in connection with his business interests is also 
 the drain Commissioner of St. Joseph County. He 
 belong.H to Lodge No. 8(1. at Three Rivers. 
 
 
 ^ILLIAM A. AKKY. the twenty-one-year- 
 old editor of the Centreville Times, is a 
 native of this place, and wa.s born March 
 13. 18()8. His parents were Alfred and Jmogene 
 (Allison) Ake}-, the former a native of Pennsyl- 
 vania, and the latter of New York State. They 
 came to this section about 18G7, settling in Centre- 
 ville, of which the elder .Mvcy is now a prominent 
 attorney. 
 
 Our subject, the only son of his parents, was 
 reared and educated in his native town, and after 
 emerging from the public school entered the oftice 
 of the Cnisader. at the age of fourteen years, to 
 leani the printer's trade. Foub months later he 
 became connected with the Reptthliran otllce, re- 
 maining there two years, ^^'e ne.xt find him with 
 the Sturgis Journal,a.nA seven months afterward he 
 was local editor of the White Pigeon Journal, con- 
 ducting this seven montlis. In .Inly. 1887. he took 
 charge of the Centreville Times, of wliich he 
 served as editor until Jan. 20, 1889. when he sold 
 to Morten Walls, of White Pigeon. 
 
 The Times was established in .September, 1884, 
 by Martin & Twitchell, and the latter two years 
 later disposed of his interest in the business to liis 
 
 partner. It is Democratic in politics, and the aim 
 of its editor is to furnish to the people of this 
 county the current news in succinct and interesting 
 style. 
 
 EMANUEL M. CKOIKiE. The mercantile 
 interests of Three Rivers have in nowise lieen 
 behind those of her sister cities, and present 
 a fair showing in comparison with the other enter- 
 prises which have given the city her advanced posi- 
 tion among the communities of the West. Among 
 those who first established .-us a general merdiant 
 w:is Mr. (Jeorge, who. after conducting a successful 
 business a period of twenty years, retired upon a 
 competency in 1881. and now occupies a comfort- 
 able and attractive home in the northern p.art of 
 town. 
 
 Pennsylvania, which has contributed so nuich of 
 her best element for the development of the far- 
 ther West, owns our >ubject as one of her sons, he 
 having been born near Pellefonle, Center County, 
 March 2;J, 1826. His parents, Jon.as .and Rebecca 
 (Hettinger) George, lived there a number of j^ears 
 after their marriage, tlien removing to the vicinity 
 of Hucyrus, Ohio, when their son Kmanuel M. was 
 a mere child, they settled on a farm, where they 
 lived until he w.as a lad of twelve years. Thence 
 thev removed to Ashland, then Wayne County, 
 whereour subject attained to man's estate and 
 learned the trade of carpenter. 
 
 Mr. George then ilrift*d to .Seneca County, Ohio, 
 where he met his fate in the person of Miss .Mary 
 Null, to wliom he was married in 1849. They so- 
 journed there until 1857, then came to Three 
 Rivers, and Mr. George engaged in mercantile 
 business until the outbreak of the Rebellion. He 
 then went .South in the employ of the (iovernment 
 as a mechanic, but six months later returned home 
 after his wife, who accompanied him back to the 
 South. He was now placed in charge as foreman 
 of a gang of men employed in the building of hos- 
 pitiils, bridges, etc.. remaining another six months. 
 
 Upon returning again to Three Rivers Mr. 
 George resumed merchandising, which he carried on 
 successfully a period of eight years, and then traded 
 his stock of goods for a farm of 200 acres, one and 
 
 T 
 
■^^ 
 
 •^^ 
 
 ST. .lOSKlMI COUNTY. 
 
 581 
 
 one-lialf miles west of Three Rivers. In .liiiic. 1888. 
 lie opened a nolion .■md variety store wliieli is now 
 located in Null's Block on St. Joseph street. He 
 8till re'taius posse.ssion of his farm, and has a 
 ;r<«>'l town residence, .-ill his properly l)ein<r free 
 from incumlirance. .Mr. (ieorj^^e began luisiness 
 with a limited capital, and even borrowe<l a 
 pair of pantaloons to hi' married in. He is now 
 independent, through his own unaided industry 
 and perseverance. He possesses considerable in- 
 ventive genius, the residt of which is an ad juslnlile 
 hinge for farm gaits and a self car-coupler, u|if)n 
 which he has taken out a patent, lie also invented 
 a device hy which use any and all crank machin- 
 ery overcomes the dead centre. This latter inven- 
 tion, especially, is of great interest. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. (ieorge there has lieen horn one 
 child only, who died in infancy. Mrs. (i. was born 
 in I'nion County. I'a.. Feb. 22, 1827, and in 1844 
 removed with her parents to Sandusky County, 
 Ohio. Her |)arent'< were Jacob and Sarah (liaker) 
 Null, who spent their last years in I'nion County, 
 I'a.. and .St. Joseph County. !\Iich.. respectively. 
 
 i''S.\AC SCH()(IN.M.\K1:H. a well-to-do farmer 
 ] of Park Townshij), the son of an honored pio- 
 _i neer of .St. Josc|)h County, and in the enjoy- 
 ment now of a line properly, may be termed most 
 pro|ierly a self-made man. His father came to 
 Micliiiraii with very little means, liut with tliestrong 
 hands an<l resolute will which seldom fail of bring- 
 ing success. Like him. tmr subject has been one of 
 the most useful members of the community in which 
 he has lived and labored s<.> many 3-ears, and en- 
 joys in a marked degree the esteem and confidence 
 of the people around him. His i)ro|)erty, in the 
 shape of a line farm of 1 in acres, with modern im- 
 provements, is pleasantly locate<l on section 20. 
 
 Our subject was born in I'ark Township. Oct. 10, 
 18.'il, and is the son of Abraham and Cornelia 
 (Tuttle) .Sehoonmaker, both natives of I'lster 
 County, N. Y. There also they were reare<l and 
 married, and thence emigrate<l to Michigan in 18.S7. 
 The father purchasefl eighty acres of land in I'ark 
 Townshiji at ♦fi.2.'> |>er acre, from which he cleare<l 
 
 the timber at a lime when his neighbors were few 
 and far between, lie and his excellent wife .en- 
 dured hardship and privation, together with the 
 toil and anxiety common to those who were strug- 
 gling to build up a homestead from the wilderness, 
 with ix>or facilities for market, and the many in- 
 conveniences incident upon the absence not only 
 of railroads, but every other means of spec<ly loco- 
 motion. 
 
 .Vbraliam Sehoonmaker was an energetic .and ca- 
 pable man. and became prominenl in the affairs of 
 his township, serving as .Sui)ervisor and .lustice of 
 the Peace for nearly twenty years, with credit to 
 himself and in a manner satisfactory to the |)eople 
 around him. He was kept in the ollice until de- 
 clining its cares antl resi>onsibilities. He identi- 
 fied himself with the Presbyterian Church when it 
 was established at Three Rivers, and during the 
 remainder of his life contributed liberally and 
 cheerfully to its supixirt. In his death the county 
 lost one of her best citizens and most public-spirited 
 men. His decease took place Feb. 4. 1882. The 
 wife and mother ha<l p.assed to the better hind the 
 previous year, her death occurring Aug. 3(1. 1H«1. 
 
 The parental houseluild of our subject included 
 seven children, four of whom are living, namelv: 
 Harvey, a resident of Park Township; Edward T.. 
 of Park Township; Rachel, widow of the late Scott 
 Rankin, of Cenlreville, this Stale, and Isaac, of our 
 sketch. The father, politically, was a stanch Dem- 
 ocrat, and was familiarly known .as "Old Squire 
 SclKMinmaker." \lo performed the marriage cere- 
 mony for many a couple in the pioneer days, and 
 was the favorite of young and old. being of that 
 cheerful tem|HM-ament which made friends of all 
 with whom he came in conl.act. 
 
 Our subject was reared Ut manlKxHl un<ler the 
 parental roof, pursuing his first studi«'s in the dis 
 trict school. Later he attondcfl Hillsdale College, 
 where he prepared himself for the profession of a 
 teacher, which he followed for a period of fourteen 
 winters in succession, :uid in the summer usually 
 worke<i upon the farm. He was married, April 12. 
 1877, to .Miss Martha Deals, also a n.alive of this 
 county, and the d:nighter of Oranlum and Tlieres.i 
 (Mack) Deals, of Park Township. Of this imion 
 there was born one child, a daiighter Afaliel. .\pril 
 
 4' 
 
582 
 
 .t 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 17, 1881. Jlr. Sclioonmaker owns a one-third in- 
 terest iu 220 .acres of land, wliere he lives and where 
 he has carried on farming continuously for a pe- 
 riod of fifteen years. Like his father beft)re him. 
 he is a stanch Democrat, politic-ally, has served as 
 .School Inspector two terms in his district, and 
 Township School Superintendent for three terms. 
 He olHi-iated as Township t'lerk seven years in suc- 
 cession. Socially, lie is a member in good standing 
 of the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 206. .at Moorepark, 
 in which he is Master. .June 25. 1888. he was ap- 
 pointed Postal Clerk on the Grand Rapids & VAk- 
 liart Railroad. 
 
 
 ON. W.\RREN J. WILLITS, .an ex-member 
 of the .Michigan .State Senate, and now 
 ^ President of the Sheffield Velocipede Car 
 Company, having its factory and head- 
 quarters at Three Rivers, is regarded as one of the 
 most capable business men of the city. He is a 
 native of this Stale, having been l)orn in Cambria 
 Township. Hillsdale County, Aug. 19, 1853. His 
 father. .Jonathan Willits. was twice married, his 
 first wife being Laura Pinley; she died a few 3-ears 
 after their marriage, leaving a daughter, who is 
 now the wife of .John Tracy, of .lackson. Tenn. 
 Some time afterward Mr. Willits was united in mar- 
 riage with Ann E. Finle3', a sister of his first wife. 
 All were natives of Wayne County. N. Y. This 
 latter union was blessed witli several children, of 
 whom, however, only two lived to maturity, our 
 subject being the elder. 
 
 Jonathan Willits was a farmer, pursuing that 
 vocation in the State of New York for many j-ears. 
 Believing, however, that there w.is a lietter field for 
 ills labors in the young and growing State of Michi- 
 gan, he at an earlj- day emigrated to Hillsdale 
 County, where he tilled its primitive soil success- 
 fully. His first visit to Michigan was m.ade in 
 1833, while it was a Territor3-, and two vears later 
 he made settlement in Hillsdale. There he re- 
 mained until 18t;4. when he sold his farm and 
 removed to Three Rivers, where he engaged in the 
 manufacture of wooden ])umps. conducting that 
 busine.ss with reasonatile success until 1877. He is 
 
 V 
 
 now retired from active labor, but still makes his 
 home in Three Rivers, an honored citizen, and in 
 the enjo3'ment of a competence acquired b^- years 
 of industry. He hsis never taken a very active 
 part in puldic matters, but h.as been a member of 
 the Town Council for several terms. When a youth 
 his opportunities for educ.ation were limited, but 
 his native shrewdness and close observation have 
 made him a well-informed man. 
 
 At the time of his parents' removal to Three 
 Rivers, Warren J. Willits was but a boy of fourteen 
 3'ears. His life has since been spent within the 
 limits of the eitv which he still calls home, and 
 which is proud to own him !js one of its best citi- 
 zens. He began his business career as clerk in the 
 feed store of A'. B. Clark, with whom he remained 
 two vears. Subsequentlv he clerked in the post- 
 office under A. B. R!inne3-, and filled that position 
 acceptably for a period of three years. Next as 
 book-keeper he entered the emplo3- of the Michigan 
 Pump Compan3-. with which he was connected four 
 3'ears. 
 
 Having now accumulated some capital, Mr. 
 Willets formed a partnership with his father, and 
 thev conducted the manufacture of pumps one 
 year, when the business was merged into the firm 
 of Willits & Webb, which partnership continued 
 .about five years. In 1879 our subject associated 
 himself with Ceorge S. Sheffield, the inventor of 
 what is called the railroad velocipede, and began 
 the manufacture of the same in a small w.ay under 
 the firm name of Oeorge S. .Sheffield iV Co. Thev 
 sold the first few machines manufactured to the 
 Michigan Centr.al Railroad, and the result of this 
 was a growing demand, which compelled them to 
 enlarge the capacit3' of their works, and conduct 
 the l)usiness on a more extensive scale. 
 
 Mr. Sheffield finally disposed of his interest 
 therein in 1882. and a joint stock company w.is 
 formed under the name of the '"Sheffield Veloci- 
 pede Car Companv." the entire stock being owned 
 by Warren J. Willits. E. B. Linsley and R. H. 
 Webb. Mr. Willits is President. Mr. Linsley 
 Secretarv and Treasurer, and .Mr. Webb Vice 
 President. Shorth- after the organization of the 
 comp.any. thev began the manuf.acturc of handcars 
 and |>usli cars. Five years later they began put- 
 
 
t. 
 
 ••»> 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 583 
 
 ting out railroad stand pipes. Tlio works are lo- 
 t-ated in tiicsoullicrn ])art of the cit)', near the tracks 
 of till' Mifliipm Central and I.ako Shore <V Miclii- 
 gan Southern linilroad;). whieli atlords tlieni admira- 
 ble shipping facilities. The linildinfjs have been 
 frrently enlaraed, and are substantial structures of 
 brick and wood, conijirising an area of about 60,- 
 000 square feet of floor space. The amount of 
 business transacted by the company is indicated b\' 
 the fact that thcj- give employment at times to a 
 force of 200 men. Their protUicf.s are sold all 
 througli the United States, besides being shipped to 
 foreign countries, including .Vustralia. They fre- 
 quently- send out as many as 100 machines at one 
 shipment. This is the leading industry of the 
 county. .\ private office is finely fitted up and 
 equipped with every convenience for the rapid 
 transaction of business. 
 
 -Mr. Willits wa.s married in IHTG, at the age of 
 twenty-three years, to Mis-s Addie E. Webb, of 
 Three Rivers, who was liorn in Miildlesex County, 
 Conn., in 1853. Her father, H. II. Webb, Esq., 
 now a resident of Three Rivers, was also a native of 
 that county, and came to Michigan about IHtK). 
 The maiilen name of her mother was Adeline A. 
 French, and Mrs. Willits was an only child. Of 
 this union there have Iieeu born a daughter and son, 
 Eleanor, in .Inly, 1877, and Webb, in -March, 1883. 
 Mr. Willits and his wife are members of the En- 
 glish Lutheran Church in Three Rivers, of which 
 he is both Treasurer and Trustee. He also takes a 
 warm interest in the .Sunday-school, which is the 
 largest in .^t. .loseph County. a7id of which he is 
 .Superintemlent. An upright man and a good citi- 
 zen. Mr. Willits enjoys the confidence and esteem 
 of all who know him. 
 
 The Kir>t National H.-uik of Three Hivers num- 
 bers Mr. Willits among its Directors and stock- 
 hohlers. He uniformly vt)tes the Republican ticket, 
 and w!is elected by that party to the oIliceofTown 
 Clerk many years ago. He was next made a mem- 
 lier of the City Council, and in 188(!, .-is the nomi- 
 nei" of his party for the .'^tate Senate, was elected 
 by a hand.some majf)rity. While in the Legislature 
 he served on various im|H>rtant committees, one of 
 them being Railroads, Roads and Bridges. He was 
 also a member and Chairman of the Agricultural 
 
 College Committee, having in charge matters con- 
 nected with the Northern Michigan Asylum for the 
 Insane, lie li.as distinguished himself all through 
 his career !is a liberal-minded and public-spirited 
 citizen, warmly interested in all projects set on 
 foot for the general welfare of tiie people. He be- 
 gan life dependent ujjon his own resources, and by 
 the exercise of industry and perseverance has at- 
 taine<l to a leading position among his fellowmen. 
 He maintains there is always •■nx)m at the top" 
 for every man who will sufHciontly exert himself. 
 
 ellARLES E. SAHIN. This gentleman, a 
 man of more than ordinary intelligence, is 
 numbered among the fortunate few who pos- 
 sess a record of their ancestors for sever.nl genera- 
 tions back. The Sabin family is ancient in its set- 
 tlement in the United States, the first representative, 
 it is believed, having been one William .Sabin, who 
 first prominently appears at the organization of 
 Rehoboth, Mass., in 1G43. Tradition says he came 
 from Wales, where he had found a refuge in flight 
 as a Huguenot from France. He was a man of 
 wealth and culture, also very benevolent, as is 
 shown in the records of the .States, giving of his 
 substance to those who suffered from the ravages 
 of the Indians. He was a leading spirit in the 
 Rehoboth schools an<l the church affairs of I'ly- 
 nioiith. Who his first wife was is not known, but 
 she died soon after 1660. and he was married to 
 Martha, daughter of .lames Allen. He was the 
 father of twenty children. His will was probated 
 in Boston, .luly 17. 1687, during the admiinstra- 
 tion of Gov. Andrews, and is still on file among the 
 .Stale recorfls. 
 
 The subject of this sketch. n(*w a resident and 
 druggist of Centrevillc. is a direct descendant of 
 William .Sabin. as shown by the genealogy of the 
 family. He w.as born in Orland, Steuben Co.. 
 Ind., .lune 6, 1838. and is the son of Elihu and 
 Lucy (Eaton) Sabin. the father a native of Ver- 
 mont, and the mother of Massachusetts. The par- 
 ents, after the birth of our subject, lived in Imli- 
 ann, ami spent their last years in Orland, that State. 
 Charles E. was reared in his native county, and 
 
 i' 
 
-4^ 
 
 584 
 
 \ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 after emerging from the district school entered the 
 ac:ifk*my at Oriaiul, where he completed his studies. 
 Thereafter lie employed himself at clerking in a 
 store until the outbreak of the Rebellion. Imbued 
 with the patriotism of his forefathers, who had been 
 in a marked degree the upholders of libert}' and 
 justice, be proffered his services to his country', en- 
 listing in Company A. 29th Indiana Infantry, giv- 
 ing a service of nearly three years. His regiment 
 was assigned to the Armj- of the Cumberland, and 
 operated mosll}' in Jventncky, Tennessee, Alabama 
 and Georgia. Mr. .Sabin within a year after enlist- 
 ment was promoted to the post of Hospital Steward, 
 and met the enem3' at the battles of .Shiloli, Coi inlh, 
 St<jiie River, Chickainaiiga. ami in other desperate 
 engagements. He escaped wounds and impriron- 
 ment, but on the 1st of .January, 1864, received a 
 severe fall on the ice at .Stevenson, Ala., from 
 which his right leg suffered permanent injur}'. He 
 remained in the army, however, until .September, 
 18fil, and then, or. account of an affection of the 
 e3'es, was obliged to accept his honorable discharge. 
 Later his injured limb began trouliling him, and he 
 was obliged to iiave an ainpuUition performed in 
 February, 1883. 
 
 After leaving the service Mr. Sabin returned to 
 his native town, where he was emploj-ed as clerk 
 in a dry-goods store. Later he migrated to Ed- 
 gerton, Ohio, remaining there, however, only a 
 short time. Thence he came to Centreville, this 
 county, in February, 1870. and in September fol- 
 lowing engaged in mercantile business at Nottawa, 
 which he conducted until 187'.t. In the meantime 
 he had oHiciated as Postmaster of that place, from 
 January, 1871, until the time of his removal. In 
 the spring of 1871 he was elected Justice of the 
 Peace, and served continuouslj" .as such (being re- 
 elected in 187(5) until March, 187i), when here- 
 moved to Frankim County. Neb., in hopes that a 
 change of climate might be a benefit to his health. 
 In November, 1879, he returned to Kdgerton, 
 Ohio, and engaged in dairying, and the manufactur- 
 ing of cheese one season. Subsequently he resumed 
 mercantile business in that place. He returned to 
 Michigan in October, 1883, locating in Centreville, 
 of which he has since been a resident. He soon 
 established a drug business, in wliith he is at fires- 
 
 ent engaged. He carries a full line of drugs, medi- 
 cines, paints, oils, books and stationery, wall pa- 
 pers, notions and famil}' groceries. His capital 
 stock is 83,000, and his annual sales aggregate about 
 $5,500. His courteous dealing and promptness in 
 meeting his obligations have secured for him the es- 
 teem and confidence of his many patrons, and he 
 occupies a good position in both social and business 
 circles. 
 
 M--. Sabin votes the straight Republican ticket, 
 and is a member of the G. A. R. He has officiated 
 as Town Treasurer two years, and h.os held the 
 office of Clerk since the spring of 1888. He is 
 also the Assessor of his school district. He was 
 married in Edgerton, Ohio, Feb. 24, 18G9, to Miss 
 Aurelia A. Long, a native of Ohio, and who was 
 born Sept. 12, 1848. Mrs. Sabin is the daughter 
 of George and Anna (Backus) Long, who were na- 
 tives respectively' of France and Maryland, and 
 both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. S. are the par- 
 ents of three children — Frank A.. Harrj- C. and 
 Clara A. .Mi-. Sibin identified himself with the 
 Masonic fraternity in 18G7, and is a member in good 
 st.'tnding of the Dutch Reformed Church. 
 
 #^ 
 
 -i- 
 
 y..i MOS C. W(JLF came to this county in May, 
 C@/tJI 1833. a little pioneer four years of age. ae- 
 /// ISi conipanied by his parents. His Lather. 
 g^ John Wolf, of whom ample mention is 
 
 made elsewhere in this volume, settled on section 
 27, in Lockport Township, taking up a tract of 
 wild land, from which he constructed a comforta- 
 ble homestead, where he spent the remainder of his 
 days. He was- born in Columbia County, Pa.. Nov. 
 17, 1794, and died at the age of fiftj'-six j-ears. 
 
 The mother of our subject. Mrs. Barbara Ann 
 (Drescher) Wolf, also a native of Pennsylvania, 
 survived her husband a number of years, and die<l 
 at the old homestead in Lock]xirt Township, at the 
 age of seventy-four. John Wolf w.as greatly pros- 
 pered in his Western venture, and in time became 
 the i)ro|)rietor of 800 broad acres lying on sections 
 27 and 22, the whole of which he brought to a good 
 state of cultivation. His energy- and industry were 
 proverbial, his honesty and integrity unimivacha- 
 •► 
 
 r 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 586 
 
 
 hie. His life and labors had a distinct bearing 
 upon tlic ili'\ flo|iini'nt ami prosperity of St. Joseph 
 County. 
 
 Tiie ])arental household of our subject included 
 ten cliildmi. all of wlioni. wilii the exception of 
 one bt>y, .Stephen, irrew to nialureyears. ](resenling 
 one of the line.-it families In tliis region, and rejire- 
 senting the high qualities handed down to them 
 from a noble ancestry. Amos C our s\iliject, was 
 born in the village of JlilHin, Cohinibia Co., Pa.. 
 Nov. 1. 1H2'.). and was the eighth chilil of the fam- 
 ily; Samuel, the eldej^t, died .at the homestead 
 when twenty-one \-ears of age; .Stephen, already 
 spoken of, died at the age of eleven years; he was 
 the second child. .losiah is a well-to-do farmer of 
 Florence Township, and is written of elsewhere in 
 this volume; Catherine, Mrs. Is.aac 1-V>rt. died at 
 Lockport when forty-two years ohl; Daniel F. died 
 in Centreville at the age of sixty-two; John F. is a 
 resident of Loekixtrt; Aaion died at the old home- 
 stead when eighteen years old; Mary Ann became 
 the wife of David Antes, and <lied in J^ockport 
 when forty-three years old; Thomas H. is a resi- 
 dent of LockiMirt Township. 
 
 The suliject of this sketch acquired his education 
 in the common schools of Lock|)ort Township, and 
 hai: been a tiller of the soil the greater part of his 
 life. His pro|H'rty comprises his father's home- 
 stead, embracing 320 acres of valuable land. About 
 18().'(. withdrawing somewhat from the active labors 
 of farm life, he became interested in other enter- 
 prises, and is now one of the princijxil stockholders 
 in that |M>pular Institution at Centreville widely 
 and favorably known as the A. C. Wolf ife Bros.' 
 Bank. This was established in March. 1881, and 
 receives the patronage of tlie substantial business 
 men of this part of the county. 
 
 \N hen a young man of twenty-four years Mr. 
 Wolf assumed the more serious responsibilities of 
 life by his marriage. Oct. ."i, 18.j;J, to .Miss Marietta, 
 daughter of (iarrett ami KIsie ((Inrrison) .Sickles. 
 Her parent.s were natives of Yates County, N. Y., 
 and she w.os their third child. She was b<»rii there 
 Feb. 28. 18."}((. and when an infant of seven months 
 was brought by her parents to this cf)unty, her 
 father taking up the second farm we-st of Three 
 Rivers. The parents s|K'nt their last years in Fa- 
 
 49 
 
 bins Township, the father dying in 18G.1 and the 
 mother in I8;J'.I. Mr. ami Mrs. Wolf Ix'came the 
 parents of one child only, a son, tleorge T.. born 
 Sei)t. 8, I8.J4. He wius given an exwilent educa- 
 tion, completing his studies in the Commercial Col- 
 lege at Kalania/.oo. He was married. Nov. 29, 
 1882. to Miss Amanda, d.-uighter of Robert .Mc- 
 Clinley, a native of Scotland. George T. Wolf 
 h.as been ipiile prominent in local affairs, and gives 
 promise of a worthy and honorable career. 
 
 -Mr. Wolf during his early manhood identified 
 ' himself with the Democratic party. .Vftcr the war 
 j the (Greenback (luestion clainuMl his attention and 
 i .symjjathies, and as the candiflate for this party he 
 w.as elected County Trea.surer in 1878. He has 
 also served as Highway CV)nimissioner a number of 
 years, and in all the relations of life, whether pub- 
 lic or private, h.as maintained the reput/ition of the 
 dignitied and law-abiding citizen, giving his en- 
 couragement and support to those enterprises best 
 calculated to advance the interests of the commu- 
 nity, .socially, miirally and intellectually. .Mrs. 
 Wolf, a lady held in high esteem, is a memlwr in 
 good stiuiding of the Reformed Church at Centre- 
 ville. Her paternal grandfather, (larrett .Sickles, 
 did good service in the American .\rmy as a sol- 
 dier during the Revolutionary War. 
 
 |t,-^KNKV 15. SMITH, late a successful business 
 
 man and prominent citizen of Three Rivers. 
 
 was born in Seneca County, N. Y.. and wa.s 
 
 )i the .second son of Rogers .Smith, lliscliild- 
 
 I <1 was spent in his native county, and in coming 
 
 to the West a few years later he was accompanied 
 by his brother-in-law. .lohn N. Wheeler, who set- 
 tled in this county, where our subject w;ls reared 
 to man's estate. He iK-e.-inu- interested in farming 
 pursuits and located in Kalaniaz<K) County, when- 
 he dealt extensively in live stock, buying ami 
 shipping. In I87(the i-ame to Three Rivers, and 
 began dealing in grain largely in the interest of 
 Kalamazoo firms. 
 
 I'lHin coining to this county Mr. .Smith was soon 
 Actively iduulifietl with its business interests, and 
 
 -•► 
 
^,'^' 
 
 586 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 was one of the principal movers in the organiza- 
 tion of tlie FarnuM's' Bank of Three Rivers, becom- 
 ing a stockhohler and director, wiiicli position he 
 held until the time of his death, in the spring of 
 1876. He was married, in 18.53, to Jliss Maria, 
 second daughter and fifth cliild of Charles and 
 Mary JIacomber. Of this union tiiere are two 
 sons living, twins, Henry 15. and Frank H. One 
 cliild died in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Smith, |)ulitically, was an active Republican, 
 and financially, a successful business man. leaving 
 a large estate in lands and money. After his death 
 Mrs. Smith purchased what is now known as the 
 Henry Dickerson residence, a handsome two-story 
 brick, one of the most desiralile dwellings in the 
 city. Immediately opposite is another fine brick 
 residence Itclonging to the .Smith estate. Mrs. S. 
 was born in Genesee Countj-, N. Y., and removed 
 with her parents to Michigan when twelve years 
 old. Besides the property already mentioned, she 
 has a good farm just across the line in Kahimazoo 
 Countj', and the two sons own a valuable tract of 
 imi)r()ved land in Cass County, which they are 
 operating to excellent advantage. 
 
 •€-*^ ^ 
 
 R. DARHS C. GKK. Three Rivers has 
 l) no rea.son to I»c asliauu'd of her professional 
 men, and as connected with the practice of 
 medicine, the gentleman whose name pre- 
 faces tliis sketch occupies a good iwsition among 
 his l)retiiren. He is a native of this State, having 
 been born at Ann Arbor, April 11, 1829. His 
 parents were Benjamin and Sarah (Cross) fiee, the 
 father a native of A'ermont, and the mother of 
 Genesee County, N. Y. The elder Gee left New 
 F^ngland early in life, and was married in the F'm- 
 pire State. Thence he migrated to Michigan Ter- 
 ritory as early as 1826, eleven \-ears before it was 
 admitted to the I'niim as a Slate. 
 
 Ann Arbor at the time Benjamin Gee came to 
 this section of country was but a small village of 
 a few illy constructed houses. The family li\ed 
 there ten years, and in 1836 came to this county, 
 locating in Centre ville, also at that time but the 
 beginning of a town, where the father pursued his 
 
 trade of mason and jilasterer. He lived tliirty- 
 seven years thereafter, his death taking place in 
 1873, wlien he was quite well advanced in years. 
 The mother survived her husband a number of 
 3'eai-s. her death taking place in Nottawa Townsliip, 
 in October. 1887. wlien she w.as i)rubably seventy- 
 six j'ears old. 
 
 To the parents of our subject there were born 
 eleven children, six sons and five daughters, seven 
 of wliom grew to mature years, and five are still 
 living. Of these. Darius C, our subject, w.as the 
 second born. He was a mere child when coming 
 to this county, and his early education was con- 
 ducted in the schools of Centreville. AVhen reacli- 
 ing m.an's estate he decided to adopt the medical 
 profession, and accordingly entered the office of 
 his paternal uncle. R. S. Gee. under whose instruc- 
 tion he read medicine, and then look a course of 
 lectures in the: Homeopathic ^Medical College, at 
 Cleveland. Ohio. When the course was ended he 
 returned to Centreville, where he entered upon the 
 practice of his profession, and in consequence of 
 close attention to business, accumtdatcd a comforta- 
 ble property, and still continues in the enjoyment 
 of a good patronage. 
 
 In years gone by Dr. (ice has taken a great de- 
 liglit in hunting the game which abounded in this 
 country in the early days, deer, bear and antelope, 
 and in Kans.is the buffalo and wild turkey. The 
 Doctor when but a boy took his first lessons in the 
 art of killing the deer from Columbia Lancaster, 
 one of the founders of Centreville and President 
 of the Red Dog Bank, one of those wild cat 
 banks that were scattered over the countr3- in an 
 early day. The Doctor has a fine collection of 
 birds in his office, also buffalo horns, deer heads, etc., 
 that succombed to his unerring aim. The writer 
 saw in his possession a flint which he procured at 
 Three Rivers, Mich., which measured twelve and 
 one-fourth inches in length and five ami three- 
 fourth inches in width, being flat and oval In shape. 
 
 Dr. Gee took unto himself a wife and helpmate 
 Jan. 23, 1853, Miss Henrietta Powers, of Nottawa, 
 this county. Mrs. Gee w.as born Sept. 21. 1835, 
 and died Nov. 23, 1874, in W.isepi. this township. 
 She was thedaugliter of Henry and .Vlmina (Fields) 
 Powers, who were natives of \ermont. and spent 
 •^ 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 587 
 
 tlieir last yciirs in St. .loscph C-oiinly. Henry Pow- 
 fi's liiiilt the lirs; liot?l in Nottnwii Townslilp. To 
 tin- Doctor ••111(1 Mrs. (!eo then' iiavc liwn hum five 
 children, only three of whom are livinff. Mary 
 M. is the wife of .loseph K(n-ho. and a resident of 
 Tennessee; to tlieni four children were horn: Harry 
 died in infancy; Maml, horn Se|it. 1(1, 187."); an 
 infant deceajied; Charley, liorii June 12, 188.'). 
 Festus A. is a resident of Corinth, Iowa; Charlie 
 M. continues at home with his parents. The Doc- 
 tor is a meinher of the Hoard of Health of Not- 
 tawa Township, and a citizen of note in iiis com- 
 munity. 
 
 ^^EORGK \V. (WLMSl'lK. .\nioni; the peac<>- 
 II '^m) '''''^' '"*'"' '='"'--''''i'''"i^ citizens, wiio have jnir- 
 ^^Sl sued the even tenor of their way, making 
 compar.ativcly little stir in the world, but perform- 
 ing life's duties in a faithful and praiseworthy 
 manner, the subject of tliis sketch is must worthily 
 numbered. He has followed carpentering nearly 
 all his life since readiing mature years, with the 
 exception of six years spent as a dealer in Hour and 
 feed. He is a skilled workman, and the city of 
 Tiircf Rivers and vicinity, wiiere he h.as operated 
 for nearly forty years, hears evidence in many sub- 
 stantial structures of tlie ingenious w^ork of his 
 hands. 
 
 The State of Pennsylvania, which Inis contributed 
 so many of her .sons for the development of the ( 1 reat 
 West, contained the early home of our subject, he 
 having been horn near the town of .Milton, in 
 Northumberland County, March 12, 1822. His 
 father. Daniel (lillispic. w.as also a native of that 
 Stjite. and married .Miss .Vnna Kmery. who was born 
 in New Jersey. The former followed agricultural 
 pursuits, hut was cut down in the prime of life, 
 dying when his son (Jeorge W . w.-is a mere boy. 
 
 By the death of his father our subject wx-j thrown 
 upon his own resources at a tender age. antl was 
 Uiken into the home of a farmer of his native 
 county, with whom he remained until a latl of j 
 fourteen years. He wiw the second child of the j 
 family, which consisted of two sons ancl three 
 daughters, four of whom survive. The eldest, 
 William, di«Kl in De.'ember. 1887. at hi'- home. 
 
 -r 
 
 George W. servecl the regular apprenticeship of 
 three ye:irs at the cabiiiet-inak<;r's traile. which he 
 followed continuously for thirteen years. In the 
 meantime he was married, in. his native county, 
 July 2(1, 1811. to Miss Sarah Newman, who was a 
 native of liiioii Counly. I'a.. ainl Ihi' dMU'jliti i- of 
 John Newman. 
 
 Mr. ami .Mrs. (iillispie spcnl the lirst years of 
 their wedded life in their native Slsite, but in the 
 spring of 1819, bidding adieu to the friends and 
 associatitms of their youth, migrated westward to 
 this count}-. Locating in Three Uivers, our sub- 
 ject employed himself a year at cabinet-making, 
 then began working as a carpenter, and followed 
 this continually until 1874. in which year he em- 
 barkefl in the (lour and feed business. I'pon retir- 
 ing from this he began the manufacture of the arm 
 lock spring bed machines, forK. A. Jones, tu which 
 business he devotes the greater part of his time. 
 His family (N>iisists of himself ami wife only, their 
 only daughter. .Mary C.. having died at the age of 
 nine years. Our subject and his excellent wife are 
 members in good standing of the Presbyterian 
 Church, in which .Mr. G. is a Trustee, and to which 
 he has given, according to his means, liberal and 
 cheerful support. Socially, he belongs to Lodge No. 
 57, .\. F. i .V. M..and also to the Chapter at Thrin; 
 Rivers. He cares little about oHicial honors, hav- 
 ing served onlv as a Councilman of the citv. 
 
 iLORCiK \V. FL LKi:U.st)N. The subject of 
 this writing is among the most valued citi- 
 zens the county possesses. He is making 
 his chief business the cultivation of 22ii acres of 
 land on sections 27 and 28. and his intimate knowl- 
 edge of his calling in the .same is worthy of men- 
 tion in any volume treating of the county. He 
 came to this county in the spring of 18G.">, locating 
 in Lockporl Township, where he ha* been n con- 
 tinuous resident. 
 
 The ancestry of an individual is next in im|)or- 
 tance to his own pers(mality, ancl can never properly 
 be omitte<l from the record of his life. (Jur subject 
 comes from an old Penn.sylvanin stock, his parents 
 having been .lohn and Lydia (Snyder) Fulkerson. 
 
 ■•► 
 
» ► i f^ 
 
 4- 
 
 0»H 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 natives of Northumberland County. L'pon leavinj^ 
 tlieir native State Jolin Fiilkerson and family re- 
 moved to Summit County. Ohio, wliich place tliey 
 made their liome until the death of their father, 
 Aug. 24, 1863. The mother then came to this 
 county and made her home with her son, our sub- 
 ject, until her demise, Sept. 19, 1887. 
 
 The parental family included twelve children, of 
 whom our subject was the youngest in order of 
 birth. He first saw the light in Summit Countj', 
 Feb. Hi. 18-41. lie spent his early d.ays in the 
 above-named county, occupied with the sports and 
 p-astimcs incident to childhood, and gradually tak- 
 ing ids place amid tiie sterner duties of youth and 
 young manhood. Mingling with the exercises of 
 the school-house were those wiiich could be in- 
 trusted to him in connection with farming, until, 
 almost uiKonsciously to himself, he was ready to 
 take iiis pl.ace as an able worker in an_y department 
 thereof. He remained at liome until the death of 
 Ills father, with the exception of one and one-half 
 years, and always lent a willing hand toward light- 
 ening the many duties devolving u))on liis father. 
 The farm of our subject was cmlicllished witii all 
 the necessary buildings and machinery used by the 
 modern agriculturist. 
 
 Oeorge W. Fulkerson and Miss Nancy Delhivon. 
 d.aughter of John and Nancy (McKnight ) Dellaven, 
 wore unitcil in marriage May 26, 1864. This event 
 took place in New IJedford, Pa. Tiie parents of 
 Mrs. Fulkerson were born, the father Sept. 13, 
 1793. :uul tlie mother Sept. 20, 1799. They also 
 settled in Summit County, Ohio, remaining liiere 
 until their death, that of the father taking place 
 in March, 187.'). and the mother Feb. 10, 18.')7. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dellaven became the parents of 
 twelve children, of whom Mrs. F. was thej-oungcst 
 but one. She hailed from the same State and 
 county as our subject, .Inly 16, 1810, having been 
 the date of her birth. Our subject and his wife 
 arc tlie proud parents of a daughter, Olie A., who 
 is the wife of C. A. lK)ward. of Constantine; and a 
 son, Clark H., who resides .at home with his parents. 
 
 Our subject takes great interest in the jKjlitical 
 situation, and casts his vote upon the side of the 
 Union Lalmr party. He li.is heUl the ollice of 
 Justice of the Peace for three vears, and discharged 
 
 all duties of that office in a highlj- satisfactory 
 manner. His wife is a member and regular attend- 
 ant of the Presbyterian Church. Both Mr. and 
 Mrs. Fulkerson are known anrl respected by every- 
 body', and no more hospitable home than theirs 
 may be found in this region. A man of sterling 
 j integrity and sound business principles, the word 
 ] of our subject is considered as good as his bond, 
 and his name will be remembered with gratitude 
 long after he has been gathered to his fathers. In 
 1862 .and 1863 our subject belonged to Company 
 II, of the Ohio Militia, under Capt. Stall. 
 
 •Xflfifi?©^"" fe| 
 
 K<< -^^WWWV 
 
 OSE.V 15URCH. As a worthy representa- 
 ( tive of the i)ioneer element of this county, 
 
 y^ a man who came to it in his boyhood .and 
 
 ^; has steadily clung to the State of his .adop- 
 tion, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch 
 is worthy of ample recognition. A self-made man 
 in the strictest sense of the word, he w.as thrown 
 upon his own resources early in life. le:irning self- 
 reliance and indejjendence of character, and at the 
 same time learned the important lesson that honesty 
 is tlie best policy, and uprightness the surest safe- 
 guard in all relations of life. 
 
 Mr. 15urch hiis had an ample experience in the 
 business walks of life, .anil has made the mo.st of 
 his opportunities, keeping his eyes oi)en to what 
 was going on around him. and learning things of 
 more practical value oftentimes than cla.-isical book 
 knowledge. At jjresent he is conducling one of 
 the most flourishing livery, sale .and feed stables 
 within the limits of Three Rivers. Such h.as been 
 his deportment among his business associates and 
 in the community at large, that he is a man invari- 
 alily well spoken of, and thus enjoys a generous 
 l)alronage from the best class of i)eople in Three 
 Hivers and vicinity. 
 
 Washington County. N. Y.. was the childhood 
 home of our subject, and where his birth took 
 place in the town of Heliron. Aug. 17. 1828; His 
 father, Peter Hurch. was a native of the same 
 State, and a farmer by occupation. The mother 
 was in her girlhood Miss Anna .Scott, and she 
 
,t 
 
 ST. .lUSEPll COUNTY. 
 
 ij«'J 
 
 jmssi'd nwaj' when licr .son Uosoa was a" mere in- 
 fant, lie thus reiiionilicrs nothin<j of a mother's 
 e.irc. When ii Inil of nine years he eaine to Miclii- 
 gan, at'.'onipanied liy K. W. Chaniberlin, .stojjping 
 (irst witli hiin in .Jaekson, .Iaek.son County, where 
 he liveil until reacliing ninnliood. Soon afterward 
 we find him in Lapeer County, where he spent 
 three years, in the town of Kllia. During his so- 
 journ tiiere lie formed the ac(|uaint.Hnce of .Miss 
 Kllen Stone, who beeame his wife Jan. 1, IHol. 
 This lady was a native of Canada, and the daugh- 
 ter of Samuel and Demantha (Knowlton) Stone. 
 her father a man of note in his eomniuuity and of 
 good family. 
 
 Soon after their marriage Mr. anil Mrs. IJureh 
 took up their abode in this county, and our sub- 
 ject entered the employ of the Michigan Southern 
 Railroad ^Company, his duties lying on the St. 
 Joseph Valley IJranch. he making his headquarters 
 at Thrtf Rivers, and holding the position eighteen 
 months. Later he engaged in the grocerj- busi- 
 ness in the same place, but dispt)sed of his interests 
 there in 185;j. In February of that year began his 
 Brst e.xiterieuce in the livery business, which he 
 conducted successfully until 18G3. 
 
 The Civil War being now in progress. Mr. Burch 
 sold his interest in the above-mentioned enterprise, 
 and enlisted as a I'nion soldier in Company !I, 
 2Htli Michigan Infantry. He was made First Lieut- 
 enant upon the orgjinization of the company-, which 
 w.as ijssigned to the 2M Army Corps, then at 
 N.ashville. Tenn. From this place they were or- 
 dered to Washington, I). C. and thence later were 
 sent t<j Wilmington. N. C. Here began their lirst 
 serious encounter with the enemy, they lighting 
 their way through the State from Raleigh to (Jolds- 
 boro, under the command of (Jen. .Sherman. In 
 ISO.') Lieut. Hurch rcsigne(l his commission, and re- 
 tnrneil home, aftt-r which he resumed business a> a 
 liveryman, purch.nsing new slf)ck and the old stand 
 which he had formerly occupied, and where we still 
 And him. 
 
 The stables and general outlit of which Mr. 
 Rurch is the proprietor comprise a well-a.ssorte<l se- 
 lection of horses and road vehicles of all kinds, 
 and the ent<.'rprise h;i.s yielde<l him hand-iome re- 
 turns. Ho ha-s put up a tine residence near his 
 
 place of business, a two-stor}- brick house on Penn 
 street, which, with its surroundings, forms a most 
 [)lc:i.<anl and attractive home. His fireside has bex-n 
 bright<Mied liy the birth of four cliililren. the eld- 
 est of whom, a son, Frank W.. lives at lieidah. 
 Kan.; Kmiiia L. is the wife of K. 15. Linslcy. of the 
 Shclllcld Car Com()any, at Three Rivers; Charle,-i 
 W. resides at Three Rivers, and Fannie is the wife 
 of Robert H. Green, member of the llrni of Ilnrt- 
 man <k (ireeu, of Three Rivers. 
 
 Mr. Burch is a man who has a peculiar faculty 
 of attending to his own concerns, meddling little 
 with iK)litics, although he has decided views, and 
 gives his supixirt to the principles* of the Demo- 
 cratic party. He has served as Vill.age Trustee, 
 and occupied the same position in connection with 
 the Three Rivei-s C emetery for tlie past ten yesirs. 
 He was a charter member of Excelsior Lodge, L (>. 
 <). F., Three Rivers, belongs to tlie Kncampnient. 
 and is also a M.isoii in good standing. 
 
 i^^HOMAS B. WOLF. Nothing is more de- 
 flii^^ liahtful than to traverse the auricullural dis- 
 ^^^ tricts during the harvest season, and note 
 the thrift and indiistiy <>{ a nuijorilv of its people. 
 From the abundance of its proilucts may be safely 
 argued the character of the inhabitiiits, for the soil, 
 however rich in its natural resources, must be judi- 
 ciously tended, or man's expectations will come to 
 naught. Prominent among the skilled farmers of 
 this region m.ay be properly named the subject of 
 this sketch, who has been liberally endowed with 
 the (]ualilies which have insured his success, both as 
 a tiller of the soil, a business man. and :i member 
 of the community. 
 
 Our subject traces his birthplace to Columbia 
 County. Pa., where he first opened his eyes to the 
 light May I, 1832. He did not live there long 
 enough, however, to have fastened upon his niiiul 
 any recollections of his surroundings, for when a 
 child two j'cars of age he was brought by his par- 
 enls to this county. The father settled on a tract 
 of l.md ill Lock|M>rt Township, where he o|>eiieil up 
 a good farm. an<I where the luiyhoo<l of Thomas B. 
 was spent in atteiulance at the common s<'hool. and 
 
 1 
 
•^^fMi- 
 
 MO 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 in assisting his p.arents as his strenglli and knowl- 
 eilge periuittefl. He remained under the parental 
 roof until the death of his father, being then a 
 youth of nineteen years. Soon afterward lie and 
 his brother Amos assumed the management of the 
 homestead, which at this time ctmiirised 250 acres 
 on section 27. The brothers operated in partner- 
 ship five years, and then Thomas H. disposed of his 
 interest in the propertj' to Amos. The two then 
 puiehased together 160 acres on section 34, Lock- 
 port Township, after which another brother pur- 
 chased the interest of Amos in this ICO acres, only 
 twenty-two of which had been brought to astateof 
 cultivation. Thomas B. and A. C. improved to- 
 gether the. balance of this land, and our subject re- 
 mained upon it for a term of ten years. He then 
 sold forty acres to his brother John, and traded the 
 lemaining 120 to his brother Daniel for eighty 
 acres on section 35. From this latter he con- 
 structed a. good homestead, where he has since 
 lived. 
 
 The 22d of March, 18.j4. witncs-sed the marriage 
 of our subject with Miss Charlotte Klock. This 
 lady was born in Montgomery County. N. Y.. Sept. 
 H. Iti2y, and is the daughter of Cornelius and Kliza- 
 beth (Riglit) (Fox) Klock. who were natives of 
 Montgciniery. N. Y., and who sjient their entile 
 lives in the Empire State. Her father w:is a native 
 of Montgomery Countj', where he followed farm- 
 ing, and died at the age of seventy-three years. 
 The inolher had preceded her husband to the silent 
 hind in middle age. when forty-live years old. 
 
 Mrs. Wolf came to Michigan when a young girl 
 of fifteen years, in company with her sister Cath- 
 eiiiie. Mrs. Yauney. who is living in Centrevilie at 
 the age of seventy-three. She was the sixth child 
 of the parental household, which numbered nine 
 children, six of whom grew to mature years. The 
 survivors make their homes mostly in Centrevilie 
 anil vicinity. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolf iliero was 
 born one child only, a daughter. Carrie A., March 
 21), lt<62. She was given a good practical educa- 
 tion in the coniuion schools of Loekporl and Cen- 
 trevilie. and is now the wile of E. E. Wilcox, of 
 Loekporl; they were married Nov. 23, IfS". Mr. 
 Wolf has mostly alliliatcd with the Democratic 
 party, although being somew hat conservative in his 
 
 ideas, and giving his support to the men whom he 
 considers best qualifitd for t ffiee. In addition to 
 his farming operations he has found that the feed- 
 ing and shijiping of stock is a profitable industrj', 
 and followed this about twentj' years, finding a 
 read}' market at Chicago. Albany and Buffalo. Sirs. 
 AVolf, a very estimable lady, is a member of the Re- 
 formed Church. Mr. V>\ is a member of the A. F. 
 & A. M., at Centrevilie. 
 
 -^-I-^ 
 
 -^ 
 
 EE (). MILLER, a dentist commanding a 
 lucrative practice in Three Rivers, and oc- 
 cupying a good positioR in its business and 
 social circles, is a native of the State of In<liana. 
 and was born in St. Joseph County, May 1, 18-19. 
 His parents. Adam and Slercy A. (Slead) Miller, 
 were natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana, and 
 are now living in St. Joseph County, the latter 
 State. The fatlier is a farmer by occupation, and 
 the parental family consisted of eight children, of 
 ■whom our subject was the fifth in order of birth. 
 There were two daughters and , six sons, and of 
 these four arc now living. 
 
 The boyhood days of Mr. Miller were spent 
 upon the farm, and he conned his early lessons in 
 the district school. Later he became a student in 
 the Northwestern Universitj- of Indianapolis, and 
 soon after leaving this institution entered the col- 
 lege at Eureka, 111., where he took a two-years 
 course. He was then obliged to abandon his studies 
 on account of failing health, and as soon as able 
 engaged in farming. In tlie midst of this employ- 
 ment he became stout and hearty, but his tastes 
 inclined to a professional career, and he made up 
 his mind Xv prejiare himself for the practice i<f den- 
 tistry. 
 
 With this end in view Mr. Miller entered the 
 office of S. M. Cummins, of Elkhart. Ind.. where 
 he was thoroughly initiated into the intricacies of 
 this important calling. He selected Three Rivers 
 for the scene of his future operations, opened aii 
 Office, and soon found himself sufficiently busy. He 
 has a practical knowledge of dentistry, and his' 
 oHice is properly fitted up with all the appliances 
 necessary for the e.xciution of first-class work. 
 
 ■ » 
 
 f- 
 
»► II M* 
 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 591 
 
 He koops liimsolf woll jiostod u|iiiii llic latest iii- 
 vcntioiK-i 1111(1 i-oiilrivaiu'i's in uoiinei-tion with the 
 profession, ami a short time siiu'c pnrchasp<l .in 
 electric vibrator — a new (Icpjirliirc in the practice 
 of (I'-ntistry for the extraction of teeth without 
 pain. This shoi'k to the system, which is dreaded 
 l>y most people, is, with the use of lhi» invention, 
 frreatly alleviated, coiuprisintr a vast iniproveincnt 
 on the old system. 
 
 Dr. .Miller, on t!ie "iSd of December, 1880, was 
 united in marriaire with .Mi.ss S. d.-ira Thorp, 
 (laughter of .lohn Thorp. Ksq.. of Three Rivers. 
 Mrs. Miller was born .Ian. 17. lH,'»i;. Her inarria<;e 
 with our subject li.as resultcil in the birth of one 
 child, a son, Jasper .Vlleii. Dr. .Miller is a favor- 
 ite in the social and business circles of his conimu- 
 nit V. 
 
 5^ AMUKL A. FlTCIl, a vetcr.^n of sevent}-- 
 seven years, and one of the best known and 
 most liijj^hly respected residents of Lo<'kport 
 Township, is the owner of 483 acres of 
 valuable land, but makes his home mostly with his 
 children, who are also located in this township. A 
 native of Mahoning County, Ohio, he was born Oct. 
 18, 1811, and came with his parents to Michigan 
 Territory in 1830. His father, Charles B. Fitch, a 
 man of property, hx-ated first .'<00 acres of land on 
 Pigeon Prairie, a part of which he ini{iroved,and of 
 which he retained |>ossessioti only about two j'ears. 
 Then selling out to different parties, he came in the 
 fall of 1 832 to Lockport Township, and traded an 80- 
 acre tract of land on Pigeon Prairie for a half-interest 
 in a mill site, together with l.")7 acres adjoining on 
 section 31 in L<jckport 'I'ownship. Here he erected 
 a sawmill, with a run of stone for grinding wheat, 
 which enterprise proved a very profitable invest- 
 ment. After a time he added 203 acres to his real- 
 estate possessions, and occupied this property a 
 |)eriod of about ten year?. 
 
 About 1842 .Samuel A. Fitch, our subject, pur- 
 chased the greater amount of land in Lockport 
 Township owned by his father, and the latter re- 
 moved to Bremer County, Iowa, where he lived 
 two or three j-ears. and then changed the scene of 
 Ills operations to Chicago, 111. In this latter city 
 
 he and his excellent wife spent the remainder of 
 their days. The father of our subji-ct had been a 
 very pri>minent man in his day. a man of more than 
 ordinary intelligence, and who kept himself well 
 posted upon current events. In Seneca and .San- 
 dusky Counties. (.)hio, he tilled the ollice of District 
 Judge, and was also Judge after becoming a resi- 
 dent of this county. The parental household in- 
 cluded twelve children, five sons ami seven daugh- 
 ters, of whom .Samuel A. was the sixth in order of 
 birth. 
 
 Further facts in relation to the career of Charles 
 B. Fitch must properly be mentioned. He was born 
 in I-itcldicld. Conn., in 17Hl). where he wjis reared 
 to manhood, and married Miss Harriet Bissel. Up 
 to this time he had been engaged since a youth in 
 farming pinsuits. He removed first to Trumbull 
 County. Ohl<>, and later to Mahoning County, 
 where he engageil in farming. Later he changed 
 his residence to Sandusky County, and then em- 
 barked as a sailor on the lakes, following the water 
 a period of three years _and becoming Captain of a 
 vessel. Farming pursuits, however, suited him bet- 
 ter, and when resuming life upon terra firma he 
 settled near Tiffin. Seneca Co.. Ohio, of which he 
 was a resident six j'cars and until 1 830, when he 
 migrated to Michigan with his family, during its 
 Territorial days. During his early manhooil and be- 
 fore the removal to Ohio, he shouldered his musket 
 in the War of 1812, and later w.is on the frontier 
 supplying the army with provisions. In whatever 
 capacitj- he was called to fill he pieserveil the same 
 cnergj- of character which made of his life a more 
 than ordinary success. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was reared to man's 
 estate at the homestead in this county, acquiring an 
 education common to the j'oung men of these daj-s. 
 The ambiti(m of those young men was usually the 
 worthy (me of seeking to cstJiblish a home of their 
 own early in life, and our subject when twenty-six 
 years old proved no exception to the rule, and was 
 united in marriage with the maiden of his cho'ce. 
 Miss Catherine K., daughter of .Samuel Reemsn^-- 
 dcr. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, 
 and came to Michigan at an earl}- day. where the 
 father farmed in pioneer style, meeting with the 
 usual rcsulUs of |>erscvenince and industry, and 
 
 ^' 
 
 ♦*♦ 
 
-^•- 
 
 :,'.)> 
 
 -■» 
 
 4. 
 
 ST. JOSEl'll COUNTY. 
 
 p:i.«se'l away at tlic nn:e of ^ixty-sevpn years Of 
 Mrs. Fiteli's union with our suliji-ct there were five 
 eliildren. of whom Imt twx) are living. One son, 
 SamiH'l. (lied when a promising young man of 
 t"enty-two j'ears, of heart disease, while serving as 
 a soldier in the Union Army; the second child died 
 in infancy nnnamcd ; Edward 11. was tai<en from the 
 iiouschold circle when a liltle lad eight years of age. 
 The survivors are: Jlilton B.. who married Miss 
 .Susan C'aseman; he occupies a good farm on sec- 
 tion 31. in Lockport Township, and is the father 
 of three children. Franklin N. married Miss Alice 
 Tackellierry ; they have four children. 
 
 I 
 
 5^ AMUEL P. ADAMS, a pioneer of '3.5. when 
 coming first to this county located on a 
 
 [/^_S) farm in Flowerfield Township, where he 
 spent two years. In 18.')() he changed his 
 residence to the suburbs of Three Rivers, purchas- 
 ing forty acres of laud, a jjart of which now lies in 
 the corporate limits, and is valual)le ])ropcrty. He is 
 now practically retired from active labor, is a man 
 of means, and able to live at his ease. lie owns a 
 farm of 210 .acres in Flowerfield Townshii), and 
 220 acres in l-'abius Township, besides his present 
 home. lie still sujierintends the operations of his 
 farm, which is larefely devoted to stock-raising. 
 
 The farm of Mr. Adams in Fabius Township 
 lies along the banks f)f Clear Lake, now a pO]udar 
 resort for fishing parties. This lake is fifty feet 
 above the level of Three Rivers, ami the water is 
 of the quality indicated by its name, fed by springs 
 which threw up in summer time a liquid nearly as 
 cold as ice water. Mr. .\dams may properly be 
 named among the self-m.ade men of St. Joseph 
 County, for he commenced in life with no other 
 means than his own resources, and has gradually 
 made his way up to a good position, socially and 
 financially. Ilis family consists of himself and his 
 estimable wife, they having no children. 
 
 The childhood home of Mr. Adams was in the 
 vicinity c)f Rochester. Monroe Co.. N. Y.. where 
 he w-as born .luly l.j. lH2:i. His father. Dr. .lolin 
 .\dams. was a noted physician and surgeon, and 
 married Miss Sarah Porter, who. like himself, was 
 
 -4*- 
 
 a native of Berkshire. Mass. The family is an old 
 and highly respected one. of FInglish extraction. 
 and w.as first represented on this side of the Atlan- 
 tic probably during the Colonial d.ays. 
 
 The parents of our subject after their marriage, 
 leaving Kew England, settled in Henrietta, X. Y.. 
 but two years later removed to Lyons, in Wayne 
 County, where the father followed the practice of 
 his profession many years, and where he spent 
 his declining vears; the mother is .also deceased. 
 The parental household included four children, of 
 whom Samuel P., our subject, was the eldest born. 
 He attended the common schools at Lyons, and 
 later Ijecame a clerk in a general store, which occu- 
 pation he followed about four years. After this 
 he engaged as a contractor for canals, railroads, 
 bridges, and other public works, until making up 
 his mind to settle in the farther West. He was 
 married in Newark. N. Y.. in 1857. to Senesa. 
 daughter of Liberty and Lucy .Str.aw: .<hewas born 
 in New York in 1831. 
 
 L. 
 
 P LIAS R. WILLEMIN. From the Keystone 
 
 T^ St:itc there have emanated some of the most 
 '^^ substantial men of the West. Within her 
 
 borders the subject of this sketch was born, in Union 
 County. Oct. 8, 1818. His first recollections are of 
 the modest homestead in the township of Union, 
 Pa., where he was reared amid the simple pui'suits 
 of farm life, and obtained his education in the com- 
 mon school. In the spring of 1840. when a young 
 man of twenty-two years, he removed with his par- 
 ents to Indiana, and remained a member of his 
 father's household until the death of the latter, 
 which occurred in 1844. Two years later, Elias R.. 
 starling out for himself, commenced farming in In- 
 diana, but in the fall of thatj'ear determined to seek 
 his fortunes on the soil of Michigan. The month 
 of November found him located in the vicinity of 
 Moorepark, P«rk Township, upon a rented faim 
 belonging to E. S. Moore, and which he operated 
 two years. He then removed to the farm of his 
 uncle, George Hill, conducting this also two years. 
 In November of 1850 our subject purchased of 
 Benjamin Gould, of Utica, N. Y.. eighty acres of 
 wihl land one mile south of Moorepark. This 
 
 i^^:*-^ 
 
t 
 
 ■^•- 
 
 ••► 
 
 Sr. JOSKl'H COUNTY. 
 
 693 ' ' 
 
 property he iniproved, ami later traded for his 
 present farm, wliich now eniliraees 210 acres on 
 sections C, 3 and 1, of l^ocl»|)ort. Fnbiiis and Flor- 
 ence Townships, respectively. Later Mr. Willeniin 
 added to liis real estate by the purchase of forty 
 .teres, and now has a fine body of land 250 acres in 
 extent. Here he has been very successful in his 
 operations as a tiller of the soil, and has gathere<l 
 about him the modern conveniences and improve- 
 ments essential to the prosperity of the agriculturist, 
 of to-day. His buildings are substanti.il, while his 
 farm machinery is of the latest improved pattern. 
 He keeps a goodly assortment of live stock, and 
 avails himself of modern metiiods, keeping himself 
 well posteil in regard to the late inventions and the 
 best methods of pm-suiug his calling. 
 
 Of substantial Pennsylvania stock, our subject is 
 the son of Francis and Catherine (Reniger) Wille- 
 min, who were also natives of the Keystone .Slate, 
 the father born in Lancaster County, May 8. 179.5, 
 and the mother in Union County, Nov. 27, 1797. 
 Francis Willemin was brought up on a farm, re- 
 ceiving his education in the common school, but 
 upon approaching manhood learned the cooper 
 trade, which he followed during the winter seasons, 
 while in summer he employed himself at agricult- 
 ural pursuits. The parents were married in Union 
 County, Pa., and removed thence early in life to 
 Davis County, Ind., settling on a tract of new land 
 about two miles from Washington, tlie county seat. 
 The father purchased 160 acres, from which he 
 cleared a farm and built up a good homestead. He 
 w,as not permitted, however, to live to be aged, his 
 death Uiking place in 1844, a few years aft*'r his re- 
 moval to Indiana. 
 
 The grandparents <if our subject on both sides of 
 the house were natives of Southern Pennsylvania. 
 The Willemins were originally from France. To 
 Francis and Catherine Willemin, the parents of our 
 subject, there were born nine children, all natives of 
 I'ennsylvauia, and with the exception of our sub- 
 ject, all died and were buried in Indiana. The 
 mother liveil to be nearly seventy years of age, and 
 spent her last years at the old homestead in the 
 Hoosier .State. On the 7th of March, IftiJO, occurred 
 one of the most interesting events in the life of 
 our subject, namely, his marriage with Miss Nancv 
 
 J., daughter of .Samuel and Kleanor (Brown) Allen, 
 the wedding taking place at the bride's home in 
 Moorepm-k. Mrs. Nancy .1. Willemin was the 
 eldest child of her parents, and was born April 1.5. 
 1823. in Pennsylvania. .Samuel Allen and his wife 
 were natives of Harrisburg. Pa., and left the Key- 
 stone State a few years after their marriage, settling 
 in Knox County, Ind. The mother died at Vin- 
 eennes when about seventy- j-ears of age. Mr. 
 Allen afterward made his home with his daughter, 
 Nancy J., and died at the age of seventy-three. 
 The parental household includes five children, of 
 all of whom are living. The father during the War 
 of 1812 di<l good service in the American Arm}'. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Willemin commenced their wedded 
 life together in Park Township. .St. Joseph Co., 
 Mich., and in due time became the parents of six 
 children, who still forma household circle unbroken 
 by death. The eldest daughter, Ella, is the wife of 
 Cap Champlin, proprietor of a flourishing hardware 
 business in Mendon; Mary, Mrs. Tallman. lives on 
 a farm in .Sedgwick County. Kan. ; Martha H. is 
 the wife of .Solomon Beckwitli, a carpenter and 
 builder, of Red Clouil, Nob. ; Willi.im .M. is engaged 
 in general merchandising at Wet/.ell. Anlritn Co., 
 Mich., where he is also Postmaster; Anna, a 
 young lady of good business talents, is cashier for 
 the lirm of Hickmoltand Dewilt. general merchants 
 at Mendon; George R. continues at home with his 
 parents. 
 
 Mr. Willemin is a member in good standing of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, while his estimable 
 wife belongs to the Presb^'terian Church. Mrs. 
 Willemin is the offspring of an excellent family, and 
 her brother. .Samuel Allen, who died at Westfield. 
 III., in 1886, was President of the college there, 
 having acquired a fine education, and was a gradu- 
 ate of Oberlin College. 
 
 :-«^j- — 
 
 WILI.IA.M II. VA.N in UK.N is one of the 
 native-born citizens of .St. .Ifi.'H'ph County, 
 ^ „ who, sons of its noble pioneers, having been 
 reared within its limits, developing with its growth, 
 are now numbered among itw mo>t inlluenlial and 
 honore<i citizens. He is a f:irnier and stock-gr4>wer 
 
 *■ 
 
■^•■ 
 
 .',!) t 
 
 ST. JOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 -t 
 
 in Florence Townslii)). liis fine farm l)eing located 
 very pleasantly on .section 13, and he is closely 
 identified with the ijublic life of the place, he 
 licing Supervisor of the township, of which otlice 
 he has been .in incumhent for a number of years. 
 
 Henry \'an Hiiren. the father of oursiibject, was 
 horn in New York, Feb. 9, 1803. In 183.5 he came 
 to Wliite Pigeon, this county, and located some 
 land: he then returned to his native State. After 
 his marriage in 1837, he again came to Michisran, 
 this time acoonipaiiied by his young bride, with the 
 intention of slaying and casting in liis lot with the 
 early pioneers of St. Joseph County'. He took an 
 active part in develo|)ing the farming interests of 
 the countj-. and wju-* for many years a useful and 
 valued citizen until his death, Sept. 12, 1876. at 
 Constantine. His respected wife still survives him, 
 and makes her home with her son, our subject. Hut 
 one other child was born of her marriage, Eliza, 
 now the wife of David H. .Jones, of Hamilton. Mo., 
 to whom she wa." wedded April 10, IH.'ji;. 
 
 William 11. \aii liuren. the subject of this brief 
 biography, was liorn in Florence. March ;'>, 1847. 
 He spent his boyhood days .it home on the farm 
 and at school. In IS.i.i-oK lie was a student at 
 Hillsdale College. Jlichigan. and lie tlius received 
 a sound, practical education. On his return from 
 college he passed some time on the old homestead, 
 assisting his father in the management of his farm- 
 ing interests. In 1871 he commenced his career as 
 an agriculturist, purchasing at that time his present 
 farm. This comprises l.jT) acres of arablcj highly 
 cultivated land, with neat and sulistantial build- 
 ings and many other indicaticms that our subject 
 ha.s i)rospered abundantly in the ]mrsuit of his 
 t-hosen calling. He has been extensively and i)ro(it- 
 ably engaged in breeding finel}' graded cattle, but 
 now malvcs general farming his business. 
 
 In 1870 Jlr. Van Huren wai^ married at Centre- 
 ville to Caroline, the youngest daughter of .lohn 
 Major, a native of New York. Her father w.as born 
 in 1810, and died at Centreville in 18.')7. His wife, 
 who survives him at an advanced age, was born 
 Dec. 25, 1811. Mr. .Major w.as a farmer and mason 
 by trade, and he first came to ^lichigan with his 
 family in 1835. They soon returned to New York, 
 where they remained two years. In 1837 they 
 
 came back to ^Michigan and settled in Centreville. 
 where Mr. !Major engaged in business. Si.\ chil- 
 dren were born to Mr. and Sirs. Slajor. and the 
 date of the birth of their daughter Caroline, wife of 
 our subject, was Dec. 12. 1848. Mr. and Mrs. A'an 
 Kuren have one child, Ko.sslyn H.. born .Ian. 28. 
 1875. 
 
 Mr. Xnn Huren is a man of exemplary habits, ami 
 in this county, of which he has been a lifelong 
 resident, it is the general testimony of all who 
 know him that he is upright and manly in his con- 
 duct, alw.iys true to his obligations, whether in 
 public or private life. He is often called to posi- 
 tions of trust and responsibility, and in whatever 
 office he is placed he discharges its duties with the 
 signal ability that has always characterizetl his un- 
 dertakings. He has held the offices of School In- 
 spector. Townshi[) Clerk and Supervisor for a num- 
 ber of years, being Supervisor »t the present time. 
 
 -3^ 
 
 ^^LBERT G. BARTON. The n.ime of this 
 / l g^'nt.leman is familiarly known to the busi- 
 Ijl » ness men of this county as that of the in- 
 ventor and manufacturer of the Champion 
 Hay Rack and Chief Land Roller, the works being 
 located at the Lockpoit jiart of Three Rivers. Ag- 
 riculture has received its best impetus from the 
 hands of the inventive genins, and Mr. Barton is 
 recognized as a man of more than ordinary talent 
 and skill in connection with this industry, which has 
 such a vast influence upon the success and prosper- 
 ity of a county and State. 
 
 The earl}- traiiii)ing ground of our subject was in 
 Greene County, Ohio, where he was born Sept. 12, 
 1836. The family is of English extraction, and the 
 parents of our subject were Henry and Hannah 
 (Hopping) Barton, both of whom died when their 
 son Albert G. was a mere lad. The mother was 
 a descendant of the earl}' settlers of Virginia, 
 people of prominence and influence, who contributed 
 greatly to its growth and development. 
 
 Thus earh' left an orphan, ^oung Barton was 
 thrown upon his own resources, after leaving his 
 grandfather Hopping, to whom he was bound until 
 
4< 
 
 ST. .lOSKlMI COUNTY. 
 
 59o 
 
 the nfre of fourteen 3'cnr!>. lie llien started out for 
 himself, .■inil whs employeil on n farm until nineteen 
 j'eMrs old, wiuM). ie.nvinj; his nntive SUile. he mi- 
 grated to .Soiitli Ilonit. Ind., and thereafter for a 
 time made bis home with his uncle. >lohii K. Gard- 
 ner. Tlie latter aliout 1 .s."i!) came to this county, 
 and purchased a tlonriug-inill in Constiintine, which 
 he operated a numl)er of 3'ears. our suliject in the 
 meanwiiile remaining with him as partner. Mr 
 Barton finally sold out his interest in the liusiness 
 and returned to Ohio. 
 
 The Civil War being now in |iiugress Mr. Barton 
 enlisted as a Union soldier in the T.'ith Ohio In- 
 fantry, and for some time thereafter remained in 
 camp near Cincinnati. Later they joined the bal- 
 ance of the regiment at Parkeisburg, where Mr. 
 Barton was taken ill an<l after a time sent home, 
 subsequently- receiving his honorable discharge- 
 He returned to Michij^au in March, 18G3. and en- 
 gaged in the milling business at Constantine until 
 1870. when he sold out, and invested a portion of 
 his capital in a stock of general merchandise, estab- 
 lishing himself in a store at White Pigeon. In 
 IHSO he changed his residence to Three Rivers. 
 He had in the meantime been giving all the time he 
 coidd spare to the development of his invention 
 and now commenced the manufacture of his hay 
 rack, branching out later so thai he could also 
 manufacture his land roller in connection with it, 
 both of his own invention. 
 
 Mr. Barton has also invented a haj' tedder and 
 rake combined, and has also secured the patent u[Km 
 this, as he has upon other inventions. The fac- 
 tor}' in Three Kivers, Lockporl Township, was es- 
 tablished in 1 880. and shipments are made by the 
 carload to different States, both F.asl and West. 
 The rack is very strong, with a capacity of haniU 
 ling two to three tons of hay. This industry gives 
 employment to quite a number of men. mostly 
 during the winter season. The racks are packed 
 in convenient form for shipping, and can be set 
 up verj- easily, as they are simple in construction, 
 which is the growing beauty of every invention. 
 It is predicted that in the near future Mr. Barton 
 will realize handsome returns for his labors and his 
 inventive genius in connection with these. 
 
 The Christmas of 1863 was a peculiarly interest- 
 
 ing <lfly to Alliert G. Barton, being the time at 
 which his marriage look place with Miss Mary .lane 
 Schiirtz. then a resident of While Pigeon Prairie. 
 I Mrs. Barton was born in August, 1841, in tiiis 
 1 county, and is the daughter of James and Sarah 
 (Kreps) Schurtz, who are now living on Pigeon 
 Prairie. Her union with our suliject resulted in 
 the birth of one child only, a son, llenrj' James, 
 who continues under the home roof. The lime 
 and attention of Mr. Baiton are mostly absorbed in 
 his business interests, he having little leisure to 
 give to political affairs, but he kec[)s himself fairly 
 well posted upon curient events, and gives his sup- 
 port to the Republican part}'. .Socially, he belongs 
 to John C. Joss Post No. 124. G. A. R.. at Con- 
 stantine. and alsi> to the Consistory. 
 
 -^Jv-»- 
 
 >^^^vt^:t5<-^ 
 
 ^^^ORMAN ROYS, of Florence Township, was 
 I // '""" '" ^d'ofield. Berkshire Co.. Mass.. in 
 IVs/XLi 1807, and reaTed upon a farm, attending 
 first the common school, and later the High School 
 at Lenox. He came West when a young man, and 
 settling in Florence Tosvnslii|», this county, took up 
 120 acres of land lying on sections o and C. He 
 had before coming to the West been employed .is a 
 teacher, and followe<l this profession considerably 
 afterward. 
 
 Mr. Roys was married, in Florence Township, 
 March 10, I8;i7. to Mis,* Cart)linc. daughter of John 
 Peek, and they became the parents of two sons and 
 one daiig'iiter. George K. was born April 17, 1838, 
 marrieil Miss Sophia Hall, and is living in Florence 
 Township; the daughter, Aimie K., was born Nov. 
 17, 1K39, and was married to Frederick A. Austin, 
 a native of White Pigeori. who was a passenger 
 conductor on the C. <fe I. R. R.. an<l met his death 
 at the hands of a drunken man; Mr. Frank Roys, 
 the youngest of the family, who w.as born .Ian. 10, 
 1 849, is largely interested in the breeding of blooded 
 horses, having some of the best stock in the coun- 
 try. He married Miss Alice, daughter of James 
 Ennis. 
 
 Norman Roys for a perioil of thirty-two years 
 occupied one of the most im|)ortanl local otlices in 
 Florence Township, and was Justice of the Peace, 
 
 ^ 
 
 4 
 
•►Hl^ 
 
 ,t 
 
 59G 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 besides Iiol<ling other positions of trust. Coming 
 iicre in the [jioneer days lie assisted in the organi- 
 zation of the township, and has always been iden- 
 tified with ttie Democratic party. His bo3's are of 
 the same political persuasion. George is largely 
 interested in the growing of peppermint, and both 
 the sons tleal quite extensively in tins article. The 
 father, in June, 1881, was stricken with paralysis, 
 and has since been quite helpless. He was one of 
 the first men in the State of Michigan to introduce 
 the culture of peppermint and its distillation. 
 
 ^ ONATHAN HOATS, one of the earliest set- 
 tlers of Park Township, a man well known and 
 greall}' respected, was horn Oct. 20, 1804. in 
 Northampton Count}', Pa., and died at his 
 home in this township, April 17, 1 886. He traced 
 among his ancestors an old Revolutionary soldier. 
 He spent his early life amid the scenes of his birth- 
 place, and in early manhood was married in Colum- 
 bia County, Pa., to Jliss Mary Sechler, who bore 
 him seven cliildren, five of whom are still living: 
 The eldest, John, is a resident of Three Rivers, tliis 
 State; Hannah married Charles Thorns, of Saline 
 County, Kan. ; William B. resides in Park Township; 
 Ellen is the wife of James U. Marsh, of Topeka, 
 Kan., and Edward is a resident of Park Township. 
 The deceased children, George and Sarah C, passed 
 awa}- at the ages of twenty-six and thirtj'-onc, re- 
 spectively'. 
 
 Mr. Hoats came to Michigan in 1837, a few 
 months after it had been converted from a Territory' 
 into a State, and in the fall of the year settled on a 
 tract of land two and one-half miles south of what 
 is now the Hoats homestead. He lived there for a 
 period of sixteen j-ears, then removed to section 19, 
 securing a partially cleared tract. Here he lived 
 and labored, enduring all the vicissitudes of pio- 
 neer life, and in due time met with the reward of 
 bis toils in the establishment of a comfortable 
 homestead. He was a carpenter by trade, at which 
 he worked several years after coming to the new 
 country, frequently' shouldering his tools early in 
 the morning and walking seven miles before break- 
 fast to begin bis dav's labor. The road over which 
 
 -•^ 
 
 he traveled, as ma}' be supposed, was guiltless of 
 pavements, and he thus performed what in these 
 daj's would be considered a good day's work on his 
 seven-mile journey. The men of those d.ays. how- 
 ever, were of hardy muscle and determined spirit, 
 and accomplished great feats in a very quiet and 
 unostentatious manner. 
 
 A member of the church and a liberal eonlril)u- 
 tor to all the enterprises calculated for the general 
 welfare of the communily, Mr. Hoats was highl\' 
 esteemed among his neighbors as one of the best 
 citizens of his township. He was public-spirited 
 and liberal, and frequently served unpaid in the 
 various local offices, being Highwaj' Commissioner, 
 and occupying other positions of trust and respon- 
 sibilit}'. Politicall}', he was an uncompromising 
 Democrat. The mother died in 1883, at the age 
 of seventy-three, having been born in 1809. She 
 was a member of the First Presbyterian Church at 
 Three Rivers. 
 
 AVilliam B. Hoats w,is born in Park Township, 
 St. Joseph Count}', Sept. 20, 1844, and was reared 
 amid the wild scenes of pioneer life. He grew up 
 with well-develope<l muscles and those habits of 
 industry and economy which had served his honored 
 sire so well all through life. He acquired a practi- 
 cal education in the district schools, and remained 
 with his parents until a man of twenty-eight 3'ears, 
 when he was married, Feb. 27, 1873, to Miss 
 Amanda Deats. This lady was the daughter of 
 Grautum and Theresa (Mack) Dcats, t>f Park Town- 
 ship, who were natives of Northampton Count}-, Pa., 
 and are yet living. Of this union there have been 
 born three children — Edna, Roy and Florence. 
 William Hoats is a member of the M.asonic frater- 
 nity, belonging to the lodge at Three Rivers. He 
 has a one-sixth interest in the 235 acres of land 
 comprising the homestead. 
 
 ^ ■ - g^J^^US ; : . 
 
 /^HAUNCEY ORTON. Numberless fine old 
 (if families are represented in St. Joseph County 
 
 ^^?' by a younger generation, who are bearing the 
 mantles of their sires in a most praiseworthy man- 
 ner. Among these the subject of this sketch is 
 de.seiving of more than a passing mention. His 
 
 f- 
 
■» m <• 
 
 ■♦-HI-* 
 
 ST. .lOSKPII COUNTY. 
 
 .i97 
 
 4~ 
 
 falher. Dnvid II. ()rti)n.;i iintivc of Oneirl.i Ctiunty. 
 N. Y.. WHS lioni .)iily 14. If<17. .niiil spent liis liuy- 
 liiKiil mill jiPiith .iniiil tlie quiet scones of fnrm life 
 in liis nntlvc State. \Vlien a jdiing ninn of twenty 
 yeais lie detennineil to loeate in llie \Vest. an<l ac- 
 fonlingly etiniing to this eounty seleeled l:iiiil on 
 section 33. in Lock|i(iit Tuwnsliip, about 1837. the 
 j'ear tli.at Mlelii<;nii was tinnsfornieH from a Terri- 
 tory into !i State. Me first secureii eij^litj' acres, 
 and later adiled to his property until he became one 
 of the most extensive land-owners in tiie county. 
 pos.sessing the warrantee dec<l to ;I00 broad acres, 
 embracing pfirtions of Loekporl and adjoining 
 townships. The Imniestead proper was located on 
 section 33 in l.< ckport Tdwnsliip. and there the 
 father, after a long and u^eful life, passed to his 
 final rest, Oct. 13. I^G.'>. 
 
 David M. Orton after coming to this county was 
 married to Miss Maria Dickerson, who only lived 
 about thirteen years after her marriage, her decease 
 taking place at the early age of twenty-eight j'ears. 
 Mr. Orion was married a second time, Dec. 28, 1852, 
 in Nottawa Township, to Miss Marilla .lane, daugh- 
 ter of .Stephen and .Maria (Sullivan) Cleveland. 
 This lady was born in Krie County, Pa., March 9, 
 1 H30, and was taken by her jiarents when a small 
 cliiM to Miami County. C)hio. where she lived until 
 1H44. In the fall of that year the family came to 
 Mi<'liigan. settling in Nottawa Township, where the 
 mother died at the age of fift3-one years. .Ste|)hen 
 Cleveland is still living, making his home at the old 
 farm in Lockport Township. He was born in Ot- 
 sego County, N. Y., in 180.j, and although now 
 eightj-.three years old, is in possession of good 
 health, and his mental faculties to a great extent 
 are unimpaired. To him there was born a family of 
 twelre children, eight of whom arc living, two by 
 the first marriage, and six by the second. 
 
 Kmery D. Orton, the elde-st brother of our sub- 
 ject, is a prosperous farmer of .Sac County, Iowa: 
 Kliza. Mi-s. C. Lohr, is a resident of Dakota Ter- 
 ritor}': Lucy .1., Mrs. Thetjdore (iodschalk. is a 
 resident of Uicc County, Kan.; Stephen lives at 
 Three Rivers, and is occupied at the freight house; 
 Daviil, .Ir., is al.so a resi<lent of that ()lace; Adel- 
 bert L. and Adelbcrt are twins, the former now a 
 ])racticing physician in Uie copper regions of this 
 
 4* 
 
 Stale, and the latter the wife of Charles Isbell. of 
 Danville. III. Mr. I. is m\ engineer by pmressiou. 
 The subject of this sketch, the youngest child of 
 his mother. w:us born .May 10, 1.SG4, and still occu- 
 pies the old homestead with her. lie was married. 
 Nov. 12. I8.S4. to Miss A<la, ilaughter of Oeorgc 
 and Esther K. (Brook) Barton. Mr. and Mrs. B. 
 are natives of New York .Siiite and Kn;:lan<l re- 
 spectively, and are now residents of Three Rivers. 
 At this place .Mrs. Orton was born. Oct. 10. 18(>(j. 
 where she was reared ami received a common-school 
 education. Of her union with our suiiject there is a 
 bright little girl. LottJi, who was born .lune 8, 188.5. 
 All the Orton boys, like their father before them, arc 
 stanch adherents of the Democratic party. Oursul)- 
 ject is a man of decided views, and one who k?eps 
 himself well posted on current events. He pos- 
 sesses more than ordinary business capacities, and 
 in his farming operations served a thorough appren- 
 ticeship under the instruction of his honored father, 
 aud is making of it a success, as did the latter. 
 
 J'~[ .1. A. PARKKR. eilit(tr and proprietor of the 
 Three Rivers Herrthl, a native of Cass 
 County, Mich., was born .Ian. 1 7, 18."j6. and is 
 the son of .lohn and Sarah ( Ingling) Parker, 
 The father was born in Ohio, .Ian. 26. 1816, and died 
 Feb. 13. 1857^ and was a farmer by occupation; 
 the mother was born in New .lersey, April l.'». 
 1820. They were marrieil in IS,')1. To them 
 two children were born: W. K. Parker, a leading 
 physician of Three Rivers, who is married and has 
 two children, Earl anil Lucile, both at home; and 
 our subject completing the household. 
 
 Our subject was educated in the common schools 
 of his native county, and llif;h .V-hools of N'al- 
 imraiso, Ind. On leaving school he worked in a 
 printing-onice in Cass County for a |)eriod of six 
 months. At the expiration of this time he pur- 
 chased the Neirs at Marcellus, Mich., which he ran 
 successfully for six years. Then he purch.ased and 
 Ujok possession of the Three Rivers Herald, March 
 19, 1888, and has over 1,000 subscribers to the 
 paper, with a fair amount of advertisement*. 
 
 »» ■ * 
 
^ 
 
 4^ 
 
 598 
 
 ,t 
 
 .ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 Our subject was married to Miss Cora M, daugh- 
 ter of Peter and Anne E. (Brewer) Wliite. She 
 was born Dec. 17, 1S58, and is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a 
 Democrat. 
 
 J7 0SIA1I ^\()L1■. one uf liie solid faniuMs of 
 j Florence Town.ship, coninienced business for 
 himself when a young man twent^y-seven 
 ' years of age as a farmer on section 34, in 
 ]>ockport Township, h.aving secured 130 acres, of 
 which he took possession in the .spring of 1846. He 
 occupieil this farm until the spring of 1881, then 
 changed liis residence to Florence Township where 
 he has 100 acres under a g(X)d state of cultivationi 
 with suitable farm buildings and all the other con- 
 veniences for carrying on agricultnreina profitable 
 manner, lie still retains ownership of his Lock- 
 port Townshi]) farms and has also other projierty 
 in the county. Our subject first opened his eyes to 
 the light in the Keystone .State, at North Branch. 
 Columbia County-, Aug. 8. 1819, where he lived 
 until a lad twelve years of age, and where his early 
 education was conducted in the common scliools. 
 He was the eldest diild of his parents and remained 
 with them until twentj'-seven 3-eare of age. After 
 the death of his father he naturally assumed the 
 management of the estate, but in 1833, having a 
 desire to locate permanently in the .West, he made 
 his wav to this county. Here, not long afterward, 
 he found a wife, being married in hockport Town- 
 ship, Dec. 13, 1842, to Miss Mary Ann Wescott. 
 This lady was born in Fayette,- ()nonda<ra Co., 
 X. v., Nov. 1, 1820. and when a maiden of .si.xtecn 
 years came to Michigan with her father, Samuel 
 AVescott. The Latter was a native of AVestchester 
 County, N. Y., and born in 1772. I'pon appro.ich- 
 ing manhood he learned the trade of shoemaker, 
 which he followed in his native State a number of 
 years. There he also married, Nov. 18, 1802, to 
 Miss Deborah Brown, and they took up tlieir abode 
 at Fayette. Onondaga County, where. de|)arting 
 from his former occupation. Mr. Brown ])urchased 
 a farm, upon which the family lived until coming 
 to this county. They made the journey hither in 
 
 the fall of 1827 and t!ie falher purchased 160 acres 
 of wild land from which he improved a farm, and 
 where both jjarents spent manj' j'ears in comfort. 
 The mother died there at the age of fifty -two years. 
 Mrs. Wolf for many years, and until her marriage, 
 was her f.ither's house keeper. He then made his 
 home with her in Lockport Township until his 
 death, which occurred Jan. 19, 1867. After the 
 death of his first wife, he was married Aug. 30, 
 1843, to Sarah Clark, who is now deceased. He 
 was the father of five children, Mrs. Wolf being 
 the j'oungest, and she is now the only one living. 
 Her parents were members of the Metliodist Kpis- 
 copal Church. The stepmother also died at the 
 home of Mrs. Wolf when seventy-three j-ears old. 
 
 Our subject and his estimable wife are the par- 
 ents of one child only, a son. Samuel J., who was 
 born Nov. 23, 1847, and still lives at home with 
 his father. He was married in Florence Township 
 Jan. 1. 1867, to Miss Emeline I., daughter of Mor- 
 gan L. and Laura (Powers) Ketchum. auti they 
 have one child, a son, Frank, who was born Nov. 
 14, 1867. The son has been well educated, having 
 completed his studies in the Business College at 
 Poughkecpsie, N. Y., and is now Cashier of the Ex- 
 change Bank of Centreville. In this bank our sub- 
 ject and his brothers, Amos and John, are among 
 the principal stockholders: the first mentioned be- 
 ing President, Amos Vice-President and Samuel J., 
 the son of our subject, is a Director. 
 
 Mrs. Wolf is a member in good standing of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, attending services 
 regularly at Florence ^lethodist F^piscopal Church. 
 Our subject is a supporter of Democratic iirinciples. 
 lie has never sought office, preferring to give his 
 time and attention to his farm and his business 
 affairs. 
 
 ^ AMES 0. CHILDS. There came to Michigan 
 Territory in the fall of 1834 a lad six years 
 of age, bearing the name of the subject 
 of this sketch, accompanied by his parents, 
 they settling on a tract of wild land two miles from 
 the present site of Centreville, the county' seat. 
 The father, Lloj'd Childs, had visited this count3' 
 the year previously, and purchased the northwest 
 
 t 
 
-4»- 
 
 -«► 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 59!» 
 
 i~ 
 
 quarter of section 35, Government land in Lock- 
 port Townsliip, for tiif consideration of iSl. "25 per 
 acre. He luiilt the third house Itctwecn Centre- 
 villcand Wliite Pigeon, and there befjan the strug- 
 gle cotnition to life in tiie Western wiUls. Tliere 
 the boyhood and youth of James O. were mostly 
 spent, and he completed a common-school educa- 
 tion at Lock port. 
 
 Our subject upon reaching manhood started out 
 in life for himself by purch.ising. in the fall of 
 1853, 120 acres of land on section "2 in Florence 
 Township. Twelve acres of this had been sub- 
 jected to cultivation, and Mr. C. occupied it until 
 the spring of 1864. Then selling out he purchased 
 the old homestead of the other heirs, and has since 
 occupied the land which his father secured from 
 the Government during the Territorial days of 
 Michigan. This comprises now 200 acres of good 
 laud, with the various improveuieuts suggested by 
 the modern and progressive agriculturist. 
 
 In the spring of 1850. anxious for diversion and 
 recreation. Mr. Childs journeyed across the [tlains 
 to California, remaining in the vicinity of Placer- 
 ville until the winter following. Thence he emi- 
 grated to Oregon, and sojourned in Astoria until 
 the spring of IHjl. He then rdurneil to Califor- 
 nia, and spent his lime until the spring of 1852 in 
 the mines. After another visit to Oregon, he re- 
 turned to this county, where he has since been 
 content to remain. 
 
 One very important event in the life of our sub- 
 ject occurred on the 30th of May. Ifi55, when he 
 was united in tnurriage with Miss Uiixana, daugh- 
 ter of J<»el and Klvira (Curtis) Crouch. .Mr. and 
 Mrs. Crouch were natives of New York Slate and 
 were born iu .Steuben County, where they are still 
 living. 
 
 At the homestcafl where Mr. auci .Mrs. Childs 
 commenced the journey of life together wi-re born 
 their seven children, all of whom are living, l.,loyd, 
 the eldest, was born .March 2-'l, 1856, and remains 
 at home with his parent> ; Frank was born Sept. 13, 
 1 .H57. and marrieil .Miss .Mary Kay ; he is living on a 
 farm near Three Rivers. James Orton was born 
 March 1 1, 18,V.», and i* farming iu Mendon Town- 
 ship; Uanson L. was born .Sept. 12, IMCO, and is 
 employed a!< a railroad engineer, making his home 
 
 in Kane County, 111.; Rose was born Aug. 15. 1862, 
 and is living in Missouri; Minnie H. was born 
 Aug. 26, 1865, and is the wife of Lonis P. Kmery, 
 a native of Mendon Township, where they are 
 living; Charles A. L. was born Jan. 18, 1874. 
 
 Lloj'd Childs, the father of our subject, departed 
 this life at the old homestead Jan. 20, 1847; the 
 mother died at the home of our subject, in Lock|Kjrt, 
 in March, 181)4. The parental fan)ily included six 
 children, four sons and two daughters, of whom 
 James O. was the 3-ouj)gest. Two of these are living. 
 His sister Caroline became the wife of Adam 
 Van Duscn, but is now a widow and a resident of 
 Astoria. Ore.; she and her husband, in 1847, 
 crossed the plains with ox-teams, a great under- 
 taking, and a very tedious journey, in strong con- 
 trast to that which can be performed at the present 
 day by the aid of the iron horse. 
 
 <i^ RASTUS T. PARKKR. The livery and sale 
 |r) stable of this gentleman is noticeable among 
 (JL^ the leading enterprises of .Sturgis, where it 
 has been established since 1883, and been continu- 
 ously, with the exception of three years, con<lucted 
 by the sultject of this sketch, he during that inter- 
 val employing himself at farming. On the 1st of 
 September, 1888, he associated him.self with a part- 
 ner. Mr. Asa P. Kenyon, and the business is now 
 being ojH-rated with a capital of §10.000, thus fur- 
 nishing to the public everything of a Brst-class des- 
 cription in their line. Their horses and vehicles are 
 all valuable and wi-11 cared fo.-. and it is hardly nec- 
 essary to s.iy the firm receives the patronage of the 
 best peoph- of ihe comminiity. They act jis agents 
 fiir the I'nitiMl .Stales l^xprc.-s Company, and con- 
 vey the mail from Murgis Township to an<l from 
 all the trains, besides operating a well-patronized 
 transfer line. 
 
 Mr. Parker was born in .Sturgis Township, this 
 county, Aug. 13. 1843, and is the son of Krastus 
 Parker, .Sr., a native of New York State, whose 
 early home was near Gcncseo. The latter removed 
 with his parents to the vicinity of Cleveland. Ohio, 
 when about eighteen 3cars of age, and then came, 
 in 1839, to this county. He married Miss Isabclle 
 
•^1^^ 
 
 ■•► 
 
 .t 
 
 600 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 McKirlie, daughter of Samuel McKirlie, one of the 
 pioneers of tliis county. Krastiis T. w.is p'Uifated 
 in the Stnrgis schools, an<l for a time after attain- 
 ing man's estiate was engaged in farming. lie is 
 widel}' known throughout this section, is a man of 
 means and influence, being Presiilent of the Minne- 
 waukon Lake Club, which has the monoi)ol3' of the 
 lake and its surroundings, utilizing them as a pleasure 
 resort. Mr. Parker is also a stockliolder in the elec- 
 tric light plant, and during a period of four j'ears 
 officiated as the .Mayor of Stnrgis. 
 
 Our subject was married, Oct. .5, 1^64. to Miss 
 Adeline, daughter of Balses B. Gardner, who set- 
 tled in Sturgis Township during its pioneer da_vs, 
 on the Thornton farm. Of this union there have 
 been born three children, two only of wiiom are 
 living: Burt and Nancy H The family occupies a 
 high position socially, and .Mr. Parker is numl)ercd 
 among the popular men of the county, being one 
 of a family of pioneers who assisted in its early 
 growth and development. He is identified with 
 the i. O. O. F. and the Masonic fraternity, and has 
 uniforndy signalized himself as a liberal-minded 
 and public-spirited citizen, giving his aid to the 
 enterprises best calculated for the general good. 
 
 ONATIIAN V. MILLKU. By a happy dis- 
 
 "ft ONATIIAN F. MILLK 
 lli pensatiou of Providcn 
 
 pensatiou oi I'rovmcnce one man's tastes 
 lead him in one direction and those of his 
 
 1 
 
 (j^// neighbor in another. The subject of this 
 sketch, a farmer of good repute in Park Township, 
 has for a number of 3'ears been interested in the 
 diseases of the equine race, and for some time h.as 
 operated as a veterinary surgeon successfully' in his 
 community. He has studied the matters connected 
 with his profession, in which he takes pride and 
 labors conscientiously. In connection with this he 
 operates a good farm on section 29. 
 
 Our subject was born in .Stark County. Ohio. June 
 15, 1827. His parents, Frederick and Uebecca 
 (Hess) Miller, were natives of Centre County, Pa., 
 and his uncle, Daniel Miller, served as a soldier in 
 the War of 1812. The parental family consisted of 
 nine children, five of whom survive, namely: lian- 
 iul. a fMrnior of Crawford County. III.: David. c;ir- 
 
 ryingon agriculture in Stark County, Ohio; .Samuel, 
 a resident of Massillon, that State; Lydia, Mrs. 
 Kerstetter. residing near Massillon. The deceased 
 are Phillip, Rachel, Susan and Poll}'. 
 
 The father of our subject w.as one of the pioneer 
 settlers of Stark County, Ohio, locating in the wil- 
 derness, from a portion of which, with the assistance 
 of his boys, he built up a good homestead. Jonathan 
 F., like his brothers and sisters, acquired a limited 
 education in the primitive schools of that time and 
 place, his studies being conducted a few weeks in 
 the year during the winter season. He was fond 
 of his books, however, and availed himself of every 
 opportunity for the acquircnnnt of useful knowl- 
 edge. From that d.ay to this he has been a great 
 reader, and is consequentlj' an intelligent, well-in- 
 forme<l man, with whom it is both pleasurable arvd 
 profitable to converse. As earl}' as the age of fif- 
 teen 3'ears he became interested in veterinar}' work, 
 for which he seems peculiarly adapted. The period 
 of his labors has now stretched over a term of for- 
 t3'-seven j'ears. This, however, was interrupted by 
 his services in the army, as' not long after the out- 
 break of the Rebellion he enlisted. Oct. 1.5, ISGI, 
 in Company I, 7th Ohio Infantry, which was as- 
 signed to the Arni3' of the West. He continued 
 with his regiment, participating in man3' of the im- 
 portant engagements of the war until its close. He 
 was |)resentat tlie battles of Ft. Donelson, Arkansas 
 Post and the siege and capture of Vicksburg and 
 Atlanta, besides in man}' minor engagements and 
 skirmishes. He was frequenll3' detailed on forage 
 duty, and likewise otHcialed as wagon master, be- 
 ing often intrusted with grave responsibilities. Dur- 
 ing the latter part of his service he in company with 
 three others had the charge of a medical wagon. 
 He w.as with the army of Gen. Sherman in its march 
 to the sea. and at the close of his term of enlist- 
 ment received an honorable disch.arge, Jan. 3, 18G4, 
 at Woodville, Ala. He subsequently veteranized, 
 however, continuing in the service until the close 
 of the war. 
 
 Mr. Miller now returned to Stark Count3'. Ohio, 
 where he resumcfl farming and the duties of a vet- 
 erinary surgeon. He had been married, Jan. 17, 
 1850. to Miss Sarah A. Armstrong, and of this 
 union lluTc were lioni -i\ tliiiilrcii. ()f these but 
 
(:^ 
 
 -4»- 
 
 ^ n ^ 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 «01 ' 
 
 tliree are living, nami'ly : Itchecfa K., the wife of 
 George Kline, of Park Township, this county; For- 
 tiiiinliis ."iikI .lonnthun P., who »re in Piiik Town- 
 slii|>, this i-ounty. "iid Ilclenii, Mont., resiteclively. 
 Mrs. Miller was horn Aug. 1.?, IH22. in New York 
 Stale, and is the daughter of Henry and Mary Arm- 
 strong, who were natives of New York .Stiite. Their 
 family consisted of eleven children, six of whom 
 are living, and mostly residents of the West. 
 
 Mr, Miller in the spring of IhTU left the Buckeye 
 Stale with his little family, and coming to this 
 county settled on the farm which he now owns and 
 oc<-npies. Here he has 1 GD acres of well-improved 
 land, which he has brought to its present state, 
 mainly by his own labor. He is a Republican po- 
 liticall}', and has served as Moderator in his school 
 district. Although frequently called upon to dis- 
 charge the duties <»f other ollices. he has invariably 
 declined, |)referring to give his time and attention to 
 his farm and profession. A quiet, unassuming mani 
 studiously careful in his habits, he has hosts of 
 frienils among the people wherever he is known. 
 He li.'is for many years been a member of the Lu- 
 theran Evangelical Church, serving as EMer and 
 Deacon. Socially, he belongs to the M.-ujonic fra- 
 ternity and Uie G. A. R. Post at Three Rivers. He 
 was Treasurer of his lodge at Moon park two years, 
 and Surgeon of the(i. A. R. Post, 'I'hree Rivers. 
 
 R. LAWRENCE I). KNOWLES. The sub- 
 ject of this sketch, a -prai'licing physician 
 ami surgeon of Three Rivers, holds a good 
 jKisition among the younger members of 
 the profession in St. .loscph County. He is but 
 thirty-nine years of age, having been born Nov. 30, 
 1H4:I, near Mauch Chunk, Carbon Co.. Pa. His par- 
 ents were Lawrence D., Sr.. and A mex ro F. (Fel- 
 lows) Kuowles. 
 
 The father of our subject was a merchant, banker 
 and boat builder. The boyhiHxl of Lawrence U., 
 .Ir., was passed in his native town, where be pur- 
 sued hio firsit studies in the Cnion Sdiool, then «o- 
 tered Decker's College from which he wa» graduated 
 in lHt;«. After leaving school he went into the 
 employ of the Delaware. Lackawanna tt Western 
 
 Railroad Company, continuing in their employ un- 
 til 1871. 
 
 Young Knowles, lu-iil upon the study of medi- 
 cine, no»v entered the oHlce of Dr. William E. Bar- 
 rett, of Cambria, Pa., when he came to Michigan 
 and entered the State University at Ann Arbor, 
 where he pursued his studies until 1K72. Thence 
 he went to New Y'ork City and became a student 
 at Bellevne Hospitsil College, from which he was 
 graduated in the spring of 1874; then returning to 
 Michigan he located at Kendall. Van Buren County, 
 where he commence<l the practice of his profession, 
 and remained until .laniiary. 1 880. Soon afterward 
 he established himself at Three Rivers as the ^Mirt- 
 ner of Dr. W. M. Ikeler, and the firm of Ikeler i 
 Knowles has since operate<l with more than ordin- 
 ary success, buililing up an extensive and lucrative 
 business. Dr. Knowles was united in marriage with 
 Miss Francis Wager, of Three Rivers. She is a laily 
 of much intelligence and refinement, and a favorite 
 in social circles. 
 
 -«.-v/\ «gga'&i g «' jfi Si ^ M'®t4a' Jg7»- 
 
 Jr^A.MES CRAWFORD. There came to the 
 I Territory of Michigan in the spring of 1830 
 j the subject of this skeli;h. then a young lad 
 J eleven years of age. He had made the 
 
 journey from his native county of Ashlan<L Ohio, 
 with his p:ireius. and they located on section 28 in 
 Constantiue Township. The latter, Robert and 
 Mary (.Shannon) Crawfonl. were natives of Mary- 
 lanil and Virginia respectively. After coming to 
 Michigan the father built up a good home?lead from 
 an uncultivateil tract of i ind, where with his es- 
 timable wife he spi-nt the remainder of his days. 
 Of their children, eight in nunil>er, James was the 
 sixth in orde-r of birth. He first opened his eyes 
 to the light .luiie 22. IHK). and from bis youth up 
 has lieen familiar with farming pursuits. 
 
 Our subject developed into manhood at the old 
 farm in Fhjrence Township, and, when ready to 
 esUblish domestic ties of his own, was united in 
 marriage with Mrs. Amanda (Co(Bn) Chambers, 
 the wedding taking phice April »!, 18.">S. This 
 lady was the widow of Theron Cliamlwrs. and the 
 daughter of M. S. and Elisabeth (Wiltse) Coffin. 
 
-4^ 
 
 t 
 
 4 
 
 602 
 
 .ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 the latter two of New York State. U|)on leaving 
 there tliey took up their residence in Wisconsin, 
 where the father followed fanning, but died in 
 Sherman Township, this county, at the age of seven- 
 ty-six years. The mother died at the home of her 
 son, J. S. Coffin, in Charles City, Iowa, at the age 
 of sevent3--three. They were the parents of eleven 
 cliiUlren, of whom Mrs. Crawford was the second. 
 Her native place was in the vicinit}' of Albany 
 City, N. Y., and the date of her liirtii Dec. 1, 1831. 
 Of her Qrst marriage with Fiaiicis A. Chambers there 
 was born one child, a daughter, Frances, who was 
 the wife of .lohn Kobbins, and the mother of three 
 chihlren, two oidy of whom are living. Charles and 
 Jessie. Francis <lied in Lockport Township Jan. 18, 
 1888, at the eari^' age of thirty-seven years. Of her 
 marriage with our subject were born two children: 
 Mary E.. March 17, 18G2, and Norman J.. Feb. 25, 
 1870. The daughter is at home. The son is in 
 Washington Territorj* employed as a bookkeeper 
 for his uncle, Stephen Coffin, where isalsoemplo^'ed 
 Charles Robbius. Norman Crawford took kindl3' 
 to his books, and com|)leted a practical business 
 education in the college at Three Rivers. A grand- 
 son, Charles Robbins, is also a grailuate of that 
 college. 
 
 -■I ; D — >^ir^ — i : ■* 
 
 J I OIIN F. WOLF. To every intelligent indi- 
 I vldual nothing is more gratifying or a 
 I greater source of worthy pride, than to be 
 ^fj able to trace his ancestry- in an honorable 
 line, as nearly as possible to his origin. The Ger- 
 man Empire has contril)uted largely to the bone 
 and sinew of Americ.iu prosperity, sending from 
 her borders hundreds of stalwart citizens, noble 
 in nature .as well .as in lineage. Among the descen- 
 dants of these maj- be classed the subject of this 
 sketch. 
 
 To go back several generations we find that tlie 
 paternal grandfather of our subject, also John Wolf 
 by name, was a native of Wittenberg, a fortified 
 town of Prussian Saxony, and was born April 18, 
 176!t. lie did not long reside in his native coun- 
 try, however, having been brought to America by 
 his parents when a child two years of age. They 
 settled in Columbia County. Pa., where the youth 
 developed into manhood, and where with his par- 
 
 ents he spent his entire life, passing aw.ay April IK. 
 1824. He married .nnd became the father of a fine 
 family, and among liis sons was one John. Jr.. the 
 father of our subject. He was born in Columbia 
 County, Pa., Nov. 17. 17'J4, and incorporated in 
 his early e<lucation wa.s a knowledge of the lan- 
 guage of his ancestors, which he thoroughly le.arned. 
 in fact almost to the exclusion of English, he picking 
 up a knowledge of the latter late in life, and chiefly 
 instructed by his children. His intercourse with his 
 F!;nglish-spe.aking neighbors also assisted him in 
 this. His mother, the paternal gi-andmother of our 
 subject, was in her girlhood Miss Catherine Iloan. 
 daughter of David lloan, a man of note in the 
 Keystone .State. She was born May 8, 1776, and 
 after the death of her husband came to Michigan 
 and spent her Last da^-s in Lockport Township, this 
 county, passing away Sept. 28, 183.5. 
 
 The father of our subject in early manhood 
 learned the trade of miller, which he followed al- 
 most exclusively during the last eight years of his 
 residence in Pennsylvania. In the spring of 18."M. 
 resolved uix>n seeking a permanent home in the 
 West, he came to this county during the early set- 
 tlement of Lockport Townsliip. and before Michi- 
 gan had been admitted into the Union as a .State. He 
 was possessed of some means and located 320 acres 
 of land on section 27, where he made his home 
 continuously until his death. He had in the mean- 
 time engaged considerably in milling; in addition 
 to farming, his practical knowledge of the former 
 business being of great service to him in this new 
 country. He was frequently called upon to dress 
 the stones for various mills in the county, and put 
 the machinery in operation. A man very intelli- 
 gent, active and industrious, he made hosts of 
 friends and was with his excellent wife for many 
 years one of the pillars of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church at Centreville. He rested from his earthly 
 laliors Oct. 16. 18.54, passing peacefully away at 
 the old homestead. 
 
 Mrs. Barbara (Dreschcr) Wolf, the mother of 
 our subject, was also a native of Pennsylvania and 
 born in .Vugust, 1790. She was married in her na- 
 tive county and accompanied her family to Michi- 
 gan. iKissing away some years after the decease of 
 her husband on the 2d of .\pril. 1801!, at the resi- 
 m^ 
 
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 r.0.3 
 
 (lence of her son Daniel K.. in Centreville, with 
 whom she liatl made her home for about eifjht 
 years. John Wolf, the fatlier of our subject, al- 
 thouifh nU^(hllin<; very little willi public atTair.s. w.ts 
 a man of decidcfl views and althougli for the most 
 jMirt a Democrat, votc'd for "Tippecanoe and Tyler 
 too" in 1840. He discliarired the duties of various 
 local olticesand wjvs a imblic-spirited citizen, intcr- 
 estinjj himself in all projects calculate<l for the de- 
 velopment of his adopted county, iayinir out the 
 public highways and serving as Commissioner a 
 number of years. In all the relations of life he 
 was kindly, hospitable and charitable, and pursued 
 a career which endeared him to all who knew 
 iiim. His name is held in kindly remembrance by 
 his chililren and others who still survive and re- 
 memlier his generous deeds. 
 
 To the parent;? of our subject there have been 
 born ten chililren, John V. being the sixtii in order 
 of birth. He, like his parents, first opened his eyes 
 to the light in Columbia County. Pa.. Jan. 1, 182.i, 
 and w.as a little lad nine years of age when he came 
 with his parents to Michigan Territory. He re- 
 ceived his education in the jirimitive schools of St. 
 Joseph County, and remained a member of his 
 father's household until a young man of twenty- 
 fouT years. He then started out in tnisiness on his 
 own account, upon a tract of land given him by 
 his father, that u])on which he now resides, and be- 
 ginning its improvement and cultivation in a man- 
 ner corresponding to his means. This embraced 
 eighty acres upon which there had been no im- 
 provements, and about his first business was tiie 
 erection of a dwelling. Aliout this time he secured 
 to himself a wife and helpmate, being married 
 .March !•, lM.i4. at the home of the bride in Con- 
 stantine Township, to Miss Nancy D., daughter of 
 John and Klizabeth Gibson. John Gibson was a 
 native of County Helfast, Ireland, and wa.>i brought 
 to America by his parents when a child two years 
 of age, they locating near WilIiams|X)rt in Lycom- 
 ing County, Pa. I'pon reaching manh<X)d he was 
 married there to Miss Klizalieth De France, and 
 they became the parents of seven children, of whom 
 Mrs. Wolf wa.s next to the eldest. She was l)orn in 
 Lycoming County. Dec. 31, 1H27, and remained 
 with her parents until her marriage, receiving a 
 
 common-school education, and being instructed by 
 a careful mother in all useful housewifely duties. 
 In rlue tunc Mr. and Mrs. Wolf became the par- 
 ents of thiee children, one of whom. .lohn K., died 
 Nov. 4, 185!), at the age of three years and four 
 months. Mary Kllen. the daugliter. was born March 
 IH. I8.J.5. and is now the wife of Dr. W. K. Clark, 
 of Three Rivers. Morris 1)., the second of the fam- 
 ily, was born July 7. IH.jT; betook kindly to iiis 
 books and after emerging from the village .school 
 at Centreville, entered the graded school at Centre- 
 ville and completed a good education. Our subject 
 is a worthy and highly respected citizen, a resi- 
 dent of Lockport and has held the ottice of High- 
 way Commissioner, alst) that of President of tlie 
 Anti-Horse Thief Association. He was formerly 
 a Director of the old Air Line Railroad Company, 
 from the time it w.is finished until it went into the 
 hands of the Michigan Central in the winter <jf 
 1887, and is now a member of the School Board 
 and he and his son are stockholders in Wolf 
 Bros.' Bank at Centreville. Mr. Wolf and his son 
 are members in good stinding of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, attending services at Centre- 
 ville. while Mrs. W. belongs to the Reformed 
 Church at Centreville. The family occupies a 
 prominent position in this |)art of the county, be- 
 ing people well-to-do and in all respects substan- 
 tial and reliable citizens. 
 
 ^TpSBENKZER OSBl RN. The name of this 
 fe) worthy pioneer, who is now deceased, de- 
 / l' — ^ serves honorable mention among the early 
 settlers of St. Jo-^eph County. He came to this 
 region when a young man from New York Stj»t<>. 
 where he was born Aug. lo. 1«22. He t<x)k up a 
 tract of land on section 21. in Flowerfield Town- 
 ship, opening up a <jood farm of eighty acres near 
 which the village of Howardsvillo afterward sprung 
 up. He battled with the ditllculties incident to 
 that time, and after making a g<xKl record, departed 
 this life at the homc-stearl which he had built uj). 
 Veh. 11. 1887. 
 
 .Mr. Osburn was marricl at Three Rivers after 
 cominji to ihi-i countv. .lulv lo. IHtj-.;. to Miss 
 
 T^:^f-^ 
 
-^*- 
 
 604 
 
 ^ ^ 1 >» 
 
 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY. 
 
 4 
 
 Nancy Clark, who passed away prior to the decease 
 of ber husband, her deatli also taking place at tlie 
 old farm. June -21. 1884. They were the parents 
 of two sons. Charles, the elder, was born April 
 13. 1863. and was reared upon a farm, becoming 
 familiar with its various employments and receiv- 
 ing his education in the common scliool. Frank, 
 the younger son, also grew up on the farm, and 
 when reaching manhood was married, at Huchanan. 
 IJcrrien County, this State, to IMiss Fannie Cave. 
 This lady was born in jrarcellus Township, Cass 
 County. Sept. 7, 1867, and is the daughter of John 
 L. and Lucina Cave. 
 
 The fonner was a native of England, whence he 
 ciiiigratcd to the United States early in life. He 
 came to Cass County during its early settlement, 
 and after opening up a good farm spent the latter 
 years of his life in prosperity and quiet. Mrs. 
 Cave was born in Chagrin Falls. Ohio, and is still 
 living, making her home in Lamoni. Iowa. Besides 
 Mrs. O.-bmn there are three other daugiiters: Ad- 
 die, the wife of Is.aac Jiidson, of Covert; Nettie and 
 Jessie, who live with their mother in Iowa. Both 
 the Cave and Osbinn families rejirescnt the better 
 element of society, being people well-to-do and of 
 good standing among their neighbors. 
 
 <^ ANIEL M. EVELANl). editor and pro- 
 prietor of the Weekly Globe, Mendon, 
 St. Joseph Co., Mich., was born in 
 Schuylkill County. I'a.. Aug. 22, 1836- 
 His parents soon after removed to Tort Clinton, in 
 the same countj-, where our subject attended 
 school until his sixteenth year. lie then entered 
 the otlice of 1). C. A- J. M. Heinhart, at Taraaqua, 
 Pa., to learn the trade of printing, they being pro- 
 prietors of a weekly journal called the Tamaqua 
 Legion. The facilities were of the most primitive 
 kind, and young Eveland soon had an opiM)i)tunity 
 to develop his muscle by -pulling" the forms of 
 the paper on an old "Kamage" press, a relic of the 
 times of Franklin. 
 
 For three years our subject worked for those 
 people as :ui apprentice, getting such an insight 
 into his chosen vocation as could be had in thai 
 
 <^ 
 
 office. At the end of this time he went to Phila- 
 del|)hia, where he secured employment for a short 
 time in various offices, but no permanent position. 
 His next move was to Wilmington. Del., where he 
 worked on the Delaware Gazette, the organ of the 
 Delaware Lottery Company, and on other journals. 
 He then returned to Tamaqua. where he worked on 
 a new paper, which, being destroyed by fire, he re- 
 turned to liis old employers. Finallj- engaging in 
 school teaching in Tamaqua and Drehei-sville. 
 also attending Normal School, paying for tuition 
 out of his savings. AVhile here he was married, 
 and for several years after that event continued his 
 teaching, varied for a short time by publishing a 
 small paper called the Mountain Echo. 
 
 The outbreak of the Rebellion found him at his 
 teacher's desk, and following the examjile of his 
 four brothers, he enlisted in the Union Armv. He 
 left the army unwounded. but suffering from disa- 
 bilities incurred by reason of sickness and exposure. 
 He then served as clerk in a store, worked on a coal 
 bank, taught school, and was in the employ of the 
 express comimny on the P. <fe R. R. R. Co. He 
 finally bought the office of the Tamaqua Courier. 
 in partnership with a man who afterward killed 
 himself, and he then h.ad as a partner Robert Har- 
 ris. The firm did a large business for some time. 
 This was during the troublous times of the "JloUie 
 Maguires," with the leaders of whom our subject 
 was ])ersonally acquainted. He was for his utter- 
 ances several times attacked by this lawless mob, 
 but never seriously injured. Once by his courage 
 and address, after the murder of policeman Yost, 
 he prevented further bloodshed b}- delaying and 
 finally preventing a meeting of the murderous gang. 
 After the hanging of Doyle for one of his numer- 
 ous murders, he was again attacked, but again 
 fought his waj- out from the infuriated "Mollies." 
 In fact, all through those troubles in the Pennsyl- 
 vania coal regions he was in their midst, was ac- 
 quainted with the leaders on both sides, and was 
 active in upholding the law. 
 
 He continued publishing his paper in Tamaqua 
 for seven years, when he sold out and bought an 
 interest in the Akron (Ohio) Argux. where he lost 
 all he had. Not dism.-jved, he managed to get pos- 
 session of a small office at Churubusco, Ind., but 
 
•^•- 
 
 ST. JOSEl'II rOUNTY. 
 
 605 ' 
 
 sold and went to Ilicksvillc, Ohio. Thence he re- 
 move<l to Hcpulilir. (Hiin. wht-io he lost !i son \ty 
 <lt'!itli. liavinjj previoiislv lost a son ami (hmgliter 
 in IVnnsylvania. 
 
 I'roni this place Mr. Kveland went to Walkertoii, 
 Inil., where ho sufferetl a severe loss throiiijh tlie 
 ra.-;cality uf a person who took snap judgment on 
 him. 
 
 lie tlien took charge of the South Hcnd Era, a 
 Cireenliack organ, owned hy 1!. V. Shively. who now 
 represents that district in Congress, from whom he 
 purchased the good-will ami subscription list, which 
 he sold to .1. H. .Stoll, editor of tlie Times, of that 
 place. His next remove was to Schoolcraft. Mich., 
 where he startetl a paper called the Express, wiiich 
 he pulilished for more than a year. The paper w.as 
 an ardent advocate of temperance, and Mr. Eve- 
 land was President of the Rlue Riltlion Club, which 
 fact militated against the financial success of his 
 paper, .ind vn the invitation of Mr. T. M. Sheriff 
 he remnved to Mendon, St. .los'eph County, in 
 April, 1HH5. and hxs since made this place his 
 liome, and is proprietor and editor of the Mendon 
 Weekly Globe, organ of the Greenback party of the 
 county. 
 
 March 10, 1H.')9. Mr. Kveland w.as married to 
 Miss .\manda R. Zuber. wim proved a worthy help- 
 ma>e, an esliniable. devoted and pure-hearted wife 
 and mother. Of their family of six children, three 
 are deceased, .as already mentictned. Of the sur- 
 vivors the eldest daughter is the wife of J. .1. Fire- 
 stone, etlitor of the Colon Express; the second 
 daughter is wedded t-o L. G. Clapp, druggist, of 
 Mendon, and the youngest, a son, is now sixt«'en 
 years of age, and is under the parental roof. 
 
 The life of Mr. Eveland has been one of viscissi- 
 tude and adventure. His service in the army was 
 not half as dangerous or romantic as were his ad- 
 ventures during the verit.able reign of terror in- 
 augurated in the mining regions of Pennsylvania 
 by the "Mollic Maguires." He is frank and out- 
 spoken in expressing his opinions, and that he was 
 not more seriously injured in those limes was some- 
 what due to good fortune, but more to pluck. 
 
 The Mendon Glnhe. where it is to be hoped Mr. 
 Kveland is located to stay, is nn inilc|)endent, out- 
 spoken Journal, advocating the principles of the 
 
 Greenback party. The olflce is well supplied with 
 presses and type, and the paper and printing estab- 
 lishment are an important factor in the prosperity 
 of the flourishing village of Mendon. 
 
 -^^ 
 
 ^^ YRl'S Dl'TTON, of Mendon Township, 
 '■! — nnmo t.n t.liU «pption of eouutrv in 1848, and 
 
 ^^ iRi s ui 1 ro>, ot 
 I! came to this section of 
 
 ^>^/ h.as since resided upon 
 
 •> k ^* 
 
 ~ ' " ' ipon the same farm. It 
 
 comprises 200 acres of valuable land, and with its 
 apijurtenauces is considered one of the most desira- 
 ble homesteads in tiiis part of the county. 
 
 Our subject comes from a good family, being the 
 son of William Dntton, a New Knglander, who 
 married .Miss Mary Cheney, whose childhood home 
 was near that of her husband. In 1834 they emi- 
 grated to Michigan, settling first in Calhoun 
 County. Thence they removed, in December, 
 1841, to this county, settling in Mendon TowTiship. 
 where tliev remained until October, 18.')4. They 
 then took up their residence in Decatur. V.an IJuren 
 County, where they spent their last days. They 
 were the parents of eight chihlren. Cyrus b(>ing the 
 ehlest. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Rutland 
 County, Vt., Dec. 7, 1808. He was but an infant 
 when his parents removed to Franklin County. N. 
 Y., they settling in a place called French's Mills, 
 where they remained al)out four years. In Septem- 
 ber, 183.S, he left his home for Michigan, arriving 
 in Detroit in November following. He proceeded 
 directly to Calhoun County, making his home in 
 Marshall that winter. Ho rcnteil land in Sheridan 
 Township, remaining there until coming to this 
 county, in December, 1848. 
 
 .\t different times during his residence in Calhoun 
 County Mr. Dutton was engagetl in conveying the 
 rnite<l States mail to different points in that sec- 
 tion of the State. He disposeil of his Calhoun 
 County land in 1848. and joined his parents in this 
 county, making arrangements afterward to pur- 
 cha.se his father's laml in Mendon Township. I'lton 
 this he soon afterward took up his n-sidence, re- 
 maining until the present time. He was first mar- 
 ried in IJrady Township. KalanuizcK) County, in Oc- 
 tober, IS-iO, to Laura F. .Vxtell. This lady was bom 
 
 ■» M ^* 
 
 'i 
 
■► ir^ 
 
 :^^h^ 
 
 cm 
 
 ST. JOSKPH COUNTY. 
 
 in Peru. Berkshire Co.. JIa.ss., and died at the 
 homestead in Jlcndon Townsliip. in .Tune. 1861. 
 Mr. Button contracted a second marriage. iMarch 
 8, 1863. in Mendon. with Miss Cordelia Kstes, 
 widow of Zaecheus Estes. who died in Chicaa:o, 111., 
 in September, 1861. Ilcr father was Seymour 
 Bougliton, who died in Batavia, N. Y. Her mother. 
 Mrs. Betsy (Hubbard) Bougliton, also died there. 
 In that place also Mrs. Button was born Bee. 7, 
 182il. Of her first marriage there were four chil- 
 (lien — Mary, Marcus, Alton and Lydia. 
 
 Of the present marriage of Mr. Button there are 
 also four cinldren — p;mma. Ella, William and Lee. 
 The daughter Lydia became the wife of Martin 
 Langdon. and died in Monton. Oct. 7, 1881. Jlar- 
 cus married 31iss .lennie Wallace. Mr. B. has held 
 the office of Township Supervisor three terms, and 
 officiated as Justice of the Peace several years. Po- 
 litically, he is a stanch Republican. He is afflicted 
 with partial blindness, but has made for himself a 
 good record as an early settler and an honest citi- 
 zen. 
 
 W ACOB HEI>'BACH. It h.nsbcen remarked of 
 I this siilistantial old settler of Park Township 
 ! that his word is as good as his bond; and 
 ((^/' this perhaps is as suggestive of the character 
 of the m.^n as anything further which could be said. 
 He came to this section of country in its pioneer 
 daj-s, purchased eighty acres of timber land, and, 
 after operating on this for a time very successfully, 
 added to his real estate 240 acres more. This 
 formed the nucleus of a competence which he now 
 enjoys, and, whenever he so wishes, he can retire 
 from active labor with the assurance that his declin- 
 ing years may be passed in ease and comfort. 
 
 A native of Columbia County. Pa., our sub- 
 ject was born April 10, 1818, and is the son of 
 Jacob and Elizabeth (Faust) Heinliach. who were 
 natives of Pennsylvania, and long since passed to 
 their final rest. He was reared to manhood in his 
 native county, receiving a limited education, and 
 
 carried on farm pursuits, with which he had be- 
 come familiar during his boyhood. He was 
 married when twenty-seven years of age, in Sep- 
 tember. 1845, to Miss Mar}' A. Reed}', who became 
 the mother of three children, of wliom onl}' one is 
 living, William, a resident of Park Township. 
 
 Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Heinbach 
 emigrated to Michigan, and in due time settled 
 upon the land which is now included in their present 
 homestead. They labored with one purpose in 
 view from year to year, gathering gradual)}' al)out 
 them the conveniences and comforts of life, and as 
 the country grew up around them, and the wilder- 
 ness was transformed into smiling fields and valua- 
 ble homesteads, they became the center of a pleasant 
 circle of friends and acquaintances. Their hos- 
 pitable doors were ever open to their friends, while 
 the need}' stranger was never turned empty away. 
 
 Besides the property already named Mr. Hein- 
 bach is a part owner of a flour and grist mill. Upon 
 his first purchase he paid 8100 down, and was 
 given four years in wliich to pay the balance, 1350. 
 He met his notes as promptly as he has been in the 
 habit of meeting all his obligations. He met the 
 deepest atlliclion of his life on the llth of Becem- 
 ber, 1885, when the faithful and affectionate wife 
 and mother passed away to a better land. His life 
 has not been free from adversity and affliction. 
 His daughter Elmira, after an illness of twenty 
 years, ilied, April 10. 1886, and thus within a year 
 he was deprived of the companionship of both his 
 wife ami daughter. Mrs. Heinbach had been a 
 great suflferer from a cancer. 
 
 Our subject cist his first Presidential vote with 
 the Bemocratic party, and since that time has given 
 his cordial support to Bemocratic principles. He 
 has never been a member of any churcli. yet has 
 been a cheerful contributor both to educational 
 and religious objects, and has endeavored in all 
 respects to do good as he had opportunity. None 
 are more worthy of a place in a work of this kind 
 than Jacob Heinbach. 
 
 * 
 
 5tJU 
 
>► ■ » 
 
 4- 
 
 -t 
 
 Adams, J. E 318 
 
 Ad.im», John 13 
 
 Adams, John Q 39 
 
 Adams. Samuel P 593 
 
 Aadison. H. N aao 
 
 Ahltirim. Charles.. 331 
 
 Ainser, F. B 40S 
 
 Akey. William A ....580 
 
 Al^cr. Riiiisell A •■■73 
 
 Allman. Hon- William 389 
 
 Ame>A. Samurl 31J 
 
 A ndrrson, Milton H 486 
 
 AndrcMfs. Flias 934 
 
 A ndrews, Norman S 566 
 
 Andrews, Seymour H 499 
 
 Ansevine, (-ieorge A 498 
 
 Anthony, H. L 417 
 
 Armitage, John 570 
 
 Arncy, William 565 
 
 Arnold, William F 55a 
 
 Arthur, Chester A 99 
 
 Aspinwall, L. A 554 
 
 B 
 
 Babcock. Jay 38a 
 
 Hachcr.Rev. T. J 13* 
 
 Bagley, John J 157 
 
 KatdMin, Henry P 153 
 
 Barnard. Ncwion H 54I 
 
 Barnard, Richard 19a 
 
 Barrowt, J. M 453 
 
 Harry, John S 113 
 
 Barton. Albert G 594 
 
 Bates, O.C. M 371 
 
 Bates. W. W 319 
 
 r.aum, l.ydia 549 
 
 Baumeister, John jo8 
 
 Beadle. Valentine 300 
 
 Beard. William 476 
 
 Heck. Dr. J>n>c«W nB 
 
 i'f Itwiih. Rodney 195 
 
 \ '^ Ir. Josiah W 169 
 
 I'.r Inr*. William 373 
 
 Bellman. F. A. . . 519 
 
 Bennett. Johnson 57a 
 
 4 » 
 
 BIOGI^p^P^ICgfllj. 
 
 Bennett, Sila» W 390 
 
 Berger, Daniel 418 
 
 BinfEham, Kin»lry S 137 
 
 Bishop. Hon J. C 435 
 
 Blair, Austin US 
 
 bliss. I. G 47» 
 
 Bliie.n.B 475 
 
 Rotzner. John 315 
 
 Bower. Adam 939 
 
 Bower, John. .■ 331 
 
 Bower, Samuel Y 379 
 
 Boyles, George 3*7 
 
 Braginton. Mrs. Mary 34a 
 
 Bris&ette. George C 50a 
 
 Brooks, J. A 394 
 
 Brown, Joseph 374 
 
 Buchanan, James 75 
 
 Buck, B. C 487 
 
 Bungay. Francis at4 
 
 Burch, Hosea 588 
 
 Burger, Jacob 390 
 
 Burns, Lavinia (Field) 576 
 
 Butler. B. F 305 
 
 Butz, Leonard 328 
 
 C .li.im. I iniiij H 41a 
 
 Caldwell, W. G 567 
 
 Carpenter. Sidney 311 
 
 Carpenter. T. C 437 
 
 Car>,N.B $51 
 
 Cue, Hiram .479 
 
 Case, R. E 530 
 
 Castle. W. H 354 
 
 Cattell. Charles H 309 
 
 Catiell.John 9*4 
 
 ' Catton, J- B an 
 
 Cation. Thomas 398 
 
 Chapin. Southard 533 
 
 Chapin, WiDiani P 933 
 
 Childs,J.U 598 
 
 Chivers.W. H.. M.D 156 
 
 Clapp, L. A 558 
 
 Clark, George D ■89 
 
 Clark. W. E. M. D 543 
 
 Cleveland, C. M 940 
 
 Cleveland. S Grover- 103 
 
 Cline. Cornelius 193 
 
 Clowes, Charles J 396 
 
 Clyde, Samu«l 917 
 
 Cole. Levi 497 
 
 Connor, Judge William. . -.3^8 
 
 Coohon, John C 333 
 
 Cooke, G. A. B 560 
 
 Cook, Mrs. Mary A 400 
 
 Cooper, H L 501 
 
 Cooper. Norm G 488 
 
 Copenhafcr, Henry 996 
 
 Cornell, S.V 341 
 
 Covey. A . G 336 
 
 Cox, John 540 
 
 Crapo, Henry H 149 
 
 Craw, Ransom 336 
 
 Crawford, James 601 
 
 Crevling, Nelson 535 
 
 Crooks. Corydon 3(3 
 
 Cross, Samuel .■■ 563 
 
 Crosswell, Charles M 161 
 
 Cuddy, Thomas 358 
 
 Culbertson, John 385 
 
 Culow, John 470 
 
 Cushman, H. D 513 
 
 Custer, Frederick 376 
 
 Davis, Abncr 333 
 
 Davis. Herman 335 
 
 Davis, J. J 43B 
 
 Dentler.S. L 189 
 
 Dexter. M . A 394 
 
 Dickinson, George 355 
 
 Dickinson, R. M 381 
 
 Dider. John 465 
 
 Dock, C. E a69 
 
 Draper, Hiram 307 
 
 Draper. M . R 947 
 
 Driesbach, Henry 310 
 
 Driggs. Hon. A. L aoi 
 
 Dunlap, John 339 
 
 Dunning, A. B 493 
 
 Dunning, George 49a 
 
 Ducion, Cyrus 605 
 
 £ 
 
 Early, Samuel 
 
 J5* 
 
 Emery, Aaron I' 
 
 4«t 
 
 Enfle.C. T 
 
 ...51 
 
 Engic, Jamet 
 
 . JM 
 
 Estes, Reuben H 493 
 
 Evans, Calvin W J05 
 
 Evans. Monroe 438 
 
 EveUnd, D.M O04 
 
 F 
 
 Farrand. H. K 979 
 
 Farrand. Phinca^ 318 
 
 Felch. Alpheus 117 
 
 Ferris, Hon. Nelson 394 
 
 FicM. H. K 338 
 
 Ficldhouse, B. F 446 
 
 Fillmore, Millard 67 
 
 Firestone. J. J 974 
 
 Fisher, C. U 5,8 
 
 Fisher. Rev. J. E 51a 
 
 Fitch, Samuel A 591 
 
 Flanders, Dr. D. L 444 
 
 Flanders. Ezcklel 514 
 
 Flanders, ^on J. W 407 
 
 Flowers. Solomon D 416 
 
 Foglcman, Jonathan 99a 
 
 Foil It. S. B.. .M. D 419 
 
 Folwell, Hughe* 446 
 
 Fonda, Miss Mary C 978 
 
 Foust, George '. 441 
 
 Francisco, Daniel 536 
 
 Francisco, D. B. 515 
 
 Frank. Nathan 445 
 
 Freeman. John 469 
 
 French, A. C 305 
 
 Frrnch.J.W... 5,5 
 
 French, O. F 304 
 
 Fulkerson, George W 587 
 
 Gardner. Mrs. Clara B ...... .447 
 
 Gardner, W. H 348 
 
 Garfield. James A 95 
 
 i;ee. Dr. D. C 586 
 
 ( •eml>erling. Henry •49 
 
 Geniiler, Adam 913 
 
 Gentxler. Jacob S 391 
 
 Gentiler. John R 340 
 
 George, A- B 411 
 
 George. £■ M 580 
 
 Gibson, Samuel 495 ^ 
 
 Cilkison, S. W' 3J9 
 
 t ^ m » 
 
a. 
 
 -•► 
 
 ,t 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Cillispie.G. W 587 
 
 Gladding. J. P 197 
 
 Godfrey, E. L., M. D. 380 
 
 Goodcnow, I.J 4>i 
 
 Goodrich, B. Q 264 
 
 Goodrich, L. B 299 
 
 Gorton. J. T 219 
 
 Graham, A. J S87 
 
 Graham, A. M 313 
 
 Grant, Ulysses S 87 
 
 Graves, Luther 317 
 
 Gray, Edward 349 
 
 Gray, George W 425 
 
 Green, Dr. R. A 436 
 
 CJreenly, William L m 
 
 Griffith, Roberts...' 520 
 
 H 
 
 Hall. John W ay? 
 
 Hamilton, Uavid P 4M 
 
 Hamilton, Hon. John 39^ 
 
 Hamilton, Mr. C. A 984 
 
 Handshaw, David 227 
 
 Handy, John B 564 
 
 Harrison, Denjamin. 107 
 
 Harrison. J. W 362 
 
 Harrison, William H 51 
 
 Hartman, Henry a8x 
 
 Harizler, J. A 525 
 
 Harvey, Norman 40a 
 
 Hasbrouck, Joseph E 255 
 
 Harwood, Merritt P 507 
 
 HarwQod, Heman 422 
 
 Harwood. H. H 424 
 
 Hassenger. Frederick D 427 
 
 Hayes, Rutherford B 91 
 
 Hazzard, David 24a 
 
 Heald, F. 39* 
 
 Hccox, H. A 480 
 
 Heinbach, Jacob 606 
 
 HiH.E 48s 
 
 Hill. E.R 373 
 
 Hincher. A. R 331 
 
 Hinkle, William 36' 
 
 Hoats, Jonathan 596 
 
 Holmes, C R 420 
 
 Hopkins, Howard 336 
 
 Howard, Dr. Isaac D 451 
 
 Howard, John M 545 
 
 Huffman. John M aio 
 
 Hull. K. T 399 
 
 Huylar, J. H 534 
 
 1 kelcr, William M 500 
 
 In graham, M llo 459 
 
 Jackson. Andrew 43 
 
 Jacox, Mrs. F.liza S 235 
 
 Jefferson, Thomas 27 
 
 Jerome. David H 165 
 
 Jewell. johnW 463 
 
 Johnson, Andrew 83 
 
 Johnson, James 37^ 
 
 Johnson, William 295 
 
 Jones, Thomas J 432 
 
 K 
 
 Kaiser, A.J 484 
 
 Kennedy, James 396 
 
 Kcnyon. Asa P 43* 
 
 Kern, Jacob 547 
 
 Ketch um, H. P 203 
 
 King, Charles 263 
 
 King, David 254 
 
 King, J. W 266 
 
 Kinne.J. C 345 
 
 Klady, Francisco aaS 
 
 Klady, Samuel 367 
 
 Kline, David 481 
 
 Kline, Henry 231 
 
 Kline, John A 556 
 
 Knauss, L. J 477 
 
 Knowles, 0r. Lawrence D.. .6ot 
 
 Knox, David .. .532 
 
 Knox, Frederick C 332 
 
 Laird. H.W 304 
 
 Laird, J. M 275 
 
 LanRlcy. W. B 244 
 
 Lavcrty, Andrew 506 
 
 Lawrence, H. H 409 
 
 Lehr, John 257 
 
 Leland, Charles G 293 
 
 Lcland. George W... 500 
 
 Leland,J. M 597 
 
 Lewis, G .. ..196 
 
 Liddle, Mrs. Rebecca B ■•»43 
 
 Lighthiscr, William 241 
 
 Lincoln, Abraham 79 
 
 Linslcy, E. B 571 
 
 Lock wood, Charles J 448 
 
 Lohoff, John 194 
 
 Lohr, Henry aaa 
 
 Loomis, Dr. Harvey 348 
 
 Luce, Cyrus Gray 177 
 
 M 
 
 Macomber, Reuben 571 
 
 Madison, James 31 
 
 Majors. J. S 550 
 
 Marvin, J. A 190 
 
 Mason. Stephen T.. 105 
 
 Mathewson, Nelson ■ -382 
 
 Mattice.G. W: 496 
 
 McClelland, Robert 129 
 
 Mcintosh, Milton 385 
 
 McKercher, j. C 270 
 
 McKindley. Francis L -2^7 
 
 McKinster, Charles H 228 
 
 Miller, .Adam 299 
 
 Miller, Daniel 434 
 
 Miller, George W 531 
 
 Miller, Jonathan F 6:k> 
 
 Miller, Lee O 590 
 
 Mitchell, Hon. Thomas 594 
 
 Moak, George W 413 
 
 Mohney,G. H 302 
 
 Monroe, James ■ •?$ 
 
 Morris, Hon. William 341 
 
 Mowrcr, W. A 526 
 
 Muniby , Joseph 276 
 
 ■ N 
 
 Nash, S. M 337 
 
 Nerhoot, Jesse 262 
 
 NichoU, D. J..M. D 539 
 
 Northrop, F. W 440 
 
 Northrup, John G 471 
 
 Null, Isaac 5'»4 
 
 O 
 
 Olney, David 30 
 
 Olney, Elon "... 359 
 
 Orton. Chauncey 596 
 
 Osbon, Prof. Sheridan 439 
 
 Osburn, Ebcnezer 603 
 
 Osburn, Charles 603 
 
 Packard Dr. Ira F 187 
 
 Page, David 430 
 
 Palmer, Cyrus 22^ 
 
 Parker. Daniel R 4^8 
 
 Parker, E. T 599 
 
 Parker, J. J. A 597 
 
 Parsons, Andrew 133 
 
 Pat ridge, Albert H 248 
 
 Pealer, Hon. R. R 537 
 
 Pendleton, Hon. E. W 403 
 
 Perrin, Charles E 557 
 
 Pcttifcr, Charles 466 
 
 Peitit, W.D 544 
 
 Phillips, James 409 
 
 Phillips. Stephen 218 
 
 Pier. E. B 376 
 
 Pierce, Franklin 7 1 
 
 Place, L. B 553 
 
 Plant, Morgan 386 
 
 Pl9wmin,J.G 443 
 
 Polk, James K 59 
 
 Prutzman, Hon. A.C 516 
 
 Pulvcr. Hiram 349 
 
 Putnam, M. B 366 
 
 R 
 
 Rank. D. W 
 
 Ransom, Epaphroditus. 
 
 ■395 
 .'25 
 
 Rardeen. James H 283 
 
 Redfearn, Thoma* 350 
 
 Rciff, J. \V 401 
 
 Reitcrman, William 335 
 
 Rensenhouse, Augustus H...579 
 
 Rhoades, Lewis 44a 
 
 Rice, Charles 541 
 
 Rifenbergh, L. C 353 
 
 Roberts. Cyrus 578 
 
 Robinson. Dr.S.R 445 
 
 Root. Henry E 206 
 
 Routzahn, L. C 509 
 
 Roys. Norman 595 
 
 Roys, T. W 352 
 
 Roys, William H 344 
 
 Ruggles, Z. B 508 
 
 Russell. A. C 334 
 
 Russell . Joseph 378 
 
 Rutherford, John 259 
 
 Sage. C. H 517 
 
 Sabin, Charles E 583 
 
 Sabin. Marden, M. D 56a 
 
 Sanborn, Gideon 328 
 
 Sars, C. E 573 
 
 Seaver.J. E 313 
 
 Sevison, Henry 190 
 
 Schaad, Conrad 510 
 
 Schafer, C. H 561 
 
 Schermcrhorn. John 287 
 
 Schoonmaker. Isaac 581 
 
 Schurtz. John G 467 
 
 ScoviUe. Beta P.,M.D.. 398 
 
 Scoville. Thco M aa« 
 
 Sharer. William 238 
 
 Shepherdson. A. P 971 
 
 Showerman, Stephen 36t 
 
 Sides. George M 360 
 
 Sides. Isaac 345 
 
 Simpson, James 283 
 
 Simpson, Josias 365 
 
 S lover. Charles J 483 
 
 Small, George 250 
 
 Smith. Amos 265 
 
 Smith. H. B .585 
 
 Smith, J. O 309 
 
 Smith, William H 545 
 
 Snyder. S. M 260 
 
 Snyder. William H 559 
 
 Spalsbury.G. W., M. D 363 
 
 Stadden. A. W , 555 
 
 Stanton, J. J 33© 
 
 Stauffer, Jacob E 315 
 
 Stear. William 204 
 
 Stears, John J 343 
 
 Siears. Thomas 346 
 
 Stears. William H 368 
 
 Stewart, H. P 569 
 
 Stone. B. N 385 
 
 Stout, Reuben 347 
 
 Stow, Silas 49' 
 
 Stowell. Joseph C 3M 
 
 Stull. Henry 4©4 
 
 Sturgis, Amos 5>» 
 
 •»-^^ 
 
«» II ^1 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 T.nylor, Z;ichary 63 
 
 Tc.iUW. W 3S7 
 
 Tccsdalc, Samuel 391 
 
 Thcurcr, Lucas 546 
 
 'I'homa, Andrew 578 
 
 '1 homas, 1> E-, M. D 504 
 
 I'horiiton, James 47a 
 
 Thornton, Ur. 'I". F . .449 
 
 Thur«ion. (-"teorge. 461 
 
 Timmis, Charles ai6 
 
 *1 obey. Nelson I 411 
 
 Tro*!. John 377 
 
 TtirnbuM, W. J 573 
 
 Tyler, John 55 
 
 X 
 
 V;ilcntinc, Samuel 204 
 
 Van Ruren, Manin 47 
 
 Van Huren.W. H 593 
 
 Vandermark, Jane 489 
 
 Van Vorst, Abner J 393 
 
 Voorhecs, A . H 457 
 
 w 
 
 Wagner, Emanuel 383 
 
 Wait, Hon. J.G ao9 
 
 Wakeman, Adam 391 
 
 Wnlton. S A 533 
 
 Ware, Elias 217 
 
 Ware, Enoch 3a6 
 
 Warren. Henry N 790 
 
 Warren, J- O 353 
 
 Wn*hineion. George iv 
 
 Walk ins, William M 358 
 
 Weinberg, B. F 493 
 
 Weinberg* L. R 503 
 
 Wellculcy. E. C 306 
 
 Wells, Franklin 198 
 
 WrlU. John M 384 
 
 WelU. William H 333 
 
 Wemplc. Merritt 476 
 
 Wheeler. K. C 415 
 
 While, n. L 4P8 
 
 White. Levant E .-454 
 
 While, Peter 931 
 
 Wilcox. L. T ?....<94 
 
 Willcmin, Elias R 593 
 
 Williams, Dr. John R 464 
 
 Willit-i, Hon. J. Warren 583 
 
 Wisner, Rev. Alpheus 330 
 
 Wisner, Moses 141 
 
 Wolf. A. C 584 
 
 Wolf. John F 6o3 
 
 Wolf. Jonas 433 
 
 Wolf, T. K 589 
 
 Wolfe. Josiah 598 
 
 Wood, James W 377 
 
 Woodbridgc. William 109 
 
 Woods, Frederick 473 
 
 Worth innton. J. H 383 
 
 Wo rih i ngton , W . L 550 
 
 Wyandt.W. B 478 
 
 Vaplc, Hon. George L 518 
 
 Vauney, George . . .568 
 
 Veaiter, Solomon 957 
 
 Zink, J. B. 
 
 ^>+-C-' 
 
 Adams, John aa 
 
 Adams, J. Q 38 
 
 Alser, Russell A 179 
 
 Allman. Hon. William 388 
 
 Arthur, Chester A 98 
 
 Haehy. John J 156 
 
 Baldwin. Henry P 153 
 
 Barry, John S 1 19 
 
 Begole, Jo*iah W 168 
 
 Bingham, Kinsley S (36 
 
 Bishop, J C 435 
 
 Blair, Austin ...144 
 
 Buchanan. Jame* .74 
 
 Cleveland, S- G rover 100 
 
 Crapo, Henry H 148 
 
 CrosKwell, Charles M t6o 
 
 Driggs, Hon. A. L aoo 
 
 Felch. Alpheus 116 
 
 Fillmore, Millard 66 
 
 Flanders, Hon. J. W 406 
 
 Garfield, James A 94 
 
 Grant, Ulysses S 86 
 
 Graves. Luther 316 
 
 Greenly, William L, 130 
 
 Harrison, Benjamin 106 
 
 Harrison. W. H 50 
 
 Hayes, Rutherford B 90 
 
 Jackaon , A ndre w 49 
 
 Jefferson, Thomas 36 
 
 Jerome. David H 164 
 
 Johnson, Andrew 83 
 
 John-^on. James 370 
 
 Johnson. Mrs. James 370 
 
 Lincoln. Abraham... 78 
 
 Luce. Cyrus Gray (76 
 
 Madison. James .^o 
 
 Mason. Stephen T 104 
 
 McClelland, Robert ....138 
 
 Miller, Adam 398 
 
 Monroe, James 34 
 
 Packard, Dr. I. F 186 
 
 Parsons, Andrew 13a 
 
 Pierce, Franklin 70 
 
 Polk, James K sB 
 
 Ransom. Epaphroditus 194 
 
 Reitcrman, William 334 
 
 Rifenbergh, L. C 153 
 
 Rifenbeigh, M rs. L. C 353 
 
 Taylor. Zachary .69 
 
 Tyler. John 54 
 
 Van Buren. Martin 46 
 
 Voorhees. A . H 456 
 
 Wait. Hon-^.G ao8 
 
 Walton, S- A 533 
 
 Washington, George »8 
 
 Wi^ne^. Moses 140 
 
 Woodbridgc, W'illiam 108 
 
 '*uaa>®l& 
 
 f 
 
H lOQ a9 
 
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